Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest. [W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.
Contents
Questions to the First Minister
Questions to the Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport
Questions to the Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks
Questions to the Minister for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills
Questions to the Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside
Questions to the Finance Minister
Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services
Questions to the Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration
Questions to the Business Minister
Questions to the First Minister
Nick Bourne: Pursuant to his answer to WAQ46424, will the First Minister provide the date and details of the discussion he had with the Prime Minister regarding a possible request for match funding from the Treasury? (WAQ46634)
The First Minister (Rhodri Morgan): The date of the discussion was 26 January 2006.
Nick Bourne: Pursuant to his answer to WAQ46426, will the First Minister specify the dates he discussed the issue of nuclear power in Wales with the Secretary of State and will he provide details of Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 those discussions? (WAQ46635)
The First Minister: I meet with the Secretary of State for Wales to discuss a wide range of issues concerning Wales.
These discussions are informal and unrecorded.
Questions to the Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport
Peter Black: Will the Minister make a statement on the impact of the 2012 Olympics on the available National Lottery funds in Wales? (WAQ45923)
The Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport (Alun Pugh): It is too early to say precisely what impact funding the 2012 Olympic Games will have on lottery funding in Wales. There is no indication at present that the sales for the two games dedicated to raising funds for the Olympics have impacted adversely on funds for the good causes.
Irene James: What action is the Welsh Assembly Government taking to ensure the historic influence of industrial Wales is properly recognised? (WAQ46615)
Alun Pugh: The Welsh Assembly Government values highly Wales’s industrial heritage and we and our partners are taking a range of actions to ensure its recognition through programmes of recording, protection, interpretation, promotion and grant giving.
For example, through scheduling and listing, we have helped to safeguard for future generations over 200 monuments of national importance.
As well as millions of pounds for the restoration of the iconic ironworks and Big Pit at Blaenavon, the culture portfolio alone has given grant of over £1 million for the maintenance of industrial monuments throughout Wales and over £2 million for repairs to the most important historic buildings in the south Wales Valleys. Museums, such as the National Slate Museum, Llanberis, the National Wool Museum, Carmarthenshire, and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea tell the story of specific industries of great importance to Wales.
My officials in Cadw have published information booklets and guidance about Wales’s industrial heritage, most recently a booklet about industrial workers’ housing. Very shortly, I will be launching a new guidebook for the Blaenavon world heritage site as well as opening refurbished cottages that Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 present vividly the living conditions of the iron workers. My officials in CyMAL: Museums, Archives and Libraries Wales too are undertaking initiatives throughout Wales, including an oral history project with workers from the former steelworks at Brymbo, Wrexham.
Given the benefits of conservation to economic regeneration and sustainability, other parts of the Assembly Government too are involved in initiatives that value our industrial past and this will be strengthened through the merger of the former Welsh Development Agency and Wales Tourist Board.
Denise Idris Jones: Will the Minister make a statement on sporting facilities in north Wales? (WAQ46647)
Alun Pugh: North Wales is well provided for by both public and club sporting facilities. Regional facilities have been developed for a number of sports as part of the Sports Council for Wales’s national and regional facilities plan. The Sports Council for Wales has awarded lottery grants to help develop the regional short-course swimming pool in Llandudno (£1.5 million), the water-based hockey pitch at North East Wales Institute of Higher Education (£1.5 million), the indoor training centre for athletics at Deeside College (£1.4 million), the national ice rink at Deeside Leisure Centre (£1 million) and the regional tennis centre in Wrexham (£300,000). Other facilities include the regional tennis centre in Caernarfon and the national water sports centre at Plas Menai. Moreover, the Sports Council for Wales is conducting a study to review the future provision of all leisure facilities in Wales.
As outlined in ‘Climbing Higher’, we want to increase rates of participation in sport and physical activity among all ages. I am encouraged that a survey by the Sports Council for Wales found 63 per cent of the adult population of rural north Wales meeting their 5x30 minutes targets for participation in sport and physical activity.
Denise Idris Jones: What action is the Welsh Assembly Government taking to promote books by Welsh authors? (WAQ46648)
Alun Pugh: Welsh Assembly Government support for publishing is channelled through the Welsh Books Council.
Following the Culture, Welsh Language and Sport Committee’s report on Welsh writing in English in 2004, the Welsh Assembly Government allocated an additional £250,000 to the Welsh Books Council and this sum was confirmed in the Welsh Books Council’s baseline for 2005-06 and 2006-07. As part of the additional funding, £75,000 was allocated specifically for marketing. A similar sum of £75,000 is also allocated for marketing Welsh language titles. Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 The marketing support includes initiatives such as book launches, authors’ tours and publicity material. It has also helped secure the services of professional publicists who are actively engaged in promoting books on behalf of Welsh publishers, in both languages, targeting the Welsh and UK press and media.
This additional money is already making a real difference as has been seen with the ‘Library of Wales’ series and several individual titles that have exceeded sales expectations.
Denise Idris Jones: What action is the Welsh Assembly Government taking to promote cultural activities in Conwy? (WAQ46649)
Alun Pugh: The Welsh Assembly Government is promoting and supporting cultural activities in all areas of Wales, including in the constituency of Conwy.
For example, we are providing funding:
through the Arts Council of Wales (ACW), nearly £740,000 in 2006-07 through projects such as:
the extension and enhancement of the North Wales Theatre and Conference Centre. This takes our total contribution to nearly £1 million.
£175,000 revenue funding for Oriel Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno towards core costs and its annual programme of contemporary arts.
through the Welsh Language Board (WLB) to:
• Menter Iaith Conwy - the language initiative in the area (£66,000).
• Support for language action plans in Bangor and Llanrwst—innovative structures to increase and encourage awareness, visibility and use of the Welsh language.
• approximately £75,000 for various papurau bro (community newspapers) across the whole of Wales, including papers such as Pentan covering the Conwy valley and part of the constituency’s coastal fringe, and Llais Ogwan covering the Ogwen valley.
• Cadw has newly renovated the historic gardens at Plas Mawr in Conwy and offers a good programme of activities at Conwy castle this year, including performances of Macbeth in May, A Midsummer Nights Dream and The Tempest in July and Kipling’s Just So Stories in August. Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Questions to the Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks
Kirsty Williams: What is the cost to Welsh Assembly Government of administering the Objective 1, 2 and 3 programmes? (WAQ45901)
Substantive answer following holding reply issued on 16 February 2006.
The Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks (Andrew Davies): The departmental running cost budget of the Welsh European Funding Office, the department that administers all structural fund programmes, is £5.6 million for 2005-06. This represents 2 per cent of the amount invested in the Welsh economy by structural fund programmes.
Peter Black: What discussions has the Minister had with UK government Ministers about the impact of the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) directive on Welsh businesses? (WAQ46151) Transferred for answer by the Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside.
Substantive answer following holding reply.
The Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside (Carwyn Jones): I have had a number of written exchanges with UK Government Ministers regarding the UK Government’s negotiating position in Brussels. The views of Welsh Assembly Government Ministers are invited on these negotiating positions in accordance with the concordat on co-ordination of European Union policy issues between the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales and the UK Government.
The Welsh Assembly Government supports the overall aim of REACH. Central to the continuing negotiations are our key objectives to maintain the competitiveness of the Welsh industry and downstream users while ensuring the protection of human health and environment. The Assembly Government will continue to build links with stakeholders, industry and other interested parties in order to ensure that any Welsh-specific issues are identified.
Irene James: What action is the Welsh Assembly Government taking to attract high-value-added jobs to the south Wales Valleys? (WAQ46621)
Andrew Davies: In June 2004, I announced a refocus of the regional selective assistance scheme to align it more closely with the specific needs and priorities of the Welsh economy. The refocus has enabled the scheme to become more responsive to the needs of modern industry and it is now better Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 placed than ever before to assist value-added projects that are high in innovation and skills.
In September 2005, I launched the knowledge bank for business, which is designed to provide companies with high growth potential with a more coherent and tailored service.
Finally, the recent merger of the Welsh Development Agency, the Wales Tourist Board and Education and Learning Wales with the Assembly Government will enable a more focused and seamless approach to winning new business opportunities for Wales.
This package of measures is designed to ensure that Wales and the south Wales Valleys remain competitive and are seen as the place to do business. The fruits of this policy are evidenced clearly by the success and continued expansion of high-value-added companies such as General Dynamics in Oakdale and Newbridge, which now provides some 700 jobs at an average salary of around £40,000
Irene James: Will the Minister make a statement about improving rail services in Islwyn? (WAQ46623)
Andrew Davies: The reopening of the Ebbw valley railway next year, bringing Islwyn back into the national rail network, will represent a significant improvement in rail services.
