Y Cyfarfod Llawn
Plenary
07/02/2023Cynnwys
Contents
Yn y fersiwn ddwyieithog, mae’r golofn chwith yn cynnwys yr iaith a lefarwyd yn y cyfarfod. Mae’r golofn dde yn cynnwys cyfieithiad o’r areithiau hynny.
In the bilingual version, the left-hand column includes the language used during the meeting. The right-hand column includes a translation of those speeches.
Cyfarfu'r Senedd yn y Siambr a thrwy gynhadledd fideo am 13:30 gyda'r Llywydd (Elin Jones) yn y Gadair.
The Senedd met in the Chamber and by video-conference at 13:30 with the Llywydd (Elin Jones) in the Chair.
Prynhawn da. Before I call on First Minister's questions today, and on behalf of us all, I want to express our condolences with our colleague Carolyn Thomas, after the sudden and cruel loss of her son, Ben. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Carolyn, and your family.
And, also, as we begin our proceedings today, I'm sure we are all horrified by the death and destruction we're witnessing in pictures from Turkey and Syria. Our thoughts as a Senedd are with the people of that region as they seek to rescue, to survive and to grieve.
Prynhawn da. Cyn i mi alw ar gwestiynau i'r Prif Weinidog heddiw, ac ar ran pob un ohonom ni, hoffwn fynegi ein cydymdeimlad gyda'n cyd-Aelod Carolyn Thomas, wedi colled sydyn a chreulon ei mab, Ben. Mae ein meddyliau a'n gweddïau gyda chi, Carolyn, a'ch teulu.
Ac, hefyd, wrth i ni ddechrau ein trafodion heddiw, rwy'n siŵr ein bod ni i gyd wedi'n harswydo wrth weld y marwolaethau a'r dinistr mewn lluniau o Dwrci a Syria. Mae ein meddyliau fel Senedd gyda phobl y rhanbarth hwnnw wrth iddyn nhw geisio achub, goroesi a galaru.
The Trefnydd now will be answering questions on behalf of the First Minister today, and the first question, cwestiwn 1, Rhun ap Iorwerth.
Nawr bydd y Trefnydd yn ateb cwestiynau ar ran y Prif Weinidog heddiw, a'r cwestiwn cyntaf, cwestiwn 1, Rhun ap Iorwerth.
1. A wnaiff y Prif Weinidog roi ddatganiad am ymateb Llywodraeth Cymru i ymgynghoriad y 2 Sisters Food Group ar gau ei safle yn Llangefni? OQ59108
1. Will the First Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's response to the 2 Sisters Food Group's consultation on the closure of its site in Llangefni? OQ59108
Diolch. Welsh Government had no prior knowledge of the announcement of the 2 Sisters Food Group's consultation. We are committed to doing all we can to support the people affected and ensure all parties work together to deliver a sustainable future for the local economy.
Diolch. Nid oedd gan Lywodraeth Cymru unrhyw wybodaeth o flaen llaw am gyhoeddi ymgynghoriad y 2 Sisters Food Group. Rydym ni wedi ymrwymo i wneud popeth o fewn ein gallu i gynorthwyo'r bobl yr effeithir arnyn nhw a sicrhau bod pob parti yn cydweithio i sicrhau dyfodol cynaliadwy ar gyfer yr economi leol.
Diolch, Weinidog. Rydyn ni yn tynnu am bythefnos rŵan ers y cyhoeddiad—cyfnod byr oedd yr ymgynghoriad i gyd. Ac, er ei bod hi'n amlwg o'r cychwyn mai'r peryg ydy bod hwn yn benderfyniad sydd eisoes wedi ei wneud, mae hi'n allweddol, wrth gwrs, mai'r flaenoriaeth ydy gweld a oes unrhyw beth y mae modd ei wneud er mwyn newid meddwl y cwmni. Ond, mae'n rhaid ar yr un pryd baratoi am y gwaethaf. Rydyn ni yn sôn am impact enfawr ar y gymuned—3 y cant o holl weithlu Ynys Môn.
Yn wyneb hynny, ydy'r Gweinidog yn cytuno efo fi fod rhaid i'r ymateb fod yn sylweddol ac yn gyflym, a hynny gan Lywodraethau Cymru a Phrydain, gan fod gymaint o beth sydd wedi gyrru hyn, o Brexit i gostau ynni, yn faterion dan gyfrifoldeb Llywodraeth y Deyrnas Unedig, ac, o fuddsoddiad mawr mewn creu swyddi i gefnogaeth efo costau byw, fod angen i Weinidogion yng Nghaerdydd, a Gweinidogion yn Llundain, wneud datganiad buan, y gallwn ni, y gymuned, y cyngor, y cynlluniau datblygu economaidd, ddisgwyl cefnogaeth ariannol sylweddol?
Thank you, Minister. It is now almost a fortnight since the announcement of the consultation—it was a short one anyway. And, although it was clear from the outset that the risk was that this was a decision that had already been made, it is crucial, of course, that the priority is to see whether there is anything that can be done to change the company's mind. But, we must simultaneously prepare for the worst. We are talking about a huge impact on the community—3 per cent of the whole workforce on Anglesey.
In light of that, would the Minister agree with me that the response must be significant and swift, from the Welsh and UK Governments, given that so much of what has driven this, from Brexit to energy costs, is the responsibility of the UK Government, and, from significant investment in job creation to support with the cost of living, that Ministers in London and Cardiff need to make an early statement that we, the community, the council and the economic development plans can expect significant financial support?
Thank you. I think 2 Sisters Poultry Ltd are maintaining it's a meaningful consultation and no decision has been made. But, I think you are quite right—we do need, obviously, to prepare for the worst. As I say, we had no prior knowledge of that. I think it would have been helpful had we have had some prior knowledge. We worked very closely with that plant, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic; you'll remember it did have an outbreak, and we worked very closely with them. We have had a relationship with them, so I think it was disappointing that they didn't contact us ahead of the announcement.
As you know—and you're absolutely a part of the discussions—we are all working in partnership together. On the day of the announcement, both I and the Minister for Economy met with the leader of Ynys Môn county council. Then there were further discussions. The First Minister himself met with the authority on the following morning, and, then, I know you met with the Minister for Economy last Tuesday, and, obviously, the taskforce has now been set up. It was held for the first time on 3 February, when all the partners that you referred to were there, along with the trade union and the Department for Work and Pensions. And I think it is absolutely right that—. This is another example, isn't it, of where Brexit, inflation and the energy crisis are having an absolute detrimental effect on all of our communities, creating that perfect storm that we really don't want to see. But, these are real people who are being affected by this, so we are, once again, urging the UK Government to act quickly to support Welsh businesses, and, as a Government, we will continue to do all we can.
Diolch. Rwy'n credu bod 2 Sisters Poultry Ltd yn mynnu ei fod yn ymgynghoriad ystyrlon ac nad oes unrhyw benderfyniad wedi'i wneud. Ond, rwy'n credu eich bod chi yn llygad eich lle—mae angen i ni, yn amlwg, baratoi ar gyfer y gwaethaf. Fel y dywedais, nid oedd gennym ni unrhyw wybodaeth o flaen llaw am hynny. Rwy'n credu y byddai wedi bod o gymorth pe baem ni wedi cael rhywfaint o wybodaeth o flaen llaw. Fe wnaethom weithio'n agos iawn gyda'r gwaith hwnnw, yn enwedig yn ystod pandemig COVID-19; byddwch yn cofio y bu brigiad o achosion yno, ac fe wnaethon ni weithio'n agos iawn gyda nhw. Bu gennym ni berthynas â nhw, felly rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n siomedig na wnaethon nhw gysylltu â ni cyn y cyhoeddiad.
Fel y gwyddoch—ac rydych chi'n sicr yn rhan o'r trafodaethau—rydym ni i gyd yn gweithio mewn partneriaeth gyda'n gilydd. Ar ddiwrnod y cyhoeddiad, fe wnes i a Gweinidog yr Economi gyfarfod ag arweinydd Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn. Yna cafwyd trafodaethau pellach. Fe wnaeth y Prif Weinidog ei hun gyfarfod â'r awdurdod ar y bore canlynol, ac yna, gwn eich bod chi wedi cyfarfod â Gweinidog yr Economi ddydd Mawrth diwethaf, ac, yn amlwg, mae'r tasglu wedi cael ei sefydlu bellach. Fe'i cynhaliwyd am y tro cyntaf ar 3 Chwefror, pan oedd yr holl bartneriaid y gwnaethoch chi gyfeirio atyn nhw yno, ynghyd â'r undeb llafur a'r Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau. Ac rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n gwbl briodol bod—. Mae hon yn enghraifft arall, onid yw, o le mae Brexit, chwyddiant a'r argyfwng ynni yn cael effaith gwbl niweidiol ar ein holl gymunedau, gan greu'r storm berffaith honno nad ydym ni wir eisiau ei gweld. Ond, mae'r rhain yn bobl go iawn yr effeithir arnyn nhw gan hyn, felly rydym ni'n annog Llywodraeth y DU, unwaith eto, i weithredu'n gyflym i gynorthwyo busnesau Cymru, ac, fel Llywodraeth, byddwn ni'n parhau i wneud popeth o fewn ein gallu.
I'd first like to echo the comments made regarding the devastating impact of the proposed closure of the 2 Sisters Llangefni site, and the real importance for both the UK and Welsh Governments to work together to achieve as positive an outcome as possible. So, I certainly support the Member for Ynys Môn's calls for that.
It has been positive, Minister, as I'm sure you'd agree, to see that there are companies on the island and beyond looking to offer further employment to those people who are affected. I'm pleased also that Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Môn, has been working with employers to see what opportunities can be provided to those impacted as well. You mentioned, Minister, the taskforce that Welsh Government have set up, and it's certainly good to see that happen as quickly as possible. But, I wonder what further assurances you can give that this taskforce will ensure those impacted are supported through the 45-day consultation period, and what work they are doing to look at the long-term viability of the site. And, then, furthermore, what analysis will that taskforce be making of the impact on the wider community of Ynys Môn and beyond? Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Hoffwn yn gyntaf ategu'r sylwadau a wnaed ynghylch effaith ddinistriol y cynllun arfaethedig i gau safle 2 Sisters yn Llangefni, a'r pwysigrwydd gwirioneddol i Lywodraethau'r DU a Chymru weithio gyda'i gilydd i sicrhau canlyniad mor gadarnhaol â phosibl. Felly, rwy’n sicr yn cefnogi galwadau'r Aelod dros Ynys Môn am hynny.
Mae wedi bod yn gadarnhaol, Gweinidog, fel yr wyf i'n siŵr y byddech chi'n cytuno, gweld bod cwmnïau ar yr ynys a thu hwnt yn ceisio cynnig cyflogaeth bellach i'r bobl hynny yr effeithir arnyn nhw. Rwy'n falch hefyd bod Virginia Crosbie, AS Ynys Môn, wedi bod yn gweithio gyda chyflogwyr i weld pa gyfleoedd y gellir eu darparu i'r rhai yr effeithir arnyn nhw hefyd. Fe wnaethoch chi grybwyll, Gweinidog, y tasglu y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ei sefydlu, ac mae'n sicr yn dda gweld hynny'n digwydd cyn gynted â phosibl. Ond, tybed pa sicrwydd pellach y gallwch chi ei roi y bydd y tasglu hwn yn sicrhau bod y rhai yr effeithir arnyn nhw yn cael eu cefnogi drwy'r cyfnod ymgynghori 45 diwrnod, a pha waith maen nhw'n ei wneud i edrych ar hyfywedd hirdymor y safle. Ac, wedyn, ar ben hynny, pa ddadansoddiad fydd y tasglu hwnnw'n ei wneud o'r effaith ar gymuned ehangach Ynys Môn a thu hwnt? Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Diolch. So, the taskforce does include Welsh Government, Ynys Môn council, UK Government, the Department for Work and Pensions, the company itself and Unite trade union. There are going to be two parts to it: there's going to be a leadership group, which will obviously have the ministerial input, and then there'll be an operational group, which will be at an official level. And that's to ensure that work progresses at pace. I think that it is really important that that taskforce looks at what we can do to support the affected employees and the communities. It is a really devastating announcement. I absolutely agree with you around that, and I'm aware that the taskforce, on Friday, did absolutely reaffirm its full support.
Diolch. Mae'r tasglu'n cynnwys Llywodraeth Cymru, cyngor Ynys Môn, Llywodraeth y DU, yr Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau, y cwmni ei hun ac undeb llafur Unite. Bydd dwy ran iddo: bydd grŵp arweinyddiaeth, a fydd yn amlwg yn cael y mewnbwn gweinidogol, ac yna bydd grŵp gweithredol, a fydd ar lefel swyddogol. Ac mae hynny i sicrhau bod gwaith yn mynd rhagddo yn gyflym. Rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n bwysig iawn bod y tasglu hwnnw'n edrych ar yr hyn y gallwn ni ei wneud i gynorthwyo'r gweithwyr yr effeithir arnyn nhw a'r cymunedau. Mae wir yn gyhoeddiad ofnadwy. Rwy'n cytuno'n llwyr â chi ynghylch hynny, ac rwy'n ymwybodol bod y tasglu, ddydd Gwener, yn sicr wedi ailddatgan ei gefnogaeth lawn.
2. Pa asesiad y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'i wneud o ddiogelwch adeiladau y mae Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Betsi Cadwaladr yn berchen arnynt? OQ59098
2. What assessment has the First Minister made of the safety of buildings owned by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board? OQ59098
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is responsible for the condition of its own estate. Business cases can be submitted to Welsh Government for capital funding for the health board's assessed priorities, which have to be considered against the backdrop of significant capital pressures across NHS Wales.
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Betsi Cadwaladr sy'n gyfrifol am gyflwr ei ystad ei hun. Gellir cyflwyno achosion busnes i Lywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer cyllid cyfalaf ar gyfer blaenoriaethau a aseswyd y bwrdd iechyd, y mae'n rhaid eu hystyried yn erbyn cefndir pwysau cyfalaf sylweddol ar draws GIG Cymru.
Thank you, Trefnydd. Now, shockingly, some 74 per cent of the buildings owned by this board comply with statutory health and safety requirements, only 64 per cent comply with relevant statutory fire safety requirements, and only 62 per cent are operationally safe. And that's a very worrying concern for my constituents and also patients across north Wales. At Ysbyty Gwynedd, the design and layout actually present infection prevention and control risks. The hospital that you're directly supporting, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, now has a maintenance backlog of £37 million. And Bryn y Neuadd, in Llanfairfechan, has a backlog of £27.7 million, and 70 per cent of its occupied floor area recorded as 'not functionally suitable'. And that particular hospital has some very, very vulnerable patients there. They deserve better.
Now, the health board's estate strategy states that,
'physical condition and statutory compliance of the estate has got worse since the 2019 Estate Strategy'.
Now, whilst I'd like clarity as to what financial assistance you will be providing, this is simply not a good state of affairs for a health board that swings from one crisis, or one scandal or story, week by week. Now, at some stage, when are you going to actually look at the management of this health board? And, actually, in something like this, if I was responsible for the maintenance and the upkeep of buildings in a managerial position, I would be expecting some kind of repercussion to come from such a poor report. So, what steps are you taking, Trefnydd, to make sure that my constituents, and other patients across north Wales—
Diolch, Trefnydd. Nawr, yn syfrdanol, mae tua 74 y cant o'r adeiladau sy'n eiddo i'r bwrdd hwn yn cydymffurfio â gofynion iechyd a diogelwch statudol, dim ond 64 y cant sy'n cydymffurfio â gofynion diogelwch tân statudol perthnasol, a dim ond 62 y cant sy'n weithredol ddiogel. Ac mae hynny'n bryder mawr iawn i fy etholwyr a hefyd i gleifion ar draws y gogledd. Yn Ysbyty Gwynedd, mae'r dyluniad a'r cynllun yn peri risgiau atal a rheoli heintiau mewn gwirionedd. Mae gan yr ysbyty rydych chi'n ei gefnogi'n uniongyrchol, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, ôl-groniad cynnal a chadw o £37 miliwn erbyn hyn. Ac mae gan Bryn y Neuadd, yn Llanfairfechan, ôl-groniad o £27.7 miliwn, ac mae 70 y cant o'i arwynebedd llawr sydd wedi'i feddiannu wedi'i nodi'n 'weithredol anaddas'. Ac mae gan yr ysbyty penodol hwnnw rai cleifion agored iawn i niwed yno. Maen nhw'n haeddu gwell.
Nawr, mae strategaeth ystad y bwrdd iechyd yn dweud bod,
'cyflwr ffisegol a chydymffurfiad statudol yr ystad wedi gwaethygu ers Strategaeth Ystad 2019'.
Nawr, er y byddwn i'n hoffi eglurder ynghylch pa gymorth ariannol y byddwch chi'n ei ddarparu, yn syml, nid yw hon yn sefyllfa dda i fwrdd iechyd sy'n symud o un argyfwng, neu un sgandal neu stori, o wythnos i wythnos. Nawr, ar ryw adeg, pryd ydych chi'n mynd i edrych mewn gwirionedd ar reolaeth y bwrdd iechyd hwn? Ac, mewn gwirionedd, o ran rhywbeth fel hyn, pe bawn i'n gyfrifol am gynnal a chadw a chynhaliaeth adeiladau mewn swydd reoli, byddwn yn disgwyl i ryw fath o ôl-effeithiau ddeillio o adroddiad mor wael. Felly, pa gamau ydych chi'n eu cymryd, Trefnydd, i wneud yn siŵr y gall fy etholwyr, a chleifion eraill ar draws y gogledd—
I have been extremely generous, Janet Finch-Saunders, so just ask the question now.
Rwyf i wedi bod yn eithriadol o hael, Janet Finch-Saunders, felly gofynnwch y cwestiwn nawr.
Okay. So, what steps are you taking to ensure that my constituents, and patients across north Wales, can actually receive their medical treatment in safe facilities? Diolch.
Iawn. Felly, pa gamau ydych chi'n eu cymryd i sicrhau y gall fy etholwyr, a chleifion ar draws y gogledd, dderbyn eu triniaeth feddygol mewn cyfleusterau diogel? Diolch.
Well, I know what steps you could take, and you could put some pressure on your Government in Westminster to increase our capital budgets. Our capital budgets have not been increased by the UK Government. However, we have committed more than £335 million towards important NHS and social care capital projects this financial year, and a further £375 million next year to support those organisations, because it's right across Wales. We know we have a lot of our buildings, across all hospitals and health boards in Wales—. Some of them are over 30 years old. So, we know that there has been an increase in backlog figures, for instance, and I know that the Minister for Health and Social Services has met with the chair of the health board and the interim chief executive of Betsi to discuss what prioritisation the health board has, because, as I said in my opening answer to you, it's up to them to identify the priorities that they have, and then put in the bids to the Welsh Government. But you must appreciate the pressures on our capital budget.
Wel, rwy'n gwybod pa gamau y gallech chi eu cymryd, a gallech chi roi rhywfaint o bwysau ar eich Llywodraeth yn San Steffan i gynyddu ein cyllidebau cyfalaf. Nid yw ein cyllidebau cyfalaf wedi cael eu cynyddu gan Lywodraeth y DU. Fodd bynnag, rydym ni wedi ymrwymo mwy na £335 miliwn tuag at brosiectau cyfalaf y GIG a gofal cymdeithasol pwysig yn y flwyddyn ariannol hon, a £375 miliwn arall y flwyddyn nesaf i gynorthwyo'r sefydliadau hynny, oherwydd mae ar draws Cymru gyfan. Rydym ni'n gwybod bod gennym ni lawer o'n hadeiladau, ym mhob ysbyty a bwrdd iechyd yng Nghymru—. Mae rhai ohonyn nhw dros 30 oed. Felly, rydym ni'n gwybod y bu cynnydd mewn ffigurau ôl-groniad, er enghraifft, a gwn fod y Gweinidog Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol wedi cyfarfod â chadeirydd y bwrdd iechyd a phrif weithredwr dros dro Betsi i drafod pa flaenoriaethu sydd gan y bwrdd iechyd, oherwydd, fel y dywedais yn fy ateb agoriadol i chi, mater iddyn nhw yw nodi'r blaenoriaethau sydd ganddyn nhw, ac yna gwneud y ceisiadau i Lywodraeth Cymru. Ond mae'n rhaid i chi werthfawrogi'r pwysau ar ein cyllideb gyfalaf.
Cwestiynau nawr gan arweinwyr y pleidiau. Arweinydd y Ceidwadwyr, Andrew R.T. Davies.
Questions now from party leaders. The leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew R.T. Davies.
Thank you, Presiding Officer. Could I identify with the comments that you made earlier in this session, Presiding Officer? And could I ask you, Trefnydd, in light of the horrendous scenes that are coming from Turkey and Syria, and the size of the death total that's going up in the hundreds, if not the thousands, every hour, what assessment has the Welsh Government made of the assistance that we in Wales will be able to give? Very often, that involves search and rescue teams, it involves humanitarian aid and medical supplies generally. Obviously, the UK Government will be leading on this, but Wales has a proud tradition of helping out in situations like this, and speedy and timely intervention is critical. I assume you've made an assessment that the Welsh Government can make a key contribution. So, what will that contribution be and what dialogue have you had with the UK Government to make sure it happens in a timely manner?
Diolch, Llywydd. A gaf i uniaethu â'r sylwadau a wnaethoch yn gynharach yn y sesiwn hon, Llywydd? Ac a gaf i ofyn i chi, Trefnydd, yn sgil y golygfeydd erchyll sydd yn dod o Dwrci a Syria, a maint y cyfanswm o farwolaethau sy'n cynyddu fesul cannoedd, os nad miloedd, bob awr, pa asesiad mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ei wneud o'r cymorth y byddwn ni yng Nghymru yn gallu ei roi? Yn aml iawn, mae hynny'n cynnwys timau chwilio ac achub, mae'n cynnwys cymorth dyngarol a chyflenwadau meddygol yn gyffredinol. Yn amlwg, bydd Llywodraeth y DU yn arwain ar hyn, ond mae gan Gymru draddodiad balch o helpu mewn sefyllfaoedd fel hyn, ac mae ymyrraeth gyflym ac amserol yn hollbwysig. Rwy'n cymryd eich bod chi wedi gwneud asesiad y gall Llywodraeth Cymru wneud cyfraniad allweddol. Felly, beth fydd y cyfraniad hwnnw a pha sgwrs ydych chi wedi ei chael gyda Llywodraeth y DU i wneud yn siŵr ei fod yn digwydd mewn modd amserol?
I know the Minister for Social Justice has asked her officials to begin those discussions with the UK Government. She herself will be making a statement to the Senedd—probably a written statement, I would imagine. Those discussions have started and, as I say, further information will come forward. You're absolutely right, we do have a very proud tradition. I'm sure there are already people being identified to go and support the rescue operation. As you say, it's just devastating for the region. I do think the number of people killed is going to be significantly in the thousands, as you referred to.
Gwn fod y Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol wedi gofyn i'w swyddogion ddechrau'r trafodaethau hynny gyda Llywodraeth y DU. Bydd hi ei hun yn gwneud datganiad i'r Senedd—datganiad ysgrifenedig mae'n debyg, byddwn yn dychmygu. Mae'r trafodaethau hynny wedi dechrau ac, fel y dywedais, bydd mwy o wybodaeth yn cael ei chyflwyno. Rydych chi yn llygad eich lle, mae gennym ni draddodiad balch iawn. Rwy'n siŵr bod pobl eisoes yn cael eu nodi i fynd i gynorthwyo'r gwaith achub. Fel rydych chi'n dweud, mae'n erchyll i'r rhanbarth. Rwyf i yn meddwl y bydd nifer y bobl a laddwyd yn sylweddol, yn y miloedd, fel y gwnaethoch chi ei ddweud.
I'm sure, as Members, we'd be greatly appreciative of an update as soon as possible, because not unreasonably, obviously, constituents and organisations that are able to help are getting in touch with us, and that would be most welcome. I can see the Minister indicating that will be forthcoming.
Last week, we had from the auditor general the report on the purchase of Gilestone Farm. It made for interesting reading. The description by the risk assessment board of the Welsh Government was that the process that was used to buy Gilestone Farm was 'novel'. Some people think of Yes, Minister or Yes, Prime Minister in the civil service speak when you think of such language. But, when you look into some of the comments within that report, it identifies six meetings over the period when key decisions were being made with officials and the Green Man Festival. They were on 22 October, 26 January, 28 January, 11 February, 7 March and 23 March. Not one single note or minute was taken of those meetings. Not one single note or minute. You're a Minister of some considerable standing, leader of the house, and have been in Government some considerable time. Can you think of a situation where an interested party would be so heavily engaged in discussions where they could potentially be such a beneficiary of a considerable sum of public funds and not a single minute, note or record of six meetings was taken during that time?
Rwy'n siŵr, fel Aelodau, y byddem ni'n gwerthfawrogi'n fawr iawn cael yr wybodaeth ddiweddaraf cyn gynted â phosibl, oherwydd nid yn afresymol, yn amlwg, mae etholwyr a sefydliadau sy'n gallu helpu yn cysylltu â ni, a byddai hynny i'w groesawu'n fawr. Gallaf weld y Gweinidog yn nodi y bydd hynny'n digwydd.
Yr wythnos diwethaf, cawsom gan yr archwilydd cyffredinol yr adroddiad ar brynu Fferm Gilestone. Roedd yn ddiddorol iawn ei ddarllen. Y disgrifiad gan fwrdd asesu risg Llywodraeth Cymru oedd bod y broses a ddefnyddiwyd i brynu Fferm Gilestone yn 'newydd'. Mae rhai pobl yn meddwl am ffordd y gwasanaeth sifil o siarad ar Yes, Minister neu Yes, Prime Minister pan fyddwch chi'n meddwl am iaith o'r fath. Ond, pan fyddwch chi'n ymchwilio i rai o'r sylwadau yn yr adroddiad hwnnw, mae'n nodi chwe chyfarfod dros y cyfnod pan oedd penderfyniadau allweddol yn cael eu gwneud gyda swyddogion a Gŵyl y Dyn Gwyrdd. Roedden nhw ar 22 Hydref, 26 Ionawr, 28 Ionawr, 11 Chwefror, 7 Mawrth a 23 Mawrth. Ni chymerwyd yr un nodyn na chofnod o'r cyfarfodydd hynny. Dim un nodyn na chofnod. Rydych chi'n Weinidog uchel iawn eich parch, yn arweinydd y tŷ, ac wedi bod yn y Llywodraeth ers cryn amser. A allwch chi feddwl am sefyllfa lle byddai parti â buddiant yn cymryd rhan mor fawr mewn trafodaethau pan allen nhw fod yn fuddiolwr swm sylweddol o arian cyhoeddus ac na chymerwyd un cofnod, nodyn na chofnod ysgrifenedig o chwe chyfarfod yn ystod y cyfnod hwnnw?
I have to say, I am a Minister that does make a lot of notes. I've always done that, and I've always dated them. I think that's really important. But, I think what we need to look at in relation to the auditor general's letter—. I think it did make for interesting reading. There were a lot of positives in there, which I'm sure you won't welcome, but there were a lot of positives around the way that Welsh Government did use that funding. Sometimes we have to be a bit more innovative. Government, by its very nature, is risk averse, and that's absolutely right when you're dealing with public money. You have to be very careful. But I did think, for me, I took a lot of positives from that letter. The pressures on our budget have been very well documented, especially the real-terms decrease we face. Any decisions to make use of funding, regardless of time of year, must ensure the proposals present value for money, and they've got to be clearly aligned with our policy priorities and they need to follow due process. I didn't see anything in that letter that didn't say that we did that.
Mae'n rhaid i mi ddweud, rwy'n Weinidog sy'n gwneud llawer o nodiadau. Rwyf i wedi gwneud hynny erioed, ac rwyf i wedi eu dyddio nhw erioed. Rwy'n credu bod hynny'n bwysig iawn. Ond, rwy'n credu mai'r hyn sydd angen i ni edrych arno o ran llythyr yr archwilydd cyffredinol—. Rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n ddiddorol ei ddarllen. Roedd llawer o bethau positif ynddo, yr wyf i'n siŵr na fyddwch chi'n eu croesawu, ond roedd llawer o bethau cadarnhaol o ran y ffordd y gwnaeth Llywodraeth Cymru ddefnyddio'r cyllid hwnnw. Mae'n rhaid i ni fod ychydig yn fwy arloesol weithiau. Mae llywodraeth, yn ôl ei natur, yn osgoi risg, ac mae hynny'n gwbl gywir pan ydych chi'n ymdrin ag arian cyhoeddus. Mae'n rhaid i chi fod yn ofalus iawn. Ond roeddwn i yn credu, i mi, fe wnes i gymryd llawer o bethau cadarnhaol o'r llythyr hwnnw. Mae'r pwysau ar ein cyllideb wedi cael llawer iawn o sylw, yn enwedig y gostyngiad termau real sy'n ein hwynebu. Mae'n rhaid i unrhyw benderfyniadau i wneud defnydd o gyllid, beth bynnag fo'r amser o'r flwyddyn, sicrhau bod y cynigion yn cynnig gwerth am arian, ac mae'n rhaid iddyn nhw gyd-fynd yn eglur â'n blaenoriaethau polisi ac mae angen iddyn nhw ddilyn y drefn briodol. Ni welais i unrhyw beth yn y llythyr hwnnw nad oedd yn dweud ein bod ni wedi gwneud hynny.
Minister, there are businesses the length and breadth of the country who apply to Welsh Government and the UK Government for support, sometimes for several hundred pounds, sometimes for thousands, sometimes for tens of thousands, if not millions. Here we have an intervention by the Welsh Government of £4.5 million where you cannot pinpoint a single note or minute of the interaction between the potential beneficiary of that intervention and the Government officials that were making decisions to advise the Minister at that time. In fact, the same Government officials commissioned the valuers and the legal firm to undertake the work without ministerial advice. Their advice was finished before the Minister actually said that they could spend the £60,000 on the procurement of that service.
My point is that many businesses the length and breadth of Wales—and you'll be familiar with this from your postbag as a constituency Member—bemoan the fact of all the level of information they have to provide to support grant application. We understand that there have to be the checks and balances, because it's public money. But why, in this case, was there not a single—not a single—note that could be drawn on to show the level of interaction and what was discussed, given the very quick intervention and turnaround time that the Government used in this particular aspect of purchasing the farm, which the auditor general highlights. There was no time pressure, because there wasn't another purchaser chasing the property. It's in his report. I can see the Minister turning round saying, 'That's not true.' It's in the auditor general's report. He could not find any other time constraint other than the self-imposed time constraint of Welsh Government. So, I ask you again: what examples in your ministerial career can you think of where such an interaction would not have had a minute, a note, a record so that that could be held in the accountability and transparency process and people can feel that they will get a fair crack of the whip when they apply for Government funding?
Gweinidog, ceir busnesau ar hyd a lled y wlad sy'n gwneud ceisiadau i Lywodraeth Cymru a Llywodraeth y DU am gymorth, weithiau am sawl can punt, weithiau am filoedd, weithiau am ddegau o filoedd, os nad miliynau. Yma mae gennym ni ymyrraeth gan Lywodraeth Cymru o £4.5 miliwn pryd na allwch chi gyfeirio at yr un nodyn na chofnod o'r rhyngweithio rhwng darpar fuddiolwr yr ymyrraeth honno a swyddogion y Llywodraeth a oedd yn gwneud penderfyniadau i gynghori'r Gweinidog ar y pryd. A dweud y gwir, fe wnaeth yr un swyddogion Llywodraeth gomisiynu'r gwerthwyr a'r cwmni cyfreithiol i wneud y gwaith heb gyngor gweinidogol. Daeth eu cyngor i ben cyn i'r Gweinidog ddweud mewn gwirionedd y gallen nhw wario'r £60,000 ar gaffael y gwasanaeth hwnnw.
Fy mhwynt i yw bod llawer o fusnesau ar hyd a lled Cymru—a byddwch yn gyfarwydd â hyn o'ch bag post fel Aelod etholaeth—yn achwyn am lefel yr wybodaeth y mae'n rhaid iddyn nhw ei darparu i gefnogi cais am grant. Rydym ni'n deall bod yn rhaid cadw cydbwysedd, gan ei fod yn arian cyhoeddus. Ond pam, yn yr achos hwn, nad oedd yr un—dim un—nodyn y gellid cyfeirio ato i ddangos lefel y rhyngweithio a'r hyn a drafodwyd, o gofio'r ymyrraeth gyflym iawn a'r amser cyflawni a ddefnyddiwyd gan y Llywodraeth yn yr agwedd benodol hon ar brynu'r fferm, y mae'r archwilydd cyffredinol yn tynnu sylw ato. Nid oedd unrhyw bwysau amser, oherwydd nid oedd prynwr arall ar ôl yr eiddo. Mae hyn yn ei adroddiad. Gallaf weld y Gweinidog yn troi rownd ac yn dweud, 'Nid yw hynny'n wir.' Mae yn adroddiad yr archwilydd cyffredinol. Ni allai ddod o hyd i unrhyw gyfyngiad amser arall ac eithrio cyfyngiad amser hunanosodedig Llywodraeth Cymru. Felly, gofynnaf i chi eto: pa enghreifftiau yn eich gyrfa weinidogol allwch chi feddwl amdanyn nhw pryd na fyddai rhyngweithio o'r fath wedi arwain at gofnod, nodyn, cofnod ysgrifenedig fel y gellid cadw'r rheini yn y broses atebolrwydd a thryloywder ac y gall pobl deimlo y bydd ganddyn nhw siawns teg pan fyddan nhw'n gwneud cais am gyllid Llywodraeth?
I think it's fair to say there had been discussions with Green Man about potential sites for some time. This wasn't just something that happened very quickly. Those discussions had been going on for some time, and the high-level outline business case that had been provided was enough to progress with the purchase. So, as I say, I think there were a lot of positives in that letter from the auditor general and we very much welcome that, and obviously we will look to learn lessons as always. There are always lessons to be learned.
Rwy'n meddwl ei bod hi'n deg dweud y bu trafodaethau gyda Dyn Gwyrdd am safleoedd posibl ers cryn amser. Nid rhywbeth a ddigwyddodd yn gyflym iawn oedd hyn. Roedd y trafodaethau hynny wedi bod yn digwydd ers tro, ac roedd yr achos busnes amlinellol lefel uchel a ddarparwyd yn ddigon i fwrw ymlaen â'r pryniant. Felly, fel y dywedais, rwy'n meddwl bod llawer o bethau cadarnhaol yn y llythyr hwnnw gan yr archwilydd cyffredinol ac rydym ni'n croesawu hynny'n fawr, ac yn amlwg byddwn yn ceisio dysgu gwersi fel bob amser. Mae gwersi i'w dysgu bob amser.
Arweinydd Plaid Cymru, Adam Price.
Leader of Plaid Cymru, Adam Price.
Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd. When Plaid Cymru suggested in November that you used a combination of the Wales reserve departmental underspends and unallocated funding to fund a better pay offer for NHS staff, the Minister for Health and Social Services told us there was no unallocated spending available, there were no underspends, and that you couldn't use the Wales reserve. 'Even if we did have underspends,' she said,
'let's be clear that this could not be used to fund pay awards.... Reserves can't be used for everyday spending.'
She said,
'They can only be used once, and they're held for emergencies.'
For months you refused to negotiate, for months you refused to admit more money could be found, and for months you refused to acknowledge that we were in an emergency. Now, you've effectively u-turned on all of that. What took you so long?
Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd. Pan awgrymodd Plaid Cymru ym mis Tachwedd i chi ddefnyddio cyfuniad o danwariant adrannol cronfeydd wrth gefn Cymru a chyllid heb ei ddyrannu i ariannu cynnig cyflog gwell i staff y GIG, dywedodd y Gweinidog Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol wrthym nad oedd unrhyw wariant heb ei ddyrannu ar gael, nad oedd unrhyw danwariant, ac na allech chi ddefnyddio cronfa wrth gefn Cymru. 'Hyd yn oed pe bai gennym ni danwariant,' meddai,
'gadewch inni fod yn glir na ellid defnyddio hwnnw i ariannu dyfarniadau cyflog.... Ni ellir defnyddio cronfeydd wrth gefn ar gyfer gwariant bob dydd.'
Dywedodd
'Dim ond unwaith y gellir eu defnyddio, a chânt eu cadw ar gyfer argyfyngau.'
Am fisoedd fe wnaethoch chi wrthod negodi, am fisoedd fe wnaethoch chi wrthod cyfaddef y gellid dod o hyd i fwy o arian, ac am fisoedd fe wnaethoch chi wrthod cydnabod ein bod ni mewn argyfwng. Nawr, rydych chi wedi gwneud tro pedol ar hynny i gyd i bob pwrpas. Pam gymeroch chi gymaint o amser?
Well, we're very pleased to announce that an enhanced pay offer was able to be made last week to the health trade unions, and that did call for several of the health unions to call off the strike action yesterday and today, and those discussions are obviously ongoing. We've had to prioritise money, we've had to look at reserves, we've had to look at underspends, and, obviously, as the year goes on, those underspends come to the fore, particularly this time of year. We're all, as Ministers, pressurising our officials to make sure what underspend there could be, and to make sure we use it to the very best of our ability. We've said all along we would have preferred a UK-wide conclusion, really, to this. We couldn't wait any longer for the UK Government to do this. We've managed to find a bit more money, and I think that money has been welcomed by the majority of people.
Wel, rydym ni'n falch iawn o gyhoeddi y llwyddwyd i wneud cynnig cyflog gwell i'r undebau llafur iechyd yr wythnos diwethaf, ac fe wnaeth hynny olygu bod nifer o'r undebau iechyd wedi gohirio'r streic ddoe a heddiw, ac mae'r trafodaethau hynny yn amlwg yn parhau. Bu'n rhaid i ni flaenoriaethu arian, bu'n rhaid i ni edrych ar gronfeydd wrth gefn, bu'n rhaid i ni edrych ar danwariant, ac, yn amlwg, wrth i'r flwyddyn fynd yn ei blaen, mae'r tanwariant hwnnw yn dod i'r fei, yn enwedig yr adeg yma o'r flwyddyn. Rydym ni i gyd, fel Gweinidogion, yn pwyso ar ein swyddogion i wneud yn siŵr pa danwariant allai fodoli, ac i wneud yn siŵr ein bod ni'n ei ddefnyddio hyd eithaf ein gallu. Rydym ni wedi dweud ar hyd yr amser y byddem ni wedi ffafrio ateb ar gyfer y DU gyfan, mewn gwirionedd, i hyn. Ni allem ni aros yn hwy i Lywodraeth y DU wneud hyn. Rydym ni wedi llwyddo i ddod o hyd i ychydig mwy o arian, ac rwy'n credu bod yr arian hwnnw wedi cael ei groesawu gan y mwyafrif o bobl.
The offer now of just 1.5 per cent extra as a pay rise on top of your, frankly, derisory original pay offer, has been described by Sharon Graham of Unite as 'a sticking plaster'. For many in the NHS this real-terms cut of more than 4 per cent in their pay will rub salt in the deep wounds caused by more than a decade of austerity. When you say now that this is your last and final offer, that this is, to quote the health Minister, 'the only deal in town', then why should anyone believe that statement when you've contradicted yourselves as a Government on so many occasions? You could, couldn't you, turn that one-off payment of 3 per cent into a permanent pay rise, again by using a combination of the Wales reserve next year and a reduction in agency spend? Instead of rejecting that now, only to accept it later, why don't you just do what is right right now?
Disgrifiwyd y cynnig nawr o ddim ond 1.5 y cant yn ychwanegol fel codiad cyflog ar ben eich cynnig sydd, mewn gwirionedd, yn chwerthinllyd, gan Sharon Graham o Unite fel 'plastr glynu'. I lawer yn y GIG bydd y toriad termau real hwn o fwy na 4 y cant i'w cyflogau yn rhwbio halen yn y briwiau dwfn a achoswyd gan dros ddegawd o gyni cyllidol. Pan fyddwch chi'n dweud nawr mai dyma eich cynnig olaf a therfynol, mai dyma, i ddyfynnu'r Gweinidog iechyd, 'yw'r unig fargen ar gael', yna pam ddylai unrhyw un gredu'r datganiad hwnnw pan ydych chi wedi gwrth-ddweud eich hunain fel Llywodraeth ar gymaint o achlysuron? Fe allech chi, oni allech, droi'r taliad untro hwnnw o 3 y cant yn godiad cyflog parhaol, eto drwy ddefnyddio cyfuniad o gronfa wrth gefn Cymru y flwyddyn nesaf a gostyngiad i wariant ar asiantaethau? Yn hytrach na gwrthod hynny nawr, dim ond i'w dderbyn yn ddiweddarach, pam na wnewch chi'r hyn sy'n iawn yn syth nawr?
Well, we've already used the next two years' reserve, so we've already done that. What we've done in that 3 per cent additional offer is—1.5 per cent is consolidated, as you said, and the other 1.5 per cent isn't. I have to say that we're doing this at risk obviously. This has been the hardest budget I've ever dealt with as a Minister, and I'm sure everybody sitting around me on the frontbench would agree. We've done our very best, and I think the Minister and her team, who worked relentlessly to bring this deal forward, and also along with the Minister for Finance and Local Government, who has found that funding, they should be congratulated not criticised for a u-turn or whatever you want to call it. This has been welcomed by the majority of people. We would not, of course, have wanted to see industrial action in the way that we have, and we're very pleased that the majority of trade unions did postpone the action that they were going to take on the sixth and seventh. That will allow time for meaningful negotiations to carry on. The Minister's door is always open, and I think it's really good that we have been able to carry on those discussions. We've also got to ask the NHS to do things. So, I know, as part of the proposal, the Minister is asking them to look at agency working to see what money could be saved from agency staff as well. So, it's about everybody playing their part and working together.
Wel, rydym ni eisoes wedi defnyddio cronfeydd wrth gefn y ddwy flynedd nesaf, felly rydym ni eisoes wedi gwneud hynny. Yr hyn yr ydym ni wedi ei wneud yn y cynnig ychwanegol hwnnw o 3 y cant yw—mae 1.5 y cant yn gyfnerthedig, fel y gwnaethoch chi ei ddweud, ac nid yw'r 1.5 y cant arall. Mae'n rhaid i mi ddweud ein bod ni'n gwneud hyn gyda risg yn amlwg. Hon fu'r gyllideb anoddaf i mi ymdrin â hi erioed fel Gweinidog, ac rwy'n siŵr y byddai pawb sy'n eistedd o'm cwmpas ar y fainc flaen yn cytuno. Rydyn ni wedi gwneud ein gorau glas, ac rwy'n credu bod y Gweinidog a'i thîm, a weithiodd yn ddiflino i gyflwyno'r cytundeb hwn, a hefyd ynghyd â'r Gweinidog Cyllid a Llywodraeth Leol, sydd wedi dod o hyd i'r cyllid hwnnw, dylid eu llongyfarch nid eu beirniadu am dro pedol neu beth bynnag yr ydych chi eisiau ei alw. Croesawyd hyn gan y mwyafrif o bobl. Ni fyddem, wrth gwrs, wedi bod eisiau gweld gweithredu diwydiannol yn y ffordd yr ydym ni wedi ei weld, ac rydym ni'n falch iawn bod y mwyafrif o undebau llafur wedi gohirio'r streic yr oedden nhw'n mynd i'w chynnal ar y chweched a'r seithfed. Bydd hynny'n caniatáu amser i drafodaethau ystyrlon barhau. Mae drws y Gweinidog ar agor bob amser, ac rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n dda iawn ein bod ni wedi gallu parhau â'r trafodaethau hynny. Mae'n rhaid i ni ofyn i'r GIG wneud pethau hefyd. Felly, gwn, yn rhan o'r cynnig, fod y Gweinidog yn gofyn iddyn nhw edrych ar waith asiantaeth i weld pa arian y gellid ei arbed drwy staff asiantaeth hefyd. Felly, mae'n fater o bawb yn chwarae eu rhan ac yn gweithio gyda'i gilydd.
But you can go further than that, Minister, can't you, because you do have the ability to raise additional revenue through your tax-varying powers? Now, I understand the Government's position is that you don't want to touch the basic rate, but even if you simply matched the increases in the higher and additional rates that are being introduced in Scotland on 1 April—the 42p and the 47p—that would raise £76 million, enough to turn your one-off payment this year into a permanent pay raise. And if you were able to use alternative means of doing that, you could use that £76 million instead to raise care workers' wages to £12 an hour. Why don't you use the powers that you have at this time to do what is right by this group of workers? You describe yourself as a socialist Government; why don't you take this opportunity to act like one?
Ond gallwch fynd ymhellach na hynny, Gweinidog, oni allwch, oherwydd mae'r gallu gennych chi i godi refeniw ychwanegol drwy eich pwerau amrywio trethi? Nawr, rwy'n deall mai safbwynt y Llywodraeth yw nad ydych chi eisiau cyffwrdd â'r gyfradd sylfaenol, ond hyd yn oed pe baech chi ddim ond yn cydweddu'r cynnydd i'r cyfraddau uwch ac ychwanegol â'r rhai sy'n cael eu cyflwyno yn yr Alban ar 1 Ebrill—y 42c a'r 47c—byddai hynny'n codi £76 miliwn, digon i droi eich taliad untro eleni yn godiad cyflog parhaol. A phe baech chi'n gallu defnyddio dulliau eraill o wneud hynny, gallech ddefnyddio'r £76 miliwn hwnnw yn hytrach i godi cyflogau gweithwyr gofal i £12 yr awr. Pam na wnewch chi ddefnyddio'r pwerau sydd gennych chi ar hyn o bryd i wneud yr hyn sy'n iawn i'r grŵp hwn o weithwyr? Rydych chi'n disgrifio eich hun fel Llywodraeth sosialaidd; pam na wnewch chi fanteisio ar y cyfle hwn i ymddwyn fel un?
We are a socialist Government, and I think just what we've done in this last week absolutely shows that; it shows the difference between us and the UK Government. But our position on tax is very clear; any analysis of the levers that are available to us as a Government via the Welsh rates of income tax demonstrates we simply cannot raise enough fairly enough to make good the holes that have been created by the economic crisis and ensure higher pay in our public services. So, I don't think it would be right in a cost-of-living crisis to ask anyone that pays the basic income rate to pay any extra money. And you refer to the higher rate, and we don't know if there would be any unintended consequences. I think you will have heard the Minister for Finance and Local Government saying in the same programme that you were interviewed on on Sunday that there could be unintended consequences. People who earn the levels of salary that they would have to earn to pay that higher rate of income tax, they're not like other people. They could just up and leave Wales and move to England, for instance. We don't know what would happen, and I think that is a piece of work that really needs looking at very carefully. I'm really not sure that your judgment on this is correct.
Rydym ni yn Llywodraeth sosialaidd, ac rwy'n credu bod yr hyn yr ydym ni wedi ei wneud yn yr wythnos diwethaf hon yn unig yn dangos hynny'n llwyr; mae'n dangos y gwahaniaeth rhyngom ni a Llywodraeth y DU. Ond mae ein safbwynt ar dreth yn eglur iawn; mae unrhyw ddadansoddiad o'r ysgogiadau sydd ar gael i ni fel Llywodraeth drwy gyfraddau treth incwm Cymru yn dangos na allwn ni godi digon, yn ddigon teg i wneud iawn am y tyllau sydd wedi cael eu creu gan yr argyfwng economaidd a sicrhau cyflog uwch yn ein gwasanaethau cyhoeddus. Felly, nid wyf i'n credu y byddai'n iawn mewn argyfwng costau byw i ofyn i unrhyw un sy'n talu'r gyfradd incwm sylfaenol dalu unrhyw arian ychwanegol. Ac rydych chi'n cyfeirio at y gyfradd uwch, ac nid ydym ni'n gwybod a fyddai unrhyw ganlyniadau anfwriadol. Rwy'n credu y byddwch chi wedi clywed y Gweinidog Cyllid a Llywodraeth Leol yn dweud yn yr un rhaglen pryd cawsoch chi eich cyfweld arni ddydd Sul y gallai fod canlyniadau anfwriadol. Nid yw pobl sy'n ennill y lefelau cyflog y byddai'n rhaid iddyn nhw eu hennill i dalu'r gyfradd uwch honno o dreth incwm fel pobl eraill. Gallen nhw benderfynu gadael Cymru a symud i Loegr, er enghraifft. Nid ydym yn gwybod beth fyddai'n digwydd, ac rwy'n credu bod hwnnw'n ddarn o waith y mae gwir angen edrych arno'n ofalus iawn. Nid wyf i'n siŵr mewn gwirionedd bod eich barn ar hyn yn gywir.
3. Sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n gweithio i wella mynediad at wasanaethau iechyd meddwl yng Nghwm Cynon? OQ59104
3. How is the Welsh Government working to improve access to mental health services in Cynon Valley? OQ59104
Thank you. We continue to provide significant and sustained funding to support the provision of mental health services across the whole of Wales. In addition to its mental health ring-fenced allocation, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has received an additional £3.3 million of recurrent mental health funding this year to continue to improve mental health support.
Diolch. Rydym ni'n parhau i ddarparu cyllid sylweddol a pharhaus i gynorthwyo'r ddarpariaeth o wasanaethau iechyd meddwl ledled Cymru gyfan. Yn ogystal â'i ddyraniad wedi'i glustnodi ar gyfer iechyd meddwl, mae Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Cwm Taf Morgannwg wedi cael £3.3 miliwn yn ychwanegol o gyllid iechyd meddwl rheolaidd eleni er mwyn parhau i wella cymorth iechyd meddwl.
Thank you, Trefnydd. Ensuring people can access mental health services in a timely manner is important for our NHS, vital for people in need, and can even save lives. That's why I'm really pleased at the roll out of the '111 press 2' telephone service to access urgent mental health support. With the intention that this will be introduced to all health board areas in Wales by the end of March, what plans does Welsh Government have to raise awareness of this crucial service?
Diolch, Trefnydd. Mae sicrhau bod pobl yn gallu cael gafael ar wasanaethau iechyd meddwl yn amserol yn bwysig i'n GIG, yn hanfodol i bobl mewn angen, ac yn gallu hyd yn oed achub bywydau. Dyna pam rwy'n falch iawn o gyflwyniad y gwasanaeth ffôn '111 pwyswch 2' i gael gafael ar gymorth iechyd meddwl brys. Gyda'r bwriad y bydd hwn yn cael ei gyflwyno i holl ardaloedd byrddau iechyd Cymru erbyn diwedd mis Mawrth, pa gynlluniau sydd gan Lywodraeth Cymru i godi ymwybyddiaeth o'r gwasanaeth hollbwysig hwn?
Thank you. I absolutely agree with you; I think this is an excellent initiative, and all health boards across Wales are at different phases of the implementation now, but we are looking towards having that 24/7 coverage right across Wales by the end of this financial year. I know officials are working with colleagues in 111 to develop marketing materials for preparation for the national launch. Health boards have been raising awareness locally; I know myself as a Member of the Senedd and I'm sure others have been raising it on our social media profiles too, and I think that's important also. There will be much more of a national awareness launch made when all health boards are in the same position by April.
I think what's been really pleasing to see is that partners have welcomed this service, and I think what it does show is that the majority of callers to this number won't need referral to NHS mental health services following the intervention of a mental health practitioner to de-escalate their distress, for instance, they might need other types of support, and I think it's really important that it's the right access of support they're getting.
Diolch. Rwy'n cytuno'n llwyr â chi; rwy'n credu bod hon yn fenter ragorol, ac mae pob bwrdd iechyd ledled Cymru ar wahanol gamau o'r gweithredu nawr, ond rydym ni'n bwriadu cael y gwasanaeth 24/7 hwnnw ar draws Cymru gyfan erbyn diwedd y flwyddyn ariannol hon. Gwn fod swyddogion yn gweithio gyda chydweithwyr yn 111 i ddatblygu deunyddiau marchnata i baratoi ar gyfer y lansiad cenedlaethol. Mae byrddau iechyd wedi bod yn codi ymwybyddiaeth yn lleol; rwy'n gwybod fy hun fel Aelod o'r Senedd ac rwy'n siŵr bod eraill wedi bod yn ei godi ar ein proffiliau cyfryngau cymdeithasol hefyd, ac rwy'n meddwl bod hynny'n bwysig hefyd. Bydd llawer mwy o lansio ymwybyddiaeth genedlaethol yn digwydd pan fydd pob bwrdd iechyd yn yr un sefyllfa erbyn mis Ebrill.
Rwy'n credu mai'r hyn sydd wedi bod yn braf iawn ei weld yw bod partneriaid wedi croesawu'r gwasanaeth hwn, ac rwy'n credu mai'r hyn y mae'n ei ddangos yw na fydd mwyafrif y galwyr i'r rhif hwn angen atgyfeiriad i wasanaethau iechyd meddwl y GIG yn dilyn ymyrraeth ymarferydd iechyd meddwl i ddad-ddwysáu eu gofid, er enghraifft, efallai y bydd angen mathau eraill o gymorth arnyn nhw, ac rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n bwysig iawn eu bod nhw'n cael y mynediad cywir at gymorth.
