National Assembly for Wales

Developments of national significance, which include large-scale renewable and low carbon energy schemes, can generate direct social and economic benefits to local communities. Developments of national significance renewable schemes are required to set out the social, economic, environmental and cultural improvements they will make to local communities. Whilst not a planning consideration, the Welsh Government encourages local ownership of renewable energy projects and voluntary contributions from developers to host communities.

We are committed to giving every child the best start in life. That’s why this year we’re investing over £150 million for sustainable, affordable childcare. We’ve lifted the hourly rate to £6.40 and guaranteed 100 per cent rates relief for providers. Meanwhile, we continue to work together with local authorities and the childcare sector to assess childcare affordability and access. Our investment helps parents work and children thrive.

We are starting devolution of probation services with a memorandum of understanding on co-commissioning services, similar to greater Manchester. We aim to have this in place by spring next year. Our ultimate objective is the devolution of policing and justice in its entirety, including probation services. The memorandum of understanding will be among our first steps in a phased approach to achieving this without disrupting vital probation services in Wales.

We are committed to improving rail transport in north Wales by delivering the network north Wales vision. Almost every Transport for Wales service is already run by new trains, thanks to our £800 million investment. Pay-as-you-go ticketing will be delivered in north Wales next year, making travel easier and cheaper for passengers. We engage with all the rail operators in north Wales on the services they offer and fares they charge.