The One Wales Government in 2008
Heading towards the Global Financial Crisis.
It’s been over six months since I was able to focus on the archived minutes of the Welsh Government, thanks to the machinations around the Cardiff University Academic Futures consultation cuts, so it’s something of a relief to get back to them now. I was planning to dive into 2008 anyway, but a call from a television researcher about Welsh language policy has just taken me back to that year. For those who’ve subscribed to this Substack recently, my next book is meant to be on the making of the Welsh Government from 1999-2024, and I have been working my way through the archived Cabinet Minutes and posting links to them, as they are not easy to find. January 2008 is six months into the life of the One Wales Government, and at this time I have been Deputy Minister for Regeneration for those six months, reporting jointly to Ieuan Wyn Jones, as Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, and Dr Brian Gibbons, as Minister for Social Justice and Local Government.
There are a lot of Cabinet meetings in 2008. Perhaps Coalitions demand more meetings. Maybe there is some research on that. The Cabinet Meetings don’t tell the whole story, or course, certainly not about tensions within the One Wales Government, which begin to emerge with some force in the early months of 2008, according to my personal diaries for the period. More about that when I come to the book, as what I write will need to be cleared by Welsh Government. Behind the scenes, candidates who saw themselves as possible successors to Rhodri Morgan as Welsh Labour leader were beginning to parade more obviously. I ruled myself out as a candidate in November. My diary notes seem to stop in the early part of 2008 and don’t resume until 2010. However, some of my blog-posts remain up online. I post this in memory of my dear friend Dafydd Elis Thomas:
My blog includes some links to statements on my ministerial work in regeneration, including the development of policy on Communities First, which we took forward with a focus on allowing communities to influence public sector programmes with direct funding, regeneration in the Heads of the Valleys , Mon a Menai, and other areas, and digital inclusion. Sadly, many Welsh Government and other hyper-links no longer work. We launched a Welsh Labour Economy Commission, which created a lot of agitation behind the scenes. In the context of the continuing financial crisis, I had something to say about corporate greed. In 2008 I was campaigning to stop the Assembly Commission censoring Assembly Members’ websites, which is a minor but important footnote to the strengthening role of Assembly Members and now MSs: at the time we were being told we could not say on our websites what we could say in the Assembly Chamber! Meanwhile Cardiff City FC were heading to the FA Cup Final. The Rhondda Trust got under way. The Rhondda Lives project was launched in association with BBC Wales. Our Welsh Government JobMatch programme, designed to address economic inactivity, might offer learning with direct relevance today. At the Eisteddfod, I explained how the regeneration portfolio would support the Welsh Language, with full speech here. RCT Homes was launched as a Community Mutual.
There were two significant resignations during 2008. First, Peter Hain as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Secretary of State for Wales, which of course has been well-coveThe Rhondda Trustred elsewhere, including by Peter himself. Then Rhodri Glyn Thomas as Culture Minister in the Welsh Government.
The first meeting of the Welsh Government Cabinet was on 14 January. The Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery introduced a paper (not published) which sought Cabinet's approval of the Assembly Government's budget for 2008-09, prior to being tabled in the Assembly the following day. The Minister reported that the proposed budget provided a sound basis for delivering the One Wales agenda and only a few changes had been made to the draft budget which Cabinet had approved in November. Two notable changes were: a £2.2m transfer into the Revenue Support Grant (RSG) budget line in 2008-09 only, to ensure that all local authorities receive a minimum 2% increase in RSG next year, which would raise the average increase to 2.4%; and confirmation of additional amounts of funding for years two and three in respect of the Foundation Phase initiative.
Cabinet considered a paper (not published) which contained proposals to deliver the commitment in One Wales to establish a Strategic Capital Investment Board.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced a paper which invited Cabinet to approve the Wales Sustainable Renewable Energy Route Map consultation document. The Route Map proposed a move to a low carbon energy economy through a greater emphasis on energy efficiency and a wide range of renewable energy developments. Cabinet welcomed the paper but agreed that the consultation document needed to be clearer on how the Assembly Government intended to meet its energy efficiency targets. There was also a need to reflect how the Assembly Government was working with Further and Higher Education institutions to ensure that necessary skills were available amongst the workforce to take forward the proposals contained in the consultation document. The document is beow and I have followed my normal practice of converting the word file which appears in the archives into a PDF, to avoid inadvertently publishing tracked changes.
The next Cabinet meeting was on 21 January. The First Minister reported that he had discussed with the Secretary of State the UK Government's concerns to the draft Vulnerable Children Legislative Competence Order (LCO) could allow a future Assembly to legislate on smacking. As that had not been the original intention of the LCO, which would be redrafted to remove doubt on its scope in this regard but rebutting any indication that the Assembly had no right to legislate in such a way as to create criminal offences since that principle had been reaffirmed in the Government of Wales Act 2006.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced an options paper on how to respond to the UK Government's proposals for the geological disposal of legacy waste arising from existing and decommissioned nuclear power stations.
The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government introduced the paper which sought Cabinet's approval of the Substance Misuse Strategy for consultation. The contents of the consultation had been informed by a review of the current strategy and the outcome of a series of consultative workshops which had been held with key stakeholders in August 2007. The consultation re-affirmed the Welsh approach of a single substance misuse strategy, however, it was recognised that more attention needed to be given to tackling the problems caused by inappropriate or risky consumption of alcohol. To take account of this, the revised strategy would be underpinned by an alcohol-specific action plan which was being developed by the Assembly Government's Health Department.
The Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery introduced a paper which asked Cabinet to note the draft text of the Wales Spatial Plan. The updated plan reflected the new Government's agenda and directly supported 39 of the One Wales commitments. The consultation document had been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Public Service Delivery in December and Cabinet were given the opportunity to comment prior to the proposed launch at the end of January. The paper also drew attention to the appointment of lead Ministers for the Spatial Plan Areas. Cabinet noted that there had been cross border collaboration at an official level, particularly between North East Wales and North West England, and agreed that, now that the lead Ministers had been appointed or reappointed in Wales, this should be followed up with Ministerial meetings with UK Ministers with a regional remit.
Cabinet next met on 28 January. The First Minister advised Cabinet that he had met the new Secretary of State [Paul Murphy] earlier that day. They had agreed that the Secretary of State should attend a future Cabinet meeting and hold a series of bilaterals with Ministers. It was noted that they had also discussed progressing legislative competence orders by Whitehall Departments.
The Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills introduced a paper which sought Cabinet's approval of the Assembly Government's response to the Childrens' Commissioner's annual review.
The Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery presented a paper which set out some of the key findings from the first phase of the national survey to investigate citizen's experiences of public services in Wales
.
The Minister for Health and Social Services advised Cabinet that she would be announcing shortly that the three West Wales NHS Trusts would be merged and renamed the Hywel Dda NHS Trust.
Cabinet next met on 4 February with Secretary of State Paul Murphy in attendance. The First Minister welcomed the Secretary of State to the Cabinet meeting. The Secretary of State advised Ministers that, in addition to representing Welsh interests within the UK Government and Cabinet, he would be chairing the British Irish Council and Joint Ministerial Council meetings. He had also been asked by the Prime Minister to chair two Cabinet Committees: a new cross-Departmental Committee on Information Technolgoy (IT) and Information Security; and the Committee on Local Government and the Regions. The Secretary of State indicated that he would like to meet each Minister individually to discuss specific issues relating to their portfolio and their Whitehall relationships.
The First minister stated that the Ministry of Defence had announced it was pulling the second phase of the Defence Training Academy out of the Metrix St Athan project. This decision, however, would not impact on the considerably larger phase one of the package. The MOD had also indicated that they were working to secure contract signature on phase one as soon as possible.
The First Minister advised Cabinet the interviews for the Permanent Secretary post were scheduled to take place the following Monday.
The First Minister reported that he, with the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, would be attending the British Irish Council in Dublin on 14th February.
The First Minister introduced a paper which sought Cabinet's approval of the near final version of the One Wales Delivery Plan. It was intended that the Delivery Plan would be published on the internet as a living document, which would be updated at regular intervals. The paper contains a link to the plan which does not, these days, appear to work.
The Chief Medical Officer, Tony Jewell, introduced the paper which presented key public health priorities from his 2006 annual report. The paper highlighted some positive health messages, which included the overall improvement of death rates from major killers such as cancer or coronary disease, and the improvement in childhood immunisation rates across Wales. There were also areas of concern, such as the relatively static rates of teenage conception and the rising obesity epidemic. There was also a need to ensure that action against tobacco consumption continued following the introduction of the ban on smoking in public places in April 2007. It was noted that life expectancy continued to improve health although inequalities continued to exist in Wales.
Ministers focused on protecting people's health through immunisation and considered which social groups would be more at risk from contracting tuberculosis. Cabinet considered the statistics in relation to immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella and noted that those local authority areas at the lower end of the uptake table were within the circulation area of one evening newspaper, which had run a campaign against the triple vaccine.
Ministers also discussed the level of decayed, missing and filled teeth among children in Wales and compared this to regions of England. It was noted that Wales' best rate of decayed, missing and filled teeth among five year olds was worse that the average for Great Britain. Consideration could be given to piloting the fluoridation of water supplies in some parts of Wales to provide evidence for a case for introducing this at a national level and for an examination of alternatives to fluoridation such as fissure sealants.
The report indicated that the level of sexually transmitted diseases was rising, in spite of attempts to reduce the levels of infection.
On 18 February, Cabinet met again. The First Minister reported on his attendance at the recent British Irish Council meeting in Dublin, with the Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government. The First Minister advised Cabinet that a recommendation had been made on the appointment of a new Permanent Secretary. He intended to advise Ministers on the appointment, prior to issuing a Cabinet Statement.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced a paper which set out proposals for the Assembly Government's approach to tackling climate change in Wales. The paper also sought agreement to a process to help deliver the One Wales commitments and set out the reporting arrangements for the Climate Change Commission.
The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government introduced a paper which sought Cabinet's approval of the Refugee Inclusion Strategy. The overall aim of the Strategy was to support and enable refugees to rebuild their lives in Wales and make a full contribution to Welsh Society. The next stage would be for officials to develop an action plan while identifying and costing practical solutions to help deliver the recommendations and commitments made in the Strategy. (The paper is listed at the end of the minutes but the url does not work).
Cabinet met again on 3 March. Cabinet discussed the recent announcement by the United States Defence Department that a contract for at least 179 in-flight refuelling tankers had been awarded to Eads and noted that the wings for these aircraft would be built at the Airbus factory in Broughton, Flintshire. The First Minister requested a briefing note to estimate the overall financial benefit which Wales might derive from the investment. The First Minister advised Cabinet that he and the Deputy First Minister would be travelling to Deeside the following day to attend the opening of a new production facility for the casting and machining of Toyota's ZR engine. There was also likely to be a formal announcement regarding the investment in a new engine and an expansion of the plant.
Cabinet briefly discussed the Health Minister's announcement that patients, staff and visitors would be able to park free at almost all National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in Wales by the end of 2011. It was noted that the money currently collected from car parking fees represented 0.17% of the total annual budget for Wales' NHS Trusts.
Cabinet welcomed the Chief Constables for their annual meeting. The First Minister welcomed the four Chief Constables to the Cabinet meeting. As part of the Strategic Assessment for Wales on Protective Services the discussion focused on the implications of Sir Ronnie Flanagan's Review of Policing and, in particular, the sections on Threat, Harm and Risk and the Police Funding Formula. The Chief Constables also expressed their views on dealing with alcohol misuse in Wales and their Forces contributions to the Substance Misuse Action Plan, the Alcohol Action Plan and managing the evening and late night economy. Cabinet focused on the changes in the licensing laws and it was noted that, although there had been a reduction in the amount of violent crime associated with pubs and clubs closing at the same time, the staggered closing had resulted in the police having to deploy extra resources later in the night. The Chief Constables were complimentary about the approach taken by local authorities in implementing their new role. It was reported that the Trading Standards Authorities had been pro-active in enforcing the new licensing laws in public houses and clubs and had taken action where necessary. However, crime associated with on-street consumption and drinking in the home had increased. On New Years Eve, for example, reported violent crime had not been associated as much with licensed premises but more with peoples' homes, where there had been an increase in alcohol related violence and domestic abuse. Finally the Chief Constables indicated that progress was being made with the Joint Emergency Services control rooms in Wales.
Cabinet met on 10 March. Cabinet extended its congratulations to the Welsh Rugby Team on winning the Triple Crown and to Cardiff City Football Club on securing a place in the FA Cup semi finals.
The First Minister reported on his recent visit to China focusing on the announcement that Tianhai Medical Equipment had signed a joint venture agreement with Swansea based Enfis on the application of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting to surgical lamps, incubators etc in Wales. Tianhai also intended to send one member of staff to Wales to liaise with Enfis on medical applications of LED lighting research.
