Answers issued to Members on 14 August 2008

[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest.
[W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.

Questions to the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills

Peter Black (South Wales East): What assessment did the Minister make of the likely benefits of the Member proposed youth services Measure? (WAQ52297)

Substantive answer following holding reply.

The Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (Jane Hutt): Your proposed Measure sought to improve services for young people by placing youth services on a statutory basis. While I support a proposal that will improve the services available to young people, I am content that youth services in Wales already have a statutory basis through section 123 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000. Your proposed Measure would, therefore, duplicate existing powers available to the Assembly Government and would have provided no additional benefit for young people.

Your proposed Measure has highlighted the need for greater clarity around the Assembly Government’s expectations on local authorities for the provision of statutory and voluntary youth services. The Youth Support Services Directions (Wales) 2002, made under the powers conferred on Welsh Ministers by section 123 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000, requires local authorities to provide youth support services; secure the provision of youth services or participate in the provision of youth support services. These directions are due to be reviewed in the very near future to reflect changes that have taken place since it was issued in July 2002, in particular those arising from implementation of the Children Act 2004, such as statutory children and young people’s partnerships and plans. In the light of your proposed Measure, I have asked that officials ensure that the revised guidance will also clarify the Assembly Government’s expectations and requirement upon local authorities for the provision of statutory and voluntary youth services. I believe that this will enhance the statutory basis of youth support services, including youth services, and ensure that local authorities implement their existing statutory duties to full effect and for the benefit of young people in Wales. I would welcome your contribution to this process and towards ensuring that your vision for youth services, outlined in you proposed Measure, are encompassed.

Mick Bates (Montgomeryshire): What assessment has the Minister made of the size of the funding gap between higher education in Wales, compared with England, and what plans does she have to rectify this? (WAQ52310)

Substantive answer following holding reply.

Jane Hutt: I and my colleagues remain committed to a vibrant and competitive higher education sector in Wales, with a key role in delivering for the needs of Wales. My officials are working with Higher Education Funding Council for Wales to develop a sustainable funding framework within the recourses available. In particular, on 25 June, I announced a two-stage review of higher education in Wales, chaired by Professor Merfyn Jones. The first stage of the review will consider the student finance arrangement in Wales and is due to conclude by the end of September, while the second stage will focus on reviewing the purpose and role for higher education in Wales and should be completed by the end of February 2009. As part of its work, the review will assess issues of funding and will consult with key stakeholders, such as HEFCW.