29/11/2011 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today. Our top story. Small business like Jenkins

Bakery wait to see what the Chancellor's served up for Wales in

his Autumn Statement. specifically want to work quickly

devolved administration on the M4 corridor in South Wales and a

possible deal that we can do with the Severn Bridge and the tolls on

Our other headlines tonight. A father and son who died in a

caravan blaze - an extension lead is thought to have been the cause.

Dad, he was the world's best. He was honest, helpful, caring and he

brought us all up to be the same type of people. Class of 2011 -

students face another major shake up - three colleges are to become

one, whether they like it or not. Can the run continue? Cardiff City

try to make the semi-finals of the League Cup for the first time since

the 60s. And the car left on the slipway and

Good evening. The Chancellor has announced an extra �216 million for

the Welsh Government. The money is to spend during the next three

years. However - Welsh Labour say the money won't make up the

shortfall from previous cuts. George Osborne has also promised to

look at congestion on the M4 and the future of tolls on the Severn

Crossings. Here's our parliamentary correspondent, David Cornock. It is

the sort of small business agree local economy needs, and not just

for the cakes. George Osborne says his Autumn Statement will make it

easier for firms like five Polly to borrow money and take on unemployed

youngsters. It is a long road from Westminster and the Chancellor said

he would talk to the Welsh government about congestion on the

M4. Schemes in England could help deliver windfall for the Welsh

government of 200 and than �60 million to spend. Plaid Cymru say

it is not enough. -- �260 million. With the Chancellor confirmed that

the whole figure will be proportionately spent in Wales and

the other two Baltic nations, in Wales's case it amounts to �1.5

billion? We will apply that the Barnett formula to the introduction

of spending in England, I can confirm that. We specifically want

to work with the devolved administration on the M4 corridor

in South Wales and a possible deal we can do with the Severn Bridge

and told in the future of that. cut in the tolls would be welcome

here, where they service and repair vehicles on both sides of the

bridges. �18.10 which is what it will cost in January for a heavy

goods vehicle and a bus to cross it, is absolutely ludicrous. It has an

amazing amount of money and as a have to use those crossings in the

course of their business. Back at Westminster, Labour were

unimpressed with the extra capital spending. The extra money is to be

welcomed but remember that teacup the Welsh government's budget by

more than half. So he has taken with one hand and given back with

the other. A 1% pay rise Cup and the prospect of regional pay rates

for those in public services. would want to reassure that the

Chancellor has any in their thirties going to look at regional

pay rates, there are no conclusions and there is nothing find many to

fear at this stage. That is unlikely to reassure many workers

who fear that regional pay will mean lower paid in Wales. So,

that's the Chancellor's Autumn Statement delivered in Westminster

- how it gone down in Cardiff Bay? Lets talk to our political editor,

Betsan Powys. How are they going to spend the money? The extra money

has been welcomed. But overall they say the impact of the statement is

that more people in Wales will lose their jobs, more people will find

that their incomes are squeezed. As for that extra �216 million,

they're not saying where it will be spent yet. One thing we do know is

that after the budget deal that we told you about on Friday between

Labour and the Lib Dems, it will not be just up to Labour where it

is spent. David mentioned regional pay in his report. What does that

mean in Wales? It is not a brand new idea. It was floated by the

last Labour UK government. The idea is that it gives you flexibility.

That is this is my not be so afraid to come into the area, set up and

take over skills because they feared that wage aspirations would

be too high. Dionne went to Wales is that if you're going to decide

on people's wages on the cost of living locally then will workers in

Wales find that they are going to be towards the lower end of any

national scale? What they will do is say what is the cost of living

in a place, and we will pay you less than someone else living

elsewhere in the UK for doing exactly the same work. That is the

last thing we want. According to the latest figures, there are about

240,000 people working in the public sector in Wales so it would

clearly affect a lot of people if it happened. At this stage George

Osborne says there is going to be an independent review. But Carwyn

Jones told us that evicted happened then do wells government would

consider asking for control of pay and conditions to be devolved. If

we are forced into that situation, he told us, better that than to

have paid imposed from central London. Big, structural changes of

any of that was to happen. The Chancellor announced a series

of measures aimed at helping businesses, and Sian Lloyd is at a

factory at Risca near Newport to get reaction. Sian.

This company makes bricks and architectural masonry for the

building industry. This is one of four sites they have across South

Wales and the have 12 across the UK. The company's managing director,

Wladimir Klitschko, was watching the statement. Anything that will

transfer and your business? The key to ourselves is to stimulate growth

and the housing sector. The one could think was the right-to-buy.