The Deputy First Minister introduced a paper which sought Cabinet’s approval and publication of the proposed Wales Transport Strategy. The draft strategy had been reviewed as a result of the consultation and updated to reflect the commitments set out in One Wales. The Minister reported that the changes to the pre consultation document included a greater emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, better integrated public transport systems and improvements to the road and rail links between north and south Wales. Cabinet welcomed the paper and agreed that there was a need to reduce the number of single occupancy cars on the roads, with a greater emphasis on encouraging the use of public transport, while removing barriers to those wishing to cycle and walk.
The Minister for Rural Affairs introduced a paper which set out a proposed approach to pursue a programme of bovine TB eradication in Wales, in line with the commitment contained in One Wales. The Chief Veterinary Officer was invited to provide background on the extent of bovine TB in Wales. It was noted that in recent years the number of cases of the disease had increased. As a result of this the level of compensation paid to farmers had also increased. There was a need to review the current control mechanisms to help eradicate the disease and that the four key principles of control should be applied: keeping infection out; rapid early identification; containment; and elimination of the disease. Ministers indicated that a holistic approach was required to tackle the disease and agreed that the Minister for Rural Affairs should come back to Cabinet with an action plan based upon the framework contained in the paper. (I have downloaded the paper but not annexes 3-5)
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced a paper on Climate Change which had been revised following the discussion in Cabinet on 18th February. The paper sought Cabinet’s approval that all greenhouse gas emissions be included in the scope of the 3% target as set out in One Wales and in emission reduction activity, a proposed approach for developing a programme of action, and reporting arrangements for the work of the Climate Change Commission.
The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government introduced a paper which sought Cabinet’s approval of the draft consultation document on a proposed Welsh Assembly Government single equality scheme, and its launch for public consultation later that month
.
The Minister for Health and Social Services indicated that shortly after Easter she would be launching a consultation on proposals to abolish the internal market within the NHS in Wales, in line with the commitment within One Wales. A draft consultation paper had been circulated to Cabinet members earlier that day and the Minister indicated that she would welcome any written comments.
Cabinet next met on 7 April after the recess. Although the agenda is there, the link to the Minutes and Papers does not work. There was a discussion on the Bovine TB Eradication Framework.
At the next meeting on 14 April, Cabinet noted the media coverage of the Rural Affairs Minister’s announcement on the Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Eradication Framework. The Rural Affairs Minister highlighted the balanced reporting outside Wales and reiterated that the approach represented a long term aspiration for both wildlife and livestock to be Bovine TB-free in Wales.
Cabinet extended its congratulations to the Ospreys on winning the Edf Energy Cup and also to Swansea City football club on securing promotion to the Championship.
The Deputy First Minister introduced a paper which reflected recommendations from the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) on the Economy and Transport. This MAG had placed sectors within three categories: Core or Enabling; Strategically Important; and Economically Important. The Minister reported that he had considered in detail the advice and had agreed that the automotive and aerospace sectors should be considered as strategically important rather than economically important. It was noted that the MAG, as part of phase 3 of its remit, would be focusing on energy as a sector and it was agreed that the timing of this phase should be realigned to coincide with the production of the Assembly Government’s Energy Strategy.
The Cabinet Forward Work Programme was noted. The paper explains how the Agenda for Cabinet Meetings is planned in advance by officials.
Cabinet on 28 April was the last one to be attended by Sir Jon Shortridge as Permanent Secretary. The First Minister and Cabinet thanked the Permanent Secretary on the occasion of his final Cabinet meeting, for his very major contribution to devolution in Wales over the whole of the previous decade and for leading the civil service through exceptional and unparalleled change. They wished him well on his retirement.
The First Minister drew Ministers’ attention to adverse press coverage relating to the new Health centre at Cardiff Prison. It was noted that the Assembly Government was responsible for providing prisoners’ health care in public sector prisons, but not for the capital spending on the new £9.3 million centre, which were replacing very dilapidated previous facilities.
The First Minister advised Cabinet that the current NHS waiting times were expected to be released on Wednesday and figures indicated that the general downward trend was continuing.
The Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery introduced a paper which set out his proposals for fulfilling the One Wales commitment to review the governance arrangements of public service organisations in Wales and to assess their alignment with the public services improvement agenda. A set of Citizen-centred Governance Principles had been developed to reflect the improvement agenda. It was intended that the assessment approach would stimulate public service organisations and partnerships to reflect, identify and disseminate examples of good practice in service delivery and innovation, and to provide feedback to the Assembly Government on barriers to effective performance. Cabinet approved the paper
.
The Minister for Heritage introduced a paper which set out the background for the proposal to develop an integrated broadcasting and communications strategy. There had always been a clear distinction between telecommunications and broadcastings services, which operated on separate networks, used different technologies and served different purposes, however, this was rapidly eroding as devices, markets, services, networks and applications were converging.
Cabinet on 12 May saw the first appearance of the new Permanent Secretary, Gill Morgan. The First Minister and his Cabinet welcomed Gill Morgan to her first meeting of the Assembly Government’s Cabinet.
The First Minister advised Cabinet that General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited had recently signed a contract to supply a tactical communications and data system, as part of the United Kingdom’s initiatives to improve economic, educational and defence links, with Libya. It was noted that General Dynamics had also been selected by the Ministry of Defence as the provisionally preferred bidder for the Utility Vehicle Design for the Future Rapid Effect System.
The First Minister noted the comments made by Scottish Labour Leader Wendy Alexander in which she had challenged the Scottish First Minister to set up an early Yes/No referendum on independence in Scotland. Notwithstanding the fallout from this argument and its impact on the Calman Commission on devolution in Scotland, the immediate constitutional issues in Wales were the establishment of the All Wales Convention, to prepare the way for a referendum on full law-making powers, and to establish an independent commission to review Assembly Government funding and finance, including tax-varying powers.
The Deputy First Minister introduced a paper which sought Cabinet’s approval of the proposed Freight Strategy. The strategy had been updated, following the initial consultation, to reflect the One Wales commitments to move freight from road to rail, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. The proposed Strategy would provide the framework that would guide the development of freight components of the Regional Transport Plans and would also guide the development of the National Transport Plan. I’m sure you can’t wait to read it.
The Deputy First Minister introduced a paper on Major Events which had been jointly produced with the Minister of Heritage and advised Cabinet of proposals for cross departmental working in the development of a Major Events programme to meet the One Wales priorities. The proposed programme would maximise opportunities for raising awareness and the understanding of the Assembly Government’s role and activities.
