Written Assembly Questions tabled on 4 July 2016 for answer on 11 July 2016
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W - Signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.
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Written Questions must be tabled at least five working days before they are to be answered. In practice, Ministers aim to answer within seven/eight days but are not bound to do so. Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs
Sian Gwenllian (Arfon): Following an application by Gwynedd Council on behalf of the Council, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, and Natural Resources Wales, to the Welsh Government (Small Flood Plans) on 22 April 2016 for funds to improve flood defence measures in Bontnewydd, will the Minister confirm that the Welsh Government will release the funds required in order to complete the work before winter, when there will be the threat of further floods? (WAQ70589)
Answer received on 12 July 2016
The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs (Lesley Griffiths): I announced on 7 July almost £3 million funding for Local Authorities to carry out small scale schemes and undertake further work required as a result of flood damage following the flooding last winter. This includes £93,000 to Gwynedd Council for work in the village of Bontnewydd following flooding there in December 2015.
To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Education
Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister outline any plans to improve standards and the rate of improvement in the North Wales Regional Consortia following the latest Estyn report? (WAQ70588)
Answer received on 7 July 2016
The Cabinet Secretary for Education (Kirsty Williams): I am disappointed with the findings of the GwE inspection report and have committed my officials to supporting GwE in addressing the key recommendations. They will also monitor and report to me on the consortium’s progress against its proposed actions.
Many aspects that have already been consolidated into GwE have been reported on positively within the report; it is however now crucial that all areas identified within the National Model for Regional Working are drawn together rapidly and effectively by the six Local Authorities and delivered to the highest quality.
This will take strong and collective leadership from the six local authorities and GwE moving forward. I have made it clear that I expect to see swift action taken by GwE and the six local authorities whom form part of the consortium to address the recommendations. I am already aware that the local authorities, through their Joint Committee and through their Directors of Education are looking at how they can work together more effectively.
While Estyn have completed their inspections of the four regional education consortia in Wales only the reports for Central South and GwE have been published. I will await the publication of the EAS and ERW reports before deciding next actions. We will be discussing this with Estyn, local authorities and consortia early in the autumn term.