If the receipts from that army routed back into social housing

there will Craigmore demand for the product. The construction industry

has seen a dip over recent years. We have had some tough times. It

has been steady recently but there are signs of slowing denser any

stimulus is welcome. Dr Jonathan de come from the University of Wales

in Newport is a business commentator. What were your

observations? It showed today that politicians, however hard they try,

they cannot really generate that growth. Growth come from businesses

like this one, from people like you and I had been confident about

investing and spending money. We know more about that than

politicians do. Politicians need to remove all those barriers that

prevent us doing a good job of spend again investing. The

Chancellor went some way to was doing that. But I have not yet

fully convinced. There is the cash coming to Wales but the up Welsh

government will be deciding how to spend and they have not said yet.

�200 million is great news for Wales, it has to be said. However,

there is the little case of interpretation, how that money is

interpreted through the Welsh government and through the spending

structures. The devil will be in the detail. And something possibly

for the M4. That sounds interesting. It was a kind of throwaway line

this afternoon that there were 35 projects on infrastructure,

including some stuff about the infrastructure for broadband across

the UK. But the M4 but, I wonder what that means? Up again to get

the third tunnel? Still a number of questions here from the business

A new super university will be created in South East Wales to

replace the existing, Glamorgan, Newport and Cardiff Metropolitan

Universities. Announcing his blueprint for the future of Welsh

Universities, the Education Minister Leighton Andrews said

there was a persuasive case for a merger. But Glyndwr University in

Wrexham gets a reprieve after proposals to merge it with Bangor

and Aberystwyth were rejected. It is one thing suggesting his plan of

purging three universities, but are they going to back these plants?

think perhaps two 83 made back the plan but you need all three to back

it if they are going to come together of their own will. From

the centre of Cardiff, you go about 15 miles and you find for

universities. It has been said for some time that that is too many. We

will keep Cardiff University and the plan is to get the other three

to merge together to create a new super University that can compete

on the UK stage. But Cardiff Metropolitan University is not

having any of it. It says it wants to stay independent, its students

wanted to stay independent, and yet here we have the Welsh government

saying we want you to merge. the Linda University in Wrexham

gets off the hook. They also wanted to stay independent. The initial

plans as set out by the University Funding Council actually had that

university disappearing. But they made the case to stay in north

Wales, in Wrexham, and it seems that the education minister has

listened, perhaps because some of his own backbench ministers --

members made that case to him. There are some famous alumni of

Cardiff Metropolitan University. Perhaps if they can get mobilise,

they can do something to save her university. It is very clear that

the Welsh government wants a new CBE University. The question is do

students really want that war is that what the policy makers want?

An inquest into the death of Wales football manager Gary Speed has

been opened and adjourned. The cause of death from the post mortem

examination was given as hanging. The body of the 42-year-old was

found at his home in Chester on Sunday morning by his wife. Police

say there are no suspicious circumstances. Plans to merge three

of Wales's environment agencies into one large organisation have

been announced by the Welsh government. The new body will see

the Countryside Council, the Environment Agency and the Forestry

Commission being amalgamated. It's estimated over a ten-year period,

it could result in savings of up to �158 million. But companies

involved in forestry are warning of job losses in the industry. We have

had a robust process working at the business case. The rationale for

more joined-up process was very strong but we were quite clear that

the business case had to add up. A lot of work went on and it has been

a process involving members of staff, top management from the

Fire Officers have warned about the dangers of extension leads after an

inquest into the deaths of two men following a caravan fire in June.

The accident near Barmouth killed Robert Taylor and his son Andrew,

who were both from Flint. A family holiday that went

tragically wrong. This is what was left of the caravan Denise Taylor

was sharing with her husband, son and granddaughter during a weekend

away. Today, Mrs Taylor arrived at dog SI magistrates' court described

what happened. She was asleep in her caravan when she was woken by

the screams of her son. Denise Taylor described how she managed to

pull her granddaughter of the safety through the caravan window.

Moments later, the caravan exploded. Her son and her husband were still

inside. Recording a verdict of accidental death, the coroner said

this case highlights the dangers of leaving extension cables coiled up.

A lexical items can always cause fire. Always be aware. Extension

lead in particular. Don't bleed them -- don't leave them cold up.

The coroner said both men died due to smoke inhalation. Sarah Taylor

paid tribute to her father and twin brother. Both loved family,

football, even though both supported different teams. Dad was

the world's best. He was honest, helpful, caring. The granddaughter

who survived the fire suffered 65 % burns and is still recovering. The

inquest heard how there was a smoke detector in the caravan but had no

battery. Whether a working detector would have saved Robert and Andrew

Taylor, the coroner said we will never know.