Cabinet met on 19 May. Ministers noted that the Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery would be resting at home for a few weeks following a routine procedure to unblock an artery. The First Minister advised Cabinet that during Andrew Davies’ absence he would be taking any urgent decisions in relation to the Finance and Public Service Delivery portfolio.
Cabinet congratulated Cardiff City Football Club’s performance at the Football Association (FA) cup final on Saturday and applauded the exemplary behaviour of the fans.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced a paper on getting value from construction that had been prepared jointly with the Deputy First Minister. The paper brought together the work being taken forward on sustainable buildings and the built environment. To maximise economic, social and environmental benefit, and to provide the private sector with the clarity it was seeking, it was proposed that a task and finish group of officials should be established to produce a short prospectus on the Assembly Government’s aims for and commitments to construction industry. It was intended that the group would also produce recommendations for rationalising the policy frameworks and to produce a route map for delivering objectives across Departments.To oversee see this, an ad-hoc group of Ministers with a portfolio interest would be established. It was agreed that the Deputy Minister for Skills should be a member of the ad-hoc Ministerial group
.
The Deputy Minister for Skills introduced a paper which set out strategic messages and proposals which would be reflected in the forthcoming skills and employment strategy, scheduled for publication in July.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced a revised paper on sustainable development which had taken account of written comments made by Ministers. It was reported that the new scheme would be a strategic level document which would explain how Assembly Government policies would have a positive long term impact. It was intended that the new scheme would be branded as ‘One Wales – One Planet’
.
The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government introduced a paper which asked Cabinet to note the three year action plan that had been developed with key external stakeholders to provide support and guidance to victims of forced marriage and honour based violence. Cabinet welcomed the paper and suggested that health and education professionals needed to engage more with communities to help identify victims of forced marriages and honour based violence.
The Minister for Health and Social Services advised Cabinet that, if questioned about the abortion limit, she would be following advice received from Health professionals that it should remain at 24 weeks. This was endorsed.
Cabinet next met on 9 June. The Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills advised Cabinet of the outcome of the latest meeting of the Foundation Phase Task and Finish Group, which had met earlier that day. It was reported that the latest deadline of 30th May for local authorities to provide further data to assist with the roll out of the Foundation Phase had now passed with only 11 local authorities having submitted returns. The First Minister requested details of those local authorities which failed to submit data in case it was raised at his questions the following day. The Minister had decided to extend the statutory roll out phase from three to four years. As a result of this the statutory curriculum would be phased in one year group at a time, with 1st August 2011 being the target implementation date for all 6 to 7 year olds.
The Deputy Minister for Regeneration (that was me, folks) introduced a paper which provided an interim analysis of the responses to the consultation on Communities Next. The paper also set out proposal to amend the vision framework to reflect Assembly Government priorities, and the establishment of an outcome fund to focus on the delivery of key community objectives. It was reported that there was a clear indication from the consultation to retain the existing Communities First brand for both local and the new national initiatives and it was recommended that the current working title of Communities Next should be discontinued. Cabinet agreed that the term Communities First Plus could be used when referring to new national initiatives.
The Vision Framework would be amended to incorporate six themes: child poverty; jobs, business and income generation; education, training and skills; environment; health and wellbeing; and crime and safety, reflecting Assembly Government priorities. Each Minister would be asked by their Departments to agree which themes would be relevant to their portfolios. The new overarching Framework would enable the Partnerships to amend their strategic plans to reflect the priorities contained in One Wales.
The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government introduced a paper which sought Cabinet’s approval of the Refugee Inclusion Strategy Draft Implementation Action Plan for consultation among key stakeholders. It was reported that, in order to develop the implementation action plan, officials had established a task and finish group to ascertain what individual Assembly Government Departments needed to do to identify: targets; outcomes; milestones; timescales; partners; funding / resource implications; and risks. Cabinet approved the paper.
Cabinet on 16 June noted that the first Legislative Consent Motion would be going before the Assembly that week.
The First Minister introduced a paper that sought Cabinet’s approval of revised text of the Wales Spatial Plan, which had been updated to reflect One Wales commitments and a wide ranging consultation. One Wales set out the Plan’s role as the overarching framework and integration tool for aspects of economic development, child poverty and public service delivery, while contributing to the delivery of 39 other One Wales commitments. The plan would also help integrate policy delivery across all sectors in Wales, while identifying area strengthens and weakness and directing resources and activity accordingly
.
The Minister Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced a paper which sought Cabinet’s approval of the consultation document on changes to planning policy in rural areas. The aim of the consultation was to set out how the Assembly Government intended to deliver the One Wales commitments to: increase the supply of affordable housing; extend the scope of essential dwellings category; and assist new entrants into farming. Ministers welcomed the paper and, in particular, proposals to ensure agricultural succession. It was noted that on completion of the consultation exercise, the new policies that the Assembly Government intended to take forward would be published and consulted upon as a draft Ministerial Interim Planning Policy Statement. Any required changes to planning guidance would be incorporated in revised versions of the relevant Technical Advice Notes (TANs).
Cabinet met again on 30 June. The Health Minister reported that some 800 responses had already been received in relation to the consultation exercise on the restructuring of the NHS in Wales.
The First Minister informed Cabinet that he would be meeting Sebastian Coe and Charles Allen of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games later that day.
The First Minister reported on the Joint Ministerial Council, which he had attended, with the Deputy First Minister, the previous week.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced a paper which sought Cabinet’s agreement to developing further the existing collaborative work being undertaken by officials to help maximise the economic, health and environmental benefits from countryside access. The paper also indicated that Ministers should consider how the wider countryside access opportunities might assist in meeting Assembly Government policy objectives.
The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government introduced a paper which asked Cabinet to note the outcome of the consultation exercise on the Single Equality Scheme, and in particular, the cross cutting themes which had emerged from the responses. The next stage would be for Departments to develop action plans for the scheme over the summer, which would be approved by Ministers. Officials reported that the content of the UK Government's Single Equality Bill would be complementary to the Welsh Assembly Government’s Equality Scheme, although it was recognised that the UK Government’s proposals included a seventh strand in relation to transgender.
At the Cabinet Meeting on 7 July, the Deputy First Minister introduced a paper setting out the proposed high level allocations to Departments for the 2009-10 draft budget, which had been agreed earlier by the Cabinet Committee on Budget and Performance.
