Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
17/07/2019Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Minister for Housing and Local Government
What initiatives are the Welsh Government considering to tackle the problem of rough sleeping in Wales?
We have invested significant effort and funding into tackling rough-sleeping in Wales, not least through our support for Housing First. Our homelessness action group, chaired by Jon Sparkes, will advise on further action needed to address homelessness in all its forms, including specifically reducing rough-sleeping, this coming winter.
Will the Minister provide an update on the impact of the Welsh housing quality standard for properties in Mid and West Wales?
The Welsh housing quality standard has had a positive impact on all of our 226,000 social homes in Wales, ensuring that they are of a good quality and suitable for residents. At present 90 per cent of social homes in Wales, including those located in mid and west Wales, meet the standard.
Will the Minister outline the Welsh Government's plans for the reform of local government?
I set out the next steps for strengthening local government in my statement in Plenary on 18 June.
Will the Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's progress in tackling homelessness in Wales?
We are investing over £20 million this year alone to support a range of statutory and non-statutory services, including Housing First to prevent and tackle homelessness. Our homelessness expert group has already convened for the first time and will focus on identifying our next steps in tackling all forms of homelessness.
Questions For - Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs
Will the Minister provide an update on Welsh Government actions to improve the welfare of game birds reared for sporting purposes?
The code of practice for the welfare of game birds reared for sporting purposes was last updated in January 2011. Officials have now set up a series of meetings with key stakeholders to review the code. This review is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.
Will the Minister outline how Natural Resources Wales assesses its performance to avoid past mistakes?
Natural Resources Wales publish a number of reports on their performance. These are available on their website. This is in addition to an assessment of progress and performance reviewed regularly by the NRW executive team and NRW board and are shared with my officials at their regular meetings.
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the benefits of Clean Air Day to younger generations in Islwyn?
I was pleased to attend Caerphilly council’sClean Air Day event on 20 June at Caerphilly castle, which educated over 600 local children about air quality. We are evaluating Clean Air Day in partnership with Global Action Plan who are undertaking research to help evidence the impact of the day. Findings will be available in September.
Will the Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's efforts to protect biodiversity in South Wales East?
The nature recovery action plan and natural resources policy set out our priorities for reversing biodiversity decline. In South Wales East I recently announced over £1 million of funding for the A Resilient Greater Gwent project through the Enabling Natural Resources and Well-being scheme to help tackle the biodiversity crisis facing us all.