David Lloyd: Will the Minister make a statement on the development of tidal lagoons as an energy source on the Welsh coastline? (WAQ46626)
Andrew Davies: Marine energy technologies are relatively new and emerging and are at various stages of conceptual and commercial development. The Welsh Assembly Government is interested in exploring opportunities for generating clean energy from the marine environment, including through wave and tidal technologies.
There are no barriers preventing tidal lagoon projects from proceeding through the consents process; this is a decision for individual companies and their financial investors. The environmental impact and the economic viability of any proposed scheme would require detailed assessment by the various authorities involved.
Nick Bourne: What criterion is applied by the Welsh Assembly Government when deciding to support bus or coach services in Wales? (WAQ46628) Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 Andrew Davies: We allocate local transport services grant (LTSG) to local authorities by formula based on population. The total grant for 2006-07 is £9.4 million. Local authorities identify the services to receive subsidy based upon detailed guidance that we issue at the beginning of each year.
We also fund a number of innovative services enabling local authorities to test different approaches to improving accessibility and addressing the need for socially necessary public transport. We judge each application on its potential to contribute to an integrated and sustainable public transport system.
We assess bids for TrawsCambria funding on their potential to complement the existing local bus and train networks.
Nick Bourne: What assistance is available to small companies wishing to start a bus or coach service in Wales? (WAQ46629)
Andrew Davies: While there are no support mechanisms available to businesses specifically to start a bus or coach service in Wales, any new or existing business in need of general information or advice may contact Business Eye. This impartial signposting service to sources of assistance in the public, private and voluntary sectors is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and may be accessed through its pan-Wales network of local centres or the telephone or via the internet.
In addition, companies intending to start up a bus service might find it helpful to view the extensive information that is provided on the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency’s web site at www.vosa.gov. uk, particularly for details of its operator licensing requirements and bus route registration scheme.
Nick Bourne: What financial assistance is provided by the Welsh Assembly Government to the TrawsCambria service? (WAQ46630)
Andrew Davies: Since 2003 I have been funding the development of the TrawsCambria network of longer-distance bus services to complement the railways. The network began with enhanced services between Bangor and Aberystwyth and now also includes services between Wrexham and Barmouth, Brecon and Newtown, and in Ceredigion. To date, funding for enhanced services amounts to almost £900,000, and a further £508,000 has been earmarked for the current financial year.
We are also funding the part-time post of a TrawsCambria co-ordinator whose key responsibility is to oversee the development and implementation of the TrawsCambria strategy, in partnership with local authorities and bus operators. In 2006-07, we are also funding a co-ordinated marketing campaign to promote the network to residents and visitors alike. Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Denise Idris Jones: Will the Minister make a statement on Welsh Assembly Government measures to improve the economy of Conwy? (WAQ46631)
Andrew Davies: A range of activities are being undertaken in Conwy, working alongside both public and private sector partners, to improve the economy of the county.
New and ongoing projects underpin a range of investments aimed at supporting business development and providing the physical infrastructure that will be needed by businesses in the future. Among these is a comprehensive programme for developing sites and premises, through direct investment in infrastructure as well as the provision of property development grants to various private sector businesses, at locations such as:
the north Wales business park, Abergele;
Tir Llwyd, Kinmel bay;
The Point, Llandudno Junction (the former Hotpoint site, part of which will become the home of the Assembly’s new headquarters in north Wales).
Financial assistance is being provided to Conwy County borough Council for the extensive redevelopment of the North Wales Theatre and Conference Centre in Llandudno as a strategic site for developing business tourism opportunities in the region.
Alongside these investments in the physical infrastructure needed to support future economic activity, a range of other programmes and initiatives that assist in delivering economic growth are also ongoing. Among these are:
the delivery of high-quality business advice and information through the Business Eye and the general support for business programme, which in the last year assisted 119 new businesses and 73 existing businesses, creating 325 jobs
dedicated account management focused on companies with high growth potential or companies that are important in terms of sustaining local communities. In 2005-06, we worked with over 200 businesses, generated £3.5 million of investment supporting 500 jobs, and identified a further £7 million of investments for the coming year.
cluster development and the creation of supply chain networks via Geoscience Wales, the marine sector and through facilitating links with, for example, the environmental goods and services programme; Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
investment in ICT, research and sourcing through various e-business programmes and innovation and technology counselling
strategic urban regeneration with the provision of town improvement and other grants in Colwyn Bay, Llandudno Junction, the quarry villages (Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan) and in the strategic tourism growth area of Conwy / Deganwy / Llandudno;
promoting rural recovery and renewal, through environmental improvement and particularly in the rural tourism growth areas surrounding Llanrwst and Betws-y-coed as well as in the rural Conwy LEADER+ / rural community action plan area;
securing environmental improvement and promoting land reclamation in areas and at locations, such as the Builder Street area of Llandudno, which support agreed regeneration strategies.
providing businesses with help in terms of procurement and accessing tender opportunities in both the public and private sector through the local supplier development project. Contact was made with over 1,000 businesses in the county and in excess of £20million of opportunities identified.
In all such cases, significant amounts of funding is directed on an annual basis towards supporting this plethora of initiatives and projects, which bring economic development and increased investment confidence in the county borough.
Denise Idris Jones: What action is the Minister taking to encourage innovation in north Wales? (WAQ46632)
Andrew Davies: Key actions in north Wales supporting the innovation section of our economic development strategy ‘Wales: A Vibrant Economy’, and the ‘Wales for Innovation’ action plan include:
- an integrated, regionally based innovation business support service.
- communicating how innovation makes businesses more competitive and profitable,
- maximising the economic impact of higher education, through, for example, two technium centres, Technium OpTIC and Technium CAST (centre for advanced software technology) and centres of excellence.
- Developing more high growth potential business through the knowledge bank for business. Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Denise Idris Jones: Will the Minister make a statement on improving transport links across north Wales? (WAQ46633)
Andrew Davies: The 2004 supplement to the trunk road forward programme that I announced in December 2004 includes 15 separate schemes to improve road links across north Wales. On rail, under the new standard pattern timetable, from December 2005, Arriva has increased the train frequency from Holyhead to Wrexham to two-hourly and is increasingly running these services as three-car, modern class 175 vehicles.
In addition for 2006-07, £15.5 million of transport grant and £9.4 million of local transport services grant has been allocated to local authorities in north Wales. This includes £5.5 million to improve the local road network and an additional £7.6 million to support integrated transport solutions such as bus- rail interchanges. A further £2.5 million will be used to encourage walking and cycling and safe routes to schools.
Glyn Davies: What procedures have been put in place since the transfer of management responsibilities for European Union programme funds for the wood industry in Wales from the Department for Education and Skills to the National Assembly to ensure these funds are used in the correct manner? (WAQ46650)
Glyn Davies: What procedures were in place to ensure the National Assembly met its contractual requirement with regard to European Union programme funds for the wood industry in Wales during the period of 2000-06? (WAQ46651)
Andrew Davies: The Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) is responsible for managing European structural fund programmes in Wales, including those transferred from DfES. Wood industry projects are handled the same way as other projects. Guidance on the application process for any project seeking support under the structural fund programmes is available via the WEFO website (www.WEFO.Wales. gov.uk).
WEFO issues an approval letter for each project that has been successfully appraised, setting out the terms and conditions of grant approval and indicating any special conditions that the project should meet. The approval letter is a contractual arrangement between WEFO and the project sponsor. Details of payment procedures, audit requirements, and the work of the monitoring, verification and financial control teams is also available on the WEFO website.
Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Lisa Francis: Does the Minister have any plans to make funding available to ameliorate the 16-inch differential in height between platforms and trains in Aberdyfi, Tywyn and Dyffryn Ardudwy on the Cambrian line? (WAQ46660)
Lisa Francis: What discussions has the Minister had regarding the 16-inch differential in height between platforms trains in Aberdyfi, Tywyn and Dyffryn Ardudwy on the Cambrian line? (WAQ46661)
Lisa Francis: What grants could the Welsh Assembly Government offer to a) local authorities and b) train operating companies to ameliorate the 16-inch differential in height between platforms and trains in Aberdyfi, Tywyn and Dyffryn Ardudwy on the Cambrian line? (WAQ46662)
Andrew Davies: Officials have been in discussion with Traac about improving platform heights on the Cambrian line for some time and are currently awaiting a feasibility study. In principle, subject to business case considerations and the availability of funding, I am prepared to fund improvements.