I'd like to thank the representative for Cynon Valley for raising this important issue. Over the last 40 years in Wales, the number of female suicides per 100,000 of the population has dropped almost 50 per cent, from nine to five. For males, unfortunately, the number has increased, from 19 per 100,000 to 21 per 100,000, and thus men are therefore over four times more likely to commit suicide than women. As the Minister will know, there are links between deprivation and suicide, where there are almost twice as many suicides for those living in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived, and Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taf, both within the region I represent, have the two highest concentrations of deprived areas in Wales. Therefore, Minister, what specific action is the Welsh Government taking to provide targeted support for males suffering from mental health issues in the most deprived areas within Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taf? Thank you.
Hoffwn ddiolch i'r cynrychiolydd dros Gwm Cynon am godi'r mater pwysig hwn. Dros y 40 mlynedd diwethaf yng Nghymru, mae nifer yr hunanladdiadau ymhlith menywod fesul 100,000 o'r boblogaeth wedi gostwng bron i 50 y cant, o naw i bump. I ddynion, yn anffodus, mae'r nifer wedi cynyddu, o 19 fesul 100,000 i 21 fesul 100,000, ac felly mae dynion dros bedair gwaith yn fwy tebygol o gyflawni hunanladdiad na menywod. Fel y bydd y Gweinidog yn gwybod, ceir cysylltiadau rhwng amddifadedd a hunanladdiad, lle mae bron i ddwywaith cymaint o hunanladdiadau ymhlith y rhai sy'n byw yn yr ardaloedd mwyaf difreintiedig o'u cymharu â'r lleiaf difreintiedig, ac mae gan Gaerdydd a Rhondda Cynon Taf, y ddau yn y rhanbarth yr wyf i'n ei gynrychioli, ddau o'r crynodiadau uchaf o ardaloedd difreintiedig yng Nghymru. Felly, Gweinidog, pa gamau penodol y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i ddarparu cymorth wedi'i dargedu ar gyfer dynion sy'n dioddef o broblemau iechyd meddwl yn yr ardaloedd mwyaf difreintiedig yng Nghaerdydd a Rhondda Cynon Taf? Diolch.
Thank you. Well, the Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Well-being has been working closely with all the health boards to make sure additional funding has been targeted to support the services to which you refer. We've also worked with the police and other emergency services to make sure that the real-time suicide surveillance system in Wales is available. It's provided much more rapid access to information about probable suicides, for instance, and that is really being used to strengthen our preventative work.
Diolch. Wel, mae'r Dirprwy Weinidog Iechyd Meddwl a Llesiant wedi bod yn gweithio'n agos gyda'r holl fyrddau iechyd i wneud yn siŵr bod cyllid ychwanegol wedi cael ei dargedu i gefnogi'r gwasanaethau yr ydych chi'n cyfeirio atyn nhw. Rydyn ni hefyd wedi gweithio gyda'r heddlu a gwasanaethau brys eraill i wneud yn siŵr bod y system wyliadwriaeth hunanladdiad amser real yng Nghymru ar gael. Mae wedi darparu mynediad llawer mwy cyflym at wybodaeth am hunanladdiadau tebygol, er enghraifft, ac mae hynny wir yn cael ei ddefnyddio i gryfhau ein gwaith ataliol.
4. A wnaiff y Prif Weinidog roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am ddatblygiad Adeiladau'r Frenhines yn y Rhyl? OQ59102
4. Will the First Minister provide an update on the Queen's Buildings development in Rhyl? OQ59102
Our Transforming Towns programme is supporting the redevelopment of Rhyl's Queen's Buildings, bringing new vibrancy to the town centre. The market is expected to open this summer, following a £13.2 million investment, which builds on a broader programme of regeneration delivered in the town over recent years through strong local partnerships.
Mae ein rhaglen Trawsnewid Trefi yn cefnogi ailddatblygiad Adeiladau'r Frenhines yn y Rhyl, gan ddod â bywiogrwydd newydd i ganol y dref. Disgwylir i'r farchnad agor yr haf hwn, yn dilyn buddsoddiad o £13.2 miliwn, sy'n adeiladu ar raglen ehangach o adfywio a gyflawnwyd yn y dref dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf trwy bartneriaethau lleol cryf.
Thank you very much for that answer, Trefnydd, and I'm pleased to see the latest news that the ambition is for the Queen's Market Building to be opened, indeed, this summer, as you mentioned. And indeed, seeing the erection of the steel frame on the promenade in recent weeks has caused me much delight. However, there are many units to fill, and the opening in the summer of this year needs to be raring to go, with traders ready to do business in the local area to increase footfall in Rhyl, which has waned over the years with a struggling town centre and people choosing to go to Chester or Cheshire Oaks for their entertainment or to dine out and have a drink. What I want to ask is around the occupancy of the building, once established. So, what work is the Welsh Government doing to engage with local businesses, Denbighshire County Council and stakeholders to make sure that the building is a success when opened, and that local people can feel that they have a go-to place in their local town rather than it just being the latest in a long line of Welsh Government-funded projects that are socialist vanity projects? Thank you.
Diolch yn fawr iawn am yr ateb yna, Trefnydd, ac rwy'n falch o weld y newyddion diweddaraf mai'r uchelgais yw agor Adeilad Marchnad y Frenhines, yn wir, yr haf hwn, fel y gwnaethoch chi sôn. Ac yn wir, mae gweld codi'r ffrâm ddur ar y promenâd yn ystod yr wythnosau diwethaf wedi achosi llawer o bleser imi. Fodd bynnag, mae llawer o unedau i'w llenwi, ac mae angen i'r agoriad yn ystod yr haf eleni fod yn barod i fynd, gyda masnachwyr yn barod i fasnachu yn yr ardal leol i gynyddu nifer yr ymwelwyr â'r Rhyl, sydd wedi lleihau dros y blynyddoedd gyda chanol y dref sy'n cael trafferthion a phobl yn dewis mynd i Gaer neu Cheshire Oaks ar gyfer eu hadloniant neu i fwyta allan a chael diod. Mae'r hyn yr wyf i eisiau ei ofyn yn ymwneud â deiliadaeth yr adeilad, ar ôl ei sefydlu. Felly, pa waith mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i ymgysylltu â busnesau lleol, Cyngor Sir Ddinbych a rhanddeiliaid i wneud yn siŵr bod yr adeilad yn llwyddiant pan gaiff ei agor, ac y gall pobl leol deimlo bod ganddyn nhw rhywle atyniadol i fynd iddo yn eu tref leol yn hytrach na'i fod y prosiect diweddaraf mewn cyfres faith o brosiectau wedi'u hariannu gan Lywodraeth Cymru sy'n brosiectau oferedd sosialaidd? Diolch.
Well, it's a pity the UK Government failed to support the application for levelling-up funding to support Rhyl. Those vanity projects that you refer to I think have really transformed Rhyl. It's a town I've known a lot longer than you, having spent many days there as a child, and I think it's really, really benefited from the Welsh Government funding. As I say, it's just a shame the UK Government didn't come forward with some levelling-up funding. I know Jason McLellan, the leader of Denbighshire Council, and working in partnership, has got some really ambitious plans for Rhyl. I visited it myself last summer as part of my visit to look at specifically regeneration projects as north Wales Minister, and it was really good to see that focus on regeneration, and I know they're working very hard to make sure those units are fully utilised.
Wel, mae'n drueni bod Llywodraeth y DU wedi methu â chefnogi'r cais am gyllid ffyniant bro i gynorthwyo'r Rhyl. Mae'r prosiectau oferedd hynny yr ydych chi'n cyfeirio atyn nhw wir wedi gweddnewid y Rhyl yn fy marn i. Mae'n dref yr wyf i wedi ei hadnabod yn llawer hwy na chi, ar ôl treulio diwrnodau lawer yno fel plentyn, ac rwy'n credu ei bod wedi elwa, heb amheuaeth, ar y cyllid gan Lywodraeth Cymru. Fel y dywedais, mae'n drueni na wnaeth Llywodraeth y DU gynnig rhywfaint o gyllid ffyniant bro. Gwn fod gan Jason McLellan, arweinydd Cyngor Sir Ddinbych, ac yn gweithio mewn partneriaeth, gynlluniau uchelgeisiol iawn ar gyfer y Rhyl. Fe wnes i ymweld â hi fy hun yr haf diwethaf yn rhan o fy ymweliad i edrych ar brosiectau adfywio yn benodol fel Gweinidog gogledd Cymru, ac roedd yn dda iawn gweld y pwyslais hwnnw ar adfywio, a gwn eu bod nhw'n gweithio'n galed iawn i wneud yn siŵr bod yr unedau hynny'n cael eu defnyddio'n llawn.
5. Sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n gweithio gyda Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Cwm Taf Morgannwg i gynyddu capasiti gwelyau gofal llai dwys i gleifion ar draws Pen-y-bont? OQ59109
5. How is the Welsh Government working with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board to increase the capacity of step-down beds for patients across Bridgend? OQ59109
Working with the Welsh Government, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and Bridgend County Borough Council have 48 step-down beds and community packages across Bridgend. This contributes towards the all-Wales total of 595 beds that have been created to support the discharge of people from hospital this winter.
Gan weithio gyda Llywodraeth Cymru, mae gan Fwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Cwm Taf Morgannwg a Chyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr 48 o welyau gofal llai dwys a phecynnau cymunedol ar draws Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr. Mae hyn yn cyfrannu at y cyfanswm Cymru gyfan o 595 o welyau sydd wedi cael eu creu i gynorthwyo'r broses o ryddhau pobl o'r ysbyty y gaeaf hwn.
Diolch. Thank you, Minister. Last month, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine hosted an event here in the Senedd on the future of emergency care in Wales. The event heard from clinicians on the ground who spoke about the need for a long-term sustainable strategy. Data shows that whilst attendance to A&E is similar year on year, capacity continues to be stretched. We know that there are a range of issues causing this, from patients having high complex needs to a reduction in community beds across Wales and the need to increase staffing levels of consultants. At the event, Bridgend was represented by our clinical director of emergency care for the Princess of Wales Hospital, and it was good, actually, to hear that the No. 1 issue, as it is in many other places, is not actually staff recruitment. However, it is the lack of community beds that is creating a slow hospital flow and thus impacting waiting times, because Princess of Wales has about 300 beds, and 160 of those are filled with medically fit patients, and 80 of those are simply waiting for a community or step-down bed. Bridgend is facing an exit block.
I appreciate the Welsh Government is working hard to combat these issues across Wales. The 595 community beds for Wales are welcome, but it is disappointing that just 15 of these beds reached Princess of Wales. How, then, Minister, is the access to more community beds determined, and what more can be done to ensure that those 80 patients in Bridgend, waiting in our hospital, can be discharged, improving the flow of patients through Princess of Wales as well as their care? Diolch.
Diolch, Gweinidog. Fis diwethaf, cynhaliodd y Coleg Brenhinol Meddygaeth Frys ddigwyddiad yma yn y Senedd ar ddyfodol gofal brys yng Nghymru. Clywodd y digwyddiad gan glinigwyr ar lawr gwlad a siaradodd am yr angen am strategaeth gynaliadwy hirdymor. Mae'r data yn dangos, er bod presenoldeb mewn adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys yn debyg o flwyddyn i flwyddyn, mae capasiti yn parhau i gael ei ymestyn. Rydyn ni'n gwybod bod amrywiaeth o broblemau yn achosi hyn, o gleifion ag anghenion cymhleth iawn i ostyngiad mewn nifer y gwelyau cymunedol ledled Cymru a'r angen i gynyddu lefelau staffio meddygon ymgynghorol. Yn y digwyddiad, cynrychiolwyd Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr gan ein cyfarwyddwr clinigol gofal brys ar gyfer Ysbyty Tywysoges Cymru, ac roedd yn dda, mewn gwirionedd, clywed nad y brif broblem, fel sy'n wir mewn llawer o fannau eraill, yw recriwtio staff mewn gwirionedd. Fodd bynnag, diffyg gwelyau cymunedol sy'n creu llif araf mewn ysbytai ac felly'n effeithio ar amseroedd aros, oherwydd mae gan Ysbyty Tywysoges Cymru tua 300 o welyau, ac mae 160 o'r rheini wedi'u llenwi â chleifion sy'n feddygol iach, ac mae 80 o'r rheini yn aros am wely cymunedol neu wely gofal llai dwys. Mae Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr yn wynebu rhwystr ymadael.
Rwy'n sylweddoli bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithio'n galed i fynd i'r afael â'r problemau hyn ledled Cymru. Mae'r 595 o welyau cymunedol i Gymru i'w croesawu, ond mae'n siomedig mai dim ond 15 o'r gwelyau yma wnaeth gyrraedd Ysbyty Tywysoges Cymru. Sut, felly, Gweinidog, y mae'r mynediad at fwy o welyau cymunedol yn cael ei benderfynu, a beth arall ellir ei wneud i sicrhau y gellir rhyddhau'r 80 o gleifion hynny ym Mhen-y-bont ar Ogwr, sy'n aros yn ein hysbyty, gan wella llif y cleifion drwy Ysbyty Tywysoges Cymru yn ogystal â'u gofal? Diolch.
Diolch. As the Member knows, the focus for health and social care in Wales is on strengthening our community-based services. We want people to live at home, as independently as possible and for as long as possible. Although it is extremely challenging, I think there is an emerging picture of improved patient flow and reduced length of stay for some of our oldest and frailest patients, and that's partially contributed to a stable performance position in the NHS, despite the significant challenges that have been faced this winter.
Regarding the additional step-down beds and the community care packages created over the winter, as I described in my initial response, the total number now does stand at 595. And I know, in Bridgend, between 450 and 500 hours of extra reablement care have been commissioned and are being delivered locally.
Diolch. Fel y mae'r Aelod yn gwybod, mae'r pwyslais ar gyfer iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol yng Nghymru ar gryfhau ein gwasanaethau cymunedol. Rydyn ni eisiau i bobl fyw gartref, mor annibynnol â phosibl ac am gyhyd â phosibl. Er ei fod yn anodd dros ben, rwy'n credu bod darlun sy'n dod i'r amlwg o well llif cleifion ac arosiadau o lai o hyd i rai o'n cleifion hynaf a mwyaf eiddil, ac mae hynny wedi cyfrannu'n rhannol at sefyllfa perfformiad sefydlog yn y GIG, er gwaethaf yr heriau sylweddol a wynebwyd y gaeaf hwn.
O ran y gwelyau gofal llai dwys ychwanegol a'r pecynnau gofal cymunedol a grëwyd dros y gaeaf, fel y disgrifiais yn fy ymateb cychwynnol, 595 yw'r cyfanswm erbyn hyn. A gwn, ym Mhen-y-bont ar Ogwr, bod rhwng 450 a 500 awr o ofal ail-alluogi ychwanegol wedi eu comisiynu ac yn cael eu cyflawni'n lleol.
Minister, the provision of step-down care is vital if we are to tackle the ever-growing waiting times experienced by patients in my region and across Wales. Of course, if a previous Welsh Government had not closed community hospitals and overseen the removal of over 10,000 beds from our NHS, we might not be in this predicament today. However, what is important now is that step-down care is provided in as safe a manner as possible. Minister, I have received a number of reports that patients have been transferred to step-down beds whilst not medically stable. In such cases, the step-down ward has to depend on the ambulance service for emergency medical care. What steps are your Government taking to ensure that there are no unsafe transfers to step-down care and that any step-down bed has adequate medical as well as domiciliary care?
Gweinidog, mae darparu gofal cam-i-lawr yn hanfodol os ydyn ni am fynd i'r afael â'r amseroedd aros sy'n tyfu'n barhaus y mae cleifion yn fy rhanbarth i a ledled Cymru yn eu dioddef. Wrth gwrs, pe na bai Llywodraeth Cymru flaenorol wedi cau ysbytai cymunedol a goruchwylio proses o gael gwared ar dros 10,000 o welyau o'n GIG, efallai na fyddem ni yn yr helynt hwn heddiw. Fodd bynnag, yr hyn sy'n bwysig nawr yw bod gofal cam-i-lawr yn cael ei ddarparu mewn modd mor ddiogel â phosibl. Gweinidog, rwyf i wedi derbyn nifer o adroddiadau bod cleifion wedi eu trosglwyddo i welyau gofal cam-i-lawr pan nad oedden nhw'n sefydlog yn feddygol. Mewn achosion o'r fath, mae'n rhaid i'r ward gofal cam-i-lawr ddibynnu ar y gwasanaeth ambiwlans ar gyfer gofal meddygol brys. Pa gamau y mae eich Llywodraeth yn eu cymryd i sicrhau nad oes unrhyw drosglwyddiadau anniogel i ofal cam-i-lawr a bod gan unrhyw wely gofal llai dwys ofal meddygol digonol yn ogystal â gofal cartref?
Well, you used the very important word, and that was 'safe', and that is absolutely the priority. On 5 January, the Minister for Health and Social Services' officials held a national discharge summit with all regional partnership boards across Wales, to reiterate her expectations for every effort to be made to keep people at home and not admit them into hospital in the first place unless absolutely necessary, and, of course, the reverse, to enable those in hospital to leave hospital as soon as it was safe for them to do so, to help preserve our hospital capacity and prevent the risks associated with a prolonged hospital stay.
Wel, fe wnaethoch chi ddefnyddio'r gair pwysig iawn, a 'diogel' oedd hwnnw, a dyna'n sicr yw'r flaenoriaeth. Ar 5 Ionawr, cynhaliodd swyddogion y Gweinidog Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol uwchgynhadledd ryddhau genedlaethol gyda'r holl fyrddau partneriaeth rhanbarthol ledled Cymru, i ailadrodd ei disgwyliadau i bob ymdrech gael ei gwneud i gadw pobl gartref a pheidio â'u derbyn i'r ysbyty yn y lle cyntaf oni bai ei fod yn gwbl angenrheidiol, ac, wrth gwrs, y gwrthwyneb, i alluogi'r rhai yn yr ysbyty i adael yr ysbyty cyn gynted ag yr oedd yn ddiogel iddyn nhw wneud hynny, i helpu i gadw capasiti ein hysbytai ac atal y peryglon sy'n gysylltiedig ag arhosiad maith mewn ysbyty.
6. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i wella lles anifeiliaid? OQ59099
6. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to improve animal welfare? OQ59099
Diolch. Revisions to our statutory guidance for the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014 have been published. The introduction of new animal welfare regulations will be prioritised over the revision of existing regulations during the term of the plan.
Diolch. Cyhoeddwyd diwygiadau i'n canllawiau statudol ar gyfer Rheoliadau Lles Anifeiliaid (Bridio Cŵn) (Cymru) 2014. Bydd cyflwyno rheoliadau lles anifeiliaid newydd yn cael ei flaenoriaethu dros ddiwygio rheoliadau presennol yn ystod cyfnod y cynllun.
That's very helpful to know. In the last 15 months, two Caerphilly residents have been killed by dangerous dogs. One was a 10-year-old boy, the other was an 83-year-old woman. Both were in the community of Penyrheol, which has been hit by these two tragic, separate, incidents. My colleague Wayne David MP has raised the issue in the House of Commons and is putting pressure on the UK Government to update and amend the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. A recent BBC Panorama documentary has highlighted the activities of unscrupulous dog breeders, who are breeding dogs and are combining breeds to get past loopholes in the law, and those dogs are then finding their way into communities like Penyrheol and others across Wales.
So, when updating the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, which you have committed to, can this issue be considered, particularly cross-breeding? And I would be happy to sit down with the Minister to discuss the consequences of changing the law and how it can benefit those communities that have been affected in this tragic way.
Mae'n gymorth mawr cael gwybod hynna. Yn y 15 mis diwethaf, mae dau o drigolion Caerffili wedi cael eu lladd gan gŵn peryglus. Roedd un yn fachgen 10 oed, a'r llall yn fenyw 83 oed. Roedd y ddau yng nghymuned Penyrheol, sydd wedi cael ei tharo gan y ddau ddigwyddiad trasig, ar wahân, hyn. Mae fy nghydweithiwr Wayne David AS wedi codi'r mater yn Nhŷ'r Cyffredin ac mae'n rhoi pwysau ar Lywodraeth y DU i ddiweddaru a diwygio Deddf Cŵn Peryglus 1991. Mae rhaglen ddogfen y BBC Panorama yn ddiweddar wedi tynnu sylw at weithgareddau bridwyr cŵn diegwyddor, sy'n bridio cŵn ac yn cyfuno bridiau i osgoi bylchau yn y gyfraith, ac yna mae'r cŵn hynny yn cyrraedd cymunedau fel Penyrheol ac eraill ledled Cymru.
Felly, wrth ddiweddaru Rheoliadau Lles Anifeiliaid (Bridio Cŵn) (Cymru) 2014, yr ydych chi wedi ymrwymo i'w wneud, a oes modd ystyried y mater hwn, yn enwedig traws-fridio? A byddwn yn hapus i eistedd i lawr gyda'r Gweinidog i drafod canlyniadau newid y gyfraith a sut y gall fod o fudd i'r cymunedau hynny yr effeithiwyd arnyn nhw yn y ffordd drasig yma.
Yes, absolutely, I'd be more than happy to meet with you. I had one in my own constituency as well—I had a fatal dog attack in my own constituency—and previous to Julie Morgan joining the Government, I remember having several meetings with her and a local Cardiff councillor around this. This is something that really needs to be got to grips with. As you say, the Dangerous Dogs Act is non-devolved, and I have raised this with colleagues in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to see if the plan could be to amend the Act. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any movement by the UK Government to do that. The Act covers the ownership of specific breeds of dogs deemed to be dangerous, but we know, of course, that all breeds of dogs can show aggression sometimes. So, I think that's an important point to remember. For me, as a Welsh Government, I think it's really important to promote responsible ownership, particularly in relation to that particular point.
I'm certainly very happy to look at your suggestion. As you know, we updated the animal welfare licensing regulations, and we did close loopholes there relating to pet sales to try and improve enforcement by local authorities. We've had the enforcement project that Welsh Government has funded for three years. I think we need to make sure that the public are making informed decisions when they buy a pet, so that was part of those regulations as well. But there is absolutely more we can do. I've asked officials to actually start to look at dog licensing again. When I was young, people had to have a dog licence, and maybe now is the time to look at that. I have asked my interim chief veterinary officer to do that for me.
Byddwn, yn sicr, byddwn yn fwy na pharod i gyfarfod â chi. Roedd gen i un yn fy etholaeth fy hun hefyd—bu ymosodiad angheuol gan gi yn fy etholaeth fy hun—a chyn i Julie Morgan ymuno â'r Llywodraeth, rwy'n cofio cael sawl cyfarfod gyda hi a chynghorydd lleol yng Nghaerdydd ynghylch hyn. Mae hyn yn rhywbeth y mae wir angen mynd i'r afael ag ef. Fel rydych chi'n dweud, nid yw'r Ddeddf Cŵn Peryglus wedi'i datganoli, ac rwyf i wedi codi hyn gyda chydweithwyr yn Adran yr Amgylchedd, Bwyd a Materion Gwledig i weld a ellid cael cynllun i ddiwygio'r Ddeddf. Yn anffodus, nid yw'n ymddangos bod unrhyw symudiad gan Lywodraeth y DU i wneud hynny. Mae'r Ddeddf yn cwmpasu perchnogaeth bridiau penodol o gŵn yr ystyrir eu bod nhw'n beryglus, ond rydyn ni'n gwybod, wrth gwrs, y gall pob brîd o gŵn ddangos ymddygiad ymosodol weithiau. Felly, rwy'n meddwl bod hwnnw'n bwynt pwysig i'w gofio. I mi, fel Llywodraeth Cymru, rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n bwysig iawn hyrwyddo perchnogaeth gyfrifol, yn enwedig o ran y pwynt penodol hwnnw.
Rwy'n sicr yn hapus iawn i edrych ar eich awgrym. Fel y gwyddoch, fe wnaethon ni ddiweddaru'r rheoliadau trwyddedu lles anifeiliaid, ac fe wnaethon ni gau bylchau yn y rheini yn ymwneud â gwerthu anifeiliaid anwes i geisio gwella gorfodaeth gan awdurdodau lleol. Bu gennym ni'r prosiect gorfodi y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ei ariannu ers tair blynedd. Rwy'n credu bod angen i ni wneud yn siŵr bod y cyhoedd yn gwneud penderfyniadau cytbwys pan fyddan nhw'n prynu anifail anwes, felly roedd hynny'n rhan o'r rheoliadau hynny hefyd. Ond yn sicr mae mwy y gallwn ni ei wneud. Rwyf i wedi gofyn i swyddogion ddechrau edrych ar drwyddedu cŵn eto. Pan oeddwn i'n ifanc, roedd yn rhaid i bobl fod â thrwydded gŵn, ac efallai mai nawr yw'r amser i ystyried hynny. Rwyf i wedi gofyn i fy prif swyddog milfeddygol dros dro wneud hynny i mi.
Shifting focus onto the welfare of non-domestic animals, I'm sure you'll be aware in your role as rural affairs Minister that otters and foxes have been designated as carriers of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1. According to Animal and Plant Health Agency data, 66 mammals have been tested to date for the disease, with nine otters and foxes being found positive. It appears that these scavenging animals, who predate on infected birds, are at risk of contracting H5N1. So, given this, what steps is the Welsh Government taking to analyse this and ensure that this isn't spreading through the wild foxes and wild otters here in Wales?
I symud y pwyslais at les anifeiliaid nad ydyn nhw'n anifeiliaid anwes, rwy'n siŵr y byddwch chi'n ymwybodol yn eich swyddogaeth fel y Gweinidog materion gwledig bod dyfrgwn a llwynogod wedi'u dynodi'n gludwyr y ffliw adar pathogenig iawn H5N1. Yn ôl data'r Asiantaeth Iechyd Anifeiliaid a Phlanhigion, mae 66 o famaliaid wedi eu profi hyd yma ar gyfer y clefyd, a chanfuwyd bod naw o ddyfrgwn a llwynogod yn bositif. Mae'n ymddangos bod yr anifeiliaid carthysol hyn, sy'n ysglyfaethu ar adar heintus, mewn perygl o ddal H5N1. Felly, o ystyried hyn, pa gamau mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i ddadansoddi hyn a sicrhau nad yw hyn yn lledaenu drwy'r llwynogod gwyllt a'r dyfrgwn gwyllt yma yng Nghymru?
Thank you. As you know, we've had a continual outbreak of avian influenza across the UK over the past 16 to 17 months now. You're quite right, it's something that officials are working very closely on in relation to the findings from APHA because I don't think it's something that we've seen—I certainly hadn't been aware of it probably five years ago. So, I think it is something that is evolving—that's not the right word. So, if there is more information to come forward, I'll certainly be happy to share, but I know, again, that the interim chief veterinary officer is very keen to see what we can learn from that data.
Diolch. Fel y gwyddoch, rydym ni wedi cael achosion parhaus o ffliw adar ledled y DU dros yr 16 i 17 mis diwethaf bellach. Rydych chi yn llygad eich lle, mae'n rhywbeth y mae swyddogion yn gweithio'n agos iawn arno o ran y canfyddiadau gan APHA oherwydd nid wyf i'n credu ei fod yn rhywbeth yr ydym ni wedi ei weld—yn sicr doeddwn i ddim wedi bod yn ymwybodol ohono mae'n debyg bum mlynedd yn ôl. Felly, rwy'n credu ei fod yn rhywbeth sy'n esblygu—nid dyna'r gair cywir. Felly, os oes mwy o wybodaeth i ddod i'r amlwg, byddaf yn sicr yn hapus i rannu, ond gwn, eto, fod y prif swyddog milfeddygol dros dro yn awyddus iawn i weld beth allwn ni ei ddysgu o'r data hynny.
Good afternoon, Minister. You won't be surprised to know that one aspect that I've consistently raised here in the Siambr is that of banning greyhound racing. Obviously many of you know that I've raised the issue of our dog, Arthur. Sadly, we said goodbye to Arthur yesterday. Arthur was only 11, and he'd only been with us for three years. The period before, the eight years before, he'd been either in a dogs' home, or five years on a race track, which is where the dogs' home found him in absolutely squalid, terrible conditions. Arthur was a very anxious dog. His back legs went, and he had a very serious neck injury from racing. I don't want any more Arthurs; I don't want any more dogs that come out like Arthur. So, we have to ban greyhound racing. I would say to you: what is going to happen in relation to your officials not looking at whether greyhound racing should be regulated, but that we want greyhound racing banned here in Wales? Thank you. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Prynhawn da, Gweinidog. Fyddwch chi ddim yn synnu o wybod mai un agwedd yr wyf i wedi ei chodi yma'n gyson yn y Siambr yw gwahardd rasio milgwn. Yn amlwg mae llawer ohonoch chi'n gwybod fy mod i wedi codi mater ein ci, Arthur. Yn anffodus, fe wnaethon ni ffarwelio ag Arthur ddoe. Dim ond 11 oed oedd Arthur, a dim ond ers tair blynedd yr oedd wedi bod gyda ni. Y cyfnod cyn hynny, yr wyth mlynedd cyn hynny, roedd naill ai wedi bod mewn cartref cŵn, neu bum mlynedd ar drac rasio, lle daeth y cartref cŵn o hyd iddo mewn amodau gwael ofnadwy. Roedd Arthur yn gi pryderus iawn. Aeth ei goesau cefn, a chafodd anaf difrifol iawn i'w wddf wrth rasio. Nid wyf i eisiau gweld mwy fel Arthur; nid wyf i eisiau dim mwy o gŵn yn dod allan fel Arthur. Felly, mae'n rhaid i ni wahardd rasio milgwn. Byddwn yn dweud wrthych: beth sy'n mynd i ddigwydd o ran eich swyddogion ddim yn ystyried a ddylid rheoleiddio rasio milgwn, ond ein bod ni eisiau gweld rasio milgwn yn cael ei wahardd yma yng Nghymru? Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Jane, I'm so sorry to hear about Arthur. He had a wonderful three years with you. I absolutely know that. And if we can do something in memory of Arthur, we will certainly do that. As you know, this is something that I've been looking at very closely. We've had the Petitions Committee report into banning greyhound racing, and, as you know, my officials have been looking at what can be done in relation to that. We need to build up evidence if that is the way that we think it should go. We cannot do anything without evidence and I very much look forward to continuing this debate. But I am truly sorry about Arthur.
Jane, mae'n ddrwg iawn gen i glywed am Arthur. Cafodd dair blynedd wych gyda chi. Rwy'n gwybod hynny'n bendant. Ac os gallwn ni wneud rhywbeth er cof am Arthur, byddwn yn sicr yn gwneud hynny. Fel y gwyddoch, mae hyn yn rhywbeth yr wyf i wedi bod yn edrych arno'n fanwl iawn. Rydyn ni wedi cael adroddiad y Pwyllgor Deisebau ar wahardd rasio milgwn, ac, fel y gwyddoch, mae fy swyddogion wedi bod yn edrych ar yr hyn y gellir ei wneud yn hynny o beth. Mae angen i ni gasglu tystiolaeth os dyna'r ffordd yr ydym ni'n credu y dylai fynd. Ni allwn wneud unrhyw beth heb dystiolaeth ac edrychaf ymlaen yn fawr at barhau â'r ddadl hon. Ond mae'n wir ddrwg gen i am Arthur.
7. Sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n cefnogi busnesau i ymestyn eu cynnig iechyd galwedigaethol? OQ59105
7. How is the Welsh Government supporting businesses to extend their occupational health offering? OQ59105
Thank you. In conjunction with the Healthy Working Wales programme, a new in-work support service will commence in April 2023. This will provide occupational and therapeutical support for employees to remain in or return to employment who are absent from work or at risk of becoming absent due to their physical or mental ill health.
Diolch. Ar y cyd â rhaglen Cymru Iach ar Waith, bydd gwasanaeth cymorth mewn gwaith newydd yn dechrau ym mis Ebrill 2023. Bydd hwn yn darparu cymorth galwedigaethol a therapiwtig i weithwyr aros mewn cyflogaeth neu ddychwelyd i gyflogaeth sy'n absennol o'r gwaith neu mewn perygl o fod yn absennol oherwydd eu salwch corfforol neu feddyliol.
I thank you, Trefnydd, for your response there. And, of course, Trefnydd, you may be aware that there are hundreds of thousands of people who have left the workforce since 2019, and there are big efforts in terms of keeping older people in their jobs for longer to support the economy. An early reported conclusion of a review from the Department for Work and Pensions is that companies that provide employees with extensive occupational health support have a better retention rate because they lose fewer staff to ill health or related problems. And I'm aware, of course, we have over 50,000 people currently waiting for over two years for treatment on the Welsh NHS. I'm aware that organisations such as the Senedd Commission or the Welsh Government will offer good occupational health support to their employees. I'm aware also of the tens of thousands of small businesses across Wales that won't have that same ability to offer that occupational health support. So, can I ask, Minister, what specifically the Welsh Government is doing to help very small businesses—maybe just one or two staff employed in each business—how are they supporting those businesses to offer better occupational health support to their staff?
Diolch i chi, Trefnydd, am eich ymateb yn y fan yna. Ac, wrth gwrs, Trefnydd, efallai eich bod chi'n ymwybodol bod cannoedd ar filoedd o bobl wedi gadael y gweithlu ers 2019, ac mae ymdrechion mawr o ran cadw pobl hŷn yn eu swyddi am gyfnod hirach i gefnogi'r economi. Un casgliad cynnar a adroddwyd o adolygiad gan yr Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau yw bod gan gwmnïau sy'n darparu cymorth iechyd galwedigaethol helaeth i weithwyr gyfradd gadw well oherwydd eu bod nhw'n colli llai o staff i salwch neu broblemau cysylltiedig. Ac rwy'n ymwybodol, wrth gwrs, bod gennym ni dros 50,000 o bobl yn aros dros ddwy flynedd ar hyn o bryd am driniaeth yn GIG Cymru. Rwy'n ymwybodol y bydd sefydliadau fel Comisiwn y Senedd neu Lywodraeth Cymru yn cynnig cymorth iechyd galwedigaethol da i'w gweithwyr. Rwy'n ymwybodol hefyd o'r degau o filoedd o fusnesau bach ledled Cymru na fydd ganddyn nhw'r gallu hwnnw i gynnig y cymorth iechyd galwedigaethol hwnnw. Felly, a gaf i ofyn, Gweinidog, beth yn benodol y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i helpu busnesau bach iawn—efallai dim ond un neu ddau o staff sy'n cael eu cyflogi ym mhob busnes—sut maen nhw'n cynorthwyo'r busnesau hynny i gynnig gwell cymorth iechyd galwedigaethol i'w staff?
Thank you. I did note the Chancellor’s recent comments urging older people to return to the labour market. Some of us have never left. And I think there is a concern, a genuine concern, about the number of people over the age of 50 who have left the labour market relatively early. You make a very important point around occupational health provision and, certainly, the Welsh Government do support businesses in Wales to create healthier workplaces by making improvements to their well-being and health practices. We've also got a new in-work support service. That's completely funded by the Welsh Government, and that provides occupational and therapeutical support for employees. And there is also dedicated information and guidance on how businesses can extend their occupational health offering. That's available on the Business Wales website, so I'd encourage any businesses to have a look at that. There are also relevant links on Public Health Wales’s Twitter page.
Diolch. Fe wnes i nodi sylwadau diweddar y Canghellor yn annog pobl hŷn i ddychwelyd i'r farchnad lafur. Nid yw rhai ohonom ni erioed wedi gadael. Ac rwy'n credu bod pryder, pryder gwirioneddol, am nifer y bobl dros 50 oed sydd wedi gadael y farchnad lafur yn gymharol gynnar. Rydych chi'n gwneud pwynt pwysig iawn o ran y ddarpariaeth iechyd galwedigaethol ac, yn sicr, mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cynorthwyo busnesau yng Nghymru i greu gweithleoedd mwy iach trwy wneud gwelliannau i'w harferion llesiant ac iechyd. Mae gennym ni wasanaeth cymorth mewn gwaith newydd hefyd. Mae hwnnw wedi'i ariannu'n llwyr gan Lywodraeth Cymru, ac mae hwnnw'n darparu cymorth galwedigaethol a therapiwtig i weithwyr. A cheir gwybodaeth a chanllawiau penodol hefyd ar sut y gall busnesau ymestyn eu harlwy iechyd galwedigaethol. Mae'r rheini ar gael ar wefan Busnes Cymru, felly byddwn yn annog unrhyw fusnesau i gael golwg ar y rheini. Ceir dolenni perthnasol ar dudalen Twitter Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru hefyd.
8. Sut mae'r Llywodraeth yn bwriadu helpu'r aelwydydd mwyaf agored i niwed yn Nwyrain De Cymru gyda'r argyfwng costau byw? OQ59106
8. How is the Government planning to help the most vulnerable households in South Wales East with the cost-of-living crisis? OQ59106
We continue to support vulnerable people across Wales, including those in South Wales East, to help mitigate the cost-of-living crisis. Initiatives include our generous social wage, expanding our childcare offer, our universal primary free school meal offer, and reviewing the council tax reduction scheme to make it more equitable.
Rydyn ni'n parhau i gynorthwyo pobl agored i niwed ledled Cymru, gan gynnwys y rhai yn Nwyrain De Cymru, i helpu i liniaru'r argyfwng costau byw. Mae'r mentrau'n cynnwys ein cyflog cymdeithasol hael, ehangu ein cynnig gofal plant, ein cynnig prydau ysgolion cynradd am ddim cyffredinol, ac adolygu'r cynllun lleihau'r dreth gyngor i'w wneud yn decach.
Diolch yn fawr and I welcome that answer. I recently met with the enforcement conduct board and we discussed the unfair charges that are applied to many people struggling to pay off a debt. I was given an example of a woman who lives in social housing in Newport and receives universal credit and personal independence payments. She was subject to a High Court enforcement case on behalf of a utilities creditor. She asked the debt collection company if she could arrange an instalment plan, but the company insisted on a visit to see if she had any assets. This meant that, in addition to the £75 charge that was added to her debt because of the telephone stage of enforcement, £190 was added to her debt for the visit. Had she not been at home on the first visit, a second visit would have led to the stage 2 High Court enforcement fee of £195 being added on. The system adopted by some debt collection companies appears to be nothing more than a racket that prays upon the most vulnerable in our communities. It has to stop.
Can the Government issue guidance to the public sector and utility companies, so that they only work with debt collection companies who work in tandem with the enforcement conduct board? I would be grateful if you could also explore any ways of curtailing the rogue operators in this sector in order to protect our citizens.
Diolch yn fawr ac rwy'n croesawu'r ateb yna. Fe wnes i gyfarfod yn ddiweddar â'r bwrdd ymddygiad gorfodi ac fe wnaethon ni drafod y taliadau annheg sy'n cael eu codi ar lawer o bobl sy'n ei chael hi'n anodd talu dyled. Cefais enghraifft o fenyw sy'n byw mewn tŷ cymdeithasol yng Nghasnewydd ac sy'n derbyn taliadau credyd cynhwysol ac annibyniaeth personol. Bu'n destun achos gorfodi Uchel Lys ar ran credydwr cyfleustodau. Gofynnodd i'r cwmni casglu dyledion a allai drefnu cynllun rhandaliadau, ond mynnodd y cwmni ar ymweliad i weld a oedd ganddi unrhyw asedau. Roedd hyn yn golygu, yn ogystal â'r tâl o £75 a ychwanegwyd at ei dyled oherwydd y cam gorfodi dros y ffôn, yr ychwanegwyd £190 at ei dyled ar gyfer yr ymweliad. Pe na bai wedi bod gartref ar adeg yr ymweliad cyntaf, byddai ail ymweliad wedi arwain at ychwanegu ffi gorfodi cam 2 yr Uchel Lys o £195. Mae'n ymddangos nad yw'r system a fabwysiadwyd gan rai cwmnïau casglu dyledion yn ddim mwy na sgêm sy'n cam-fanteisio ar y rhai mwyaf agored i niwed yn ein cymunedau. Mae'n rhaid iddo stopio.
A all y Llywodraeth gyhoeddi canllawiau i'r sector cyhoeddus a chwmnïau cyfleustodau, fel eu bod nhw'n gweithio gyda chwmnïau casglu dyledion sy'n gweithio ar y cyd â'r bwrdd ymddygiad gorfodi yn unig? Byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe gallech chi hefyd archwilio unrhyw ffyrdd o leihau'r nifer o weithredwyr diegwyddor yn y sector hwn er mwyn diogelu ein dinasyddion.
Thank you, you raise a very important point, and I know the Minister for Social Justice, next week, is meeting with enforcement companies to bring forward that very point that you make, and I'm sure the Minister will be very happy to issue a written statement following those meetings.
Diolch, rydych chi'n codi pwynt pwysig iawn, a gwn fod y Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol, yr wythnos nesaf, yn cyfarfod â chwmnïau gorfodi i gyflwyno'r union bwynt hwnnw rydych chi'n ei wneud, ac rwy'n siŵr y bydd y Gweinidog yn hapus iawn i gyhoeddi datganiad ysgrifenedig yn dilyn y cyfarfodydd hynny.
Diolch i'r Trefnydd am ateb y cwestiynau yna i'r Prif Weinidog.
I thank the Trefnydd for responding to those questions on behalf of the First Minister.
Yr eitem nesaf yw'r datganiad a chyhoeddiad busnes, a'r Trefnydd eto sy'n gwneud y datganiad yma. Dwi'n galw arni i gyflwyno'r datganiad. Lesley Griffiths.
The next item is the business statement and announcement, and once again it's the Trefnydd who will make this statement. I call on the Trefnydd to make the statement. Lesley Griffiths.
Diolch. There are no changes to this week's business. Draft business for the next three weeks is set out on the business statement and announcement, which can be found amongst the meeting papers available to Members electronically.
Diolch. Does dim newidiadau i'r busnes yr wythnos hon. Mae busnes drafft ar gyfer y tair wythnos nesaf wedi'i nodi ar y datganiad busnes a'r cyhoeddiad, sydd i'w gweld ymhlith y papurau cyfarfod sydd ar gael i'r Aelodau yn electronig.
Trefnydd, can I call again for an oral statement on the investigation into the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board concerning the events that gave rise to the qualification of accounts for 2021-22 and the subsequent £122 million counter-fraud investigation, which is now under way? There are lots of questions that people in north Wales have and want answers to, including whether this investigation extends beyond the health board, when it will be concluded, are any prosecutions likely, will there be significant financial implications for NHS services in north Wales to our local residents, will there be a further qualification of the accounts for the last financial year, and whether there are also Welsh Government officials that might be implicated in this. I think these are fair questions, which we do need some answers to, and it would be helpful if we could have an oral statement that we can ask questions to the Minister about. I can see the Minister is nodding, so it looks like we might get one.
Trefnydd, a gaf i alw eto am ddatganiad llafar ar yr ymchwiliad i Fwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Betsi Cadwaladr yn ymwneud â'r digwyddiadau a achosodd i amodau gael eu gosod ar gyfrifon 2021-22 a'r ymchwiliad gwrth-dwyll dilynol gwerth £122 miliwn, sydd bellach ar y gweill? Mae llawer o gwestiynau gan bobl yn y gogledd ac maen nhw eisiau atebion iddynt, gan gynnwys a yw'r ymchwiliad hwn yn ymestyn y tu hwnt i'r bwrdd iechyd, pryd ddaw i ben, a oes unrhyw erlyniadau yn debygol, a fydd goblygiadau ariannol sylweddol i wasanaethau'r GIG yn y gogledd i'n trigolion lleol, a fydd rhagor o amodau i'r cyfrifon ar gyfer y flwyddyn ariannol ddiwethaf, ac a oes yna hefyd swyddogion Llywodraeth Cymru a allai fod yn gysylltiedig â hyn. Rwy'n credu bod y rhain yn gwestiynau teg, y mae angen atebion iddyn nhw, a byddai'n ddefnyddiol pe gallem gael datganiad llafar y gallwn ofyn cwestiynau i'r Gweinidog amdano. Rwy'n gweld bod y Gweinidog yn nodio, felly mae'n ymddangos y gallwn ni gael un.
The questions you ask are very fair and do need a thorough answer. I don't have the answers now. I think it's probably a little bit too early at the moment, but I think at the most appropriate time the Minister for Health and Social Services will do a statement.
Mae'r cwestiynau rydych chi'n eu gofyn yn deg iawn ac mae angen ateb trylwyr. Does gen i ddim yr atebion ar hyn o bryd. Rwy'n credu ei bod hi ychydig yn rhy gynnar ar hyn o bryd mae'n debyg, ond rwy'n credu ar yr adeg fwyaf priodol, bydd y Gweinidog Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol yn gwneud datganiad.
Daeth y Dirprwy Lywydd (David Rees) i’r Gadair.
The Deputy Presiding Officer (David Rees) took the Chair.
Trefnydd, we have all rightfully been horrified by the testimony that has come forward relating to sexism, misogyny and racism within the Welsh Rugby Union. As Members will be aware, a Senedd scrutiny committee had the opportunity to question both the WRU and the Deputy Minister for arts and sport last week on the matter. During the scrutiny session with the Welsh Government, it was clear that the Welsh Government had been made aware of some serious allegations in May 2022, and that there had been discussions between the Deputy Minister and the WRU on these matters. I would like to request an oral statement from the Deputy Minister for arts and sport on this matter, clarifying what was known to Welsh Government and when, and outlining what steps were taken. Given the public interest in the matter and the significance of the allegations made, I would welcome the opportunity for the Senedd as a whole to be updated on the Welsh Government's discussions with the WRU during that time.
Trefnydd, rydyn ni i gyd wedi ein dychryn, yn briodol, gan y dystiolaeth sydd wedi ei chyflwyno yn ymwneud â rhywiaeth, casineb at fenywod a hiliaeth o fewn Undeb Rygbi Cymru. Fel y bydd yr Aelodau yn ymwybodol, cafodd un o bwyllgorau craffu'r Senedd gyfle i holi URC a Dirprwy Weinidog y celfyddydau a chwaraeon yr wythnos ddiwethaf ar y mater. Yn ystod y sesiwn graffu gyda Llywodraeth Cymru, roedd hi'n amlwg bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cael gwybod am rai honiadau difrifol ym mis Mai 2022, a bod trafodaethau wedi bod rhwng y Dirprwy Weinidog ac URC ar y materion hyn. Hoffwn ofyn am ddatganiad llafar gan Ddirprwy Weinidog y celfyddydau a chwaraeon ar y mater hwn, yn egluro'r hyn oedd yn hysbys i Lywodraeth Cymru a phryd, ac yn amlinellu pa gamau a gymerwyd. O ystyried budd y cyhoedd yn y mater ac arwyddocâd yr honiadau a wnaed, byddwn i'n croesawu cyfle i'r Senedd gyfan gael yr wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am drafodaethau Llywodraeth Cymru ag URC yn ystod y cyfnod hwnnw.
Thank you. Following the committee appearance by both the chair and acting chief executive of the WRU, and obviously the Deputy Minister for culture and arts and her officials, I think the next step, and that's the most appropriate step, is for the Minister to write to the committee.
Diolch. Yn dilyn ymddangosiad cadeirydd a phrif weithredwr dros dro URC o flaen y pwyllgor, ac yn amlwg y Dirprwy Weinidog diwylliant a'r celfyddydau a'i swyddogion, rwy'n credu mai'r cam nesaf, a'r cam mwyaf priodol, yw i'r Gweinidog ysgrifennu at y pwyllgor.
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons published a very troubling report on Friday about its unannounced inspection of Eastwood Park prison. That inspection took place in October, and the conditions described by the inspectorate make for very difficult reading: bloodstains on the wall, extreme mental distress, including spiralling incidents of self-harm, which well-meaning but poorly trained staff were not equipped to deal with. As this is the main prison where south Wales women are being incarcerated, I'd like to request a statement from the Minister for Social Justice to find out at what point was she informed of these conditions and what has been done in these last three months to improve the desperate situation for women who are acutely unwell and yet being incarcerated on very short sentences in really awful conditions.
Cyhoeddodd Arolygiaeth Carchardai Ei Mawrhydi adroddiad oedd yn achosi llawer o bryder ddydd Gwener am ei harolygiad dirybudd o garchar Eastwood Park. Cynhaliwyd yr archwiliad hwnnw ym mis Hydref, ac mae'r amodau a ddisgrifiwyd gan yr arolygiaeth yn anodd iawn i'w darllen: staeniau gwaed ar y wal, trallod meddwl eithafol, gan gynnwys achosion o hunan-niweidio a oedd yn gwaethygu, nad oedd y staff, a oedd yn ceisio'u gorau ond a oedd wedi'u hyfforddi'n wael, yn gallu ymdopi â nhw. Gan mai dyma'r prif garchar lle mae menywod de Cymru yn cael eu carcharu, hoffwn ofyn am ddatganiad gan y Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol i gael gwybod ar ba bwynt y cafodd wybod am yr amodau hyn a beth sydd wedi'i wneud yn y tri mis diwethaf hyn i wella'r sefyllfa enbyd i fenywod sy'n ddifrifol wael ac eto'n cael eu carcharu ar ddedfrydau byr iawn mewn amodau gwirioneddol ofnadwy.
Thank you. I know the report made for very harrowing reading. It identified substantive gaps in care and a real lack of support for some very distressed and vulnerable women. It's really important that women involved with the criminal justice system are held in safe and secure facilities that are absolutely fit for purpose. I know the Minister for Social Justice visited there recently with the Counsel General and will be making a written statement.
Diolch. Rwy'n gwybod bod yr adroddiad wedi bod yn ddirdynnol iawn i'w ddarllen. Nododd fylchau sylweddol mewn gofal a diffyg cefnogaeth go iawn i rai menywod gofidus ac agored iawn i niwed. Mae'n bwysig iawn bod menywod sy'n rhan o'r system cyfiawnder troseddol yn cael eu cadw mewn cyfleusterau diogel a sicr sy'n gwbl addas i'r diben. Rwy'n gwybod bod y Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol wedi bod ar ymweliad yno yn ddiweddar gyda'r Cwnsler Cyffredinol a bydd yn gwneud datganiad ysgrifenedig.
I call for two oral statements or debates in Welsh Government time on two important matters.
The first of these is on accessible communication and information for people with a sensory loss. Public services have legal duties under section 20 of the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that disabled people can access services on an equal basis to non-disabled people, known as the reasonable adjustments duty. This includes making sure that people who have an impairment or sensory loss are provided with information in a format that they can read and understand. However, following the health Minister's response to the joint letter from RNIB Cymru and the RNID in Wales seeking clarity around the all-Wales standards for accessible communication and information for people with a sensory loss, they replied outlining a number of continuing concerns they still have, which they also shared with me as chair of the cross-party groups on disability and on deaf issues.
They highlighted the lack of scrutiny, accountability and reporting around the implementation of the standards across NHS Wales, and that this is a patient safety issue. They called on the Welsh Government for clarity around why the Welsh Government has not allocated the resources necessary to appoint an accessibility lead, despite accepting this as a recommendation on two separate occasions, initially made by the Senedd's Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee and then again by the Health and Social Care Committee. They called for a clear commitment from the Welsh Government to ensuring the standards are embedded within health boards and are accompanied by a clear action plan, targets and timescales. They called for transparent and public reporting on the standards, setting out which targets are not being met by which health boards and trusts. So, I call for an oral statement or debate accordingly.
I also call for an oral statement or debate in Welsh Government time on support for deaf children in Wales. National Deaf Children's Society Cymru have warned of a looming educational crisis for deaf children in Wales. Their Consortium for Research into Deaf Education survey of local authorities shows that the numbers of teachers that are deaf in Wales has fallen by 20 per cent over the last decade. In addition, more than a third of teachers that are deaf across Wales are over the age of 50, meaning they're likely to retire in the next 10 to 15 years.
Galwaf am ddau ddatganiad llafar neu ddadl yn amser Llywodraeth Cymru ar ddau fater pwysig.
Y cyntaf o'r rhain yw cyfathrebu a gwybodaeth hygyrch i bobl sydd â nam ar y synhwyrau. Mae gan wasanaethau cyhoeddus ddyletswyddau cyfreithiol o dan adran 20 o Ddeddf Cydraddoldeb 2010 i sicrhau bod pobl anabl yn gallu defnyddio gwasanaethau yn gyfartal â phobl nad ydynt yn anabl, a elwir yn ddyletswydd addasiadau rhesymol. Mae hyn yn cynnwys gwneud yn siŵr bod pobl sydd â nam ar y synhwyrau yn cael gwybodaeth ar ffurf y gallant ei ddarllen a'i ddeall. Fodd bynnag, yn dilyn ymateb y Gweinidog Iechyd i'r llythyr ar y cyd gan RNIB Cymru a'r RNID yng Nghymru yn gofyn am eglurder ynghylch safonau Cymru gyfan ar gyfer cyfathrebu a gwybodaeth hygyrch i bobl â nam ar y synhwyrau, fe wnaethon nhw ateb gan amlinellu nifer o bryderon parhaus sydd ganddyn nhw o hyd, ac fe wnaethon nhw eu rhannu gyda mi hefyd gan mai fi yw cadeirydd y grwpiau trawsbleidiol ar anabledd ac ar faterion byddar.
