Written question WQ85731

There are commitments in the draft Welsh in Education Strategic Plans (WESP) to expand existing school places in the following counties: Monmouth, Powys, Denbigh, Newport, Wrexham, Blaenau Gwent, Cardiff, Merthyr, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, Pembroke, Gwynedd and Flint.

It is not possible to name schools as the expansion or reduction of school places is covered by statutory arrangements that sit outside the framework of the WESP. Where that process has come to an end, or if the information is in the public domain, that is detailed in the draft WESPs.

WESPs are in the process of being approved, with that work due to be finalised by the end of July.

The local authority should subsequently publish and implement the Plan in accordance with requirements in The Welsh in education strategic plans (Wales) Regulations 2019. A local authority must publish its plan on or before the date the scheme takes effect, which is September 1st 2022. In this context publishing means:

• placed on the local authority's website, and

• make copies of the plan available for public viewing at –

• local authority offices, and

• any other place it considers appropriate