Cabinet meeting: 27 January 2025

• Rt Hon Eluned Morgan MS (Chair)
• Huw Irranca-Davies MS
• Jayne Bryant MS
• Mark Drakeford MS
• Rebecca Evans MS
• Jane Hutt MS
• Julie James MS
• Jeremy Miles MS
• Lynne Neagle MS
• Ken Skates MS
   
• Dawn Bowden MS
• Sarah Murphy MS
• Vikki Howells MS
• Jack Sargeant MS

Officials

• Andrew Goodall, Permanent Secretary
• Rachel Garside-Jones, Transition Director Office of the First Minister
• Rebecca Dunn, Head of Cabinet Division
• Victoria Jones, Principal Private Secretary, First Minister
• Toby Mason, Head of Strategic Communications
• Sinead Gallagher, Deputy Director Cabinet Office
• Wayne David, Special Adviser
• Kevin Brennan, Special Adviser
• Sarah Dickins, Special Adviser
• Madeleine Brindley, Special Adviser
• Ian Butler, Special Adviser
• Haf Davies, Special Adviser
• Victoria Evans, Special Adviser
• David Hooson, Special Adviser
• Kirsty Keenan, Special Adviser
• Jackie Jones, Special Adviser
• Stephen Jones, Special Adviser
• Philippa Marsden, Special Adviser
• Martha O’Neil, Special Adviser
• Maddie Rees, Special Adviser
• Victoria Solomon, Special Adviser
• Mary Wimbury, Special Adviser
• Christopher W Morgan, Head of Cabinet Secretariat (minutes)
• Damian Roche, Cabinet Secretariat
• Helena Bird, Permanent Secretary’s office
• Kath Hallett, First Minister’s office
• Tracey Burke, Director General Climate Change & Rural Affairs
• Sioned Evans, Director General, Education, Culture and Welsh Language
• Tim Moss, Chief Operating Officer
• Judith Paget, Director General Health and Social Services
• Andrew Slade, Director General, Economy, Energy and Transport
• Nia James, Director Legal Services
• Amelia John, Director Communities & Social Justice (item 4)
• Andrew Charles, Deputy Director, Cohesive Communities (item 4)
• Chris Buchan, Head of Third Sector Policy & Support (item 4)

1.1 Cymeradwyodd y Cabinet gofnodion y 20 Ionawr 2025 / Cabinet approved the minutes of 20 January 2025.

Cabinet Sub-Committee on North Wales

2.1 The First Minister reflected on the successful Cabinet Sub-Committee in North Wales the previous week.

Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration

2.2 The First Minister informed Cabinet that earlier that day she, along with other members of the government, had attended the Wales Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff. It was an occasion to honour the memory of the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust and other genocides, and an opportunity to commit to stand against present day intolerance and hatred.

3.1 Cabinet noted voting time would be around 4:45pm on Tuesday, this would be followed by stage 3 of the Health and Social Care Bill, with voting throughout the session. Voting time on Wednesday was scheduled for 5.55pm.

4.1 The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip introduced the paper, which asked Cabinet to continue strengthening the partnership with the Third Sector in Wales.

4.2 The promotion of the interests of voluntary organisations and importance of the relationship with government had been an important part of devolution. The Third Sector Scheme and the Funding Code were the envy of other nations, and it was important to recognise that 25 years had passed since the introduction of the first Third Sector Scheme. This relationship, enabled by the scheme, did not exist elsewhere in the UK, or in many parts of Europe.

4.3 The sector was an important delivery partner and helped each portfolio to deliver the Government’s priorities. Charities also helped individuals who might be facing disadvantage and isolation to access support. The sector also supported many local facilities, providing a range of activities from exercise classes, the ability to learn Welsh or a facility to just meet up and keep warm. There was also Cwtch Mawr in Swansea, Wales's first Multibank.

4.4 The sector also had a role in economic development by supporting those furthest from the labour market to gain the confidence and skills to apply for vacancies. As well as providing opportunities to explore new careers through volunteering.

4.5 Within education, schools were supported by volunteers who assisted with children’s reading, the delivery of extra-curricular activities or with trips and fundraising. As well as advocating for children with Additional Learning Needs, or physical health needs. There was also the role of governors in supporting schools. Furthermore, community transport helped people to attend hospital appointments, schools, job interviews and overcome isolation.

4.6 The ability to access social welfare information and advice was important to help people make informed decisions, such as the 'Claim What’s Yours' campaign. There was also the access to specialist services such as supporting victims of VAWDASV, often these groups worked alongside statutory partners.

4.7 Cabinet welcomed the paper and recognised that during the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis the Third Sector had demonstrated how important it was to the people of Wales. Furthermore, the Sector and volunteers helped to deliver policies across all portfolios, from helping support the Health, Social Care, Sports and Culture sectors, helping at food banks and distribution centres to supporting many environmental projects.

4.8 It was noted that businesses and professionals were now using their volunteering sessions to apply their skills and training to help communities, as well as supporting charities, such as Keep Wales Tidy.

4.9 Cabinet approved the paper.

5.1 Cabinet noted the UK government’s Spending Review would conclude on 11 June.

Cabinet Secretariat
January 2025