, Plenary
Questions to the First Minister
It's very important that local authorities are able to make their own decisions on local taxation. I know I have never met a local councillor or a leader of a council who wants to raise council tax in a way that impacts their constituents more than is…
, Plenary
Questions to the First Minister
The Member is entirely right. That fundamental weakness in the model makes expenditure decisions, whether for urban or rural areas, disproportionately unfair. It's certainly true that rural communities can face additional costs and challenges in providing…
, Plenary
Questions to the First Minister
The Member reflects concerns that no doubt exist right across local government in Wales, and they are concerns that we mirror in Government too. Absolutely, nearly 20 years now of cuts—they used to call it 'austerity', but let's call it what it is—cuts by UK…
, Plenary
Questions to the First Minister
I'm grateful for the question, from somebody who held a local government ministerial role and who, in fact, instigated work on looking at the formula. Because there is a sense that, somehow, there needs to be a refining of it, and that refinement needs to…
, Plenary
Questions to the First Minister
We have delivered our first 100 days commitment to commission a review of the local government funding formula. Independent research by the Wales Centre for Public Policy, which has been commissioned, complements also an extensive programme of work already…
, Plenary
Questions to the First Minister
Well, the actions are actions that can be taken by the Information Commissioner's Office—that is what is spelt out by the Act. I again emphasise that this is something that we consider to be very important in terms of public life in Wales, and that is why we…
, Plenary
Questions to the First Minister
As I explained in my initial answer, there is no role for Welsh Government to enforce when it comes to other public bodies in Wales. Every public body itself is responsible for its own compliance with the requirements of the Act, in this respect. It is…
, Plenary
Questions to the First Minister
Each public body is responsible for its own compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the UK general data protection regulation. The Welsh Government supports good practice through engagement with public bodies, while recognising that compliance…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
It's an important question, and an opportunity to explain what the thinking is behind this. We have, for the first time ever, a Minister responsible for preventative health. That in itself is an important step forward, because what we have now is a champion…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
Diolch yn fawr. I remind the Member that she voted against a supplementary budget that was proposing to roll out matters like childcare that were really important to her. On child poverty targets, this has been a major issue in that we had 27 years of…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
I've heard a lot of this plan-for-a-plan business. Government works out solutions to the problems we face as a nation. That's what Government does. We have a manifesto that sets out things we have decided, and it's clear what we need to do because the…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
I'm grateful for the question and the sentiment, and I couldn't agree more. It was very humbling, back in May, to see different communities in their geographical location, in their diversity, turning to Plaid Cymru and putting their trust in us, and we have…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
To be open here, I was listening to the Trefnydd giving what the Member called a 'contemptuous' answer. What the Trefnydd said earlier was that she believed there was poverty in all parts of Wales that needed addressing. And I absolutely get—I absolutely…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
Well, nothing's changed. I believe in Wales being able to pursue its future as a normal country. I believe in independence for Wales. I think everybody knows that. Our manifesto stated clearly that we believe that the shape of our constitutional future should…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
Thank you very much for those comments and for that question. Yes, this is one of our key priorities. Standards in our schools aren't where, I think, all of us in this place can agree that they should be. The new literacy and numeracy framework, I think, will…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
Diolch yn fawr iawn. Again, the common ground that we have, and I also take a real positive from the fact that we have three party leaders now who say that they want to work positively and constructively. It won't be on everything—there are differences…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
I thank the Labour leader for beginning his contribution in a positive way. Governing is hard, as he knows. There has never been a majority in the history of devolution, and we recognise that we need to work across this Chamber in many ways, including through…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
I'm grateful to the leader of Reform for agreeing that we are getting our priorities right in this programme for government and pledging to work in a co-operative way to help us deliver. That's exactly how I think we should operate here. The Member is quite…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
Thank you for those comments.
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
By focusing on what matters most to the people of Wales, working together and taking a long-term approach, we can build a more confident nation that is ready to fulfil its wealth of untapped potential and give people hope for the future.
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
Underpinning all of this is our determination to deliver through better Government. Better Government means focusing on what matters most, working across traditional boundaries and ensuring that our efforts make a real difference. We're also committed to…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
We believe in our nation, and we will take every step possible to unlock its potential and build a stronger, fairer and more resilient Wales. We will continue to make the case to the UK Government for the funding, the investment and the powers that Wales…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
Finally, my Government will be unwavering and unapologetic in standing up for Wales and demanding fairness from Westminster at every turn.
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
Neither family income nor the circumstances of a child's birth should ever determine their future. A Wales where every child can thrive is a Wales where opportunities are available for all, and where every community is stronger. That's why, through this…
, Plenary
Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030'
We cannot and will not accept that this is as good as it gets for our education system. We owe it to the next generation to match their hopes and aspirations for the future with a new level of ambition never before determined by any Welsh Government. That…
