EU and Welsh Assembly Government funding continues to develop rural Wales

The Rural Affairs Minister visited the Tywi valley on 18 November to open one of the many Welsh projects that has benefitted from Rural Development Plan (RDP) funding.

The Minister opened the Tywi Afon yr Oesoedd Traditional Building centre which has been supported by over £500,000 of RDP funding. The centre will offer students and members of the public training in the fast disappearing skills of:

• stonemasonry
• and woodwork - skills which are needed to maintain the traditional buildings prevalent in this rural valley.

Speaking at the launch the Minister said:

"The Rural Development Plan is a very important mechanism for developing rural communities. Between 2007 and 2013 it will bring an impressive £795m of funding to rural Wales.

"Through this traditional building project we can see what can happen when communities realise that traditional skills have a place in the future, and are prepared to invest in that future. This centre will enable dying skills to be renewed and will ensure that the changes we make now will preserve our past and secure our future.

"I am also pleased to announce over £300,000 of RDP funding which has been awarded to the Community Enterprise Monmouthshire and the Marches project to develop collaboration opportunities between the social enterprise sectors in Monmouthshire and Wrexham. The project will focus on sharing best practice and transferring skills between the two regions.

"A further £8000 has been awarded to a sister project which will deliver an enterprise programme aimed at young people. The programme will include training and support to young people interested in starting their own social enterprises."

RDP funding is still available for Co-operation projects that are submitted via the 18 Local Action Groups across Wales. For more information, please contact ruralprogrammes@wales.gsi.gov.uk.

The Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

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Environment Strategy Annual Report published

Jane Davidson has launched the WAG first annual report against the first and second Environment Strategy action plans.

The Annual Report highlights the successes achieved by the Assembly Government and our partners in enhancing and preserving Wales’ environment.

In the annual report, we report on how we fulfilled our biodiversity duty under Section 40(1) of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

The annual report was launched at the British Trust of Conservation Volunteers’ (BTCV) Family Employment Initiative.

The BTCV project helps people overcome personal and social barriers through volunteering. It also aids them to develop skills to enable them to enter the workforce. This project shows that by working together, communities can provide opportunities to enjoy and benefit from the environment. This approach matches a key aim of the Environment Strategy for people in Wales from all backgrounds to connect with nature, and enjoy and understand the natural environment.

read more... “Environment Strategy Annual Report published”

Quay Pharmaceuticals sets up headquarters in Wales

Quay Pharmaceuticals is investing £2.7million in a new headquarters and manufacturing facility in North Wales where, with support from the Welsh Assembly Government, it will create 54 new high quality jobs.

Operations at the new site will include early stage research & development and clinical trials manufacturing for the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

The news was announced this week by Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, who said a high percentage of the new jobs will be graduate and post graduate posts in research and development.

"I am delighted to welcome this investment in one of our key strategic industry sectors by a company that has established a global reputation and which is expanding to meet the on-going demand for its services.

"Quay Pharma is a welcome addition to the vibrant healthcare and bioscience sector we have in Wales which employs some 15,000 people and is worth around £1.3billion annually to the Welsh economy. I am pleased we have been able to provide support through the Single Investment Fund to facilitate the company’s expansion programme.

"Quay Pharma will be creating a range of high quality jobs over the next few years providing excellent employment opportunities for Welsh graduates."

The company has reached capacity at its split site on the Wirral and expanding and moving operations to Quay House, Parkway on the Deeside Industrial Park. At 3724 sq mt, the new facility is four times the size of their current premises. The move will safeguard 30 jobs.

Chief Executive Officer Mike Rubinstein said the range of support offered by the Assembly Government to small and medium sized businesses had made Wales an attractive proposition for Quay Pharma’s expansion.

"The support from the Assembly Government is great for a small company and of particular help in the current economic climate. Not only does it provide advice and access to knowledge but also provides businesses with a high level of promotional and marketing support at overseas events.

"We are operating in a growing market and now have the opportunity to take advantage of this. Our new premises will enable us to take on larger sale projects and manage contracts through to the final stage of clinical trials and we have every confidence our operation in Wales will have a long and secure future."