Fe wnaethon nhw dynnu sylw at y diffyg craffu, atebolrwydd ac adrodd ynghylch gweithredu'r safonau ar draws GIG Cymru, a bod hon yn broblem o ran diogelwch cleifion. Fe wnaethon nhw alw ar Lywodraeth Cymru am eglurder ynghylch pam nad yw Llywodraeth Cymru wedi clustnodi'r adnoddau angenrheidiol i benodi arweinydd hygyrchedd, er gwaethaf derbyn hyn fel argymhelliad ar ddau achlysur gwahanol, a wnaed yn wreiddiol gan Bwyllgor Cydraddoldeb, Llywodraeth Leol a Chymunedau'r Senedd ac yna eto gan y Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol. Fe wnaethon nhw alw am ymrwymiad clir gan Lywodraeth Cymru i sicrhau bod y safonau'n cael eu gwreiddio o fewn byrddau iechyd a bod cynllun gweithredu, targedau ac amserlenni clir yn cyd-fynd â nhw. Fe wnaethon nhw alw am adrodd tryloyw a chyhoeddus ar y safonau, yn nodi pa dargedau nad ydynt yn cael eu cyrraedd gan ba fyrddau iechyd ac ymddiriedolaethau. Felly, rwy'n galw am ddatganiad llafar neu ddadl yn unol â hynny.
Galwaf hefyd am ddatganiad llafar neu ddadl yn amser Llywodraeth Cymru ar gefnogaeth i blant byddar yng Nghymru. Mae Cymdeithas Genedlaethol Plant Byddar Cymru wedi rhybuddio am argyfwng addysgol ar y gorwel i blant byddar yng Nghymru. Mae arolwg y Consortiwm ar gyfer Ymchwil i Addysg Fyddar o awdurdodau lleol yn dangos bod nifer yr athrawon sy'n fyddar yng Nghymru wedi gostwng 20 y cant dros y degawd diwethaf. Yn ogystal â hynny, mae mwy na thraean o athrawon sy'n fyddar ledled Cymru dros 50 oed, sy'n golygu eu bod nhw'n debygol o ymddeol yn y 10 i 15 mlynedd nesaf.
Mark, you need to conclude now.
Mark, mae angen i chi ddod i ben nawr.
They're calling on the Welsh Government to implement a Wales-wide workforce strategy to recruit specialist staff to meet the additional learning needs of deaf children, provide funding to ensure there is sufficient training provision to create a new generation of teachers who are deaf, and to work with local authorities to ensure all parents are aware of the support available through the additional learning needs reforms. This is the fact behind the rhetoric.
I call again for an urgent oral statement or debate in Welsh Government time on these two issues, perhaps combined or perhaps separately. Thank you.
Maen nhw'n galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i weithredu strategaeth gweithlu ledled Cymru i recriwtio staff arbenigol i ddiwallu anghenion dysgu ychwanegol plant byddar, darparu cyllid er mwyn sicrhau bod digon o ddarpariaeth hyfforddiant i greu cenhedlaeth newydd o athrawon sy'n fyddar, ac i weithio gydag awdurdodau lleol i sicrhau bod pob rhiant yn ymwybodol o'r gefnogaeth sydd ar gael trwy'r diwygiadau anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Dyma'r ffaith y tu ôl i'r rhethreg.
Galwaf eto am ddatganiad llafar brys neu ddadl yn amser Llywodraeth Cymru ar y ddau fater hyn, efallai wedi'u cyfuno neu efallai ar wahân. Diolch.
Thank you. In relation to your second question, you're absolutely right; it is vital that the learning needs of a deaf child are absolutely met. I will ask the Minister for Education and Welsh Language to write to you on the issue.
With regard to your first request—they wouldn't be able to be done together, because it would be two different Ministers—I know the Minister for Social Justice's officials work very closely with the disability equality taskforce, and at the most appropriate time, I'm sure she will be able to write you with some further information.
Diolch. O ran eich ail gwestiwn, rydych chi'n hollol iawn; mae'n hanfodol bod anghenion dysgu plentyn byddar yn cael eu diwallu'n llwyr. Fe wnaf i ofyn i'r Gweinidog Addysg a'r Gymraeg ysgrifennu atoch ar y mater.
O ran eich cais cyntaf—ni fydden nhw'n gallu cael eu gwneud gyda'i gilydd, oherwydd byddai'n ddau Weinidog gwahanol—rwy'n gwybod bod swyddogion y Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol yn gweithio'n agos iawn gyda'r tasglu cydraddoldeb anabledd, ac ar yr adeg fwyaf priodol, rwy'n siŵr y bydd hi'n gallu ysgrifennu atoch gydag ychydig o wybodaeth bellach.
Mi fuaswn i'n licio gofyn am ddadl a datganiad ar frys yn amser y Llywodraeth ar ddyfodol deintyddiaeth yng Nghymru, achos mae'n rhaid i fi ddweud ei bod hi'n anodd gweld dyfodol i ddeintyddiaeth NHS yng Nghymru ar hyn o bryd. Flwyddyn yn ôl, mi oedd yna naw deintyddfa yn darparu gwasanaethau NHS yn Ynys Môn. Erbyn hyn, dim ond chwech sydd yna. Deintyddfa yng Nghaergybi ydy'r diweddaraf i roi gwybod i gleifion na fyddan nhw'n trin cleifion NHS o hyn ymlaen. Mae pobl yn clywed y dylen nhw fynd i chwilio am ddeintyddfa arall, ond does yna ddim deintyddfeydd eraill ar gael, a prin ydy hyder y bwrdd iechyd y gallan nhw ddod o hyd i rai i ddarparu gwasanaethau. A bod yn onest, er ein bod ni wedi colli'r tri yna, gyda'r lefel o forâl fel ag y mae o, a diffyg hyder yn y Llywodraeth, mi allen ni golli mwy. Mae iechyd deintyddol pawb yn mynd i ddioddef—pawb ar draws cymdeithas—ond wrth gwrs, y rhai lleiaf breintiedig sy'n mynd i ddioddef fwyaf. Maen nhw'n mynd i ddioddef yn unigol ac rydyn ni fel cymdeithas yn mynd i dalu'r pris am hynny. Mae angen sortio hyn allan, neu mi fydd y twll rydyn ni ynddo fo yn mynd yn ddyfnach. Rydyn ni angen i'r Llywodraeth gyflwyno cynllun am sut rydyn ni'n mynd i symud ymlaen o hyn, a hynny ar frys.
I'd like to ask for a debate and a statement in Government time on the future of dentistry in Wales, because I do have to say that it's hard to see a future for NHS dentistry in Wales at the moment. A year ago, there were nine dentists providing NHS services on Anglesey. Now, there are only six. In Holyhead, the dentist there is the latest to inform patients they won't be treating on the NHS now. They've told patients they should seek another dentist, but there aren't any other dentist surgeries available, and the health board isn't confident that they will be able to find dentists to provide those services. Although we've lost those three dentist surgeries, with the level of morale as it currently stands, and the lack of confidence in the Government, we could lose more. The dental health of everyone is going to suffer—everyone across society—but of course, those least privileged will suffer most. They're going to suffer as individuals and we as a society are going to pay the price for that. We need to sort this out, or the hole that we're in will get deeper. We need the Government to introduce a plan for how we're going to move forward, and as a matter of urgency.
Thank you. You'll be aware that the majority of dentists are independent self-employed practitioners. They can choose how they spend their time. I don't think there's any shortage of dentists, but I think there is a shortage of dentists who are prepared to treat more NHS patients. As you know, we have a new dental contract, and the Minister already did a written statement in relation to that, so I don't think there's any need for a further statement at the moment.
Diolch. Byddwch yn ymwybodol bod y mwyafrif o ddeintyddion yn ymarferwyr hunangyflogedig annibynnol. Maen nhw'n gallu dewis sut maen nhw'n treulio'u hamser. Dydw i ddim yn credu bod unrhyw brinder deintyddion, ond rwy'n credu bod yna brinder deintyddion sy'n barod i drin mwy o gleifion y GIG. Fel y gwyddoch chi, mae gennym gontract deintyddol newydd, ac mae'r Gweinidog eisoes wedi gwneud datganiad ysgrifenedig ar hynny, felly dydw i ddim yn credu bod angen datganiad pellach ar hyn o bryd.
Two written statements, please, Trefnydd, firstly with regard to Madrid, which is trying to encircle itself with a 75 km urban forest to mitigate the climate emergency and to improve biodiversity. There's a similar idea being put forward by campaigners here in Cardiff for the city to become a new park city, with large country parks on the outskirts of the city in areas such as St Fagans, Caerphilly mountain, the Rhymney river and St Mellons. Most of the Cardiff parks up to date were opened during the Victorian age, so there haven't been new parks in Cardiff for many decades. This would develop natural flood defences, improve air quality and absorb greenhouse emissions generated by the city. Could we have a written statement by the Government on this welcome initiative?
Secondly, could we have a written statement with regard to Cardiff's replacement local development plan? I had a very interesting meeting recently with the Radyr and Morganstown local development plan group on this issue. There are suggestions that large green spaces can be built inside the replacement local development plan in view of the lower-than-expected population growth in the last census and the environmental impact of excess run-off rainwater and flooding. So, could we please have a written statement on that also? Diolch.
Dau ddatganiad ysgrifenedig, os gwelwch yn dda, Trefnydd, yn gyntaf o ran Madrid, sy'n ceisio amgylchynu ei hun gyda choedwig drefol 75 km i liniaru'r argyfwng hinsawdd ac i wella bioamrywiaeth. Mae yna syniad tebyg yn cael ei gyflwyno gan ymgyrchwyr yma yng Nghaerdydd, i'r ddinas ddod yn ddinas barc newydd, gyda pharciau gwledig mawr ar gyrion y ddinas, mewn ardaloedd fel Sain Ffagan, mynydd Caerffili, afon Rhymni a Llaneirwg. Cafodd y rhan fwyaf o barciau Caerdydd hyd yma eu hagor yn ystod Oes Fictoria, felly does dim parciau newydd wedi bod yng Nghaerdydd ers degawdau lawer. Byddai hyn yn datblygu amddiffynfeydd llifogydd naturiol, yn gwella ansawdd yr aer ac yn amsugno allyriadau tŷ gwydr a gynhyrchir gan y ddinas. A allem ni gael datganiad ysgrifenedig gan y Llywodraeth ar y fenter hon sydd i'w chroesawu?
Yn ail, a gawn ni ddatganiad ysgrifenedig ar gynllun datblygu lleol newydd Caerdydd? Cefais gyfarfod diddorol iawn yn ddiweddar gyda grŵp cynllun datblygu lleol Radur a Threforgan ar y mater hwn. Mae awgrymiadau y gellir adeiladu mannau gwyrdd mawr y tu mewn i'r cynllun datblygu lleol newydd o ystyried y twf poblogaeth is na'r disgwyl yn y cyfrifiad diwethaf ac effaith amgylcheddol gormod o ddŵr glaw ffo a llifogydd. Felly, a allem ni gael datganiad ysgrifenedig ar hynny hefyd os gwelwch yn dda? Diolch.
With regard to your latter question, an LDP is a matter for the local authority, so I don't see any need for a Government statement. It was really good to hear about the first initiative you were discussing. As you know, one of our programme for government commitments is for a national forest right across Wales, and we're certainly doing all we can to make sure people are planting trees. You'll be aware of our Welsh Government initiatives, and I would encourage everybody to pick up a free tree from their nearest hub and either plant it in their garden or ensure that we can plant it for you if there is nowhere for you to do so. But it's always good to hear about new initiatives. As you know, one of our programme for government commitments is for a new national park. I know it's up in north-east Wales, but I think it is important that we identify areas where we can indeed have parks that, obviously, everybody can enjoy.
O ran eich cwestiwn olaf, mae CDLl yn fater i'r awdurdod lleol, felly dydw i ddim yn gweld unrhyw angen am ddatganiad gan y Llywodraeth. Roedd yn dda iawn clywed am y fenter gyntaf yr oeddech chi'n ei thrafod. Fel y gwyddoch chi, un o'n hymrwymiadau yn y rhaglen lywodraethu yw creu coedwig genedlaethol ledled Cymru, ac yn sicr rydyn ni'n gwneud popeth o fewn ein gallu i sicrhau bod pobl yn plannu coed. Byddwch yn ymwybodol o fentrau Llywodraeth Cymru, a byddwn i'n annog pawb i gasglu coeden am ddim o'u canolfan agosaf a naill ai ei phlannu yn eu gardd neu sicrhau y gallwn ni ei phlannu ar eich rhan os nad oes unman i chi wneud hynny. Ond mae bob amser yn dda clywed am fentrau newydd. Fel y gwyddoch chi, un o'n hymrwymiadau yn y rhaglen lywodraethu yw creu parc cenedlaethol newydd. Rwy'n gwybod ei fod i fyny yn y gogledd-ddwyrain, ond rwy'n credu ei bod yn bwysig ein bod yn nodi ardaloedd lle gallwn, yn wir, gael parciau y gall pawb, yn amlwg, eu mwynhau.
Minister, may I ask for a statement from the Minister for Climate Change regarding the historic dumping of toxic waste at Ty Llwyd quarry at Ynysddu? Caerphilly County Borough Council is now the owner of the site, having compulsorily purchased the quarry, but has refused to register Ty Llwyd as contaminated land in spite of local concern about leachate leaking out and polluting neighbourhood properties as well as the roads. Natural Resources Wales confirms it is solely the council's responsibility to register contaminated land, but Caerphilly CBC maintains that the leachate does not flow from its property. Will you join me in supporting the residents, Minister, and local councillors Jan Jones and Janine Reed, in calling for a public inquiry to be held into the potential threat to neighbouring land and the River Sirhowy from the leaking of harmful substances from Ty Llwyd quarry? Thank you.
Gweinidog, a gaf i ofyn am ddatganiad gan y Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd ynghylch gwaredu gwastraff gwenwynig hanesyddol yn chwarel Ty Llwyd yn Ynys-ddu? Mae Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili bellach yn berchennog ar y safle, ar ôl prynu'r chwarel yn orfodol, ond mae wedi gwrthod cofrestru Ty Llwyd fel tir halogedig er gwaethaf pryder lleol ynghylch trwytholch yn gollwng ac yn llygru eiddo yn y gymdogaeth yn ogystal â'r ffyrdd. Mae Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru yn cadarnhau mai cyfrifoldeb y cyngor yn unig yw cofrestru tir halogedig, ond mae CBS Caerffili yn mynnu nad yw'r trwytholch yn llifo o'i eiddo. A wnewch chi ymuno â mi i gefnogi'r trigolion, Gweinidog, a'r cynghorwyr lleol Jan Jones a Janine Reed, wrth alw am gynnal ymchwiliad cyhoeddus i'r bygythiad posibl i dir cyfagos ac Afon Sirhywi yn sgil sylweddau niweidiol yn gollwng o chwarel Ty Llwyd? Diolch.
Public Health Wales have been fully engaged with Caerphilly council and are content with the measures currently being employed to minimise any human health risks. I know NRW are also working with the local authority and their contractors to provide some technical assistance and advice regarding further works that may be required to minimise off-site impacts caused by site drainage during peak rainfall events.
Mae Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru wedi ymgysylltu'n llawn â chyngor Caerffili ac maen nhw'n fodlon â'r mesurau sy'n cael eu defnyddio ar hyn o bryd i leihau unrhyw risgiau i iechyd pobl. Rwy'n gwybod bod CNC hefyd yn gweithio gyda'r awdurdod lleol a'u contractwyr i ddarparu rhywfaint o gymorth technegol a chyngor ynghylch gwaith pellach y gallai fod ei angen i leihau cymaint â phosibl effeithiau oddi ar y safle a achosir gan ddraenio o'r safle yn ystod achosion o law trwm.
Ac yn olaf, Mabon ap Gwynfor.
Finally, Mabon ap Gwynfor.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'd like to ask for two statements, please. Firstly, can I ask for an update from the Government regarding the uplift in funding for care workers, please? In December 2021, I think it was, the Government announced funding to ensure that care workers received the real living wage, which was due to be paid to the care workers from April 2022. My understanding is that the Government provided the funds for the local authorities, and in my constituency, at least, I know that Gwynedd county council in turn passed those funds on to the providers. However, there is one provider, Achieve Together, that has failed to pay its workers that uplift for the period between April to October 2022. This is money that is rightly the wages of its workforce. The company say that they can't pay out because not all authorities have passported the funds on, but it's not theirs to keep, so it begs the question what have they done with that money and when can their workers expect to see this pay that is rightfully theirs. I'd like the Deputy Minister to look into this and bring forward a statement if possible.
Finally and briefly, I've previously raised the issue of the T19 bus service from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llandudno, which is due to stop at the end of this week. Neither I nor the residents of Blaenau Ffestiniog have received an update, nor heard anything, since I raised this. Can the Deputy Minister please give an urgent update on what plans are in place for that route so that my constituents can continue to attend school, get to work or get to their appointments on time? Diolch.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Hoffwn ofyn am ddau ddatganiad, os gwelwch yn dda. Yn gyntaf, a gaf i ofyn am ddiweddariad gan y Llywodraeth ynglŷn â'r cynnydd mewn cyllid i weithwyr gofal, os gwelwch yn dda? Ym mis Rhagfyr 2021, rwy'n credu, cyhoeddodd y Llywodraeth gyllid i sicrhau bod gweithwyr gofal yn derbyn y cyflog byw gwirioneddol, oedd fod i gael ei dalu i'r gweithwyr gofal o fis Ebrill 2022. Fy nealltwriaeth i yw bod y Llywodraeth wedi darparu'r arian i'r awdurdodau lleol, ac yn fy etholaeth i, o leiaf, gwn fod Cyngor Sir Gwynedd yn ei dro yn trosglwyddo'r arian hynny i'r darparwyr. Fodd bynnag, mae un darparwr, Achieve Together, sydd wedi methu â thalu ei weithwyr y cynnydd am y cyfnod rhwng Ebrill a Hydref 2022. Cyflogau teilwng ei weithlu yw'r arian hwn. Mae'r cwmni'n dweud nad ydyn nhw'n gallu ei dalu oherwydd nad yw pob awdurdod wedi pasbortio'r arian ymlaen, ond nid eu harian nhw ydyw i'w gadw, felly mae'n peri i rywun ofyn beth maen nhw wedi'i wneud gyda'r arian hwnnw a phryd y gall eu gweithwyr ddisgwyl gweld y cyflog hwn sy'n eiddo iddyn nhw yn briodol. Hoffwn i'r Dirprwy Weinidog edrych ar hyn a chyflwyno datganiad os yn bosib.
Ac yn olaf ac yn gryno, rwyf eisoes wedi codi mater gwasanaeth bws T19 o Flaenau Ffestiniog i Landudno, sydd ar fin dod i ben ddiwedd yr wythnos hon. Nid wyf i na thrigolion Blaenau Ffestiniog wedi cael diweddariad, na chlywed dim, ers i mi godi hwn. A all y Dirprwy Weinidog roi diweddariad brys ar ba gynlluniau sydd ar waith ar gyfer y llwybr hwnnw er mwyn i fy etholwyr allu parhau i fynychu'r ysgol, mynd i'r gwaith neu gyrraedd eu hapwyntiadau mewn pryd? Diolch.
Thank you. I don't think the Deputy Minister for Social Services was aware of the specific issue that you raise, and I think it would be really good if you could write to her, and she will certainly look into what was, obviously, a very worrying situation that you outlined.
In relation to bus services, you'll be aware that, across Wales, we've had some issues with being able to provide some certainty to our buses. I think the Deputy Minister for Climate Change will be making a statement around bus services probably a bit more generally, but it won't be in the very near future, but it will be, probably, in the next term.
Diolch. Dydw i ddim yn credu bod y Dirprwy Weinidog Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol yn ymwybodol o'r mater penodol yr ydych chi'n ei godi, ac rwy'n credu y byddai'n dda iawn pe gallech chi ysgrifennu ati, ac fe wnaiff hi yn sicr edrych i mewn i'r hyn a oedd, yn amlwg, yn sefyllfa bryderus iawn yr oeddech chi'n ei hamlinellu.
O ran gwasanaethau bysiau, byddwch yn ymwybodol ein bod ni, ledled Cymru, wedi bod â rhai problemau o ran gallu rhoi rhywfaint o sicrwydd i'n bysiau. Rwy'n credu y bydd y Dirprwy Weinidog Newid Hinsawdd yn gwneud datganiad ynghylch gwasanaethau bysiau ychydig yn fwy cyffredinol mae'n debyg, ond ni fydd yn y dyfodol agos iawn, ond bydd, mae'n debyg, yn ystod y tymor nesaf.
Diolch i'r Trefnydd.
I thank the Trefnydd.
Eitem 3 sydd nesaf, y datganiad gan y Dirprwy Weinidog Partneriaeth Gymdeithasol ar y cynllun gweithredu LGBTQ+. Galwaf ar y Dirprwy Weinidog, Hannah Blythyn.
Item 3 is next, and it's a statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership on the LGBTQ+ action plan. I call on the Deputy Minister, Hannah Blythyn.
LGBT History Month offers an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, and to celebrate the lives of LGBTQ+ people who, for too long and too often, have been hidden from history. But, we don’t just need to reflect on our past; we need to learn lessons from it. We will not forget the harm that discrimination, hate and exclusion have caused to so many LGBTQ+ people. Nor will we forget the progress and achievements that we've made over the past 40 years, thanks to the activists and allies that paved the way.
But we cannot be complacent. LGBTQ+ people can still face discrimination and harassment. We’re in an age when it can feel like we’re under attack and our rights at risk of being rolled back, with LGBTQ+ communities routinely weaponised in the name of so-called political and media debate. We remain absolute that the Welsh Government stands together with and within our LGBTQ+ communities in Wales. We want to create a Wales where everyone feels free, supported and safe to be and live their lives as their authentic selves. That’s why LGBTQ+ rights are embedded in our programme for government, are a key component of the co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru, and why we have developed a bold and ambitious LGBTQ+ action plan.
I am proud to be able to announce the launch and publication today of our ambitious and wide-ranging LGBTQ+ action plan for Wales—the first of its kind. This plan strengthens protections for LGBTQ+ people, promotes equality for all, and helps co-ordinate actions across Government, communities and the country, in order to achieve our ambition of making Wales the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe. Whilst publishing this plan is a key step in this journey, our work to improve equality for LGBTQ+ people has already begun. Just last month, I set out our next steps in our work to ban conversion practices. Support services have been expanded across Wales, and a working group of experts has been formed. The group will provide us with the advice and expertise that we need to consign these abhorrent practices to history, and the first meeting has already taken place. Alongside this, our anti-hate crime communications campaign, Hate Hurts Wales, will have an increased LGBTQ+ focus this year, and will signpost to the Wales hate support centre, which offers confidential support to victims.
Progress has also been made in sexual health through the forthcoming HIV action plan for Wales, and we renew our commitments to tackle late diagnosis in Wales and HIV-related stigma, and improve the quality of life of people living with HIV. In the past year, we have provided funding to local Pride organisations around Wales. The grass-roots Pride fund supported north Wales Pride in Bangor, Pride in the Port in Newport, Swansea, Cowbridge, Barry Pride, and Glitter Pride, connecting communities across the country. We know the value of this and the difference it can make to the LGBTQ+ community, and this coming year, we will build on this success by expanding the grass-roots Pride fund. We hope to reach out further, embracing more rural areas and smaller towns, enabling Welsh language events and ensuring that there are opportunities for people to come together and be their true selves right across Wales.
Dirprwy Lywydd, I stated earlier how, sadly, all too often in the current climate, it feels like our rights are under attack, none more so than that of the trans community, from the toxicity of Twitter, to so-called populist politics and a media narrative designed to pitch people against one another. We recommit ourselves to supporting trans and non-binary people, and our starting point is that trans men are men, trans women are women, and non-binary identities are valid. The Welsh Government stands with all of our LGBTQ+ communities and, as politicians and public figures, we can and must be better.
That’s why we’re committed to doing all that we can to improve the lives of trans people in Wales, and to seeking any further power to do this, including our programme for government and co-operation agreement commitment to trigger a request to devolve the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and support our trans community, and preliminary work on this has already started. Work has also begun on developing guidance for local authorities and schools to support transgender children and young people, so that they can be confident and comfortable in supporting trans students in all aspects of school life.
Dirprwy Lywydd, I must acknowledge the support of so many in the making of this plan. A significant number of stakeholders, individuals and organisations have contributed to the plan’s development. People generously gave their time and many shared their experience of discrimination and hostility as citizens in Wales. They also shared their achievements as advocates, workers and leaders, as researchers, experts and professionals, and as communities. I want particularly to put on record my thanks to the LGBTQ+ expert panel, who provided help, advice and challenge, which allowed us to focus on what we could do to make a difference to people’s lives. I'd also like to thank the top team within the Welsh Government, whose hard work is behind me, being able to stand here and launch this plan today.
Indeed, it is a plan that reaches across Government, and I am grateful for the steadfast cross-Government support of my ministerial colleagues. This ongoing collective support will be vital in turning the plan from words on a page into practical actions that make a real difference. As they say, actions speak louder than words. It’s about changing lives not just changing legislation, it's about people, not policies alone. But words matter too; what we do and what we say has an impact. So let’s be clear, as we publish this LGBTQ+ action plan today, that, here in Wales, we stand for unity over division, inclusion rather than exclusion and hope not hate. Together in pride—making Wales the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe. Diolch.
Mae Mis Hanes LHDT yn rhoi cyfle i fyfyrio ar ba mor bell yr ydym wedi dod yn yr ymdrech dros hawliau LHDTC+, a dathlu bywydau pobl LHDTC+ sydd, am amser rhy hir ac yn rhy aml, wedi cael eu cuddio oddi wrth hanes. Ond, mae angen gwneud mwy na myfyrio ar ein gorffennol ni; mae angen i ni ddysgu gwersi ohono. Ni fyddwn ni'n anghofio am y niwed y mae gwahaniaethu, casineb ac allgáu wedi'i achosi i gymaint o bobl LHDTC+. Ni fyddwn chwaith yn anghofio y cynnydd a'r cyflawniadau a fu gennym yn ystod y 40 mlynedd diwethaf, diolch i'r ymgyrchwyr a'r cynghreiriaid sydd wedi braenaru'r tir.
Ond ni allwn laesu dwylo. Mae pobl LHDTC+ yn parhau i wynebu gwahaniaethu ac aflonyddu. Rydym ni mewn oes pryd gellir teimlo ein bod ni dan ymosodiad a'n hawliau ni mewn perygl o gael eu tynnu yn ôl, a chymunedau LHDTC+ yn aml yn cael eu gwneud yn arfau yn enw yr hyn a elwir yn ddadl wleidyddol ac yn y cyfryngau. Rydym ni'n parhau i fod yn unplyg fod Llywodraeth Cymru yn sefyll gydag ac ymhlith ein cymunedau LHDTC+ yng Nghymru. Rydyn ni'n dymuno creu Cymru lle mae pawb yn teimlo'n rhydd, eu bod yn cael eu cefnogi ac yn ddiogel i fyw a bod fel nhw eu hunain. Dyna pam mae hawliau LHDTC+ wedi eu hymgorffori yn ein rhaglen lywodraethu, maen nhw'n elfen allweddol o'r cytundeb cydweithio â Phlaid Cymru, a dyna pam rydyn ni wedi datblygu cynllun gweithredu LHDTC+ beiddgar ac uchelgeisiol.
Rwy'n falch iawn o allu cyhoeddi lansiad a chyhoeddiad heddiw ein cynllun gweithredu LHDTC+ uchelgeisiol ac eang i Gymru—y cyntaf o'i fath. Mae'r cynllun hwn yn cryfhau amddiffyniadau i bobl LHDTC+, yn hyrwyddo cydraddoldeb i bawb, ac yn helpu i gydlynu camau ar draws y Llywodraeth, y cymunedau a'r genedl, ar gyfer cyflawni ein huchelgais o sicrhau mai Cymru yw'r wlad fwyaf cyfeillgar i bobl LHDTC+ yn Ewrop. Er bod cyhoeddi'r cynllun hwn yn gam allweddol ar y daith, mae ein gwaith ni i wella cydraddoldeb i bobl LHDTC+ wedi dechrau yn barod. Dim ond yn y mis diwethaf, fe amlinellais ein camau nesaf yn ein gwaith o wahardd arferion trosi. Mae gwasanaethau cymorth wedi eu hehangu ledled Cymru, ac mae gweithgor o arbenigwyr wedi ei ffurfio. Fe fydd y grŵp yn rhoi'r cyngor a'r arbenigedd sydd eu hangen arnom i ymwared â'r hen arferion ffiaidd hyn, ac mae'r cyfarfod cyntaf eisoes wedi bod. Ochr yn ochr â hyn, bydd ein hymgyrch cyfathrebu trosedd gwrth-gasineb, Mae Casineb yn Brifo Cymru, â mwy o bwyslais ar LHDTC+ eleni, ac yn cyfeirio pobl at ganolfan cymorth casineb Cymru, sy'n cynnig cymorth cyfrinachol i ddioddefwyr.
Gwnaethpwyd cynnydd hefyd ym maes iechyd rhywiol drwy'r cynllun gweithredu HIV sydd ar ddod i Gymru, ac rydyn ni'n adnewyddu ein hymrwymiadau ni i fynd i'r afael â diagnosis hwyr yng Nghymru a'r gwarthnod sy'n gysylltiedig â HIV, a gwella ansawdd bywyd pobl sy'n byw gyda HIV. Yn ystod y flwyddyn ddiwethaf, rydyn ni wedi rhoi arian i fudiadau Pride lleol ledled Cymru. Cefnogodd y gronfa Pride ar lawr gwlad Pride y gogledd ym Mangor, Pride in the Port yng Nghasnewydd, Abertawe, Y Bont-faen, Pride y Barri, a Glitter Pride, gan gysylltu cymunedau ledled y wlad. Rydyn ni'n gwybod cymaint yw gwerth hyn a'r gwahaniaeth y gall ei wneud i'r gymuned LHDTC+, ac yn y flwyddyn i ddod fe fyddwn ni'n ategu llwyddiant hwn drwy ehangu'r gronfa Pride ar lawr gwlad. Gobeithiwn ymestyn ymhellach eto, gan gyrraedd ardaloedd mwy gwledig a threfi llai, a galluogi digwyddiadau yn y Gymraeg a sicrhau bod cyfleoedd i bobl ddod at ei gilydd a bod yn nhw eu hunain ledled Cymru.
Dirprwy Lywydd, fe ddywedais i yn gynharach sut, yn anffodus, yn rhy aml yn yr hinsawdd bresennol, ei bod yn teimlo fel bod ein hawliau dan ymosodiad, a neb yn fwy felly na'r gymuned draws, o'r gwenwyn ar Twitter, i'r hyn a elwir yn wleidyddiaeth boblyddol a'r naratif yn y cyfryngau a gynlluniwyd i roi pobl benben â'i gilydd. Rydyn ni'n ymrwymo o'r newydd i gefnogi pobl draws ac anneuaidd, a'n man cychwyn yw mai dynion yw dynion traws, a menywod yw menywod traws, a bod hunaniaethau anneuaidd yn ddilys. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn sefyll gyda'n cymunedau LHDTC+ i gyd, ac yn wleidyddion ac yn ffigyrau cyhoeddus, fe allwn, ac mae'n rhaid i ni fod yn well.
Dyna pam rydyn ni wedi ymrwymo i wneud popeth yn ein gallu i wella bywydau pobl draws yng Nghymru, a cheisio unrhyw bŵer pellach i wneud hyn, gan gynnwys ein rhaglen lywodraethu ac ymrwymiad y cytundeb cydweithio i sbarduno cais i ddatganoli Deddf Cydnabod Rhywedd 2004 a chefnogi ein cymuned draws, ac mae gwaith rhagarweiniol wedi dechrau eisoes yn hyn o beth. Mae gwaith wedi dechrau hefyd ar ddatblygu canllawiau ar gyfer awdurdodau lleol ac ysgolion i gefnogi plant a phobl ifanc trawsryweddol, er mwyn iddyn nhw allu bod yn hyderus a chyfforddus wrth gefnogi myfyrwyr traws ym mhob agwedd ar fywyd yr ysgol.
Dirprwy Lywydd, mae'n rhaid i mi gydnabod cefnogaeth llawer wrth greu'r cynllun hwn. Mae nifer sylweddol o randdeiliaid, unigolion a sefydliadau wedi cyfrannu at ddatblygiad y cynllun. Rhoddodd rhai yn hael o'u hamser ac fe rannodd llawer eu profiad o wahaniaethu a gelyniaeth fel dinasyddion Cymru. Fe wnaethon nhw sôn hefyd am eu cyflawniadau fel eiriolwyr, gweithwyr ac arweinwyr, fel ymchwilwyr, arbenigwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol, ac fel cymunedau. Fe hoffwn i gofnodi fy niolch yn benodol i'r panel arbenigol LHDTC+, a roddodd gymorth, cyngor a her, a oedd yn caniatáu i ni ganolbwyntio ar yr hyn y gallem ni ei wneud i wneud gwahaniaeth i fywydau pobl. Fe hoffwn i ddiolch hefyd i'r tîm gwych yn Llywodraeth Cymru, y mae eu gwaith caled nhw y tu cefn i mi, er mwyn gallu sefyll yn y fan hon yn lansio'r cynllun hwn heddiw.
Yn wir, mae hwn yn gynllun sy'n ymestyn ar draws y Llywodraeth, ac rwy'n ddiolchgar am gefnogaeth gadarn fy nghyd-Weinidogion ar draws y llywodraeth. Fe fydd y gefnogaeth barhaus hon yn hanfodol wrth droi'r cynllun o fod yn eiriau ar dudalen i fod yn gamau ymarferol sy'n gwneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol. Fel maen nhw'n dweud, mae gwneud yn well na dweud. Mae hyn yn ymwneud â newid bywydau nid dim ond newid deddfwriaeth, mae'n ymwneud â phobl, nid â pholisïau yn unig. Ond mae'r geiriau yn bwysig hefyd; mae'r hyn yr ydym ni'n ei wneud a'r hyn yr ydym ni'n ei ddweud yn gallu cael effaith. Felly gadewch i ni fod yn eglur, wrth i ni gyhoeddi'r cynllun gweithredu LHDTC+ hwn heddiw, ein bod ni, yma yng Nghymru, yn sefyll o blaid undod yn hytrach nag ymraniad, cynhwysiant yn hytrach nag allgáu a gobaith yn hytrach na chasineb. Gyda'n gilydd â balchder—gan sicrhau mai Cymru yw'r genedl fwyaf cyfeillgar i bobl LHDTC+ yn Ewrop. Diolch.
Thank you for your statement, Deputy Minister. We broadly welcome the LGBTQ+ action plan for Wales, as well as its introduction during LGBTQ+ History Month. We have come a long way in ensuring equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. The mistakes of the past, such as section 11 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885, which saw thousands of men prosecuted in the 1950s just for loving another man. By the end of 1954, there were 1,069 homosexual men in prison in England and Wales. A high-profile figure like Alan Turing had fallen foul of these insidious laws. Thankfully, these laws are consigned to the dustbin of history, and Alan Turing was awarded a posthumous pardon. They have been replaced by a slew of equalities legislation, including a legal right to same-sex marriage. We should be proud of how far we have come to promoting LGBT rights, but there's so much more that can be done.
Just this weekend, the Pope, together with the Archbishop of Canterbury, rightly condemned nations that pursued anti-gay legislation. But yet, the Catholic Church still opposes same-sex marriage. We are all equal in the eyes of God, regardless of our chosen gender, or whom we choose to fall in love with. Nobody should feel threatened or abused because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is why my party welcomes this action plan. However, Deputy Minister, I do have a few concerns; your decision to seek powers over gender recognition is chief among them. Why do you believe that this is the right approach, as opposed to working together with the Governments across the United Kingdom, to secure an approach to gender recognition that protects the rights of the transgender community whilst at the same time protecting the rights of all women? Deputy Minister, do you not agree that the approach pursued by the Scottish Government is fraught with pitfalls for all groups, as demonstrated by the embarrassing u-turn over the Isla Bryson debacle? The Scottish First Minister has invented a new gender of rapist to avoid calling Isla Bryson a woman. I'm sure that you'll agree that there are real concerns from both the trans community and from those seeking to protect women's rights that need to be addressed in such a way as to protect everyone's rights. Do you agree that the best way is to approach the issue on a UK-wide basis so as to avoid having multiple differing or even conflicting systems of gender recognition, and that we need to have a measured debate without the hyperbole of death threats?
My other concern is around the ability of parents and the medical professionals to help young people struggling with gender dysphoria. Whilst it is absolutely right that we ban the despicable practice of conversion therapy, we must take great care to ensure that any new legislation does not have unintended consequences. Deputy Minister, what steps will you take to ensure that any new legislation does not prevent parents and medical professionals discussing a young person's concern regarding their sexuality or gender identity?
Finally Deputy Minister, whilst I welcome the commitment to ensuring that our nation of sanctuary remains inclusive of LGBTQ+ people, I do question the development of LGBTQ+ only asylum properties in Wales. We can and we must ensure that Wales is a safe and welcoming place for those forced to flee their home nations because they are being prosecuted for who they love or who they are, but we should be guaranteeing housing for all asylum seekers with protected characteristics. We cannot provide enough housing for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, many of whom will be LGBTQ+. Deputy Minister, as my colleague Mark Isherwood highlighted a couple of weeks ago, the Irish Government are providing modular housing to home thousands of refugees. What discussions have you had with your Cabinet colleagues about replicating such a move here in Wales so that we can house those fleeing prosecution and murder because of their sexual orientation or gender identity?
Thank you once again for your statement, Deputy Minister, and please be assured that my party will work with you to make Wales the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe, as well as tackling divisions, exclusion and hate. Diolch yn fawr.
Diolch i chi am eich datganiad, Dirprwy Weinidog. Rydym ni'n croesawu'r cynllun gweithredu LHDTC+ i Gymru yn fras, yn ogystal â'i gyflwyno yn ystod Mis Hanes LHDTC+. Rydyn ni wedi dod yn bell o ran sicrhau cydraddoldeb i bobl lesbiaidd, hoyw, deurywiol, trawsryweddol a cwiar. Camgymeriadau'r gorffennol, megis adran 11 Deddf Diwygio Cyfraith Droseddol 1885, a welodd filoedd o ddynion yn cael eu herlyn yn y 1950au dim ond am garu dyn arall. Erbyn diwedd 1954, roedd 1,069 o ddynion cyfunrywiol yn y carchar yng Nghymru a Lloegr. Roedd ffigwr proffil uchel fel Alan Turing wedi tramgwyddo'r cyfreithiau dichellgar hyn. Diolch i'r drefn, mae'r cyfreithiau hyn wedi eu taflu ar domen hanes, ac fe roddwyd pardwn i Alan Turing ar ôl ei farwolaeth. Maen nhw wedi eu disodli gan lwyth o ddeddfwriaeth cydraddoldeb, gan gynnwys hawl cyfreithiol i briodasau un rhyw. Fe ddylem ni fod yn falch o ba mor bell yr ydym ni wedi dod o ran hyrwyddo hawliau LHDT, ond mae cymaint mwy y gellir ei wneud.
Dim ond y penwythnos hwn, fe gondemniodd y Pab, ynghyd ag Archesgob Caergaint, yn gyfiawn genhedloedd sy'n ceisio llunio deddfwriaeth wrth-hoyw. Ond eto, mae'r Eglwys Gatholig yn parhau i wrthwynebu priodas un rhyw. Rydyn ni i gyd yn gyfartal yng ngolwg Duw, beth bynnag yw ein rhywedd dewisol, na phwy yr ydym ni'n dewis syrthio mewn cariad â nhw. Ni ddylai neb deimlo dan fygythiad neu eu bod yn cael eu cam-drin oherwydd eu cyfeiriadedd rhywiol neu eu hunaniaeth o ran rhywedd. Dyna pam mae fy mhlaid yn croesawu'r cynllun gweithredu hwn. Fodd bynnag, Dirprwy Weinidog, mae gennyf i ychydig o bryderon; mae eich penderfyniad chi i geisio pwerau dros gydnabod rhywedd yn bennaf yn eu plith. Pam ydych chi o'r farn mai hwn yw'r dull cywir, yn hytrach na chydweithio gyda'r Llywodraethau ledled y Deyrnas Unedig, i sicrhau dull o gydnabod rhywedd sy'n diogelu hawliau'r gymuned drawsryweddol gan warchod hawliau pob menyw ar yr un pryd? Dirprwy Weinidog, onid ydych chi'n cytuno bod y dull a ddilynir gan Lywodraeth yr Alban yn llawn peryglon i bob grŵp, fel mae'r tro pedol cywilyddus ynglŷn â helynt Isla Bryson wedi dangos? Mae Prif Weinidog yr Alban wedi dyfeisio rhywedd newydd sef treisiwr er mwyn osgoi galw Isla Bryson yn fenyw. Rwy'n siŵr y byddwch chi'n cytuno bod pryderon gwirioneddol gan y gymuned traws a gan y rhai hynny sy'n ceisio diogelu hawliau menywod y mae angen mynd i'r afael â nhw yn y fath fodd fel y diogelir hawliau pawb. A ydych chi'n cytuno mai'r ffordd orau yw ymdrin â'r mater ar sail y DU gyfan er mwyn osgoi cael sawl system wahanol neu hyd yn oed systemau croes o gydnabod rhywedd, a bod angen i ni gael dadl bwyllog heb ormodiaith bygythiadau i ladd pobl?
Mae fy mhryder arall i'n ymwneud â gallu rhieni a'r gweithwyr meddygol proffesiynol i helpu pobl ifanc sy'n cael trafferth gyda dysfforia rhywedd. Er ei bod hi'n gwbl gywir ein bod yn gwahardd yr arfer anwaraidd o therapi trosi, mae'n rhaid i ni gymryd gofal mawr i sicrhau nad oes gan unrhyw ddeddfwriaeth newydd ganlyniadau anfwriadol. Dirprwy Weinidog, pa gamau a fyddwch chi'n eu cymryd i sicrhau nad yw unrhyw ddeddfwriaeth newydd yn atal rhieni a gweithwyr meddygol proffesiynol rhag trafod pryderon unigolyn ifanc ynghylch ei rywioldeb neu hunaniaeth rhywedd?
Yn olaf Dirprwy Weinidog, er fy mod i'n croesawu'r ymrwymiad i sicrhau bod ein cenedl noddfa ni'n parhau i fod yn gynhwysol o bobl LHDTC+, rwy'n holi ynglŷn â datblygiad llochesau LHDTC+ yn unig yng Nghymru. Fe allwn ni ac mae'n rhaid i ni sicrhau bod Cymru yn lle diogel a chroesawgar i'r rhai sy'n cael eu gorfodi i ffoi o'u gwledydd eu hunain oherwydd eu bod nhw'n cael eu herlyn am bwy y maen nhw'n eu caru neu bwy ydyn nhw, ond fe ddylem fod yn gwarantu tai i bob ceisiwr lloches sydd â nodweddion gwarchodedig. Ni allwn ddarparu digon o dai i'r rhai sy'n ffoi rhag y gwrthdaro yn Wcráin, y bydd llawer ohonyn nhw'n LHDTC+. Dirprwy Weinidog, fel wnaeth fy nghyd-Aelod Mark Isherwood dynnu sylw ato ychydig wythnosau yn ôl, mae Llywodraeth Iwerddon yn darparu tai modiwlar i gartrefu miloedd o ffoaduriaid. Pa drafodaethau a gawsoch chi gyda'ch cyd-Aelodau yn y Cabinet am efelychu cam o'r fath yng Nghymru ar gyfer cartrefu'r rhai sy'n ffoi rhag erlyniad a llofruddiaeth oherwydd eu cyfeiriadedd rhywiol neu eu hunaniaeth rhywedd?
Diolch unwaith eto am eich datganiad, Dirprwy Weinidog, ac fe allwch chi fod yn sicr y bydd fy mhlaid i'n gweithio gyda chi i sicrhau mai Cymru yw'r genedl fwyaf cyfeillgar i bobl LHDTC+ yn Ewrop, yn ogystal â mynd i'r afael ag ymraniadau, allgáu a chasineb. Diolch yn fawr.
Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. As this is a 30-minute statement, I don't think I've got enough time to pick up every contradiction that Altaf Hussain made in his contribution then. I welcome the opening remarks and the profound words you said—that we're all equal in the eyes of God. Yes, I can celebrate my life in church by having a funeral there, but I'm yet to be able to celebrate my love in church by being able to get married there. Those were positive words, but then you went on to unravel everything that you'd said in your commitment to help us make Wales the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe. You said about working with the UK Government. Actually, as a Welsh Government, we have engaged previously in good faith, particularly around plans to ban LGBTQ+ inclusive conversion practices. They then did a u-turn on that, and a u-turn on the u-turn. I think you're very much replicating the u-turn on the u-turn in your contribution as well. So, we have to do what we need to do to defend and protect our LGBTQ+ community in Wales. We have a duty and a responsibility to do that. I'm willing to work cross party, cross Government, across the UK, to do the right thing. But, we have to remember, as I said in my statement that this isn't about politics, it's not about policies, it's about people and their lives and their right to live with dignity and respect and to feel safe and supported.
Diolch i chi. Gan mai datganiad 30 munud yw hwn, dydw i ddim yn credu bod digon o amser i mi ymateb i bob gwrthddywediad gan Altaf Hussain yn ei gyfraniad yn y fan yna. Rwy'n croesawu'r sylwadau agoriadol a'r geiriau treiddgar y gwnaethoch chi eu dweud—ein bod ni i gyd yn gyfartal yng ngolwg Duw. Ydw, rwy'n gallu dathlu fy mywyd yn yr eglwys drwy gael angladd yno, ond nid wyf i'n gallu dathlu fy nghariad, hyd yn hyn, yn yr eglwys drwy allu priodi yno. Roedd y rhain yn eiriau cadarnhaol, ond fe aethoch chi ymlaen wedyn i ddatod popeth yr oeddech chi wedi ei ddweud yn eich ymrwymiad i'n helpu ni i sicrhau mai Cymru yw'r genedl fwyaf cyfeillgar i bobl LHDTC+ yn Ewrop. Roeddech chi'n sôn am weithio gyda Llywodraeth y DU. Mewn gwirionedd, yn Llywodraeth Cymru, rydyn ni wedi ymgysylltu yn flaenorol gyda phob ewyllys da, yn enwedig ar gynlluniau i wahardd arferion trosi sy'n cynnwys LHDTC+. A dyma nhw'n gwneud tro pedol ar hynny wedyn, a thro pedol ar y tro pedol. Rwy'n credu eich bod chi yn sicr yn efelychu'r tro pedol ar y tro pedol yn eich cyfraniad chi hefyd. Felly, mae'n rhaid i ni wneud yr hyn y mae angen i ni ei wneud i amddiffyn a diogelu ein cymuned LHDTC+ ni yng Nghymru. Mae gennym ni ddyletswydd a chyfrifoldeb i wneud hynny. Rwy'n barod i weithio yn drawsbleidiol, ar draws y Llywodraeth, ledled y DU, i wneud y peth iawn. Ond, mae'n rhaid i ni gofio, fel y dywedais i yn fy natganiad, nid yw hyn yn ymwneud â gwleidyddiaeth, nac yn ymwneud â pholisïau, mae'n ymwneud â phobl a'u bywydau nhw a'u hawl i fyw gydag urddas a pharch a theimlo yn ddiogel a chael eu cefnogi.
Diolch am y datganiad, Dirprwy Weinidog.
Thank you for the statement, Deputy Minister.
The co-operation agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru promises to make Wales the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe and support the publication of an LGBTQ+ action plan. Today is therefore a proud day for Plaid Cymru, as for Adam Price as the first LGBTQ+ party leader in the Senedd, with part of that commitment realised with the publication of the action plan, an action plan that shows so clearly our shared ambition with the Welsh Government for Wales to be the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe. It demonstrates also our shared values of fairness, tolerance and justice, of protecting and bestowing rights, not taking them away, and our shared determination to call out bigotry, hatred, inequality and discrimination in all corners of our nation. But this plan is just the start, because it addresses an urgent need to create a fairer Wales, because this is a Wales where hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people are increasing, and hate crimes against transgender people specifically are skyrocketing. Last year, Estyn found homophobic bullying was the most common kind of bullying in secondary schools. So, we agree with Stonewall Cymru that there is much work to do.
In Plaid Cymru, we often refer to our country as a community of communities, and I'm glad to see how this plan demonstrates that it is one for the whole of Wales. The recognition of rurality in the LGBTQ+ experience is a welcome example of this approach, as well as the need for further research to address this. So, could the Deputy Minister tell us how she proposes this will be taken forward? And does she agree that building alliances across communities and organisations, working with the young farmers, for example, will be crucially important to achieve this vision?
The intersectional approach of the plan is also very welcome, and, whilst not being a protected characteristic, I'm glad this plan acknowledges the Welsh language needs and identities of the LGBTQ+ community, and I'm particularly glad that the National Eisteddfod's Mas ar y Maes partnership with Stonewall Cymru and others is highlighted and there is an action to develop this further.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the cross-governmental approach of this plan, and it's certainly encouraging to see meaningful detail underpinning the vision and transparency about which Welsh Government team and department will be accountable for bringing this vision to life. The actions to tackle discrimination in the workplace are a crucial and practical component of this plan. I would, however, like some more detail on the stated outcome of LGBTQ+ people understanding and being able to use pathways for reporting discrimination in Welsh workplaces. As you may recall, I've previously raised with the Government the BMA's 'Sexual orientation and gender identity in the medical profession' report, which highlights that LGBTQ+ doctors are regularly suffering abuse and discrimination, and the staff often report they feel unable to voice their concerns with management. Both Scotland and England have independent mechanisms in place across their hospitals for staff to voice concerns about this in a safe way, but there's nothing in place across Wales yet, despite a 'freedom to speak up' framework being worked on. I was assured that the cross-governmental approach of the action plan would address these concerns, so could you provide me with assurances this will be the case?
I would like to specifically welcome the measurable nature of the actions and outcomes in the plan, for example, around the commitment to devolved powers in relation to gender recognition. We have seen in Scotland, even though they have greater autonomy to act than Wales in this area, the cross-party political consensus in the Scottish Parliament being undemocratically and outrageously frustrated by Westminster. So, while welcoming this action plan, I would ask you, Deputy Minister, to consider how we can really ultimately be the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe with one hand tied behind our backs by Westminster. In the immediate term, can you advise what strategies we can pursue to ensure these powers are rightly devolved and able to be implemented in relation to gender recognition? And, on the wider question of justice, do you, Deputy Minister, accept that the only sustainable way of creating an inclusive and safe criminal justice system for our LGBTQ+ community that works for Wales is by creating a system here in Wales, even if the Labour Party in Westminster continues to team up with the Tories to block it?
The theme for this year's LGBTQ+ history month is 'Behind the Lens'. This action plan undoubtedly sharpens our focus on the work that needs to be done to create the Wales we want to see by truly seeing all those who call Wales their home. That focus must be maintained, and the reality it captures must continuously inform how we achieve the vision of being the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe.
Mae'r cytundeb cydweithio rhwng Llywodraeth Cymru a Phlaid Cymru yn addo gwneud Cymru y genedl fwyaf cyfeillgar i bobl LHDTC+ yn Ewrop a chefnogi cyhoeddiad cynllun gweithredu LHDTC+. Mae heddiw felly yn ddiwrnod o falchder i Blaid Cymru, fel y mae i Adam Price gan mai ef yw'r arweinydd plaid LHDTC+ cyntaf yn y Senedd, gyda rhan o'r ymrwymiad hwnnw wedi ei wireddu wrth gyhoeddi'r cynllun gweithredu, cynllun gweithredu sy'n dangos ein huchelgais gyffredin ni â Llywodraeth Cymru mor eglur sef bod y genedl fwyaf cyfeillgar i bobl LHDTC+ yn Ewrop. Mae hynny'n dangos ein gwerthoedd cyffredin ni hefyd sef tegwch, goddefgarwch a chyfiawnder, a diogelu ac ymestyn hawliau, nid eu dwyn oddi ar bobl, a'n penderfyniad cyffredin i herio rhagfarn, casineb, anghydraddoldeb a gwahaniaethu ym mhob cwr o'n cenedl. Ond megis dechrau yw'r cynllun hwn, oherwydd mae'n mynd i'r afael â'r angen mawr am lunio Cymru decach, oherwydd mae hon yn genedl lle mae troseddau casineb yn erbyn pobl LHDTC+ yn cynyddu, ac mae troseddau casineb yn erbyn pobl drawsryweddol yn benodol yn codi i'r entrychion. Y llynedd, fe wnaeth Estyn ddarganfod mai bwlio homoffobig oedd y math mwyaf cyffredin o fwlio mewn ysgolion uwchradd. Felly, rydyn ni'n cytuno gyda Stonewall Cymru fod llawer o waith i'w wneud.
