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Wales features

Changing places, by Peter HetheringtonThere has been one gaping hole in Labour's devolution success: the English regions. RDAs and non-elected assemblies have not lived up to expectations and the new PM is looking to give more powers to council-led city-regions. Peter Hetherington reports 01 January 2007
Christmas quiz In vino veritasWell done to all of you who took part your comprehensive knowledge of the news is impressive. Particular congratulations to our winner Sue Alliott at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, who wins our prize of a mixed case of wine. 01 January 2007
Citizens not customers, by Alex KlaushoferWales has rejected the Blair-led notion that the private sector should be a major service provider. Andrew Davies, minister for finance and public service delivery, talks to Alex Klaushofer about applying this approach while spending carefully and seeking efficienc 01 January 2007
Doc around the clock, by Noel PlumridgeThe latest strategy to get NHS waiting lists down is 24 hours a day surgery. But critics say it might endanger patient welfare, and boosting resources elsewhere would be more effective. Noel Plumridge reports 01 January 2007
First past the post is past it, by Gareth Thomas and James PlaskittGordon Brown has said he is not opposed to electoral reform if it keeps the constituency link. One idea is the alternative vote system, which is supported by ministers Gareth Thomas and James Plaskitt. They explain the advantages 01 January 2007
Healthy differences, by Noel PlumridgeThe recent UK-wide elections have highlighted the fact that there is not one NHS but four. Noel Plumridge examines what binds the different health services and what sets them apart 01 January 2007
I will if you will, by Ed MayoIt's time to step up the fight against global warming. Local government has been leading the way but now it must help an increasingly concerned public to do its bit. The best way is through environmental contracts, argue Jill Johnstone and Ed Mayo 01 January 2007
Just what the doctor ordered? By Seamus WardNew Health Secretary Alan Johnson is launching a much-needed charm offensive starting with a clinician-led NHS review. Seamus Ward assesses the chances of tackling the problems stacking up in his in-tray 01 January 2007
Moving stories, by Neil MerrickWelsh local authorities have a tough housing standard to meet and only one real way of paying for it: transferring their stock to an RSL. It's not a popular policy, especially for councils whose tenants have rejected any move. Neil Merrick reports 01 January 2007
Opportunity knocked, by Stephen CourtAs the UK rushes to improve the skills of its workforce, a door has opened for more private sector involvement in further and higher education. Is this filling a gap or taking over at the expense of quality and staff? Stephen Court reports 01 January 2007
Out for the count? By Tony TraversIn the end, 'Super Thursday' wasn't meltdown for New Labour but neither was it a springboard for success. Tony Travers looks at the party's prospects after the local, Scottish and Welsh elections and Tony Blair's resignation 01 January 2007
Playing a supporting role? By Mark PriskMore than £12bn of public funds is spent every year on support for small business but to what effect? A Conservative Party task force found the programmes to be ineffective, bureaucratic and inefficient 01 January 2007
Point of law - Change of climate, by Stephen Cirell and John BennettPublic sector bodies look set to face new rules and responsibilities as part of the government's attempt to cut carbon emissions. Proposals now out for consultation offer both challenges and opportunities 01 January 2007
Point of law - Window of opportunity closes, by Stephen Cirell and John BennettOrganisations wishing to challenge contracts awarded by public bodies have been able to do so on the basis of judicial review. Not any longer, it would seem, if the decision to tender had been voluntary 01 January 2007
Power failure, by Tim ThororogoodThe local government white paper promised a bright new future for 'radical and devolutionary reform'. But the process has already been short-circuited, argues Tim Thorogood 01 January 2007