Welsh government unveils new legislative programme

The Welsh first minister, Carwyn Jones, has unveiled proposals to tackle school under-performance, make councils work more effectively together and improve food hygiene. There is also proposed legislation to improve cycle routes work and to make it easier for pedestrians to get around. Eye-catching items in the programme include an "opt out" organ donation system and a cosmetic piercing bill that means children may have to seek a parent's consent before going ahead with such a procedure. Jones said the programme for the next five years was the "most detailed" set out since the creation of the assembly, which which was given new legislative powers in a referendum earlier this year. He said: "From creating an education system that allows our children to reach their full potential, to getting the best value from our local authorities, we plan to use the new powers we have to create a Wales where there is social justice and where we can create opportunities for all our people." Other areas the legislative proposals cover include: • reforming social services to provide a coherent Welsh legal framework to meet changing expectations and demography • action to address homelessness and empty dwellings, as well as improving standards and tenants' rights in the private rented sector • the consolidation of existing legislation to make the planning system more transparent and accessible.