This week, the Rugby Council held several meetings, with discussions ranging from musical education to social care regulation. Here is a detailed summary of the key meetings and decisions made:

Petitions Committee

On Monday, 24 June 2024, the Petitions Committee met and decided to keep all four petitions under discussion open. They agreed to seek further evidence from various stakeholders, including the Welsh Government and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. The petitions discussed included:

National Strategy for Musical Education

A petition calling for the development of a national strategy for musical education in Wales was discussed. The petition, signed by over 1,000 people, argues that music education in Wales is in crisis. The Welsh Government responded that a national strategy is unnecessary due to existing initiatives. The committee will write to the Welsh Government for further evidence and also seek views from other stakeholders.

The Welsh Government does not believe that a national strategy is necessary to support musical education.
— Correspondence from the Cabinet Secretary for Education to the Chair of the Petitions Committee, 24 May 2024¹.

Transport for Pupils Attending Faith Schools

A petition calling for a review of transport provision for pupils attending faith schools was also discussed. The petitioner argued that the current system disadvantages these pupils. The committee decided to keep the petition open and seek further evidence from stakeholders, including teaching unions.

Pupils from my area who attend a faith school are often disadvantaged by the current system.
— Correspondence from the petitioner to the Petitions Committee, 19 June 2024².

Funding for Eating Disorder Treatment

Beat Eating Disorders, the UK's eating disorder charity, submitted a petition calling for increased funding for treating people with eating disorders. The committee decided to keep the petition open and work with the Health and Social Care Committee to consider the issues raised.

Review of the Curriculum in Wales

A petition calling for a review of the Curriculum for Wales, introduced in 2022, was discussed. The petitioner argued that the new curriculum is already unfit for purpose. The committee decided to keep the petition open and seek further evidence from various stakeholders.

The curriculum is not fit for purpose and needs a complete overhaul.
— Correspondence from the petitioner to the Petitions Committee, 17 June 2024³.

Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee

On Wednesday, 26 June 2024, the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee met to discuss their forward work programme for Autumn 2024 and agreed on the text of a letter to be sent to the Welsh Government regarding their progress on emissions reduction.

Plenary

On Wednesday, 26 June 2024, the Senedd debated a proposal for a Community Energy Benefits Bill and a petition to increase funding for cultural institutions. Members also voted on a Plaid Cymru motion about Wales’ relationship with the next UK government.

Community Energy Benefits Bill

The bill aims to ensure renewable energy developments benefit local communities directly and mandates local ownership of energy generation developments. The Senedd approved the proposal for the bill.

The days of energy being generated in one part of Wales in order to see the profits disappear to another part of Wales or the world are long gone.
— Rhun ap Iorwerth MS.

Funding for Cultural Institutions

A petition calling for increased funding for the National Library of Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales, and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales was discussed. The Senedd agreed to note the petition.

It's absolutely vital that we protect these organisations that are so intrinsic to our national life and identity.
— Rhianon Passmore MS.

Wales and the Next UK Government

The Senedd debated a motion about Wales' relationship with the UK Government. The motion called for the next UK Government to abolish the office of Secretary of State for Wales and highlighted the need for a constructive relationship between the Welsh and UK Governments. An amendment calling for the next UK Government to commit to a Council of Nations and Regions passed, and the motion as amended was agreed.

Health and Social Care Committee

On Thursday, 27 June 2024, the Health and Social Care Committee discussed the regulation of social care in Wales. They focused on the financial pressures experienced by children's social care providers and the role of profit in the sector. The committee expressed concern about the state of social care and called on the Welsh Government to take urgent action.

We recognise that local authorities sometimes have to rely on independent providers to meet their statutory duties and that there's often limited availability of placements within the sector.
— The Children's Homes Association⁴.

We are deeply concerned about the serious challenges facing social care in Wales, including workforce shortages and inadequate funding, and the impact that these issues have on the lives of children, young people and families.
— Barnardos Cymru.

Children, Young People and Education Committee

On Thursday, 27 June 2024, the Children, Young People and Education Committee received an update from Warwickshire County Council on the Early Help Strategy. The strategy aims to provide early support to children and young people to prevent problems from escalating. The committee praised the progress made and supported the continued implementation of the strategy.

We aim to ensure that all children and young people in Warwickshire have the best start in life and are supported to reach their full potential.

I am particularly pleased to see the focus on early intervention and prevention. This is essential to ensure that children and young people get the support they need as early as possible.
— Cllr Jim Smith.