Welsh Government News-in-Brief
First Minister offers further support to kick-start Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon
One year on from the Hendry Review, First Minister Carwyn Jones has committed to providing further investment to kick-start the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and is calling on the UK Government to give the project the green light.
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “This would be the world’s first tidal lagoon power plant, which would create thousands of high quality jobs, supply a significant proportion of the UK’s energy needs and position Britain as a world leader in a new global industry.
“And, yet, the UK government has been dragging its heels for over a year. This is leading to a growing sense of frustration among the Welsh business community and an increasing risk that the lack of a decision will turn into a decision not to proceed.
“Now is the time for the UK government to stop stalling and get on with agreeing a strike price so we can make this transformative project a reality.”
£500,000 for town centre regeneration in Neath Port Talbot
A £500,000 Town Centre Loan will support regeneration in Neath Port Talbot, as part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to creating prosperity in valleys communities.
Rebecca Evans AM said: “The £20 million Town Centre Loan Fund is helping to revitalise communities across Wales and it will have a real impact in the Neath Port Talbot area.”
New Year signals a new direction for Fairyhill
Tourism Minister Lord Elis-Thomas has visited Fairyhill, Gower to see how the new owners are transforming the iconic hotel and restaurant into a dedicated wedding and special event venue.
The project has had investment from Visit Wales’ Tourism Investment Support Scheme (TISS) and support from the Development Bank of Wales.
The Minister said: “It’s great to see the progress which has been made at Fairyhill and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support this venture in an area where tourism is such a crucial part of the economy. When complete in the spring, Fairyhill will of course be a first class Wedding venue, but will also be a welcome addition to what Wales has to offer the conference and business market.”
£50m fund to help prepare Wales for Brexit
First Minister Carwyn Jones has announced a significant cash boost to help Welsh businesses and public services plan and prepare for Brexit.
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “Brexit poses different challenges and opportunities for each and every aspect of Welsh life – from our local businesses and major employers, to our farmers, hospitals and universities.
“The EU Transition Fund will help meet the challenges that lie ahead. Developed in partnership with our businesses and public services, it will provide targeted and innovative support, which will help them survive and, indeed, thrive outside the EU.”
Effective planning critical for sustainable blue growth – Lesley Griffiths
Wales’ seas provide numerous exciting opportunities for ‘blue growth’, but effective planning is critical to ensure important natural resources are safeguarded, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths told AMs.
Lesley Griffiths said: “The potential for Wales to benefit from “blue growth” is both exciting and significant. By ensuring different sea users consider each other’s activities and the environment, as well as future potential, generations to come can continue to make the most of our seas.”
Wales sets out plans to end the physical punishment of children
The Welsh Government is seeking views on its plans to end the physical punishment of children in Wales.
Launching the consultation, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “We want parents in Wales to be confident in managing their children’s behaviour without feeling they must resort to physical punishment. If there is any potential risk of harm to a child then it is our obligation as a Government to take action. Legislation was introduced many years ago to stop physical punishment in schools and childcare settings – now is the time to ensure it is no longer acceptable anywhere.”
Number of stroke survivors in Wales continues to increase
More people are surviving a stroke in Wales, a Welsh Government report has shown.
Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething said: “Time is critical to treating anyone suffering from a stroke, so the faster an individual gets expert help, the better their chances are of making a full recovery.
“It’s great to see that more people in Wales are accessing high quality, urgent care during their treatment, and afterwards through rehabilitation, psychological and at times social care provision. I credit all the healthcare professionals for their dedication to improving services for patients in Wales.”
Wales and Europe must work together to face global cyber security challenges
First Minister Carwyn Jones has been in Brittany to sign a new agreement to strengthen links between Wales and the region.
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “I am committed to continuing to work in partnership with our European friends and partners to face future global cyber security challenges.”
Consider Credit Unions this January – Housing and Regeneration Minister Rebecca Evans
Credit Unions can help people to avoid the financial pitfalls of high-interest and illegal moneylenders this January, Rebecca Evans, Minister for Housing and Regeneration has said.
Minister for Housing and Regeneration Rebecca Evans AM said: “Credit Unions in Wales deliver financial awareness education to adults and children in Wales; they help to equip people to make responsible financial decisions, and to avoid irresponsible high-interest doorstep, online and illegal lenders. Crucially, they also work to help people to overcome the problems that come with spiralling debt.
“This January, as people think about their finances after Christmas, it’s worth considering whether your local credit union can help you to meet your savings goals.”
For more Welsh Government news visit: http://gov.wales/newsroom/
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