Questions to the First Minister

QNR – in the Senedd on 12 February 2019.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative

(Translated) What steps is the First Minister taking to improve school performance across Wales?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The regional education consortia support, and work closely in partnership with local authorities to promote high standards of education. I am encouraged that Estyn’s most recent annual report, published last December, noted that there has been further improvement in standards in primary schools.

Photo of Siân Gwenllian Siân Gwenllian Plaid Cymru

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on changes to business rate relief schemes?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

(Translated)

Our permanent small business rates relief will provide 100 per cent relief to childcare providers from 1 April. An extra £23.6 million of relief will be provided to retailers and high streets in 2019-20 and we have extended relief for community hydropower projects into 2019-20.

Photo of Darren Millar Darren Millar Conservative

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government’s plans to improve support for veterans?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

(Translated)

Real progress has been made in improving services and support for veterans including housing and employment pathways, an employers toolkit and mental health services for veterans. We will continue to build on this.

Photo of Neil McEvoy Neil McEvoy Independent

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on the importance of bus routes to residents in South Wales Central?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The Welsh Government White Paper, launched in December 2018, sets out proposals for improving the legislative framework in Wales for planning and delivering local bus services, which remain the bedrock of the public transport system for residents of South Wales Central and beyond.

Photo of Jenny Rathbone Jenny Rathbone Labour

(Translated) How does the Welsh Government plan to build on the work of the Bevan Commission to mainstream innovation in healthcare?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The Welsh Government has supported a range of Bevan Commission activity, such as the innovation exemplar programme. Officials are working closely with the commission to evaluate the impact of projects at the local level and their wider potential for scale and spread across the system.