The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a paper which provided initial findings of the recent consultation on Proposals to Change the Structure of the NHS in Wales and sought Cabinet’s agreement to a further consultation exercise in the Autumn.
The Minister for Heritage introduced apaper which asked Cabinet to agree the broad approach for the Legislative Competence Order for taking forward the One Wales commitment to place a statutory cultural duty on local authorities.
The final meeting of the Cabinet before the Summer 2008 recess was on 14 July.
The First Minister reported on his attendance at the Governance in Wales Conference the previous week, where he had indicated, during his opening address, that the Assembly Government had no plans to change the pattern of local authorities in Wales, in the context of encouraging further Beecham type collaboration.
The First Minister advised Cabinet that a recent report on the Barnett formula by the Institute for Public Policy Research-North had indicated that the way the devolved administrations, were funded was neither equitable nor fair and that Wales in particular was under funded. It set out the relative positions of the four nations and also the English regions.
The First Minister advised Cabinet that, following a protest from Boeing, the Pentagon had reopened the contract to supply the US Air Force with new in-flight refuelling tankers. It was reported that European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), with their partners Northorp Grumman, remained confident that they could win the contact or a very large part of it.
The Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery introduced a paper which invited Cabinet to note how Local Service Boards (LSBs) and their Local Delivery Agreements were developing in light of the recent stock stake by the Cabinet Committee on Public Service Delivery.
The Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery introduced a paper which asked Cabinet to confirm whether they were content with the proposals for the 2011 Census questionnaire.
The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government introduced the paper which sought approval the final Substance Misuse Strategy and accompanying implementation plan, which was approved by Cabinet.
Cabinet met for the first time after the Summer recess on 29 September. Over the summer, Rodri Glyn Thomas resigned from the Cabinet and was replaced by Alun Ffred Jones whose first Cabinet this was. The Cabinet meeting took place in the context of the Global Financial Crisis. Cabinet discussed the international financial situation and reflected upon the implications for the Welsh economy. The level of Government support being provided to Financial Institutions was noted and Ministers acknowledged that this was likely to have an impact on the level of public expenditure in future years. It was reported that the Treasury was expected to increase the level of individuals savings guaranteed by the Government.
The First Minister reported on the British Irish Council meeting, which had taken place the previous week in Edinburgh, where it had been agreed that the Welsh Assembly Government would, on behalf of the Council, lead on early years education.
The Deputy First Minister introduced the paper which sought approval of the consultation document on the One Wales commitment to produce an all Wales Green Jobs Strategy, which had been developed with the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing. Ministers noted that UK as a whole was only responsible for 2% of global emissions but this could be increased by a further 8% if the goods and services imported from other countries were taken into account. The Green Jobs Strategy would be the Assembly Government’s framework for actions to enable businesses and organisations in Wales to improve their own environmental performance and also take advantage of business opportunities that arise as society moves towards more resource efficient climate-conscious living and working. The scope of the Strategy had been considered in correspondence and the comments received had been addressed in the consultation document. It was recognised that the strategy was not just about creating new green jobs but also about the greening of existing jobs and the Assembly Government was prepared to work with all companies wishing to reduce their carbon footprint. The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing indicated that local authorities also had a key role in developing green jobs and there was a need for them to operate in a collaborative way, such as in waste management. It was suggested that Construction Excellence Wales’ Green Compass Pilot project, aimed at helping the construction industry to improve its waste management practices should be included in the consultation document as an example of the Assembly Government funding green jobs.Ministers indicated that research and development faculties and departments within Universities had a key role in developing new green technology and it was agreed that this too should be reflected the consultation document. Ministers discussed how the production of renewable energy may encourage new green jobs to Wales and noted that, in addition to supporting business that wanted to manufacture wind and wave turbine technology, there was also a need to ensure that the planning system supported energy generation from a range of renewable sources. Furthermore, there was a need to certify that energy generated by biomass was sourced from sustainable biofuel. It was also suggested that this could be supported by a moral and ethical framework.It was noted that although there would be limited circulation of paper copies of the consultation document, the Assembly Government would be actively promoting it electronically and by other means, for example it was intended that there would be a conference aimed at Trade Unions to discuss green job development
.
The Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery introduced the paper which sought Cabinet’s approval of the publication of the technical draft budget and a new budget document which was designed to set out much clearly how the Assembly Government budget would be used to deliver benefits to people across Wales. This document would also provide greater transparency by providing an overview of the public spending context, setting out the challenging economic climate and the tougher fiscal environment in which the Assembly Government was now operating. Ministers noted that since Cabinet had approved the draft budget in July additional resources had been allocated to facilitate the roll out of the Foundation Phase and to meet critical pressures in Health.
The Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery introduced the paper which sought Cabinet’s approval of the commissioning of a national survey of citizens’ views and experiences to replace the Living in Wales survey, which was scheduled to end later in the year. It was reported that a recent review of the Living in Wales survey revealed that the usefulness such a survey would have been greater if it had: provided annual data at a local authority level; collected data more quickly; collected information on cross cutting themes; and aligned statistical information from the survey more closely with other sources of performance information. The proposed new survey would be capable of capturing voices in a representative, robust and cost effective way. It would also provide greater consistency in terms of the type and quality of performance information used at local, regional and national levels to inform decision making.
The Health Minister advised Cabinet of the statement she would be making to plenary the following day in relation to the reorganisation of the National Health Service (NHS) in Wales. The Minister indicated that she intended to chair a National Advisory Board, which would be made up of a small but independent membership. The Chief Executive of the NHS Wales, in addition to being a member of the Advisory Board, would also chair a delivery group, which would have the responsibility for the day-to-day operational performance of the seven new NHS Local Bodies. Further work will be undertaken on whether the seven new bodies will be allocated some of the responsibilities of Health Commission Wales. In addition, a Unified Public Health organisation will be formed in line with the Assembly Government's One Wales commitment, with executive responsibility for public health being vested with the seven NHS Local Bodies and at a national level. There will also be a strengthened public health presence within local government to complement the strengthened public health focus of the NHS.
