The PAN builds on the recommendations in the Steel Report by the Tata Steel Task Force in January 2016, which identified public procurement as an area of support for the steel industry in Wales and the UK. The PAN will provide clarity to the Welsh public sector on approaches which should be adopted to open up sub-contract opportunities for Welsh and UK steel suppliers.

Professor Drakeford said: “The publication of the PAN is part of our ongoing commitment to support the long-term viability of steel making in Wales and recognises the importance of steel to the Welsh and UK economy as a provider of highly-skilled, well-paid jobs – both directly and in the supply chain – and as a key investor in further education and research and development.”

The steel PAN encourages public sector bodies to determine which of their procurements are major projects in which steel is likely to be a critical component. It suggests they may include but are not limited to:

• Infrastructure projects – such as rail and roads;
• Construction projects – such as the building of and or refurbishment of prisons, hospitals, universities, housing, community centres, bridges and schools; 
• Flood defences.

Professor Drakeford added: “This is a further example of the Welsh Government’s commitment to provide opportunities for local suppliers to engage in public contracts – either directly or through the supply chain – and is part of our wider support package for the steel sector in Wales. It also highlights our ongoing policy of using public procurement to support ethical business practices. 

“We are already seeing the results of the first steel PAN, which was issued in 2016, to support the Eastern Bay Link Road project, funded by the Welsh Government. This has helped source 89% of the steel reinforcing bars used in the construction of the road from within Wales.”

The procurement advice note Supporting the sourcing of steel in construction and infrastructure projects in Wales is available on the following link at: Supporting the sourcing of steel in major construction and infrastructure projects in Wales (PAN) .

The Welsh Government funding of £682,500 will contribute 75% towards the cost of carrying out detailed design work for a coastal defence scheme to reduce the flood and coastal erosion risk to Mumbles.  

Under the Council’s preferred option the coastal defences will be enhanced and the promenade widened, potentially providing recreation, tourism and health benefits,  as well as reducing risk to homes and businesses.   

The appraisal identifies that, once construction work is complete,124 properties will benefit immediately, rising to 147 in 2118, taking into account climate change and associated sea level rise.

Hannah Blythyn said:

“It is one of our key priorities as a Government to reduce the risk of flooding caused by rising sea levels and climate change. This funding towards the cost of the design phase is bringing Mumbles one step closer to a significant coastal protection scheme which will make a difference to residents and visitors alike.

“We are working with coastal local authorities around Wales towards investment of up to £150 million to reduce the risks we face from sea-level rise and climate change.  This complements a further £151 million capital investment in flood risk management over the lifetime of this Government.”

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment Services, Cllr Mark Thomas, said: 

“We are delighted that our Welsh Government partners have approved a substantial funding contribution towards this exciting project. It means we can now move forward to develop a detailed design for the scheme.

“Not only will it protect properties at risk of flooding near the seafront and tackle coastal erosion for generations to come, it is also an opportunity to widen and improve sections of the promenade at the same time for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.”

Last year, Education Secretary Kirsty Williams announced an Independent Task and Finish Group would be set up to review current arrangements for teachers pay and conditions and consider where and how the system could be improved.

The overall aim of the group is to understand how the pay and conditions structure contributes towards a highly motivated teaching profession and a high quality education system.

The Task and Finish Group will be chaired by Professor Mick Waters who will be assisted by Professor Melanie Jones and Sir Alasdair Macdonald.

The group will report back with recommendations by the autumn.

Kirsty Williams said:

“Taking over responsibility for teachers’ pay and conditions is an incredibly important step for Wales and our education system. The English system is no longer appropriate, relevant or to the advantage of the profession here.

“Right from the offset, we want to make sure that we have a system based on the values of equity and excellence and a commitment to inclusive, public service education. This is fundamental to supporting and strengthening the teaching profession.

“I have every confidence that our Independent Panel of experts will provide the insight and expertise needed to deliver a system that can support our teachers and raise standards for all.

“It’s essential, however, that we involve teachers as part of this process and listen to their views on how we can make the new system a success.

“That’s why we’re calling on everyone with an interest, both within and outside the profession, to tell us what they think of the current system, how it could be improved and how we can create a system that is specifically targeted towards the needs of Wales and the profession here.”

To submit your views, please visit https://consultations.gov.wales/consultations/independent-review-school-teachers-pay-and-conditions-wales

The Collingwood and Charles Tunnicliffe archives are joined by Colwyn Foulkes Architectural Drawings: the Forgotten Buildings – Banks, Churches, Charities, Children’s Homes and Cinemas in being safeguarded for future. They will be preserved at Cardiff University, Oriel Môn and by the Conwy Archive Service respectively.

This forms part of a Welsh Government/NMCT partnership allocation of almost £35,000 to conserve items currently held under restricted access because of their fragile condition, making them much more accessible to students, researchers and local users. 

Culture Minister, Lord Elis-Thomas said:

“Since 2008, this partnership has opened up access to, and rediscovered, some truly amazing collections. This year is no exception with some unique, truly remarkable works by some of Britain’s most cherished and respected individuals and groups. 

“I am grateful to the NMCT Trustees for their continued support of archive conservation projects in Wales and I’m very pleased Welsh Government have again been able to support preserving such historical and cultural gems.”            

Once the items are in a stable condition they can be studied, handled and safely digitised before being made available online to a wider audience. 

Lord Egremont, Chairman of NMCT, added: 

“We are delighted to have been able to support the conservation of three very varied and enormously important collections thanks to our continuing and successful partnership with the Welsh Government’s Museums, Archives and Libraries Division.”

Families First is an early intervention and prevention programme, aimed at improving outcomes for children, young people and families. It is designed to reduce the numbers of families developing more complex needs and requiring more intensive and costly interventions at a later date.

Families First is part of a wide package of measures the Welsh Government has put in place to support parents and families.

The most recent data available show that between April 2015 and March 2017:

• 77% – 12,665 – of parents have benefited from a parenting intervention.
• 80% – 12,567 – of parents improved their ability to support their child’s learning and development needs.
• 78% – 43,111 – of families improved their emotional/mental well-being.
• 73% – 23,395 – of families have reported improved family dynamics.

Later today, the Minister will visit a Families First project in Bangor to see for himself the work they do to support families.

Huw Irranca-Davies said:

“The Welsh Government has made a firm commitment to making a real difference to our youngest children, with a focus on improving outcomes for children and young people through early intervention and prevention. 

“Families First puts a team of highly specialised staff around the family, and encourages families to be involved in the identification of issues and the resolution of those issues, recognising the strengths and resources within the family.

“I’m delighted to see literally tens of thousands of families have received targeted support from our Families First teams right across Wales, which in many cases, has proved to be absolutely life-changing.”