The Word - Winter 2009 by Torfaen County Borough Council

word WINTER 2009

The

The magazine for TCBC employees

DELIVERING CHRISTMAS CHEER PAGES 6 & 7

CLEANER, GREENER TORFAEN

PAGE 9

PAGE 8

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Contents

Welcome

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Welcome to the winter edition of The Word and thanks for all your suggestions and contributions to this edition. Please continue to email theword@torfaen.gov.uk or contact the communications team with all your news and views. Your stories and opinions are truly valued, but we need your continued input to keep the magazine topical and reflecting the issues that affect you.

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A YEAR TO REMEMBER Alison Ward

SWINE FLU VACCINE - LATEST News and advice

AVOID THE CHRISTMAS BOOZE BLUES Hints and tips

6&7

DELIVERING CHRISTMAS CHEER Staff who work over the holiday period

HAVE YOUR SAY Join Torfaen People’s Panel

CLEANER, GREENER TORFAEN Torfaen Sustainability success

Best wishes Neil Jones Editor 01495 766326

Get Connected! New technology means mobile working has never been easier but with all the benefits that it brings for us as employees, it means we have to take some extra steps to keep our ICT Infrastructure and data secure. We’ve all heard about the problems caused when discs or memory sticks containing personal details go missing, however these types of device also increase the risk of viruses entering the Torfaen ICT network when people inadvertently plug infected devices into their computers.

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MAKE A STAND AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSE Workplace guidance and policy

DAN CAN WINS UK GONGS Award winning superhero TAKING THE GOLD RUN Corporate Plan Roadshow

Designed and compiled by the Communications Team

supportive, fair, effective

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Recent examples around the country include: • Ealing council was left with a bill of half-a-million pounds and rising to clear up the security mess after a member of staff unwittingly plugged a virus infected memory stick in a computer • Neath Port Talbot council launched an internal investigation last year after a council employee lost a memory stick containing confidential information about vulnerable children. And it’s not just the risk of public mistrust or bad public relations – from next year the Information Commissioner will have the power to impose substantial fines on organisations and potentially individuals, who have not taken steps to protect data and their networks. To reduce the risk of it happening here, we are now encrypting all removable data devices including memory sticks and any registered devices that connect or attempt to connect to Torfaen’s ICT infrastructure. New USB Flashdrives with the Torfaen name and logo have been ordered by ICT and can be purchased through the ICT back office. There will be amnesty so anyone who already has a USB stick purchased from ICT can swap them for the new ones. No other USB sticks will work on Torfaen’s computer network. An e-learning page will be published to address any problems or questions that may arise. And encryption is not always a foolproof solution. Last December a worker in Preston lost a USB stick containing information on more than 6,000 prisoners. The drive was encrypted, but unfortunately, there was a sticky note attached to it with the password on!

2009 – A YEAR TO REMEMBER As 2009 draws to a close it’s a good time to reflect on what has been a hugely significant year for this council, where many of the events and decisions that have been taken will shape Torfaen’s future for years to come.

process of change is that it can be infectious – I want everyone to feel empowered to take a fresh look at how we are delivering services and it is you, our staff, the public face of the council, that are best placed to influence change.

It’s been quite a year for everyone who works for this council but you have all played a part in making Torfaen a more safe, prosperous and sustainable place to live and that is something we can all be extremely proud of.

I want us to be a listening council, one that values the views and opinions of everyone – we want to be able to have a conversation, and that means effective, two way communications in which everyone feels comfortable to have their say.

Think about the work that you have done, your successes, the challenges you have overcome. Then think of our workforce, some 6000 people – and with everyone heading in the same direction, it gives you some idea of the huge contribution this council makes to improving people’s lives.

We’re a small council, with limited resources but it should give everyone a huge amount of pride to know that we continue to be recognised on a national level, and read on to hear how we have left some of the big English councils trailing picking up a string of awards. It goes to show that biggest isn’t always best and is certainly no substitute for talent, something we have plenty of in Torfaen.