The company is currently fitting out laboratories and offices with the aim of opening in January. The manufacturing operation is due to relocate during the first quarter of next year.

Quay Pharma was established in 2001 by Prof. Rubinstein, a former Director of the School of Pharmacy and Chemistry at Liverpool John Moores University who has more than thirty years experience in the field.

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First Minister welcomes 220 jobs for long-term unemployed

First Minister Rhodri Morgan has welcomed news that £1.4m from the Future Jobs Fund will help create 220 jobs across Wales.

The ‘Future Jobs Fund’ supports the creation of jobs for long-term unemployed young people and others who face significant disadvantage in the labour market. The fund, run by the Department for Work and Pensions, aims to create 150,000 temporary jobs until 2011, primarily for 18-24 year olds who have been out of work for around 12 months. The fund invites organisations to submit bids for funding, and bids should aim to create at least 30 jobs over a six-month period.

The new jobs for Wales in this latest round of funding are as follows:

• Powys Partnership Future Jobs Fund – up to 63 new jobs of which 36 are to be in the green sector, five will be social enterprises and three will be apprenticeships. The roles include classroom assistant; estate worker; animal welfare assistant; and landscape operative.
• The Vale of Glamorgan Council – up to 96 new jobs of which 18 are to be green jobs, six are to be social enterprises. The roles include regeneration assistant; community development assistant; environmental project worker; youth support worker.
• Pembrokeshire County Council – up to 50 new jobs – all apprenticeships. The jobs will be within housing; learning / support work; village wardens.
• Action for Children - up to 11 new jobs in Business Support, Administration, Youth Work and Early Years support.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan said:

“So far Future Jobs Fund projects will attract around £26 million and will create around 4200 jobs in Wales. Today’s announcement once again is very encouraging for our economy and labour market.

“There can be little doubt that we still face challenging economic times but we’re working hard through pioneering schemes like ProAct, ReAct and the Future Jobs Fund to keep young people engaged in the labour market ready for when the upturn inevitably comes.”

Education Minister Jane Hutt said:

“We must continue to create sustainable employment for young people in Wales to ensure they have a strong future. It’s crucial to provide not only jobs, but high quality training so that workers are not only secure in their jobs, but have the necessary knowledge and abilities to succeed.”

Deputy Minister for Skills John Griffiths said:

“This is excellent news for young people in Wales, and I’m pleased that many of these new posts will support apprentices. This significant funding delivered through the Future Jobs Fund, as part of our Young Person’s Guarantee, will give people the opportunity to work while providing them with the skills to protect their futures.”

read more... “First Minister welcomes 220 jobs for long-term unemployed”

Assembly and local government sign up to a New Understanding

The Welsh Assembly Government and local government have reached a new understanding about the relationship between central and local government in Wales.

Local Government Minister, Dr Brian Gibbons and the Leader of the Welsh Local Government Association, John Davies signed the agreement before the meeting of the Partnership Council in the Senedd yesterday (12 November).

A New Understanding outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Assembly Government and local government. It recognises the need for national leadership as well as the importance of local freedom and flexibility in service delivery. A constructive relationship is essential to underpin the delivery of the Government’s strategic aims, together with supporting authorities to deliver excellent local services that meet the needs and aspirations of local people and their communities.

Dr Brian Gibbons said

“The Assembly Government recognises that a constructive relationship with local government is essential to delivering better local services to citizens and communities.

"Working together is already a strength in the way that local and the Assembly Government works in Wales but we need to continue to improve these links so that we maximise the benefits to citizens.

"This agreement marks a significant step forward in the relationship between the Assembly Government and local government. It will allow authorities that demonstrate they can deliver agreed outcomes to operate with less central control and direction over how they use funding.

"Working together we can make services better as well as improving our relationship: simplifying how we work together; providing more clarity and leadership; and cementing our mutual commitment to make Wales a better place for our citizens."

