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Younger pupils to return to primary school after half-term
The Welsh Government has announced a phased return of Foundation Phase (3 to 7-year-old) pupils to primary schools from February 22nd 2021.
Foundation Phase pupils will return gradually to classrooms over w/c 22nd February, with all pupils in-class by the end of that week.
Phased-return of older age groups will be considered at the next three-weekly review of Covid-19 restrictions on 19th February 2021.
Education Minister, Kirsty Williams (Lib Dem, Brecon & Radnor) said: “In order to keep transmission low as we take cautious first steps we will work with local authorities and our unions to reinforce Keep Wales Safe messages so that parents/carers continue to be vigilant including socially distanced behaviour at school gates, not permitting sleepovers or other household mixing outside of school, and not sending children to school if they have symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.”
Rail franchise nationalised; South Wales Metro faces a delay of “a few months”
Transport for Wales officially took control of the Wales & Borders rail franchise on February 7th 2021, putting the franchise in public ownership.
The Welsh Government announced the franchise would be nationalised last October. The decision was made following the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on commercial revenues and passenger numbers.
Elsewhere, Chief Executive of Transport for Wales, James Price, said the South Wales Metro project was facing a delay of “only a few months” due to pandemic restrictions. The £750million project is set to be completed during 2023 and includes the electrification of large parts of the Valley Lines north of Cardiff and the introduction of new rolling stock.
Draft Welsh budget approved
On 9th February, the Senedd approved the draft Welsh budget for 2021-22.
Finance Minister, Rebecca Evans (Lab, Gower), said the UK’s funding settlement and a lack of clarity over post-EU funding have left Wales worse off this year.
The draft budget was approved by 30 votes to 20, with MSs rejecting a Plaid Cymru amendment to the motion calling for eligibility for free school meals to be extended by 17-30 with three abstentions.
A vote on the final budget is set to take place in March.
English local election and Police & Crime Commissioner decision hints at May Senedd election
The decision by the UK Government to press ahead with Police & Crime Commissioner elections in EnglandandWales – as well as English local elections – in May will likely put pressure on Senedd authorities to follow suit.
The Senedd has passed an emergency Bill allowing a delay to the Senedd and any local by-elections due during 2021, though the Welsh Government has maintained that their desire is for the election to go ahead on May 6th.
An added complication is that while 16 and 17-year-olds can vote in the 2021 Senedd election, they’ll be unable to vote in the Police & Crime Commissioner election which is due to take place on the same day.