Lisa Francis: What discussions has the Minister had regarding extending the platform at Machynlleth railway station? (WAQ46664)
Lisa Francis: Would the Minister be prepared to make funding available to extend the platform at Machynlleth railway station? (WAQ46663)
Andrew Davies: I have not had any discussions about extending the platform at Machynlleth railway station and have not been approached for funding.
Lisa Francis: What discussions has the Minister had regarding disabled access in train stations? (WAQ46671)
Andrew Davies: The Department for Transport published the ‘Railways for All Strategy’ on 23 March this year, which explains what the railway industry is doing to improve access for disabled people. It describes what is being done to improve information, stations and trains and explains how the £370 million access-for-all funding will be used to improve access at stations. There has been a first phase of projects agreed. The Department for Transport has asked Network Rail to begin feasibility studies to identify how access can be improved at 47 stations across England and Wales. The stations in Wales are those of Prestatyn and Abergavenny.
Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 Questions to the Minister for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills
Lisa Francis: What targets are in place to measure the performance of the Minister and her department? (WAQ45943)
Substantive answer following holding reply.
The Minister for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (Jane Davidson): I refer you to the answer provided by the First Minister to this question WAQ45955.
Janice Gregory: Will the Minister provide an update on schools in Ogmore taking part in the free school breakfast initiative? (WAQ46392)
Substantive answer following holding reply.
Jane Davidson: I write in response to your letter of 5 April and enclose a revised response to your written Assembly question below. My private office has investigated this case and concluded that an administrational error had occurred. It appears that you were sent an earlier version of the response, which I corrected when I realised that the draft WAQ reply related to Ogmore rather than the Ogmore constituency. The response below should have been issued to you and I apologise for any inconvenience.
There is one school currently participating in the primary school free breakfast initiative within the Ogmore constituency: Bettws Primary School.
The breakfast co-ordinator for Bridgend has recently written to all schools not yet participating to encourage them to take part, and they will continue to engage with schools to find out about and, where possible, address reasons for, non participation.
Irene James: Will the Minister make a statement about community learning provision? (WAQ46614)
Jane Davidson: The document ‘Community Learning: the Way Forward’ outlines my proposals for the reconfiguration of community learning which are to:
introduce coherent and Welsh Assembly guided strategic and operational planning to the provision of community learning;
prioritise the Department for Education Lifelong Learning and Skills’s Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 support for community education provision for basic skills and social inclusion to combat economic inactivity in the first instance;
link local planning into four regional / sub-regional groups; and
source additional funding to support the priorities.
DELLS will be focusing on two national priorities for community learning: basic skills, and social inclusion to tackle economic inactivity.
These priorities are in line with the national priority focus of the Assembly Government.
Although DELLS will focus on these priorities in the first instance, it is expected that planning for community learning will include a much broader scope, including the areas identified in the ‘Jigsaw’, annex 2, and in line with Estyn subject areas for community-based inspection.
Irene James: What action is the Welsh Assembly Government taking to improve learning provision for people in deprived communities? (WAQ46616)
Jane Davidson: Our educational policies are aimed at countering disadvantage. This is being done through a number of different initiatives.
Cymorth
Cymorth plans are focused on disadvantaged areas and, in particular, Communities First areas. Many disadvantaged children, young people and their families are being reached across Wales through more than 900 individual projects that are receiving funding. These include projects aimed at children at risk of disengagement from education.
The Assembly Government is providing £46 million of funding for the Flying Start initiative over the two years 2006-08. This will be targeted at 0 to 3-year-olds in the most disadvantaged primary school catchment areas. The central offering will be free part-time, high-quality care for two-year- olds, given the evidence of the beneficial impact of such interventions on later qualification levels. Flying Start will also include support for parents, additional health visiting and an extension of the books for babies programme.
School Breakfasts Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
There is increasing evidence that a balanced diet is important both to school performance and health. That is the reason for the Welsh Assembly Government’s whole-school approach to food and nutrition. The free breakfast initiative is a key element of this approach because evidence suggests that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and children who have the opportunity to eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to achieve their full educational potential. The Welsh Assembly Government has committed itself to providing the funding for all children of primary school age registered in maintained primary schools in Wales to have a free, healthy breakfast at school each day. All schools will be given the opportunity to participate by January 2007.
The Welsh Assembly Government has developed the Welsh network of healthy school schemes (WNHSS) by providing funding and guidance to help health and education services working in partnerships to set up and run local healthy school schemes in all areas of Wales. These local schemes help schools in their area to make changes for good health. The Welsh Assembly Government accredits local schemes as part of WNHSS. All of the 22 local schemes have been accredited, and over 1000 schools are currently involved.
You will be aware that action on healthy schools was included in the ‘Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health Report’ (Acheson, 1998), which recommended,
‘the further development of "health promoting schools", initially focused on, but not limited to, disadvantaged communities.’
Grants for Education Support and Training/Better Schools Fund
Over the past five years, the Assembly Government has provided over £256 million through the grants for education support and training/Better Schools fund programme to local authorities in Wales. Allocation is by reference to a formula that includes a factor for deprivation. Funding has been available to deal with low performance through extra revenue funding since 2001-02.
Raising Achievement and Individual Standards in Education (RAISE)
Grant of £3 million a year has been provided for the last three years to improve low performance in schools, many of them serving deprived areas. From 2006-07, this funding and an additional £13 million consequent on the Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 Chancellor’s March 2006 budget statement is being brought together under the RAISE programme to support disadvantaged pupils in schools where 20 per cent or more of those pupils are eligible for free school meals and for learning support for looked-after children. This funding will run for two years and is expected to make a significant impact on learning for disadvantaged pupils in the over 600 schools that will benefit.
We are continuing to identify and share good practice found in successful schools in deprived areas through the ‘Narrowing the Gap in the Performance of Schools’ project, and to encourage and assist schools to develop a strong community focus, which helps to improved pupil attainment and school performance.
School uniform grant of £75 per year-7 pupil eligible for free school meals was introduced in 2005-06 and continues in 2006-07.
Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification
One of the key aims of the Welsh baccalaureate qualification, which is now being piloted in 31 schools and colleges across Wales, is to develop an inclusive qualification that will benefit as wide a range of learners as possible. The development of a foundation level Welsh baccalaureate which is on target for piloting from September in 2006 will help make this a reality.
Inclusive Education
In taking account of Welsh Assembly Government policy on meeting the educational needs of individual children and young people, a national inclusion policy and performance framework is being developed. It will bring together the key issues/principles of inclusive education and encourage collaborative working arrangements within and between statutory agencies.
A document on inclusive education was issued for consultation in October 2003, and analysed responses are available on the Learning Wales website. This has now been incorporated into the Assembly’s wider vision of inclusion as part of the revision of circular 3/99.
Ethnic Minority Achievement
We have initiated a project to develop an overarching strategy to support the Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 achievement of all ethnic minority pupil groups. The Assembly strategy will underpin and support the operational guidance for teachers being developed by DELLS. The strategy will take a holistic approach to ensure that issues relating to ethnic minority pupils are an integral part of an inclusive approach to all education policy.
The ethnic minority achievement grant is distributed annually via a specific grant to local authorities. The objective of this grant is to improve equality of educational opportunity for all minority ethnic groups including, in particular, measures to assist pupils for whom English is an additional language and measures to improve standards of achievement and to tackle risk of underachievement. The Assembly has been able to sustain the increase in the baseline for the ethnic minority achievement grant for 2006- 07. The sum of £4.5 million will again be made available, and £5 million for 2007-08.
Asylum Seeker Education Grant
Asylum policy as a whole is a non-devolved issue. However, the Assembly is committed to ensuring that Wales continues to play a full part in making adequate educational provision available for asylum seekers and their children arriving in the UK. 2006-07 is the sixth year in succession that funding through the asylum seeker education grant has been made available.
The Traveller and Displaced Persons Grant
The education of travellers and displaced persons grant scheme was established in 1991. The aim of the grant scheme is ‘to improve the attendance, participation and achievement of Gypsy and Traveller pupils in the education system in Wales’. It seeks to do this by providing funding for additional staff and non-staff costs to assist with the education of Gypsy Traveller pupils. Some £900,000 is available under the scheme in 2006-07.
Attendance
While many factors impact on the attendance of individual pupils at school, statistics consistently show that those areas with greater deprivation have higher absence rates.
There are a number of specific initiatives currently ongoing to help schools and teachers deal with poor behaviour and attendance. The better schools fund made available £5.85 million to local education authorities in 2005-06 Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 for pupil support, which was largely for the funding of projects to address behaviour and attendance issues.