If there has been one theme that has dominated the year it has been ‘change’. I think we will look back on 2009 as a year that saw Torfaen take the bold, difficult but necessary steps to make us a modern, forward thinking council. You will now all be aware of the Single Status outcomes. I appreciate that for some the review may have brought disappointing news and would urge you to make sure you are aware of the appeal processes that we have put in place. The review has been one of the most difficult and challenging processes that this council has undergone in recent years but I think everyone will agree that the outcome – equal pay for equal work – is the right one for an organization that prides itself on values of fairness. As a council we are facing up to the challenge of having to do more with less. Residents quite rightly have a high expectation for their public services and we have to continue to deliver. The well publicised financial challenges that are facing local government mean we have to take a closer look at the way we deliver services but must ensure that you – our most important assets – aren’t just being told to do things differently, but are completely engaged and understand the direction in which we are travelling. That’s why the ‘golden thread’ is a key concept for such a diverse and complex organisation. The Corporate Plan is the vision that unites the work that we do and ensures everyone is playing their part in improving the lives of our residents. I think one of the most positive things about any

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I firmly believe that by working together we are all heading in the right direction. On behalf of the Green Team I’d like to thank you all for your dedication, commitment and enthusiasm in 2009 and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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Alison Ward

(CHIEF EXECUTIVE)

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Swine flu – vaccine latest The swine flu vaccination programme is now up and running with frontline NHS and social care staff among the first to be offered the vaccine. In Torfaen we have around 80 staff and a much higher number of independent providers who meet the government criteria for vaccination. Their details have been passed to the Aneurin Bevan Health Board who are leading on the vaccination process.

Anti-bacterial wipes are available in offices and we actively encourage all staff to take part in the frequent cleaning of hard surfaces such as desks, telephones, door handles as well as following the guidance on regular hand washing.

The standard advice for staff remains the same and we would remind everyone of both the reporting procedures if you think you have swine flu and also the standard hygiene advice.

These measures will greatly reduce the risk of cross-infection in our workplaces – not just for swine flu but other viruses and germs that may be around, particularly at this time of year.

Managers should report absence to Joyce Ferguson on 01495 766402 if any member of their staff is absent with flu-like symptoms. Please make sure you also let her know when people return to work.

If you think you have swine flu you should not go to your GP surgery or A&E department unless you fall into an at-risk group or have concerns about the severity of your symptoms.

This isn’t just to monitor sickness levels, there are a number of employees who are identified as being ‘vulnerable’ to swine flu and they need to be made aware if the virus appears to be spreading amongst colleagues. We should also keep following the standard hygiene advice that was issued in the summer.

Anybody with severe symptoms needs to contact their GP or NHS Direct services on 0845 46 47 48. Further information is available on the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513513, bilingually from www.nphs.wales.nhs.uk or from www.wales.gov.uk Catch it, bin it, kill it.

Kickstart your New Year fitness Kick start your New Year fitness and save money by taking advantage of our own top quality leisure facilities. There’s no need to get yourself locked into long term contracts or pay over the odds, when we’ve got some of the borough’s best gym equipment, pools and leisure classes available at a discount rate for staff which works out at less than one pound a day! Joining our special gym memberships mean • No joining fee and competitive rates • Access to a wide range of group exercise classes • In house spa facilities & treatment rooms • Free use of the pool during public swim hours • Support and advice from professional fitness staff And if that’s not enough there’s an even greater incentive with a great offer that could save you up to £31. Join between 1 December 2009 and 15 January 2010 to qualify to a six month (fixed term) direct debit membership with us and get your seventh month FREE! For further information contact Cwmbran Fitness Suite on 01633 627109 or Pontypool Fitness Suite on 01495 742230. Going skiing this winter or would like to have a go at this fun sport? There is something for everyone at Pontypool Park ski slope. Contact the Ski Team on 01495 756955.

Help for lone workers Staff whose jobs mean they come into the ‘lone worker’ category can benefit from Soloprotect – a 24 hour lone worker protection service. We have selected the ‘Soloprotect’ product to provide a 24 hour lone worker protection to employees where a risk assessment identifies lone

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working as a risk ‘requiring further control’. To find out more about Soloprotect – how it works and what it costs, look on Torfnet Health Safety & Wellbeing website If you require assistance in assessing lone working risk please contact your Health & Safety Advisor.

