Welsh Government

Senedd members debated calls for a temporary ban on “monstrous” solar developments, warning the countryside, food security and Welsh farmers could all be compromised. Janet Finch-Saunders said hundreds of acres of agricultural land across Wales will otherwise be switched from a focus on food production to electricity generation. The shadow climate secretary accused UK and […]

Wales’ finance secretary Mark Drakeford confirmed plans for a land value tax remain on the table as a potential long-term replacement for council tax and business rates. The former first minister said the Welsh Government continues to explore the feasibility of a land value tax as used in countries such as Denmark and Singapore. Professor Drakeford […]

Senedd members called for urgent action to tackle the “existential crisis” of abuse, harassment and intimidation faced by politicians on social media. Plaid Cymru’s Adam Price, the first out-gay man in his party to be elected to national office, warned prejudices based on sex, race and sexual orientation have been reinvigorated. He told the Senedd: […]

The rapid and largely unregulated proliferation of battery storage developments is becoming an urgent safety issue in many parts of Wales, a Senedd member warned. Plaid Cymru’s Llŷr Gruffydd said he is not opposed to battery energy storage systems (BESS), recognising it as “vital” infrastructure in the “national mission” to reach net zero.  But the […]

Senedd members called out the “shameful”, long-standing pensions injustice faced by thousands of women born in the 1950s, coal miners, and steelworkers. Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan backed the 1950s Women of Wales group’s campaign for justice for women affected by changes to the pension age. Millions of women saw their retirement plans plunged into chaos […]

Welsh Water customers are getting a raw deal, with bills increasing while “disgraceful” pollution continues and executives pocket “scandalous” payments, the Senedd heard. Rhys ab Owen expressed concerns about Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water being issued a £1.3m fine for failing to monitor water quality at 300 different sites and committing 800 offences. “This is on […]

Senedd members called for annual health checks for firefighters in Wales, with a study showing instances of cancer are up to 323% higher than the general population. Luke Fletcher, who has been campaigning on the issue over the past two years, led a debate in the Senedd on a cross-party motion calling for urgent action. “The dangers […]

Senedd members voted down Conservative calls to cut taxes for 1.7 million people in Wales. Sam Rowlands said his party would use devolved tax powers to put more money back into people’s pockets, saying the average working family would be £450 a year better off as a result. The shadow finance secretary explained the Conservatives […]

Senedd members warned “something must be done” with smartphones causing disruption in classrooms and fuelling mental health problems among pupils. Carolyn Thomas, who chairs the petitions committee, led a debate in the Senedd on May 14 amid a growing chorus of calls for restrictions on mobile phone use in schools. The committee launched an inquiry […]

The Senedd unanimously passed a “far-reaching, truly historic” bill aimed at transforming education as part of the ambition of reaching a million Welsh speakers by 2050 Senedd members voted 50-0 in favour of the Welsh language education bill, which aims to ensure all pupils become confident Welsh speakers by the end of compulsory school. Mark Drakeford […]