The implications of the Global Financial Crisis continued to reverberate at the Cabinet Meeting on 13 October. Ministers noted that the Assembly Government was fully supporting the UK Government in its efforts to get the Icelandic Government to release the assets of local authorities and other public sector organisations frozen in Icelandic Banks, and to meet any financial losses caused by the collapse of the banks. There was no suggestion of the Treasury providing compensation to the authorities concerned. The First Minister indicated that he had written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer setting out the position in Wales and the concerns of the Welsh Authorities. He agreed to share this letter with his Cabinet colleagues. The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government reported that as yet there was no indication of any Welsh authority experiencing cash flow problems. Ministers considered whether there were any other public bodies in Wales which had invested in Icelandic banks and noted that although 3 Higher Education authorities had such investments, there had been no calls for financial assistance. The Finance Minister reported that Chancellor’s Pre Budget Statement, expected at the end of October, was likely to have an impact on the level of public expenditure available in coming years. The Finance Minister intended to make an oral statement on Icelandic Banks the following day.
The First Minister advised Cabinet that the Welsh Economic Summit, scheduled for Thursday, was expected to be well represented by the Banking, House Building and Retail sectors. It was noted that representatives from key Trade Unions had also been invited. It was suggested following the inaugural meeting, there should be regular meetings, possibly weekly, to consider the economic situation.
The Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery introduced a paper which sought Cabinet’s approval to consult on the draft policy statement on Inspection, Audit and Regulation in Wales. The statement affirmed the One Wales commitment to accountable, citizen-centred public services, and to a strategy for the continual improvement of local services. It set out, for consultation, the part the Assembly Government expected inspection, audit and regulation bodies to play in fulfilling that commitment
.The Deputy First Minister introduced a paper which asked Cabinet to agree the overall approach to determining future Assembly Government support for major events, including the role of the newly established Major Events Unit. Cabinet welcomed the paper and agreed that more should be done to build upon the recent sporting successes and ensure that future sporting or cultural events produced a lasting legacy for the people of Wales. It was suggested that legacy planning should be included in the criteria for supporting events, focusing on the potential benefits to Assembly Government priority policies such as, improving health through activity and the promotion of the Welsh tourist industry. There was also a need to ensure that the Assembly Government was able to demonstrate the lasting benefits of staging such events. The Annexes have not been downloaded.
The Minister for Children, Education Lifelong Learning and Skills introduced the paper which sought the Assembly Government’s response to the Department of Work and Pensions’ (DWP) green paper on Welfare Reform. Ministers recognised that the aims of the Green Paper aligned a number of strategic objectives shared between the UK and Assembly Governments, such as achieving an 80% employment rate and eradicating child poverty. However, certain elements of the paper appeared to be outdated considering the economic downturn.
Cabinet on 20 October heard the report from the Economic Summit. The First Minister advised Cabinet that the first Economic Summit had been invaluable in bringing together government, businesses and trade unions to discuss how everyone could work together to ensure that Wales was fully prepared to respond to the impact of the economic downturn. The joint paper from the Wales TUC and CBI Wales, tabled at the summit, had been well received. There had been a consensus at the Summit on the main areas for action. Officials had subsequently prepared an initial seven point action plan reflecting the Assembly Government’s immediate response, which was presented to Ministers. It had been agreed that working parties would be established to support each action and a progress report would be provided at the next summit scheduled for November. It was to be expected that at least one action under each heading would be progressed before the next Summit. The Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery reported that he and the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government would be meeting the WLGA the following day to discuss local government’s contribution to supporting the key actions, such as: getting better value for money through increased collaborative procurement; minimising turn-around times for the payment of invoices; and identifying and bringing forward capital projects with particular emphasis on projects with a high labour content. In addition, officials would be writing to public bodies in Wales to encourage them to accelerate payments to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). It was agreed that Ministers would give further consideration to the initial actions arising from the first Economic Summit and provide written comments by close of play Wednesday 22nd October. The Finance Minister circulated a paper by officials setting out what further action the Assembly Government could take to accelerate its capital programme in order to bring forward opportunities for the construction sector. It was reported than an immediate action would be for officials to look at the land-banks held by the Economy & Transport and Health Departments to ascertain whether land could be released for affordable housing. The Finance Minister also suggested that the Strategic Capital Investment Panel might be asked to provide advice on bringing forward certain infrastructure projects.
The First Minister informed Cabinet that he would be speaking to Hywel Francis MP following the publication of the Welsh Affairs Committee’s report on the draft Affordable Housing Legislative Competence Order.
The Chief Medical Officer introduced a paper which presented key public health priorities from his 2007 annual report. Positive aspects of the report included overall life expectancy was increasing, with long term trends indicating that deaths from heart disease was decreasing. The number of childhood deaths from road traffic accidents had also decreased. In addition, the outbreak of avian flu in 2007 had been well managed. It was expected that the ban on smoking in public places, introduced in 2007, would continue to have a positive impact on the health of people in Wales. Ministers recognised however, that the smoking of tobacco remained the leading cause of avoidable death in Wales and should continue to be the target of action. There were also relatively high rates of teenage pregnancies, particularly in deprived areas, and the cases of obesity in children and adults was also increasing. Other issues that needed to be addressed included binge drinking among young people and the increase in illnesses and deaths attributed to substance misuse, particularly alcohol. Cabinet agreed that there was a strong relationship between deprivation and the consequences of risk related behaviours and this continued to have an impact on public health in children and adults. It was noted that the development of the Public Health Strategic Framework focusing on: socio-economic, cultural and environmental conditions; children and young people; healthy eating, food and fitness; heath related behaviours and risks; limiting long term health conditions; mental health; and strengthening local public health delivery would be significant opportunity for improving health overall and reducing inequality of health outcomes in Wales. It was reported that although the number of parents immunising their children with the MMR vaccine had increased, a recent outbreak of measles had occurred amongst travelling families and it was significant that none of those infected had received the MMR immunisation. It was noted that work was ongoing to examine the causes of the unequal health and life expectancy outcomes and links between local authority areas such as Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire and the degree to which the unequal health outcomes was linked to socio-economic status differences and advice would be submitted to Ministers in due course.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced the paper which sought Cabinet’s approval of the draft Sustainable Development Scheme consultation document. It was intended that the consultation document would issue in November and run for a period of 12 weeks. Cabinet welcomed the consultation document and suggested that the section on Sustainable Transport should include reference to the Sustainable Towns Initiative and the section on Measuring Progress should refer to the promotion of public transport. Furthermore, the definition of Wellbeing as an indicator should refer to children and the Assembly Government’s policy on Safer Routes to Schools should be reflected in the consultation.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced the paper which asked Ministers to note the key challenges facing water policy and to agree to the development of a Welsh Assembly Government Strategic Policy Statement on Water.