Ym Mhlaid Cymru, rydym ni'n cyfeirio yn aml at ein cenedl ni fel cymuned o gymunedau, ac rwy'n falch o weld sut mae'r cynllun hwn yn dangos ei fod yn un ar gyfer Cymru gyfan. Mae cydnabod cefn gwlad yn y profiad LHDTC+ yn enghraifft o'r ymagwedd hon sydd i'w groesawu, yn ogystal â'r angen am ymchwil pellach i fynd i'r afael â hyn. Felly, a wnaiff y Dirprwy Weinidog ddweud wrthym ni sut mae hi'n bwriadu datblygu hyn? Ac a yw hi'n cytuno y bydd meithrin cynghreiriau ledled ein cymunedau a'n sefydliadau ni, gan gydweithio gyda'r ffermwyr ifanc, er enghraifft, yn hanfodol bwysig ar gyfer cyflawni'r weledigaeth hon?
Mae yna groeso mawr i ddull croestoriadol y cynllun hefyd, ac, er nad yw honno'n nodwedd warchodedig, rwy'n falch fod y cynllun hwn yn cydnabod anghenion a hunaniaethau'r gymuned LHDTC+ yn y Gymraeg, ac rwy'n arbennig o falch bod partneriaeth Mas ar y Maes yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol â Stonewall Cymru ac eraill yn cael ei amlygu a bod yna waith yn digwydd i ddatblygu hyn ymhellach.
Tynnodd y Dirprwy Weinidog sylw at ddull trawslywodraethol y cynllun hwn, ac yn sicr, mae hi'n galonogol gweld manylder ystyrlon yn sail i'r weledigaeth a'r tryloywder y bydd tîm ac adran Llywodraeth Cymru yn atebol am wireddu'r weledigaeth hon. Mae'r camau gweithredu i fynd i'r afael â gwahaniaethu yn y gweithle yn hanfodol ac ymarferol o'r cynllun hwn. Fodd bynnag, hoffwn gael rhywfaint mwy o fanylion am ganlyniad datganedig dealltwriaeth pobl LHDTC+ ac yn gallu defnyddio llwybrau ar gyfer adrodd am wahaniaethu mewn gweithleoedd yng Nghymru. Fel rydych chi'n cofio, rwyf i wedi codi adroddiad y BMA ar gyfeiriadedd rhywiol a hunaniaeth rhywedd yn y proffesiwn meddygol gyda'r Llywodraeth o'r blaen, sy'n amlygu bod meddygon LHDTC+ yn dioddef gwawdio a gwahaniaethu yn rheolaidd, ac mae'r staff yn dweud eu bod nhw'n aml yn teimlo nad ydyn nhw'n gallu lleisio eu pryderon gyda rheolwyr. Mae gan yr Alban a Lloegr ddulliau annibynnol ar waith ar draws eu hysbytai er mwyn i staff leisio eu pryderon yn hyn o beth mewn ffordd ddiogel, ond nid oes unrhyw beth fel hyn ar waith yng Nghymru eto, er bod gwaith yn cael ei wneud ar fframwaith. Fe dderbyniais sicrwydd y byddai dull trawslywodraethol y cynllun gweithredu yn mynd i'r afael â'r pryderon hyn, felly a wnewch chi roi sicrwydd i mi mai hynny fydd yr achos?
Fe hoffwn i roi croeso penodol i natur fesuradwy'r gweithredoedd a'r canlyniadau yn y cynllun, er enghraifft, ynghylch yr ymrwymiad i bwerau datganoledig o ran cydnabod rhywedd. Rydym ni wedi gweld yn yr Alban, er bod ganddyn nhw fwy o ymreolaeth i weithredu na Chymru yn y cyswllt hwn, mae'r consensws gwleidyddol trawsbleidiol yn Senedd yr Alban wedi cael ei rwystro mewn ffordd annemocrataidd a gwarthus gan San Steffan. Felly, wrth groesawu'r cynllun gweithredu hwn, rwyf i am ofyn i chi, Dirprwy Weinidog, ystyried sut allwn ni fod mewn gwirionedd y genedl fwyaf cyfeillgar i LHDTC+ yn Ewrop gydag un llaw wedi ei chlymu y tu ôl i'n cefnau gan San Steffan. Yn y tymor cyfagos, a wnewch chi roi gwybod i ni pa strategaethau y gallwn ni eu dilyn nhw i sicrhau bod y pwerau hyn wedi cael eu datganoli mewn ffordd briodol ac y gellir eu gweithredu o ran cydnabod rhywedd? Ac, ar gwestiwn cyfiawnder yn fwy eang, a ydych chi, Dirprwy Weinidog, yn derbyn mai'r unig ffordd gynaliadwy o lunio system cyfiawnder troseddol gynhwysol a diogel i'n cymuned LHDTC+ sy'n gweithio dros Gymru yw trwy greu system yma yng Nghymru, hyd yn oed os yw'r Blaid Lafur yn San Steffan yn parhau i ymuno â'r Torïaid i rwystro hynny?
Thema mis hanes LHDTC+ eleni yw 'Tu ôl i'r Lens'. Yn ddiamau, mae'r cynllun gweithredu hwn yn hoelio ein sylw ar y gwaith sydd ei angen i greu'r Gymru yr ydym ni'n awyddus i'w gweld drwy ystyried yn wirioneddol bob un sy'n galw Cymru yn gartref. Mae'n rhaid parhau â'r canolbwynt hwnnw, ac mae'n rhaid i'r sefyllfa wirioneddol hon gael ei harwain yn barhaus gan ein dull ni o gyflawni'r weledigaeth o fod yn genedl fwyaf cyfeillgar i LHDTC+ yn Ewrop.
Diolch, Sioned. Indeed, I share your sentiments that this is a proud day for us, not just in this Siambr, but in communities across Wales, and I've had lost of positive feedback already about, actually, how important to have the plan itself is. But, like you say, the proof is in the application of those actions and actually how we make people feel safe and supported in the future. And I'd like to also place on record my thanks to Siân Gwenllian for the work she's done with us on this action plan, and the passionate commitment that came from Siân and the team to actually making this work and the recognition that the majority of this Senedd Chamber is supportive of our LGBTQ+ inclusive work and ambitions for Wales. I said previously—and I'm not going apologise for saying this over and over again—that actions are important; actions are what make a difference. But what we say can have such an impact as well, and not always in a positive way. So, I do think that we all need to think about that before we open our mouths or tweet some of the time as well—and that's not just for politicians; it's for others as well.
I will try and touch as much as I can on the points that you raised, but I am sure that it is something that we will pick up in ongoing dialogue following this. It's about the opportunities that we have got in terms of workplace inclusion. It's so important that you can go to work and feel like you can be yourself, or feel like you can raise a concern if something sadly happens and that you have a safe space or a place to go to to report that. So, I'm certainly happy to give assurances that we will build on what is in the action plan, and use every lever that we do currently have in Wales around that, particularly in the public sector.
There is best practice happening in the private sector too. I am visiting somewhere at the end of the month. So, hopefully we can work on that and share it. I was particularly keen, as part of the action plan, that we included the work that some of our trade union colleagues are already doing, because why reinvent the wheel if there are good resources there and good support networks? I think that we can really learn and spread that out across workplaces across Wales too, to make sure that people can go to work and truly be themselves and feel that they are in a safe space. Unless you are a multimillionaire or you have won the lottery, work is such a significant part of each and every one of our lives.
I welcome support around the inclusion and support for the Welsh language. It's so important that not only can you live your life as your true self, but in your first language as well, and be supported to do that and being able to do that as well.
The final thing to touch on is around the 35 per cent increase in LGBTQ+ hate crime. We talk about how far we have come, and I think that, rightly, LGBT history month is the time to talk about that and celebrate that. I said before in this Chamber that, when I was growing up in Wales, I couldn't marry the person that I loved. I could get discriminated against in goods and services. I couldn't be talked about in school. So, we have come a long way, but I recognise that we have got a long way to go still, and this plan is just a step in doing that. The elements around hate crime in the action plan not only look at what we need to do with policing and justice and the devolution of that, but also in supporting the community to feel those relationships with policing as well, and that we understand what hate crime is. I have said before that people don't really understand what that is. It doesn't have to be a physical attack; it can be verbal. I am sad to say, actually, that I looked at the figures for the last year, 2021-22, and I think that there was a 35 per cent increase in LGBT hate crime. Sadly, I am a statistic as part of that increase. I have talked about that in the Chamber as well. I think that it's important that we talk about it and raise it, and I very much welcome your support and your party's support, and I look forward to working together in common cause.
Diolch, Sioned. Yn wir, rwy'n rhannu eich teimladau fod hwn yn ddiwrnod o falchder i ni, nid yn unig yn y Siambr hon, ond mewn cymunedau ledled Cymru, ac rwyf wedi cael llawer o adborth cadarnhaol eisoes, mewn gwirionedd, yn mynegi pa mor bwysig yw'r cynllun ei hun. Ond, fel rydych chi'n dweud, fe ddaw'r dystiolaeth wrth gymhwyso'r camau hynny ac mewn gwirionedd wrth i ni wneud i bobl deimlo yn ddiogel a'u bod nhw'n cael eu cefnogi yn y dyfodol. Ac fe hoffwn i ddiolch i Siân Gwenllian ar y cofnod hefyd am y gwaith a wnaeth hi gyda ni ar y cynllun gweithredu hwn, a'r ymrwymiad angerddol a ddaeth oddi wrth Siân a'r tîm i wneud y gwaith hwn a'r gydnabyddiaeth bod mwyafrif Siambr y Senedd hon yn gefnogol i'n gwaith cynhwysol ni a'n huchelgeisiau ni o ran LHDTC+ i Gymru. Fe ddywedais i o'r blaen—ac nid wyf i am ymddiheuro am ddweud hyn dro ar ôl tro—bod gweithredu yn bwysig; gweithredu sy'n gwneud gwahaniaeth. Ond mae'r hyn yr ydym ni'n ei ddweud yn gallu bod ag effaith fawr hefyd, ac nid bob amser mewn ffordd gadarnhaol. Felly, rwyf i o'r farn bod angen i ni i gyd feddwl am hynny cyn i ni agor ein genau neu drydar weithiau hefyd—ac nid rhywbeth i wleidyddion yn unig ei ystyried mo hynny; mae hynny i bobl eraill ei ystyried hefyd.
Rwyf i am geisio cyffwrdd â chymaint ag y gallaf i o'r pwyntiau y gwnaethoch chi eu codi, ond rwy'n siŵr y bydd hyn yn rhywbeth y byddwn ni'n ei godi mewn deialog barhaus wedi hyn. Mae hynny'n ymwneud â'r cyfleoedd sydd gennym ni o ran cynhwysiant yn y gweithle. Mae hi mor bwysig eich bod chi'n gallu mynd i'r gwaith a theimlo eich bod chi'n gallu bod y chi eich hun, neu deimlo eich bod chi'n gallu mynegi eich pryderon chi os oes rhywbeth yn digwydd yn anffodus a bod gennych chi fan ddiogel neu le i fynd i roi hysbysiad o hynny. Felly, rwy'n sicr yn hapus i roi sicrwydd y byddwn ni'n adeiladu ar yr hyn sydd yn y cynllun gweithredu, ac yn defnyddio pob ysgogiad sydd gennym ni yng Nghymru ar hyn o bryd yn hyn o beth, yn y sector cyhoeddus yn enwedig.
Mae arfer gorau yn bodoli yn y sector breifat hefyd. Rwyf i am ymweld â rhywle ar ddiwedd y mis. Felly, rwy'n gobeithio y gallwn ni weithio ar hynny a chydgyfranogi o hynny. Roeddwn i'n arbennig o awyddus, yn rhan o'r cynllun gweithredu, ein bod ni'n cynnwys y gwaith y mae rhai o'n cydweithwyr ni yn yr undebau llafur yn ei wneud eisoes, oherwydd pam ddylem ni ailddyfeisio'r olwyn os oes adnoddau da ar gael a rhwydweithiau da o gymorth? Rwy'n credu y gallwn ni ddysgu ac ehangu hynny mewn gweithleoedd ledled Cymru hefyd, i sicrhau bod pobl yn gallu mynd i'r gwaith a bod yn nhw eu hunain mewn gwirionedd a theimlo eu bod nhw mewn lle diogel. Oni bai eich bod chi'n aml filiwnydd neu eich bod chi wedi ennill y loteri, mae gwaith yn rhan bwysig iawn o'n bywydau ni i gyd.
Rwy'n croesawu cefnogaeth o ran cynhwysiant a chefnogaeth i'r Gymraeg. Mae hi mor bwysig i chi allu nid yn unig byw fel pwy ydych chi mewn gwirionedd, ond yn eich iaith gyntaf chi hefyd, a chael eich cefnogi i wneud hynny a gallu gwneud hynny hefyd.
Y peth olaf i gyffwrdd arno yw o ran cynnydd o 35 y cant mewn troseddau casineb LHDTC+. Rydyn ni'n sôn am ba mor bell yr ydym ni wedi teithio, ac rwy'n credu, yn briodol, mai mis hanes LHDT yw'r amser i siarad am hynny a dathlu hynny. Fe ddywedais i yn y Siambr hon o'r blaen, pan oeddwn i'n tyfu i fyny yng Nghymru, nid oeddwn i'n gallu priodi'r un yr oeddwn i'n ei charu. Fe allwn ni brofi gwahaniaethu yn fy erbyn o ran ceisio nwyddau a gwasanaethau. Ni ellid siarad amdanaf i yn yr ysgol. Felly, rydyn ni wedi dod yn bell, ond rwy'n cydnabod bod gennym ni ffordd bell i fynd eto, a dim ond cam ar y daith o wneud hynny yw'r cynllun hwn. Mae'r elfennau sy'n ymwneud â throseddau casineb yn y cynllun gweithredu nid yn unig yn edrych ar yr hyn sydd angen i ni ei wneud gyda phlismona a chyfiawnder a datganoli hynny, ond o ran cefnogi'r gymuned hefyd i deimlo'r berthynas honno gyda phlismona hefyd, a'n bod ni'n deall beth yw troseddau casineb. Rwyf i wedi dweud o'r blaen nad yw pobl yn deall yn iawn beth yw ystyr hynny. Nid oes raid iddo fod yn ymosodiad corfforol; fe all fod ar lafar. Peth digalon i mi yw dweud, mewn gwirionedd, fy mod i wedi edrych ar y ffigyrau ar gyfer y flwyddyn ddiwethaf, 2021-22, ac rwy'n credu bod cynnydd o 35 y cant wedi bod o ran troseddau casineb LHDT. Yn drist iawn, rwyf innau'n ystadegyn sy'n rhan o'r cynnydd hwnnw. Rwyf i wedi siarad am hynny yn y Siambr hefyd. Rwyf i o'r farn ei bod hi'n bwysig ein bod ni'n siarad am hyn ac yn codi hyn, ac rwy'n croesawu eich cefnogaeth chi a'ch plaid chi'n fawr, ac rwy'n edrych ymlaen at ymuno â chi i weithio gyda'n gilydd.
I welcome the statement today and the Welsh Government's support for the LGBTQ+ community. I welcome the commitment to making Wales the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe. I fully support the vision to improves the lives and outcomes for LGBTQ+ people.
I remember section 28. When I was teaching in a college, a student told me that he could bully someone who was gay and, if I tried to stop him, he would report me and get me sacked. I explained that I would always do the right thing, no matter what. We have come a long way from those days. I am disappointed that the Conservatives were unable to apologise for section 28, because it was serious discrimination and it was a really bad piece of legislation.
But I’m going to move on to the positive now. I would like to highlight the excellent work done by Pride in Swansea, and the way that Pride has grown in Swansea from a march to a full day of events, supported by the local community and the Deputy Minister. There were previously concerns from Swansea Pride about the funding available in Swansea. Has this now been resolved?
Rwy'n croesawu'r datganiad heddiw a chymorth Llywodraeth Cymru i'r gymuned LHDTC+. Rwy'n croesawu'r ymrwymiad i sicrhau mai Cymru yw'r genedl fwyaf cyfeillgar i bobl LHDTC+ yn Ewrop. Rwy'n llwyr gefnogi'r weledigaeth i wella bywydau a'r canlyniadau i bobl LHDTC+.
Rwy'n cofio adran 28. Pan oeddwn i'n dysgu mewn coleg, fe ddywedodd un myfyriwr wrthyf i y gallai ef fwlio rhywun a oedd yn hoyw a phe bawn i'n ceisio ei atal ef, fe fyddai ef yn adrodd amdanaf i a gwneud i mi gael fy niswyddo. Fe eglurais i y byddwn i'n gwneud y peth cyfiawn bob amser, er gwaetha'r cyfan. Rydyn ni wedi mynd ffordd bell ers y dyddiau hynny. Rwy'n siomedig nad oedd y Ceidwadwyr yn gallu ymddiheuro am adran 28, oherwydd roedd hwnnw'n wahaniaethu difrifol a darn o ddeddfwriaeth gwael ofnadwy ydoedd.
Ond rwyf i am symud ymlaen at bethau cadarnhaol nawr. Fe hoffwn i dynnu sylw at y gwaith rhagorol a wnaeth Pride yn Abertawe, a'r ffordd y mae Pride wedi tyfu yn Abertawe o fod yn orymdaith i fod yn ddiwrnod cyfan o ddigwyddiadau, gyda chefnogaeth y gymuned leol a'r Dirprwy Weinidog. Bu pryderon gan Pride Abertawe yn y gorffennol am yr arian a oedd ar gael yn Abertawe. A yw hynny wedi cael ei ddatrys erbyn hyn?
Can I thank Mike Hedges for his contribution and also for his commitment as a committed ally for the LGBTQ+ community in Wales? I was proud to march alongside Mike at the most recent Swansea Pride—the first march post pandemic—and it was wonderful to see lots of young people there as well, with the younger community coming out. It's important that we pass the baton on. This is what it's about, actually—creating a different Wales for them to grow up in.
You raised that spectre of section 28, and well done, Mike, for standing your ground and doing the right thing, but I wouldn't expect anything else from you, Mike Hedges. That shadow of section 28 still hangs over us. It still hangs over many teachers and schools who are still nervous about wanting to do the right thing, but may feel nervous. That's why the education part of this action plan, and the work we're already doing with our inclusive curriculum, is so, so important, so that children and young people are not only supported in schools, but also—the issues Sioned Williams raised around homophobic bullying as well—that teachers have that support to be able to support the children and young people in turn.
I wouldn't expect anything less from Mike than to mention trying to put a pitch in for support for Swansea Pride, and while Mike will understand I can't actually directly commit to any specific Pride support at the moment, I can refer to the grass-roots Pride fund, which we will be carrying on for the next year. I would expect Swansea Pride to be contacting officials, probably before I've got out of this Chamber, to try and put their bid in for future support. But I hope Swansea Pride continues to go from strength to strength, as do other Prides across the country, and I hope to be able to continue to support it.
A gaf i ddiolch i Mike Hedges am ei gyfraniad ac am ei ymrwymiad hefyd fel cynghreiriad ymroddedig i'r gymuned LHDTC+ yng Nghymru? Roeddwn i'n falch o orymdeithio ysgwydd wrth ysgwydd â Mike yn y Pride diweddaraf yn Abertawe—yr orymdaith gyntaf wedi'r pandemig—ac roedd hi'n hyfryd gweld llawer o bobl ifanc yno hefyd, a'r gymuned iau yn dod allan. Mae hi'n bwysig ein bod ni'n pasio'r baton ymlaen. Dyma yw'r nod, mewn gwirionedd—llunio Cymru wahanol iddyn nhw dyfu i fyny ynddi.
Fe wnaethoch chi ein hatgoffa ni o fwgan adran 28, a da iawn chi, Mike, am sefyll eich tir a gwneud y peth cyfiawn, ond ni fyddwn ni'n disgwyl unrhyw beth arall gennych chi, Mike Hedges. Mae cwmwl du adran 28 yn dal i fod uwch ein pennau ni. Mae hwnnw uwchben llawer o athrawon ac ysgolion sy'n dal i fod yn bryderus ynglŷn â dymuno gwneud y peth iawn, ond efallai eu bod nhw'n teimlo yn betrus. Dyna pam mae rhan addysg y cynllun gweithredu hwn, a'r gwaith yr ydym ni'n ei wneud eisoes â'n cwricwlwm cynhwysol ni, mor bwysig, fel bod plant a phobl ifanc nid yn unig yn cael eu cefnogi mewn ysgolion, ond hefyd—y materion a gododd Sioned Williams ynghylch bwlio homoffobig hefyd—bod athrawon yn cael y gefnogaeth honno i allu cefnogi'r plant a'r bobl ifanc yn eu tro.
Ni fyddwn i'n disgwyl unrhyw beth llai gan Mike na chrybwyll ymgais am gefnogaeth i Pride Abertawe, ac er y bydd Mike yn deall na allaf ymrwymo yn uniongyrchol mewn gwirionedd i unrhyw gefnogaeth i Pride benodol ar hyn o bryd, fe allaf gyfeirio at gronfa Pride ar lawr gwlad, y byddwn ni'n ei chario ymlaen am y flwyddyn nesaf. Fe fyddwn i'n disgwyl i Pride Abertawe gysylltu â swyddogion, mwy na thebyg cyn i mi ymadael â'r Siambr hon, i geisio rhoi eu cais nhw i mewn am gefnogaeth yn y dyfodol. Ond rwy'n gobeithio y bydd Pride Abertawe yn parhau i fynd o nerth i nerth, fel Pride mewn mannau eraill ledled y wlad, ac rwy'n gobeithio gallu parhau i'w gefnogi.
Of course, Deputy Minister, we all want the best for the LGBTQ+ community and we want to see a fairer Wales. But, as I read through this plan today, I read some of it with disbelief, and I find a lot of this plan genuinely concerning: pushing gender ideology in nurseries and schools, unfairness in sports, and, incredibly, seeing that you still want to push ahead for those powers to emulate the self-identification Bill in Scotland, despite the clear risks that it poses to women and children's safety. The UN expert on violence against women and girls warned on this move in Scotland, yet here is your plan. Your own Minister for Social Justice stood up in this Chamber time and time again talking about the importance of women-only refuges and spaces—it is so important, yet today you announce that you want to make it easier for biological males to enter those spaces. What about protecting women and girls? What about those Welsh mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, when creating this plan? Will something bad have to happen before you wake up and realise the massive safeguarding issues that self-identification poses? Here we are today wasting half an hour of Senedd time on—
Wrth gwrs, Dirprwy Weinidog, rydyn ni i gyd yn dymuno'r gorau i'r gymuned LHDTC+ ac rydyn ni'n dymuno gweld Cymru decach. Ond, wrth i mi ddarllen trwy'r cynllun hwn heddiw, rwy'n darllen rhywfaint ohono gydag anghrediniaeth, ac rwy'n gweld llawer o'r cynllun hwn yn achosi pryder gwirioneddol: sy'n gwthio ideoleg am rywedd mewn meithrinfeydd ac ysgolion, yn achosi annhegwch mewn chwaraeon, ac, yn anhygoel, yn gweld eich bod chi'n parhau i geisio'r pwerau hynny sy'n efelychu'r Bil hunanddiffinio yn yr Alban, er gwaethaf y risgiau clir y mae hwnnw'n eu hachosi i ddiogelwch menywod a phlant. Roedd arbenigwr y Cenhedloedd Unedig yn rhybuddio am drais yn erbyn menywod a merched oherwydd y symudiad hwn yn yr Alban, ond eto dyma eich cynllun chi. Safodd eich Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol chi yn y Siambr hon dro ar ôl tro yn sôn am bwysigrwydd llochesau a safleoedd ar gyfer menywod yn unig—mae hynny mor bwysig, ond eto heddiw rydych chi'n cyhoeddi eich bod chi am ei gwneud hi'n haws i wrywod biolegol fynd i mewn i'r safleoedd hynny. Beth am ddiogelu menywod a merched? Pa ystyriaeth a roddwyd i famau, merched, chwiorydd, a modrybedd Cymru wrth greu'r cynllun hwn? A fydd yn rhaid i rywbeth difrifol ddigwydd cyn i chi ddeffro a sylweddoli'r materion enfawr o ran diogelu y mae hunanddiffinio yn eu hachosi? Dyma ni heddiw yn gwastraffu hanner awr o amser y Senedd ar—
Can you ask your question, please?
A wnewch chi ofyn eich cwestiwn, os gwelwch chi'n dda?
—discussing a plan that you don't have many of the powers to change or implement. Wales having its own self-identification plan is a nonsense. It's clear from public opinion, Deputy Minister, that people see the importance of protecting women and children. When will you realise this?
—drafod cynllun nad oes gennych chi lawer o'r pwerau i'w newid na'i weithredu. Ffwlbri yw i Gymru fod â'i chynllun hunanddiffinio ei hun. Mae hi'n amlwg o farn y cyhoedd, Dirprwy Weinidog, fod pobl yn gweld pwysigrwydd amddiffyn menywod a phlant. Pryd ydych chithau am sylweddoli hynny?
Deputy Presiding Officer, it's hard to find the right words to respond to Laura Anne Jones's contribution. [Interruption.] Yes, 'shameful', and I don't think I have much to say in response to that. We have just talked in this Chamber earlier today, and we've got members of the community who are here watching—your words have a dangerous impact, Laura Anne Jones. They harm people, the words that you say, the discrimination that comes out of your mouth, and what I would say is I believe you're better than this. I think you're better than this. [Interruption.] I think you're better than this.
Dirprwy Lywydd, mae hi'n anodd dod o hyd i'r geiriau priodol i ymateb i gyfraniad Laura Anne Jones. [Torri ar draws.] Ie, 'cywilyddus', ac nid wyf i'n credu bod gennyf i lawer i'w ddweud mewn ymateb i hynna. Rydyn ni newydd fod yn siarad yn y Siambr hon yn gynharach heddiw, ac mae gennym ni aelodau o'r gymuned sydd yma'n gwylio—mae gan eich geiriau chi ddylanwad peryglus, Laura Anne Jones. Maen nhw'n niweidio pobl, y geiriau yr ydych chi'n eu dweud, y gwahaniaethu a ddaw o'ch genau chi, a'r hyn a fyddwn i'n ei ddweud yw fy mod i'n credu eich bod chi'n well na hyn. Rwy'n credu eich bod chi'n well na hyn. [Torri ar draws.] Rwy'n credu eich bod chi'n well na hyn.
Can I remind Members this is not a debate between two individual Members? This is a statement, and the Deputy Minister is answering the question put.
A gaf i atgoffa Aelodau nad dadl rhwng dau Aelod unigol yw hon? Datganiad yw hwn, ac ateb y cwestiwn a ofynnwyd y mae'r Dirprwy Weinidog.
I've nothing more to say to Laura Anne Jones, Deputy Presiding Officer.
Nid oes gennyf i ddim yn rhagor i'w ddweud wrth Laura Anne Jones, Dirprwy Lywydd.
Deputy Minister, thank you for this statement today. In my constituency, and covering Ogmore constituency as well—Huw Irranca-Davies's seat—we are really fortunate to have YPOP, which is a branch of the Bridgend Youth Council. YPOP is an online safe space for young people who are LGBTQ+ or allies, and the group hosts chat and chill drop-in sessions, special events and delivers training workshops. Whilst being a space to make friends and socialise, YPOP is also a space to come and receive support from the Bridgend council participation team if young people need it. And young people who attend YPOP have raised the point that more needs to be done to ensure that their teachers, GPs and those within the authorities have training around LGBTQ+ discrimination, how to tackle homophobia or transphobia, as well as support young people with their needs. I want to thank you, and also our education Minister as well, because I know that you're meeting me with one of our Youth Parliament Members to talk exactly about this this week, so thank you.
But there is a consistent message coming through from young people and other people in the LGBTQ+ community: that we need to normalise calling out the hate when we see it, whether that's in schools and the workplace, amongst peers, or in this Chamber. So, Deputy Minister, my question therefore is: how much consideration have you taken to rolling out the action plan in places like schools and ensuring that schools have the provisions to tackle the hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community that continues?
Dirprwy Weinidog, diolch i chi am y datganiad hwn heddiw. Yn fy etholaeth i, ac yn cwmpasu etholaeth Ogwr hefyd—sedd Huw Irranca-Davies—rydym ni'n ffodus iawn i fod ag YPOP, sef cangen o Gyngor Ieuenctid Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr. Mae YPOP yn ofod diogel ar-lein ar gyfer pobl ifanc sy'n LHDTC+ neu'n gynghreiriaid, ac mae'r grŵp yn cynnal sesiynau galw heibio er mwyn sgwrsio ac ymlacio, digwyddiadau arbennig ac yn darparu gweithdai hyfforddi. Wrth gynnig lle i wneud ffrindiau a chymdeithasu, mae YPOP yn fan hefyd i ddod iddi ar gyfer cael cefnogaeth gan dîm cyfranogi cyngor Pen-y-bont os oes angen hynny ar bobl ifanc. Ac mae pobl ifanc sy'n mynychu YPOP wedi codi'r pwynt bod angen gwneud mwy i sicrhau bod eu hathrawon, eu meddygon teulu a rhai yn yr awdurdodau yn cael hyfforddiant am wahaniaethu LHDTC+, a sut i fynd i'r afael â homoffobia neu drawsffobia, yn ogystal â chefnogi pobl ifanc gyda'u hanghenion. Fe hoffwn i ddiolch i chi, a'n Gweinidog addysg hefyd, oherwydd rwy'n gwybod eich bod chi am gwrdd â mi ac un o Aelodau ein Senedd Ieuenctid i siarad am hynny'n union yr wythnos hon, felly diolch i chi.
Ond mae neges gyson yn dod drwodd gan bobl ifanc a phobl eraill yn y gymuned LHDTC+: sef bod angen normaleiddio adrodd am y casineb pan welwn ni ef, boed hynny mewn ysgolion a'r gweithle, ymhlith cyfoedion, neu yn y Siambr hon. Felly, Dirprwy Weinidog, fy nghwestiwn felly yw: faint o ystyriaeth a wnaethoch chi ei roi i gyflwyno'r cynllun gweithredu mewn mannau fel ysgolion a sicrhau bod y darpariaethau gan yr ysgolion i fynd i'r afael â'r troseddau casineb yn erbyn y gymuned LHDTC+ sy'n parhau i ddigwydd?
I thank Sarah Murphy for her contribution, and can I thank YPOP for their work and the contributions that they've made? I'm looking forward to the meeting I have with Sarah and my colleague Jeremy Miles later with week with the Member of the Youth Parliament, but if you have young people's groups like that and you'd like to bring them to this place to engage further, then I'm sure I and many of my ministerial colleagues will be very happy to do that. Because it's absolutely right that they have a say and a stake in the issues that affect them, and that's why—. The action plan has 46 actions in it, and there is a real focus on not just schools but youth settings and young people as well to make sure, as I said before, that they get that support in place. But I think the point that you made was really, really important, about this is not just support for, perhaps, LGBTQ+ young people or questioning young people, it's about actually supporting their friends too to be better allies and to feel that they can speak out without them fearing what the impact would be for them. So, I think it's a really, really valid point that those young people have made, and I'm sure it's something that we can take away and work on with Jeremy Miles and my colleagues across Government to make sure that all young people, whether they are members of the LGBTQ+ community themselves or just want to be good allies to their friends in school, then there are ways in which we can do that.
Rwy'n diolch i Sarah Murphy am ei chyfraniad hi, ac a gaf i ddiolch i YPOP am eu gwaith a'r cyfraniadau a wnaethon nhw? Rwy'n edrych ymlaen at y cyfarfod sydd gennyf i gyda Sarah a fy nghydweithiwr Jeremy Miles yn ddiweddarach yn yr wythnos gyda'r Aelod o'r Senedd Ieuenctid, ond os oes gennych chi grwpiau pobl ifanc fel hynny ac y byddech chi'n hoffi dod â nhw i'r fan hon i ymgysylltu ymhellach, yna rwy'n siŵr y bydd llawer o fy nghyd-Weinidogion a minnau'n hapus iawn i wneud hynny. Oherwydd mae hi'n hollol iawn fod ganddyn nhw lais a chyfraniad yn y materion sy'n effeithio arnyn nhw, a dyna pam—. Mae gan y cynllun gweithredu 46 o gamau gweithredu ynddo, ac mae canolbwyntio gwirioneddol nid yn unig ar ysgolion ond lleoliadau ieuenctid a phobl ifanc hefyd i wneud yn siŵr, fel y dywedais i o'r blaen, bod y gefnogaeth honno ar waith ar eu cyfer nhw. Ond rwy'n credu bod y pwynt y gwnaethoch chi'n bwysig iawn, iawn wir o ran nad cefnogaeth ar gyfer pobl ifanc LHDTC+ yn unig neu bobl ifanc sy'n ymholi yn unig yw hon, ystyr hyn yw cefnogi eu ffrindiau nhw hefyd mewn gwirionedd i fod yn well cynghreiriaid a theimlo eu bod nhw'n gallu siarad allan heb ofni beth fyddai'r effaith arnyn nhw. Felly, rwy'n credu bod hwn yn bwynt dilys iawn, iawn a wnaeth y bobl ifanc hynny, ac rwy'n siŵr ei fod yn rhywbeth y gallwn ni ei gymryd i ffwrdd a gweithio arno gyda Jeremy Miles a fy nghyd-Aelodau ar draws y Llywodraeth i wneud yn siŵr bod pob unigolyn ifanc, os ydyn nhw'n aelodau o'r gymuned LHDTC+ eu hunain neu'n awyddus i fod yn gynghreiriaid da i'w ffrindiau yn yr ysgol, yna mae ffyrdd gennym ni o wneud hynny.
Diolch i'r Dirprwy Weinidog.
I thank the Deputy Minister.
Detholwyd y gwelliannau canlynol: gwelliant 1 yn enw Darren Millar, a gwelliant 2 yn enw Siân Gwenllian.
The following amendments have been selected: amendment 1 in the name of Darren Millar, and amendment 2 in the name of Siân Gwenllian.
Symudwn ymlaen at eitem 4 nawr, dadl ar y gyllideb ddrafft 2023-24. Galwaf ar y Gweinidog Cyllid a Llywodraeth Leol i wneud y cynnig. Rebecca Evans.
We move on to item 4 now, the debate on the draft budget for 2023-24. I call on the Minister for Finance and Local Government to move the motion. Rebecca Evans.
Cynnig NDM8194 Lesley Griffiths
Cynnig bod y Senedd, yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 20.12:
Yn nodi'r Gyllideb Ddrafft ar gyfer blwyddyn ariannol 2023-24 a osodwyd yn y Swyddfa Gyflwyno gan y Gweinidog Cyllid a Llywodraeth Leol ar 13 Rhagfyr 2022.
Motion NDM8194 Lesley Griffiths
To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 20.12:
Notes the Draft Budget for the financial year 2023-24 laid in the Table Office by the Minister for Finance and Local Government on 13 December 2022.
Cynigiwyd y cynnig.
Motion moved.
Diolch. I'm pleased to open this afternoon's debate on the Welsh Government's draft budget for 2023-24. Since we first had the opportunity to debate the draft budget in the Senedd on 13 December, Senedd committees have been busy scrutinising our spending plans. I welcome the very constructive sessions that I have had with the Finance Committee and that my ministerial colleagues have had with their respective committees. Before I provide some early reflections on the themes arising from scrutiny, it's important to recognise again the challenging context in which this draft budget is prepared. This has been a year where we have seen the ongoing impacts of inflation, three Prime Ministers, three Chancellors, and the shocking mismanagement of public finances by the UK Government. We received an autumn statement by the latest Chancellor that fell far short of the interventions needed to meet the challenges that we face. But, despite this, and building on our three-year spending review, the draft budget balances our response to the immediate crisis alongside investing in longer term change. We have taken difficult decisions, but we did so in the spirit of collaboration and transparency and putting the people and communities of Wales first.
Our main priorities for the 2023-24 budget are protecting front-line public services and our ambitions for the future, continuing to help those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis, and supporting our economy through recessionary times. Unlike what the Welsh Conservatives have set out in their amendment, we believe that those priorities—protecting public services, businesses and people—are the priorities of people in Wales. Building on the substantial increase in funding that I provided in our spending review, in this 2023-24 budget, I have allocated £165 million to the NHS, £70 million to deliver the real living wage for social care, and £227 million for local government. Core revenue funding for local government will increase by 7.9 per cent on a like-for-like basis, compared to the current year. No local authority will receive less than a 6.5 per cent increase. Alongside our support for public services, we will continue to support the economy and businesses with direct investment of £319 million for non-domestic rates relief. In response to the cost-of-living crisis, this budget targets support at those who need it most, including through investment in our basic income pilot and discretionary assistance fund.
I'll now turn to the points raised in scrutiny. I was pleased to see the Finance Committee recognising the difficult context in which we are delivering this budget, and I will, of course, continue to call on the UK Government to recognise the growing impact of inflation and to uplift our budget accordingly at the upcoming spring statement. I will continue to call on them to provide us with the fiscal flexibilities that we need to make the best use of our resources in difficult times. I welcome the Finance Committee's support for this, and I will be raising it at the next Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee meeting, which will take place later this week. And alongside my ministerial colleagues, I will continue to call on the UK Government to deliver a range of interventions to support those who need help most. The joint review of inter-governmental relations includes a package of reforms as the basis for the conduct of inter-governmental relations. It's our hope that we can work pragmatically with the UK Government, through the new inter-governmental relations review arrangements, before needing to invoke the formal dispute resolution process. However, we will not hesitate to use that process when we deem it necessary.
I'll now turn to the amendments put forward by Plaid Cymru on raising Welsh rates of income tax. We have been very clear that now is not the time to raise Welsh rates of income tax. Of course, we consider all of our tax levers as part of our budget preparations. However, the current tax burden is at its highest level for over 70 years. Rising inflation is affecting people across Wales, and we're in a cost-of-living crisis. We will not ask people to pay more at this time. Raising the higher and additional rates of income tax wouldn't raise enough money to make a significant difference to our spending plans. The largest contribution would have to come from the basic rate band taxpayers, and let's be clear that this would impact the lowest-paid workers in Wales. And these are the same workers who are seeking help from food banks, the same workers who are having to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families. The use of Welsh rates of income tax should be considered and strategic.
And turning to capital, there's no additional capital funding from the UK Government in the autumn statement, so there are no capital allocations within this budget. I'll be outlining further financial transactions capital allocations within our final budget, aligned to our priorities.
Turning to the information provided as part of the budget package this year, it's really important to remember that last year we delivered a multi-year budget up to 2025, alongside a zero-based review of capital allocations. This year was a single-year budget confirming changes to the budget settlement as part of the UK Government's autumn statement. These two budget packages—the multi-year and the single year—should clearly be considered together, and this will be the same for next year unless there are some fundamental changes to our budget settlement. The budget documentation this year focuses on the important changes that we've implemented for this budget round, rather than restating what's already been published, scrutinised and debated by this Senedd. I am, of course, open to further discussions to explore what additional information committees and stakeholders believe would aid scrutiny.
On the issue of pay, we recognise the strength of feeling that's been expressed by staff in these ballots for industrial action. We believe that all of our public sector workers should be fairly rewarded for the important work that they do. Unfortunately, our financial settlement falls far short of what is needed to meet the very significant challenges faced by our public services and workers across Wales. We cannot raise enough funding fairly enough through the limited powers we have to provide an inflation-matching pay rise to public sector workers. The autumn statement was a missed opportunity for the UK Government to give hard-working public sector workers a pay rise and prevent widespread disruptive industrial action across the UK.
But I am pleased that, in recent days, we have made progress in our discussions with trade union partners that have resulted in the current round of health strikes largely being paused while trade union members consider the latest offer that we have made to resolve the dispute. Hard choices have been required to find the money for the cost of this pay offer for this year. We've drawn down everything that we can from the Wales reserve and are seeking underspends from across Government to put this offer together. Using this money to increase pay now means that we face even more difficult choices in the future, but we are confident that it's the right thing to do.
In closing, I'd like to offer my thanks to all of those involved in shaping and scrutinising this draft budget. Scrutiny is a crucial part of the process, and, whilst I agree with the vast majority of the Finance Committee's recommendations, there are some that I will need to consider in the light of the limitations that I've set out today. I and my Cabinet colleagues will respond formally to the recommendations of all of the Senedd committee reports in advance of the vote on the final budget on 7 March.
To conclude, this is a budget for hard times and one where difficult choices have been made. However, in supporting public services, businesses and people, we have provided the certainty and clarity needed to navigate these difficult times. And I look forward to hearing from colleagues.
Diolch. Rwy'n falch o agor y drafodaeth y prynhawn yma ar gyllideb ddrafft Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer 2023-24. Ers i ni gael cyfle i drafod y gyllideb ddrafft am y tro cyntaf yn y Senedd ar 13 Rhagfyr, mae pwyllgorau'r Senedd wedi bod yn brysur yn craffu ar ein cynlluniau gwariant. Rwy'n croesawu'r sesiynau adeiladol iawn a gefais gyda'r Pwyllgor Cyllid a'r rhai a gafodd fy nghyd-Weinidogion gyda'u priod bwyllgorau. Cyn i mi gyflwyno rhai myfyrdodau cynnar ar y themâu sy'n deillio o'r gwaith craffu, mae'n bwysig cydnabod eto y cyd-destun heriol y mae'r gyllideb ddrafft hon yn cael ei pharatoi ynddo. Mae hon wedi bod yn flwyddyn pan welsom effeithiau parhaus chwyddiant, tri Phrif Weinidog, tri Changhellor, a'r gamreolaeth ysgytwol o arian cyhoeddus gan Lywodraeth y DU. Cawsom ddatganiad yn yr hydref gan y Canghellor diweddaraf a fethodd â chyrraedd y nod o bell fordd o ran yr ymyraethau sydd eu hangen i ymateb i'r heriau yr ydym yn eu hwynebu. Ond, er gwaethaf hyn, gan adeiladu ar ein hadolygiad gwariant tair blynedd, mae'r gyllideb ddrafft yn cydbwyso ein hymateb i'r argyfwng uniongyrchol ochr yn ochr â buddsoddi mewn newid tymor hirach. Rydyn ni wedi gwneud penderfyniadau anodd, ond fe wnaethon ni hynny mewn ysbryd o gydweithio a thryloywder a rhoi pobl a chymunedau Cymru yn gyntaf.
Ein prif flaenoriaethau ar gyfer cyllideb 2023-24 yw diogelu gwasanaethau cyhoeddus rheng flaen a'n huchelgeisiau ar gyfer y dyfodol, gan barhau i helpu'r rhai yr effeithir arnyn nhw fwyaf gan yr argyfwng costau byw, a chefnogi ein heconomi drwy gyfnod dirwasgiadol. Yn wahanol i'r hyn y mae'r Ceidwadwyr Cymreig wedi ei nodi yn eu gwelliant, rydyn ni'n credu mai'r blaenoriaethau hynny—amddiffyn gwasanaethau cyhoeddus, busnesau a phobl—yw blaenoriaethau pobl yng Nghymru. Gan adeiladu ar y cynnydd sylweddol mewn cyllid a ddarparwyd gennyf yn ein hadolygiad gwariant, yng nghyllideb 2023-24, rwyf wedi dyrannu £165 miliwn i'r GIG, £70 miliwn i ddarparu'r cyflog byw gwirioneddol ar gyfer gofal cymdeithasol, a £227 miliwn ar gyfer llywodraeth leol. Bydd cyllid refeniw craidd ar gyfer llywodraeth leol yn cynyddu 7.9 y cant ar sail gyfatebol, o'i gymharu â'r flwyddyn bresennol. Ni fydd yr un awdurdod lleol yn cael llai na chynnydd o 6.5 y cant. Ochr yn ochr â'n cefnogaeth i wasanaethau cyhoeddus, byddwn yn parhau i gefnogi'r economi a busnesau gyda buddsoddiad uniongyrchol o £319 miliwn ar gyfer rhyddhad ardrethi annomestig. Mewn ymateb i'r argyfwng costau byw, mae'r gyllideb hon yn anelu cefnogaeth at y rhai sydd ei angen fwyaf, gan gynnwys trwy fuddsoddi yn ein cynllun treialu incwm sylfaenol a'n cronfa cymorth dewisol.
Trof yn awr at y pwyntiau a godwyd gan y gwaith craffu. Roeddwn yn falch o weld y Pwyllgor Cyllid yn cydnabod y cyd-destun anodd yr ydym yn cyflawni'r gyllideb hon ynddo, a byddaf, wrth gwrs, yn parhau i alw ar Lywodraeth y DU i gydnabod effaith gynyddol chwyddiant ac i godi ein cyllideb yn unol â'r datganiad gwanwyn sydd ar ddod. Byddaf yn parhau i alw arnyn nhw i roi'r hyblygrwydd cyllidol sydd ei angen arnom i wneud y defnydd gorau o'n hadnoddau mewn cyfnod anodd. Rwy'n croesawu cefnogaeth y Pwyllgor Cyllid ar gyfer hyn, a byddaf yn ei godi yng nghyfarfod nesaf Y Pwyllgor Sefydlog Rhyngweinidogol ar Gyllid, a fydd yn cael ei gynnal yn ddiweddarach yr wythnos hon. Ac ochr yn ochr â fy nghyd-Weinidogion, byddaf yn parhau i alw ar Lywodraeth y DU i ddarparu amrywiaeth o ymyraethau i gefnogi'r rhai sydd angen cymorth fwyaf. Mae'r adolygiad ar y cyd o gysylltiadau rhyng-lywodraethol yn cynnwys pecyn o ddiwygiadau fel sail i gynnal cysylltiadau rhyng-lywodraethol. Ein gobaith yw y gallwn weithio'n bragmataidd gyda Llywodraeth y DU, trwy'r trefniadau adolygu cysylltiadau rhyng-lywodraethol newydd, cyn bod angen cychwyn y broses o ddatrys anghydfod ffurfiol. Fodd bynnag, ni fyddwn yn oedi cyn defnyddio'r broses honno pan fyddwn yn ystyried ei bod yn angenrheidiol.
Trof yn awr at y gwelliannau a gyflwynwyd gan Blaid Cymru ar godi cyfraddau treth incwm Cymru. Rydym wedi bod yn glir iawn nad nawr yw'r amser i godi cyfraddau treth incwm Cymru. Wrth gwrs, rydym yn ystyried ein holl ysgogiadau treth fel rhan o'n paratoadau cyllideb. Fodd bynnag, mae'r baich treth presennol ar ei lefel uchaf ers dros 70 mlynedd. Mae chwyddiant cynyddol yn effeithio ar bobl ledled Cymru, ac rydyn ni mewn argyfwng costau byw. Ni fyddwn yn gofyn i bobl dalu mwy ar hyn o bryd. Ni fyddai codi'r cyfraddau uwch ac ychwanegol o dreth incwm yn codi digon o arian i wneud gwahaniaeth sylweddol i'n cynlluniau gwariant. Byddai'n rhaid i'r cyfraniad mwyaf ddod gan drethdalwyr y bandiau cyfradd sylfaenol, a gadewch i ni fod yn glir y byddai hyn yn effeithio ar y gweithwyr ar y cyflogau isaf yng Nghymru. A'r un gweithwyr yw'r rhain sy'n chwilio am gymorth gan fanciau bwyd, yr un gweithwyr sy'n gorfod dewis rhwng gwresogi eu cartrefi a bwydo'u teuluoedd. Dylid defnyddio cyfraddau Cymreig o dreth incwm gyda phwyll ac yn strategol.
A gan droi at gyfalaf, does dim arian cyfalaf ychwanegol gan Lywodraeth y DU yn natganiad yr hydref, felly does dim dyraniadau cyfalaf o fewn y gyllideb hon. Byddaf yn amlinellu rhagor o ddyraniadau cyfalaf trafodiadau ariannol o fewn ein cyllideb derfynol, wedi'u halinio â'n blaenoriaethau.
Gan droi at yr wybodaeth a ddarperir fel rhan o'r pecyn cyllideb eleni, mae'n bwysig iawn cofio ein bod wedi darparu cyllideb aml-flwyddyn hyd at 2025 y llynedd, ochr yn ochr ag adolygiad cwbl gynhwysfawr o ddyraniadau cyfalaf. Cyllideb un flwyddyn oedd eleni yn cadarnhau newidiadau i setliad y gyllideb fel rhan o ddatganiad Llywodraeth y DU yn yr hydref. Dylai'r ddau becyn cyllideb hyn—yr aml-flwyddyn a'r flwyddyn sengl—gael eu hystyried gyda'i gilydd yn glir, a bydd hyn yr un fath ar gyfer y flwyddyn nesaf oni bai bod rhai newidiadau sylfaenol i'n setliad cyllideb. Mae dogfennau'r gyllideb eleni yn canolbwyntio ar y newidiadau pwysig rydyn ni wedi'u gweithredu ar gyfer y rownd gyllideb hon, yn hytrach nag ail-ddatgan yr hyn sydd eisoes wedi ei gyhoeddi, wedi bod yn destun craffu ac wedi ei drafod gan y Senedd hon. Rwyf, wrth gwrs, yn agored i drafodaethau pellach i archwilio pa wybodaeth ychwanegol y mae pwyllgorau a rhanddeiliaid yn credu y byddai'n cynorthwyo'r gwaith craffu.
O ran cyflog, rydym yn cydnabod cryfder y teimladau a fynegwyd gan staff yn y pleidleisiau hyn ar gyfer gweithredu diwydiannol. Credwn y dylai ein holl weithwyr yn y sector cyhoeddus gael eu gwobrwyo'n deg am y gwaith pwysig maen nhw'n ei wneud. Yn anffodus, mae ein setliad ariannol yn llawer is na'r hyn sydd ei angen i ymateb i'r heriau sylweddol iawn y mae ein gwasanaethau cyhoeddus a'n gweithwyr yn eu hwynebu ar draws Cymru. Ni allwn godi digon o gyllid trwy'r pwerau cyfyngedig sydd gennym i ddarparu codiad cyflog sy'n cyfateb â chwyddiant i weithwyr y sector cyhoeddus. Roedd datganiad yr hydref yn gyfle a gollwyd i Lywodraeth y DU i roi codiad cyflog i weithwyr sector cyhoeddus sy'n gweithio'n galed ac atal gweithredu diwydiannol aflonyddgar eang ledled y DU.
Ond rwy'n falch, yn y dyddiau diwethaf, ein bod wedi gwneud cynnydd yn ein trafodaethau gyda phartneriaid undebau llafur sydd wedi arwain at oedi'r rownd bresennol o streiciau iechyd i raddau helaeth tra bod aelodau undebau llafur yn ystyried y cynnig diweddaraf yr ydym wedi'i wneud i ddatrys yr anghydfod. Bu angen gwneud dewisiadau caled i ddod o hyd i'r arian ar gyfer cost y cynnig cyflog hwn am eleni. Rydym wedi tynnu popeth y gallwn ni o gronfa wrth gefn Cymru ac rydym yn chwilio am danwariant o bob rhan o'r Llywodraeth i roi'r cynnig hwn at ei gilydd. Mae defnyddio'r arian yma i gynyddu cyflogau nawr yn golygu ein bod ni'n wynebu dewisiadau anoddach fyth yn y dyfodol, ond rydyn ni'n ffyddiog mai dyna'r peth iawn i'w wneud.
Wrth gloi, hoffwn gynnig fy niolch i bawb sy'n ymwneud â llunio a chraffu ar y gyllideb ddrafft hon. Mae craffu yn rhan hanfodol o'r broses, ac er fy mod yn cytuno gyda'r mwyafrif llethol o argymhellion y Pwyllgor Cyllid, mae rhai y bydd angen i mi eu hystyried yng ngoleuni'r cyfyngiadau yr ydw i wedi'u nodi heddiw. Byddaf i a fy nghyd-Weinidogion yn y Cabinet yn ymateb yn ffurfiol i argymhellion holl adroddiadau pwyllgor y Senedd cyn y bleidlais ar y gyllideb derfynol ar 7 Mawrth.
I gloi, mae hon yn gyllideb ar gyfer amseroedd caled ac yn un pryd gwnaethpwyd dewisiadau anodd. Fodd bynnag, wrth gefnogi gwasanaethau cyhoeddus, busnesau a phobl, rydym wedi darparu'r sicrwydd a'r eglurder sydd ei angen i lywio drwy'r cyfnod anodd hwn. Ac rwy'n edrych ymlaen at glywed gan gyd-Aelodau.
Galwaf ar Gadeirydd y Pwyllgor Cyllid, Peredur Owen Griffiths.