A man has been charged in connection with a crash that

seriously injured Paralympic gold medal winning cyclist Simon

Richardson. Police say a 60-year- old man from the Vale of Glamorgan

has been charged with dangerous driving, drink-driving and failing

to stop after an accident. He'll appear before magistrates next week.

The Russian ambassador has written to Prince William, thanking him and

his crew for their efforts in the search and rescue operation, after

a Russian ship sank off the Lleyn Peninsula. Two sailors were rescued

and the body of one man was recovered. Five of the crew are

still missing, but the search has now been called off.

Tens of thousands of public sector workers in Wales are preparing to

take strike action tomorrow. The walk-out will have a major impact

on services. Operations will be cancelled, schools will be closed,

and bins will go uncollected in the protest over pension reforms.

As these children went home this afternoon, it was the beginning of

an unscheduled break from the classroom as tomorrow's one day

strike will close more than 80% of schools in Wales. Despite the

inconvenience to parents, many seem supportive of teachers being

involved in this action against pension reform. It is important

that teachers are happy and if they're not, they're not going to

want to do their jobs. It puts my plans into chaos but I get to spend

the day with the kids. I fully support the teachers. I would go on

strike if it was me. The Health Service is another major public

sector employer affected by the action. Though doctors and most

nurses aren't on strike, many ancillary staff will be, so

outpatients appointments are cancelled as well as non urgent

operations. We have been working with our union colleagues and we

will have to offer a images he service like a bank holiday service.

Members of 29 separate unions are taking part in the day of action.

Unite is one of them and at their Welsh headquarters, the placards

are stacked in readiness for the marches and rallies. Wales has got

a very large public sector workforce and out of that work

force, and number are low paid. When we see the rhetoric about

pensions, we have to act. Unions will be staging rallies in towns

and cities right across Wales from Cardiff to Carmarthen, Aberystwyth

to Wrexham. The obvious public services will be affected. Council

offices will be closed, libraries will be shut and all those children

off school may also find themselves locked out of their leisure centre

or even their local park. Most local authorities say bins will not

be collected, though this one in Bridgend is run by a private

company. Refuse and recycling collections here at least will go

ahead, and the local authority has tried to protect vital services.

number of services will be affected and there will be destruction in

Bridgend as another places. What we have done his work with the trade

unions to agree exceptions so that we can provide services for our

most vulnerable people. Cardiff Bus used to be run by the council and

when staff transferred to the newly formed company in 1996, employees

were allowed to stay in the local government pension scheme.

Management had initially hoped to run a skeleton service, but now say

all buses will be cancelled on Wednesday, causing major disruption

for thousands of passengers who have no alternative means of

transport. There have already been numerous marches against cuts in

public service this year but tomorrow's walk-out could involve

between two and three million workers across Britain. The UK

Government says pension reforms are needed as people are living longer,

and the industrial action will damage the economy to the tune of

�500 million. Union leaders are predicting the mass walkout could

be the largest since the General Strike of 1926.

We'll have full coverage of the strike and its impact throughout

tomorrow. For the latest on how it impacts on you, log on to the bbc

website at www.bbc.co.uk/wales. And if you're being affected by the

strike, let us know. E-mail us at [email protected].

In an hour, Cardiff City will try and reach the League Cup semi-final

for the first time since 1966. The Bluebirds hope to beat Premier

League strugglers Blackburn to set up a lucrative place in the last

four. Judging by his selection as for

previous matches, the Carling Cup has not been Marty McKay's number

one priority. But the results have been first class. Cardiff City now

stand on the brink of a League Cup semi-final. Chelsea, Liverpool or

either of the match the clubs could await them in the last four if they

can beat Premier League strugglers Blackburn tonight. Even if they

were on a good run, we are a good run as well. We look at ourselves

first and foremost. We are confident. Every Beano's their role

within the team. The Bluebird's have only been in the semi-final

was before, back in the 1965-1966 season. They eventually lost 2 West

Ham. Tonight will also be Cardiff's first match since the death of

Wales manager Gary Speed. Supporters have already led to bits

at the Old Dominion park gates and everybody at the Cardiff stadium

will also pause to remember him before the game. The Welsh people

are passionate and caring people. They ever expect -- respectful. I

am sure the correct tribute and respect will be paid. Gary Speed's

first club, Leeds United, play at Nottingham Forest tonight and 11

minutes into the match the supporters will sing his name for

11 it's as their own special to bid. -- minutes.