Our ski instructors at Pontypool Park ski slope

As many of us are getting ready for the Christmas party season, here are some useful tips on how to make sure it’s a festive season to remember, and not one to forget. • plan how you are going to get home before you go out – enter the Cab Safe number into your mobile. Then just text CAB to 83222 and it will give you a number to find your nearest licensed taxi. • don’t forget Torfaen has a zero tolerance policy on alcohol – if you have had a drink don’t come back into work, and don’t forget you can be still over the limit the morning after. • drink water regularly. • use soft drink ‘spacers’ in between alcohol drinks. • eat before you start drinking or at least enjoy some snacks while you’re drinking. • don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended.

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Avoid the Christmas booze blues

Christmas stressbusters! If you are feeling that the pressure of Christmas is getting to you, here are Mind’s stress-busting tips – and they’re just as useful in the workplace too. • learn to relax. There’s no point running around like a headless turkey – take a Christmas time-out. Go for a walk or a swim for an hour or two. Exercise is proven to reduce stress. • get better organised. Don’t take responsibility for everything. Get others to muck in and help with shopping, cooking and washing-up. Give yourself at least one afternoon in front of the box with your feet up. • phone a friend – if you’re about to blow a gasket why not phone a friend and let off some steam. • don’t take it all too seriously. Laughter is the best medicine - swap jokes with friends or put on your favourite comedy classics and get grinning! • eat and drink well. And we don’t just mean mince pies and sherry! Good food with plenty of fruit and vegetables can lift your mood. Throughout December and into the New Year Torfaen Mind is holding short free ‘stressbusting’ sessions at a venue near you. If you are interested in attending, drop us an e-mail at workingwelltogether@torfaen. gov.uk

Make the most of your money Most of us are feeling the pinch at this time of year so we’re delighted that members of the FSA (Financial Services Authority), the UK’s financial regulator, are offering free sessions for staff on everything from budgeting to borrowing. The sessions will take place on 18 January at the civic centre, 25 January at county hall and 3 February at operational services. If you’d like to come along e-mail workingwelltogether@torfaen.gov.uk

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Delivering Festive Cheer For most of us Christmas Day means presents, turkey, and a bit too much festive indulgence, but for many Torfaen staff it is a rather different proposition. Residents receiving social services care don’t stop needing support just because it’s 25 December and Torfaen staff are on hand providing help and support to those who need it most. Chelley Vincent works for the council’s dementia service providing personal care to the most vulnerable people in our society. She said: “For a lot of our service users we are the only point of contact they will see all day. It can make it rewarding but it can also very hard when you drive around and see all the lights and families together, knowing that they are on their own. “It can be hard balancing the work and home life, but we know it’s such as important part of the job and it has to be done. We just try and put things on hold until the shift is finished.”

As you tuck into your turkey and cranberry sauce, our community meal service team will be out on their rounds, delivering Christmas dinner to 135 mostly elderly and vulnerable people across the borough. Driver, Roger Bradley said: “It can be difficult with the home life, but there are vulnerable people that need to have a meal. It’s a rewarding job anyway, but particularly at Christmas. The people are so grateful to see a friendly face.”

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Community Meal Service

Team

Roger’s colleague Tracey Lewis added: “Yes, it can be a bit inconvenient working Christmas Day, but the people we deliver to are so grateful to receive their meal it makes it all worthwhile. Many of them don’t have families who live nearby so won’t see anyone all day except for us.”

Across the council, many will be either working or on call over the Christmas period, ensuring our frontline services are running. •

While many dream of a white Christmas, that’s not such good news for the on-call staff in Operational Services who could be out gritting the roads or clearing the snow.

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The emergency management service will be on call and ready for action

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Our ICT networks won’t switch off for Christmas either and it is vital that staff are on hand to ensure any glitches can be fixed as soon as possible.

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Have your say! Do you live in Torfaen and want to help shape the future of public services in the borough? If so, then why not sign up to the Torfaen People’s Panel – a new concept which will put people at the heart of our decision making. It doesn’t matter if you work for the council or any of the other partners involved – in fact your inside knowledge and experience of public services could be invaluable. Established by the Local Service Board, which comprises of the council, Gwent Police, Aneurin Bevan Local Health Trust and Torfaen Voluntary Alliance, it aims to provide a vehicle for Torfaen’s residents to influence strategic policy and service delivery. There will be a range of activities for members of the panel to take part in, from questionnaires and surveys to community workshops, focus groups and online discussions. Some panel members will also be invited to test services offered by the LSB taking part in studies. As well as acting as advisors, panel members will be able to scrutinise the decisions of the LSB and be involved with decision making aspects of the LSB such as setting budgets.

