The One Wales Government beds down
In its first six months....
In July 2007, the One Wales Government was finally underway, based around the published agreement between Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru. I had said in an article prior to the Welsh Labour Special Conference on July 6th:
Throughout this process, I have believed we must maintain the unity of the Labour Party. In a minority situation, unity is everything. That is why until now I have kept away from the TV and radio studios since the election. I believe that our special conference will support the agreement, and I believe that it requires a significant vote in favour since there will be rocky times ahead.
Of course, this agreement requires two parties to support it. As someone who has moved a long way over recent weeks to get to a position of supporting a deal with Plaid Cymru, I hope that members of that party will be prepared to do the same, rather than putting Tories in charge of key ministries in Wales.
In Italian politics in the 1970s, there used to be talk of the need for a ‘historic compromise’ – an accommodation between the Communists and the Christian Democrats. Wales may be on the brink of its own historic compromise.
In the last six months of 2007, Gordon Brown was bedding in as UK Prime Minister just as the One-Wales Coalition Government was getting going. I was getting on with the job of seeking to adapt the Welsh Government’s Communities First programme, developing the regeneration programmes we had established in the Heads of the Valleys and in Gwynedd and Anglesey, our digital inclusion programme and our Post Office Development Fund, and working to two Cabinet Ministers, Ieuan Wyn Jones and Dr Brian Gibbons. This is an area where I remain governed by the Ministerial Code and I can only write about those developments in the Welsh Government which are already in the public domain. I note from my blog at the time that I finally signed up to Facebook that autumn, the Cardiff City Suppporters Trust was set up (I was a founder member and it is still going today) and I spoke from the floor in the main session of the UK Labour Party conference, in front of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, about things we were doing in Wales.
The first meeting of the new One Wales Government Cabinet took place on 17 September. The First Minister welcomed his colleagues to the first Cabinet meeting of the coalition Government. Cabinet noted the financial situation of Northern Rock and the potential impact this could have on the Welsh economy. The First Minister referred to his recent letter to Ministers about the Convergence and Competitiveness Structural Funds Programmes and reminded Cabinet colleagues that Assembly Government Departments should use to the fullest extent the opportunities provided by the new programmes. It was agreed that officials should maximise cross departmental working to achieve an increase in the number of potential Assembly Government led projects.
The First Minister advised Cabinet that he had agreed, for the time being, the formation of four Cabinet Committees. The Budget and Performance Committee arose from the One Wales commitment to have Finance and Governance Committees. Following discussions with the Deputy First Minister and the Finance Minister, it had been agreed that there would be single committee covering both subjects. The First Minister would chair this Committee, with the Deputy First Minister and the Finance Minister making up the core membership. Alun Ffred Jones AM, as Plaid Cymru finance spokesperson, would attend for the budget planning and expenditure items and the Leader of the House and the Deputy Minister for Housing, as Plaid Business Manager, would attend for Business items. Relevant Ministers may also attend when necessary to discuss items specific to their portfolios.
The First Minister would continue to chair the Legislation Committee and the core membership would include the Deputy First Minister, the Finance Minister and the Leader of the House. Again, relevant Ministers may attend, where appropriate, to lead on their legislation items. There would also be Cabinet Committees for: Children and Young People; and Public Service Delivery, and the First Minister would be considering the membership and terms of reference of these Committees later that week.
(There are no minutes of the Budget and Performance or Legislation Committees on the archived Welsh Government website. The Children and Young People’s Committee had its first meeting on 3 December, where it discussed Child Poverty, Children with Disabilities and Chidren’s Advocacy Services. The Public Service Delivery Committee met on 5 November, where it discussed its terms of reference, agreed this paper on cross-cutting policy and delivery priorities, and heard the results of the national survey on Citizen’s Experiences of Public Services in Wales. I note that I was apparently a member of this Committee.
The Committee met again on 3 December, where it discussed a paper on the Wales Spatial Plan, had a further discssion on cross-cutting priorities, and the development of Local Service Boards.
Other Committees did not meet until 2008.)
The Government of Wales Act 2006 had given rise to new procedures. The Leader of the House introduced a paper which set out the Memorandum of Understanding between the Assembly Committees and the Welsh Assembly Government. It was noted that any official working for the Welsh Assembly Government (including those in the Inspectorates) could, with the permission of their respective Minister, be requested to attend Assembly Committees.