WLGA Leader, Councillor John Davies said

“Today’s agreement is the culmination of productive discussions between local government and the Welsh Assembly Government around the need to codify central local relations in Wales and focus our resources in new and innovative ways to produce the type of outcomes which Welsh citizens desire within a difficult financial climate.

"Devolution has brought with it many changes, both centrally and locally and it is vital that a revised relationship is registered at this stage based on mutual respect and partnership and which has clearly defined working boundaries to ensure that central and local government work together in the best way for the people of Wales. This is especially important as the public sector in Wales enters into a considerably challenging period and with communities wanting to see a concerted effort from all tiers of elected government to mitigate the impact of the recession.

"The New Understanding agreement signals the start of a new era for local and central relations in Wales. It represents a shift towards tangible outcomes based on delivery thus reducing bureaucracy and central control and thereby freeing up local authorities and their partners to get on with the job."

read more... “Assembly and local government sign up to a New Understanding”

Bates welcomes review of ‘puppy farming’ laws

Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Mick Bates AM, has welcomed the move by the Minister Elin Jones to undertake a review of dog breeding law, which could see stricter licensing for dog breeding in Wales in an effort to regulate puppy farming.

Commenting on the news, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Mick Bates stated:

“I am deeply concerned not enough is being done to protect the health and welfare of dogs being bred in the UK. I have been appalled by the conditions that have recently been exposed at dog breeding facilities, with animals being kept in small, dark, confined pens in awful conditions and no access to outside space. Tighter regulation of breeding is needed as a matter of urgency, so I welcome the move by the Minister to review the law on dog breeding.”

A recent Kennel Club YouGov survey (July 2009) highlights that 72% of people in Wales believe that the Welsh Assembly should be doing more to eradicate puppy farming, 85% believe minimum health and welfare requirements should be introduced for those breeding dogs and only 8% believe puppy farming is necessary in order to supply the demand for domestic dogs.

Mick Bates added: “It is clear that we need a change in the law relating to dog breeding. The current law allows for hobby breeders to keep any number of dogs providing they each produce no more than four litters over a year, but this is extremely difficult to monitor. A business of breeding dogs for sale should be defined based on the number of dogs being bred, as this is far easier to check and control.

“Council dog pounds are overrun with strays, costing the tax payer millions each year, animal rescue organisations are crying out for more funds and huge numbers of pups in kennels are being euthanased due to the lack of available space in kennels for housing stray dogs. Dogs continue to be imported from Ireland which only exacerbates this problem, yet there is no regulation in place to control the number of imported dogs.

“We need more rigorous legislation, with procedure to record and monitor dogs bought and sold by breeding facilities and pet shops and the need for all pups sold to pet shops to carry a vet’s certificate and vaccination papers before being sold on. These records should be available for inspection by an independent body and would enable easier monitoring of pups. Poorly treated animals can then be traced back to the source to identify breeding facilities that are not complying with the requirements of their licence.”

read more... “Bates welcomes review of ‘puppy farming’ laws”

New guidance on appropriate speed limits

Local authorities are being encouraged to review their speed limits in new guidance published by the Welsh Assembly Government today.

The guidance covers 20 mph zones, speed limits on urban and rural roads, particularly through communities and aims to ensure all limits are appropriate for their locations.

Deputy First Minister and the Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said that local speed limits are a crucial tool in improving road safety and reducing casualties.

Speaking at Ysgol Christchurch in Rhyl, which has benefited from a new 20mph zone funded through the Assembly Government’s Safe Routes in the Community scheme, Mr Jones recommended that local authorities use the guidance to review all their local speed limits and implement changes by the end of 2014.

He said:

"The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to reducing road traffic collisions and injuries, and developing safer environments for all road users,

"Speed limits play a fundamental role in effective speed management to encourage, help and require road users to adopt appropriate and safe speeds.

"We hope local authorities will use this guidance when considering if current limits are appropriate. It is important that highway authorities and the police work together in determining, or considering, any changes to speed limits. Neighbouring highway authorities should also work together to ensure consistency of speed limits, especially where roads cross boundaries."

Mr Jones added:

"Speed limits are, however, only one element of speed management. Ideally local speed limits should be part of a package of measures to manage speeds. For example this could include engineering, landscaping, enforcement, education, driver information, training, and publicity work.