I call on the Chair of the Finance Committee, Peredur Owen Griffiths.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Mae’n bleser gen i wneud cyfraniad yn y ddadl bwysig hon ar gyllideb ddrafft Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer 2023-24. Cyn i mi droi at feysydd penodol o fewn yr adroddiad, hoffwn ddweud bod y pwyllgor yn llwyr gydnabod yr anawsterau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi’u hwynebu wrth baratoi ei chynigion cyllidebol. Mae pwysau chwyddiant, costau ynni cynyddol a chynnydd mewn costau byw yn peri ansicrwydd ac yn rhoi pwysau digynsail ar gyllidebau sydd eisoes o dan straen. Mae hyn wedi'i waethygu gan gyfathrebu gwael rhwng Llywodraeth Cymru a Llywodraeth y Deyrnas Unedig nad yw'n adlewyrchu perthynas waith effeithiol sy'n sail i sianeli cyfathrebu llyfn sy'n seiliedig ar gyd-barch. Dyna pam rydym ni'n cefnogi'r Gweinidog i bwyso ar Lywodraeth y Deyrnas Unedig i sefydlu dulliau rhynglywodraethol cadarn i sicrhau y gall uwchgyfeirio anghytundebau yn effeithiol a datrys anghydfodau cyllid.
Fodd bynnag, nid yw'r heriau hyn yn golygu y dylem esgusodi’r Gweinidog neu na ellir gwella'r gyllideb ddrafft. Mewn gwirionedd, fel mae ein hadroddiad yn egluro, gwelsom fod nifer o feysydd lle mae'r gyllideb ddrafft yn siomi a lle y gellir gwneud gwelliannau.
Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. It's a pleasure to contribute to this important debate on the Welsh Government’s draft budget for 2023-24. Before I turn to specific areas within the report, I would like to say that the committee fully recognises the difficulties faced by the Welsh Government in preparing its budgetary proposals. Inflationary pressures, rising energy costs and an increase in the costs of living are causing uncertainty and putting unprecedented pressures on already-stretched budgets. This has been exacerbated by poor communication between the Welsh Government and the UK Government, which is not reflective of an effective working relationship that is underpinned by smooth channels of communication based on mutual respect. That is why we support the Minister in pressing the UK Government to establish robust inter-governmental mechanisms, to ensure that it can effectively escalate disagreements and resolve funding disputes.
However, these challenges do not mean that we should let the Minister off the hook or that the Welsh Government's draft budget cannot be improved. In fact, as our report makes clear, we found that there are a number of areas where the draft budget disappoints and where improvements can be made.
Daeth y Llywydd i’r Gadair.
The Llywydd took the Chair.
First of all, the committee felt that there was a lack of clarity and candour regarding the Welsh Government's plans, particularly in terms of identifying where decisions have been made in the draft budget to halt, postpone or reduce funding. As a result, we have made a raft of recommendations calling for greater clarity in the information provided alongside the draft budget. This includes calling on the Minister to provide a full assessment of the impact that high inflation will have on its funding position and capital programme and for changes to be made to the way information is presented, so that the draft budget provides an assessment of the impact of spending decisions across portfolios.
Furthermore, I would like to note, on behalf of all committees, that, although we always welcome both oral and written evidence provided by the Welsh Government on the draft budget, we believe that more can be done to ensure that committees are provided with such evidence in good time. That is why I will shortly be consulting with Senedd committees on their experiences of scrutinising this year's draft budget and asking for practical ways in which improvements can be made to the next budget round.
Turning now to our views on the Welsh Government's use of fiscal levers, although we understand the Minister's decision not to raise taxes, the committee is surprised that the Welsh Government had not carried out detailed work on the behavioural impact of varying Welsh rates of income tax across all bands. This strongly suggests that the Minister has not given serious consideration to changing the rates during this budget round, which we found disappointing, and ask for this to be properly considered in the future. We heard evidence that the Welsh Government's fiscal tools need updating. In particular, we support the Minister's continued efforts in pressing the UK Government to increase the Welsh Government's overall and annual limits for borrowing and reserves at least in line with inflation. We also heard that the nature of our tax-raising powers is more limited than those enjoyed by our Scottish cousins. Although we acknowledge that doing so is far from straightforward, we would like the Minister to undertake foundational work into the benefits and risks of devolving powers to modify Welsh rates of income tax bands and thresholds.
A key aspect of this draft budget is the support provided to help with rising costs of living. On accessing benefits, the committee has long advocated a 'no wrong door' approach. As the demand for such support, sadly, increases, we believe more can be done to ensure that accessing such support is as easy and straightforward as possible. That is why we would like to see the Welsh Government fast-track the introduction of a unified benefits system, a Welsh benefits charter, to make it easier and simpler. We also believe that the current financial support schemes need tweaking, particularly in relation to eligibility thresholds, to ensure that they remain at suitable levels and are not excluding those at the margins of support. The committee has also made concrete recommendations to improve what is already on offer. This includes encouraging the expansion of the free childcare model, considering an increase in the value of the educational maintenance allowance, which has not been increased since the mid 2000s, and prioritising the development of a replacement Warm Homes programme as a matter of urgency to prevent fuel poverty.
Llywydd, all of us in this Chamber are fully aware of the pressures that public services are under. The additional funding provided by Welsh Government through this draft budget to support such services is a welcome move, and we are particularly interested in the innovative methods being explored to increase the money available, including the introduction of a social care levy to fund the rising cost of social care provision. However, the Senedd needs to know whether this funding allocated for next year is delivering tangible improvements. We therefore want the Welsh Government to explain the outcomes it expects to be delivered by NHS organisations and social care providers. In addition, although the Welsh Government has outlined priority areas for the NHS, it has been less forthcoming in outlining the areas it expects to deprioritise. As one stakeholder told us, 'If everything’s a priority, then nothing is a priority.' Such efforts to identify spending priorities are futile if the Minister cannot also explain which areas are less of a priority and will receive less funding as a result.
During our stakeholder event at Llanhilleth Miners Institute last June, representatives from the health and social care sectors told us that workforce planning is crucial to ensure that services remain resilient and fit for purpose—a theme echoed during our evidence sessions. Although we welcome the overdue publication last week of the Welsh Government’s national workforce implementation plan, we would like this to be extended across the Welsh public sector to provide long-term stability for services as well as support and direction. We cannot expect services to improve if we don’t look after those working so hard to keep them afloat.
Yn gyntaf oll, roedd y pwyllgor o'r farn bod diffyg eglurder a gonestrwydd ynglŷn â chynlluniau Llywodraeth Cymru, yn enwedig o ran nodi lle mae penderfyniadau wedi eu gwneud yn y gyllideb ddrafft i atal, gohirio neu leihau cyllid. O ganlyniad, rydym wedi gwneud llu o argymhellion yn galw am fwy o eglurder yn yr wybodaeth a ddarparwyd ochr yn ochr â'r gyllideb ddrafft. Mae hyn yn cynnwys galw ar y Gweinidog i ddarparu asesiad llawn o'r effaith y bydd chwyddiant uchel yn ei gael ar ei sefyllfa ariannu a'i rhaglen gyfalaf ac i newidiadau gael eu gwneud i'r ffordd y cyflwynir gwybodaeth, fel bod y gyllideb ddrafft yn darparu asesiad o effaith penderfyniadau gwariant ar draws portffolios.
Ar ben hynny, hoffwn nodi, ar ran yr holl bwyllgorau, er ein bod bob amser yn croesawu'r dystiolaeth lafar ac ysgrifenedig a ddarperir gan Lywodraeth Cymru ar y gyllideb ddrafft, rydym yn credu y gellir gwneud mwy i sicrhau bod pwyllgorau'n cael tystiolaeth o'r fath mewn da bryd. Dyna pam y byddaf yn ymgynghori'n fuan gyda phwyllgorau'r Senedd ynghylch eu profiadau o graffu ar y gyllideb ddrafft eleni a gofyn am ffyrdd ymarferol y gellir gwneud gwelliannau i'r rownd gyllideb nesaf.
Gan droi nawr at ein barn am ddefnydd Llywodraeth Cymru o ysgogiadau cyllidol, er ein bod yn deall penderfyniad y Gweinidog i beidio codi trethi, mae'r pwyllgor yn synnu nad oedd Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cyflawni gwaith manwl ar effaith ymddygiadol amrywio cyfraddau treth incwm Cymru ar draws pob band. Mae hyn yn awgrymu'n gryf nad yw'r Gweinidog wedi rhoi ystyriaeth ddifrifol i newid y cyfraddau yn ystod y rownd gyllideb hon, a oedd yn siomedig, ac rydym yn gofyn i hyn gael ei ystyried yn iawn yn y dyfodol. Clywsom dystiolaeth bod angen diweddaru offer cyllidol Llywodraeth Cymru. Yn benodol, rydym yn cefnogi ymdrechion parhaus y Gweinidog i bwyso ar Lywodraeth y DU i gynyddu terfynau cyffredinol a blynyddol Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer benthyca a chronfeydd wrth gefn o leiaf yn unol â chwyddiant. Clywsom hefyd fod natur ein pwerau codi trethi yn fwy cyfyngedig na'r rhai a fwynheir gan ein cefndryd yn yr Alban. Er ein bod yn cydnabod bod gwneud hynny ymhell o fod yn syml, hoffem i'r Gweinidog wneud gwaith sylfaenol ar fanteision a pheryglon datganoli pwerau i addasu cyfraddau bandiau a throthwyon treth incwm Cymru.
Un o agweddau allweddol y gyllideb ddrafft hon yw'r gefnogaeth a ddarperir i helpu gyda chostau byw cynyddol. O ran cael mynediad at fudd-daliadau, mae'r pwyllgor wedi hen argymell dull 'dim drws anghywir'. Wrth i'r galw am gefnogaeth o'r fath, yn anffodus, gynyddu, credwn y gellir gwneud mwy i sicrhau bod cael mynediad at gymorth o'r fath mor rhwydd a syml â phosibl. Dyna pam yr hoffem weld Llywodraeth Cymru yn defnyddio gweithdrefn garlam er mwyn cyflwyno system fudd-daliadau unedig, siarter budd-daliadau Cymru, er mwyn ei gwneud hi'n haws a symlach. Credwn hefyd fod angen mân gywiriadau i'r cynlluniau cymorth ariannol presennol, yn enwedig mewn cysylltiad â throthwy cymhwysedd, er mwyn sicrhau eu bod yn aros ar lefelau addas ac nad ydyn nhw'n eithrio'r rhai ar ymylon cefnogaeth. Mae'r pwyllgor hefyd wedi gwneud argymhellion pendant i wella'r hyn sydd eisoes ar gael. Mae hyn yn cynnwys annog ehangu'r model gofal plant am ddim, ystyried cynnydd yng ngwerth lwfans cynhaliaeth addysg, nad yw wedi cael ei gynyddu ers canol y 2000au, a blaenoriaethu datblygu rhaglen Cartrefi Clyd newydd ar frys i atal tlodi tanwydd.
Llywydd, mae pob un ohonom yn y Siambr hon yn llwyr ymwybodol o'r pwysau sydd ar wasanaethau cyhoeddus. Mae'r cyllid ychwanegol a ddarperir gan Lywodraeth Cymru drwy'r gyllideb ddrafft hon i gefnogi gwasanaethau o'r fath yn gam i'w groesawu, ac mae gennym ddiddordeb arbennig yn y dulliau arloesol sy'n cael eu harchwilio i gynyddu'r arian sydd ar gael, gan gynnwys cyflwyno ardoll gofal cymdeithasol i ariannu cost gynyddol darparu gofal cymdeithasol. Ond mae angen i'r Senedd wybod a yw'r cyllid hwn sy'n cael ei glustnodi ar gyfer y flwyddyn nesaf yn sicrhau gwelliannau diriaethol. Rydym felly eisiau i Lywodraeth Cymru egluro'r canlyniadau y mae'n disgwyl i sefydliadau'r GIG a darparwyr gofal cymdeithasol eu cyflawni. Hefyd, er bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi amlinellu meysydd blaenoriaeth i'r GIG, mae'n llai parod i amlinellu'r meysydd y mae'n disgwyl iddyn nhw golli blaenoriaeth. Fel y dywedodd un rhanddeiliad wrthym, 'Os yw popeth yn flaenoriaeth, yna does dim blaenoriaeth.' Ofer yw ymdrechion o'r fath i nodi blaenoriaethau gwario os na all y Gweinidog egluro hefyd pa feysydd sydd â llai o flaenoriaeth ac o ganlyniad yn derbyn llai o gyllid.
Yn ystod ein digwyddiad rhanddeiliaid yn Sefydliad y Glowyr Llanhiledd fis Mehefin diwethaf, dywedodd cynrychiolwyr o'r sectorau iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol wrthym fod cynllunio'r gweithlu yn hanfodol er mwyn sicrhau bod gwasanaethau'n parhau i fod yn gydnerth ac yn addas i'r diben—thema a gafodd ei hailadrodd yn ystod ein sesiynau tystiolaeth. Er ein bod yn croesawu'r cyhoeddiad hwyr yr wythnos diwethaf o gynllun gweithredu cenedlaethol ar gyfer y gweithlu Llywodraeth Cymru, hoffem ei weld yn cael ei ymestyn ar draws sector cyhoeddus Cymru i ddarparu sefydlogrwydd tymor hir i wasanaethau yn ogystal â chefnogaeth a chyfeiriad. Ni allwn ddisgwyl i wasanaethau wella os nad ydym yn gofalu am y rhai sy'n gweithio mor galed i'w cynnal.
Yn olaf, hoffwn gyfeirio at yr amser a roddwyd i graffu ar y gyllideb ddrafft. Er ein bod yn derbyn nad oes gan Lywodraeth Cymru reolaeth dros amseriad digwyddiadau cyllidol Llywodraeth y Deyrnas Unedig, mae’r ffaith bod yr amserlen ar gyfer craffu ar y gyllideb ddrafft hon wedi ei thocio am y bedwaredd flwyddyn yn olynol yn destun pryder. Nid yw hyn yn deg ar Aelodau o'r Senedd, rhanddeiliaid, na'r cyhoedd yn gyffredinol. Rydym yn gresynu at yr effaith a gaiff hyn ar ein gallu i ymgysylltu ac ystyried cynigion y gyllideb ddrafft.
Wedi dweud hynny, rwy'n croesawu bwriad Llywodraeth Cymru i edrych o'r newydd ar ddiweddaru ein prosesau o ran y gyllideb, ac rwy'n falch bod y Gweinidog yn barod i ystyried ffyrdd o wella cyfleoedd craffu yn y Senedd. Mae hyn yn cynnwys cynnal sesiynau craffu cyn y gyllideb, pan fydd y broses o gyhoeddi'r gyllideb ddrafft wedi'i gohirio. Roeddem yn ystyried y dull hwn yn arbennig o ddefnyddiol eleni, wrth i ni geisio deall y ffactorau y tu ôl i broses Llywodraeth Cymru o lunio'r gyllideb.
I gloi, Llywydd, dywedais wrth Aelodau yn ystod cyllideb ddrafft y llynedd fy mod yn ystyried ymgysylltu â phobl ar draws Cymru, a gwrando ar randdeiliaid, yn flaenoriaeth. Hoffwn ddiolch i bawb a roddodd dystiolaeth ac a rannodd eu safbwyntiau gyda ni drwy'r gwaith. Eleni, mae'r pwyllgor wedi sefydlu pont gyswllt glir rhwng ein gwaith ymgysylltu, y drafodaeth o ran blaenoriaethau, a'n canfyddiadau yn yr adroddiad hwn. Ein nod yw adeiladu ar y gwaith hwn ar gyfer y flwyddyn nesaf wrth i ni edrych ymlaen at gylch cyllideb 2024-25. Diolch yn fawr.
Lastly, I would like to make a point about the time given to scrutinise the draft budget. Although we accept that the Welsh Government has no control over the timing of UK Government fiscal events, we are concerned that the timetable for scrutiny of this draft budget was truncated for the fourth consecutive year. This is not fair on Members of the Senedd, stakeholders, or the public at large, and we regret the impact that this has on our ability to engage and consider the draft budget proposals.
Having said that, I welcome the Welsh Government’s intention to look afresh at updating our budget processes, and I'm glad that the Minister is open to looking at ways to enhance scrutiny opportunities in the Senedd. This includes holding pre-budget scrutiny sessions, when the publication of the draft budget has been delayed. We found such an approach particularly helpful this year, as we sought to understand the factors behind the Welsh Government’s budget formulation process.
To close, Llywydd, I told Members during last year’s draft budget debate that I view engaging with people across Wales and listening to stakeholders as a priority. I would like to thank all of those who provided evidence and shared their views with us through our work. This year, the committee has established a clear arc between our engagement work, the priorities debate, and our findings in this report. Our aim is to build on this work for next year as we look forward to the 2024-25 budget round. Thank you very much.
Rwyf wedi dethol y gwelliannau i'r cynnig, a galwaf ar Peter Fox yn gyntaf i gynnig gwelliant 1 a gyflwynwyd yn enw Darren Millar. Peter Fox.
I have selected the amendments to the motion, and I call on Peter Fox to move amendment 1, tabled in the name of Darren Millar. Peter Fox.
Gwelliant 1—Darren Millar
Ychwanegu pwynt newydd ar ddiwedd y cynnig:
Yn credu bod Cyllideb Ddrafft Llywodraeth Cymru 2023-24 yn methu â chyflawni blaenoriaethau pobl Cymru.
Amendment 1—Darren Millar
Add as new point at end of motion:
Believes that the Welsh Government’s Draft Budget 2023-24 fails to deliver on the priorities of the people of Wales.
Cynigiwyd gwelliant 1.
Amendment 1 moved.
Diolch, Llywydd. I move the amendment in the name of Darren Millar. First of all, I would like to thank the Minister for her statement. I recognise the difficult financial backdrop that this year's budget has been drafted within. There are, hopefully, though, some positive signs that the current high levels of inflation will now start to ease over the course of this year. Thanks to the decisive action taken by the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, the Bank of England is now suggesting that any economic downturn will be shorter and shallower than first thought.
Some of the decisions that were taken were difficult, we know, but they were the medicine that we needed to improve the health of the UK's finances. We now need Ministers here, in this place, in Wales, to start dealing properly with the huge challenges this country is facing and stop looking for other people to blame. Because challenges can be overcome, and if we're going to create the Wales that we all want to see, then the Welsh Government needs to step up and sort things out here.
Llywydd, we know what the immediate issues facing our communities are. We debate these here week after week in this Chamber. This budget has to deal with the immediate pressures facing society, so we have to prioritise our actions and make sure that we deliver on these. I know that the Minister understands this, and there are areas in the draft budget that I generally do welcome, such as the additional money for mental health services, the additional non-domestic rates relief for businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, and also the increase in the local government settlement.
But, despite this, there are areas of the draft budget where the Welsh Government are letting so many people down, as we've just heard from the Chair of the Finance Committee, such as the real-terms cut in the education budget. Then there's the real-terms cut in the health and social care budgets. And let's not forget that the only Government in Britain to actually cut the NHS budget was a Labour Government here in Wales in 2012. And we know that even before the pandemic, the Labour Government were only spending around £1.05 of the £1.20 that they received from UK Government for every £1.00 spent in England, in both the education and the health services here. The people of Wales need to know where that additional money has been spent.
There are well-meaning announcements, such as the real living wage for social care workers and teachers' pay uplift, but we know that councils will be expected to fund the vast majority of these increases from the revenue support grant, rather than the Welsh Government stepping in and providing direct funding to enable these, meaning much-needed resources will be directed away from front-line services. Again, this an issue that has been raised by councils on numerous occasions and where they will be told, 'It's in your settlement', which just passes the buck onto local authorities.
And then there's the usual funding of pet projects, such as: the constitutional commission—a one-way talking shop; millions being spent on unnecessary tinkering around the elections policy and more politicians, which take money from public services and focus it here in Cardiff Bay; and not to mention things like universal basic income pilots and blanket 20 mph default speed restrictions. For the Government that has called this very budget 'A budget for hard times', it doesn't seem as if Ministers are solely focused on these hard times, does it?
To put it simply, Llywydd, we need a plan that focuses on the immediate problems faced by the people and businesses of Wales, and this is where the Welsh Conservatives believe that the draft budget can improve. We know, as a result of the autumn 2022 budget, the Welsh Government will receive an additional £1.2 billion over the next two years. Let's spend that money on delivering on people's priorities instead of what I've mentioned earlier.
In its draft budget, the Welsh Government is looking to reprioritise some nearly £90 million from within existing departmental plans to, and I quote, refocus
'limited resources towards the areas of greatest need.'
In a budget of almost £23 billion, we believe that this reprioritisation work could have gone further to enable existing funding streams to do more. As a group, we have identified further funding streams worth over £100 million over the next two years that could be refocused in the immediate term, together with adjustments to some existing budgets that would be cost neutral, but help significantly towards helping people with the cost-of-living challenges, supporting businesses to create jobs and prosperity, and clearing the backlogs in our health service. Reprioritising some current funding streams is needed until the pressures we face begin to ease and services are on a more stable footing once again.
However, it's difficult to find out where all of the money here is spent. I’ve certainly found it difficult to get under the bonnet of this budget. In my previous role within the council, I could understand every element of the budget, but it's only Ministers here who know where the pockets of potential additional funding lie. But let's be honest, how much of the £350 million in central administration funding allocated in the draft budget is spent on actually delivering on people's priorities? How does spending £6 million on elections policy, £2 million on a constitutional commission, or over £8 million on international relations—
Diolch, Llywydd. Rwy'n cynnig y gwelliant yn enw Darren Millar. Yn gyntaf oll, hoffwn ddiolch i'r Gweinidog am ei datganiad. Rwy'n cydnabod y cefndir ariannol anodd y mae'r gyllideb eleni wedi'i drafftio ynddo. Er hynny, mae rhai arwyddion cadarnhaol y bydd y lefelau uchel presennol o chwyddiant nawr yn dechrau gostwng yn ystod eleni. Diolch i'r camau pendant a gymerwyd gan Brif Weinidog y DU a'r Canghellor, mae Banc Lloegr bellach yn awgrymu y bydd unrhyw ddirywiad economaidd yn fyrrach ac yn fasach na'r hyn a dybiwyd ar y dechrau.
Roedd rhai o'r penderfyniadau a gymerwyd yn anodd, rydyn ni'n gwybod, ond nhw oedd y feddyginiaeth oedd ei hangen arnom i wella iechyd cyllid y DU. Nawr mae angen i Weinidogion yma, yn y lle hwn, yng Nghymru, ddechrau ymdrin yn iawn â'r heriau enfawr y mae'r wlad hon yn eu hwynebu a rhoi'r gorau i chwilio am bobl eraill i'w beio. Oherwydd gellir goresgyn heriau, ac os ydyn ni'n mynd i greu'r Gymru rydyn ni i gyd eisiau ei gweld, yna mae angen i Lywodraeth Cymru gamu ymlaen a rhoi trefn ar bethau yma.
Llywydd, rydyn ni'n gwybod beth yw'r materion uniongyrchol y mae ein cymunedau yn eu hwynebu. Rydym yn trafod y rhain yma wythnos ar ôl wythnos yn y Siambr hon. Mae'n rhaid i'r gyllideb hon ymdrin â'r pwysau uniongyrchol y mae cymdeithas yn eu hwynebu, felly mae'n rhaid i ni flaenoriaethu ein gweithredoedd a sicrhau ein bod yn cyflawni'r rhain. Rwy'n gwybod bod y Gweinidog yn deall hyn, ac mae meysydd yn y gyllideb ddrafft yr wyf i'n eu croesawu yn gyffredinol, fel yr arian ychwanegol ar gyfer gwasanaethau iechyd meddwl, y rhyddhad ardrethi annomestig ychwanegol i fusnesau yn y sectorau manwerthu, hamdden a lletygarwch, a hefyd y cynnydd yn y setliad llywodraeth leol.
Ond, er gwaethaf hyn, mae meysydd yn y gyllideb ddrafft lle mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn siomi cymaint o bobl, fel yr ydym newydd glywed gan Gadeirydd y Pwyllgor Cyllid, fel y toriad mewn termau real yn y gyllideb addysg. Yna mae'r toriad mewn termau real yn y cyllidebau iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol. A pheidiwn ag anghofio mai'r unig Lywodraeth ym Mhrydain i dorri cyllideb y GIG mewn gwirionedd oedd Llywodraeth Lafur yma yng Nghymru yn 2012. Ac rydyn ni'n gwybod hyd yn oed cyn y pandemig, fod y Llywodraeth Lafur dim ond yn gwario tua £1.05 o'r £1.20 roedden nhw wedi'i dderbyn gan Lywodraeth y DU am bob £1.00 oedd yn cael ei wario yn Lloegr, ar addysg a'r gwasanaethau iechyd yma. Mae pobl Cymru angen gwybod lle mae'r arian ychwanegol yna wedi cael ei wario.
Ceir cyhoeddiadau llawn bwriadau da, megis y cyflog byw gwirioneddol i weithwyr gofal cymdeithasol a chodiad cyflog athrawon, ond gwyddom y bydd disgwyl i gynghorau ariannu'r mwyafrif helaeth o'r cynnydd hwn o'r grant cymorth refeniw, yn hytrach na bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn camu i mewn a darparu cyllid uniongyrchol i alluogi'r rhain, sy'n golygu y bydd adnoddau y mae mawr eu hangen yn cael eu cyfeirio oddi wrth wasanaethau rheng flaen. Unwaith eto, mae hwn yn fater sydd wedi ei godi gan gynghorau ar sawl achlysur pan ddywedir wrthyn nhw, 'Mae yn eich setliad chi', sydd dim ond yn trosglwyddo'r cyfrifoldeb i awdurdodau lleol.
Ac yna mae cyllid arferol hoff brosiectau, megis: y comisiwn cyfansoddiadol—siop siarad un ffordd; miliynau yn cael eu gwario ar botsian diangen ynghylch y polisi etholiadau a mwy o wleidyddion, sy'n tynnu arian o wasanaethau cyhoeddus a'i ganolbwyntio yma ym Mae Caerdydd; heb sôn am bethau fel cynlluniau treialu incwm sylfaenol cyffredinol a chyfyngiadau cyflymder 20 mya diofyn cyffredinol. O fod yn Llywodraeth sydd wedi galw'r union gyllideb hon yn 'Gyllideb ar gyfer amseroedd caled', nid yw'n ymddangos fel pe bai Gweinidogion yn canolbwyntio'n llwyr ar yr amseroedd caled hyn, nag yw hi?
I'w roi'n syml, Llywydd, mae angen cynllun sy'n canolbwyntio ar y problemau uniongyrchol y mae pobl a busnesau Cymru yn eu hwynebu a dyma lle mae'r Ceidwadwyr Cymreig yn credu y gall y gyllideb ddrafft wella. Gwyddom, o ganlyniad i gyllideb hydref 2022, y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn cael £1.2 biliwn yn ychwanegol dros y ddwy flynedd nesaf. Gadewch i ni wario'r arian hwnnw ar gyflawni blaenoriaethau pobl yn lle ar yr hyn rydw i wedi'i grybwyll yn gynharach.
Yn ei chyllideb ddrafft, mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn bwriadu ailflaenoriaethu tua bron i £90 miliwn o gynlluniau adrannol presennol er mwyn, a dyfynnaf,
'ailbennu ffocws ein hadnoddau cyfyngedig i roi sylw i’r meysydd â'r angen mwyaf.'
Mewn cyllideb o bron i £23 biliwn, credwn y gallai'r gwaith ailflaenoriaethu hwn fod wedi mynd ymhellach i alluogi ffrydiau ariannu presennol i wneud mwy. Fel grŵp, rydym wedi nodi ffrydiau ariannu ychwanegol gwerth dros £100 miliwn dros y ddwy flynedd nesaf y gellid eu hailganolbwyntio yn y tymor uniongyrchol, ynghyd ag addasiadau i rai cyllidebau presennol a fyddai'n gost niwtral, ond yn helpu'n sylweddol tuag at helpu pobl gyda'r heriau costau byw, cefnogi busnesau i greu swyddi a ffynnu, a chlirio'r ôl-groniadau yn ein gwasanaeth iechyd. Mae angen ailflaenoriaethu rhai ffrydiau ariannu presennol nes bod y pwysau sy'n ein hwynebu yn dechrau lleddfu a bod gwasanaethau mewn sefyllfa sefydlog unwaith eto.
Er hynny, mae'n anodd canfod lle mae'r holl arian yma'n cael ei wario. Yn sicr dwi wedi ei chael hi'n anodd gweld glo mân y gyllideb hon. Yn fy rôl flaenorol o fewn y cyngor, gallwn ddeall pob elfen o'r gyllideb, ond dim ond Gweinidogion yma sy'n gwybod lle mae pocedi cyllid ychwanegol posib yn gorwedd. Ond gadewch i ni fod yn onest, faint o'r £350 miliwn o gyllid gweinyddu canolog a ddyrannwyd yn y gyllideb ddrafft sy'n cael ei wario ar gyflawni blaenoriaethau pobl mewn gwirionedd? Sut mae gwario £6 miliwn ar bolisi etholiadau, £2 filiwn ar gomisiwn cyfansoddiadol, neu dros £8 miliwn ar gysylltiadau rhyngwladol—
Will you take an intervention?
A wnewch chi gymryd ymyriad?
Yes, okay, I will do.
Iawn, fe wnaf i.
I say to Peter Fox, I'm not trying to score a political point here. I just would like to ask—[Interruption.] No, I'm really not. What is the Conservative policy now on universal free school meals? What is your current view on that particular policy?
Dywedaf wrth Peter Fox, nid wyf yn ceisio sgorio pwynt gwleidyddol yma. Hoffwn ofyn—[Torri ar draws.] Na, dydw i wir ddim. Beth yw polisi'r Ceidwadwyr nawr ar brydau ysgol am ddim cyffredinol? Beth yw eich barn bresennol ar y polisi penodol hwnnw?
I'm not reflecting on that at the moment.
Dydw i ddim yn myfyrio ar hynny ar hyn o bryd.
I'd like to know what it is. I'd like to know what it is, that's all. And it's not—.
Hoffwn i wybod beth yw e. Hoffwn i wybod beth yw e, dyna'i gyd. Ac nid yw—.
My personal view is that there are many people in Wales who can well afford to pay for meals for their children. Would you expect free meals for your children? Would I? I don't think so. So, let's just be honest, and I'll go back again.
So, how much is that? Where does the spending of £6 million on election policy, where does £2 million on a constitutional commission and £8 million on international relations—outside, of course, of the Wales and Africa programme, which we support—deliver a more sustainable health service, more jobs and pay some bills?
And the Welsh Conservative action plan does not seek to whack up income tax on hard-working people whose budgets are already stretched, which Plaid intend to do, and I agree with the Minister on this. They can pretend that their plans would impact on the highest earners the most, but we all know that it's the basic income tax payers, who make up the bulk of Welsh taxpayers, who will foot the bill under Plaid's plans.
Llywydd, with the funding that we have identified as a group, we have looked at six key areas that could be funded to better deliver on people's priorities. We would take immediate action to clear the bedblocking, open up hospitals and end the disgrace of ambulances queuing outside A&Es by introducing care hotels. These were introduced elsewhere in the UK during the pandemic—indeed, in Devon, they're still in use—and are designed to protect acute hospital capacity, providing step-down facilities for people who require support but not hospital care.
Surgical hubs would also be established in each region, to provide additional relief to the Welsh health system—they've been talked about, but they're not being delivered—creating more operating theatres, meaning we can begin to tackle the unacceptably long waiting lists, with one in four people in Wales desperate for treatment, especially around orthopaedics, which we know the professional sector have made a lot of suggestions on.
To support the economy, a microbusiness support fund would enable businesses to get off the ground and expand by helping them with paying the national insurance contributions of two new additional staff members. A trial scheme would be established to subsidise the cost of solar panels for small businesses, helping them to reduce their energy bills and contribute to Wales's net-zero ambition.
We would expand upon the Government's empty homes scheme by turning it into a help-to-buy scheme for empty homes and those in need of renovation, so that we can help people onto the property ladder and unlock almost 20,000 homes sitting empty in Wales.
Finally, we would unlock some of the eye-watering £2.5 billion plus of useable reserves currently sitting in local authority bank accounts, so that we can freeze council tax in the immediate future, helping those further to deal with the cost-of-living crisis.
Fy marn bersonol i yw bod yna lawer o bobl yng Nghymru sy'n gallu fforddio talu am brydau bwyd i'w plant yn iawn. A fyddech chi'n disgwyl prydau am ddim i'ch plant chi? A fyddwn i? Dydw i ddim yn credu. Felly, gadewch i ni fod yn onest, ac fe af yn ôl eto.
Felly, faint yw hynny? Ble mae'r gwariant o £6 miliwn ar bolisi etholiadol, ble mae'r £2 filiwn ar gomisiwn cyfansoddiadol a £8 miliwn ar gysylltiadau rhyngwladol—heblaw, wrth gwrs, rhaglen Cymru ac Affrica, yr ydym yn ei chefnogi—yn darparu gwasanaeth iechyd mwy cynaliadwy, mwy o swyddi a thalu biliau?
Ac nid yw cynllun gweithredu'r Ceidwadwyr Cymreig yn ceisio cynyddu treth incwm i bobl sy'n gweithio'n galed y mae eu cyllidebau eisoes dan straen, yr hyn y mae Plaid yn bwriadu ei wneud, ac rwy'n cytuno â'r Gweinidog ar hyn. Gallant esgus y byddai eu cynlluniau'n effeithio ar yr enillwyr uchaf fwyaf, ond rydym i gyd yn gwybod mai pobl sy'n talu'r dreth incwm sylfaenol, sef y rhan fwyaf o drethdalwyr Cymru, fydd yn talu'r bil o dan gynlluniau Plaid.
Llywydd, gyda'r cyllid yr ydym wedi ei nodi fel grŵp, rydym wedi edrych ar chwe maes allweddol y gellid eu hariannu i gyflawni blaenoriaethau pobl yn well. Byddem yn cymryd camau ar unwaith i atal blocio gwelyau, agor ysbytai a rhoi diwedd ar y sefyllfa warthus o ambiwlansys yn ciwio y tu allan i adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys trwy gyflwyno gwestai gofal. Cyflwynwyd y rhain mewn mannau eraill yn y DU yn ystod y pandemig—yn wir, yn Nyfnaint, maen nhw'n dal i gael eu defnyddio—ac maen nhw wedi'u cynllunio i ddiogelu capasiti acíwt mewn ysbytai, gan ddarparu cyfleusterau cam-i-lawr ar gyfer pobl sydd angen cymorth ond nid gofal ysbyty.
Byddai hybiau llawfeddygol hefyd yn cael eu sefydlu ym mhob rhanbarth, er mwyn rhoi rhyddhad ychwanegol i system iechyd Cymru—maen nhw wedi cael eu trafod, ond dydyn nhw ddim yn cael eu cyflawni—creu mwy o theatrau llawdriniaethau, sy'n golygu y gallwn ddechrau mynd i'r afael â'r rhestrau aros annerbyniol o hir, gydag un o bob pedwar o bobl yng Nghymru yn daer am driniaeth, yn enwedig ym maes orthopaedeg, yr ydym yn gwybod bod y sector proffesiynol wedi gwneud llawer o awgrymiadau yn ei gylch.
Er mwyn cefnogi'r economi, byddai cronfa cymorth i ficrofusnes yn galluogi busnesau i ddechrau gweithredu ac ehangu trwy eu helpu gyda thalu cyfraniadau yswiriant cenedlaethol dau aelod newydd o staff. Byddai cynllun prawf yn cael ei sefydlu i roi cymhorthdal tuag at gost paneli solar i fusnesau bach, eu helpu nhw i leihau eu biliau ynni a chyfrannu at uchelgais sero net Cymru.
Byddem yn ehangu ar gynllun tai gwag y Llywodraeth trwy ei droi'n gynllun cymorth i brynu cartrefi gwag a'r rhai sydd angen eu hadnewyddu, fel y gallwn helpu pobl ar yr ysgol eiddo a datgloi bron i 20,000 o gartrefi sy'n sefyll yn wag yng Nghymru.
Yn olaf, byddem yn datgloi'r swm enfawr o dros £2.5 biliwn o gronfeydd wrth gefn y gellir eu defnyddio sydd ar hyn o bryd yn eistedd mewn cyfrifon banc awdurdodau lleol, fel y gallwn rewi'r dreth gyngor yn y dyfodol agos, gan roi cymorth ychwanegol i'r rheini i ymdrin â'r argyfwng costau byw.
Will you take an intervention, Peter?
A wnewch chi gymryd ymyriad, Peter?
To do so—. I'll finish this point, Mike, if I may. To do so, a formula would be used by the Welsh Government to enable an adjustment in the RSG where councils hold usable reserves above a set threshold. The money adjusted from the RSG over the threshold would be redistributed to create a sector-wide funding floor to enable all councils to retain council tax levels at the current levels. We're seeing some authorities with useable reserves of £270 million. That is unacceptable. I'm happy to take the intervention now.
I wneud hynny—. Fe orffennaf y pwynt yma, Mike, os caf i. I wneud hynny, byddai fformiwla yn cael ei ddefnyddio gan Lywodraeth Cymru er mwyn galluogi addasu'r grant cynnal ardrethi, pryd mae cynghorau'n dal cronfeydd wrth gefn y gellir eu defnyddio uwchben trothwy penodol. Byddai'r arian sy'n cael ei addasu o'r grant cynnal ardrethi dros y trothwy yn cael ei ailddosbarthu er mwyn creu cyllid gwaelodol ar draws y sector er mwyn galluogi pob cyngor i gadw lefelau treth y cyngor ar y lefelau presennol. Rydym yn gweld rhai awdurdodau sydd â chronfeydd wrth gefn y gellir eu defnyddio o £270 miliwn. Mae hynny'n annerbyniol. Rwy'n hapus i gymryd ymyriad nawr.
I was going to say it's based upon the standard spending assessment, the rates support grant, taking into account the ability of councils to raise money. Would you have to also change the standard spending assessment in order to change the rates support grant?
Roeddwn i'n mynd i ddweud ei fod wedi'i seilio ar yr asesiad gwariant safonol, y grant cynnal ardrethi, gan ystyried gallu cynghorau i godi arian. A fyddai'n rhaid i chi hefyd newid yr asesiad gwariant safonol er mwyn newid y grant cynnal ardrethi?
What I'm suggesting here is something not dissimilar to what we would do if we were leading councils and we found our schools accruing huge balances and not using those for the purpose they were created for, that resource to help educate our young children. This is purely suggesting that where a council holds significant reserves above a threshold, a small adjustment of £150,000 per £1 million over that threshold would be held back in the RSG and distributed out as a funding floor to allow all authorities to be able to save people from paying the excessive council tax that once again is being proposed.
In summary, Llywydd, I recognise that the Welsh Government, like all Governments, is facing substantial challenges in the immediate term, but today we have brought the Welsh Conservative action plan forward, which will help to address some of the immediate problems our people and businesses face, and to deliver more resilient communities and public services, using existing resources, because we need to double down on our efforts to tackle the most pressing issues that we are currently facing and deliver a better tomorrow for the people of today.
Yr hyn rwy'n ei awgrymu yn y fan yma yw rhywbeth nad yw'n annhebyg i'r hyn y byddem yn ei wneud pe byddem yn arwain cynghorau a gweld ein hysgolion yn cronni balansau enfawr gan beidio â defnyddio'r rheini i'r diben y cawsant eu creu ar ei gyfer, yr adnodd hwnnw i helpu i addysgu ein plant ifanc. Awgrym yn unig yw hwn, pan fo cyngor yn dal cronfeydd wrth gefn sylweddol uwchben trothwy, byddai addasiad bach o £150,000 am bob £1 miliwn dros y trothwy hwnnw yn cael ei ddal yn ôl yn y grant cynnal ardrethi a'i ddosbarthu fel cyllid gwaelodol i ganiatáu i bob awdurdod arbed pobl rhag talu'r dreth gyngor ormodol sydd unwaith eto'n cael ei chynnig.
I grynhoi, Llywydd, rwy'n cydnabod bod Llywodraeth Cymru, fel pob Llywodraeth, yn wynebu heriau sylweddol yn y tymor agos, ond heddiw rydym wedi cyflwyno cynllun gweithredu'r Ceidwadwyr Cymreig, a fydd yn helpu i fynd i'r afael â rhai o'r problemau uniongyrchol y mae ein pobl a'n busnesau yn eu hwynebu, ac i gyflawni cymunedau a gwasanaethau cyhoeddus mwy cydnerth, gan ddefnyddio'r adnoddau presennol, oherwydd mae angen i ni ddyblu ein hymdrechion i fynd i'r afael â'r materion mwyaf dybryd yr ydym yn eu hwynebu ar hyn o bryd a chyflawni yfory gwell i bobl heddiw.
Gwelliant 2 nawr, i'w gynnig gan Adam Price.
Amendment 2 now, to be moved by Adam Price.
Gwelliant 2—Siân Gwenllian
Ychwanegu pwynt newydd ar ddiwedd y cynnig:
Yn galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i gynyddu'r gyfradd dreth sylfaenol gan 1 geiniog, y gyfradd dreth uwch gan 2 geiniog, a'r gyfradd dreth ychwanegol gan 3 ceiniog er mwyn cynyddu'r gyllideb sydd ar gael i fynd i'r afael â'r argyfwng iechyd a gofal a rhoi help ariannol i bobl sydd â'r anghenion mwyaf.
Amendment 2—Siân Gwenllian
Add as new point at end of motion:
Calls on Welsh Government to increase the basic rate of tax by 1 pence, the higher rate of tax by 2 pence, and the additional rate of tax by 3 pence for the purpose of increasing the budget available to deal with the health and care crisis and provide financial help for people in the greatest need.
Cynigiwyd gwelliant 2.
Amendment 2 moved.
Diolch, Llywydd. There can be no doubt that the Welsh Government lacks the money it needs to do what is necessary to build the kind of decent society that we want to see. That is more true now than it has ever been, I think. Ultimately, that lack of money stems from our lack of power. We lack the powers necessary to grow our economy in Wales, which is one absolutely critical way by which we can generate the revenue necessary to create that kind of society. We also lack the financial powers to control our own fiscal policy—the borrowing powers, the tax-varying powers—to enable us to raise the resources we need, and to do so fairly. Our debate tomorrow, for example, is about giving Wales the power to set the income tax bands and thresholds so we can have the flexibility that Scotland currently enjoys. Our solution to this dilemma, of course, ultimately, and as soon as we can, is to become an independent nation, so we have all of the tools and levers available to us to create that society we want to see. But that is not currently our position.
Diolch, Llywydd. Does dim dwywaith nad oes gan Lywodraeth Cymru yr arian sydd ei angen arni i wneud yr hyn sy'n angenrheidiol i adeiladu'r math o gymdeithas deg yr ydym eisiau ei gweld. Mae hynny'n fwy gwir nawr nag y bu erioed, rwy'n credu. Yn y pen draw, mae'r diffyg arian hwnnw'n deillio o'n diffyg pŵer ni. Nid oes gennym y pwerau sydd eu hangen i dyfu ein heconomi yng Nghymru, sy'n ffordd gwbl hanfodol i gynhyrchu'r refeniw sy'n angenrheidiol i greu'r math yna o gymdeithas. Nid oes gennym chwaith y pwerau ariannol i reoli ein polisi cyllidol ein hunain—y pwerau benthyca, y pwerau amrywio trethi—i'n galluogi ni i godi'r adnoddau sydd eu hangen arnom, ac i wneud hynny'n deg. Mae ein dadl yfory, er enghraifft, yn ymwneud â rhoi'r grym i Gymru bennu'r bandiau treth incwm a'r trothwyon er mwyn i ni gael yr hyblygrwydd y mae'r Alban yn ei fwynhau ar hyn o bryd. Ein datrysiad i'r dilema hwn, wrth gwrs, yn y pen draw, a chyn gynted ag y gallwn ni, yw dod yn genedl annibynnol, fel bod gennym ni yr holl offer a'r ysgogiadau sydd ar gael i ni i greu'r gymdeithas honno yr ydym eisiau ei gweld. Ond nid dyna ein safbwynt ni ar hyn o bryd.
Will you take an intervention?
A wnewch chi gymryd ymyriad?
Yes, certainly.
Gwnaf, yn siŵr.
Given the uncertainty around that last statement about independence, isn't that one of the greatest risks you could take with the economy?
O ystyried yr ansicrwydd ynghylch y datganiad diwethaf yna am annibyniaeth, onid yw hynny'n un o'r risgiau mwyaf y gallech chi ei gymryd gyda'r economi?
We totally disagree. We urge you to read the report by Melin Drafod, which was drafted by members of the Labour Party, as well as members of Plaid Cymru and people of no party, and came to the conclusion that there is no fiscal impediment to Wales actually becoming an independent nation, and that there are huge advantages in terms of the kind of fair and prosperous society that we want to see. But that is not what we're debating today, Llywydd.
Currently, our position is this: the choice we face is whether to use the powers that we do have, or simply accept the financial envelope essentially passed to us from Westminster. The problem with the latter course is that, to all intents and purposes, we face either the worst-case scenario—austerity mark 2 under the current Conservative administration—or, at best, with a change of Government, a flatlining of public expenditure. Coming after a decade and more of austerity, when our public services are crying out for investment, Sir Keir Starmer has said, hasn't he, recently, that, apart from the admittedly ambitious capital commitments in terms of investment in the green economy, there will be no new money—not my words, his words—and that people need to think of Labour's agenda as that of a decade, because there will be no substantial additional investment in the first five years. That's a more conservative pitch even than New Labour in 1997, which promised to stick to the Tory spending plans for the first two years. Essentially, it's five years of no additional substantial money.
Labour and the Conservatives at Westminster are closer than they admit on the main fiscal challenge that we face; they just involve different kinds of wishful thinking. The Tories pretend that it's possible to cut taxes while maintaining the 'quality' of public services—I'm putting that in inverted commas. Labour says it can improve public services without spending or taxing more. Neither party is prepared to tell the difficult truth that even with reform—necessary reform—and innovation in our public services, the health and care required by a rapidly ageing population requires investment. We've had a social care system chronically underfunded, and it's been in crisis for a generation. We've managed somehow with a gradually deteriorating healthcare system up until recently. The NHS was fragile and getting worse—winter crises becoming the norm, the rise in life expectancy stalling, avoidable deaths rising, health inequalities worsening. The NHS at its core, though struggling, still was largely able to take the strain, largely because of the heroic efforts of the workforce. But the combination of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, plus 12 years of austerity, means that the entire health and care system now is buckling, and unless we do something radical, it is going to collapse. That's the stark truth.
That's the deep truth at the heart of the current pay dispute, which isn't just about pay, or even mostly about pay, if you speak to the people on the picket lines; it's about a healthcare system that is brittle and a workforce in health and care that is exhausted and is at breaking point. Twelve years of austerity have meant declining real wages for the workforce and rising illness for the patients, and now it's the NHS itself that is chronically sick. With that rapidly ageing and ailing population, with a decade of underinvestment in technology, and now ballooning waiting lists, and a workforce that feels desperately undervalued, we have created our own crisis. It was there to be seen, wasn't it? We all know this. It was there starkly in the pandemic in the lack of capacity in the NHS, the shortage of beds, the shortage of equipment, the shortage of workers that led us to scrambling to make up for these deficiencies, that surely contributed to the higher death rates that we saw here than many of our European neighbours.
Difficult as it is, we believe now is the time, Minister, to be honest with the people. Money alone, we know, is not the answer, but without it, there is no way out of this crisis. The people that will end up paying the highest price will be precisely those on the lowest incomes—it is they that are always most dependent on the quality of our public services. Look at all the evidence the Welsh Government actually produces in terms of health inequalities. Cuts in health and care affect those on lower incomes more than anyone else; they can't escape their dependency on public service, they can't go private. They will pay if we do not act now. They will pay not in money, but with shorter lives and with more painful lives. That is the stark reality, and we must invest for them.
Rydym yn anghytuno'n llwyr. Rydyn ni'n eich annog i ddarllen adroddiad Melin Drafod, a gafodd ei ddrafftio gan aelodau o'r Blaid Lafur, yn ogystal ag aelodau o Blaid Cymru a phobl nad oedden nhw o unrhyw blaid, a ddaeth i'r casgliad nad oes unrhyw rwystr cyllidol i Gymru rhag dod yn genedl annibynnol mewn gwirionedd, a bod manteision enfawr o ran y math o gymdeithas deg a ffyniannus yr ydym eisiau ei gweld. Ond nid dyna yr ydym yn ei drafod heddiw, Llywydd.
Ar hyn o bryd, ein safbwynt ni yw hyn: y dewis yr ydym yn ei wynebu yw a ddylid defnyddio'r pwerau sydd gennym, neu dim ond derbyn yr amlen ariannol a basiwyd i ni o San Steffan yn y bôn. Y broblem gyda'r llwybr olaf yw, i bob pwrpas, ein bod ni'n wynebu naill ai'r senario gwaethaf—cyni rhif 2 o dan y weinyddiaeth Geidwadol bresennol—neu, ar y gorau, gyda newid Llywodraeth, gwariant cyhoeddus gwastad. Ar ôl degawd a mwy o gyni, pan fo ein gwasanaethau cyhoeddus yn crefu am fuddsoddiad, mae Syr Keir Starmer wedi dweud, onid yw e, yn ddiweddar, ar wahân i'r ymrwymiadau cyfalaf uchelgeisiol, rhaid cyfaddef, o ran buddsoddiad yn yr economi werdd, ni fydd arian newydd—nid fy ngeiriau i, ei eiriau ef—a bod angen i bobl feddwl am agenda Llafur fel un degawd, oherwydd ni fydd buddsoddiad ychwanegol sylweddol yn y pum mlynedd gyntaf. Mae hwnnw'n ogwydd mwy ceidwadol hyd yn oed na Llafur Newydd ym 1997, a oedd yn addo cadw at gynlluniau gwario'r Torïaid am y ddwy flynedd gyntaf. Yn y bôn, mae'n bum mlynedd o ddim arian sylweddol ychwanegol.
Mae Llafur a'r Ceidwadwyr yn San Steffan yn agosach nag y maen nhw'n cyfaddef o ran y brif her ariannol yr ydym yn ei hwynebu; maen nhw'n cynnwys gwahanol fathau o obaith ofer. Mae'r Torïaid yn esgus ei bod hi'n bosib torri trethi, ac ar yr un pryd, cynnal 'ansawdd' gwasanaethau cyhoeddus—rwy'n rhoi hwnnw mewn dyfynodau. Mae Llafur yn dweud y gall wella gwasanaethau cyhoeddus heb wario na threthu yn fwy. Nid yw'r naill blaid na'r llall yn barod i ddweud y gwir anodd, hyd yn oed gyda diwygiad—diwygiad angenrheidiol—ac arloesedd yn ein gwasanaethau cyhoeddus, mae'r iechyd a'r gofal sydd ei angen ar boblogaeth sy'n heneiddio'n gyflym yn gofyn am fuddsoddiad. Rydym wedi cael system gofal cymdeithasol sydd wedi'i thanariannu'n ofnadwy, ac mae wedi bod mewn argyfwng ers cenhedlaeth. Rydym wedi llwyddo rywsut gyda system gofal iechyd sy'n dirywio'n raddol hyd at yn ddiweddar. Roedd y GIG yn fregus ac yn gwaethygu—argyfyngau'r gaeaf yn dod yn rhywbeth arferol, y cynnydd mewn disgwyliad oes yn arafu, marwolaethau y gellir eu hosgoi yn codi, anghydraddoldebau iechyd yn gwaethygu. Roedd y GIG yn ei hanfod, er ei fod yn ei chael hi'n anodd, yn dal i allu cymryd y straen i raddau helaeth, yn bennaf oherwydd ymdrechion arwrol y gweithlu. Ond mae'r cyfuniad o'r pandemig a'r argyfwng costau byw, ynghyd â 12 mlynedd o gyni, yn golygu bod y system iechyd a gofal gyfan nawr yn gwegian, ac oni bai ein bod yn gwneud rhywbeth radical, mae'n mynd i chwalu. Dyna'r gwir plaen.
Dyna'r gwir plaen sydd wrth wraidd yr anghydfod cyflog presennol, nad yw'n ymwneud â chyflog yn unig, neu hyd yn oed â chyflog yn bennaf, os siaradwch chi â'r bobl ar y llinellau piced; mae'n ymwneud â system gofal iechyd sy'n fregus a gweithlu ym maes iechyd a gofal sydd wedi blino'n lân ac sydd ar dorri. Mae 12 mlynedd o gyni wedi golygu gostwng cyflogau real i'r gweithlu a salwch cynyddol i'r cleifion, ac erbyn hyn y GIG ei hun sydd â salwch cronig. Gyda'r boblogaeth sy'n heneiddio ac yn clafychu'n gyflym, gyda degawd o danfuddsoddi mewn technoleg, a bellach rhestrau aros yn chwyddo, a gweithlu sy'n teimlo nad yw'n cael ei werthfawrogi, rydym wedi creu ein hargyfwng ein hunain. Roedd yno i'w weld, onid oedd? Rydyn ni i gyd yn gwybod hyn. Roedd yno'n amlwg yn y pandemig o ran diffyg capasiti yn y GIG, y prinder gwelyau, y prinder offer, y prinder gweithwyr a'n harweiniodd i sgrialu i wneud yn iawn am y diffygion hyn, sy'n sicr wedi cyfrannu at y cyfraddau marwolaeth uwch a welsom yma o'u cymharu â'n cymdogion Ewropeaidd.