It was noted that Ministers were currently members of the Assembly Legislative Competence Order (LCO) Committees in respect of LCOs relevant to their portfolio responsibilities. Cabinet agreed that Ministers should arrange for backbench AMs to represent them at evidence gathering sessions of the current Assembly LCO Committees. Ministers further agreed that they would no longer accept invitations to become members of future LCO Committees.
The Minister for Rural Affairs reported on the recent further outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in Surrey. There were currently two new infected farms and the genetic sequencing suggested that this outbreak was the same type of disease as the Pirbright virus. Although, it was too early to say how the virus had got to these farms or where else it might be.
The Minister indicated that, on the advice of the Chief Veterinary Officer, she had been able to relax the animal movement ban earlier in Wales. It was noted that this outbreak would hit the farming industry harder than in August; because grass in the uplands would stop growing in the coming weeks and animals would need to be moved to lower pasture, much of which was in England, for winter grazing. There would also be an economic impact, as hill farmers gain most of their income from the autumn sales. The Minister had discussed these issues with Hilary Benn. It was reported that the First Minister would be meeting the supermarket chains to encourage the promotion of Welsh meat.
Cabinet met again on 1 October. Ministers discussed the Sustainable Development Commission’s report on Tidal Power in the UK that had been published earlier that day, and focused on the proposal for a Severn Barrage to generate electricity. It was noted that among the conditions the Commission had placed on their support for such a barrage, was compliance with the European Directives acknowledging that these would require a long-term commitment to create compensatory habitats on a massive scale. Ministers welcomed the report and noted that the previous Assembly Government had endorsed such a scheme. It was agreed that the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing would provide copies of the executive summary of the report for her Cabinet colleagues.
Cabinet discussed the impact of the Foot and Mouth outbreak in Surrey on the farming industry in Wales. The Rural Affairs Minister reported that there appeared to be little prospect of the EU export ban being lifted in the immediate future. She had also been discussing the possibility of a Light Lamb Disposal Scheme, on animal health grounds, with her counterparts in England and Scotland.
The Leader of the House reported that he was pursuing a change to the Standing Orders to allow Deputy Ministers to make Written Statements in addition to oral statements.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced a paper which contained proposals for the membership and reporting structures for a Climate Change Commission for Wales. It was agreed that the First Minister would meet with the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing to discuss how proposals for the Commission should be taken forward.
The First Minister introduced a paper which updated Cabinet on how the Assembly Government was preparing for the implementation of the new Structural Funds Programmes. The paper also indicated the number of initial project ideas received to date and steps which the Departments and WEFO were taking to ensure that projects were aligned with the Assembly Government’s strategic objectives.
The Deputy First Minister reported that four out of the five new Structural Fund Programmes had been formally adopted by the Commission, with agreement on the fifth expected in the coming weeks. Furthermore, agreement on the outstanding Strategic Frameworks were expected in October or November.
The Minister for Health and Social Services advised her colleagues that she would be making an announcement on National Health Service reconfiguration in the coming weeks.
On 8 October, The First Minister advised Cabinet that he would be making a brief statement at the start of Plenary on Tuesday following the announcement that Sir Martin Evans of Cardiff University had been awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine for his work on stem cells research.
It was noted that the Permanent Secretary would be retiring in April 2008. The First Minister put on record his thanks to Sir Jon for leading the civil service in the Welsh Office and then the Welsh Assembly Government through dramatic and unprecedented change. The First Minister added that his contribution had been immeasurable in ensuring that the organisation had developed and adapted to the new demands of devolved government. The Permanent Secretary indicated that he wanted to leave well before the First Minister’s own planned departure date in 2009. He added that this would allow his successor to gain experience in the post before a new First Minister was appointed. Cabinet noted that the post would be advertised in open competition.
The First Minister reported on the launch of the ERDF Convergence Programme in Llandudno and advised Cabinet that Jose Palma Andres, Director of the Commission’s DG Regional Policy had attended.
The First Minister advised Cabinet that he had had the opportunity to briefly speak to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and the President and Prime Minister of France at the rugby world cup quarter final in Cardiff the previous weekend.
The outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review was due to be announced the following day and it was noted that the Finance Minister would issue a Written Cabinet Statement on Tuesday followed by statement to Plenary on Wednesday.