"Increasing the use of 20mph limits across Wales is a One Wales commitment. Currently there are 481 20mph limits or zones in Wales which have risen steadily in the recent years thanks to Assembly Government funding. Studies have shown that 20mph schemes can improve safety and we would encourage local authorities to consider implementing more of these where appropriate."

A large sample of those 20mph schemes are currently being analysed with a view to providing additional information on their effectiveness, together with case studies to demonstrate good practice.

The guidance also contains advice to local authorities on setting speed limits in urban and rural areas. For example on rural roads the document generally encourages 30mph in villages and communities but emphasises that each speed limit should be assessed on a case by case basis.

The guidelines are being published in advance of a new national road safety strategy. This will incorporate casualty reduction targets for beyond 2010 and may be accompanied by additional speed management advice.

read more... “New guidance on appropriate speed limits”

Celebrate Bonfire Night safely says Minister

Attending an organised firework display is a safe and fun way of celebrating Bonfire Night, Minister for Social Justice and Local Government Dr Brian Gibbons says.

"Every year we hear of people being injured by fireworks, mainly children under the age of 16. This can turn a fun event into a tragedy. Safety must therefore be at the front of people’s minds as everyday fire risks become much higher on Bonfire Night.

"Organised events are often more fun, cost effective, and generally more spectacular than private displays and I would recommend people to attend such events.” The Minister said.

"Where people are planning private displays, I would urge those people planning to buy fireworks for private displays to rigidly follow the Fireworks Code and abide by the Fireworks Regulations.

"The run up to Bonfire Night is also used by a senseless minority as an excuse for anti-social behaviour. This will not be tolerated and will be severely dealt with by the appropriate authority."

read more... “Celebrate Bonfire Night safely says Minister”

Minister signs first UK agreement to end attacks on fire-fighters

Social Justice & Local Government Minister Dr Brian Gibbons has given his support to plans by Welsh emergency services and the Crown Prosecution Service to end attacks on fire-fighters.

The Minister joined the Fire & Rescue Service, Police and Crown Prosecution Service at Ely Fire Station to sign The UK’s first Memorandum of Understanding ensuring the effective prosecution of cases involving abuse against FRS personnel.

Dr Gibbons said:

"Fire-fighters and those who support the work of our Fire and Rescue Services do a difficult and sometimes dangerous job. They enjoy the respect, support and admiration of the overwhelming majority of us, though for a few anti-social individuals they are seen as ‘fair game’, to be goaded, abused and attacked while undertaking their work.

"Though incidents are relatively few, it is a sad indictment of our society that emergency workers have come to view such behaviour as an occupational hazard. However, I applaud the Fire and Rescue Service, Police and Crown Prosecution Service, for bringing the issue to public attention.

"By signing this Memorandum, we are sending out a clear message to our emergency workers that they do not have to put up with such behaviour and we will support them; and to the perpetrators, that they will be punished."

Steve Skivens, Assistant Chief Officer from South Wales Fire & Rescue Service said:

"Although the numbers of attacks are low, certain areas have a persistent issue where Fire Service personnel can be subject to attacks.

"One attack is too many the Fire & Rescue Service has taken a number of practical and procedural measures to protect our personnel, identify attackers and work in partnership to seek a prosecution."

South Wales Assistant Chief Constable David Morris said:

"Fire and rescue service personnel across Wales protect the public and have the support of all but a tiny minority of individuals who inexplicably engage in mindless attacks on crews. This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and this MOU is a clear statement from the four police forces in Wales that we take a zero tolerance approach to any attacks on fire service personnel, whether it be verbal or physical, and will do all that we can to bring the culprits to justice.

"As we approach what is the busiest time of the year for the fire and rescue services, it provides us all with a timely reminder of the vital role they play and of the need to ensure that they can go about their business without being subjected to unlawful interference which, potentially, could put lives at risk.

"I would appeal to any member of the public who does witness such behaviour to work with us to ensure that we apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice".