Er mor anodd, credwn mai nawr yw'r amser, Gweinidog, i fod yn onest gyda'r bobl. Nid arian yn unig, fe wyddom, yw'r ateb, ond hebddo, nid oes unrhyw ffordd allan o'r argyfwng hwn. Y bobl a fydd yn talu'r pris uchaf yn y pen draw fydd yr union rai ar yr incwm isaf—nhw sydd bob amser yn fwyaf dibynnol ar ansawdd ein gwasanaethau cyhoeddus. Edrychwch ar yr holl dystiolaeth y mae Llywodraeth Cymru mewn gwirionedd yn ei chynhyrchu yn nhermau anghydraddoldebau iechyd. Mae toriadau ym maes iechyd a gofal yn effeithio ar y rhai sydd ar incwm is yn fwy na neb arall; dydyn nhw ddim yn gallu dianc rhag eu dibyniaeth ar wasanaeth cyhoeddus, dydyn nhw ddim yn gallu mynd yn breifat. Byddan nhw'n talu os na fyddwn ni'n gweithredu nawr. Byddan nhw'n talu, nid gydag arian, ond gyda bywydau byrrach a gyda bywydau mwy poenus. Dyna'r realiti plaen, ac mae'n rhaid i ni fuddsoddi ar eu cyfer nhw.
I'm struggling to understand your ideation around this, really, because last week I saw in the press that Plaid Cymru want to raise taxes across Wales. How will that help the lowest paid people in the country?
Rwy'n cael trafferth deall eich syniadaeth chi ynghylch hyn, mewn gwirionedd, oherwydd yr wythnos diwethaf gwelais yn y wasg fod Plaid Cymru eisiau codi trethi ledled Cymru. Sut bydd hynny'n helpu'r bobl sy'n derbyn y cyflogau isaf yn y wlad?
I've just precisely explained to you. It's actually those on the lower incomes that stand to suffer most from the cuts in public services right across the piece, and that's true in health as well. So, if we don't invest, it is those people on the lower incomes that will suffer falling life expectancy, shorter lives, more painful lives. That's why we have to do it.
That is why we are making this proposal that, yes, includes an increase in the basic rate as well. We wish we had the powers they have in Scotland, so that we could have a starter rate, which would be lower, we could have intermediate rates, and that's what we're focusing on tomorrow. But we have to work within the constraints that we're under. But even then, if the Government disagrees with us, then, as the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales said, at least use the additional or the higher rate, as I said earlier. Raising it to the level of Scotland would actually raise £72 million next year, £76 million the year after. That would at least allow you to raise care worker rates to £12 an hour, which would make a significant impact upon the crisis of vacancies in that sector. I hear this phrase, 'the highest tax rates for 70 years'. It's strange to hear the talking points of the TaxPayers' Alliance on the lips of Labour Ministers. But I think, actually, in the history books, and doing the maths, 70 years ago was the Clement Attlee Labour Government—was that a terrible time in terms of what we were able to do, coming out of the second world war and the huge burden that we were dealing with? Just as we were deciding in the pandemic would we—[Interruption.] No, I won't take an intervention; I've taken one from you already.
We decided, didn't we, out of the pandemic, that we were going to build a better society, we were going to build back better, and we seem to have forgotten all that. We've forgotten all the clapping that we did to recognise the key workers. And when we look across the world, we have a lower rate of tax than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average, and yet we keep on telling people that you can get Scandinavian-level quality of public services and expect to pay an American level of taxation. We have to be honest with the people, we have to do it now, and we have to do it urgently, because there are no cost-free options here, Minister, and if we continue along the path that we're on, then I fear, quite frankly, for the future of our nation.
Rwyf newydd egluro'n union i chi. Mewn gwirionedd, y rhai sydd ar yr incwm is sy'n mynd i ddioddef fwyaf o'r toriadau mewn gwasanaethau cyhoeddus ar draws y meysydd, ac mae hynny'n wir ym maes iechyd hefyd. Felly, os nad ydyn ni'n buddsoddi, y bobl hynny ar yr incwm is fydd yn dioddef disgwyliad oes yn gostwng, bywydau byrrach, bywydau mwy poenus. Dyna pam mae'n rhaid i ni ei wneud e.
Dyna pam rydyn ni'n gwneud y cynnig hwn sydd, ydi, yn cynnwys cynnydd yn y gyfradd sylfaenol hefyd. Fe fyddem yn dymuno bod â'r pwerau sydd ganddyn nhw yn yr Alban, fel y gallem gael cyfradd gychwynnol, a fyddai'n is, gallem gael cyfraddau canolradd, a dyna beth rydyn ni'n canolbwyntio arno yfory. Ond mae'n rhaid i ni weithio o fewn y cyfyngiadau sydd arnom ni. Ond hyd yn oed wedyn, os yw'r Llywodraeth yn anghytuno â ni, yna, fel y dywedodd Comisiynydd Cenedlaethau'r Dyfodol Cymru, o leiaf defnyddiwch y gyfradd ychwanegol neu'r gyfradd uwch, fel y dywedais i'n gynharach. Byddai ei godi i lefel yr Alban mewn gwirionedd yn codi £72 miliwn y flwyddyn nesaf, £76 miliwn y flwyddyn ganlynol. Byddai hynny o leiaf yn caniatáu i chi godi cyfraddau gweithwyr gofal i £12 yr awr, a fyddai'n cael effaith sylweddol ar argyfwng swyddi gwag yn y sector hwnnw. Rwy'n clywed yr ymadrodd hwn, 'y cyfraddau treth uchaf ers 70 mlynedd'. Mae'n rhyfedd clywed geiriau Cynghrair y Trethdalwyr ar wefusau Gweinidogion Llafur. Ond rwy'n credu, mewn gwirionedd, yn y llyfrau hanes, ac wrth wneud y fathemateg, 70 mlynedd yn ôl roedd hi'n Lywodraeth Lafur Clement Attlee—oedd hynny'n gyfnod ofnadwy o ran yr hyn roedden ni'n gallu ei wneud, gan ddod allan o'r ail ryfel byd a'r baich enfawr yr oeddem yn ymdrin ag ef? Yn union fel roedden ni'n penderfynu yn y pandemig a fydden ni—[Torri ar draws.] Na, dydw i ddim yn cymryd ymyriad; rwyf wedi cymryd un oddi wrthoch chi'n barod.
Fe benderfynon ni, oni wnaethon ni, allan o'r pandemig, ein bod ni'n mynd i adeiladu cymdeithas well, roedden ni'n mynd i adeiladu'n ôl yn well, ac mae'n ymddangos ein bod ni wedi anghofio hynny i gyd. Rydym wedi anghofio'r holl glapio a wnaethom i gydnabod y gweithwyr allweddol. A phan edrychwn ar draws y byd, mae gennym gyfradd is o dreth na chyfartaledd y Sefydliad ar gyfer Cydweithrediad a Datblygiad Economaidd, ac eto rydym yn parhau i ddweud wrth bobl y gallwch gael ansawdd lefel Sgandinafaidd o wasanaethau cyhoeddus a disgwyl talu lefel Americanaidd o drethiant. Mae'n rhaid i ni fod yn onest â'r bobl, mae'n rhaid i ni ei wneud nawr, ac mae'n rhaid i ni ei wneud ar frys, oherwydd does dim opsiynau di-gost yma, Gweinidog, ac os ydyn ni'n parhau ar hyd y llwybr yr ydyn ni arno, yna rwy'n poeni, a dweud y gwir, ynghylch dyfodol ein cenedl.
I will be speaking in my capacity as Chair of the Local Government and Housing Committee. I would like to thank the Welsh Local Government Association, the Minister for Finance and Local Government and the Minister for Climate Change for attending the committee's evidence sessions.
As a committee, Llywydd, we acknowledged that setting a draft budget in the face of extreme economic pressures is a difficult challenge for the Welsh Government. We welcomed the increase in funding for all local authorities, and in particular that the overall increase is higher than the indicative figures provided last year. But despite this, of course, the increases are lower than the rate of inflation, and we are concerned that inflationary pressures mean local authorities will still be facing difficult decisions that could impact on service delivery.
Local government told us of an overspend of £200 million across Welsh authorities in the current financial year, which will have to be recovered from reserves, and that's despite the increase in funding provided at the start of the year. Relying on reserves to cover overspend is not sustainable, of course, and local authorities told us they are already fearful of the resources available for future years. We believe it is crucial that the Welsh Government and local government prepare now for sustained pressures on local authority budgets in order to mitigate further cuts to already-stretched services. We have therefore recommended that the Welsh Government outlines how it is working with local government to prepare for sustained pressure in future years.
We have a particular concern around the capital funding for local authorities. We welcome the increase in general capital funding, but are mindful again that inflationary pressures mean that authorities won't be able to do as much with that funding. Local authorities told us that, once more this year, highway maintenance is still a pressure for most councils. It is therefore disappointing that there is no specific highways capital funding in situ. Before finalising the budget for the next financial year, we would like the Welsh Government to look again at the overall allocations for the local transport fund and ensure there is sufficient capital funding for local authorities to adequately maintain the highway and roads network.
Another recurring concern relayed to us by local government was the continued challenge to recruit and retain staff to work in the social care sector. The chair of the Health and Social Care Committee will speak, I know, of their concerns on this issue. We support that committee's recommendation that the Welsh Government should commit to providing six-monthly updates on the work of the social care fair work forum.
Llywydd, we were concerned that the funding allocated to the Gypsy and Traveller sites capital grant is lower than in previous years, particularly as during our inquiry into the provision of sites we heard and saw that some local authority sites are in urgent need of maintenance or refurbishment. But, as a committee, we were even more concerned to learn that there has been no spend from the capital grant during this financial year and none is forecast to occur before the end of March. We believe this is a stark illustration of why we decided to undertake our work on the provision of sites for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in the first place and shines a light on the extent of the problems in delivering sufficient and suitable accommodation for these communities. It does seem to be too low a priority for the Welsh Government and local authorities, and this has to change. We have made a joint recommendation with the Equality and Social Justice Committee and recommended the Welsh Government should urgently set out the reasons for the lack of progress on the use of the Gypsy and Traveller site capital grant and how it plans to work with local authorities to ensure take up of this important fund. It should also clarify what will happen to the underspend from last year's budget.
Homelessness and related support services is another area of concern for us in this draft budget. There is an unprecedented number of people currently in temporary accommodation in Wales, and this, of course, puts severe resourcing pressure on support services. An additional revenue funding of £10 million has been allocated for homelessness prevention, but we are concerned that this is not enough to deal with current challenges. The housing support grant allocation remains at £166.8 million in cash terms. This is a real-terms reduction. Services funded by this grant are critical to the prevention and alleviation of homelessness. We are therefore worried about the impact that this cut will have on these services at a time when we are relying on them more than ever. It's also worrying that front-line staff, who are working incredibly hard, are struggling to make ends meet.
We appreciate the challenge facing the Minister for Climate Change in setting the draft budget, but we recommend that the Welsh Government must make it a priority to provide additional funding for the housing support grant ahead of the final budget. It's a key area of preventative spend. We are also concerned with the number of people in temporary accommodation and the 22,000 long-term empty properties in Wales, and we believe that they must again be given more priority. And, of course, the 20,000 additional homes, Llywydd, even though these will not be all new builds, we are very concerned that it is going to be difficult to reach this target, given the cost of materials and issues with the supply chain and workforce.
Decarbonisation is the final area of the committee's concern, Llywydd. But we are very supportive of the Minister's decision not to roll back on housing standards as a cost-saving measure. We are facing a climate crisis, and that is the right decision. Diolch yn fawr.
Rwyf am siarad yn rhinwedd fy swydd fel Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Llywodraeth Leol a Thai. Hoffwn ddiolch i Gymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru, y Gweinidog Cyllid a Llywodraeth Leol a'r Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd am ddod i sesiynau tystiolaeth y pwyllgor.
Fel pwyllgor, Llywydd, gwnaethom gydnabod bod gosod cyllideb ddrafft yn wyneb pwysau economaidd eithafol yn her anodd i Lywodraeth Cymru. Roeddem yn croesawu'r cynnydd mewn cyllid i bob awdurdod lleol, ac yn arbennig bod y cynnydd cyffredinol yn uwch na'r ffigurau dangosol a ddarparwyd y llynedd. Ond er gwaethaf hyn, wrth gwrs, mae'r cynnydd yn is na chyfradd chwyddiant, ac rydym yn pryderu fod pwysau chwyddiant yn golygu y bydd awdurdodau lleol yn dal i wynebu penderfyniadau anodd a allai effeithio ar ddarparu gwasanaethau.
Dywedodd llywodraeth leol wrthym am orwariant o £200 miliwn ar draws awdurdodau Cymru yn y flwyddyn ariannol bresennol, y bydd yn rhaid ei adfer o gronfeydd wrth gefn, a hynny er gwaethaf y cynnydd mewn cyllid a ddarparwyd ar ddechrau'r flwyddyn. Nid yw dibynnu ar gronfeydd wrth gefn i dalu am orwario yn gynaliadwy, wrth gwrs, a dywedodd awdurdodau lleol wrthym eu bod eisoes yn poeni am adnoddau sydd ar gael ar gyfer y blynyddoedd i ddod. Credwn ei bod yn hanfodol bod Llywodraeth Cymru a llywodraeth leol yn paratoi nawr ar gyfer pwysau parhaus ar gyllidebau awdurdodau lleol er mwyn lleihau mwy o doriadau i wasanaethau sydd eisoes dan bwysau. Rydym felly wedi argymell bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn amlinellu sut mae'n gweithio gyda llywodraeth leol i baratoi ar gyfer pwysau parhaus yn ystod y blynyddoedd i ddod.
Mae gennym bryder penodol ynghylch yr arian cyfalaf i awdurdodau lleol. Rydym yn croesawu'r cynnydd mewn cyllid cyfalaf cyffredinol, ond rydym yn ymwybodol eto bod pwysau chwyddiant yn golygu na fydd awdurdodau'n gallu gwneud cymaint â'r cyllid hwnnw. Yn ôl yr awdurdodau lleol, unwaith yn rhagor eleni, mae cynnal a chadw priffyrdd yn dal i fod yn bwysau i'r rhan fwyaf o gynghorau. Mae'n siomedig felly nad oes arian cyfalaf priffyrdd penodol yn ei le. Cyn cwblhau'r gyllideb ar gyfer y flwyddyn ariannol nesaf, hoffem i Lywodraeth Cymru edrych eto ar y dyraniadau cyffredinol ar gyfer y gronfa trafnidiaeth leol a sicrhau bod digon o arian cyfalaf i awdurdodau lleol gynnal a chadw'r rhwydwaith priffyrdd a ffyrdd yn ddigonol.
Pryder arall cyson a basiwyd ymlaen i ni gan lywodraeth leol oedd yr her barhaus i recriwtio a chadw staff i weithio yn y sector gofal cymdeithasol. Bydd cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol yn siarad, fe wn, am eu pryderon ynglŷn â'r mater hwn. Rydym yn cefnogi argymhelliad y pwyllgor hwnnw y dylai Llywodraeth Cymru ymrwymo i ddarparu diweddariadau chwe mis ar waith y fforwm gwaith teg gofal cymdeithasol.
Llywydd, roeddem yn pryderu bod yr arian a ddyrannwyd i'r grant cyfalaf ar gyfer safleoedd Sipsiwn a Theithwyr yn is nag mewn blynyddoedd blaenorol, yn enwedig oherwydd yn ystod ein hymchwiliad i ddarparu safleoedd, fe glywsom a gwelsom fod angen cynnal ac adnewyddu rhai safleoedd awdurdod lleol ar frys. Ond, fel pwyllgor, roeddem hyd yn oed yn fwy pryderus o ddysgu na fu unrhyw wariant o'r grant cyfalaf yn ystod y flwyddyn ariannol hon ac ni ragwelir y bydd yr un ohonyn nhw'n digwydd cyn diwedd mis Mawrth. Rydym yn credu bod hwn yn ddarlun plaen o'r rheswm pam y gwnaethom benderfynu ymgymryd â'n gwaith o ddarparu safleoedd ar gyfer Sipsiwn, Roma a Theithwyr yn y lle cyntaf ac mae'n taflu goleuni ar faint y problemau wrth ddarparu llety digonol ac addas ar gyfer y cymunedau hyn. Mae'n ymddangos ei fod yn flaenoriaeth rhy isel i Lywodraeth Cymru ac awdurdodau lleol, ac mae'n rhaid i hyn newid. Rydym wedi gwneud argymhelliad ar y cyd gyda'r Pwyllgor Cydraddoldeb a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol ac rydym wedi argymell y dylai Llywodraeth Cymru nodi'r rhesymau dros ddiffyg cynnydd yn y defnydd o grant cyfalaf safle Sipsiwn a Theithwyr a sut mae'n bwriadu gweithio gydag awdurdodau lleol i sicrhau eu bod yn manteisio ar y cyllid pwysig hwn. Dylai hefyd egluro beth fydd yn digwydd i'r tanwariant o gyllideb y llynedd.
Mae digartrefedd a gwasanaethau cymorth cysylltiedig yn faes arall sy'n peri pryder i ni yn y gyllideb ddrafft hon. Mae nifer digynsail o bobl mewn llety dros dro yng Nghymru ar hyn o bryd, ac mae hyn, wrth gwrs, yn rhoi pwysau adnoddau difrifol ar wasanaethau cymorth. Mae cyllid refeniw ychwanegol o £10 miliwn wedi'i ddyrannu ar gyfer atal digartrefedd, ond rydym yn poeni nad yw hyn yn ddigon i ymdrin â'r heriau presennol. Mae'r dyraniad grant cymorth tai yn parhau i fod yn £166.8 miliwn mewn termau arian parod. Mae hyn yn ostyngiad mewn termau real. Mae gwasanaethau sy'n cael eu hariannu gan y grant hwn yn hanfodol i atal a lleddfu digartrefedd. Rydym yn pryderu felly am yr effaith y bydd y toriad hwn yn ei chael ar y gwasanaethau hyn ar adeg pan fyddwn yn dibynnu arnyn nhw yn fwy nag erioed. Mae'n destun pryder hefyd bod staff rheng flaen, sy'n gweithio'n hynod o galed, yn ei chael hi'n anodd cael dau ben llinyn ynghyd.
Rydym yn gwerthfawrogi'r her y mae'r Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd yn ei hwynebu wrth bennu'r gyllideb ddrafft, ond rydym yn argymell bod rhaid i Lywodraeth Cymru ei gwneud hi'n flaenoriaeth i ddarparu cyllid ychwanegol ar gyfer y grant cymorth tai cyn y gyllideb derfynol. Mae'n faes allweddol o wariant ataliol. Rydym hefyd yn pryderu am nifer y bobl mewn llety dros dro a'r 22,000 o eiddo gwag hirdymor yng Nghymru, ac rydym yn credu bod yn rhaid rhoi mwy o flaenoriaeth iddyn nhw unwaith eto. Ac wrth gwrs, yr 20,000 o gartrefi ychwanegol, Llywydd, er na fydd y rhain i gyd yn adeiladau newydd, rydym yn pryderu'n fawr y bydd yn anodd cyrraedd y targed hwn, o ystyried cost deunyddiau a phroblemau gyda'r gadwyn gyflenwi a'r gweithlu.
Datgarboneiddio yw maes olaf pryder y pwyllgor, Llywydd. Ond rydym yn gefnogol iawn i benderfyniad y Gweinidog i beidio â thynnu'n ôl ar safonau tai fel mesur arbed costau. Rydym yn wynebu argyfwng hinsawdd, a dyna'r penderfyniad cywir. Diolch yn fawr.
You're lucky you're in the class of '99, John Griffiths [Laughter.] I was particularly generous there. Russell George. You're not—you're not.
Rydych chi'n lwcus eich bod yn nosbarth '99, John Griffiths [Chwerthin.] Roeddwn i'n arbennig o hael yn y fan yna. Russell George. Dydych chi ddim—dydych chi ddim.
I'm in the class of 2011, Llywydd.
Thank you, Llywydd. I'm speaking in my capacity as the Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee. Now, last year, I opened my contribution to this debate by thanking everyone who worked in the health and social care sector, including volunteers and unpaid carers across Wales, for their dedication and their commitment. The winter months, as we know, are always challenging in the health and social care sector, and unfortunately, this winter is no exception at all—far from it. So, on behalf of the Health and Social Care Committee, I thank them very sincerely, once again, for all that they do.
Now, the draft budget includes more than £10 billion for health and social services, as well as, of course, the provision for social care within the local government settlement, and we, as a committee, have explored how the Welsh Government is planning to use these considerable financial levers to achieve its desired outcomes and ambitions for our health and social care. The financial context, of course, is challenging. That's got to be recognised, and constrained, of course, by high inflation and high energy costs, and the impact, of course, of the pandemic and the cost of living continues to affect staff and services. And our health and social care sectors, of course, are grappling with an increased demand, in terms of tackling the waiting times backlog and dealing with longstanding workforce issues. Inevitably, this affects the range of activities that can be delivered, and potentially the timescales of both activity and outcomes.
We welcome, as a committee, the Minister’s six priorities for health boards. That's very welcome, and if progress can be made in these key areas, it should unlock capacity and free up resources to enable progress to be made in other areas in the longer term. However, if these are priorities, by definition, other areas are not priorities, and we have some concerns that health boards may not have been given clear guidance about which areas the Minister considers as politically acceptable for them to draw back from. So, the Minister said to us in committee that she will review the health boards' integrated medium-term plans once they have been submitted to see whether she is comfortable with the decisions that they have taken. But, we all know that decisions to reduce funding or focus may be challenging or unpopular as well as necessary, and potential opportunities to draw back in some areas at a local level may only be apparent if full consideration is given to regional or national options. So, our report therefore calls on the Welsh Government to update us on discussions with health boards, including any concerns that health boards have raised, and any further guidance that Ministers have given on how health boards are expected to mitigate any resulting impact on the areas that are not amongst the six priorities.
I referred to the pressures that we've seen in health and social care this winter, and we agree with the Minister that addressing these issues relating to patient flow and delayed transfers of care are vital to unlocking the gridlock we have seen in the system. Now, part of the solution has to be resolving the long-standing social care workforce issues that we're all aware of, and we support the Government's commitment to the real living wage for social care workers—I very much support that myself—but we agree also with the Deputy Minister that it will not be enough on its own to address increasingly acute shortages. So, I know that the Minister does understand the urgency of the issues, such as improving access to sick pay, embedding domiciliary care workers in multidisciplinary teams and addressing the discrepancies in pay and conditions for social care and health service workers. But we are not yet persuaded that the social care fair work forum work is being progressed at the pace that is needed, that voluntary measures for collective bargaining or pay structures are adequate, or that there is enough clarity about how the recommendations of the national care services expert group will be progressed to deliver the Welsh Government's longer term ambitions for social care. So, to help us monitor this area, we have asked the Minister to commit to providing us with regular six-monthly updates, through our ecommendation 9.
So, I thank my colleagues on the Health and Social Care Committee and also the clerking team and the wider integrated team as well for all their support in terms of drafting our report. And, Deputy Llywydd, as a good Member of the 2011 intake, you can see that I'm dead on five minutes. [Laughter.]
Rwyf i yn nosbarth 2011, Llywydd.
Diolch, Llywydd. Rwy'n siarad yn rhinwedd fy swydd fel Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol. Nawr, y llynedd, agorais fy nghyfraniad i'r ddadl hon drwy ddiolch i bawb a weithiodd yn y sector iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol, gan gynnwys gwirfoddolwyr a gofalwyr di-dâl ledled Cymru, am eu hymroddiad a'u hymrwymiad. Mae misoedd y gaeaf, fel rydyn ni'n gwybod, bob amser yn heriol yn y sector iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol, ac yn anffodus, nid yw'r gaeaf hwn yn eithriad o gwbl—ymhell ohoni. Felly, ar ran y Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol, diolch iddyn nhw'n ddiffuant iawn, unwaith eto, am bopeth maen nhw'n ei wneud.
Nawr, mae'r gyllideb ddrafft yn cynnwys mwy na £10 biliwn ar gyfer gwasanaethau iechyd a chymdeithasol, yn ogystal â'r ddarpariaeth ar gyfer gofal cymdeithasol o fewn y setliad llywodraeth leol, wrth gwrs, ac rydyn ni, fel pwyllgor, wedi archwilio sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn bwriadu defnyddio'r ysgogiadau ariannol sylweddol hyn i gyflawni ei chanlyniadau a'i huchelgeisiau a ddymunir ar gyfer ein gofal iechyd a chymdeithasol. Mae'r cyd-destun ariannol, wrth gwrs, yn heriol. Mae'n rhaid cydnabod hynny, ac wedi ei gyfyngu, wrth gwrs, gan chwyddiant uchel a chostau ynni uchel, ac wrth gwrs mae effaith y pandemig a chostau byw yn parhau i effeithio ar staff a gwasanaethau. Ac mae ein sectorau iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol, wrth gwrs, yn ymrafael â mwy o alw, o ran mynd i'r afael â'r ôl-groniad amseroedd aros ac ymdrin â materion yn ymwneud â'r gweithlu hirsefydlog. Yn anochel, mae hyn yn effeithio ar yr ystod o weithgareddau y gellir eu darparu, ac o bosibl amserlenni gweithgaredd a chanlyniadau.
Rydym yn croesawu, fel pwyllgor, chwe blaenoriaeth y Gweinidog ar gyfer y byrddau iechyd. Mae hynny i'w groesawu'n fawr, ac os gellir gwneud cynnydd yn y meysydd allweddol hyn, dylai ddatgloi capasiti a rhyddhau adnoddau i alluogi gwneud cynnydd mewn meysydd eraill yn y tymor hirach. Fodd bynnag, os blaenoriaethau yw'r rhain, yn ôl diffiniad, nid yw meysydd eraill yn flaenoriaethau, ac mae gennym rai pryderon efallai na chafodd byrddau iechyd ganllawiau clir ynghylch pa feysydd y mae'r Gweinidog yn eu hystyried fel rhai y mae'n dderbyniol yn wleidyddol iddyn nhw dynnu'n ôl ohonyn nhw. Felly, dywedodd y Gweinidog wrthon ni mewn pwyllgor y bydd hi'n adolygu cynlluniau tymor canolig integredig y byrddau iechyd ar ôl iddyn nhw gael eu cyflwyno i weld a yw hi'n gyfforddus â'r penderfyniadau y maen nhw wedi eu gwneud. Ond, rydym i gyd yn gwybod y gallai penderfyniadau i leihau cyllid neu bwyslais fod yn heriol neu'n amhoblogaidd yn ogystal ag yn angenrheidiol, ac efallai na fydd cyfleoedd posibl i dynnu nôl mewn rhai meysydd ar lefel leol ond yn amlwg os rhoddir ystyriaeth lawn i opsiynau rhanbarthol neu genedlaethol. Felly, mae ein hadroddiad yn galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i ni am drafodaethau â byrddau iechyd, gan gynnwys unrhyw bryderon y mae byrddau iechyd wedi eu codi, ac unrhyw ganllawiau pellach y mae Gweinidogion wedi eu rhoi ynghylch y modd y mae disgwyl i fyrddau iechyd liniaru unrhyw effaith sy'n deillio o hynny ar y meysydd nad ydyn nhw ymhlith y chwe blaenoriaeth.
Cyfeiriais at y pwysau yr ydym wedi'i weld mewn iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol y gaeaf hwn, ac rydym yn cytuno â'r Gweinidog bod mynd i'r afael â'r materion hyn sy'n ymwneud â llif cleifion ac oedi cyn trosglwyddo gofal yn hanfodol i ddatgloi'r dagfa yr ydym wedi'i gweld yn y system. Nawr, mae'n rhaid i ran o'r ateb ddatrys y materion gweithlu gofal cymdeithasol hirsefydlog yr ydym i gyd yn ymwybodol ohonyn nhw, ac rydym yn cefnogi ymrwymiad y Llywodraeth i'r cyflog byw gwirioneddol i weithwyr gofal cymdeithasol—rwy'n llwyr gefnogi hynny fy hun—ond rydym yn cytuno hefyd â'r Dirprwy Weinidog na fydd yn ddigon ar ei ben ei hun i fynd i'r afael â phrinder cynyddol acíwt. Felly, rwy'n gwybod bod y Gweinidog yn deall brys y materion, megis gwella mynediad at dâl salwch, gwreiddio gweithwyr gofal cartref mewn timau amlddisgyblaethol a mynd i'r afael â'r anghysondebau mewn cyflog ac amodau i weithwyr gofal cymdeithasol a'r gwasanaeth iechyd. Ond nid ydym eto wedi ein perswadio bod gwaith y fforwm gwaith teg gofal cymdeithasol yn cael ei ddatblygu ar y cyflymder sydd ei angen, bod mesurau gwirfoddol ar gyfer cydfargeinio neu strwythurau cyflog yn ddigonol, neu fod digon o eglurder ynghylch sut y bydd argymhellion y grŵp arbenigol gwasanaethau gofal cenedlaethol yn cael eu datblygu i gyflawni uchelgeisiau tymor hirach Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer gofal cymdeithasol. Felly, er mwyn ein helpu i fonitro'r maes hwn, rydym wedi gofyn i'r Gweinidog ymrwymo i ddarparu diweddariadau chwe mis rheolaidd i ni, trwy ein hargymhelliad 9.
Felly, rwy'n diolch i fy nghyd-Aelodau ar y Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol a hefyd y tîm clercio a'r tîm integredig ehangach hefyd am eu holl gefnogaeth o ran drafftio ein hadroddiad. A, Dirprwy Lywydd, a minnau'n aelod da o garfan 2011, fe welwch fy mod wedi cymryd pum munud ar ei ben. [Chwerthin.]
Okay. Delyth Jewell.
Ocê. Delyth Jewell.
Diolch, Llywydd. Rwy'n hapus i gyfrannu ar ran y Pwyllgor Diwylliant, Cyfathrebu, y Gymraeg, Chwaraeon, a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol, a diolch i’r tîm clercio ac i’r Aelodau a phawb sydd wedi rhoi gwybodaeth inni sydd wedi bwydo i mewn i’n hargymhellion ni.
Yn ein hadroddiad ar y gyllideb ddrafft, ein prif neges yn llythrennol yw: diwedd y gân yw’r geiniog. Yn anffodus, mae gennym gryn bryder y bydd y setliad ariannol presennol un ai yn cyfyngu, neu’n waeth, yn dod i derfyn â sawl gwasanaeth pwysig y mae nifer o bobl yng Nghymru yn ddibynnol arnynt. Yn dilyn ein hadroddiad effaith costau cynyddol yn Tachwedd y llynedd, mae’n amlwg i ni fel pwyllgor bod yna fwy sydd angen ei wneud. Mae angen cymorth ychwanegol ar ein sectorau diwylliant a chwaraeon i ymdopi â’r argyfwng costau byw. Maent yn dal i wynebu effeithiau'r pandemig o ran cyfranogiad ac hefyd o ran eu hiechyd ariannol, ac felly, nid ydynt mewn sefyllfa i oroesi'r storm rydym ni i gyd yn ei hwynebu ar hyn o bryd.
Dywedodd y llyfrgell genedlaethol wrthym y byddai gostyngiad parhaus mewn cyllid cyfalaf yn peri risg parhaus i’n trysorau cenedlaethol, tra gwnaeth y cyngor celfyddydau ddweud y byddant yn croesawu’n frwd unrhyw arian ychwanegol y gellir ei roi i'r sector. Ar yr un adeg, mae un o'r deisebau mwyaf poblogaidd ar wefan y Senedd yn galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i gefnogi pyllau nofio drwy ddarparu pecyn o gymorth ariannol wedi’i neilltuo y tu hwnt i’r setliad terfynol ar gyfer llywodraeth leol i sicrhau bod pyllau nofio’n gallu aros ar agor.
Cafodd Llywodraeth Cymru ganmoliaeth haeddiannol am fuddsoddi dros £140 miliwn yn y sectorau hyn i sicrhau eu bod yn goroesi yn ystod y pandemig. Yn anffodus, rydym ni o’r farn nad yw’r cymorth pellach sydd wedi ei amlinellu ar gyfer eleni a’r flwyddyn ariannol nesaf yn ddigonol, ac yn anffodus, dyw ein pryderon ddim yn stopio gyda’r sectorau diwylliant a chwaraeon. Rydyn ni i gyd yn ymwybodol o sefyllfa fregus y Gymraeg yn dilyn cyhoeddi canlyniadau siomedig y cyfrifiad cyn y Nadolig. Rydyn ni'n bryderus am effaith sylweddol chwyddiant ar allu darparwyr gweithgarwch cymunedol cyfrwng Cymraeg i barhau gyda lefelau presennol gwasanaethau. O ystyried sefyllfa fregus y Gymraeg, ac er mwyn helpu adfer wedi’r pandemig, rydyn ni eisiau gweld Llywodraeth Cymru yn adolygu lefel y cyllid sydd ei angen er mwyn cynnal a hefyd gwella cyfleoedd ar gyfer gweithgarwch cyfrwng Cymraeg mewn cymunedau lleol ledled Cymru, o ganlyniad i gostau byw uwch. Mi fydd y pwyllgor yn edrych eto ar ganlyniadau’r cyfrifiad pan fydd mwy o ddata wedi ei gyhoeddi maes o law.
Felly, fel dywedais ar y dechrau: diwedd y gân yw’r geiniog. Rydym yn erfyn ar Lywodraeth Cymru i sicrhau mai nid dyma’r stori ar gyfer y sectorau yma trwy sicrhau cymorth pellach i roi hwb i'r sectorau hyn, a sicrhau nad yw’r buddsoddiad a wnaed yn ystod y pandemig yn cael ei wastraffu. Diolch.
I’m very pleased to contribute on behalf of the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee, and thank you to the clerking team and Members, and everyone who has given evidence and information to us who’s fed into our recommendations.
In our report on the draft budget, our main message is that it all comes down to money. Unfortunately, we are concerned that the current financial settlement will either limit, or worse, terminate several important services that a number of people in Wales are dependent on. Following our report on the impact of rising costs in November 2022, last year, it is clear to us as a committee that there is more that needs to be done. Additional support is needed by our culture and sports sectors to cope with the cost-of-living crisis. They continue to face the impacts of the pandemic in terms of participation and with regard to their financial viability, therefore they are not in a position to weather the storm that we are all currently facing.
The national library told us that the sustained reduction in capital funding would pose a lasting risk to our national treasures, whilst the arts council said that it would warmly welcome any additional funding that could be provided to the sector. At the same time, one of the most popular petitions on the Senedd’s website calls on the Welsh Government to support swimming pools by providing a package of hypothecated support beyond the final settlement for local government, to ensure that swimming pools can remain open.
The Welsh Government was deservedly praised for investing over £140 million in these sectors to ensure their survival during the pandemic. Unfortunately, we are of the view that the further support outlined for this year and the next financial year is insufficient, and unfortunately, our concerns don’t end with the culture and sports sectors. We are all aware of the fragile situation of the Welsh language following the publication of the disappointing census results before Christmas. We are concerned about the significant impact of inflation on providers of community activities through the medium of Welsh to continue with their current service levels. Bearing in mind the Welsh language’s fragile situation, and to aid recovery from the pandemic, we would wish to see the Welsh Government reviewing the level of funding needed to maintain and also improve opportunities for Welsh-medium activity in communities the length and breadth of Wales in the wake of a higher cost of living. The committee will return to the census results once more data have been published in due course.
So, as I said at the beginning of my speech, it all comes down to money. I would urge the Welsh Government to ensure that this isn’t the end of the story for these sectors by providing further support to boost these sectors and to ensure that the investment made during the pandemic is not wasted. Thank you.
I will be voting for this budget, despite having very serious concerns about it. If the Senedd was unable to set a budget, there's no shortage of members of the Westminster Government who would be only too happy to say, 'Devolution does not work. We can set the budget for them because they're incapable of doing it themselves.'
On raising income tax, as suggested by Plaid Cymru, while intellectually in favour of raising the rate of income tax on the top two bands, there are practical difficulties if we do it alone, including people registering as taxpayers in England. There are a lot of ways for high earners to avoid income tax, but the easiest and simplest is to be paid in dividends, as dividend income is taxed at a lower rate. This is, unfortunately, outside of the Senedd's control, but needs to be addressed by the next Westminster Government. Adding 1p to the basic rate would mean that basic rate taxpayers would pay an extra £5 for every £100 currently paid. This equates to, as my constituents would be able to tell you and I can tell you, a large loaf of bread, half a pound of butter and a large bottle of milk. At a time when people are facing a huge cost-of-living crisis, a tax increase that takes money out of the pockets of ordinary people is not a progressive move.
Where can the Welsh Government get extra money from? I have some suggestions. First, cap basic farm payments. This is supported by the farmers unions in Wales. This is a Brexit dividend, we are out of the common agricultural policy, so these payments are no longer needed to be paid. The average farm payment in Wales is £15,000, and I'm calling for that to be the level at which it is capped. I am unable to get a Welsh figure, but from published sources, over £100,000 is paid to many farmers in Britain, many in Britain who were not necessarily active farmers. How many farm businesses that involve current or former Senedd Members have received over £1 million since the Senedd was set up?
The second is not to give additional rate relief to large companies: fast food operators, coffee chains, hotel chains, pub chains and out-of-town shopping centres. Business rates are one of two taxes strongly disliked by businesses. You cannot avoid them, whilst corporation tax has become effectively a voluntary contribution by large businesses. Another way to save money would be to only introduce legislation that didn't cost the Welsh Government-funded public services money.
Finally, end enterprise zones. Central Cardiff and Deeside did not need the additional funding to attract investment, and the last figures I saw from the others showed very few jobs created and even fewer not from relocation. Having released this money, the priority should be poverty, housing and education. Education is the best economic development tool that we have. It is investing in our children and young people. Expenditure on schools and further and higher education brings more economic reward than any other expenditure on economic development. Why do those areas that have highly qualified individuals attract inward investment and start-up businesses? By providing skilled and highly paid employment without having to bribe companies to bring their branch factories, which are then fairly regularly closed after time runs out.
Gilestone Farm raises the further question: should the Welsh Government spend scarce resources on supporting events that do not benefit the Welsh economy, where the majority of contractors are not Welsh, or should the Welsh Government be using money at all to support tourist attractions? If people want a tourist attraction, they go to the bank, they borrow and they run it as a business. Far too often, the Welsh definition of capitalism is, 'How much money can we get out of the Welsh Government?'
Housing used to be under health in the immediate post-war period. Attlee and the 1945-51 Labour Government understood the importance of housing to health. Is it any surprise that people living in cold, damp conditions are more likely to suffer health problems? Building council housing, using transactions capital to support registered social landlords, will increase the quantity of good-quality housing for rent and improve the overall health of the people living here.
Finally, on poverty, a large number of people in Wales live in relative poverty and use food banks regularly, along with cutting back on heat and surviving on cold food. The Welsh Government has not got enough levers to deal with poverty, but there are things that can be done. As was said by Peredur Owen Griffiths earlier, increasing EMA in line with inflation would help children from the poorest families continue with education. Providing free school meals to all children whose parents are on benefits would help both health and education. And whilst not a budget matter, the Welsh Government need to continue to press for ending standing charges on days when no energy is used. This is something that even The Observer now has taken an interest in. Diolch.
Byddaf yn pleidleisio dros y gyllideb hon, er bod gen i bryderon difrifol iawn am y peth. Pe na bai'r Senedd yn gallu gosod cyllideb, does dim prinder aelodau o Lywodraeth San Steffan fyddai ond yn rhy hapus i ddweud, ‘Nid yw datganoli’n gweithio. Gallwn ni osod y gyllideb ar eu cyfer nhw oherwydd dydyn nhw ddim gallu ei wneud eu hunain.'
O ran codi treth incwm, fel yr awgrymir gan Blaid Cymru, er fy mod yn ddeallusol o blaid codi cyfradd y dreth incwm ar y ddau fand uchaf, mae yna anawsterau ymarferol os ydyn ni'n gwneud hynny ar ein pennau ein hunain, gan gynnwys pobl yn cofrestru fel trethdalwyr yn Lloegr. Mae yna lawer o ffyrdd i bobl sy'n ennill cyflogau uchel osgoi treth incwm, ond y ffordd hawsaf a symlaf yw talu mewn difidendau, gan fod incwm difidend yn cael ei drethu ar gyfradd is. Mae hyn, yn anffodus, y tu hwnt i reolaeth y Senedd, ond mae angen i'r Llywodraeth nesaf yn San Steffan fynd i'r afael â hyn. Byddai ychwanegu 1c at y gyfradd sylfaenol yn golygu y byddai'r trethdalwyr cyfradd sylfaenol yn talu £5 yn ychwanegol am bob £100 maen nhw’n ei dalu ar hyn o bryd. Fel y byddai fy etholwyr yn gallu dweud wrthych chi a gallaf i ddweud wrthych chi, mae hyn yn cyfateb i dorth fawr o fara, hanner pwys o fenyn a photel fawr o laeth. Ar adeg pan fo pobl yn wynebu argyfwng enfawr costau byw, nid yw cynnydd mewn treth sy'n tynnu arian allan o bocedi pobl gyffredin yn gam blaengar.
O ble all Llywodraeth Cymru gael arian ychwanegol? Mae gen i rai awgrymiadau. Yn gyntaf, capio taliadau fferm sylfaenol. Mae hyn yn cael ei gefnogi gan yr undebau amaethwyr yng Nghymru. Difidend Brexit yw hwn, rydyn ni allan o'r polisi amaethyddol cyffredin, felly nid oes angen talu'r taliadau hyn mwyach. Y taliad fferm cyfartalog yng Nghymru yw £15,000, ac rwy'n galw am sicrhau mai dyma yw’r lefel y mae'n cael ei chapio arni. Nid wyf yn gallu cael ffigwr a gyfer Cymru, ond o ffynonellau sydd wedi eu cyhoeddi, mae dros £100,000 yn cael ei dalu i lawer o ffermwyr ym Mhrydain, llawer ym Mhrydain nad oedd o reidrwydd yn ffermwyr gweithredol. Faint o fusnesau ffermydd sy'n cynnwys aelodau cyfredol neu gyn-Aelodau o'r Senedd sydd wedi derbyn dros £1 miliwn ers sefydlu'r Senedd?
Yr ail yw peidio â rhoi rhyddhad ardrethi ychwanegol i gwmnïau mawr: gweithredwyr bwyd cyflym, cadwyni coffi, cadwyni gwestai, cadwyni tafarndai a chanolfannau siopa y tu allan i'r dref. Mae cyfraddau busnes yn un o ddwy dreth mae busnesau’n eu casáu'n fawr. Ni allwch chi eu hosgoi, tra bod y dreth gorfforaeth wedi dod yn gyfraniad gwirfoddol i bob pwrpas gan fusnesau mawr. Ffordd arall o arbed arian fyddai cyflwyno deddfwriaeth na fyddai’n costio arian i wasanaethau cyhoeddus sy'n cael eu hariannu gan Lywodraeth Cymru.
Yn olaf, cael gwared ar barthau menter. Nid oedd angen yr arian ychwanegol ar Ganol Caerdydd a Glannau Dyfrdwy i ddenu buddsoddiad, ac roedd y ffigyrau diwethaf a welais gan y lleill yn dangos mai ychydig iawn o swyddi oedd wedi’u creu a llai fyth heb adleoli. Wedi rhyddhau'r arian yma, tlodi, tai ac addysg ddylai’r flaenoriaeth fod. Addysg yw'r offeryn datblygu economaidd gorau sydd gennym ni. Mae'n buddsoddi yn ein plant a'n pobl ifanc. Mae gwariant ar ysgolion ac addysg bellach ac addysg uwch yn dod â mwy o wobr economaidd nag unrhyw wariant arall ar ddatblygiad economaidd. Pam mae'r ardaloedd hynny sydd ag unigolion cymwys iawn yn denu busnesau o'r tu allan a busnesau newydd? Drwy ddarparu cyflogaeth fedrus a chyflogau uchel heb orfod llwgrwobrwyo cwmnïau i ddod â'u ffatrïoedd cangen, sydd wedyn ar gau yn weddol rheolaidd ar ôl i amser redeg allan.
Mae Fferm Gilestone yn codi'r cwestiwn pellach: a ddylai Llywodraeth Cymru wario adnoddau prin ar gefnogi digwyddiadau nad ydynt o fudd i economi Cymru, lle nad yw mwyafrif y contractwyr yn rhai o Gymru, neu a ddylai Llywodraeth Cymru fod yn defnyddio arian o gwbl i gefnogi atyniadau twristiaeth? Os ydy pobl eisiau atyniad i dwristiaid, maen nhw'n mynd i'r banc, maen nhw'n benthyg ac maen nhw'n ei redeg fel busnes. Yn rhy aml o lawer, y diffiniad Cymreig o gyfalafiaeth yw, 'Faint o arian allwn ni ei gael allan o Lywodraeth Cymru?'
Roedd tai yn arfer bod o dan iechyd yn y cyfnod yn syth ar ôl y rhyfel. Roedd Attlee a Llywodraeth Lafur 1945-51 yn deall pwysigrwydd tai i iechyd. Ydy hi'n syndod bod pobl sy'n byw mewn cyflyrau oer, llaith yn fwy tebygol o ddioddef problemau iechyd? Bydd adeiladu tai cyngor, gan ddefnyddio cyfalaf trafodion i gefnogi landlordiaid cymdeithasol cofrestredig, yn cynyddu maint y tai o ansawdd da i'w rhentu ac yn gwella iechyd cyffredinol y bobl sy'n byw yma.
Yn olaf, ar dlodi, mae nifer fawr o bobl yng Nghymru yn byw mewn tlodi cymharol ac yn defnyddio banciau bwyd yn rheolaidd, ynghyd â thorri nôl ar wres a goroesi ar fwyd oer. Nid oes gan Lywodraeth Cymru ddigon o bŵer i ddelio â thlodi, ond mae yna bethau y gellir eu gwneud. Fel y dywedodd Peredur Owen Griffiths yn gynharach, byddai cynyddu EMA yn unol â chwyddiant yn helpu plant o'r teuluoedd tlotaf i barhau ag addysg. Byddai darparu prydau ysgol am ddim i bob plentyn y mae eu rhieni ar fudd-daliadau yn helpu iechyd ac addysg. Ac er nad yw'n fater cyllideb, mae angen i Lywodraeth Cymru barhau i bwyso am ddod â thaliadau sefydlog i ben ar ddiwrnodau pan nad oes ynni'n cael ei ddefnyddio. Mae hyn yn rhywbeth mae hyd yn oed yr Observer bellach wedi cymryd diddordeb ynddo. Diolch.
Today's debate is a crucial one. Having heard the initial headlines from the statement back in December, I thought that Welsh Government had finally had an epiphany and come to the realisation that it’s time to properly fund and support our education system after years of neglect. Alas, as it turns out, this isn’t the case, and, in fact, things are going to get worse for our schools, our educators and our pupils.
In November last year, we saw the UK Government’s autumn statement put young people at the forefront of their agenda, with an increase of funding for education. I called for this to be matched in Wales the week after the autumn statement was announced. So, initially, I was delighted to hear that, apparently, it would be matched in Wales. However, upon further reading, it became clear, Minister, that, if the £117 million figure in the budget is falling in with the £227 million for local government, the extra £117 million isn’t being ring-fenced specifically for education and therefore cannot be counted to go towards education—it can be spent elsewhere, and not necessarily go where it’s needed desperately, on the front line of education, at a time when school budgets are stretched to the max and there are a lot of extra pressures on education in Wales.
If this wasn’t bad enough, it turns out that the draft budget for 2023-24 for education and Welsh language means a real-terms cut of £6.5 million to the budget. When you go over the detail, it becomes even more concerning, with a 6.3 per cent decrease in support grants for students. According to UK-wide data from the Sutton Trust, 27.8 per cent of students have skipped meals to save on food costs, and 16.4 per cent of students have travelled to campus less to reduce costs, which is likely to significantly impact on their educational attainment. This is even more worrying when coupled with the 24 per cent of students who believe that they are slightly, or much, less likely to finish their degree due to the costs.
We also see a 6.5 per cent decrease in the pupil development grant. The Welsh Government is reducing the only targeted funding available for low-income families. The cut is coming as the additional £100 given this year is being scrapped, despite the world being in a cost-of-living crisis. This is certainly not a budget for hard times.
We see a 3.9 per cent decrease in teacher and development support, even though, in the latest Estyn annual report, there was significant mention that there needs to be an absolute priority on the recruitment and development of staff. The budget has outlined a 2.6 per cent increase in education infrastructure, yet there are valid concerns over the extent to which this will support schools, especially with the roll-out of free school meals. Many councils are due to overspend significantly on the delivery of these reforms—far more than the first instalment of allocated funding. For example, Flintshire’s council is predicted to spend £1.8 million this financial year—more than £500,000 more than their initial allocation—Gwynedd is expected to spend £1.6 million, putting them close to a £500,000 overspend, and Newport council is set to exceed its allocated £1.3 million to ensure their delivery.
All in all, Minister, you have presented us with a budget that doesn’t just neglect Welsh education, it actively harms it, in its having a real-terms cut. This should have been a budget to start repairing the damage that you have made over 23 years in power, which has led to Wales languishing at the bottom of Programme for International Student Assessment ratings in the UK. PISA has been bad news for this Government since we joined in 2006, and we have been the UK’s poor relation in every tranche since. Every Minister, since we have joined, has had a PISA target that they always miss. The budget does nothing to stop the rot and does nothing to ensure that we're attracting the brightest and best teachers to our education system.
Let’s not forget that, in 2011, we've seen almost a 10 per cent drop in teacher numbers as they leave the profession in droves. This budget fails on all metrics, and I urge you today, Minister, to go back to the drawing board and try again, as you've failed Welsh education far too many times now. Wales deserves better. Our learners deserve better. And as Mike Hedges said, we should be investing in our children.
Mae'r ddadl heddiw yn un hollbwysig. Ar ôl clywed penawdau cychwynnol y datganiad nôl ym mis Rhagfyr, roeddwn i'n meddwl bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cael epiffani o'r diwedd a sylweddoli ei bod hi'n bryd ariannu a chefnogi ein system addysg yn iawn ar ôl blynyddoedd o esgeulustod. Yn anffodus, fel mae'n digwydd, nid yw hyn yn wir, ac, mewn gwirionedd, mae pethau'n mynd i waethygu i'n hysgolion, ein haddysgwyr a'n disgyblion.
Ym mis Tachwedd y llynedd, fe welsom ni ddatganiad Llywodraeth y DU ar gyfer yr hydref yn rhoi pobl ifanc ar flaen eu hagenda, gyda chynnydd mewn cyllid ar gyfer addysg. Fe wnes i alw am gyfateb hyn yng Nghymru yr wythnos ar ôl i ddatganiad yr hydref gael ei gyhoeddi. Felly, i ddechrau, roeddwn i wrth fy modd o glywed y byddai'n cael ei gyfateb yng Nghymru, mae'n debyg. Fodd bynnag, ar ôl darllen ymhellach, daeth yn amlwg, Gweinidog, os yw'r ffigwr o £117 miliwn yn y gyllideb yn gostwng gyda'r £227 miliwn ar gyfer llywodraeth leol, nid yw'r £117 miliwn ychwanegol yn cael ei glustnodi'n benodol ar gyfer addysg ac felly ni ellir ei gyfrif i fynd tuag at addysg—gellir ei wario mewn mannau eraill, ac nid yw o reidrwydd yn mynd lle mae ei angen yn daer, sef rheng flaen addysg, ar adeg pan fo cyllidebau ysgolion yn cael eu hymestyn i'r eithaf ac mae llawer o bwysau ychwanegol ar addysg yng Nghymru.
Os nad oedd hyn yn ddigon drwg, gwelwyd bod y gyllideb ddrafft ar gyfer addysg a'r Gymraeg yn 2023-24 yn golygu toriad mewn termau real o £6.5 miliwn i'r gyllideb. Pan fyddwch chi’n mynd dros y manylion, mae'n dod yn fwy pryderus fyth, gyda gostyngiad o 6.3 y cant mewn grantiau cymorth i fyfyrwyr. Yn ôl data ledled y DU gan Ymddiriedolaeth Sutton, mae 27.8 y cant o fyfyrwyr wedi methu prydau bwyd i arbed ar gostau bwyd, ac mae 16.4 y cant o fyfyrwyr wedi teithio llai i'r campws i leihau costau, sy'n debygol o effeithio'n sylweddol ar eu cyrhaeddiad addysgol. Mae hyn hyd yn oed yn fwy pryderus o’i gyplysu â'r 24 y cant o fyfyrwyr sy'n credu eu bod nhw ychydig, neu lawer, yn llai tebygol o orffen eu gradd oherwydd y costau.