Name: Danielle Beck Lives: Garndiffaith Age: 29

Why did you get inv olved? I wanted to have an input and be able to influence change in my local co mmunity and across Torfaen. As a council employe e I can reflect both th e views of residents, but also co nsider this in the cont ext of the day to day realities that the organisation is facing too. I’m looking forw ard to being part of the panel and being able to ha ve a say on issues ac ross all our services, which I hope will bring about impr ovements that will make a rea l difference for reside nts in Torfaen. What do you think are the big issues af fecting Torfaen?

An application form is Unemployment, lack available of opportunities, alc ohol use, obesity, sexual healt on www. h issues, young peop le not in employment, educat torfaen.gov. ion or training. uk or for more information contact Julia Rooney, Public Participation and Citizen Engagement Officer on 01495 766159.

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Single Status – the next stage Look out shortly for the results of the Single Status ballot of trade union members – the result will determine whether the proposals announced in November are implemented. The result – which was not known as the Word went to press - will be communicated with staff as soon as it is confirmed. If the vote is in favour of the proposals then we will then write to employees informing them of their new grades. We will pay any arrears of pay from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2010 in a one off payment to nearly 2,400 employees as soon as possible in 2010. The proposals can then be embedded into the organisation and take full effect from April 1, 2010. Employees whose salaries reduce will have an additional two years pay protection from the date they receive their notification letter. All employees have a right to appeal, not just those who lose salary. We appreciate that this process has been a challenging one, and has caused concern for a significant number of staff, but we have strived to consult as widely as possible and be open and transparent throughout. If the proposal is accepted, Torfaen will have a new pay and grading structure which reflects our aim to have an equality-based system that delivers equal pay and terms of conditions for everyone. It also reflects our core values of being a supportive, fair and effective employer. If you have any queries, please contact the Single Status team on 01495 76 6569.

A greener, cleaner Torfaen ber was a huge The first ever Torfaen Sustainability Week in Octo ng their part in playi cil coun the s success thanks to staff from acros one. every for e promoting a greener, cleaner futur es’ - kicked off with The week - which had the motto ‘Changing by Degre Farm where over unity a sustainability conference at Greenmeadow Comm t minister nmen enviro 100 guests listened to keynote speakers including Jane Davidson AM. unities, there were As well as events at our schools, PALC and in our comm environmental walks, IT plenty of opportunities for staff to be involved with switch offs, and our first ever swap-shop. promoting the pool At the civic centre, the health development team were staff healthier. keep to cts bike schemes, and a range of events and proje brand new mountain Rachael Tudor, accountancy support officer, won a work in a greener way bike in our special prize draw for staff travelling to catching the bus – from walking or running to cycling, car sharing, or and train. n’t believe it! It was She said: “When they said I’d won the bike I could it more often now, do nly certai the first time I’d cycled to work and will weather permitting! in a greener way, “I’m sure most of us could travel to and from work ’s other benefits even if it starts off as just a few days a week. There those of us who too - it’s good exercise, saves petrol money and for a bike!” work at the civic centre, there’s no problems parking that we want to The week is not just a one off, but will be something huge amount the g casin show , see running for many years to come n a more Torfae make to does il of work that everyone in the counc sustainable place to live. greener and Let us know how you make Torfaen’s communities 52. cleaner by contacting the Word on 01495 7421

Rachael Tudo

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On your bike!

Keep fit, save money and do your bit for the environment by taking advantage of our cycle to work and pool bike scheme. We now operate a cycle to work and leisure bike scheme from the civic centre, county hall and Torfaen Training. There are some straightforward routes to allow you to travel safely from one destination to another. Download a copy of the safe cycle route from civic centre to county hall. You can also use it a quick and fun lunchtime activity. We’ve tried to make it as easy as possible – there is a bike rack available and for those travelling further afield or want to use the bike on the weekend.

with her bike

by Peter Dur

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There is also a folding bike available – ideal if you’re taking the train. Each bike is equipped with a cable lock, helmet, high visibility bib, bell, lights, mud guards and a drinking bottle. To register visit the health improvement team intranet pages, they will then book you in for an hour training session. If you are based at another location and would like to be included in the scheme then contact the health improvement team on 01633 624122 or email health.improvement@torfaen.gov.uk.