Chris Woolley, Chief Crown Prosecutor for South Wales said:

"Firefighters and support staff provide a vital service to the public – and they have the right to undertake that role without fear of intimidation, abuse or direct attack.

"The launch of this MOU sends out a very clear message of intent. We will work alongside our partners in the Criminal Justice System to make sure that anyone who resorts to criminal behaviour in order to interfere with the essential work of the Fire and Rescue Service, is brought to justice."

read more... “Minister signs first UK agreement to end attacks on fire-fighters”

Youth work celebration gets into full swing

Education Minister Jane Hutt has lent her support to a week-long annual celebration of the role played by Wales’ youth workers and the groups they run.

Youth Work Week, which started on November 1, is a Welsh Assembly Government supported initiative designed to encourage more young people to get involved in regular community-based activities and to persuade more people to become volunteers and youth workers. This year over 300 events will be taking place across the country in support of the week.

The Minister recently announced an additional £2.5m funding package for youth work as part of the draft budget, reiterating the important contribution youth workers make to the lives of young people.

Jane Hutt said:

“There are over 20,000 youth workers in Wales and the work they do is invaluable. The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to ensuring the development of youth workers continues as the work they do in their local communities is vitally important.

“There is a need for many more creative and committed people to consider taking up youth work and making a positive impact on the lives of the next generation.”

There are a range of educational and entertainment events during Youth Work Week all designed to help showcase the range of activities available to young people aged between 11 and 25.

In addition, the Youth Work Week website contains a host of information including local listings of activities as well as information for youth workers, such as suggested activities to organise for young people and advice for those wishing to become youth workers.

Jane Hutt added:

“Youth programmes across Wales allow young people to fulfil a range of interests and provide an outlet for their positive development and creativity. These programmes would not be possible without the support and dedication of youth workers.”

read more... “Youth work celebration gets into full swing”

Rural affairs minister celebrates the best of local food at the Gwledd Conwy feast

Elin Jones was in Conwy last Saturday (24 October) to show her support for the 'Gwledd Conwy' Feast.

The festival, which began as a fairly small affair, has grown significantly over recent years. Now it's widely regarded as one of North Wales’ most prominent food and drink events.

During her visit to the festival the Minister had the opportunity to meet an array of local food producers and chefs. The minister also spoke to them about the growing importance and popularity of local food.

Speaking about the event, the Elin said;

"The Gwledd Conwy Feast has become one of the highlights of the Welsh food and drink calendar as both a culinary and cultural event and I am looking forward to seeing and sampling the wide variety of high quality local food that is on offer.

"Events such as these are an excellent way of promoting the benefits of buying local food, as set out in our Local Sourcing Action Plan. Not only is there a wide range of high quality local produce to choose from, buying locally also means we have the luxury of being able to speak to the producer directly about where our food comes from and seek reassurance on production methods and animal welfare.

"Buying locally also reduces the miles food travels which helps us to reduce our carbon emissions, and leads to money being reinvested back into our communities, something which is more important than ever in the current economic climate."

The Gwledd Conwy Feast was the winner of Visit Wales’ Best Community Event in Wales Award in 2007. This year’s event has been supported by £43,000 of Welsh Assembly Government Supply Chain Efficiencies funding.

read more... “Rural affairs minister celebrates the best of local food at the Gwledd Conwy feast”

Environment Minister honoured for approach to waste

Environment Minister Jane Davidson has been honoured for her services to waste management and concern for the environment.

The Minister has been made an ‘Honorary Fellow’ of the Chartered Institute of Waste Management (CIWM). The award is given to individuals who in the opinion of the CIWM Council have rendered notable service to waste management or who are persons of distinction with a concern for the environment.

The CIWM is the leading professional body for waste and resource management and has more than 7,000 members. It focuses on professionalism and information, based on sound science and training.

Receiving the award, Ms Davidson said:

“This award is a great recognition for all the hard work the Welsh Assembly Government is doing to change the way we handle waste here in Wales. What we do with our waste reflects how we treat our country. The old ways of burying waste in the land to rot have had their day. The question I keep coming back to is will we be able to look our grandchildren in the eye and say we did all we could to protect where they live?

