Answers to questions not reached in Plenary

05/12/2018

Answers 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

OAQ53024 Tabled on 28/11/2018

What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service about the number of grassland fires in Wales?

I and my officials have discussed the issue of grass fires with all our fire and rescue services on many occasions. 

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services | Answered on - 06/12/2018
 
OAQ53032 Tabled on 28/11/2018

What consideration has the Welsh Government given to banning no-fault evictions?

The current discussion around the use of section 21 is an important one. I share the concern regarding the way some landlords choose to use section 21 notices. I have already instructed my officials to engage with stakeholders on this issue to consider potential options.   

Answered by Minister for Housing and Regeneration | Answered on - 06/12/2018
 
OAQ53043 Tabled on 28/11/2018

Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the Isle of Anglesey County Council's budget in 2019-20?

The Isle of Anglesey County Council’s budget is a matter for determination by locally elected members. The council will be considering how to make use of all its resources when setting its budget and is already consulting local people on how local resources should be prioritised.

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services | Answered on - 06/12/2018
 
OAQ53045 Tabled on 28/11/2018

What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the 'People Not Profit' credit union campaign in Scotland?

I am aware of Scotland’s credit union campaign. In Wales, credit unions are working to promote their services, using the Credit Unions of Wales brand, to raise their profile and their responsible lending ethos. This promotional work is being supported by a marketing campaign, funded by Welsh Government until 2020.

Answered by Minister for Housing and Regeneration | Answered on - 06/12/2018
 
OAQ53049 Tabled on 28/11/2018

What is the Welsh Government doing to establish centres for women offenders in Wales as a matter of urgency?

The blueprint for female offending in Wales sets out our aspirations for a distinct and different approach to female offending in Wales. This includes ambitions for the secure estate for women in Wales.  

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services | Answered on - 06/12/2018
 
OAQ53054 Tabled on 28/11/2018

What is the Welsh Government doing to ensure that community assets are not lost?

The Welsh Government is committed to working with communities to help them take ownership of community assets where this is the best option. Successful and sustainable local solutions can only be achieved by working across the public, private and third sectors.

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services | Answered on - 06/12/2018
 
OAQ53058 Tabled on 28/11/2018

What is the Welsh Government doing to support community facilities in Wales?

The community facilities programme, which aims to support communities to develop financially sustainable, fit-for-the-future buildings, has committed £21.4 million to 106 community-led projects across Wales since 2015. Each project represents a well-used community facility that brings people together.

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services | Answered on - 06/12/2018

Questions For - Cabinet Secretary for Finance

OAQ53021 Tabled on 28/11/2018

What consideration does the Cabinet Secretary give to infrastructure projects in west Wales when allocating funding to the economy and transport portfolio?

In the course of our budget preparations I meet all Cabinet Secretaries to discuss spending priorities including infrastructure priorities across the whole of Wales.

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Finance | Answered on - 06/12/2018
 
OAQ53022 Tabled on 28/11/2018

Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the impact of the real-terms reduction in the Welsh block grant?

As a result of the UK Government’s austerity policy the Welsh Government has £4 billion less to spend than it would if the budget had simply kept pace with gross domestic product since 2010-11.

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Finance | Answered on - 06/12/2018
 
OAQ53026 Tabled on 28/11/2018

What financial planning is the Welsh Government undertaking in preparation for Brexit?

The Welsh Government has created a £50 million European transition fund to help Wales prepare for Brexit. We continue to press the UK Government to honour commitments that Wales would be ‘not a penny worse off’ as a result of leaving the European Union.

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Finance | Answered on - 06/12/2018
 
OAQ53041 Tabled on 28/11/2018

What is the Welsh Government doing to protect public services in Islwyn from the impacts of austerity?

Despite cuts to our budget, we continue to shield public services in Islwyn from the full impact of austerity through our additional investment in health, social care and housing. The £22 million new build of Islwyn High School is just one example of recent investment. 

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Finance | Answered on - 06/12/2018
 
OAQ53052 Tabled on 28/11/2018

What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the impact that devolving the administration of the benefits system will have on the Welsh Government's budget?

The costs of devolving administration of the benefit system are real. In Scotland, for example, devolution of welfare powers incurred an upfront implementation cost of £200 million and administration costs are reported at £66 million each year.

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Finance | Answered on - 06/12/2018
 
OAQ53055 Tabled on 28/11/2018

What is the Welsh Government doing to help carers with the cost of council tax?

Live-in carers are not included in the calculation of council tax, to ensure that those otherwise entitled to them do not lose out on any council tax discounts. All eligible carers can benefit from the Welsh national council tax reduction scheme.

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Finance | Answered on - 06/12/2018