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Make a stand against domestic abuse A special ceremony in Torfaen took place to mark the adoption of the first Workplace Policy and Guidance on Domestic Abuse. The policy was launched on 25 November, White Ribbon Day, which is a global campaign to ensure men take more responsibility for reducing the level of violence against women. The launch event heard a powerful first hand account of living with domestic violence from Torfaen resident, Denise Puckett, head of equality for health and social services directorate at the Welsh Assembly Government. Statistics tell us that one in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse at some point in their life. Sadly, this means there will be a significant number of our staff who are victims or perpetrators of domestic abuse and there will be signs in the workplace. • 56% of abused women arrive late for work at least 5 times a month • 53% miss at least 3 days of work a month • Productivity and concentration fall substantially In addition there are other practical implications; once a person leaves an abusive partner they are especially vulnerable at work, as it may be the only place they can be located and harassed. The policy and guidance aims to ensure employees experiencing domestic abuse have the opportunity to speak about it and be confident that their situation will be handled seriously, compassionately and confidently. At the same time, it aims to hold those perpetrating domestic abuse accountable for their behaviour.

Calling all drivers!

Mileage claims

A new policy will be introduced in January for everyone who uses their car or a vehicle for council business.

If you’re claiming expenses for fuel, remember that all claims for mileage must have a VAT receipt attached – remember to ask for one when you pay at the garage.

From January all staff will be required to complete a driver declaration form and submit documents incuding • original drivers licence • valid MOT Certificate (if appropriate) • valid Insurance Policy/certificate (clearly stating Business Cover) • valid Road Fund Licence Staff will also have a duty to ensure your vehicle remains fit for purpose at all times and notify your manager about any motoring convictions either received or pending. Any driver not completing the declaration will not be allowed to drive on council business. You can view a copy of the full policy on the Torfnet Health Safety and Wellbeing Website

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The receipt should be dated before the journey you are claiming mileage for – and there doesn’t have to be correlation between the amount on the receipt and the mileage claimed. It’s something that HRMC require us to provide and if we don’t, we cannot reclaim the VAT element of the mileage expenses incurred on fuel. If you require any advice or clarification please contact a member of the Payroll team.

Work smart If you haven’t had one already, the new WorkSmart reviews are being rolled out across the council, the new way of ensuring that you get the most out of your work. The reviews were brought as a result of your feedback, replacing the old work review format which you felt were ineffective. The WorkSmart reviews will run from April to March each year with formal reviews every six months and support meetings annually. You and your manager will set the WorkSmart objectives and cover performance issues, training, and areas for career development. You will also discuss how your work fits into the vision and values of the council and your area’s Service Improvement Plan (SIP). Staff in areas such as social care and housing where there are monthly reviews will carry on as normal.

Raise The Bar! After much speculation about re-vitalising the old NALGO club in county hall – the Word is pleased to announce that it is now the new home of our workplace activities programme, which includes pilates, yoga and more. We would like Word readers to think up a name for the venue – you can win £20 Argos vouchers. Please send your ideas to workingwelltogether@torfaen.gov.uk. Staff can then vote for their favourite name.

DAN CAN

ONE DAY DAN ATTENDED A PRESTIGIOUS UK PUBLIC RELATIONS AWARD CEREMONY WITH LOCAL BEAUTY CANDY CARTON ... I DON’T LIKE BEING SO CLEAN!

DAN HOPED HIS RECYCLING CAMPAIGN WAS SUPER ENOUGH TO WIN A GONG ...

...AND IT WAS! DAN CELEBRATED WINNING TWO UK AWARDS AND TWO WELSH AWARDS WITH HIS CREATORS - COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER BEN PAYNE AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER PAUL EVENS...

AND THE WINNER IS... ING MBL S TRE NERVE H T I W

...DAN CAN!

YIPPEE! HMMM...

GIMME GIMME

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super recycler

Dan Can wins UK gongs! Torfaen Council mascot Dan Can the Super Recycler beat off competition from around the UK to win two national public relations awards.

Co-creators communications officer Ben Payne and graphic designer Paul Evens said they were delighted to receive the awards.