“That is why the Assembly Government has proposed a 70 per cent target for recycling and composting all waste by 2025. More recycling and less waste will make Wales greener and sustainable. However, it is not only our environment that will benefit, but also our economy. There are tremendous opportunities to save money and create high quality industry in Wales by using the valuable material resources contained in waste.”

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AM welcomes "no exemptions" pledge on electric shock training devices

Wrexham's Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths, has welcomed news that the Welsh Assembly Government is to remove any exemptions from draft regulations it is preparing to ban the use of electronic shock devices used to train dogs and cats.

The news comes after lobbying of the Government by Assembly Members, including Lesley, and the Kennel Club, to remove veterinary exemptions from the draft legislation. This means that the eventual legislation can be enforced more effectively, therefore, strengthening the ban.

The announcement comes following extensive public consultation conducted by the Kennel Club, which showed that 57% of respondents favoured a complete ban on electric shock training devices.

The findings were supported by a recent YouGov survey conducted on behalf of the Kennel Club which demonstrated that 70% of those polled disapproved of the use of electric shock collars on dogs.

The results also concluded that 60% of respondents agreed the use of electric shock collars had a negative effect on the dog’s physical and psychological health and welfare.

The Welsh Assembly Government say the process of amending the legislation is expected to take approximately three months, meaning legislation could be introduced early in 2010.

Lesley Griffiths, who as an Assembly Member will be involved in passing the final regulations in the Senedd, said:

"I am pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government has listened to the concerns of AMs about the scope of the draft regulations.

"There is widespread determination amongst the public - which is shared by Assembly Members like myself - to make sure Wales bans these cruel devices as soon as possible.

"The banning of of shock collars in Wales, would send a clear signal that we will not tolerate this cruel and uneccessary form of training any longer."

read more... “AM welcomes "no exemptions" pledge on electric shock training devices”

Bishop welcomes WAG to West Wales

The Bishop of St. Davids has welcomed the opening of the new Welsh Assembly Government offices in Aberystwyth.

“It’s vital that the Assembly relates directly to people all over Wales and that they can identify with it,” Bishop Wyn Evans said. “The new complex – in the heart of rural Wales - will make that much easier for people in West and Mid Wales.”

The Bishop said he was particularly pleased that the main focus of the new regional HQ would be rural and countryside affairs.

“The issues facing Welsh farming and society in rural areas are especially acute in West Wales,” he said. “Let us hope that their presence here leads to an even greater understanding on both sides.”

The move was also welcomed Rural Life Adviser, Rev. Eileen Davies, who said:

“This is great news for Ceredigion, the heart of rural Wales. Decentralising from the Welsh Assembly Government in Cardiff ensures that those involved in the field are at first hand, closer to the farmer. Personnel are not only names but faces, communication is personified and better relationships can be formed between all involved in our rural areas.”

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Carwyn "humbled" by level of supporting nominations

Carwyn Jones, has said he has been “humbled” by the level of backing he has received in supporting nominations for his candidacy from various section of the Welsh Labour Party.

He was speaking following deadline for the submission of supporting nominations, in the contest to replace Rhodri Morgan as Welsh Labour Leader.

As the Noon deadline passed, it was declared that in addition to the 8 Assembly Members, 14 Members of Parliament and 5 Constituency Labour Party nominations already submitted, Carwyn had also received the nomination of four trades unions in Wales in the affiliated organisations section.

The trades unions were as follows:

• UNISON Cymru/Welsh Labour Link;
• NUM (South Wales);
• UCATT; and
• Musicians Union

Speaking after the deadline, Carwyn said:

“I am humbled to have received such levels of support from all sections of the Welsh Labour Party.

“I am delighted that four unions have also offered their backing to my candidacy, as it underlines the strong and enduring relationship that exists between the Party and the trade union movement in Wales."

read more... “Carwyn "humbled" by level of supporting nominations”

New equipment for Welsh hospitals to help care for patients with swine flu

The Welsh Assembly Government is funding the purchase of more ventilators for hospitals to help them deal with a potential increase in swine flu patients.

