Tackling climate change was the big issue discussed at the autumn meeting between the Minister for Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, and representatives from environment, community transport, disability, development and women’s organisations in Wales.

The meeting, which took place as part of the Third Sector Scheme, also discussed the Economy and Transport departmental action plan which sets out commitments from the department to promote and support third sector activity.

Wales Environment Link (WEL) put forward a paper on behalf of the third sector commenting on the lack of emphasis on climate change within the National Transport Plan. A wide ranging discussion with the Minister covered behavioural change needed to encourage more walking, cycling and public or community transport, as opposed to car journeys but also the difficulties faced in making these alternatives more attractive, and accessible to disabled people, older people and those with children.

The meeting also discussed ways in which third sector organisations could work with the Welsh Assembly Government particularly in the light of recession. The Minister told the meeting that his department is revisiting all of their programmes and suggested that third sector organisations could usefully be involved in this process. Gender budgeting was one suggestion of an approach that the department might be interested in.

You can find copies of the all papers and minutes of ministerial meetings at

http://www.wcva.org.uk/policy/dsp_paper_ministerial.cfm?0=0&display_sitetextid=174&sub=3 or