New Economic Renewal Programme

Wales' Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, has launched the 'Tell Us' campaign, seeking views on the Welsh Assembly Government's Economic Renewal Programme.

WAG states that the programme has been set up "to ensure the right policies and structures are in place to build a more sustainable economy following the recession.

Views are sought, via this online questionnaire, by 26 February 2010.

More about the Economic Renewal Programme

The Deputy First Minister's statement

New First Minister for Wales reshuffles Cabinet

Carwyn Jones, Wales' new First Minister has announced the following Cabinet:

Ministers:
Carwyn Jones AM (labour) - First Minister
Ieuan Wyn Jones AM (Plaid Cymru) - Deputy First Minister, Economy and Transport
Jane Hutt AM (Labour) - Business and Budget
Edwina Hart AM (Labour) - Health and Social Services
Jane Davidson AM (Labour) - Environment, Sustainability and Housing
Leighton Andrews AM (Labour) - Children, Education and Lifelong Learning
Carl Sargeant AM (Labour) - Social Justice and Local Government
Elin Jones AM (Plaid Cymru) - Rural Affairs
Alun Ffred Jones AM (Plaid Cymru) - Heritage

Deputies:
Lesley Griffiths AM (Labour) - Skills, Innovation and Science
Jocelyn Davies AM (Plaid Cymru) - Housing and Regeneration
Gwenda Thomas AM (Labour) - Social Services
Huw Lewis AM (Labour) - Children
John Griffiths AM (Labour) - Counsel General and Leader of the Legislative Programme

Janice Gregory AM (Labour) - Chief Whip

Cabinet Statement: Social Partnership in Wales

Andrew Davies, Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery, has issued a written Cabinet Statement on Social Partnership in Wales.

The statement defines Social Partnership in Wales as "the co-operation between representatives of the main participants in the economy and society of Wales in identifying, brokering agreement on, and implementing policies and practices that maximize the economic and social benefits for the people who live in Wales."

The statement outlines 6 recommendations developed by a scoping group that included the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, Wales Local Government Association, Welsh Assembly Government, Wales Social Partnership Unit, Wales Trades Unions Congress, Welsh NHS Confederation and Business Wales.

WSPU on Twitter

WSPU is now also providing updates via Twitter. Follow us at: www.twitter.com/wspu_update.

Welsh Language Order 2009 reaches House of Commons

The Welsh Language Order 2009 will be debated in the House of COmmons on Tuesday 15 December 2009 (pm).

The Welsh Office press release relating to this can be read here.

Further information about the progress of this LCO is available here.

S4C2 no longer broadcasting National Assembly proceedings

S4C2 is no longer broadcasting proceedings of the National Assembly for Wales as it has done previously.

BBC2's AM/PM programme will broadcast First Minister's Questions with additional political news from Wales every Tuesday 2pm - 3pm. This programme will be in English only.

Committee meetings and Plenary sessions can be viewed online at Senedd.tv. The BBC is to launch an online website including the proceedings of UK political institutions.

New planning rules make micro-generation in Wales easier

The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) has issued a press release noting that new planning rules that will make it easier for people to install micro-generation equipment such as solar panels in their homes are to be introduced in Wales.

WAG states that the aim of the latest planning changes is to remove certain types of micro-generation equipment from requiring planning permission, making it easier for individuals and local communities install equipment that will contribute to tackling climate change and lower energy bills. There will be no requirement to pay planning fees, reducing the financial burden to homeowners.

The full press release can be read here.