Funding to tackle pupil disengagement has increased up £258,000 from 2006-07 onwards.
Inclusion/Disaffection
An action plan to reduce the number of 16 to 18-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) was published in January 2005, and this highlighted key actions and timescales. Young people’s partnerships (YPPs) have been working to draw together information to develop local baselines of information and keep in touch with those young people at risk of becoming or who are disengaged. Research to draw together national baseline information will commence during the next few months
The findings of a research study due in May 2006 will help develop knowledge on harder-to-reach young people and their access to entitlements. The study is focusing on young people aged 11 to 25 who are classified as NEET. The study is aiming to develop a consistent definition of young people who are NEET on a local level in Wales. Not only will this allow us to establish accurate and consistent baselines for measuring the numbers of young people who are NEET, it will also enable individuals and organisations at an operational level to use the information as evidence for targeted interventions.
Local young people’s partnerships (YPPs) are required to produce a 5 year rolling strategy which includes their proposals for ‘keeping in touch’ (KIT) with young people. Two awareness-raising and information-sharing events (north and south Wales) will be held in September 2006 to help YPPs to identify key issues for focus within the KIT and NEET area for the next ESF funding round.
The Extending Entitlement west Wales (Objective 1) and the Valleys and east Wales (Objective 3) projects have a specific emphasis on young people who are NEET. Many of the YPPs involved in these projects have chosen to undertake activity with the resources allocated by ESF to take forward projects to keep in touch with young people who are NEET. These projects will be operating across Wales over the next three years.
Each of the 22 14 to 19 networks had available (including ESF funding) Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 £120,000 in 2005-06 to support Learning Pathways 14-19. For 2006-07, each network has a baseline figure of £136,364 for 14 to 16 activities, with a further £1 million divided between the networks on the basis of student numbers in years 10/11. A further £4 million is available post-16 to support the ESF programmes and capital investment to improve/upgrade learning environments. Over time, as further additional funding becomes available for 14 to 19, we anticipate that an increasing range of factors will be taken into account, reflecting the size and nature of the network area. Networks now submit their annual 14 to 19 plans by 31 March, and these are considered within the Assembly Government before confirmation of funding.
Young Offenders Learning Project
The YOL project is the second Assembly Government initiative addressing learning, education and training issues in relation to young people within the criminal justice system.
A key feature to work on in the next few months will be to consider ways in which linkages between YOTs, LEAS, schools and 14-19 Learning Pathway networks might be strengthened. This will help young offenders serving community sentences to access learning provision appropriate to their needs more quickly and smoothly than has previously been the case. It will also help to smooth transitions that can currently be hampered by communication between different organisations.
The YOL project is also looking at ways of involving young people who have offended more closely in identifying and deciding on the most effective ways of meeting their learning needs. Better ownership by young people themselves of the issues will improve the likelihood of their successfully completing programmes. Ways of celebrating their success, which is a basic requirement under ‘Extending Entitlement’, will also be considered as part of this work.
The innovative personal support worker in custody pilot project, which uses youth work methodology to support young people in the transition from custody to community, is now in place at HMYOI Stoke Heath and HMYOI Ashfield, working collaboratively with local YPPs and YOTs in Denbighshire and Bridgend respectively. A formative evaluation is running alongside the pilot. The hope is that this will help resettle young offenders back in their community and using the youth work approach support the young people into education and training. Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
‘Reaching Wider’ Partnerships
Since 2002-03, the Welsh Assembly Government has made an additional £2 million pounds available in support of widening access to higher education. HEFCW has allocated this funding to support the establishment of four regional partnerships under the ‘Reaching Wider’ initiative. The ‘Reaching Wider’ partnerships focus their activities on under-represented groups in higher education, and these are designed to raise both aspirations and attainment.
Assembly Support for Learning
The Assembly Government is committed to removing financial obstacles to learning and has put in place a number of measures to encourage people from all ages from the least well off backgrounds to continue or to re- engage with their studies. The Assembly learning grant provides means- tested support for students in further and higher education and can provide up to £1,500 a year towards course related costs. Funding is also made available to enable colleges and universities to provide discretionary support in the form of financial contingency funds to students who are in financial difficulty.
In addition, in 2004-05, the Welsh Assembly Government introduced the education maintenance allowance Wales scheme. This scheme is being rolled out over the years and will provide much needed financial support to those 16 to 18-year-olds from households with an income of £30,000 or less who want to continue in or return to education. The scheme is specifically designed as an incentive to increase participation and retention and reward attendance and achievement of learning goals.
Eligible students from the least well-off households in Wales can receive an attendance allowance of £10, £20 or £30 per week and earn bonuses worth £100, too.
By December 2005, a total of 23,080 students were receiving EMA. Some 80 per cent of them were receiving the maximum £30 a week.
In 2002-03, the Welsh Assembly Government introduced the Assembly Learning Grant (ALG), providing means-tested support for all learners aged 18 or over. In 2004-05, a total of 6,090 students in further education colleges were receiving ALG of up to £1,500 Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 The National Planning and Funding System
The National Planning and Funding System aims to address inequalities in post-16 funding across Wales. It will take account of issues such as deprivation and sparsity when calculating allocations. As such, it should encourage educational provision where it is needed most. The system is now in place for FE colleges and LEA school sixth forms, with harmony expected for the majority of providers by 2010.
Data for 2003-04 show that over 55,000 learners in Wales’s further education institutions are from the Communities First areas equivalent to the 100 most deprived electoral divisions as identified by the Welsh index of multiple deprivation 2000. The National Planning and Funding System is weighted to support learning in these areas. We are also looking to pilot learning community accounts, focused on Communities First and other deprived areas, which will complement and add value to Community First activities and action plans by focusing on how learning can benefit the community.
Irene James: What action is the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure pupils from Islwyn have greater access to higher education? (WAQ46617)
Jane Davidson: The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to widening access and has funded First Campus, the south-east Wales ‘Reaching Wider’ partnership that covers Islwyn, since 2002-03. First Campus aims to widen participation by encouraging people to reach their potential and to bring learning closer to home, making it more relevant to all parts of our communities.
Irene James: Will the Minister make a statement about the foundation phase implementation? (WAQ46619)
Jane Davidson: The Assembly Government is fully committed to implementing the foundation phase in line with the proposed timetable that I announced last November. The plan is to start the statutory rollout in September 2008 with three to five-year-olds; followed by year 1 pupils in September 2009 and year 2 pupils in 2010.
Between now and September 2008, the current pilot will continue. It will be fully evaluated, with any lessons learnt reflected in the final requirements, on which there will be full consultation. We will also look at the workforce, training and funding needs of the foundation phase and refine the framework and Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 guidance to underpin the new curriculum.
Irene James: What action is the Welsh Assembly Government taking to improve work-based learning in Wales? (WAQ46624)
Jane Davidson: There has been increased investment in WBL delivery during 2005-06 and, provisional data indicate an improvement in attainment and completion rates for learners.
On 16 March 2006, the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee considered an improvement plan for work-based learning and welcomed the following proposals which will be commenced in this financial year:
1. Product development and provision including:
• developing a new entry-level programme to replace Skill Build for people with poor basic skills
• developing flexible apprenticeship frameworks to meet employer needs
• exploring innovative approaches to increase employer engagement in WBL, and
• improving training delivery by developing specialist or lead provision.
2. Support for individuals and employers including:
• more flexible use of the WBL budget to deliver part-subsidised, flexible training for employed adults
• clearer entry criteria and a ‘probationary period’ for new starters
• reviewing financial support available to young people in WBL
• targeting WBL information and marketing to individuals and employers, and awareness-raising of WBL for referral agencies
• a ‘clearing-house’ to match apprentices with placements, and arranging alternatives in case of redundancy, and
• Creating new progression routes into Higher Education. Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 3. Improving quality by:
• maintaining and further developing improvement initiatives
• driving up unsatisfactory quality standards, including specialist support for training providers in greatest need, and
• considering the establishment of a quality improvement fund.
The Department for Education Lifelong Learning and Skills is committed to the development of a coherent framework for assuring and improving the quality of learning it funds. ‘The Learning Country 2’ states that by 2008 we will not fund provision, which, post Estyn inspection, does not have a minimum grade 3 in all areas of delivery.
Nick Bourne: Will the Minister make a statement on the research assessment exercise in Wales? (WAQ46643)
Nick Bourne: Is it the Ministers intention to continue the research assessment exercise in Wales? (WAQ46644)
Jane Davidson: The research assessment exercise (RAE) is UK-wide. The UK Government has signalled its commitment to the dual support system for research and to rewarding research excellence, but has recognised some of the burdens imposed on universities by the existing RAE. The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer in his recent budget speech proposed to launch a consultation on the future direction of the RAE, and HEFCW is represented on the task group established to work on the consultation paper. Any proposals will be taken forward on a UK-wide basis.
Denise Idris Jones: What action has the Welsh Assembly Government taken to ensure that pupils in Wales have a suitable choice of subjects across Wales? (WAQ46645)
Jane Davidson: All pupils in Wales are taught a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at raising standards and widening educational opportunities.
At present, pupils aged five to 14 (key stages 1-3) are taught the range of subjects covered by the National curriculum: English, Welsh, mathematics, science, history, geography, art ,music, PE, design and technology, information technology,modern foreign languages (key stage 3 only), as well as religious education. Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Pupils aged 14 to 16 (key stage S4) have opportunities to undertake the full range of qualifications, including GCSEs in vocational subjects.
The Welsh Assembly Government has taken the following actions to enhance learning opportunities:
• September 2000, careers education and guidance introduced for key stage 3 as well as key stage 4
• September 2003, personal and social education introduced for all key stages
• September 2004, work-related education introduced for key stage 4
My officials are currently reviewing the curriculum with a view to ensuring that a greater emphasis is placed on skills. A full consultation on the revised curriculum will be held in spring 2007, with implementation from September 2008.
In addition, for three to seven-year-olds, the foundation phase based on seven areas of learning (personal and social development and wellbeing, language, literacy and communication skills, mathematical development, bilingualism and multicultural understanding, knowledge and understanding of the world, creative development and physical development) is currently being piloted in 41 settings or schools. Over the next three years, we will start rolling this out to all schools and settings.
Denise Idris Jones: What action has the Welsh Assembly Government taken to strengthen links between schools and universities in Wales? (WAQ46646)
Jane Davidson: The links between schools and the higher education sector in Wales is crucial, and the Welsh Assembly Government is pleased with the solid relationships that the four ‘Reaching Wider’ partnerships have forged with local schools across Wales. Each RW partnership works directly with its partner institutions to hold a variety of awareness raising and ‘university taster’ events aimed directly at, and in conjunction with, local schools.
Nick Bourne: What discussions has the Minister had with UK Government Ministers regarding the research assessment exercise in England and its impact on the research assessment exercise in Wales? (WAQ46665)
Jane Davidson: The research assessment exercise is a UK-wide assessment of research strengths across all disciplines in the HE sector and is carried out by expert peer review. It is carried out jointly by the four HE funding bodies and informs their allocations of grant to HE institutions in support of research. Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Sir Gareth Roberts led a review of research assessment in 2002 on behalf of the four UK funding councils, and I met Sir Gareth during that review to ensure that any implications for Wales were recognised. Decisions on the arrangements for RAE 2008 were consulted upon by the funding bodies during 2004-05. Assembly officials were alerted to the proposal to be announced in the Chancellor’s budget statement and ensured that appropriate representation on the steering group was secured for Wales.
Rhodri Glyn Thomas: What requests has Carmarthenshire County Council made to the small schools fund? (WAQ46666)
Jane Davidson: The grant funding available for support for small and rural schools, which can be spent on innovation and joint working, developing community focus, and assisting teaching heads, is distributed to each local education authority on a formula basis. The process does not require LEAs to make requests for funding. The grant allocations are accompanied by guidance on eligible uses of the grant and LEAs are required to report on use of its share of the funding. Some £4.1 million gross is available in 2006-07, and Carmarthenshire’s share is £401,761.
Irene James: Will the Minister outline what action the Welsh Assembly Government is taking to support the development of community youth centres in existing buildings across Wales? (WAQ46667)
Jane Davidson: Much existing youth club provision is based in school buildings or in separate buildings on school sites. Young people’s partnerships, which have been set up in every local authority area, have been tasked with working strategically to ensure the needs of young people between 11 and 25 years of age are met, including the provision of facilities and opportunities for them.
Grant funding of £3 million was allocated in 2005-06 to encourage the development of community focused schools. The youth service was highlighted in the grant guidance as being a key partnership member within any funding proposal. The guidance produced in 2003 stated that schools should work with local voluntary and statutory youth service to ensure full use of facilities to provide programme activities such as IT, sport and drama.
Lisa Francis: Does the Minister have plans to offer any financial aid to Gwynedd County Council to maintain the 3,700 journeys per week undertaken by school and college students between Machynlleth and Pwllheli on the Cambrian coast railway line? (WAQ46669) Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 Jane Davidson: I have no plans to offer financial aid to Gwynedd County Council for school transport from my Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills budget. Local education authorities are statutorily responsible for provision of free school transport to eligible pupils of compulsory school age. Funding is provided through the local government revenue settlement.
Questions to the Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside
Ann Jones: What has been the capital spend on coastal protection measures by local authority in Wales over each of the last 10 years? (WAQ46168)
Ann Jones: What has been the capital spend per mile of coastline on coastal flood defence measures by local authority in Wales over each of the last 10 years? (WAQ46173)
Substantive answer following holding reply.
The Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside (Carwyn Jones): The answers were not readily available at the time, and I am now writing to let you have that information.
I have attached two tables that give the required information.
The following financial information has been provided to the Welsh Assembly Government by local authorities in respect of their capital spend on coast protect post local government reorganisation.
£1000
Year 1996- 1997- 1998- 1999- 2000- 2001- 2002- 2003- 2004- 97 98 99 2000 01 02 03 04 05 Isle of Anglesey 90 11 1 3 48 17 Gwynedd 695 563 606 361 247 214 87 108 210 Conwy 3,574 718 1,473 1,309 448 21 42 50 54 Denbighshire 2 107 4 9 Flintshire 1 5 48 9 99 113 15 Ceredigion 131 638 212 52 62 69 150 299 283 Pembrokeshire 104 74 342 116 460 394 420 195 284 Carmarthenshire 567 510 31 130 25 27 Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Swansea 27 280 269 19 7 206 27 155 91 Neath Port Talbot 2,594 38 Bridgend 6 1 66 50 57 115 42 51 33 Vale of Glamorgan 4 34 32 49 Monmouthshire Newport Cardiff Total Unitary Authorities 5,201 5,496 3,007 1,947 1,468 1,087 929 1,019 1,036
Capital expenditure by local authorities on coast protection. Pounds per mile of coastline for those local authorities with a coastline
Authority 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 Isle of Anglesey 690 80 10 - - - 20 370 130 Gwynedd 3,710 3,010 3,240 1,930 1,320 1,140 460 580 1,120 Conwy 76,220 15,310 31,410 27,920 9,550 450 900 1,070 1,150 Denbighshire 270 14,220 - 530 1,200 - - - - Flintshire 60 - - 300 2,840 530 5,860 6,690 890 Ceredigion 2,180 10,600 3,520 860 1,030 1,150 2,490 4,970 4,700 Pembrokeshire 650 460 2,130 720 2,870 2,460 2,620 1,220 1,770 Carmarthenshire 12,770 11,480 - 700 2,930 560 610 - - Swansea 500 5,150 4,950 350 130 3,790 500 2,850 1,670 Neath Port - 221,890 3,250 ------Talbot Bridgend 610 100 6,660 5,050 5,750 11,610 4,240 5,150 3,330 Vale of 120 - - - - 1,040 980 - 1,500 Glamorgan Cardiff ------Monmouthshire ------Newport ------
Source: capital expenditure figures from local authority returns since local government reorganisation.
Shows only local authorities that have recorded some capital expenditure on coast protection during the Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 period shown.
Excludes revenue expenditure.
Excludes expenditure by bodies other than local authorities.
Nick Bourne: How many trees were felled to construct the Cefn Croes wind farm? (WAQ46199)
Carwyn Jones: The number of trees standing in an area of forest is subject to a range of variables, such as their species, age, size, density of initial planting, losses due to disease, additions due to natural regeneration and any treatment such as thinning that may have taken place during the life of the crop. It is therefore not possible to give an exact figure for the number of trees felled to construct the wind farm at Cefn Croes.
Kirsty Williams: What action has the Minister taken to support the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research? (WAQ46674)
Carwyn Jones: The Department for Environment, Food a Rural Affairs procures research to support DEFRA and the Welsh Assembly Government policies relevant to sustainable agriculture at a range of research establishments, including the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER). As IGER is a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) research institute, its future is a matter for the BBSRC and the institute.
