Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
11/07/2018Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services
What plans does the Welsh Government have to review the level of fees for services charged by local authorities?
Local authorities are able to charge for services where there is statutory provision to allow it. Fees should be used to deliver quality services whilst providing value for the local taxpayer.
Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the Welsh Government's plans for the future of local government in west Wales?
I will be making a statement on the future of local government on 17 July.
What are the Welsh Government's plans for fire authorities in Wales?
I am reviewing the governance and finance arrangements for fire and rescue authorities to improve their accountability to communities. I will consult on our plans in the autumn.
Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on efforts to reduce local government costs?
Responsibility for effective delivery of services rests with local authorities. Local authorities must consider how they can best use their resources and work with others to deliver longer term efficiencies so that they can continue to deliver services to their citizens.
Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on joint-working between local authorities in south-west Wales?
I expect all local authorities to work closely with each other, as well as other public sector bodies. The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 requires us to think about the long term, work better with people, communities and each other, look to prevent problems, and take a more joined-up approach.
What action is the Welsh Government taking to encourage closer working between health boards and local authorities through public service boards?
Local authorities and local health boards are both statutory members of public services boards, and have a joint responsibility to work together to improve the wellbeing of their areas.
What is the Welsh Government doing to embed the partnership work being done in public service boards?
The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 requires public bodies to think and act differently, putting collaboration at the heart of how they work. This includes, but extends far beyond, their work on public services boards.
Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on Welsh Government plans for local government reorganisation?
I will be making a statement on the future of local government on 17 July.
Questions For - Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs
Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on waste management in outdoor recreational areas?
The Welsh Government has introduced a range of measures to help improve waste management and prevent littering. These include introducing powers to enable local authorities to issue fixed-penalty notices and providing £3.7 million of funding to Keep Wales Tidy.
Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on how the planning system can support the development of high streets in rural Wales?
The planning system supports high streets across Wales by adopting a 'town centre first' approach that directs new retail and commercial development to town centres. Our planning policies support diverse high streets with a range of uses, making them vibrant places for people to visit, work and live in.
What target does the Welsh Government have in place for growth in organic agriculture?
The Glastir Organic scheme, part-funded through the Welsh Government rural development programme, has a target of supporting 542 farmers to either convert to or to maintain their organic status over the period 2014-20. To date, we are actively supporting 563 organic farm businesses.