The use of local authority reserves is a matter for locally elected representatives. However, to support transparency across Wales I will make a written statement before summer recess.  

I regularly meet Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service in Wales. I have also met Dr Phillip Lee, Parliamentary Under-secretary of State for Youth Justice, Victims, Female Offenders and Offender Health and hope to meet Rory Stewart, Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice, in the near future.

The consultation on the Green Paper closed at midnight last night.  I look forward to considering the responses and I will be making a statement in due course.

I aim to make the service properly accountable, and to give it the governance and finance model it will need to face the challenges ahead. I will consult on our plans shortly.

Local authorities are responsible for their own compliance with legislation. Welsh Government sets the broader governance framework and independent audit, inspection and regulation bodies support local authorities in improving effectiveness.

The impact of automation has been raised by the Ministerial Taskforce for the Valleys. The Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport has commissioned a review on digital innovation including automation. The taskforce will contribute and use the recommendations to inform its forward plans.

We work closely with the Wales Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners on matters of mutual interest aimed at making communities safer.