I wrote to Lord Bach at DEFRA in January to emphasise the importance of IGER’s research for developing a better environment, sustainable agriculture and rural economy in Wales. My officials have had meetings with DEFRA to emphasise the importance of IGER Aberystwyth and its associated research farms in Wales for conducting research applicable to Welsh policy developers and industry. In early March, my officials met IGER and DEFRA to discuss the funding position, and to support an EU application by IGER.
As a customer for the services provided by IGER, DEFRA has an interest in the maintenance of areas of expertise and service provision that relate to present and developing needs. IGER continues to be an important research partner for DEFRA. This is reflected in DEFRA’s continuing significant investment. DEFRA is committed to investing over £5 million in research programmes at IGER in 2006-07. No active research programmes have been terminated.
DEFRA’s evidence and innovation strategy is due for completion this summer, and my officials continue to liaise with DEFRA on how this strategy delivers on the research needs for Wales. My Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 officials are also involved in a review of the land-based research infrastructure by DEFRA’s Science Advisory Council.
My officials have engaged with BBSRC, for example through the Applied Research Forum, to emphasise our concerns and the importance of having a land-based infrastructure to undertake research on an England-and-Wales basis. These concerns include the implications of the recent statement by BBSRC about future funding arrangements for its research institutes.
My officials are also considering whether the relocation of EPC staff to Aberystwyth provides job opportunities for staff at IGER.
Kirsty Williams: What discussions has the Minister had with his DEFRA colleagues regarding cuts in funding to the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research? (WAQ46675)
Carwyn Jones: I wrote to Lord Bach at DEFRA in January to emphasise the importance of IGER’s research for developing a better environment, sustainable agriculture and rural economy in Wales. My officials have had meetings with DEFRA to emphasise the importance of IGER Aberystwyth and its associated research farms in Wales for conducting research applicable to Welsh policy developers and industry. In early March, my officials met IGER and DEFRA to discuss the funding position, and to support an EU application by IGER.
DEFRA’s evidence and innovation strategy is due for completion this summer, and my officials continue to liaise with DEFRA on how this strategy delivers on the research needs for Wales. My officials are also involved in a review of the land-based research infrastructure by DEFRA’s Science Advisory Council.
Questions to the Finance Minister
Lisa Francis: Which local authorities in Wales subscribe to the RNIB’s talking books service? (WAQ45952) Transferred for answer by the Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport.
The Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport (Alun Pugh): The RNIB talking book service is a library of professionally recorded audio books. Books are held centrally and are delivered to subscribing members on request.
All local authorities in Wales provide financial support for users of the talking book service. Except in a few cases, where the authority has negotiated a service-level agreement with the RNIB, this means that they pay the £70 annual subscription for each individual user. Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Lisa Francis: How many public libraries have a) opened and b) closed in Wales since 1999, and would the Minister specify the date and location of each? (WAQ45953) Transferred for answer by the Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport.
The Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport (Alun Pugh): The details currently available for each public library service are listed in the table below.
Local No Name of Library Date Name of Date Comments Authority change Opened Library Closed Opened (M/Yr) Closed (M/Yr)
Isle of Anglesey No change
Blaenau Gwent No change
Bridgend Ogmore Vale Dec 1999 Replacement Library for existing library, part of joint facilities with leisure centre—Ogmore Vale Life Centre
Pyle Library June 2000 Replacement for existing library, part of joint facilities with leisure centre—Pyle Life Centre
Caerau September Specialist ICT ‘Cyberlink’ 2002 library Library
Sarn ‘Cyberlink’ July 2003 Specialist ICT Library library Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Evanstown June Low usage and Library 2005 difficulties installing ICT facilities. Replaced with mobile library (books) and Cyberlink mobile ICT unit
Caerphilly White Rose November New library and Information 2004 community Resource Centre centre replacing - New Tredegar existing service point
Cardiff Splott April 2006 Splott July Being fully Library 2005 rebuilt as part of leisure centre, with double the floor space – opening April 2006
Carmarthenshire Ysgol y Bedol September Garnant 2005 New library 2005 replacing
existing service point
Tycroes Dec Replaced by 2005 mobile service
Ceredigion No change
Conwy No change
Denbighshire No change
Flintshire Caergwrle Dec Replaced with 2004 mobile service Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Kinnerton Dec Replaced with mobile service 2004
Northop Feb Replaced with 2006 mobile service
Pen-y- Dec Replaced with ffordd 2004 mobile service
Gwynedd Aberdyfi June 2000
Blaenau April 2003 New lifelong Ffestiniog learning complex replacing
existing service point
Dolgellau November Extension to the 2005 library building to incorporate Meirionnydd Record Office
Penrhyndeudraeth July 2003 Library incorporated in a community resource centre
Merthyr Tydfil No change
Monmouthshire No change
Neath Port Croeserw Talbot Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Newport St Julian’s Nov 2005 Branch library Library and added to Learning Centre existing community centre
Pembrokeshire No change
Powys No change
Rhondda Cynon Llanharan August Replaced with Taff 2000 mobile service
Swansea No change
Torfaen No change
Vale of New Barry late 2006 Barry Oct Library located Glamorgan Library Library 2001 in the nearby leisure centre until the new central library is opened
Wrexham Bryn Teg Sept 2002 New Memorial Centre community centre including library
Llay Park August Resource Centre 2004
Lisa Francis: What was the total cost to the Assembly of Welsh Assembly Government Christmas cards and would the Minister break these figures down for each department? (WAQ45957)
Substantive answer following holding reply. Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 The Finance Minister (Sue Essex): The total cost to the Assembly of Welsh Assembly Government Christmas cards was £5,302.20 (excluding postage). Of this, £4,720.58 related to cards produced for Ministers and the Welsh Assembly Government, £511.12 for Public Service Management Wales cards and £70.50 for Social Services Inspectorate Wales cards. Not all of the Christmas cards produced were issued and some have been retained for issue next Christmas.
David Lloyd: Can the Minister confirm that banding all council tax bills is based on the property condition date of 1 April 2003 and will she detail any concerns she is aware of that a later date has been used, particularly in cases of appeals? (WAQ46288)
Substantive answer following holding reply.
Sue Essex: The valuation date for the latest revaluation exercise in Wales was 1 April 2003 and all dwellings are valued with reference to that date (section 21(2) and (2A) (b)(i) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 refers). Valuation lists are required to show, for each day that they are in force, each dwelling situated within the billing authority’s area. Valuation lists must also show, for each day a dwelling is shown on a list, the valuation band applicable to that dwelling. The new valuation lists came into force on the compilation date, in this case, 1 April 2005. The listing officer for a billing authority is required to not only compile a valuation list but also maintain the list. In particular, section 22B(6) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 provides that, before compiling a valuation list, a listing officer must ‘take such steps as are reasonably practicable in the time available to ensure it is accurately compiled on the date on which it is to be compiled’.
For the majority of dwellings, this would be a fairly straightforward matter of reference to the purchase price of that dwelling or other similar dwellings in the locality that were sold at or around the valuation date of 1 April 2003. However, if a dwelling has, for example, undergone any change which has the effect of significantly increasing or decreasing its value before the compilation date (1 April 2005), then the listing officer may form the view that this should be reflected in the banding that is applied. The valuation would still be carried out with reference to economic conditions and values that applied on 1 April 2003, but would take into account any material increase, or indeed decrease, in value that any change to the property had brought about.
Therefore, while the valuation date is 1 April 2003 and the banding reflects the price a property would have fetched on the open market at this date, the date at which the size, layout, character and location of the property is considered when reviewing the correctness of an entry in the compiled list, for the purposes of section 22B(6) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, is 1 April 2005.
Regulations made under the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (the Council Tax (Alteration of Lists and Appeals) Regulations 1993) provide for a number of circumstances that may give rise to an alteration of a valuation band that has been applied. In relation to the timing of any alteration, where the Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 band of a dwelling is reviewed and it is considered that there was an error in the compiled list as at 1 April 2005, then the band will only be backdated to the compilation date (1 April 2005) if it is reduced. Conversely, increases take effect from the day on which the alteration is made to the valuation list and are not backdated. In each case, however, the dwelling will be valued by reference to 1 April 2003.
Nick Bourne: Will the Minister make a statement on Wales’s share of European structural funds? (WAQ46459) Transferred for answer by the First Minister.
Substantive answer following holding reply.
The First Minister (Rhodri Morgan): Wales will have received £1.55 billion of European structural funds by the end of the current round of programmes. At 28 February 2006, £1.48 billion had been committed to 2,700 projects, representing a total project investment of £3.55 billion, contributing to Wales’ transformation into a vibrant country with a thriving economy.