Rydym ni hefyd yn gweld gostyngiad o 6.5 y cant yn y grant datblygu disgyblion. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n lleihau'r unig arian wedi'i dargedu sydd ar gael ar gyfer teuluoedd incwm isel. Mae'r toriad yn dod wrth i'r £100 ychwanegol sy'n cael ei roi eleni gael ei ddileu, er bod y byd mewn argyfwng costau byw. Yn sicr, nid cyllideb ar gyfer adegau caled yw hon.
Yn adroddiad blynyddol diweddaraf Estyn, gwelwn ostyngiad o 3.9 y cant mewn cymorth athrawon a datblygu, er, yn adroddiad blynyddol diweddaraf Estyn, roedd sôn sylweddol fod angen blaenoriaeth lwyr ar recriwtio a datblygu staff. Mae'r gyllideb wedi amlinellu cynnydd o 2.6 y cant mewn seilwaith addysg, ond eto mae pryderon dilys ynghylch i ba raddau y bydd hyn yn cefnogi ysgolion, yn enwedig wrth gyflwyno prydau ysgol am ddim. Bydd llawer o gynghorau yn gorwario'n sylweddol ar gyflwyno'r diwygiadau hyn—llawer mwy na'r rhandaliad cyntaf o gyllid a ddyrannwyd. Er enghraifft, rhagwelir y bydd Cyngor Sir y Fflint yn gwario £1.8 miliwn eleni—mwy na £500,000 yn fwy na'u dyraniad cychwynnol—disgwylir i Gyngor Gwynedd wario £1.6 miliwn, gan ei gwneud yn agos at orwariant o £500,000, a bydd cyngor Casnewydd yn gwario mwy na'r £1.3 miliwn a ddyrannwyd i sicrhau eu bod yn cyflawni.
At ei gilydd, Gweinidog, rydych chi wedi cyflwyno cyllideb i ni nad yw'n esgeuluso addysg yng Nghymru yn unig, mae'n ei niweidio'n weithredol, am fod toriad mewn termau real. Dylai hon fod wedi bod yn gyllideb i ddechrau atgyweirio'r difrod rydych chi wedi'i wneud dros 23 mlynedd mewn grym, sy'n golygu bod Cymru ar waelod rhaglen ar gyfer sgoriau Asesu Myfyrwyr Rhyngwladol yn y DU. Mae PISA wedi bod yn newyddion drwg i'r Llywodraeth hon ers i ni ymuno yn 2006, ac rydym ni wedi bod yn israddol yn y DU ym mhob cyfran ers hynny. Mae pob Gweinidog, ers i ni ymuno, wedi cael targed PISA maen nhw bob amser yn ei fethu. Nid yw'r gyllideb yn gwneud dim i atal y gwaethygiad ac nid yw'n gwneud dim i sicrhau ein bod yn denu'r athrawon disgleiriaf a’r gorau i'n system addysg.
Gadewch i ni beidio ag anghofio, yn 2011, ein bod ni wedi gweld gostyngiad o bron i 10 y cant yn niferoedd athrawon wrth iddyn nhw adael y proffesiwn yn eu heidiau. Mae'r gyllideb hon yn methu ar bob metrig, ac rwy'n eich annog chi heddiw, Gweinidog, i fynd yn ôl ac ailfeddwl a rhoi cynnig arall arni, gan eich bod chi wedi methu addysg Gymraeg llawer gormod o weithiau erbyn hyn. Mae Cymru'n haeddu gwell. Mae ein dysgwyr yn haeddu gwell. Ac fel dywedodd Mike Hedges, dylen ni fod yn buddsoddi yn ein plant.
I thank the Minister and her colleagues for putting this budget together.
I’d also thank her for taking the time last week to chat about the budgetary situation. And I’d also actually like to thank the Finance Committee as well for its scrutiny work, and I’m not just saying that because the Chair of Finance Committee is sitting next to me. Turning to that work, there was a very clear lack of detail in the evidence supplied by Welsh Government to the committee relating to budget reprioritisation where this might have led to the scaling back of spending plans or even the shelving of original plans. This, of course, can have consequences further down the line, so I would be grateful if the Government could publish that detail. I’ll give an example: the bus emergency scheme funding. It was introduced to support the continuation of bus services during the pandemic, and it’s something that, in particular, rural services rely on. Now, the evidence supplied by the Government to the Finance Committee initially stated that the £28 million allocated to the BES in 2022-23 would be carried over to 2023-24 without any adjustment in funding, but it has come to light from correspondence received by me from stakeholders that this commitment is now in doubt at this very late stage. So, I would appreciate some clarity on this. Buses are vitally important as a service to our communities.
Moving on to green jobs, TUC Cymru has suggested that 60,000 new green jobs could be created in Wales if we invest properly. Unfortunately, limited access to funding, skilled workers and capacity on power lines are slowing a shift towards renewable energy. Seventy per cent of UK employers in a Construction Industry Training Board survey said they have a good understanding of how they will need to change their business to decarbonise, 88 per cent were willing to diversify to decarbonise, and 90 per cent would be willing to retrain if necessary. However, more than 78 per cent of employers that responded to the CITB survey believe there is a shortage of skills in the specific occupation to decarbonise at the present moment.
Now, the Government has always been keen to talk about the creation of new apprenticeships, and their creation is welcome, but, as I’ve said before, retention of students is key to addressing the skills shortage. Let’s take the construction sector as an example—the CITB estimates that, year on year, 1,400 students study a construction-based course. Now, conversations I’ve had with the sector all follow the same pattern—if that number of students year on year were to complete their course, we wouldn’t have a skills shortage in construction. So, very clearly, there’s a drop-off of students. Data, however, isn’t collected by the Government on how many students leave education mid course. That, of course, needs to change, but what will help is the support provided to students. The increase to student maintenance support was very welcome. However, it doesn’t catch students in colleges, in sixth forms, nor on apprenticeships. Now, the Minister will be aware of my campaign to increase EMA payments and the threshold. That would certainly help, especially during this cost-of-living crisis, where students are really struggling to make that £30 a week go far. Transport on its own wipes out that £30. Couple it with food, resources for courses, and in some cases—cases that I've picked up during my campaign—paying for household bills, and education becomes very unsustainable very quickly for so many.
Now, we tell students—and Mike touched on this—especially students from low-income households, that education is an investment and that they should look at what advantage that will give them in the future. Well, for low-income students, the future, more often than not, is tomorrow. It’s whether or not they’ll be able to afford to eat, whether they’ll be able to afford to travel, whether they’ll be able to afford to live—not in five years’ time. This isn’t just for full-time students studying on campus, by the way. This applies equally to those on apprenticeships, and I would urge the Government to consider the apprenticeship minimum wage.
Now, there is a clear case for boosting investment in this area. The Finance Committee recommended the Government consider increasing EMA. We received evidence in the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee around support for students—so too have other committees. So, it is unfortunate that this is not adequately reflected in the draft budget. But I would hope that the Government looks to address this when they bring the budget back, and I’m more than ready to play my part in making it a reality.
Diolch i'r Gweinidog a'i chydweithwyr am lunio'r gyllideb hon.
Byddwn i hefyd yn diolch iddi am gymryd yr amser yr wythnos diwethaf i sgwrsio am y sefyllfa gyllidebol. Ac fe hoffwn i ddiolch i'r Pwyllgor Cyllid hefyd am ei waith craffu, a dydw i ddim yn dweud hynny oherwydd bod Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Cyllid yn eistedd wrth fy ymyl yn unig. Gan droi at y gwaith hwnnw, roedd diffyg manylder amlwg iawn yn y dystiolaeth a gyflenwyd gan Lywodraeth Cymru i'r pwyllgor yn ymwneud ag ail-flaenoriaethu cyllidebau lle gallai hynny fod wedi arwain at leihau cynlluniau gwariant neu hyd yn oed roi cynlluniau gwreiddiol o’r neilltu. Gall hyn, wrth gwrs, arwain at ganlyniadau ymhellach i lawr y lein, felly byddwn i’n ddiolchgar pe bai'r Llywodraeth yn gallu cyhoeddi'r manylion hynny. Fe wnaf i roi enghraifft: yr arian ar gyfer y cynllun argyfwng bysiau. Fe'i cyflwynwyd i gefnogi parhad gwasanaethau bysiau yn ystod y pandemig, ac mae'n rhywbeth mae gwasanaethau gwledig, yn arbennig, yn dibynnu arno. Nawr, nododd y dystiolaeth a gyflenwyd gan y Llywodraeth i'r Pwyllgor Cyllid i ddechrau y byddai'r £28 miliwn a ddyrannwyd i'r BES yn 2022-23 yn cael ei gario drosodd i 2023-24 heb unrhyw addasiad mewn cyllid, ond mae wedi dod i'r amlwg o ohebiaeth rwyf i wedi’i derbyn gan randdeiliaid bod yr ymrwymiad hwn bellach dan amheuaeth ar y cam hwyr iawn hwn. Felly, byddwn i'n gwerthfawrogi rhywfaint o eglurder ar hyn. Mae bysus yn hanfodol bwysig fel gwasanaeth i'n cymunedau.
Wrth symud ymlaen i swyddi gwyrdd, mae TUC Cymru wedi awgrymu y gallai 60,000 o swyddi gwyrdd newydd gael eu creu yng Nghymru os ydyn ni'n buddsoddi'n iawn. Yn anffodus, mae mynediad cyfyngedig i gyllid, gweithwyr medrus a gallu ar linellau pŵer yn arafu symudiad tuag at ynni adnewyddadwy. Dywedodd 70% o gyflogwyr y DU mewn arolwg o Fwrdd Hyfforddi'r Diwydiant Adeiladu fod ganddyn nhw ddealltwriaeth dda o sut y bydd angen iddyn nhw newid eu busnes i ddatgarboneiddio, roedd 88 y cant yn fodlon arallgyfeirio i ddatgarboneiddio, a byddai 90 y cant yn fodlon ailhyfforddi pe bai angen. Fodd bynnag, mae mwy na 78 y cant o gyflogwyr a ymatebodd i arolwg CITB yn credu bod prinder sgiliau yn yr alwedigaeth benodol i ddatgarboneiddio ar hyn o bryd.
Nawr, mae'r Llywodraeth wastad wedi bod yn awyddus i siarad am greu prentisiaethau newydd, ac yn croesawu eu creu, ond, fel y dywedais i o'r blaen, mae cadw myfyrwyr yn allweddol i fynd i'r afael â'r prinder sgiliau. Gadewch i ni gymryd y sector adeiladu fel enghraifft—mae'r CITB yn amcangyfrif bod 1,400 o fyfyrwyr, o flwyddyn i flwyddyn, yn astudio cwrs adeiladu. Nawr, mae sgyrsiau rydw i wedi'u cael gyda'r sector i gyd yn dilyn yr un patrwm—pe bai'r nifer hwnnw o fyfyrwyr o flwyddyn i flwyddyn yn cwblhau eu cwrs, ni fyddai gennym ni brinder sgiliau yn y maes adeiladu. Felly, yn amlwg iawn, mae yna ostyngiad o fyfyrwyr. Fodd bynnag, nid yw data'n cael ei gasglu gan y Llywodraeth ar faint o fyfyrwyr sy'n gadael addysg yng nghanol cwrs. Mae angen i hynny, wrth gwrs, newid, ond beth fydd yn help yw'r gefnogaeth sy'n cael ei rhoi i fyfyrwyr. Roedd croeso mawr i'r cynnydd i gymorth cynhaliaeth myfyrwyr. Fodd bynnag, nid yw'n cynnwys myfyrwyr mewn colegau, yn y chweched dosbarth, nac ar brentisiaethau. Nawr, bydd y Gweinidog yn ymwybodol o fy ymgyrch i gynyddu taliadau lwfans cynhaliaeth addysg a'r trothwy. Byddai hynny'n sicr yn helpu, yn enwedig yn ystod yr argyfwng costau byw hwn, lle mae myfyrwyr yn ei chael hi'n anodd iawn i wneud i'r £30 yr wythnos honno fynd yn bell. Mae cludiant ar ei ben ei hun yn defnyddio’r £30 hwnnw. Cyplyswch hyn â bwyd, adnoddau ar gyfer cyrsiau, ac mewn rhai achosion—achosion rydw i wedi'u codi yn ystod fy ymgyrch—talu am filiau cartref, ac mae addysg yn dod yn anghynaladwy iawn yn gyflym iawn i gynifer.
Nawr, rydyn ni'n dweud wrth fyfyrwyr—ac fe gyffyrddodd Mike ar hyn—yn enwedig myfyrwyr o aelwydydd incwm isel, bod addysg yn fuddsoddiad ac y dylen nhw edrych ar ba fantais fydd yn ei rhoi iddyn nhw yn y dyfodol. Wel, i fyfyrwyr incwm isel, y dyfodol, yn amlach na pheidio, yw yfory. P'un a fyddan nhw'n gallu fforddio bwyta ai peidio, a fyddan nhw'n gallu fforddio teithio, a fyddan nhw'n gallu fforddio byw—nid ymhen pum mlynedd. Nid dim ond ar gyfer myfyrwyr llawn amser sy'n astudio ar y campws mae hyn, gyda llaw. Mae hyn yr un mor berthnasol i'r rhai ar brentisiaethau, a byddwn i’n annog y Llywodraeth i ystyried isafswm cyflog prentisiaeth.
Nawr, mae achos clir dros roi hwb i fuddsoddiad yn y maes hwn. Argymhellodd y Pwyllgor Cyllid y dylai'r Llywodraeth ystyried cynyddu'r lwfans cynhaliaeth addysg. Cawsom dystiolaeth yn y Pwyllgor Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig ynghylch cefnogaeth i fyfyrwyr—felly hefyd mewn pwyllgorau eraill. Felly, mae'n anffodus nad yw hyn yn cael ei adlewyrchu'n ddigonol yn y gyllideb ddrafft. Ond byddwn i'n gobeithio y bydd y Llywodraeth yn ceisio mynd i'r afael â hyn pan fyddan nhw'n dod â'r gyllideb yn ôl, ac rwy'n fwy na pharod i chwarae fy rhan i'w wireddu.
I’m going to speak initially in my capacity as Chair of the Equality and Social Justice Committee, and then move on to some things that are burning issues in my constituency. We looked at the social justice budget, obviously through the lens of trying to identify how we are going to support the most vulnerable in our society.
Rydw i'n mynd i siarad yn y lle cyntaf yn rhinwedd fy swydd fel Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Cydraddoldeb a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol, ac yna symud ymlaen at rai pethau sy'n faterion llosg yn fy etholaeth i. Fe wnaethom ni edrych ar y gyllideb cyfiawnder cymdeithasol, yn amlwg o safbwynt ceisio nodi sut rydyn ni'n mynd i gefnogi'r rhai mwyaf bregus yn ein cymdeithas.
One of the things that majorly concerned us was that the one-off non-recurrent allocation of £117 million as a result of the UK Government's decision to give everybody a handout to subsidise the energy companies' horrendously raised charges has serious implications for how vulnerable families are going to survive next winter, because that £200 Wales fuel support scheme has been really important for a lot of people, and if that doesn't exist in the next financial year, then we really do have to do some very serious thinking about how we're going to enable families to survive in what could be an even more critical situation next year. So, we want to see some serious thinking on how we're going to do this, and we want to see that by this July, because it's no use producing a plan when you're already in the middle of winter.
We think that the discretionary assistance fund has been an important mechanism for ensuring that those who are in desperate situations, which can be caused by either having to flee a domestic violence situation or simply by a washing machine breaking down—. These really simple things I think have been fantastically important for people, and the fact that it's administered by all the single advice fund agencies ensures that everybody can get access to it. But we have very little idea what the impact of this fund has been, and therefore we really feel we need to know who's benefited from it in which parts of Wales, which local authorities have been successful in promoting it. As budgets are so constrained in this year's budget and it's likely to be even more difficult in next year's one, we really do need to have some clarity over who exactly is going to benefit and whether the DAF is going to be sufficient.
I think one of the things that concerns us is that it is still very concerning that a lot of people do not know what they're entitled to. Only yesterday I was sitting with some families who were with children with special needs. They simply didn't know about the £200 fuel support scheme that the Welsh Government is operating, because their social worker simply hadn't bothered to ask them whether they'd got it, and that is an unacceptable situation, just as it's unacceptable for health visitors to say they haven't got time to help families to fill in the Healthy Start vouchers. On what basis are they not focusing on the ability of a family to be able to buy food that nourishes their families, rather than junk food that can kill them? So, we really do need to ensure that every front-line worker, whether it's the school administrator, the caretaker, or whether it's those busy health and social workers—it's absolutely essential.
I was astonished to hear Peter Fox say that the basic income pilot for care leavers was a waste of money. This is an invest-to-save measure. This is our collective responsibility. That's what being a corporate parent stands for. So, we support the invest to save in the Equality and Social Justice Committee, and I think the continuation and the increase in that money is very welcome.
I just now want to refer to matters that are absolutely crucial to the well-being of my own constituents in Cardiff Central, picking up on what Luke Fletcher was saying about the continuation of the bus emergency scheme, because Cardiff Council has informed me that ending the bus emergency scheme, rather than having that £20 million transition money, could lead to cuts of at least a third of all the routes, or, alternatively, less frequent buses on all of the routes. And it will also have an impact on its ability to deliver school transport to schools. So, this is a really serious issue. This was discussed in the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, and the Deputy Minister acknowledged that transport poverty was a really significant issue. You have to remember that, in parts of my constituency, over half of households do not have access to a car and at least 25 per cent of bus users have a disability or a long-term illness, so getting on a bike is probably not an option for them. So, I think that this is a very significant issue and something that we need to put much more of the focus on. We need to think 'yes' about eliminating food poverty, 'yes' to having long-term solutions to fuel poverty, particularly with the need to bring forward the next iteration of the Warm Homes programme, but we also have to look at transport poverty; it really does stop people getting to their job or their education.
Un o'r pethau oedd yn ein poeni ni’n fawr oedd bod y dyraniad untro nad yw'n rheolaidd o £117 miliwn o ganlyniad i benderfyniad Llywodraeth y DU i roi arian i bawb i sybsideiddio costau erchyll o uchel cwmnïau ynni wedi codi yn arwain at oblygiadau difrifol i sut mae teuluoedd bregus yn mynd i oroesi'r gaeaf nesaf, oherwydd mae cynllun cymorth tanwydd £200 Cymru wedi bod yn bwysig iawn i lawer o bobl, ac os nad yw hynny'n bodoli yn y flwyddyn ariannol nesaf, yna mae'n rhaid i ni feddwl o ddifrif iawn am sut rydyn ni'n mynd i alluogi teuluoedd i oroesi yn yr hyn a allai fod yn sefyllfa hyd yn oed yn fwy enbyd y flwyddyn nesaf. Felly, rydyn ni eisiau gweld rhywfaint o feddwl o ddifri ar sut rydyn ni'n mynd i wneud hyn, ac rydyn ni eisiau gweld hynny erbyn mis Gorffennaf eleni, oherwydd nid yw'n dda i ddim cynhyrchu cynllun pan fyddwch chi eisoes yng nghanol y gaeaf.
Rydyn ni'n credu bod y gronfa cymorth yn ôl disgresiwn wedi bod yn ddull pwysig ar gyfer sicrhau bod y rhai sydd mewn sefyllfaoedd enbyd, a all gael eu hachosi gan naill ai orfod ffoi rhag sefyllfa trais yn y cartref neu'n syml gan beiriant golchi yn torri i lawr—. Mae'r pethau syml iawn yma rwy'n credu wedi bod yn wych o bwysig i bobl, ac mae'r ffaith ei fod yn cael ei weinyddu gan yr holl asiantaethau cronfa gynghori sengl yn sicrhau bod pawb yn gallu cael gafael arni. Ond ychydig iawn o syniad sydd gennym ni beth fu effaith y gronfa hon, ac felly rydym ni wir yn teimlo bod angen i ni wybod pwy sydd wedi elwa ohoni ym mha rannau o Gymru, pa awdurdodau lleol sydd wedi llwyddo i'w hyrwyddo. Gan fod cyllidebau wedi'u cyfyngu gymaint yn y gyllideb eleni ac mae'n debygol o fod hyd yn oed yn anoddach yn un y flwyddyn nesaf, mae gwir angen i ni gael rhywfaint o eglurder ynglŷn â phwy yn union sy'n mynd i elwa a p’un a yw'r DAF yn mynd i fod yn ddigonol.
Rwy'n meddwl mai un o'r pethau sy'n ein poeni ni yw ei fod yn dal yn bryderus iawn nad yw llawer o bobl yn gwybod beth mae ganddyn nhw hawl iddo. Dim ond ddoe roeddwn i'n eistedd gyda rhai teuluoedd oedd â phlant ag anghenion arbennig. Yn syml, doedden nhw ddim yn gwybod am y cynllun cymorth tanwydd gwerth £200 y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei weithredu, oherwydd yn syml iawn, doedd eu gweithiwr cymdeithasol ddim wedi trafferthu gofyn iddyn nhw a oedden nhw wedi ei gael, ac mae hynny'n sefyllfa annerbyniol, yn union fel mae'n annerbyniol i ymwelwyr iechyd ddweud nad oes ganddyn nhw amser i helpu teuluoedd i lenwi talebau Cychwyn Iach. Ar ba sail nad ydyn nhw’n canolbwyntio ar allu teulu i allu prynu bwyd sy'n maethu eu teuluoedd, yn hytrach na bwyd sothach sy'n gallu eu lladd? Felly, mae gwir angen i ni sicrhau bod pob gweithiwr rheng flaen, boed yn weinyddwr yr ysgol, y gofalwr, neu'r gweithwyr iechyd a chymdeithasol prysur hynny—mae'n gwbl hanfodol.
Cefais fy syfrdanu o glywed Peter Fox yn dweud bod y cynllun treialu incwm sylfaenol i bobl sy'n gadael gofal yn wastraff arian. Mae hwn yn fesur buddsoddi i arbed. Dyma ein cyfrifoldeb cyfunol. Dyna mae bod yn rhiant corfforaethol yn sefyll amdano. Felly, rydym ni’n cefnogi'r buddsoddiad i arbed yn y Pwyllgor Cydraddoldeb a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol, ac rwy'n credu bod croeso mawr i'r parhad a'r cynnydd yn yr arian hwnnw.
Rwyf i nawr eisiau cyfeirio at faterion sy'n gwbl hanfodol i les fy etholwyr fy hun yng Nghanol Caerdydd, gan godi yr hyn yr oedd Luke Fletcher yn ei ddweud am barhad y cynllun argyfwng bysiau, oherwydd mae Cyngor Caerdydd wedi rhoi gwybod i mi y gallai dod â'r cynllun argyfwng bysiau i ben, yn hytrach na chael yr arian pontio £20 miliwn hwnnw, arwain at doriadau o draean o'r holl lwybrau o leiaf, neu, fel arall, bysiau llai aml ar bob un o'r llwybrau. A bydd hefyd yn cael effaith ar ei allu i ddarparu cludiant ysgol i ysgolion. Felly, mae hwn yn fater difrifol iawn. Cafodd hyn ei drafod yn y Pwyllgor Newid Hinsawdd, Amgylchedd a Seilwaith, ac fe wnaeth y Dirprwy Weinidog gydnabod bod tlodi trafnidiaeth yn fater sy'n wirioneddol arwyddocaol. Mae'n rhaid i chi gofio, mewn rhannau o fy etholaeth i, nad oes gan dros hanner y cartrefi fynediad at gar ac mae'n debyg bod gan o leiaf 25 y cant o ddefnyddwyr bysiau anabledd neu salwch hirdymor, felly mae'n debyg nad yw mynd ar feic yn opsiwn iddyn nhw. Felly, rwy'n credu bod hwn yn fater arwyddocaol iawn ac yn rhywbeth mae angen i ni roi llawer mwy o sylw iddo. Mae angen i ni feddwl 'ie' am ddileu tlodi bwyd, 'ie' i gael atebion hirdymor i dlodi tanwydd, yn enwedig gyda'r angen i gyflwyno'r fersiwn nesaf o'r rhaglen Cartrefi Clyd, ond mae'n rhaid i ni hefyd edrych ar dlodi trafnidiaeth; mae wir yn atal pobl rhag cyrraedd eu gwaith neu eu haddysg.
Obviously, I'd like to actually address my budget concerns regarding the portfolio. If we just take Natural Resources Wales, for instance, Welsh Government have completely ignored many warnings that we've seen in committee reports and inquiries that Natural Resources Wales is underfunded, and yet, they've chosen to maintain its current level of funding. So, it's continued to be allocated £60.1 million in the draft budget, yet in contrast, this body received £69 million in 2021-22. Despite these concerns of underfunding, the Minister for Climate Change has said that the body's funding was 'sufficient for their statutory responsibilities', though she
'would prefer to give them a bigger budget',
during scrutiny of the 2022-23 budget. That's on record. So, with the need for environmental oversight more important than ever now, these words will certainly ring hollow for many.
In terms of the Welsh Government's environmental targets, clean energy funding is set to decrease by 6 per cent, despite the Welsh Government's own net-zero target. Welsh Government had planned to allocate £10.4 million to clean energy, though the budget now shows this has reduced to £9.8 million. The funding is used towards policy development, financial support for renewable energy, including the local energy grant scheme and the energy planning programme. So, whilst funding also goes towards pursuing devolving the management of the Crown Estate in Wales, I hope that the cut in funding is due now and that this ridiculous policy idea are being scrapped.
Members may know that marine planning is an issue that I, along with my colleague Joyce Watson, have constantly raised, issues about marine planning and our legislative proposals for a full marine spatial development plan for Wales. So, we're disappointed that the Welsh Government has reduced the anticipated capital spending on marine energy for 2023-24. The capital funding is set to be cut by 30 per cent, with £10 million originally planned in the indicative budget, though this has now been reduced to £7 million.
Yn amlwg, hoffwn fynd i'r afael â fy mhryderon am y gyllideb o ran y portffolio. Os ydym ni ond yn edrych ar Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru, er enghraifft, mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi llwyr anwybyddu llawer o rybuddion rydyn ni wedi'u gweld mewn adroddiadau pwyllgorau ac ymchwiliadau nad yw Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru wedi ei ariannu'n ddigonol, ac eto, maen nhw wedi dewis cynnal ei lefel bresennol o gyllid. Felly, mae'n parhau i ddyrannu £60.1 miliwn yn y gyllideb ddrafft iddo, ond eto mewn cyferbyniad, derbyniodd y corff hwn £69 miliwn yn 2021-22. Er y pryderon hyn am danariannu, mae'r Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd wedi dweud bod cyllid y corff yn 'ddigonol ar gyfer eu cyfrifoldebau statudol', er y byddai
'yn well ganddi roi cael cyllideb fwy iddyn nhw',
wrth graffu ar gyllideb 2022-23. Mae hynny ar y cofnod. Felly, gyda'r angen am oruchwyliaeth amgylcheddol yn bwysicach nag erioed nawr, bydd y geiriau hyn yn sicr yn eiriau gwag i lawer.
O ran targedau amgylcheddol Llywodraeth Cymru, bydd cyllid ynni glân yn gostwng 6 y cant, er gwaethaf targed sero-net Llywodraeth Cymru ei hun. Roedd Llywodraeth Cymru wedi bwriadu dyrannu £10.4 miliwn at ynni glân, er bod y gyllideb bellach yn dangos bod hyn wedi gostwng i £9.8 miliwn. Mae'r arian yn cael ei ddefnyddio tuag at ddatblygu polisi, cefnogaeth ariannol i ynni adnewyddadwy, gan gynnwys y cynllun grant ynni lleol a'r rhaglen cynllunio ynni. Felly, er bod arian hefyd yn mynd tuag at mynd ar drywydd datganoli rheolaeth Ystad y Goron yng Nghymru, rwy'n gobeithio bod y toriad mewn cyllid i'w ddisgwyl nawr a bod y syniad polisi chwerthinllyd hwn yn cael ei ddileu.
Efallai fod yr Aelodau'n gwybod bod cynllunio morol yn fater rydw i, ynghyd â fy nghydweithiwr Joyce Watson, wedi'i godi'n gyson, materion ynghylch cynllunio morol a'n cynigion deddfwriaethol ar gyfer cynllun datblygu gofodol morol llawn i Gymru. Felly, rydyn ni'n siomedig fod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi lleihau'r gwariant cyfalaf disgwyliedig ar ynni morol ar gyfer 2023-24. Mae disgwyl i'r cyllid cyfalaf gael ei dorri o 30 y cant, gyda £10 miliwn wedi'i gynllunio'n wreiddiol yn y gyllideb ddangosol, er bod hyn bellach wedi'i leihau i £7 miliwn.
Daeth y Dirprwy Lywydd i’r Gadair.
The Deputy Presiding Officer took the Chair.
Will you take an intervention?
A wnewch chi gymryd ymyriad?
Yes.
Gwnaf.
With regard a complete lack of capital funding for Wales and the complete and utter lack of infrastructure funding over the last 10 years, how can you explain that?
O ran diffyg cyllid cyfalaf llwyr i Gymru a'r diffyg cyllid seilwaith llwyr dros y 10 mlynedd diwethaf, sut allwch chi esbonio hynny?
Well, I disagree that there's a complete lack of this funding. At the end of the day, we've had devolution here in Wales for 25 years. We have just over 3 million of population. The billions that come into Wales—is it £18 billion? It's you that's out of order even asking a question like that.
So, the Welsh Government needs to explain how this has been reduced, despite the target to meet 100 per cent of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2035. Funding going towards the tidal lagoon challenge, tidal lagoon project, ports infrastructure, wave and tidal stream, it is puzzling as to why the Welsh Government has now decided to reduce spending on this portfolio.
Now, let's turn to the issue of housing. Whilst the Welsh Government rightfully praises the support generated through the housing support grant, it fails to prioritise this as an area. The Welsh Government claims it is increasing its focus on the housing support grant. They say that in one breath and yet, in real terms, it's got a cut of 8 per cent. The funding is due to remain the same as last year, with £166.7 million allocated. This is particularly concerning, as the grant aims to help vulnerable people with issues they face, and we can see they exacerbate now the risk of homelessness. We can also see the risk of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Moving on to building safety funding: that's set to receive a 37 per cent reduction in resource from the indicative budget, despite the indicative budget setting aside £9.5 million for 2023-24. This draft budget now shows an allocation has dropped to £6 million. It makes an absolute mockery of the Welsh Government's claim that building safety is a top priority. If that's one of your top priorities, well, I wouldn't like to see anything else lower on that list. With 261 expressions of interest received for the Welsh building safety fund, and 163 of those requiring intensive surveys, the extent of fire risk in Wales is clear. Whilst the £135 million in capital for building safety is needed, the Welsh Government must match its words and treat building safety as one of your top priorities. It is only fair that our constituents have a safe place to live.
This, of course, the actions of the Welsh Government, now stands in direct contrast to the UK Government's tough new ultimatum on cladding, giving developers hard deadlines to pay up to fix unsafe buildings. The market housing national empty homes grant scheme will only bring 2,000 empty homes back into use. With 22,140 long-term empty properties in Wales, this is just—well, it's a non-realistic figure. There's no ambition, no aspiration to get those empty homes back into use by people who desperately need them.
Wel, rwy'n anghytuno bod diffyg llwyr o'r cyllid hwn. Ar ddiwedd y dydd, rydym ni wedi bod â datganoli yma yng Nghymru ers 25 mlynedd. Mae gennym ni boblogaeth o ychydig dros 3 miliwn. Y biliynau sy'n dod i mewn i Gymru—£18 biliwn? Chi sy’n amhriodol yn hyd yn oed gofyn cwestiwn fel yna.
Felly, mae angen i Lywodraeth Cymru egluro sut mae hyn wedi'i leihau, er gwaetha'r targed i ddiwallu 100 y cant o'i anghenion trydan o ffynonellau adnewyddadwy erbyn 2035. Mae'r arian sy'n mynd tuag at yr her morlyn, prosiect morlyn, seilwaith porthladdoedd, tonnau a llanw, yn peri penbleth pam mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi penderfynu lleihau gwariant ar y portffolio yma erbyn hyn.
Nawr, gadewch i ni droi at fater tai. Er bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn canmol yn haeddiannol y gefnogaeth a gynhyrchir trwy'r grant cymorth tai, nid yw'n blaenoriaethu hyn fel maes. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n honni ei bod yn cynyddu ei phwyslais ar y grant cymorth tai. Maen nhw'n dweud hynny, ar y naill law ac eto, mewn termau real, mae wedi cael toriad o 8 y cant. Mae disgwyl i'r cyllid aros yr un fath â'r llynedd, gyda £166.7 miliwn wedi'i ddyrannu. Mae hyn yn arbennig o bryderus, gan fod y grant yn ceisio helpu pobl fregus gyda phroblemau maen nhw’n eu hwynebu, a gallwn ni weld eu bod nhw nawr yn gwaethygu’r risg o ddigartrefedd. Gallwn hefyd weld risg o drais yn erbyn menywod, cam-drin domestig a thrais rhywiol.
Gan symud ymlaen at gyllid diogelwch adeiladau: mae hynny ar fin derbyn gostyngiad o 37 y cant mewn adnodd o'r gyllideb ddangosol, er gwaethaf y gyllideb ddangosol yn neilltuo £9.5 miliwn ar gyfer 2023-24. Mae'r gyllideb ddrafft hon bellach yn dangos bod dyraniad wedi gostwng i £6 miliwn. Mae'n gwneud honiad Llywodraeth Cymru bod diogelwch adeiladau'n brif flaenoriaeth yn destun gwawd. Os mai dyna un o'ch prif flaenoriaethau, wel, fyddwn i ddim yn hoffi gweld unrhyw beth arall yn is ar y rhestr honno. Gyda 261 o ddatganiadau o ddiddordeb wedi eu derbyn ar gyfer cronfa diogelwch adeiladau Cymru, a 163 o'r rheiny angen arolygon dwys, mae maint y risg o dân yng Nghymru yn glir. Er bod angen y £135 miliwn mewn cyfalaf ar gyfer diogelwch adeiladau, rhaid i Lywodraeth Cymru gyfateb ei geiriau a thrin diogelwch adeiladau fel un o'ch prif flaenoriaethau. Mae ond yn deg bod gan ein hetholwyr le diogel i fyw.
Mae hyn, wrth gwrs, gweithredoedd Llywodraeth Cymru, bellach yn sefyll mewn cyferbyniad llwyr ag wltimatwm newydd caled Llywodraeth y DU ar gladin, gan roi terfynau amser caled i ddatblygwyr dalu i drwsio adeiladau anniogel. Bydd y farchnad cynllun grant tai gwag cenedlaethol ond yn dod â 2,000 o dai gwag yn ôl i ddefnydd. Gyda 22,140 o eiddo gwag tymor hir yng Nghymru, mae hyn—wel, mae'n ffigwr nad yw'n realistig. Nid oes uchelgais, nid oes dyhead i gael y cartrefi gwag hynny yn ôl i ddefnydd gan bobl sydd wir eu hangen.
Janet, you need to conclude now, please.
Janet, mae angen i chi ddod i ben nawr, os gwelwch yn dda.
Yes. Twenty-five million pounds in capital funding towards the costs of remedial works to make a property habitable. The Welsh Government needs to outline how it seeks to promote empty homes. Too often, we're seeing the wrong priorities being afforded money.
Anyway, that's my take on it. I think this budget is very poor. I think it's not ambitious at all. We know that there are challenges, however, you really do need to be far more adventurous with your budget aims. Thank you.
Iawn. Pum miliwn ar hugain o bunnoedd mewn arian cyfalaf tuag at gostau gwaith adferol i wneud eiddo yn arferadwy. Mae angen i Lywodraeth Cymru amlinellu sut mae'n ceisio hybu tai gwag. Yn rhy aml, rydyn ni'n gweld y blaenoriaethau anghywir yn cael arian.
Beth bynnag, dyna fy marn i ar hyn. Rwy'n credu bod y gyllideb hon yn wael iawn. Rwy'n credu nad yw'n uchelgeisiol o gwbl. Rydyn ni'n gwybod bod heriau, fodd bynnag, mae gwir angen i chi fod yn llawer mwy anturus gyda'ch nodau cyllideb. Diolch.
Wrth gyflwyno'r gyllideb ddrafft i'r Senedd, fe soniodd y Gweinidog mai hon oedd un o'r cyllidebau anoddaf ers datganoli. Mae hynny am ei bod yn gyfnod o gyni, yn gyfnod o dlodi, ac yn gyfnod o argyfwng nas gwelwyd ei debyg ers degawdau.
Yng Nghymru'r unfed ganrif ar hugain, mae nyrsys ac athrawon ymhlith y miloedd sy'n gorfod troi at fanciau bwyd. Mae mwy a mwy o bobl yn syrthio i ddyled, dyled argyfyngus. Dywed Cyngor ar Bopeth Cymru nad ydyn nhw erioed wedi gweld cyfran uwch o bobl mewn diffyg o ran eu cyllidebau aelwyd—bron i hanner y rhai sy'n dod atynt am gyngor.
Mae nifer y rhai sy'n ddigartref neu sydd mewn perygl o fod yn ddigartref yn arwydd arall o'r cyflwr yma o argyfwng. Fe wnaeth Cyngor ar Bopeth helpu mwy o bobl gyda digartrefedd eleni nag yn y bum mlynedd diwethaf. Mae menywod, plant, pobl anabl, pobl â chyflwr iechyd, gofalwyr, rhieni sengl, pobl ddu, Asiaidd ac o leiafrifoedd ethnig yn dioddef anghydraddoldebau economaidd mewn modd anghymesur.
Ydy, mae'n anodd sicrhau bod y gefnogaeth yno i'r rhai sydd fwyaf ei hangen, bod gan y gwasanaethau sy'n darparu'r gefnogaeth honno yr adnoddau sydd eu hangen i gyflawni hynny, bod y tyllau enfawr sy'n bodoli yn y rhwyd ddiogelwch, sydd wedi ei rhwygo'n racs gan Dorïaid didostur a diegwyddor San Steffan, yn cael eu llenwi. Ydy, mae'n anodd. Ond, gwneud y penderfyniadau anodd yw swyddogaeth llywodraeth, a swyddogaeth Llywodraeth Cymru yw gwasanaethu pobl Cymru, ystyried eu hanghenion, gwarchod eu hiechyd a'u hurddas, a sicrhau eu bod yn cael mynediad cyfartal at bob cyfle a gwasanaeth, gan gynnwys gofal iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol.
Drwy'r lens yma rhaid craffu ar y gyllideb ddrafft sydd ger ein bron. Dyna pam y mae ein gwelliant ni'n galw am roi'r modd i ni wneud mwy o'r hyn sydd angen ei wneud. Y rhai sy'n dibynnu fwyaf ar y gefnogaeth y mae ein gwasanaeth iechyd a gofal yn ei chynnig a chymorth ariannol ychwanegol yw'r rhai sydd mwyaf mewn angen, y rhai sydd heb ddewisiadau, heb gronfa fach wrth gefn, neu ail dŷ, heb fodd i gadw pen uwchben y dŵr sydd mor ofnadwy o uchel.
Mae'r Llywodraeth wedi datgan bod y gyllideb hon yn un sy'n blaenoriaethu'r rhai sydd mwyaf mewn angen. Mae gwariant pob ceiniog felly yn gwbl dyngedfennol, achos mae bywydau pobl bellach mewn perygl. Dyna farn ymchwil Which? ar effaith yr argyfwng costau byw yng Nghymru a gyhoeddwyd ddoe ac a drafodwyd gan y grŵp trawsbleidiol ar hawliau defnyddwyr rwy'n ei gadeirio. Mae 78 y cant o bobl yng Nghymru'n torri lawr ar wres, a 18 y cant yn bwyta llai o brydau poeth.
Yn yr un drafodaeth, fe fynegwyd pryder bod y cynnydd yn lefel y gronfa cymorth dewisol, er i'w groesawu, yn gyllid i helpu pobl mewn argyfwng, a bod angen blaenoriaethau hefyd gwariant ataliol—cynlluniau fel cynllun cymorth tanwydd Cymru, sydd wedi cael ei dorri'n gyfan gwbl. Rhybuddiwyd, er bod y cynllun yn dod i ben, nid yw'r angen yn dod i ben, ac fe fydd yr angen yn un mwy dybryd y gaeaf nesaf, yn ôl rhagolygon Cyngor ar Bopeth. A bydd goblygiadau'r dyfnder yna o angen a'i effaith ar iechyd a lles pobl gyda ni am genedlaethau. Nid yw'r gyllideb hon yn cyflwyno cynllun i atal hynny.
Siomedig hefyd yw gweld diffyg buddsoddiad yn ein pobl ifanc mwyaf anghenus sydd am barhau â'u haddysg. Byddai ein gwelliant yn medru sicrhau bod y lwfans cynhaliaeth addysg, er enghraifft, yn gallu cynnig lefel weddus o gefnogaeth. Ac er bod cynnydd wedi bod yn y grant cynhaliaeth, dyw myfyrwyr ddim yn medru cael cymorth gan nifer o'r taliadau cymorth costau byw eraill sydd ar gael. Sôn am fysus, os ŷch chi'n fyfyriwr dros 21 oed, cewch chi ddim gostyngiad o gwbl ar eich tocyn bws, ac mae rhent myfyrwyr, wrth gwrs, yn parhau i godi gan greu argyfwng costau addysg.
Mae ein galwadau i ehangu a chynyddu'r EMA wedi eu hadleisio gan adroddiad craffu y Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg, ac wrth sôn am y bwlch sydd yna mewn gwariant ar gefnogaeth costau byw eleni, sef £116 miliwn, mae adroddiad craffu’r Pwyllgor Cydraddoldebau a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol yn nodi bod
'angen amlwg i edrych ar atebion cynaliadwy, tymor hwy i’r argyfwng costau byw',
fel soniodd Jenny Rathbone, ein Cadeirydd.
Rwyf wedi dadlau ac, yn wir, rwyf wedi cael cefnogaeth gan y Senedd hon i'r alwad am system fudd-daliadau gydlynol Gymreig. Nawr yw'r amser i gyflymu'r gwaith o sicrhau bod pob ceiniog o gefnogaeth yn cyrraedd pocedi'r rhai sydd ei angen, a hynny yn ddi-ffael ac yn ddiffwdan.
Wrth gloi hoffwn dynnu sylw at gasgliadau mwyaf difrifol y ddau bwyllgor dwi'n eistedd arnynt, sef hwn gan y Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg, sef bod yna ddiffyg eglurder sut y bydd y gyllideb yn cefnogi plant a phobl ifanc sydd yn arbennig o debygol o gael eu heffeithio gan yr argyfwng costau byw. Hyn yn y genedl ble mae tlodi plant ar ei lefel uchaf yn y Deyrnas Gyfunol.
Gyda San Steffan yn amddifadu Cymru—
In introducing the draft budget to the Senedd, the Minister mentioned that this was one of the most difficult budgets since devolution. This is because it is a time of austerity, a time of poverty, and a time of crisis, the likes of which we haven’t seen for decades.
In the Wales of the twenty-first century, nurses and teachers are amongst the thousands who are having to turn to foodbanks. More and more people are falling into debt, critical levels of debt. Citizens Advice Cymru say that they have never seen such a high proportion of people in deficit in terms of their household budgets—almost half of those who come to them for support.
The number of those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless is another sign of a state of economic crisis. Citizens Advice helped more people with homelessness this year than in the past five years. Women, children, disabled people, people with health conditions, single parents, carers, people from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities suffer disproportionate levels of economic inequality.
Yes, it is difficult to ensure that the support is there for those who need it most, that the services providing this support have the resources that they need to achieve that, that the huge gaps that exist in the safety net, which has been torn to shreds by the merciless and unprincipled Conservatives in Westminster, are filled. Yes, it is difficult. But, taking the difficult decisions is the function of government, and the Welsh Government’s function is to serve the people of Wales, to consider their needs, to safeguard their health and dignity, and to ensure that they have equal access to every opportunity and service, including healthcare and social care.
It is through this lens that we will have to scrutinise the draft budget before us. That’s why our amendment calls for us to be given the resource to do more of what needs to be done. Those who are most dependent on the support that our health and care services provide and additional financial support are those in the greatest need, those who have no options, who have no reserves, who don’t have a second home, who don't have the means to keep their heads above the water that is so incredibly deep.
The Government has stated that this budget is one that prioritises those in greatest need. The way that every penny is spent is, therefore, of the utmost importance because people’s lives are now in danger. That's the conclusion of a Which? report on the impact of the cost-of-living crisis in Wales, published yesterday and discussed by the cross-party group on consumer rights, which I chair. Seventy eight per cent of people in Wales are cutting back on heating, and 18 per cent are eating fewer hot meals.
During the same discussion, concerns were expressed that the increase in the level of the discretionary assistance fund, although welcome, is funding to help people in crisis, and that priority should also be given to preventative spending, for schemes such as the Wales fuel support scheme, which has been cut in its entirety. It was warned that although the scheme will come to an end, the need won’t come to an end, and the need indeed will be even greater next winter, according to Citizens Advice forecasts. The implications of this level of need, this depth of need, and the impacts on people’s health and well-being will be with us for generations. This budget does not contain a plan to prevent these impacts.
It's also disappointing to see the lack of investment in our most disadvantaged young people who wish to continue with their education. Our amendment would ensure that the education maintenance allowance, for example, could provide an appropriate level of support. And although the maintenance grant has seen an increase, students cannot access many of the other cost-of-living payments that are available. Talking about buses, if you're a student over the age of 21, you'll get no discount whatsoever on your bus ticket, and student rents, of course, continue to increase, leading to a cost-of-education crisis.
Our calls to expand and increase the EMA have been echoed by the scrutiny report published by the Children, Young People, and Education Committee, and speaking of the gap that exists in spending on cost-of-living support this year, namely £116 million, the Equality and Social Justice Committee's scrutiny report notes that there is
'a clear need to look at longer-term, sustainable solutions to the cost of living crisis',
as Jenny Rathbone mentioned, our Chair.
I've argued and, indeed, I've received this Senedd's support for the call for a co-ordinated Welsh benefits system. Now is the time to accelerate the work to ensure that every penny of support reaches the pockets of those who need it, without fail and without fuss.
In concluding, I would like to draw attention to the most damning and serious conclusions of the two committees of which I am a member, namely this one by the Children, Young People, and Education Committee, that there is a lack of clarity as to whether the budget supports children and young people who are particularly likely to be impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. And this in the nation where the levels of child poverty are the highest in the United Kingdom.
With Westminster denying Wales—
Sioned, rhaid i ti orffen nawr.
Sioned, you'll have to conclude.
Gyda San Steffan yn amddifadu Cymru o'r adnoddau a'r grymoedd sydd eu hangen arnom, oes, mae angen gwneud penderfyniadau anodd. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn gwneud y penderfyniadau hynny yn anos drwy beidio â sicrhau yr adnoddau sydd angen arni drwy drethiant teg, cymesur a chyfiawn i oresgyn y caledi cywilyddus sy'n creithio ein cymunedau. Rwy'n erfyn ar Aelodau i gefnogi ein gwelliant.
With Westminster denying Wales the resources and the powers that we need, yes, there is a need for difficult decisions to be made. The Welsh Government makes those decisions even harder by failing to secure the resources it needs through fair, proportionate and just taxation to help us overcome the shameful hardship that scars our communities. I urge Members to support our amendment.
Can I remind Members, please, from all groups, that as you go beyond the time, you're taking time away from your colleagues who wish to speak? So, please keep to your time limits. Hefin David.
A gaf i atgoffa Aelodau, os gwelwch yn dda, o bob grŵp, eich bod, wrth i chi fynd y tu hwnt i'r amser, yn cymryd amser oddi wrth eich cyd-Aelodau sy'n dymuno siarad? Felly, cadwch at eich terfynau amser. Hefin David.
I'll try and keep it short, Dirprwy Lywydd. I might not succeed. This is a debate in two parts really, isn't it? It's a debate that comes from the committees' responses to the draft budget, and the committees making reasonable points, cross party, that are well made. Pered was the first to speak from his committee, and a very impressive contribution it was. I think that is where this debate should be.
I wasn't going to make a speech, actually, until the amendments came in. I think the amendments are the second half of the debate, which is entirely political, entirely point scoring, and entirely pointless. What I wanted to do was to specifically speak, because I think, sometimes, there's an amendment that you want to speak to, because you want to explain to people who may be watching why you are voting against it, and I am going to vote against Plaid Cymru's amendment 2. The reason for this, I think, has already been laid out very well today on the Today programme by the Minister, who made an excellent contribution this morning, but also it's been laid out by politicians in Caerphilly. I'd like to read to you this statement.
'There surely can be no justification in the current climate for increasing the tax burden on hard-pressed residents of Caerphilly.'
That comes from Lindsay Whittle, the leader of Plaid Cymru on Caerphilly County Borough Council. And the leader of Plaid Cymru was a little bit grumpy when I tried to intervene earlier, so I'm happy to take an intervention now if he wants to put Lindsay Whittle right. But Lindsay actually said that. Go for it.
Fe wna i geisio cadw hyn yn fyr, Dirprwy Lywydd. Efallai na fyddaf i'n llwyddo. Mae hon yn ddadl mewn dwy ran mewn gwirionedd, onid yw? Mae'n ddadl sy'n dod o ymatebion y pwyllgorau i'r gyllideb ddrafft, a'r pwyllgorau sy'n gwneud pwyntiau rhesymol, trawsbleidiol, sydd wedi'u gwneud yn dda. Pered oedd y cyntaf i siarad o'i bwyllgor, a chyfraniad trawiadol iawn oedd hwnnw. Rwy'n credu mai dyna lle ddylai'r ddadl hon fod.
Doeddwn i ddim yn mynd i wneud araith, mewn gwirionedd, tan i'r gwelliannau ddod i mewn. Rwy'n credu mai'r gwelliannau yw ail hanner y ddadl, sy'n gwbl wleidyddol, i sgorio pwyntiau, ac yn hollol ddibwrpas. Yr hyn yr oeddwn i eisiau ei wneud oedd siarad yn benodol, oherwydd rwy'n credu, weithiau, mae yna welliant yr ydych chi eisiau sôn amdano, oherwydd rydych chi eisiau egluro i bobl a allai fod yn gwylio pam eich bod chi'n pleidleisio yn ei erbyn, ac rwy'n mynd i bleidleisio yn erbyn gwelliant 2 Plaid Cymru. Mae'r rheswm dros hyn, rwy'n credu, eisoes wedi'i gyflwyno'n dda iawn heddiw ar y rhaglen Today gan y Gweinidog, a wnaeth gyfraniad ardderchog y bore 'ma, ond hefyd mae wedi ei gyflwyno gan wleidyddion yng Nghaerffili. Hoffwn ddarllen y datganiad hwn i chi.
'Siawns na all fod cyfiawnhad yn yr hinsawdd bresennol dros gynyddu'r baich treth ar drigolion Caerffili sydd dan bwysau mawr.'
Daw hwn gan Lindsay Whittle, arweinydd Plaid Cymru ar Gyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili. Ac roedd arweinydd Plaid Cymru ychydig yn flin pan wnes i geisio ymyrryd ynghynt, felly rwy'n hapus i gymryd ymyrraeth nawr os ydy e am gywiro Lindsay Whittle. Ond fe wnaeth Lindsay ddweud hynny. Ewch amdani.
He's referring to the most regressive tax of all, of course, the council tax, which is why the reform of that is in the co-operation agreement, and we need to get on with that as soon as possible.
Mae'n cyfeirio at y dreth fwyaf atchweliadol ohonyn nhw i gyd, wrth gwrs, y dreth gyngor, a dyna pam mae diwygio hynny yn y cytundeb cydweithio, ac mae angen i ni fwrw ymlaen â hynny cyn gynted â phosib.
I fully agree with the reform of council tax, but, on a band B property, the proposed rise in Caerphilly—the lowest council tax in the whole of Gwent, if not the whole of Wales—is £1.91 a week. The proposal that he's putting forward for basic rate of income tax from the same workers is around £2.50 a week. So, actually, the consequences of his tax rise will be higher for those people who Lindsay Whittle says are faced with
'higher food, energy and mortgage costs and many are now having to turn to foodbanks'.
[Interruption.] As he said to me, I'm not taking another intervention. [Laughter.] If he'd taken an intervention from me a second time, he could have come in, we could had a lovely debate, but let's play by the rules that he set.
Plaid Cymru are making it very clear in Caerphilly that they are not accepting any council tax rise at all. In fact, what they've said—. You might want to speak to speak to your Plaid Cymru group. We know that they're mad as a box of frogs in Caerphilly. But they've said:
'We propose a zero council tax increase'
in Caerphilly, and that a council tax rise
'cannot be justified and bills should be frozen for residents.'
