Higher and degree apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as a valuable career development tool, providing opportunities for individuals to 'earn while they learn.'
Welsh Government's Second Supplementary Budget approved
The Welsh Government's Second Supplementary Budget has been approved by the Senedd.
The £789 million funding package, was published in February and received final approval on Tuesday.
The package includes investments, which have been delivered throughout the year, such as £264 million for public sector pay rises announced in September; £108 million for NHS improvements, including £50 million to reduce the longest waiting times by the end of March 2025; and £63.5 million to improve school standards and support education at all levels. There is also £53.5 million for school and college infrastructure repairs and digital improvements and £10 million to increase social housing through the Social Housing Grant.
Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: "We welcome the Senedd's approval of this crucial budget. This investment strengthens the services that matter most to the people of Wales. The extra funding is supporting improvements in the NHS and schools; has provided pay increases for public sector workers and is helping to build more affordable homes for Welsh families."
The Second Supplementary Budget also includes £166.7 million for rail improvements and sustainable travel, £33.5 million for road network safety, and £10 million in emergency support for local authorities to repair damage caused by the winter storms.
Latest News
28/04/2025 - 12:02
London Councils has published a new report on how leasehold properties could be made more energy efficient, which also acknowledges the financial and legal difficulties that are making it difficult for leaseholders and council tenants to receive help.
28/04/2025 - 11:06
London’s sporting events boosted economy by £230 million last year, according to recent data revealed by the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
25/04/2025 - 10:33
London Councils has warned that the capital’s worsening homelessness crisis presents the “single biggest risk” to London boroughs’ finances and is pushing councils towards bankruptcy.
25/04/2025 - 10:16
A major carbon capture and storage network is ready to begin construction in North Wales and the North West of England.
25/04/2025 - 09:39
Government departments and their arms-length bodies have until the end of May to apply for an exemption from the requirement to switch to a zero em
Event Diary
Following a period of remarkable growth and momentum, Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live is making a powerful move—relocating its southern edition to the iconic London Olympia on 18–19 June 2025.
Housing 2025 is coming to Manchester Central on 24-26 June. Welcoming everyone in the housing and wider living sector under one roof, As the only place the whole UK housing sector comes together every year, it is where the sector will discuss and collaborate, identify solutions and speak with one voice to those framing the debate.
In January 2025, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology announced a new ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’ to encourage an increase in AI adoption across the UK. What will the Government’s plans for AI mean for local authority teams? How will emerging technologies affect environmental health services in the future?
Supplier Profiles
Experience and unforgettable 1 hour journey through maritime history and breathtaking landscapes.
Seal Watching Harwich is a magical wildlife experience loved by both adults and children.
Latest Features
Behind every dazzling burst of light at London's New Year's Eve fireworks display lies months of meticulous planning. Tom Smith, managing director at CarnDu, chairman of the EIG and secretary of the BPA, takes us behind the scenes of this world-famous event
Pauline Beattie, ABPCO's newly appointed co-chair, and a director of Conference Care, talks about Best Practice and its value as part of the event delivery process