Wales will also receive significant European structural funds for the period 2007-13. West Wales and the Valleys will be eligible for full European regional development fund and ESF funding under the Convergence programme; the amount that will be received will be similar to the £1.3 billion obtained under the current Objective 1 programme. A final figure will be known when the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament reach the inter-institutional agreement, which is expected in the coming weeks.
East Wales will be eligible for ERDF and ESF under the regional competitiveness and employment programme. The UK Government will receive about half the amount that it received for the 2000-06 Objective 2 programmes, and the Department for Trade and Industry is currently consulting on the indicators that will be used to determine the funding that each qualifying area will receive. We are actively negotiating with that department to ensure a favourable settlement for east Wales. A final figure will be agreed after the consultation on the national strategic reference framework has ended on 22 May 2006.
William Graham: Will the Minister outline how many private finance initiative projects there are in Wales to maintain and upgrade street lighting? (WAQ46668)
Sue Essex: This information is not held centrally. Local authorities themselves are free to arrange such schemes if they wish. Of the 11 local authority PFI schemes that were approved by the Assembly Government, none are specifically in respect of street lighting schemes, however two of these schemes— Sirhowy Enterprise Way and Newport Southern Distributor Road—are road schemes and do include provision for lighting. Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services
Jonathan Morgan: When will the chief nursing officer publish an annual report to be debated in Plenary? (WAQ45920)
Substantive answer following holding reply.
The Minister for Health and Social Services (Brian Gibbons): I am now in a position to give you the following information. The chief nursing officer is due to publish an annual report in July and the Business Minister will be discussing the handling of a debate in Plenary at the appropriate time, which will be after the summer recess.
Carl Sargeant: Will the Minister make a statement on how the Welsh Assembly Government is tackling the problem of cross-border prescriptions? (WAQ46000)
Brian Gibbons: The decision to limit the lower Welsh charge to patients with a prescription issued by a GP registered with a local health board or a NHS trust was taken to allow us to reduce the risk of ‘prescription tourism’. However, this has meant that patients who are Welsh residents, but registered with an English GP are subject to the NHS (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) Regulations, meaning that they were required to pay £6.50 per prescription item unless exempt from charge.
A seminar was held to discuss this issue and investigate a possible resolution, which was attended by a selection of individuals well placed to consider all options, and included representatives of the healthcare professions affected and a member of an affected community heath council.
As a result of the seminar, it was decided that the best solution to this problem would be to introduce entitlement cards as a means of identification for affected residents. Similar in appearance to credit cards, these will be issued to all the affected patients, namely those living in Wales, but registered with English GPs and between the ages of 16 and 60.
Patients will need to present their card at the pharmacy with the FP10 to prove that they are subject to the Welsh charge (or none at all after April 2007) instead of the English one. The card will only be accepted by pharmacies contracted to a Welsh LHB and not those contracted to an English primary care trust, meaning that the Welsh residents will need to have their prescription dispensed at a Welsh pharmacy to benefit from the reduced charge.
Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Jenny Randerson: When will every LHB have access to the use of a respiratory assessment team in Wales? (WAQ46472)
Jenny Randerson: How many respiratory assessment teams have been established in Wales since 1 February 2006? (WAQ46473)
Jenny Randerson: How many respiratory assessment teams are planned and funded for 2006-07 in Wales? (WAQ46474)
Jenny Randerson: How many assessments have respiratory assessment teams undertaken since 1 February 2006? (WAQ46475)
Substantive answer following holding reply.
Brian Gibbons: Local health boards can commission these services at any stage their priorities allow them to. Blaenau Gwent has already assessed all the patients receiving oxygen before 1 February. Elsewhere, it is realistic to assume that an assessment process could take 18 months to two years, or even a bit longer, for all current users to get through the process. This will prevent any excessive demands on respiratory specialists. It has always been anticipated that the reassessment of patients would be over a couple of years.
I am not aware of any new respiratory assessment teams established since 1 February, but LHBs appreciate the importance of the issue and are considering various ways forward to ensure that patients get the specialist assessment that they require. My officials will again be emphasising this and requiring an update on progress at their meetings next week.
This is a matter for local health boards and NHS trusts to manage according to the needs of their patients and their other priorities. However, I am determined that there must be equity of treatment for patients across Wales. Several trusts and LHBs have already approached Blaenau Gwent for use of their model patient pathways and are working towards improving the assessment of their patients on home oxygen. No statistics regarding respiratory assessments are collected centrally.
Irene James: Will the Minister make a statement about improving dental services in Islwyn? (WAQ46618)
Brian Gibbons: Four personal dentist service pilot schemes have secured NHS provision for 13,301 existing patients and will provide extra capacity for an additional 1,907 patients in the Caerphilly Local Health Board area. Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 From 1 April new dental reforms were introduced including a new contract for dentists. LHBs now have the responsibility for local commissioning, giving them control over how NHS dental services are developed to meet local needs. If a dentist has decided not to take up the new contract, or in the future reduces their commitment to the NHS, the LHBs now have the ability to use the financial resources freed up to provide alternative dental services.
Irene James: Will the Minister make a statement about proposals for a new hospital in the Caerphilly County Borough Council area? (WAQ46620)
Brian Gibbons: The project is being taken forward by Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust. The Welsh Assembly Government’s Department for Health and Social Services capital investment board has approved the outline business case. The trust is now developing the full business case, which is the final stage in the approval process.
David Lloyd: Will the Minister make a statement on the future of NHS research and development budgets in Wales, following the Chancellor’s recent statement on UK research and development budgets? (WAQ46627)
Brian Gibbons: The budget statement of March 2006 proposes an amalgamation of the Department of Health’s research and development budget and the Medical Research Council budget to create a single fund. The process whereby these two funds are amalgamated and distributed will be determined through a consultation process led by Sir David Cooksey. The Wales Office of Research and Development for Health and Social Care will take the lead on discussions with Sir David on Wales’ position regarding the amalgamated research and development budget.
Carl Sargeant: What steps will the Minister take to avoid patients having to travel from north Wales to Cardiff for a positron emission tomography scan? (WAQ46636)
Brian Gibbons: I refer you to my answer to WAQ46465, tabled on 22 March, and answered on 29 March 2006.
Jenny Randerson: Has the Minister any plans for developing a cancer plan for Wales? (WAQ46637)
Brian Gibbons: The Welsh Assembly Government’s plan for improving access to and the quality of Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 cancer treatments is via the progressive implementation of our national cancer standards and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence cancer service guidance. The national cancer standards for Wales were published in June 2005. These are universally applicable standards and include access to high quality imaging and diagnostic services, waiting times for treatment, access to safe and effective surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments, and the provision of high quality information and support throughout each stage of the patient’s journey. The Assembly Government has set a target date for these standards to be achieved in full by March 2009.
Denise Idris Jones: Will the Minister make a statement on ambulance response times in north Wales? (WAQ46639)
Brian Gibbons: The performance of the emergency ambulance service is reported quarterly. Latest statistics show that, for the quarter ending 31 December 2005, in north Wales 63.2 per cent of first responses to category A (immediately life threatening) calls arrived within 8 minutes, against an all- Wales average target of 60 per cent; 69.8 per cent arrived within 9 minutes, against an all-Wales average target of 70 per cent; and 75.1 per cent arrived within 10 minutes against an all-Wales average target of 75 per cent.
Denise Idris Jones: What action is the Welsh Assembly Government taking to improve dental health services in Conwy? (WAQ46640)
Brian Gibbons: Conwy Local Health Board are developing proposals for new practices with a dental body corporate and two dentists already established in the area. The proposals have been approved in principle by the Assembly and represent a marked increase in access to NHS dental services for the residents of Conwy.
From 1 April new dental reforms were introduced including a new contract for dentists. LHBs now have the responsibility for local commissioning giving them control over how NHS dental services are developed to meet local needs. If a dentist decided not to take up the new contract, or reduces their commitment to the NHS in the future, the LHBs now have the ability to use the financial resources freed up to provide alternative dental services.
Denise Idris Jones: What action is the Welsh Assembly Government taking to improve hospital services in north Wales? (WAQ46641)
Brian Gibbons: The Welsh Assembly Government aims to provide safe and effective services as Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 locally as possible. The north Wales health community is currently leading a consultation exercise on the health community and a plan for major hospital services. I am keen to see a full public and professional engagement. The current consultation presents a range of options for consideration and welcomes alternative proposals that will assure the future of quality services in the area for a generation.