Today was "Shane Day" for the Wales rugby squad. They marked Shane

Williams' final selection by wearing masks at today's training

session. The winger's family were also invited to lunch with the

players. Williams will bow out of international rugby on Saturday

against Australia in a team with Rhys Priestland and Lloyd Williams

at half-back. Two forwards who weren't at the World Cup have also

been included. Prop Scott Andrews has been selected and also lock Ian

Evans, who'll win his first cap for three years, with Wales' regular

second row pairing both injured. has been unfortunate with a few

injuries during the last few seasons and it is good to see him

back. Alun Wyn Jones and Luke Charteris could be it for the six

nations as well so it's nice to have somebody of that quality and

ability back in the squad. World Champion Dai Greene has been

shortlisted for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Award. The hurdler from Llanelli is one of ten candidates for the award

following his victory in Daegu in September. But Greene and triathlon

World Champion Helen Jenkins have criticised the list because no

women have been included. The winner will be decided by a public

vote on December 22. A car has reappeared after

disappearing into the sea off Mumbles in Swansea. The vehicle

became submerged yesterday and when coastguards went to move it this

morning, it had vanished. But it turned up hours later at the same

spot, once the tide went out. Back on dry land. The car that left

coastguards baffled after it vanished into the water. This brand

new Vauxhall Corsa became submerged in the sea off Mumbles last night

after the occupants parked it too close to the water's edge. There

were fears that the gentleman's wife was trapped in the car up so

as far as the coastguard was concerned, it was a possible rescue.

Happily, there are both out of the car so it was a case of

safeguarding everybody. Crews left the car last night, hoping to

recover it in the early hours of this morning in low tide, but it

had disappeared. It's not clear how the car ended up in the water.

Conditions last night were similar to today and the postcards think

the combination of strong winds combined with the high tide caused

the car to float away. But just before midday it re-emerged,

bobbing up and down in the water. Coastguards had been concerned

another vessel in the port could have hit it had it travelled far,

so were relieved when it turned up still at Mumbles. This has never

happened before. I have never heard of it, where a car filled with

water and drifts away, so the get feeling was that it would show up

fairly locally. Then came the rescue operation. Recovery services

battled against the wind and rain to winch the car back on to the

pier, ending the car's journey back where it started, just probably not

functioning so well. Let's take a look at the weather

We've seen the worst of the wind and rain for the time being but

there is more on the way this week. It was wet and stormy earlier on

today. Capel Curig in Snowdonia recorded a gust of 81mph. It's also

turned colder. In Wrexham, the temperature dropped from 15C to 8C

this afternoon. Tonight, some dry, clear weather but showers as well.

Some will be heavy and prolonged with hail and thunder. Breezy as

well with strong winds on the south and west coast. A colder night with

lowest temperatures inland around 3C. Tomorrow morning, mixed

fortunes. Some places will start dry, like parts of Powys and

Monmouthshire, but there will be some rain and showers around,

especially in the southwest, Cardigan Bay and in Gwynedd. Brisk

winds on the Lleyn Peninsula and feeling chilly. During the

afternoon, it may turn wet in parts of the north, the northwest and the

west coast. Elsewhere, the showers should ease. Most places becoming

dry with a few bright or sunny intervals. Top temperatures, 10C to

12C. The wind strong to gale force on some coasts in the west and the

northwest. Gusts of 45mph to 55mph. Tomorrow night, more wet and windy

weather. Some heavy rain. Strong to gale force winds. This will clear

to sunshine and showers on Thursday. On Friday, a window of fine weather.

Some sunshine after a frosty start in places, but it won't last. There

is more wind and rain on the way, clearing to sunshine and showers

over the weekend. Next week, there is a risk of some sleet and snow on

Monday, especially for north and west Wales. Porth Junior School in

the Rhondda are holding their Christmas Fayre on Friday afternoon.

If you're going along, it should be If you're going along, it should be

dry. Tonight's headlines. The

Chancellor's statement has painted a bleak forecast for the economy.

The number of public sector jobs are expected to be lost by 2017

sets to almost double. Let's join Our correspondent in Westminster

again. What does this autumn statement mean for Wales?

headline for Wales is an extra �216 million for the last government to

spend over the next three years. That is a result of decisions taken

care in England. The Welsh government can decide how to spend

that money itself. The Chancellor says he is prepared to talk to the

last government will about easing congestion on the M4 although no

details of that yet and a possible deal linked to the picture of tolls

on the Severn Bridge. More worryingly for public sector

workers, many of whom will be on strike tomorrow, the Chancellor

says that in future their pay which has been frozen for a few years

could be squeezed further into cheers. There is also talk about

regional pay. Labour politicians in Wales fear that regional pay rates

will mean lower pay as far as public sector workers in Wales are