Cabinet met again on 3 November. Ministers reflected on the Ford Motor Company’s recent announcement of a £70 million new investment to produce next generation low CO2 emission high fuel efficiency 1.6-litre petrol engines at its Bridgend plant, and its decision to extend the Christmas holiday for 500 employees due to falling sales of large engines.
Officials were invited to introduce the paper which set out arrangements for the next Economic Summit to be held in St Asaph on Thursday. The paper included a proposed agenda and a list of likely attendees. Officials also reported on progress against the Assembly Government’s Action Plan since the last summit.
The Deputy Minister for Housing introduced a paper which set out the potential implications of the current economic climate on the Housing market.
Cabinet welcomed the appointment of Paul Williams, currently Chief Executive of the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Trust, as the new Chief Executive of NHS Wales.
Cabinet met on 17 November. The Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills introduced a paper which set out recommendations in response to the Task and Finish Group’s report from phase one of the review of Higher Education in Wales, which focused on student finance arrangements. It was noted that the report had been unanimously supported by the Task and Finish Group. The Minister highlighted the un-sustainability of the current arrangements and estimated that the re-modelling might release around £40m for reinvestment in higher education in Wales. The agreement of Ministers was being sought to enable the introduction of the new arrangements during this Assembly term. The paper recommended that the Higher Education student finance system should be re-modelled, to redirect grant resources from the Tuition Fee Grant (TFG) to the Assembly Learning Grant (ALG). It was apparent that the TFG had not had the effect of encouraging Welsh students to study in Welsh Higher Education Institutions. The resources, resulting from this remodelling, would be used to target One Wales priorities for Higher Education, such as encouraging the studying of priority subjects, including HE through the medium of Welsh. Furthermore, the Welsh Assembly Government would work with the UK Government to identify sustainable options for providing extra assistance with student debt. The revised paper had taken account of comments made by Cabinet on 3rd November. Cabinet agreed that it was critical to ensure that the correct level of support was in place to allow those students from less well off backgrounds to attend higher education. This also had the potential to increase the number of students attending Welsh universities.Ministers welcomed the revised paper and agreed that, as far as tackling student debt was concerned, their preferred option was to introduce a set of ‘debt write offs’. It was possible that such a scheme could be introduced in advance of the move from TFG to ALG. The period of debt write off would require detailed legal and financial advice but could, for example, extend up to the first five years of a students working life. This would overcome some of the problems associated with the TF G which was denied to students studying outside Wales even if their chosen course was not available or oversubscribed in Wales. It would also encourage Welsh Students to return and work in Wales after they had graduated. Ministers also agreed that the universities in Wales needed to improve the way they collaborated to put them in a stronger position to bid for research and development grants, and any funding would be on a ‘something for something’ basis.
The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government introduced a paper which contained proposals for developing a new working relationship with local authorities through Outcome Agreements and a short term refresh of the Essex-Jones agreement. The proposals had taken in to account comments raised by Ministers at Cabinet in July and the emergence of the integrated policy agenda for public services. It was recognised that recent failings in some local authorities had contributed to a view that they were unable to deliver the required level and quality of services to the citizen. In addition, it was not clear whether the priorities of the authorities were fully aligned to those of the Assembly Government. The paper proposed that a new outcome based performance and accountability framework, agreed with the local authorities, should help address these issues and provide the Assembly Government with the necessary levers to address underperformance in an effective way. It was intended that the outcome agreements would first be piloted in the areas of social services and education to test the process of defining, building and agreeing a meaningful framework of outcomes and to ascertain how those would be used to measure performance. These proposals would be proofed against the current work being undertaken on the Spatial Plan, Local Service Boards and Improvement Agreements. The proposals might also take account of work under way in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire social service departments. It was noted that the paper still referred to piloting waste management and it was agreed that this should be removed. It was also recognised that the Essex-Jones agreement was a product of its time, but a decade on there was a need for a review to take into account the changes which had occurred within local government. As for local government mergers, it was noted that this was not an Assembly Government priority but Ministers indicated that if such proposals were to be put forward by any local authorities they would be considered.
The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government introduced the paper which asked Cabinet to agree in principle to the establishment of a National Community Safety Board for Wales and that should officials develop more detailed proposals in liaison with relevant stakeholders.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced a paper which asked Cabinet to note the implications arising from the introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy in Wales.
Cabinet on 24 November met on the same day as the UK Government’s Pre Budget statement. The First Minister advised Cabinet that Finance officials would be following the Chancellor’s Pre Budget Statement on television and would provide an overview of its content towards the end of the Cabinet meeting. Later in the meeting Finance officials advised Cabinet that the Chancellor of the Exchequer was still on his feet in the House of Commons, but they were able to provide Ministers with a brief overview of what he had announced so far. It was recognised that a lot more detail would be made available later that afternoon. It was reported that there would be a temporary short term departure from the Fiscal Rules with a tightening from 2010-11 onwards. There was expected to be real term rises in public expenditure of 1.3%, 1.2% and 1.1% in the 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 financial years, but this was expected to be from a lower baseline. There would be an additional efficiency target of £5billion in 2010-11 that would be applied to the devolved administrations through the Barnett Formula. There would also be a capital investment reduction from £40billion in 2009-10 to £33billion in 2010-11. The UK Department of Health’s capital baseline was being reduced by around £1.4billion in 2010-11 to adjust to capital underspends in that Department. This would also be transferred across to Wales through Barnett. It was reported that £2.91billion of capital would be brought forward from 2010-11 to the 2009-10 and 2008-09 financial years and it was noted that the Chancellor had indicated that devolved administrations could re-profile their expenditure accordingly in line with the Barnett Formula. The Chancellor has announced a reduction in the rate of Value Added Tax to 15% for the next 13 months. There would also be changes to income tax in relation to higher earners, National Insurance contributions would rise from April 2011, and there would be increases in fuel, tobacco and alcohol duty. In addition, there was expected to be range of measures to support businesses and families through the economic downturn.
It was reported that the next Economic Summit was scheduled for 5th December in Cardiff. The First Minister indicated that, as there wasn’t a Cabinet meeting scheduled before the Summit, he would be reviewing the progress of the actions under each of the workstreams with the Deputy First Minister and the Finance Minister. Ministers briefly discussed how local government were responding to the agreed actions from the previous Summits and noted that the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government would be raising procurement, payment and planning issues at the next meeting of the Local Government Partnership Council on Thursday.
The First Minister advised Cabinet that the recent Financial Times article, indicating that the expansion in the public sector was driving the UK economy, had reported that, private sector employment had been more important in underpinning economic expansion in Wales than elsewhere in the UK.
The Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery introduced a paper which asked Cabinet to agree the approach for handling the 2009-10 budget and the final Departmental Expenditure Limits prior to being tabled in the Assembly on 2nd December.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing introduced the Minerals Technical Advisory Note (TAN) 2: Coal. The Minister indicated that she would provide Ministers with further advice which would be accompanied by a Written Statement, to enable Cabinet to approve the TAN in correspondence.
The Heritage Minister introduced a paper which proposed a draft framework to help develop the Climbing Higher, Active for Life Action Plan. Ministers noted that, in response to the Assembly’s Audit Committee’s report on the need to increase Physical Activity in Wales, it had been agreed that the Chief Medical Officer would co-ordinate cross- departmental work on the development of a Physical Activity Action Plan. It was proposed that the draft framework, which had been developed with internal and external stakeholder task and finish groups, would consist of four Strategic Themes: Active Environments, Active Children and Young People, Active Adults and Sport for All. Cabinet welcomed the paper, particularly the emphasis on helping Children and Young people to reach the target of 60 minutes of moderate activity per day. It was suggested that more could be done to encourage young people into sport through legacy planning for the 2012 London Olympics.
The Minister for Heritage advised Cabinet that the Broadcasting Advisory Group, established to help inform the Assembly Government’s response to the Ofcom consultation on the review of public broadcasting, was due to report towards the end of that week. It was noted that as Ofcom’s deadline for the consultation was 4th December the Minister proposed to circulate the Assembly Government’s response to Ministers to agree in correspondence.
The Health Minister reported that the consultation on the next stages of the reform of the NHS in Wales would be issued the following week. The consultation would focus on the model, membership and functions of the seven new NHS local bodies in Wales.
The final Cabinet Meeting of 2008 was on 8 December. The Finance Minister updated Cabinet on the Chancellor’s Pre-Budget Report and confirmed that there would an additional efficiency target of £5billion in UK Government revenue expenditure in 2010-11. The extent to which this would impact upon Wales would depend upon how much of the £5billion was subject to the Barnett Formula. If the full value for money savings turned out to be in UK comparable departments such as health and education, those savings would be passed on via the Barnett formula to Wales and would result in a reduction in the revenue budget of £292m, higher than the current near-cash reserves set aside for 2010-11. The exact details of the proposed efficiency savings would not be known until the Chancellor’s budget statement in the Spring. Ministers acknowledged that the immediate assumption should be that no department should expect to receive any additional revenue funding in 2010-11. In addition, the expected capital under-spend in the UK Department of Health in 2010-11 would be translated across in capital reductions for the devolved administrations. This was expected to amount to a cut in the capital expenditure of the order of £75million. There would be an opportunity to bring forward approximately £140 million of capital spend from 2010-11 (£16.5m this financial year and £123.4m in 2009-10). However, the Assembly Government’s baseline from 2011-12 was expected to be lowered by £140million. The Finance Minister indicated that he would be writing to all Ministers shortly asking them to consider and, where appropriate, put forward proposals for bringing forward capital expenditure in the New Year. Ministers acknowledged that the Pre-Budget Report had set a challenge for the Assembly Government from 2010-11 onwards and suggested that public statements on the possible impact of the Chancellor’s statement should be made sooner rather than later. It was agreed that the Finance Minister would provide his Cabinet colleagues with a handling note on the outcome of the Pre-Budget Report. The Assembly Government had received an additional capital allocation of £2.92million in both 2008-09 and 2009-10 as a result of the additional expenditure by the UK Government on the ‘Warm Front’ energy efficiency programme. The Finance Minister indicated that the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing had written to him asking if the additional funding might be made available for investment in the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) to assist in the alleviation of fuel poverty. The Finance Minister reminded Cabinet colleagues that there was no automatic entitlement to Barnett consequentials as they were managed centrally and decided upon collectively. However, he indicated that, on this occasion he was minded to support the proposal to allocate the additional funding to HEES but in line with the established practice he was seeking Cabinet’s views. Ministers agreed with the Finance Minister’s proposals but suggested that the funding should contain a benefit advice element. It could also help raise the profile of HEES to support those suffering from fuel poverty.
Ministers noted the positive response to the third Economic Summit which had been held the previous Friday, and reflected upon the recent economic forecasts.
The First Minister advised Cabinet that the outcome of the Universities’ RAE quinquennial review was expected on 18th December.
Ministers noted that Sir Jim Rose’s proposals for changes to the Education system in England appeared to reflect what was already happening in the Assembly Government’s Foundation Phase.
Ministers briefly discussed progress with the Assembly Government’s legislative programme and noted that the Carers LCO and the Learning and Skills Measure were being debated in the Assembly the following day. Furthermore, the Vulnerable Children LCO and the Learner Travel Measure were expected to receive Royal Assent on Wednesday and the Affordable Housing and Welsh Language LCOs were expected to be published early in the year.
The Deputy Minister for Housing introduced a paper which sought Cabinet’s approval of the consultation draft of Sustainable Homes: A National Housing Strategy for Wales. It was intended that the strategy would be aspirational, articulating the Assembly Government’s long term vision for housing in Wales, and include short term action plans setting out a series of objectives which would need to be achieved within specified timelines. It was envisaged that the consultation would run for a period of three months, from the middle of January, with the aim of the Deputy Minister launching the Strategy in the third quarter of 2009. The proposed strategy would be complementary to the other actions underway to help achieve the One Wales commitment to increase the supply of affordable housing by 6,500.
The Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery introduced a paper inviting Cabinet to note the establishment of a Public Private Partnership Unit to make use of innovative funding approaches in Wales which would complement conventional funding arrangements while levering in a greater level of private finance. There were currently numerous examples of how the public and private sectors were cooperating, such as waste and anaerobic digestion. However, it was evident that the Welsh public sector lacked the expertise in sufficient depth to deliver the optimum return for public investment. The Chair of the Strategic Capital Investment Framework Panel had recently made such comments. Cabinet noted that these proposals did not constitute a change in Assembly Government’s policy in dealing with the potential use of private finance in assisting in the delivery of its aims and objectives. It was reaffirmed that there would be no use of PFI in the Welsh Health Service during this Assembly term. The First Minister emphasised that it was not normal to restate an unchanged policy at Cabinet but exceptions were sometimes necessary to correct misunderstandings which had gained currency in the public domain.
The Health Minister indicated that she would be shortly issuing a written statement on the future management of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust.