Plaid Cymru mark 100 days in power
Ministers highlight early progress on NHS waiting times, schools, childcare and the Welsh economy while setting out plans for the months ahead
Last updated 24 hours ago
Today marks 100 days since Wales’ new government took power and Plaid Cymru ministers have marked the occasion by highlighting their progress on key priorities.
Since the Cabinet first met on 18 May, ministers say work has begun to improve NHS waiting times, schools, childcare, employment and opportunities for children.
Among the successes being celebrated by the party are increased incentives for teacher training, expanded funded childcare and the extension of free school meals to more secondary pupils from September.
And, moving forward, a new online dashboard has been launched so that the public can track the progress of government targets.
Dafydd Trystan Davies, cabinet minister for government effectiveness, said: “I’m very pleased with the progress we have made but I also think we have had an opportunity to put foundations in place for the big priorities we are going to tackle around waiting lists, improving the Welsh economy and standards in schools”.
A multi-year funding deal for Welsh farmers and a new North-South coach service are included in the government’s list of early successes, and an expert group has been established to plan new surgical hubs aimed at helping reduce NHS waiting lists.
However, the minister acknowledged that there was still plenty of work to be done: “There’s still a lot of work to be done and we’re looking to get our teeth into it”.
To ensure that progress is made, the dashboard will explain what is being done and provide data to help show whether the actions are making a difference to people’s lives.
It is part of a commitment to transparency that was made when the new government came in.
Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, accused Plaid Cymru of a “total lack of urgency” in its first 100 days in Government.
He said: “Plaid’s first 100 days have been a disappointing series of missed opportunities to turn the page on 27 years of Labour rule in Wales.
“Instead of constantly agitating for yet more powers for the Senedd and unrealistic and harmful net zero policies, Plaid must use the powers it already has to focus on the people’s priorities and deliver rapid and real change for the people of Wales.”
Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates said: “Plaid have been telling us for decades that they were ready to lead Wales. Their actions since getting into Government suggest otherwise.
“One hundred days in, and it’s difficult to see what has changed. Plaid Cymru’s programme has included new reviews, expert groups, taskforces, and strategies.
“The people of Wales deserve less talk and more action.”