TRADE unions hailed the radical package of legislative measures for the third Senedd year unveiled by the First Minister of Wales today.

The measures set out by Mark Drakeford included reforms to council tax and buses, a new electoral system, Senedd reform, gender quotas for elections and the ending of private profit from the care of looked-after children.

The First Minister said: “This forthcoming year will have an unrelenting focus on reform to make positive changes in the lives of the people of Wales.

Mr Drakeford told the Senedd that he was setting out a radical programme of reform to modernise parts of the tax and electoral system.

“We will ensure we put the needs of looked-after children ahead of profits, and create a Senedd which reflects the Wales we live in today,” Mr Drakeford said.

He also said the current bus system put profit before people and that transport accounted for nearly 15 per cent of Welsh carbon emissions.

“The scientific advice about climate change is as clear as it is stark. If we are to pass on the Wales we love to our children and grandchildren, we must make changes to the way we live,” Mr Drakeford said.

“We will bring forward a Bus Bill, to reform the failed system of deregulation to enable all levels of government to work together to design the network of bus services our communities need.”

Wales TUC general secretary Shavanah Taj welcomed the package and said trade unions would play their part in “shaping the delivery of this ambitious programme.”

 “In particular we are pleased that the Welsh government plans to eliminate profit from the care of looked-after children,” she said.

“Transport unions have long campaigned to maintain Welsh government financial support for buses, knowing how important they are for people to get to work and to reach the services they need.”

Beyond the 12-month programme, the First Minister set out he also announced his government’s legislative priorities for the remainder of the Senedd term.

This is intended to include Bills on homelessness and building safety, a visitor levy, tourism, tax, transport, environment and justice.

Unison Cymru/Wales regional secretary Dominic Macaskill  said: “Unison welcomes the intentions of the Welsh government to introduce legislation that furthers the ambition of carving out a modern, progressive nation.”

The public service union also welcomed the intention to reform the electoral system “moving democracy and decision-making closer to the people of Wales.”

“We look forward to working with the Welsh government and others in the spirit of social partnership to achieve these shared aims,” Mr Macaskill said.

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew Davies criticised the Senedd reforms.

“Labour ministers in the Senedd are focussed on the wrong priorities, they are far more keen on bringing forward their tone-deaf proposal to send 36 more politicians to Cardiff Bay, costing the taxpayer £100 million.”