The Rural Affairs Minister reported that the EU ban on exporting livestock had been lifted, but with strict conditions. Therefore, it was likely that there would remain a need for a Light Lamb Disposal Scheme to be introduced on animal health grounds in Wales. It was noted that Hilary Benn would be making a statement to Parliament later that afternoon on Foot and Mouth which could result in financial support being offered to English farmers. It was unclear at this stage whether there would be a consequential.
The Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery introduced the paper which advised Cabinet of the major unfunded pressures and risks identified through the bilateral meetings he had held with portfolio Ministers.
At Cabinet on 15 October the Heritage Minister advised Cabinet that he would be making a Statement to Plenary on Wednesday about the Wales Millennium Centre. He confirmed that he could not comment on its financial situation until the budget had been settled.
The First Minister advised Cabinet of the creation of the Department of the First Minister headed by Lawrence Conway.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced a paper which sought Cabinet’s views on whether the Assembly Government should seek the transfer of Building Regulations from the UK Government. The Minister reported that devolution of the Regulations would facilitate achieving the aspiration that all new buildings in Wales should be carbon neutral from 2011 onwards. The paper recommended that there would be limited changes to the current system in the short term, even after the transfer. It was noted that there would not be a consequential from the Department of Communities and Local Government, because the transfer of responsibility would not yield any administrative savings for that Department. Cabinet agreed to support in principle the devolution of the Regulations.
The First Minister introduced a paper which asked Cabinet to note the progress officials were making in promoting the image of Wales overseas, and endorse proposals for a more strategic approach to promoting Wales abroad.
On 22 October the First Minister advised Cabinet that Sir Emyr Jones Parry, the former UK permanent representative to the United Nations, was expected to agree to chair the proposed all Wales Convention on further powers for the Assembly.
The Minister for Rural Affairs advised Cabinet that an all Wales Light Lamb Welfare Disposal Scheme was expected to become operational later that week. It was noted that the Scottish Government, in addition to operating a similar disposal scheme, would be offering economic support to farmers in Scotland. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs would be providing economic support to English farmers but would not be operating a disposal scheme.
It was noted that the First Minister would be making an announcement later that week about Forestry Commission Wales land and proposals for a wind farm programme.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced a paper which set out the proposed Welsh Assembly Government’s response to the UK Government’s consultation on the future of Nuclear Power. Cabinet approved the paper and the proposed response.
The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government introduced a paper which sought Cabinet’s views on the draft strategic action plan for the Voluntary Sector Scheme. The action plan had been consulted upon earlier in the year and the Minister was now seeking Cabinet’s approval prior to it being debated in Plenary on 13th November.
Welsh Ministers were required, under section 75 of the Government of Wales Act 2006, to make a scheme setting out how they propose, in exercise of their functions, to take account of the interests of business. The paper sought Cabinet’s approval of a draft Business Scheme for consultation and the proposed membership of the Business Partnership Council. Cabinet welcomed the paper, in particular the suggestion that the Business Partnership Council may appoint individuals, with relevant expertise, from social partners to provide advice at its meetings or serve on its working groups.
A special meeting of Cabinet was held on 25 October to discuss the Resource Assessment Exercise arising out of the Comprehensive Spending Review. The First Minister thanked Cabinet for re-arranging their diaries to accommodate the additional Cabinet meeting. He indicated that the purpose of the meeting was to agree the final MEG allocations prior to the budget being laid before the Assembly on 5th November. Cabinet agreed the MEG allocations.
The First Minister advised Cabinet that the Ministry of Defence had confirmed that it was to go ahead with phase one of the Defence Training Academy at St Athan. It was noted that the Ministry had not been able to conclude negotiations on the smaller second phase of the contract with the METRIX consortium.
The First Minister drew colleagues attention to recently published population projections for Wales and their significance in terms of planning future public services. The projections could also have significant implications for future overall funding levels given the way in which the Barnett formula is based on Wales’ population share, relative to England.
The First Minister referred to his announcement to allow Forestry Commission managed land in Wales to be leased for the construction of wind turbines to increase Wales’ contribution to combating climate change.It was noted that the potential wind farm developments were expected to be above 50MW and therefore would need planning permission from the relevant local authority and the Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and not the Assembly Government.
Unusually, the Minutes of the next Cabinet record it as being held on 5/12 November. On 5 November, Cabinet approved the minutes of 22 October and 25 October, and Officials presented the Office of National Statistics Latest Demographic Forecasts which illustrated trends in English and Welsh population growth.