Dan won Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Excellence in Communications awards.

“We are still pinching ourselves as we were up against some really huge competition,” Ben said. “We’re so proud of Dan Can and everything he’s achieved – it doesn’t get much better than this.” added Paul.

He came out on top in two categories - best design and photography and PR on a shoestring- competing against a host of councils including Essex, Blackpool, Dudley, Falkirk, Somerset and London Borough of Camden. On the same night, Dan also won two silver awards for best use of photography or design and community relations at the CIPR’s Cymru Wales PRide Awards.

The latest success follows a Chartered Institute of Marketing award for Dan in 2008. Since his launch 18 months ago, Dan has helped Torfaen become the best recycling authority in South Wales - recycling 45 per cent of its waste.

Ben and Paul collec

t their awards Staff collect their Customer Service awards

...MORE (AWARDS) NEXT TIME!

Customer Service Awards Officers who successfully completed a customer service course were awarded certificates. As part of a programme of events organised to celebrate National Customer Service Week (October 5–11) the council hosted a recognition of achievement lunch. In attendance, were officers who gained their Institute of Customer Service professional awards. Refuse collector Bryan Moylan was among those receiving certificates from mayor, Councillor Bob Jones. Bryan became the first refuse collector in the UK to become a practitioner member of the Institute of Customer Service after continuously proving, though assessment, that he provides a top notch service to residents. Ruth Evans, membership director of the Institute of Customer Service presented a certificate to the chief executive Alison Ward confirming the renewal of the council’s approved centre status for a further two years.

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Going for Gold The Corporate Plan roadshow made its way around the borough during November, with hundreds of staff getting the chance to complete the ‘golden thread’ Blockbusters ‘gold run’ and put their views across to Alison Ward and Peter Durkin. An all day event at Operational Services saw some lively debate about the council’s plans for the future, while around 200 staff at the civic centre and county hall attended an event at the Congress Theatre in Cwmbran. Alison spoke about the future challenges facing local government and the importance that the Corporate Plan will have on our future decisions, emphasising the concept of the ‘Golden Thread’ that brings everyone’s work together.

that we have a strong and effective Corporate Plan and that everyone plays a part in delivering the Plan. That’s the essence of the golden thread – the outcomes and priorities that bring everyone together.”

types of steps then the next stage will mean services and ultimately jobs being cut. It is also important to recognise the impact that this policy has had in reducing the council’s carbon footprint.”

We’re already acting on some of the points that were raised such as expanding the ways that staff, particularly those who do not use a computer for their daily work, can ‘Ask Alison’ a question. We are already looking forward to another successful series of events next year.

Can we change the way grants are spent so we are not forced to spend money on projects just because it’s near the end of the year?

The current Corporate Plan runs until 2011, so work on a new one will start in 2010 and it will have increasing importance in shaping the work we do, particularly when the tough financial decisions that face all councils in the UK, have to be made.

For those who weren’t able to make it here is a summary of some of the questions you asked Alison and Peter.

Alison said: “I really enjoyed all the events, and a big thanks to everyone who gave up their time to come along. I hope that people took away as much from them as I did. There’s no question that local government is entering some difficult times, which means it’s more important than ever

“We are entering difficult times financially and budgets will be a lot tighter but I would be very concerned if staff were being refused access to training. Having said that, there is a balance to be struck and we need to ensure that any training has a proper outcome that will benefit the individual but also colleagues and the department.”

How can staff get access to training when managers say there is no money in the budget?

Switching off streetlights is causing more of a problem in the winter months? “This is one of the difficult decisions that we have had to make to protect our budgets. If we don’t take these

“It’s an excellent point and something that I have been raising with the Welsh Assembly Government so we can move towards a situation where we have more control over how grant money can be spent to ensure it is meeting the needs of our residents.” There seems to be a growing number of ‘corporate’ jobs while less delivering frontline services? “There are a large number of essential functions that have to be carried out so staff on the frontline can do their jobs effectively. However no area will be expanding at the expense of frontline services. For example, the Green Team has been streamlined from six to four.” Are we heading towards another local government reorganisation? “I don’t believe so. Given the significant pressures on public finances and the huge costs that would come with reorganising 22 local authorities my feeling is the Welsh Assembly Government have neither the appetite nor the finance for such a major programme of change.”