Major boost for disability sport in Wales
New figures show more disabled people are taking up sport in Wales nearly a year after the London Olympics and Paralympics
The latest moves on a Welsh income tax
The Welsh Government has said it was 'good to hear' a UK minister back proposals that include devolving 'significant' income tax powers.
Farm animal burial rules relaxed
The Welsh Government have announced that laws preventing the burial of dead animals on farms are to be 'relaxed' for the next seven days.
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Reducing smoking must be priority says Plaid
The Welsh Government's decision not to go ahead with an exemption for actors to smoke on film and television sets and on stage has been welcomed by Plaid Cymru. The party had opposed relaxing the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces.
– Plaid Cymru Health Spokesperson Elin Jones AMI’m glad that the Welsh Government has withdrawn this legislation. It was clear from the evidence given to the [Health] Committee that creating an exemption from the ban was not justified on health or economic grounds. Reducing smoking must remain one of the priorities for the Health Minister. Banning smoking in public places has been a great success and we believe that there are further measures that the Welsh Government could take to reduce smoking.
Smoking ban on film sets won't be lifted
The Welsh Government has abandoned its plans to allow actors to smoke on film and television sets and on stage, if the requirements of the production demand it. The Heath Minister has decided that there will be no exemption to the blanket ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces.
– Health Minister Mark Drakeford AMRegulations to provide an exemption for performers in certain circumstances were laid on 18 July. The Minister for Economy, Science and Transport and I have reviewed the evidence presented ... to date, and have concluded that the Government will not proceed with the original proposals at this time.
Actors can smoke in such circumstances in England and there have been warnings that Wales would lose out if the Welsh Government did not follow suit. BBC Wales claimed that it had to drop a storyline about smoking from the series 'Casualty', but later admitted that was not the case.
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Minister: flood defence funding 'will make a real difference'
Natural Resources Minister Alun Davies said the funding followed one of the wettest years on record for Wales.
– Alun Davies, Natural Resources MinisterWe can never fully prevent all flooding, but we can manage the risks and reduce the consequences. That is why we are investing over £160 million in flood and coastal erosion risk management over the life of this Assembly to reduce the risk of flooding for over 7,000 properties.
As well as delivering protection from flooding and coastal erosion for some of our most vulnerable communities, this additional funding will also help to create and secure local jobs.
– Finance Minister Jane HuttDespite the severe reductions the UK Government have made to our capital budgets, we are determined to do all we can to invest in our infrastructure - because we know this is vital to support economic growth and create jobs.
This extra investment in our flood defences will make a real difference to protecting communities right across Wales.
Extra £10 million funding for flood defences in Wales
An additional £10 million is to be spent on improving flood and coastal defences in Wales' most at risk communities.
Natural Resources Minister Alun Davies says a £76.5million funding package - for housing, schools and transport, as well as flood protection - will support around 1,400 jobs and boost economic growth
The extra £10million will help fund flood and coastal risk management schemes across Wales, including:
£5m to help protect over 215 homes and businesses in the Colwyn Bay community, as well as the A55 and North Wales mainline railway
£2m to extend work on the proposed flood risk management scheme for Mold
£1m for a further phase of work to reduce the risk of coastal erosion and flooding in Borth
Flying Start project 'aims to help most vulnerable'
Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister Huw Lewis said the Flying Start project will be expanded over the next few years to target "specific communities where there are high concentrations of children living in income benefit households."
This is about providing superb quality childcare and support to those who most need it to the benefit of the whole family, and importantly to allow parents the opportunity to gain new skills and look for work.
Our efforts to prevent poverty start with targeting investment to give children the best possible start in life with early intervention to make sure that children have the opportunity to learn, develop and play.
– Huw Lewis AM, Communities and Tackling Poverty MinisterIt is our ambition to double the number of children benefiting from the package of services that the Flying Start Programme offers and that is why we will be funding the creation of 146 new facilities to provide the service.
£19 million for family support projects in deprived areas
Family support programme Flying Start is being given a £19million funding boost to create to help those living in the country's most deprived areas.
The Welsh Government scheme is being expanded to support an extra 18,000 children.There are currently 140 locations across Wales where parents can access Flying Start support and the new funding will help provide an extra 146 centres.
The programme gives eligible parents free part-time childcare for two to three year olds, parenting support and an enhanced health visitor service.
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Anglesey: Reports of Labour deal with Independents
There are reports that Labour councillors are close to a deal with Independent councillors to run Anglesey council following last week's inconclusive election result. It's thought an agreement could be announced as soon as lunchtime.
Such a deal would be a blow for Plaid Cymru. It's the largest party but without enough seats to rule alone. And the Labour councillors can expect face heavy criticism for supporting the return of rule by the independents, who were blamed by the Welsh Government for the authority's difficulties.
Ministers must decide if the leadership of the new council is stable enough to take over from the commissioners sent in to sort out Anglesey's problems. The reported deal would involve the three Labour councillors, those Independents who operate as a group and others who act alone.
Give Wales power over elections, say campaigners
The Electoral Reform Society, which campaigns for electoral change, says the Queen's speech should include a bill which transfers power over elections to the Welsh Government. The Society's Director in Wales, Steve Brooks, says:
– Steve Brooks, Director, Electoral Reform Society WalesWe hope the UK Government will announce plans to bring forward legislation to boost democracy in Wales. The Society would warmly welcome a Bill that reverses the ban on dual candidacy, and devolves power over local and Assembly elections to Wales.
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With just two years to go before the next General Election, this is possibly the last opportunity to make progress on devolution before the parties inevitably focus all their efforts on the forthcoming electoral battle.
'Action needed' to help deaf pupils reach potential
by Richard MorganThe Welsh Goverment is facing demands to close the gap in the educational achievements of deaf children and their peers in our schools.
It comes after new figures reveal that deaf pupils are more than 40 percent less likely to achieve higher grade passes in their core subjects.
Welsh Government reviewing support for deaf children
– Welsh Government spokespersonWe are committed to ensuring all children reach their full potential while in education and that is why we are currently reviewing the way we support pupils with additional learning difficulties.
During this process we are working closely with a number of support groups, including the National Deaf Children’s Society.
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