Ventilators are used to help people with respiratory problems – conditions that can be made worse by swine flu.

The £1.429m funding will provide 65 extra ventilators for critical care units in hospitals across Wales.

Plans are also in place to double the number of critical care beds in hospitals, should they be required, along with specialist staff.

The announcement follows the start of the swine flu vaccination programme which began yesterday with people in at-risk groups and frontline healthcare staff being the first to receive the vaccine.

Mrs Hart said:

"Advice I have received suggests that the swine flu pandemic is behaving as expected and in the vast majority of cases, people recover well with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol within five to seven days.

"However, as the number of swine flu cases rise, the number of people experiencing severe symptoms or complications or even death is likely to increase. This is the same for seasonal flu in the winter.

"Wales, along with the rest of the UK, has been praised for our plans to deal with a flu pandemic. We are planning for an expected increase in swine flu cases and as a result are funding the purchase of more ventilators.

"We have now received the first supplies of the swine flu vaccine and GPs have begun administering the vaccines to those most at risk of complications – this activity will continue over the next few weeks. It will help with our management of the pandemic and reduce pressure on the NHS, particularly from people with complications from flu."

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Tony Jewell, added:

"I want to praise NHS staff for their efforts so far in managing the pandemic. I know they have worked extremely hard and will continue to do so as the number of cases increases.

"We are well prepared to deal with this virus, and have been working with suppliers to ensure that delivery of the ventilators will be as soon as possible. This latest investment will provide another tool for the NHS in caring for the small, but vulnerable, group of patients who experience severe swine flu symptoms or complications."

read more... “New equipment for Welsh hospitals to help care for patients with swine flu”

Work needed to improve energy efficiency of Assembly Estate – Mick Bates AM

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Mick Bates has called on the Assembly Commission to take more action to improve the energy efficiency of the Ty Hywel Assembly building in Cardiff Bay.

Commenting in the chamber, Mick Bates stated:

“Commercial properties and public buildings currently account for nearly 25% of the UK's carbon emissions. Energy efficiency is a key way to reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings and it is crucial that we take every step to decrease our energy use across the Assembly estate.

“Ty Hywel has an energy efficiency rating of F, the second to lowest efficiency rating on the scale. It has a high heating and electrical energy use, with no energy from renewables and although work has been done to install energy saving lightbulbs, there is still a long way to go.

“At a time when climate change is high on the agenda, the Welsh Government should be leading the way and living by example. The Senedd is a flagship building with excellent environmental credentials, but any environmental benefits of the Senedd are outweighed by having a F-rated building attached to it.”

read more... “Work needed to improve energy efficiency of Assembly Estate – Mick Bates AM”

AM backs campaign to end Fuel Poverty in Wales

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has added his support to a new campaign to eradicate fuel poverty in Wales.

The Fuel Poverty Coalition is a new group led by Consumer Focus Wales and NEA Cymru, which has come together to drive forward the fuel poverty agenda in Wales and campaign for fuel poverty to be eradicated. They have developed a Fuel Poverty Charter to inform the development of the forthcoming Welsh Assembly Government Fuel Poverty Strategy for Wales.

Around 320,000 people in Wales are currently living in fuel poverty. The Welsh Assembly Government has admitted that it will not reach its first target to eradicate fuel poverty amongst vulnerable groups by 2010.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Mick Bates said: “People are considered to be fuel poor if they spend more than 10% of their income on heating their home, which is a situation that affects one in four households in Wales.

“I’m backing the fuel poverty charter, because it’s a disgrace that so many people in Wales are spending so much of their money on heating their homes.

"Fuel poverty is not a new issue, it affects so many people year on year with devastating effects, so it is unacceptable that the Welsh Government will fail to reach its 2010 target.

“I know from talking to constituents the huge impact that a cold home can have on a person’s health and quality of life. I want to work with the organisations that have come together to produce this charter so that together we can wipe out fuel poverty in Wales.”