Denise Idris Jones: What action is the Minister taking to promote healthy living in Conwy? (WAQ46642)
Brian Gibbons: There are a range of healthy lifestyle schemes in operation in Conwy. These include:
The Welsh Network of Healthy School Schemes
Currently 46 schools are members of the Conwy healthy schools scheme, which has been accredited by the Welsh Assembly Government. Further information on the scheme can be found here: http://www. cmo.wales.gov.uk/content/work/schools/wnhss-e.htm.
Smoking prevention
Classes from Ysgol y Creuddyn, Ysgol John Bright and Ysgol Aberconwy have entered this year’s Smokefree Class Competition. Nine hundred and twenty eight pupils from a number of primary schools in Conwy are also members of the Smoke Bugs! Club, a free-to-join club that promotes the benefits of remaining smoke-free.
A Food and Fitness Grant Scheme
The active children’s programme, operated by Conwy County Borough Council and funded under the Assembly Government’s food and fitness grant scheme, is assessing the current fitness, diet and lifestyle habits of all year 8 pupils across the county of Conwy. From the results, pupils and their families will be selected to participate in a 10-week educational lifestyle programme.
Schemes for older people
Conwy was one of six areas chosen to participate in the first phase of the British Heart Foundation’s Moving More Often scheme in 2004, for which the Assembly Government provided training and a grant of £1,500. Moving More Often is aimed at encouraging light exercise among frail older people in care settings.
Conwy local partnerships are also active in the Keep Well This Winter annual campaign to encourage older people to take extra care, to keep themselves healthy and active during winter. Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Food co-operatives
There are currently eight food co-operatives operating in the Conwy area. The co-operatives, which are run by volunteers, supply affordable, good quality fruit and vegetables to disadvantaged communities. The scheme is funded by the Assembly Government as a two-year pilot study.
Health and work schemes
Conwy LHB has achieved the corporate health standard at gold level, while Conwy County Borough Council became a silver-level holder in December 2005.
Lisa Francis: What are the average hourly rates of private dentists for each LHB area of Wales? (WAQ46652)
Lisa Francis: What is the average hourly rate for both NHS and private dentists in Wales, and what assessment has the Minister made of how these figures compare with England? (WAQ46655)
Lisa Francis: What is the average hourly rate of NHS dentists for each LHB area of Wales? (WAQ46657)
Brian Gibbons: The majority of dentists are independent self-employed practitioners who choose the level of work that they wish to undertake, whether that is under the NHS or private arrangements. Historically, dentists have worked at different levels of capacity and speed, attracting varying levels of remuneration dependent upon the treatment administered. Therefore, as a result of the way that dentists operate, information on average hourly rates for both private and NHS-providing dentists is not available or comparable.
Under the new dental contract, individual dentists’ historical earnings have been calculated over a 12- month period to form the basis of the contract value. This value will then be paid in monthly payments to the dentist. Again, under the new contractual arrangements, the calculation of hourly rates is not possible.
Lisa Francis: What has been the total number of NHS dentists in Wales for each year since 1999 and will the Minister break these figures down for each LHB area? (WAQ46653)
Lisa Francis: How many NHS dentists have been recruited in Wales for each year since 1999, what proportion of them remain NHS dentists and will the Minister break these figures down for each LHB Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 area? (WAQ46654)
Lisa Francis: How many NHS dentists have opted out of the NHS contract for each year since 1999 and will the Minister break these figures down for each LHB area? (WAQ46656)
Brian Gibbons: Information on the number of dentists providing some treatment under NHS arrangements by LHB area is only available from 2003. Prior to 2003, LHB areas were part of the five health authorities and these figures are not available.
Information on the number of dentists who have elected to reduce or to end their NHS commitment is not held centrally.
The number of practitioners providing NHS treatment for the past three years is detailed in the table below.
Dentists providing NHS treatments by LHB region
LHB Area September 2003 September 2004 September 2005
Anglesey 27 25 24
Blaenau Gwent 17 20 28
Bridgend 45 47 55
Caerphilly 48 52 60
Cardiff 142 134 169
Carmarthen 60 59 63
Ceredigion 20 20 24
Conwy 38 35 39
Denbighshire 36 42 43
Flintshire 41 39 41
Gwynedd 33 35 41 Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Merthyr Tydfil 20 20 28
Monmouthshire 37 36 48
Neath Port Talbot 39 41 56
Newport 52 57 68
Pembrokeshire 33 34 36
Powys 43 41 44
Rhondda Cynon Taf 72 71 82
Swansea 100 97 109
Torfaen 27 30 36
Vale of Glamorgan 42 43 46
Wrexham 46 46 47
Totals 1018 1024 1070
Lisa Francis: How much has the NHS in Wales saved as a result of dentists moving to the private sector? (WAQ46658)
Brian Gibbons: It is not possible to calculate how much has been saved by dentists moving from providing NHS care to private practice. Until recently, the funding for the provision of NHS general dental services came from a demand-led non-cash limited budget and the total number of patients registered for NHS dental care has remained fairly consistent over the past few years. The number of dentists providing NHS care and the net expenditure on dentistry has risen year on year.
Financial Year Net spend on Dentistry
2006-07 Forecast £118.5 million
2005-06 Forecast £88.2 million Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
2004-05 £81.0 million
2003-04 £75.9 million
2002-03 £73.3 million
2001-02 £71.0 million
2000-01 £66.9 million
1999-2000 £62.7 million
1998-99 £60.0 million
1997-98 £56.1 million
This is the total of Dental Practice Board spend and health authority/local health board spend.
Lisa Francis: What rights do private dental patients have if they are given a referral for orthodontic treatment on the NHS? (WAQ46659)
Brian Gibbons: Any patient referred for orthodontic treatment on the NHS by a private dentist has the same rights as any other patient.
Lisa Francis: How many dental surgeries are currently being established in mid Wales and will the Minister give details of the cost implications? (WAQ46672)
Brian Gibbons: Four new dental practices are currently being developed in the mid and west Wales health region. Two practices have opened recently with an additional two practices due to go live within the next few weeks. Under local commissioning arrangements, introduced as part of the new dental contract from 1 April, the costs for these practices are being met from the individual financial allocations that LHBs have received for the provision of NHS dental services in their areas.
Lisa Francis: How much money is the Welsh Assembly Government making available to dental surgeries in Mid and West Wales for the financial year 2006-07? (WAQ46673) Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006
Brian Gibbons: Following the introduction of local commissioning for the provision of NHS dental services from 1 April, LHBs have been allocated a total of £103.628 million for 2006-07. The allocations made available for those LHBs covering the mid and west Wales health region amounts to £35,849,000.
Questions to the Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration
Sandy Mewies: What action has been taken to support the regeneration of communities within Delyn? (WAQ46035)
Sandy Mewies: How has the Minister supported the continuing growth in the social economy within Delyn? (WAQ46036)
Substantive answer following holding reply.
The Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration (Edwina Hart): The Welsh Assembly Government’s Communities First programme is supporting the regeneration of the most deprived communities in Delyn and across Wales.
Eligible Communities First areas in Delyn are the electoral division of Flint Castle and the sub wards of Holywell neighbourhoods, the Higher Shotton estate and the Bryn Gwalia estate. Also eligible is the imaginative proposal known as the rural north Flintshire neighbourhoods. To date, £2.98 million has been awarded to support the regeneration of these areas.
You also made enquiries on the development of the social economy (WAQ46036). In June 2005, the Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration launched the social enterprise strategy for Wales and this outlines the support that is needed by fledgling and established social enterprises. The strategy was devised and is now being delivered by the Assembly Government in conjunction with the social enterprise joint working group, which brings together expert practitioners and key stakeholders. The social economy both within Delyn and throughout Wales will benefit from this ongoing work.
Irene James: What action has the Welsh Assembly Government taken to tackle anti-social and unlawful use of quad bikes and motocross bikes in Wales? (WAQ46622)
Edwina Hart: The Welsh Assembly Government, working with DEFRA, recently published guidance to police authorities and local authorities to help deal with this problem. In some areas the police are using their powers to give warnings, confiscate bikes and, in some cases, refer individuals for anti-social Written Questions answered between 13 and 20 April 2006 behaviour orders.
Responsibility for countryside access, including off-road driving, is a matter for the Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside.
Questions to the Business Minister
Lisa Francis: What Welsh Assembly grants are available to improve access for disabled people in train stations? (WAQ46670)
The Business Minister (Jane Hutt): I refer you to the Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks’s answer to WAQ46671.