Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru

The National Infrastructure Commission for Wales will publish its first annual report next month, as intended. 

Local authorities are autonomous organisations, responsible and accountable for the licensing services they provide, and ensuring those services are appropriate to the communities they serve. 

In response to our call for evidence on the delivery of housing through the planning system, I have today published a consultation on proposed changes to 'Planning Policy Wales' and associated advice and guidance. This includes the proposed revocation of technical advice note 1, including paragraph 6.2.

My officials and I continue to work with those responsible for the safety of individual buildings in Wales, including local authorities, fire and rescue services, landlords, managing agents and the developers and construction companies responsible for building the homes where defects have been found following formal inspections.   

Local authority services play an essential role in the lives of the people of Wales. The Welsh Government continues to protect funding for our local authorities so authorities can continue to provide these vital services, both statutory and non-statutory. Local service delivery, however, is for local determination.

The Welsh Government’s policy document 'Woodlands for Wales' strategy outlines our commitment to bring more Welsh woodland into management. An additional £2 million has been given to the current round of Glastir woodland creation scheme and we are developing a national forest programme to increase woodland planting and management in Wales.  

I have committed to reviewing the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014. This will include full consideration of any barriers to enforcement. In addition, we will help educate the public on how to purchase their pets responsibly and how to report suspicious activity to their local authority.