On 12 November, It was noted that the First Minister, the Deputy First Minister, the Finance Minister and the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government would be meeting with the Welsh Local Government Association later that afternoon to discuss the local government funding settlement.
Ministers discussed the apparent resignation of Professor John Williams as Director of the Welsh Office for Research and Development and noted that the Health Minister was writing to all Assembly Members setting out the level allocated to health research in the Assembly Government's draft budget.
The First Minister advised Cabinet that the Privy Council had approved the request for a further two Assembly Government special advisers and he briefly outlined the process he had agreed with the Deputy First Minister for their recruitment by open competition.
A number of Ministers had recently received a request from MORI to complete on-line interviews. It was noted that, in line with the Ministerial Code, careful consideration should be given to such invitations before they were accepted; in cases of doubt, the First Minister should be consulted. It was agreed that this guidance should be cascaded to Deputy Ministers.
It was noted that the First Minister would be writing to Alex Salmond congratulating him on Glasgow securing the Commonwealth games in 2014.
It was noted that the Leader of the House would be shortly circulating a paper to Ministers setting out proposals on Ministerial Attendance at Assembly Committees. Ministers also discussed the issue raised by Peter Black AM about Ministers attending Scrutiny Committees to answer questions on the draft budget.
The First Minister introduced a paper which gave an overview of the implications of the Queen's Speech for Wales. The paper indicated that there were three UK Bills, in the forthcoming session, where Measure making powers was being sought. There were an additional 12 UK Bills on which the Assembly Government had been consulted regarding provision for Wales. Ministers focused on the outstanding issues in the Planning Bill. It was noted that the Environment Minister would be writing to Hazel Blears setting out the concerns raised by Cabinet.
The First Minister introduced a paper on Delivering One Wales which had been considered at the Budget and Performance Cabinet Committee earlier that day. The paper set out the current state of play in developing mechanisms to plan and track delivery of the One Wales commitments. Cabinet noted the paper.
The Minister for Health and Social Services advised Cabinet that, as part of the next Transfer of Functions Order, she would be seeking to transfer to the Assembly Government the function regarding the sales of goodwill in medical practices.
The Minister for Rural Affairs informed Cabinet of an outbreak of Avian Flu on a farm in Suffolk. It was noted that news of the outbreak would be made public later that evening.
At Cabinet on 19 November the First Minister advised that he had had an informal discussion with Ian Paisley and Alex Salmond in the margins of the service to mark the 60th Wedding Anniversary of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The Minister for Health and Social Services indicated that she would be making a statement to plenary on Wednesday about Renal Services and Transplantation. The Deputy Minister for Social Services introduced a paper which sought Cabinet's approval of the future direction and priorities for the Strategy for Older People. The paper also included the proposed strategic cross cutting themes for the next 5 years.
Cabinet met again on 10 December. The First Minister informed Cabinet of his recent visit to Scotland where he had delivered a lecture on sustainable development. He had also met Alex Salmond. The Scottish Parliament had voted to establish an Independent Constitutional Commission to consider the question of more powers for Scotland and related financial accountability issues. It was noted that the Commission would be funded by the Parliament and not the Scottish Government. Cabinet discussed Joe Calzaghe winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award and Enzo Calzaghe winning the coach of the year award. It was agreed that the Assembly Government should consider ways of recognising the achievements of Welsh people who excel in their chosen field. This might include sport, the arts and sciences. Cabinet noted that the next round of Assembly Member ballots for proposed Legislative Competence Orders and Measures was expected to take place on Wednesday.
The Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills advised Cabinet that she would be shortly making an announcement about the appointment of the Children's Commissioner. She also advised that she was setting up a task group to look at matters relating to Children with disabilities.
The Deputy Minister for Regeneration (that would be me) introduced a paper which sought Cabinet's approval of a consultation document setting out proposals for the Communities Next phase of the Communities First agenda. Cabinet approved the paper. It was not published, though perhaps it should be.
Cabinet considered a paper which proposed that officials should review the existing range of Performance Frameworks and incentive schemes for the public service deliverers. The paper included, as an interim measure, proposals for replacing the local authority Performance Incentive Grant with a more sharply focused Improvement Agreement and Grant. Cabinet approved the paper.
One paper - from the Heritage Minister on Dormant Accounts - was circulated to Cabinet Members in correspondence.
Cabinet papers included in this post were actually saved by the Welsh Government in Word. I have converted them to PDFs.