AM Supports Campaign New Powers

CARL SARGEANT WELCOMES NEW POWERS TO HELP DRIVE UP BUILDING STANDARDS IN WELSH HOMES
The Labour Welsh Government has revealed plans to improve the energy efficiency of buildings as it this week assumes responsibility for building regulations from Westminster.
The devolved administration took over power for building rules from the beginning of this year and is expected to consult on new proposals to increase energy efficiency standards for new and existing homes, as well as non-domestic buildings, in March.
Environment minister John Griffiths has announced that the Welsh Government will aim to deliver a 55 per cent improvement on 2006 requirements for new homes by promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly construction.
Alyn & Deeside AM Carl Sargeant said,
"As a Welsh Labour Government we are committed to reducing the carbon emissions of the built environment and to moving to building standards that will deliver housing that is much more energy efficient, building regulations will be one of the key tools in helping us to reach our goals.
The Welsh Government’s Environment Minister John Griffiths AM said,
"Now that Wales has responsibility for setting its own building regulations we will be progressing work to make changes that will enable us to deliver a 55% improvement on 2006 requirements for new homes.
"Not only will this help us to decrease the carbon emissions of the built environment in Wales, it will also result in new homes that are much warmer and cheaper to heat."
The Welsh Government is holding a series of stake holder events to inform its proposals for increased standards for new and existing homes and non-domestic buildings. The Environment Minister is expected to consult on these proposals in March 2012.

AM Welcomes Plan

CARL SARGEANT WELCOMES AMBITIOUS VISION FOR CANCER CARE IN WALES
An ambitious vision of what cancer care should look like to help achieve rates comparable with the lowest in Europe will be set out in a new cancer plan published by the Labour Welsh Government and open to public consultation on the Welsh Government website.
This plan sets out the Welsh Government’s expectations of the NHS, working together with local government, the third sector and the public, with regard to what improvements should be delivered by 2016. The plan also identifies themes for action and will include a short document for the public what it can expect over the coming few years.
Commitments in the plan include:
• A requirement on every Health Board will to produce its own cancer delivery plan.
• Asking patients to rate their experience of the care they receive and acting on their feedback to improve the quality of care.
• Reducing the gap in the incidence of cancer between the most and least deprived communities.
• Publishing an annual report on the effectiveness of cancer services.
Alyn & Deeside AM Carl Sargeant said,
“Cancer remains a top priority for the Welsh Government. Although Wales has seen some of the most significant improvements in cancer survival in the UK during the last few years, the incidence of cancer is increasing. I welcome the consultation document as it sets out clear expectations of the NHS in Wales in tackling cancer up to 2016.

The consultation closes on 9th March 2012 and further details, including the consultation document, “Together Against Cancer: A Delivery Plan for NHS Wales” can be found on the Welsh Government’s website, www.wales.gov.uk.