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    Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

    Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

    Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

    Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

    SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

    SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

    MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

    MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

    Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

    Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

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      Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

    • Sports
      Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

      Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

      Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

      Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

      Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

      Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

      Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

      Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

      Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

      Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

      Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

      Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

      Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

      Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

      Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

      Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

      Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

      Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

      Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

      Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

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        Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

        Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

        Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

        Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

        Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

        Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

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        Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

        Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

        Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

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        Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

        Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

        Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

        Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

        Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

        Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

        Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

        Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

      • Entertainment
        DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

        DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

        DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

        DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

        ‘Attractive’ £100 fire pit that’s ideal for long summer nights drops to £44

        ‘Attractive’ £100 fire pit that’s ideal for long summer nights drops to £44

        Triple drawer air fryer that ‘cooks to perfection’ gets £40 price slash in limited time sale

        Triple drawer air fryer that ‘cooks to perfection’ gets £40 price slash in limited time sale

        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

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        The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

        The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

        Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

        Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

        Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

        Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

        Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

        Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

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      • Politics
        Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

        Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

        Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

        Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

        SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

        SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

        MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

        MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

        Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

        Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        Trending Tags

        • Business

          Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

        • Sports
          Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

          Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

          Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

          Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

          Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

          Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

          Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

          Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

          Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

          Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

            Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

            Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

            Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

            Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

            Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

          • Health
            Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

            Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

            Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

            Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

            Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

            Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

          • Entertainment
            DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

            DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

            DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

            DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

            ‘Attractive’ £100 fire pit that’s ideal for long summer nights drops to £44

            ‘Attractive’ £100 fire pit that’s ideal for long summer nights drops to £44

            Triple drawer air fryer that ‘cooks to perfection’ gets £40 price slash in limited time sale

            Triple drawer air fryer that ‘cooks to perfection’ gets £40 price slash in limited time sale

            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

          • Life Style
          • Travel
          • Education
            The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

            The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

            Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

            Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

            Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

            Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

            Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

            Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

            Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

            Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

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          Government decision making is tough but it can be far smarter

          by Albert K. Martin
          March 20, 2022
          in Opinion
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          As someone who spent over two years working as an advisor to the Welsh Government on creating the case for a new Development Bank for Wales, I know from first-hand experience that policymaking isn’t always easy.

          Ministers often have very little time to examine every potential option in detail and are often reliant upon their civil servants to provide the right advice and guidance on key decisions.

          In many respects, this was brought into stark focus during the Covid 19 pandemic when politicians and policymakers had to work quickly and without any prior experience to cope with a once in a lifetime event that had no prior reference points to relate to.

          Some, such as former chief adviser to the Prime Minister Dominic Cummings, have suggested that the civil service simply wasn’t fit for purpose in dealing with a national emergency and needs root and branch reform to be fit for the 21st century.

          As well as an in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. To sign up to this service CLICK HERE

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          And, follow us on LinkedIn to catch the latest stories and to network with the Welsh business community.

          Whilst the Covid-19 inquiry will no doubt shed light on how this whole process was managed, the real question remains as we come out of the pandemic namely how those in power will re-engage with major challenges such as failing hospitals, low industrial productivity, a declining social care sector, transitioning to a low carbon economy and below average educational attainment.

          According to a recent report by the Institute for Government, better policy making will be key to ensuring that both national and devolved governments can make a real difference to addressing these challenges. However, as this detailed study shows, a number of problems remain in achieving this.

          Firstly, the electoral cycle combined with regular cabinet reshuffles means that government tends to think in delivering short term outcomes rather than dealing with longer term priorities. Whenever a new minister comes in with a new shiny idea, then the whole focus of the department shifts immediately to dealing with the immediate impact of how to please the new incumbent rather than on effective long term policy.

          Then there is the lack of policy knowledge where we still have many civil servants who are generalists in terms of policy. This is not surprising as the focus of their job is on how manage policy in general rather than on becoming experts in specific areas of policy.

          They also seem to have few relationships with external experts that can provide the necessary support and when they do, there is usually little impact on actual policy from this apart from some commissioned reports that very few people end up reading.

          However, the main issues remains that of implementation especially in understanding how policy will be turned into practice. Too often, the people who will be responsible for making the policy happen are not present in the room when policy decisions are made. Also, there seems to be little consultation with key stakeholders regarding those will be directly impacted by any policy decision.

          So what should be done to change this situation?

          According to the Institute of Government, ministers need to be held accountable for their decisions even after they have been moved elsewhere although there should also be consideration of keeping them in post long enough to effective as well as holding the Cabinet directly responsible for the quality of their decision-making.

          In terms of civil service accountability, there should be a dedicated head of policy within each government department who will be responsible for the overall quality of policy advice and be responsible for any policy research commissioned.

          These individuals should undertake the evaluation of policies’ success and help co-ordinate responses to cross-cutting policy problems. This should include greater use of case study examples of good and bad policy making, and the techniques that can be used to develop effective policy.

          There also needs to be more balanced internal teams that include leaders, policy specialists and delivery experts and these should be complemented through more up-to-date ways in engaging directly with the key stakeholders affected by government policy.

          Indeed, it is that proper level of engagement that will ensure policies are implemented properly and at the very least, there needs to be greater public transparency on how decisions are made that affect all of our lives.

          Of course, as we have seen from the experiences of managing the Covid pandemic, neither ministers nor civil servants get it right all of the time. In fact, it is often more important to build consensus and compromise rather than holding out for a solution that will be unacceptable to many of those that will have to live with that decision.

          However, what is probably most important is to create an environment where there is clarity not confusion about what government is trying to achieve and, more relevantly, to be open to advice that is both critical and challenging in order to improve policymaking.

          Consulting with the public to merely affirm a decision that has already been taken is not only counterproductive but could have long term implications if the concerns of citizens are not taken into account.

          Whilst dealing with Covid may be something that is slowly becoming less important in the in-trays of ministers, it is clear that there are too many other long standing problems that need urgent attention. Better policymaking processes within government and greater interaction with other key stakeholders should be the first step in ensuring that some progress is made on these over the next few years.

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