I was interested to see that Andrew Davies unveiled a new independent group of experts yesterday who will advise on public service reform and innovation. Surely such a step is long overdue. The rejection of PFI in Wales has been seen as a key part of the “clear red water” strategy of Welsh Labour, though there have been successful not for profit investment in both social housing and water (I declare an interest) – there is clear evidence that in devolved services capital investment has failed to benefit from private partnerships in the way that other parts of the UK have.

A week after the publication of the Holtham Commission report, it is important to remember that escaping the Barnett squeeze will not in itself protect Welsh public services. We need effective innovation if we are to overcome imminent spending cuts in a country that has huge socio economic disadvantages to overcome. I wish the expert panel well.