The Fuel Poverty Charter calls for:

1. A detailed action plan setting out how and when fuel poverty will be eradicated in Wales;
2. Support for all fuel poor households to stay warm – until fuel poverty is eradicated;
3. A co-ordinated and united approach across the statutory sector (at UK and Wales level) that involves partners from the private, voluntary and community sectors in Wales.

Photograph: Mick Bates AM with Liz Withers from the Fuel Poverty Coalition Cymru.

read more... “AM backs campaign to end Fuel Poverty in Wales”

All Wales Convention report publication date is set

Sir Emyr Jones Parry, Chair of the All Wales Convention, has announced that the All Wales Convention’s report on the law-making powers of the National Assembly for Wales will be formally presented to First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay, on the morning of Wednesday, 18th November 2009.

The report will comment on how informed the people of Wales are about the devolution process, assess the merits of the different options by which the National Assembly for Wales can obtain more powers, and consider the issues potentially impacting on voting behaviour in any referendum in Wales. The decision on whether or not to propose a referendum to the National Assembly for Wales will be taken by the Assembly Government.

The public consultation started in January this year and, through a comprehensive series of meetings, it has collated over 2,000 opinions and 700 pieces of formal evidence from people and organisations throughout Wales.

The report will be evidence based, drawing from the Convention’s extensive consultation process and supported by a comprehensive social research programme. It will evaluate the present constitutional arrangements offer conclusions based on evidence gathered and make recommendations to the Welsh Assembly Government relevant to the holding of a referendum.

Sir Emyr and the Convention’s Executive Committee will also hold a briefing event on the 18th of November to give an opportunity for interested parties to learn more about the Convention’s recommendations and to pose questions to the Convention. Those interested in attending this event should register by contacting the Convention on 029 2089 8187 or emailing info.convention@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Sir Emyr Jones Parry, said:

“I made an offer to the people of Wales at the beginning of this process – any views on any aspect from anyone, anywhere in Wales. We have received nearly 3,000 views and the report will reflect these. As such, we believe our recommendations deserve serious consideration by all involved in the governance of Wales and I look forward to presenting the report on November 18th, only one month away.”

read more... “All Wales Convention report publication date is set”

Changes in teacher training incentives announced by Minister

Education Minister Jane Hutt has today announced changes in initial teacher training (ITT) incentives for postgraduate courses for the 2010/11 academic year.

Each of the postgraduate ITT incentive bands will be increased by £1,800 from September 2010. This change is aimed at maintaining the Welsh Assembly Government’s support for those on postgraduate ITT courses in the light of the phasing out of the Tuition Fee Grant, which will not be available for new students from the 2010/11 academic year.

The priority incentives (£9,000 for new eligible students from 2010/11) will be specifically focussed on recruitment to secondary postgraduate courses in mathematics; chemistry; physics; information and communications technology (ICT); and design and technology.

Welsh, both first and second language, will also be a priority incentive. This is aimed at helping to support Welsh language policies and encouraging people into Welsh medium and Welsh as a second language teaching.

The main incentive level (£6,000 for new eligible students from 2010/11) will support secondary postgraduate courses in music, religious education, modern foreign languages, English, geography, biology and general / combined science.

Other secondary subject postgraduate courses, where there are fewer recruitment issues, and primary postgraduate courses would be at the starting grant level (£4,000 for new eligible students from 2010/11).

By making these changes to the postgraduate ITT incentives the Welsh Assembly Government can continue to ensure that:-

• students deciding where to train as teachers on postgraduate courses can make that choice knowing that if they study in Wales they will have the same incentive support as those in England
• we can help attract the best quality, highly committed students to train as teachers in Wales, particularly onto priority courses
• we can enable ITT providers in Wales to compete effectively for the most talented applicants.

Jane Hutt said:

“We are realigning our incentives to target more specifically our highest priorities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, along with Welsh.

“These changes are taking place when alterations to the student finance system in Wales will see the removal of the Tuition Fee Grant. In making these changes, we are increasing the value of the ITT incentive bands so that the value of our support for those on postgraduate ITT courses is not reduced in comparison with England.”

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