[Interruption.] Two seconds. I think what they are doing there is playing politics, and I think what is happening with Plaid Cymru here in the Senedd—[Interruption.] Heledd, I will come to you in a second. What they are doing here in the Senedd is proposing this council tax rise so that they can make as many uncosted proposals for the current budget as they want to, outside of the co-operation agreement, and then say, 'Yes, but we wanted to raise council tax to pay for it, so you should raise council tax.' This is where the co-operation agreement is falling down. It's power without responsibility. I think it should either be a coalition Government or it should be confidence and supply. What we've got from this deal is Plaid Cymru having the worst of both worlds and being able to make these points. Heledd, you can defend it if you want.
Rwy'n cytuno'n llwyr â diwygio'r dreth gyngor, ond, ar eiddo band B, y cynnydd arfaethedig yng Nghaerffili—y dreth gyngor isaf yng Ngwent gyfan, os nad Cymru gyfan—yw £1.91 yr wythnos. Mae'r cynnig mae'n ei gyflwyno ar gyfer cyfradd sylfaenol o dreth incwm gan yr un gweithwyr tua £2.50 yr wythnos. Felly, mewn gwirionedd, bydd canlyniadau ei gynnydd yn y dreth yn uwch i'r bobl hynny y mae Lindsay Whittle yn dweud sy'n wynebu
'costau bwyd, ynni a morgeisi uwch ac mae nifer bellach yn gorfod troi at fanciau bwyd'.
[Torri ar draws.] Fel y dywedodd wrthyf i, dydw i ddim yn cymryd ymyrraeth arall. [Chwerthin.] Pe byddai wedi cymryd ymyrraeth gen i eilwaith, gallai fod wedi dod i mewn, gallem fod wedi cael dadl hyfryd, ond gadewch i ni chwarae yn ôl rheolau a osodwyd ganddo.
Mae Plaid Cymru yn ei gwneud yn glir iawn yng Nghaerffili nad ydyn nhw'n derbyn unrhyw gynnydd yn y dreth gyngor o gwbl. Yn wir, beth maen nhw wedi ei ddweud—. Efallai byddech chi eisiau siarad gyda'ch grŵp Plaid Cymru. Rydyn ni'n gwybod nad ydyn nhw yn eu iawn bwyll yng Nghaerffili. Ond maen nhw wedi dweud:
'Rydyn ni'n cynnig cynnydd sero yn y dreth gyngor'
yng Nghaerffili, ac o ran cynnydd yn y dreth gyngor
'ni ellir ei gyfiawnhau a dylid rhewi biliau ar gyfer trigolion.'
[Torri ar draws.] Dwy eiliad. Rwy'n credu mai'r hyn maen nhw'n ei wneud yw chwarae gwleidyddiaeth, ac rwy'n credu mai'r hyn sy'n digwydd gyda Phlaid Cymru yma yn y Senedd—[Torri ar draws.] Heledd, mi ddof i atat chi mewn eiliad. Yr hyn y maen nhw'n ei wneud yma yn y Senedd yw cynnig y cynnydd hwn yn y dreth gyngor er mwyn iddyn nhw wneud cymaint o gynigion nad ydynt wedi'u costio ar gyfer y gyllideb bresennol ag y mynnant, y tu allan i'r cytundeb cydweithio, ac yna dweud, 'Ie, ond roeddem ni am godi'r dreth gyngor i dalu amdano, felly dylech chi godi'r dreth gyngor.' Dyma lle mae'r cytundeb cydweithio yn methu. Mae'n bŵer heb gyfrifoldeb. Rwy'n credu y dylai naill ai fod yn Lywodraeth glymblaid neu dylai fod yn hyder a chyflenwi. Beth sydd gennym ni o'r fargen hon yw Plaid Cymru'n cael y gwaethaf o'r ddau fyd a gallu gwneud y pwyntiau hyn. Heledd, gallwch chi ei amddiffyn os ydych chi eisiau.
I think there's a point of order necessary here, because we're not debating the co-operation agreement; we're debating the draft budget. And if anybody is trying to score political points, I would say that it is our colleague Hefin David. I don't see the relevance of this in terms of the draft budget. I would like to know why you think our amendment is pointless. It is a proposal. It's about using the powers we have here in Wales to do something, to do something differently. Why do you call that suggestion pointless when it is a serious suggestion?
Rwy'n credu bod angen pwynt o drefn yma, oherwydd dydyn ni ddim yn trafod y cytundeb cydweithio; rydyn ni'n trafod y gyllideb ddrafft. Ac os oes unrhyw un yn ceisio sgorio pwyntiau gwleidyddol, fe fyddwn i'n dweud mai ein cyd-Aelod Hefin David sy'n gwneud hynny. Dydw i ddim yn gweld perthnasedd hyn o ran y gyllideb ddrafft. Hoffwn wybod pam eich bod chi'n meddwl bod ein gwelliant ni'n ddibwrpas. Mae'n gynnig. Mae'n ymwneud â defnyddio'r pwerau sydd gennym ni yma yng Nghymru i wneud rhywbeth, i wneud rhywbeth yn wahanol. Pam ydych chi'n galw'r awgrym hwnnw'n ddibwrpas pan oedd yn awgrym o ddifrif?
I'll tell you what I'll do; I'll withdraw the word 'pointless'. I wouldn't want to be the subject of a point of order later on today. I withdraw the word 'pointless' and I apologise for that. What I should have said was 'politically convenient', because what they are doing is using this proposed rise in council tax, which will hit the poorest people, in order to justify uncosted expenditure through the course of the rest of this Senedd term, and I think that is something that needs challenge.
Let's just look at some of the proposals that they've had through the debates that we've had so far: comprehensive free school meals, universal childcare, a rent freeze, education maintenance allowance, and that big black hole that we don't know anything about—independence. These are things that they are bringing to this Chamber, and in spite of being in the co-operation agreement, in which they've got spending commitments, they are making these demands as well, which is, I believe, politically unacceptable. You've got effects, then, on things like, as has already been mentioned, public transport, apprenticeships, town centre development, local authority capital funding, decarbonisation and Natural Resources Wales. These are all consequences that are having a direct result, as a result of some of the decisions that have been made.
And my last point, Dirprwy Lywydd, if you'll allow me, because of the interventions: I did ask Peter Fox that question earlier on, how he felt about universal free school meals. When that debate was held in the previous Senedd and in the beginning of this Senedd, it was not a healthy debate. It was a debate held by social media. We were attacked, those of us who voted against it. I believe in universal free school meals, but I am still sceptical about it as a priority at this time. If we had extra money, it should go towards universal Flying Start, and if we didn't have that money, it should go towards those things that we already protect. I think there is a real danger in pushing that policy harder and harder when there are other priorities that we have to meet, such as the bus emergency scheme, that are not being met as a result of this budget. There is a lot of—
Dyma beth wnaf fi, fe wnaf fi dynnu'r gair 'dibwrpas' yn ôl. Fyddwn i ddim eisiau bod yn destun pwynt o drefn yn nes ymlaen heddiw. Rwy'n tynnu'r gair 'dibwrpas' yn ôl ac rwy'n ymddiheuro am hynny. Yr hyn y dylwn i fod wedi'i ddweud oedd 'cyfleus yn wleidyddol', oherwydd yr hyn maen nhw'n ei wneud yw defnyddio'r cynnydd arfaethedig hwn yn y dreth gyngor, a fydd yn taro'r bobl dlotaf, er mwyn cyfiawnhau gwariant nad yw wedi'i gostio yn ystod gweddill tymor y Senedd hon, ac rwy'n credu bod hynny'n rhywbeth sydd angen ei herio.
Gadewch i ni edrych ar rai o'r cynigion sydd wedi bod ganddyn nhw drwy'r dadleuon rydyn ni wedi'u cael hyd yma: prydau ysgol am ddim cynhwysfawr, gofal plant cyffredinol, rhewi rhent, lwfans cynhaliaeth addysg, a'r twll mawr du hwnnw nad ydym yn gwybod unrhyw beth amdano—annibyniaeth. Mae'r rhain yn bethau maen nhw'n eu cyflwyno i'r Siambr hon, ac er gwaethaf bod yn y cytundeb cydweithio, lle mae ganddyn nhw ymrwymiadau gwario, maen nhw'n gofyn am hyn hefyd, sydd, yn fy marn i, yn wleidyddol annerbyniol. Mae effeithiau, wedyn, fel sydd wedi'i grybwyll yn barod, ar bethau megis trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus, prentisiaethau, datblygu canol trefi, cyllid cyfalaf awdurdodau lleol, datgarboneiddio a Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru. Mae'r rhain i gyd yn ganlyniadau sy'n arwain at ganlyniad uniongyrchol, o ganlyniad i rai o'r penderfyniadau sydd wedi eu gwneud.
A fy mhwynt olaf, Dirprwy Lywydd, os wnewch chi ganiatáu i mi, oherwydd yr ymyriadau: fe wnes i ofyn y cwestiwn hwnnw'n gynharach i Peter Fox, sut roedd yn teimlo am brydau ysgol am ddim cyffredinol. Pan gynhaliwyd y ddadl honno yn y Senedd flaenorol ac ar ddechrau'r Senedd hon, nid oedd yn ddadl iach. Roedd yn ddadl a gynhaliwyd drwy'r cyfryngau cymdeithasol. Ymosodwyd arnom, y rhai ohonom wnaeth bleidleisio yn ei erbyn. Rwy'n credu mewn prydau ysgol am ddim cyffredinol, ond rwy'n dal yn amheus am y peth fel blaenoriaeth ar hyn o bryd. Pe byddai gennym ni arian ychwanegol, dylai fynd tuag at Dechrau'n Deg cyffredinol, ac os nad oedd yr arian hwnnw gennym ni, dylai fynd tuag at y pethau hynny yr ydym ni eisoes yn eu gwarchod. Rwy'n credu bod perygl gwirioneddol o ran gwthio'r polisi hwnnw'n galetach ac yn galetach pan fo blaenoriaethau eraill mae'n rhaid i ni eu bodloni, fel y cynllun argyfwng bysiau, nad ydynt yn cael eu bodloni o ganlyniad i'r gyllideb hon. Mae llawer o—
I have now given you the extra time you asked for.
Rwyf i wedi rhoi'r amser ychwanegol y gwnaethoch chi ofyn amdano nawr.
There's a lot of difficulty, I think, with Plaid Cymru's approach to this, and it's inconsistent with what they're saying locally.
Mae yna lawer o anhawster, rwy'n credu, gydag agwedd Plaid Cymru tuag at hyn, ac mae'n anghyson â'r hyn maen nhw'n ei ddweud yn lleol.
I've had a request for a point of order from the Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr. If it's okay, I'll take it at the end of the debate, rather than now. But I will give you the point of order at the end.
Rwyf wedi cael cais am bwynt o drefn gan yr Aelod dros Ddwyrain Caerfyrddin a Dinefwr. Os yw'n iawn, mi fydda i'n ei gymryd ar ddiwedd y ddadl, yn hytrach na nawr. Ond byddaf yn rhoi'r pwynt o drefn i chi ar y diwedd.
Will you give a ruling as well?
A fyddwch chi'n rhoi dyfarniad hefyd?
Probably. Tom Giffard.
Mwy na thebyg. Tom Giffard.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'm not quite sure how to follow that, but what I will promise is a short contribution. I know Hefin promised it and didn't quite manage it, so I will try my best just to focus on a few key points, which I hope will give the Minister some pause for thought.
Last week, we debated the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee report, which Hefin and I both sit on, on rising costs. It was clear from the evidence that we heard that more support should be given to amenities such as leisure centres to help with the increase there in energy costs and prevent those key services that many people rely on from closing. Whilst, in responding to that debate, there were warm words, I thought, from the Deputy Minister, targeted additional support is lacking, I think. It's also worrying that as a nation Wales spends only £18 per head on sporting participation, compared to £51 per head in Norway.
I do believe it's really important that we get to disadvantaged areas so everyone can get that regular physical activity, but it's disappointing to see that by failing to increase support for this in the budget, the Welsh Government is not intending to change its approach. I know Ministers will say, 'Well, where does this funding come from?' But colleagues on these benches, as we heard from Peter Fox, have identified £100 million that can be diverted from other areas to areas that matter, to those areas that are priorities for the people of Wales. So, I hope you'll listen, Minister, to Peter Fox's suggestions, and take them very, very seriously indeed.
And finally, I'm also concerned about the potential for stealth taxes that could strangle our tourism industry. This is an often-made but very important argument, but we've got to the stage where recovery from COVID-19 in this sector is incredibly fragile. Proposing a tourism tax at this point alongside changes to self-catering accommodation rules won't help the recovery in that crucial part of our economy. We do, in the end, have to receive the returns to be able to reinvest in these services in future years. I hope you'll take those points on board, Minister, and thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd; that was less than two minutes.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Dydw i ddim yn hollol siŵr sut i ddilyn hynny, ond rwy'n addo cyfraniad byr. Rwy'n gwybod bod Hefin wedi addo hynny ac ni wnaeth lwyddo yn hynny o beth, felly byddaf yn trio fy ngorau i ganolbwyntio ar ambell bwynt allweddol, a fydd, gobeithio, yn gwneud i'r Gweinidog oedi i feddwl.
Wythnos diwethaf, fe wnaethom ni drafod adroddiad y Pwyllgor Diwylliant, Cyfathrebu, y Gymraeg, Chwaraeon a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol, y mae Hefin a minnau ein dau yn eistedd arno, ar gostau cynyddol. Roedd yn amlwg o'r dystiolaeth y gwnaethom ni ei chlywed y dylid rhoi mwy o gefnogaeth i amwynderau fel canolfannau hamdden i helpu gyda'r cynnydd yno mewn costau ynni ac atal y gwasanaethau allweddol hynny mae llawer o bobl yn dibynnu arnynt rhag cau. Wrth ymateb i'r ddadl honno, er bod geiriau cynnes, yn fy marn i, gan y Dirprwy Weinidog, mae cefnogaeth ychwanegol wedi'i dargedu yn ddiffygiol. Mae'n destun pryder hefyd bod Cymru, fel cenedl, ond yn gwario £18 y pen ar gyfranogiad chwaraeon, o'i gymharu â £51 y pen yn Norwy.
Rwy'n credu ei bod yn bwysig iawn ein bod ni'n cyrraedd ardaloedd difreintiedig fel y gall pawb gael y gweithgaredd corfforol rheolaidd hwnnw, ond mae'n siomedig gweld nad yw Llywodraeth Cymru, trwy fethu â chynyddu'r gefnogaeth i hyn yn y gyllideb, yn bwriadu newid ei dull gweithredu. Rwy'n gwybod y bydd Gweinidogion yn dweud, 'Wel, o ble mae'r cyllid hwn yn dod?' Ond mae cydweithwyr ar y meinciau yma, fel y clywsom ni gan Peter Fox, wedi canfod £100 miliwn y gellir ei ddargyfeirio o feysydd eraill i feysydd o bwys, i'r meysydd hynny sy'n flaenoriaethau i bobl Cymru. Felly, gobeithio y byddwch chi'n gwrando, Gweinidog, ar awgrymiadau Peter Fox, ac yn eu cymryd nhw o ddifrif iawn, iawn yn wir.
Ac yn olaf, rwyf i hefyd yn pryderu am y potensial am drethi llechwraidd a allai dagu ein diwydiant twristiaeth. Mae hon yn ddadl sy'n cael ei gwneud yn aml ond mae'n bwysig iawn, ond rydyn ni wedi cyrraedd y cam lle mae adferiad yn dilyn COVID-19 yn y sector hwn yn hynod fregus. Ni fydd cynnig treth twristiaeth ar hyn o bryd ochr yn ochr â newidiadau i reolau llety hunanarlwyo yn helpu'r adferiad yn y rhan hanfodol honno o'n heconomi. Mae'n rhaid i ni, yn y pen draw, dderbyn yr elw er mwyn gallu ail-fuddsoddi yn y gwasanaethau hyn mewn blynyddoedd i ddod. Gobeithio y byddwch chi'n rhoi sylw i'r pwyntiau hynny, Gweinidog, a diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd; roedd hynny'n llai na dau funud.
It was indeed. Heledd Fychan.
Oedd, yn wir. Heledd Fychan.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I think, very clearly, listening to this debate, there are two things that strike me: first, that certainly the biggest risk to Wales and its citizens is remaining part of the UK and not having these levers under our control, and secondly that all the Brexit dividend promises were lies. We're not seeing that reflected in the reality here in Wales.
Last night, I attended a public meeting organised by those that are opposing the proposals by Cardiff Council to close the Museum of Cardiff, privatise St David's Hall and reduce public library services. We heard a number of powerful speeches, in particular by those whose lives have been transformed by these wonderful facilities, proving that cultural assets aren't just nice to have, but absolutely essential for the health and well-being of our communities. When I have previously raised concerns about the potential loss of both cultural assets and leisure facilities—including swimming pools—in the Senedd, I've been repeatedly told that it is a matter for local authorities and that their settlement is better than expected in the draft budget. But I'm afraid that detracts from the reality that we're currently seeing across Wales, with—as everybody knows—Andrew Morgan, the leader of the WLGA, recently stating that the economic outlook for councils looks bleak, and councils are having to make difficult decisions to meet spiralling budget gaps due to energy bills, inflation and pay costs.
One question that was asked at last night's public meeting—and I think it is relevant for today's debate—was why are so many politicians both in our Senedd and in our local authorities not doing more to stand up to the austerity agenda, and not on the streets to reject the Tory narrative that no money is available. [Interruption.] No. Time and time again here, we hear Ministers state that it's the UK Government's fault that these difficult decisions have to be made, but one thing I'd like to ask today is: what are you doing in practical terms, beyond writing letters or making public statements, to demand the funding we need and deserve? Unless something significantly changes, and quickly, Wales will be stripped of many of its vital public services and facilities, and I worry that sometimes, we forget here that these are a result of political choices made by the UK Government. The UK Government follows a policy agenda that rewards the rich or super-rich and punishes the majority.
It's time for us to unite with our communities and send a clear message to Westminster that enough is enough and that we are unwilling to continue to implement an austerity agenda on their behalf. We therefore have an opportunity in this budget to outline the kind of Wales that we want to see, and use all the powers available to us to prioritise. My colleague Adam Price has outlined our priorities in terms of the NHS, and our proposal does mean that additional money can be made available. My colleague Sioned Williams outlined the very real challenges and the risks associated with some of the cuts that we are seeing in the draft budget, especially impacting children and young people living in poverty here in Wales, and there are more children and young people in poverty with every month that goes by.
I would also like to ask two other questions. Firstly, how does this draft budget address the issue of teacher recruitment and retention? It's something that Laura Anne Jones picked up on. We've heard warnings from headteachers that unless additional funding is made available, we will lose teachers and teaching assistants and additional support services will be lost. So, what considerations have been given to this in the budget?
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Rwy'n credu, yn glir iawn, wrth wrando ar y ddadl hon, bod dau beth yn fy nharo i: yn gyntaf, yn sicr y risg fwyaf i Gymru a'i dinasyddion yw parhau i fod yn rhan o'r DU a pheidio â bod â'r ysgogiadau hyn o dan ein rheolaeth, ac yn ail mai celwyddau oedd yr holl addewidion difidend Brexit. Nid ydyn ni yn gweld hynny'n cael ei adlewyrchu yn y realiti yma yng Nghymru.
Neithiwr, fe es i i gyfarfod cyhoeddus a oedd wedi'i drefnu gan y rhai sy'n gwrthwynebu'r cynigion gan Gyngor Caerdydd i gau Amgueddfa Caerdydd, preifateiddio Neuadd Dewi Sant a lleihau gwasanaethau llyfrgelloedd cyhoeddus. Gwnaethon ni glywed nifer o areithiau pwerus, yn arbennig gan y rhai y mae eu bywydau wedi'u trawsnewid gan y cyfleusterau gwych hyn, gan brofi nad yw asedau diwylliannol ond yn braf i'w cael, ond yn gwbl hanfodol ar gyfer iechyd a lles ein cymunedau. Pan ydw i eisoes wedi codi pryderon yn y Senedd am y posibilrwydd o golli ased diwylliannol a chyfleusterau hamdden—gan gynnwys pyllau nofio—, rwyf i wedi cael gwybod dro ar ôl tro mai mater i awdurdodau lleol yw hynny a bod eu setliad yn well na'r disgwyl yn y gyllideb ddrafft. Ond rwy'n ofni bod hynny'n tynnu oddi ar y gwirionedd yr ydyn ni'n ei weld ledled Cymru ar hyn o bryd, gyda—fel y mae pawb yn gwybod—Andrew Morgan, arweinydd CLlLC, yn datgan yn ddiweddar bod y rhagolygon economaidd i gynghorau yn edrych yn llwm, ac mae cynghorau'n gorfod gwneud penderfyniadau anodd i lenwi bylchau cynyddol yn y gyllideb oherwydd biliau ynni, chwyddiant a chostau cyflog.
Un cwestiwn a ofynnwyd yn y cyfarfod cyhoeddus neithiwr—ac rwy'n credu ei fod yn berthnasol i'r ddadl heddiw—oedd pam mae cymaint o wleidyddion yn ein Senedd ni ac yn ein hawdurdodau lleol ni nad ydyn nhw'n gwneud mwy i wrthsefyll yr agenda cyni, ac nad ydyn nhw ar y strydoedd i wrthod naratif y Torïaid nad oes arian ar gael. [Torri ar draws.] Na. Dro ar ôl tro yma, rydyn ni'n clywed Gweinidogion yn dweud mai bai Llywodraeth y DU yw hi bod yn rhaid gwneud y penderfyniadau anodd hyn, ond un peth yr hoffwn i ei ofyn heddiw yw: beth rydych chi'n ei wneud mewn termau ymarferol, y tu hwnt i ysgrifennu llythyrau neu wneud datganiadau cyhoeddus, i fynnu'r cyllid yr ydyn ni ei angen ac yn ei haeddu? Oni bai bod rhywbeth sylweddol yn newid, ac yn gyflym, bydd Cymru'n cael ei dinoethi o lawer o'i gwasanaethau a'i chyfleusterau cyhoeddus hanfodol, ac rwy'n gofidio weithiau, ein bod ni'n anghofio yn y fan yma fod y rhain o ganlyniad i ddewisiadau gwleidyddol wedi'u gwneud gan Lywodraeth y DU. Mae Llywodraeth y DU yn dilyn agenda polisi sy'n gwobrwyo'r cyfoethog neu'r hynod gyfoethog ac yn cosbi'r mwyafrif.
Mae'n bryd i ni uno gyda'n cymunedau ac anfon neges glir i San Steffan mai digon yw digon a'n bod ni'n anfodlon parhau i weithredu agenda gyni ar eu rhan. Mae gennym ni gyfle felly yn y gyllideb hon i amlinellu'r math o Gymru yr ydyn ni eisiau'i gweld, a defnyddio'r holl bwerau sydd ar gael i ni i'w blaenoriaethu. Mae fy nghyd-Aelod, Adam Price, wedi amlinellu ein blaenoriaethau o ran y GIG, ac mae ein cynnig yn golygu y gall arian ychwanegol fod ar gael. Amlinellodd fy nghyd-Aelod Sioned Williams yr heriau gwirioneddol iawn a'r risgiau sy'n gysylltiedig â rhai o'r toriadau yr ydyn ni'n eu gweld yn y gyllideb ddrafft, yn enwedig yn effeithio ar blant a phobl ifanc sy'n byw mewn tlodi yma yng Nghymru, ac mae mwy o blant a phobl ifanc mewn tlodi gyda phob mis sy'n mynd heibio.
Hoffwn i ofyn dau gwestiwn arall hefyd. Yn gyntaf, sut mae'r gyllideb ddrafft hon yn ymdrin â'r mater o recriwtio a chadw athrawon? Mae'n rhywbeth y cododd Laura Anne Jones. Rydyn ni wedi clywed rhybuddion gan benaethiaid, oni bai bod cyllid ychwanegol ar gael, byddwn ni'n colli athrawon a chynorthwywyr addysgu a bydd gwasanaethau cymorth ychwanegol yn cael eu colli. Felly, pa ystyriaethau sydd wedi'u rhoi i hyn yn y gyllideb?
Yn ail, os caf i droi at y Gymraeg, dyma'r gyllideb ddrafft cyntaf ers cyhoeddi canlyniadau'r cyfrifiad, fel y soniodd Delyth Jewell, a gwyddom fod angen buddsoddiad sylweddol mewn nifer o feysydd os am gyrraedd y targed o filiwn o siaradwyr Cymraeg erbyn 2050. Serch hynny, mae toriad termau real o 2.4 y cant mewn gwariant ar y Gymraeg yn y gyllideb hon. Pa asesiad sydd wedi ei wneud o ran beth fydd effaith hyn ar y targed o filiwn o siaradwyr?
Yn bellach, er llwyddiant buddsoddi mewn mynediad am ddim i Eisteddfod yr Urdd y llynedd a 15,000 o docynnau am ddim i'r Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, oes bwriad cynnig cefnogaeth pellach i alluogi hyn yn y dyfodol? Mae'r math yma o ddigwyddiadau yn eithriadol o bwysig, a rydyn ni wedi gweld rhybudd gan yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol wythnos diwethaf y bydd rhaid iddyn nhw edrych eto ar bris mynediad. Felly, sut ydyn ni am sicrhau nad ydy diwylliant yn rhywbeth jest i'r rhai sy'n gallu ei fforddio fo? Mae gennyn ni Ddeddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau'r Dyfodol (Cymru) 2015 yma yng Nghymru; mae'n rhaid sicrhau mynediad cydradd i holl gyfoeth bywyd, ac mae hynny'n cynnwys diwylliant. Hoffwn wybod sut mae'r gyllideb hon am sicrhau hynny.
Secondly, if I could turn to the Welsh language, this is the first draft budget since the publication of the census results, as Delyth Jewell mentioned, and we know that significant investment is needed in a number of areas if we're reach the target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050. However, a real-terms cut of 2.4 per cent in expenditure on the Welsh language is contained within this budget. So, what assessment has been done on the impact of this on the target of a million Welsh speakers?
Further to that, although there's been success in investing in free access to the Urdd Eisteddfod last year and 15,000 free tickets to the National Eisteddfod, is there an intention to provide further support to enable this to happen in the future? These kinds of events are extremely important, and we've seen a warning from the National Eisteddfod just last week that they will have to look again at the price of entry. So, how are we going to ensure that culture isn't just for those that can afford it? We have the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 here in Wales; we must ensure equal access to all the wealth of life, and that includes culture. So, I'd like to know how this budget will secure that.
I’m speaking this afternoon in my capacity as Chair of the Children, Young People and Education Committee. As a committee, we are all very much aware of the significant financial difficulties facing the Ministers setting this year’s budget. We know that children and other vulnerable groups of people are disproportionately impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. An estimated 31 per cent of children in Wales are living in relative poverty.
In a survey of 7,873 children and young people last November, the children’s commissioner found that 45 per cent of children aged seven to 11, and 26 per cent of young people aged 12 to 18, said they worry about having enough to eat. This is the stark reality of how poverty affects children, and the backdrop against which the Welsh Government sets its 2023-24 draft budget. It demonstrates why it’s so important for the Welsh Government to give children and young people their fair share of resources.
At the heart of the Children, Young People and Education Committee’s scrutiny of the Welsh Government’s draft budget is this key question: has the Welsh Government allocated enough resources to children and young people? Unfortunately, we do not know for sure. Once again, the Welsh Government did not publish a children’s rights impact assessment of its draft budget. Our committee is clear in our recommendation on this: the Welsh Government must comply with its duty to have due regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child when setting its draft budget.
We asked for a lot of information in preparation for our scrutiny, and we are grateful for the co-operation of Ministers and officials on this. Sadly, not all of the written evidence we receive to support our scrutiny was clear, and we look forward to the Finance Committee’s forthcoming consultation. Despite those challenges in seeing what’s spent on children, we have made a series of recommendations to the Welsh Government this year, some of which aim to mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on children and young people across Wales.
The school holidays free school meals programme, which is due to end after the February half term, should be extended. Children in Wales should not have to worry about having enough to eat. The school meals programme is an effective way to mitigate the impact of food poverty on our most vulnerable. We welcome the Welsh Government’s decision to extend the scheme thus far and urge it to do so again.
A number of Members have already mentioned the education maintenance allowance, and we believe that the time has come for the education maintenance allowance to be properly reviewed. In its response to our draft budget report last year, the Welsh Government told us that it hasn’t reviewed the EMA in part because a 2014 review suggested that it was
'an essential source of financial support for only the minority of students.'
That review is almost now a decade old. An awful lot has changed since then. Meanwhile, since neither the EMA eligibility threshold nor the support rate have been revised since 2011-12, the EMA is of less real-terms value to fewer students every year.
These recommendations, alongside others, feed into the final recommendation of our report. This year, we join the children’s commissioner, Audit Wales and many others in calling for the Welsh Government to produce a child poverty action plan with clear, costed, deliverable, measurable and time-bound actions. We understand that the main levers for alleviating child poverty lie with the UK Government. But that does not negate the need for the Welsh Government to set out clearly how it will use the levers that are in its gift, and the money that it does have, to reduce child poverty here in Wales. And I know that we are not the only ones who will be paying close attention to the Welsh Government’s response to that recommendation, in particular.
And finally, I would like to thank my fellow Senedd committee Chairs and committee members for their support and collaboration this year. It is so important for the Senedd to be as holistic as possible in its scrutiny of the Welsh Government’s draft budget. As well as drawing on the expertise and excellent engagement work of the Finance Committee, I know that some committee reports this year—including ours—have joint recommendations with other committees that have shared areas of interest. I hope very much that we continue to build on this collaborative approach to scrutiny in future years. Diolch yn fawr.
Rwy'n siarad y prynhawn yma yn rhinwedd fy swydd fel Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg. Fel pwyllgor, rydyn ni i gyd yn ymwybodol iawn o'r anawsterau ariannol sylweddol sy'n wynebu'r Gweinidogion wrth osod y gyllideb eleni. Rydyn ni'n gwybod bod yr argyfwng costau byw yn effeithio'n anghymesur ar blant a grwpiau eraill o bobl agored i niwed. Mae tua 31 y cant o blant Cymru'n byw mewn tlodi cymharol.
Mewn arolwg o 7,873 o blant a phobl ifanc fis Tachwedd diwethaf, gwnaeth y comisiynydd plant ddarganfod fod 45 y cant o blant rhwng saith ac 11 oed, a 26 y cant o bobl ifanc rhwng 12 ac 18 oed, yn dweud eu bod yn poeni am gael digon i'w fwyta. Dyma'r gwir plaen o sut mae tlodi'n effeithio ar blant, a'r cefndir y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn gosod ei chyllideb ddrafft ar gyfer 2023-24 yn ei erbyn. Mae'n dangos pam mae hi mor bwysig i Lywodraeth Cymru roi cyfran deg o adnoddau i blant a phobl ifanc.
Wrth wraidd craffu'r Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg ar gyllideb ddrafft Llywodraeth Cymru y mae'r cwestiwn allweddol hwn: a yw Llywodraeth Cymru wedi clustnodi digon o adnoddau i blant a phobl ifanc? Yn anffodus, nid ydyn ni'n gwybod yn sicr. Unwaith eto, ni wnaeth Llywodraeth Cymru gyhoeddi asesiad effaith ar hawliau plant o'i chyllideb ddrafft. Mae ein pwyllgor ni'n glir yn ein hargymhelliad ar hyn: mae'n rhaid i Lywodraeth Cymru gydymffurfio â'i dyletswydd i roi sylw dyladwy i Gonfensiwn y Cenhedloedd Unedig ar Hawliau'r Plentyn wrth bennu ei chyllideb ddrafft.
Gwnaethon ni ofyn am lawer o wybodaeth wrth baratoi ar gyfer ein gwaith craffu, ac rydyn ni'n ddiolchgar am gydweithrediad Gweinidogion a swyddogion ar hyn. Yn anffodus, nid oedd yr holl dystiolaeth ysgrifenedig y gwnaethon ni ei chael i gefnogi ein craffu'n glir, ac edrychwn ni ymlaen at ymgynghoriad y Pwyllgor Cyllid sydd i ddod. Er gwaethaf yr heriau hynny o ran gweld yr hyn sy'n cael ei wario ar blant, rydyn ni wedi gwneud cyfres o argymhellion i Lywodraeth Cymru eleni, a rhai ohonyn nhw'n â'r nod o liniaru effaith yr argyfwng costau byw ar blant a phobl ifanc ledled Cymru.
Dylai'r rhaglen prydau ysgol am ddim i blant, sydd i fod i ddod i ben ar ôl hanner tymor mis Chwefror, gael ei hymestyn. Ni ddylai plant yng Nghymru orfod poeni am fod â digon i'w fwyta. Mae'r rhaglen prydau ysgol yn ffordd effeithiol o liniaru effaith tlodi bwyd ar ein hunigolion mwyaf agored i niwed. Rydyn ni'n croesawu penderfyniad Llywodraeth Cymru i ymestyn y cynllun hyd yma ac yn ei hannog i wneud hynny eto.
Mae nifer o Aelodau eisoes wedi sôn am y lwfans cynhaliaeth addysg, ac rydyn ni'n credu bod yr amser wedi dod i'r lwfans cynhaliaeth addysg gael ei adolygu'n briodol. Yn ei hymateb i'n hadroddiad cyllideb ddrafft y llynedd, dywedodd Llywodraeth Cymru wrthym nad yw wedi adolygu'r lwfans cynhaliaeth addysg yn rhannol oherwydd bod adolygiad yn 2014 yn awgrymu
'mai dim ond i leiafrif o fyfyrwyr yr oedd yr LCA yn ffynhonnell hanfodol o gymorth ariannol.'
Mae'r adolygiad hwnnw bron yn ddegawd oed erbyn hyn. Mae llawer iawn wedi newid ers hynny. Yn y cyfamser, gan nad yw trothwy cymhwysedd y lwfans cynhaliaeth addysg na'r gyfradd gymorth wedi'u diwygio ers 2011-12, mae'r lwfans cynhaliaeth addysg gwerth llai mewn termau real i lai o fyfyrwyr bob blwyddyn.
Mae'r argymhellion hyn, ochr yn ochr ag eraill, yn cyfrannu at argymhelliad terfynol ein hadroddiad. Eleni, rydyn ni'n ymuno â'r comisiynydd plant, Archwilio Cymru a llawer o rai eraill wrth alw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i lunio cynllun gweithredu ar dlodi plant gyda chamau clir, wedi'u costio, y mae modd eu cyflawni, eu mesur ac sydd yn gyfyngedig o ran amser. Rydyn ni'n deall bod y prif ysgogiadau ar gyfer lliniaru tlodi plant yn nwylo Llywodraeth y DU. Ond nid yw hynny'n nacáu'r angen i Lywodraeth Cymru nodi'n glir sut y bydd yn defnyddio'r ysgogiadau sydd ganddi, a'r arian sydd ganddi, i leihau tlodi plant yma yng Nghymru. Ac rwy'n gwybod nad ni yw'r unig rai fydd yn rhoi sylw manwl i ymateb Llywodraeth Cymru i'r argymhelliad hwnnw, yn benodol.
Ac yn olaf, hoffwn i ddiolch i fy nghyd-Gadeiryddion pwyllgorau yn y Senedd ac i aelodau'r pwyllgor am eu cefnogaeth a'u cydweithrediad eleni. Mae hi mor bwysig bod y Senedd mor gyfannol â phosibl wrth graffu ar gyllideb ddrafft Llywodraeth Cymru. Yn ogystal â defnyddio arbenigedd a gwaith ymgysylltu rhagorol y Pwyllgor Cyllid, rwy'n gwybod bod gan rai adroddiadau pwyllgor eleni—gan gynnwys ein rhai ni—argymhellion ar y cyd â phwyllgorau eraill sydd wedi rhannu meysydd o ddiddordeb. Rwy'n gobeithio'n fawr ein bod ni'n parhau i adeiladu ar y dull cydweithredol hwn o graffu mewn blynyddoedd i ddod. Diolch yn fawr.
I'd like to preface my contribution to this debate by saying thank you so much to the Minister. I have said on many occasions that it’s a job that I would run a million miles from—to set a £19 billion budget. I would like to thank her for the discussions that we have had, and for the opportunity to look at particular areas in detail. Thank you. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
What is a Government’s budget, unless it’s there to support our poorest and our children? There is a song—I won't sing it—and I think it goes something like this:
‘I believe that children are our future’.
Indeed, they are, aren’t they? I’m really pleased to see so much in this budget that actually focuses on children. I echo many of the statements from Jayne Bryant. We have free school meals. That is about feeding our children—all of our children, it doesn’t matter what their background is. It’s about making sure that our care-experienced children whom we are responsible for—we are their corporate parents—do not go without anything through the wonderful pilot universal basic income for care-experienced children.
In education—and I’m bound to say here that Kirsty Williams worked on this—the pupil development grant, which actually looks at targeting those children who are the most vulnerable and need our support on education. That’s what a budget should be about. It is so tempting, isn’t it, to list exactly what we want in addition, but that’s actually what I’m going to be doing in the next few minutes. I will come to something else at the end, but I do want to talk about some of the things that I would like to see and that are already in the budget as well.
Dentistry. Many of you know that I have raised this on several occasions. In Powys, we have 5,000 people on the dental waiting list, with 800 children still not able to find an NHS dentist. We need to look at funding—that’s not the only issue—and I’m grateful, in my discussions with the Minister, to look at innovations that we’ve had. But it needs to go further and faster, and I look forward to hearing more about that.
Social care. We know that that is a really big issue. I’m pleased to see that the Welsh Government has committed £70 million to the social care sector, which will fund that living wage commitment. But, as I’m sure everybody in the Siambr here today knows, it needs to go further; it’s only a step to helping to mitigate many of the issues in relation to social care.
The third area is around decarbonisation. The climate emergency is the most important thing that we face. I am interested to learn what plans the Welsh Government has for the new iteration of the Warm Homes programme. We have been waiting a little bit of time for that, but that is essential in order to make sure that people’s bills are lower, and that we address our climate emergency. You have heard Luke Fletcher talk about the bus emergency support scheme and concerns around that, and I do share those. But we want to see free public transport for all under-25-year-olds. That would help to tackle the climate emergency and to help our young people.
I would just like to finish by saying that we have all talked about—including me—what more we want to see being spent. But we need to look at income as well. We need to look at how we are going to fund what we need, particularly in the light of a disastrous Conservative Government and an absolutely shameful Liz Truss budget, which put so many people in a precarious position. We need to look in Wales at what we can do. And although I won’t be supporting the Plaid Cymru amendment, I do think that there is a discussion to be had. My concern is that I cannot support a proposal that seeks to add an additional tax burden to the lowest earners, particularly at this time of a cost-of-living crisis. But I do think that there’s a discussion to be had, and I hope the Minister’s open to that, to look at how we can actually tax the highest earners, because they are the people who can afford to support everybody in Wales. And, of course, I won’t be supporting the Conservative amendment. It’s clear to everyone that their Government is not delivering on the people of Wales’s priorities. Thank you very much. Diolch yn fawr.
Hoffwn i roi rhagair i fy nghyfraniad i'r ddadl hon drwy ddweud diolch yn fawr iawn i'r Gweinidog. Rwyf i wedi dweud droeon ei bod hi mewn swydd y byddwn i'n rhedeg miliwn o filltiroedd oddi wrthi—i osod cyllideb gwerth £19 biliwn. Hoffwn i ddiolch iddi hi am y trafodaethau yr ydyn ni wedi'u cael, ac am y cyfle i ystyried meysydd penodol yn fanwl. Diolch. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Beth yw cyllideb Llywodraeth, oni bai ei bod yno i gefnogi ein pobl dlotaf a'n plant? Mae yna gân—wna i ddim ei chanu—ond rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n mynd rhywbeth fel hyn:
'Rwy'n credu mai plant yw ein dyfodol'.
Yn wir, y maen nhw, onid ydyn nhw? Rwy'n falch iawn o weld cymaint yn y gyllideb hon sydd wir yn canolbwyntio ar blant. Rwy'n adleisio llawer o'r datganiadau gan Jayne Bryant. Mae gennym ni brydau ysgol am ddim. Mae hynny'n ymwneud â bwydo'n plant—ein plant ni i gyd, beth bynnag yw eu cefndir. Mae'n ymwneud â gwneud yn siŵr nad yw ein plant â phrofiad o fod mewn gofal, yr ydyn ni'n gyfrifol amdanyn nhw—ni yw eu rhieni corfforaethol—yn mynd heb unrhyw beth drwy'r cynllun treialu incwm sylfaenol cyffredinol gwych ar gyfer plant â phrofiad o fod mewn gofal.
Ym myd addysg—ac mae'n rhaid i mi ddweud yma fod Kirsty Williams wedi gweithio ar hwn—y grant datblygu disgyblion, sydd mewn gwirionedd yn ystyried targedu'r plant hynny sydd fwyaf agored i niwed ac sydd angen ein cefnogaeth o ran addysg. Dyna beth ddylai diben cyllideb fod. Mae hi'n gymaint o demtasiwn, on'd yw hi, i restru'n union beth yr ydyn ni'i eisiau yn ychwanegol, ond dyna mewn gwirionedd yw beth fydda' i'n ei wneud yn ystod y munudau nesaf. Dof at rywbeth arall ar y diwedd, ond rydw i eisiau siarad am rai o'r pethau yr hoffwn i eu gweld ac sydd eisoes yn y gyllideb hefyd.
Deintyddiaeth. Mae llawer ohonoch chi'n gwybod fy mod i wedi codi hyn ar sawl achlysur. Ym Mhowys, mae gennym ni 5,000 o bobl ar y rhestr aros deintyddol, gydag 800 o blant yn dal i fethu dod o hyd i ddeintydd GIG. Mae angen i ni ystyried cyllid—nid dyna'r unig fater—ac rwy'n ddiolchgar, yn fy nhrafodaethau â'r Gweinidog, i edrych ar ddatblygiadau arloesol yr ydyn ni wedi'u cael. Ond mae angen mynd ymhellach ac yn gyflymach, ac rwy'n edrych ymlaen at glywed mwy am hynny.
Gofal cymdeithasol. Rydyn ni'n gwybod bod hynny'n broblem fawr iawn. Rwy'n falch o weld bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ymrwymo £70 miliwn i'r sector gofal cymdeithasol, a fydd yn ariannu'r ymrwymiad cyflog byw hwnnw. Ond, fel rwy'n sicr bod pawb yn y Siambr yma heddiw yn ei wybod, mae angen mynd ymhellach; dim ond cam ydyw tuag at helpu i liniaru llawer o'r materion o ran gofal cymdeithasol.
Y trydydd maes yw ynghylch datgarboneiddio. Yr argyfwng hinsawdd yw'r peth pwysicaf sy'n ein hwynebu ni. Mae gennyf i ddiddordeb mewn dysgu pa gynlluniau sydd gan Lywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer fersiwn newydd y rhaglen Cartrefi Clyd. Rydyn ni wedi bod yn aros ychydig o amser am hynny, ond mae hynny'n hanfodol er mwyn gwneud yn siŵr bod biliau pobl yn is, a'n bod ni'n ymdrin â'n hargyfwng hinsawdd. Rydych chi wedi clywed Luke Fletcher yn sôn am y cynllun cymorth brys i fysiau a phryderon ynghylch hynny, ac rwy'n rhannu'r rheini. Ond rydyn ni eisiau gweld trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus am ddim i bawb dan 25 oed. Byddai hynny'n helpu i ymdrin â'r argyfwng hinsawdd ac i helpu ein pobl ifanc.
Hoffwn i orffen drwy ddweud ein bod ni i gyd wedi sôn—gan gynnwys fi—am beth arall yr ydyn ni eisiau'i weld yn cael ei wario. Ond mae angen i ni ystyried incwm hefyd. Mae angen i ni ystyried sut yr ydyn ni'n mynd i ariannu'r hyn sydd ei angen arnon ni, yn enwedig yng ngoleuni Llywodraeth Geidwadol drychinebus a chyllideb hollol gywilyddus Liz Truss, sy'n rhoi cymaint o bobl mewn sefyllfa ansicr. Mae angen i ni ystyried yng Nghymru yr hyn y gallwn ni ei wneud. Ac er na fyddaf i'n cefnogi gwelliant Plaid Cymru, rwy'n credu bod trafodaeth i'w chael. Fy mhryder i yw na allaf i gefnogi cynnig sy'n ceisio ychwanegu baich treth ychwanegol ar y rhai sy'n ennill lleiaf, yn enwedig ar adeg argyfwng costau byw. Ond rwy'n credu bod trafodaeth i'w chael, ac rwy'n gobeithio bod y Gweinidog yn agored i hynny, i ystyried sut y gallwn ni drethu'r rhai sy'n ennill y cyflogau uchaf, oherwydd nhw yw'r bobl sy'n gallu fforddio cefnogi pawb yng Nghymru. Ac, wrth gwrs, ni fyddaf i'n cefnogi gwelliant y Ceidwadwyr. Mae'n amlwg i bawb nad yw eu Llywodraeth nhw'n cyflawni ar flaenoriaethau pobl Cymru. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Can I also thank the Welsh Government Minister for bringing forward today’s debate on the 2023-24 draft budget? Of course, it has a really important impact on our communities, on everyone in Wales, and it’s something that, I’m sure, everyone’s been eagerly anticipating. It’s clear from our side of the benches and throughout contributions so far, along with our amendment to today’s budget debate, that this Welsh Government budget does not go far enough in delivering for the priorities of the people of Wales. And one of these priorities is the services delivered by our fantastic councils and councillors up and down Wales. It’ll be no surprise to us here that I’ll be starting my contribution in this regard.
As has already been outlined, the local government settlement is proposing a 7.9 per cent increase, which is around £227 million being provided to local government, which, of course, those councils have welcomed cautiously. But it’s clearly not enough for them to deliver the services that are required. It’s really difficult to see how this increase in the settlement will actually lead to local communities receiving better services. We know that councils are currently having to grapple with budgets and difficult decisions just to survive and deliver business as usual, let alone see additional services delivered.
But we are living with and dealing with a bit of a paradox on this issue, because in light of this funding settlement of 7.9 per cent, many councils up and down Wales are planning huge council tax rises to deal with it, but this is despite them sitting on massive reserves, which my colleague Peter Fox pointed out. In my view, it’s simply not right that residents across Wales are likely to face significant council tax rises, especially during a time when their pockets are already being hit, when some councils are sitting on hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of reserves. The moral position on this is difficult to justify, and I hope the Minister will consider the thoughts that Peter Fox presented in respect of this as well.
Secondly, other Members have mentioned this point, and it is in relation to the housing issues and challenges that our councils are facing. I’ve received significant correspondence on this, and I’m sure that other Members have as well, and it’s in relation to the housing support grant, which we know funds the vast majority of support for our homeless and housing support in Wales, with around 60,000 people every year being supported. Really important support was provided throughout the pandemic, but it’s currently under more pressure than ever. We know that, over the past decade, the housing support grant has reduced in real terms from where it was at £139 million around 10 years ago, which should equate to about £181 million today. But in actual fact, it is £167 million, so it’s about a £14 million real-terms cut to an area that has seen a significant increase in demand. And this real-terms cut is having a significant effect on the housing support grant workforce, and it’s clear that the absence of any increase to this budget means that service delivery is at risk, and ultimately it will cost the taxpayer more in the long run, because this preventative service is not being properly supported.
In addition to this, we’re seeing a huge challenge in recruiting and retaining staff in these services, and we’re told that 29 per cent of staff working in housing support will be getting paid less than the new real living wage. It can’t be right that the Welsh Government’s own budget for housing support services is not enabling them to pay the real living wage, despite the Welsh Government’s own commitment to pay the real living wage. There’s a real hypocrisy there in the budget setting for housing support services from the Welsh Government.
A gaf i ddiolch hefyd i Weinidog Llywodraeth Cymru am gyflwyno'r drafodaeth heddiw ar gyllideb ddrafft 2023-24? Wrth gwrs, mae'n cael effaith hynod bwysig ar ein cymunedau, ar bawb yng Nghymru, ac mae'n rhywbeth, rwy'n siŵr, y mae pawb wedi bod yn aros amdani'n eiddgar. Mae'n amlwg o'n hochr ni y meinciau a thrwy gydol y cyfraniadau hyd yma, ynghyd â'n gwelliant i'r ddadl yn y gyllideb heddiw, nad yw'r gyllideb hon gan Lywodraeth Cymru yn mynd yn ddigon pell wrth gyflawni ar flaenoriaethau pobl Cymru. Ac un o'r blaenoriaethau hyn yw'r gwasanaethau sy'n cael eu darparu gan ein cynghorau a'n cynghorwyr gwych ar hyd a lled Cymru. Ni fydd hi'n syndod i ni yma y byddaf i'n dechrau fy nghyfraniad yn hyn o beth.
Fel sydd eisoes wedi'i amlinellu, mae'r setliad llywodraeth leol yn cynnig cynnydd o 7.9 y cant, sydd tua £227 miliwn yn cael ei ddarparu i lywodraeth leol, sydd, wrth gwrs, wedi cael croeso gochelgar. Ond yn amlwg nid yw hi wedi bod yn ddigon iddyn nhw ddarparu'r gwasanaethau sydd eu hangen ar bobl. Mae'n anodd iawn gweld sut bydd y cynnydd hwn yn y setliad wir yn arwain at gymunedau lleol yn cael gwell gwasanaethau. Rydyn ni'n gwybod bod cynghorau ar hyn o bryd yn gorfod ymrafael â chyllidebau a phenderfyniadau anodd dim ond i oroesi bwrw ymlaen fel arfer, heb sôn am weld gwasanaethau ychwanegol yn cael eu cyflawni.
Ond rydyn ni'n byw gyda ac yn ymdrin ag ychydig o baradocs ar y mater hwn, oherwydd yng ngoleuni'r setliad cyllido hwn o 7.9 y cant, mae llawer o gynghorau ar hyd a lled Cymru yn cynllunio codi'r dreth gyngor yn sylweddol iawn i ymdopi ag ef, ond mae hyn er eu bod yn eistedd ar gronfeydd wrth gefn enfawr, y tynnodd fy nghydweithiwr Peter Fox sylw ato. Yn fy marn i, nid yw hi'n iawn bod trigolion ledled Cymru yn debygol o wynebu cynnydd sylweddol yn y dreth gyngor, yn enwedig yn ystod cyfnod pan fo'u pocedi eisoes yn dioddef, pan mae rhai cynghorau'n eistedd ar werth cannoedd o filiynau o bunnoedd wrth gefn. Mae'n anodd cyfiawnhau'r safbwynt moesol ar hyn, ac rwy'n gobeithio y bydd y Gweinidog yn ystyried y sylwadau y cyflwynodd Peter Fox ar hyn hefyd.
Yn ail, mae Aelodau eraill wedi sôn am y pwynt hwn, ac mae ynghylch materion tai a'r heriau y mae ein cynghorau yn eu hwynebu. Rwyf i wedi cael gohebiaeth sylweddol ar hyn, ac rwy'n siŵr fod Aelodau eraill wedi hefyd, ac mae'n ymwneud â'r grant cymorth tai, yr ydym ni'n ymwybodol ei fod yn ariannu'r mwyafrif helaeth o gefnogaeth i'n cymorth i ddigartrefedd a thai yng Nghymru, gyda thua 60,000 o bobl bob blwyddyn yn cael eu cefnogi. Cafodd cymorth pwysig iawn ei ddarparu drwy gydol y pandemig, ond ar hyn o bryd mae o dan fwy o bwysau nag erioed. Gwyddom ni, yn ystod y degawd diwethaf, fod y grant cymorth tai wedi lleihau mewn termau real o ble'r oedd ar £139 miliwn tua 10 mlynedd yn ôl, a ddylai gyfateb i tua £181 miliwn heddiw. Ond mewn gwirionedd, mae'n £167 miliwn, felly mae tua £14 miliwn o doriad mewn termau real i faes sydd wedi gweld cynnydd sylweddol yn y galw. Ac mae'r toriad termau real hwn yn cael effaith sylweddol ar y gweithlu grantiau cymorth tai, ac mae'n amlwg bod diffyg unrhyw gynnydd i'r gyllideb hon yn golygu bod darparu gwasanaethau mewn perygl, ac yn y pen draw bydd yn costio mwy i'r trethdalwr yn y pen draw, oherwydd nid yw'r gwasanaeth ataliol hwn yn cael ei gefnogi'n gywir.
Yn ogystal â hyn, rydyn ni'n gweld her enfawr wrth recriwtio a chadw staff yn y gwasanaethau hyn, ac rydyn ni wedi cael gwybod y bydd 29 y cant o staff sy'n gweithio mewn cymorth tai yn cael llai o dâl na'r cyflog byw gwirioneddol newydd. Ni all fod yn iawn nad yw cyllideb Llywodraeth Cymru ei hun ar gyfer gwasanaethau cefnogi tai yn eu galluogi i dalu'r cyflog byw gwirioneddol, er gwaethaf ymrwymiad Llywodraeth Cymru ei hun i dalu'r cyflog byw gwirioneddol. Mae rhagrith gwirioneddol yno yn y broses o osod gwasanaethau cymorth tai gan Lywodraeth Cymru.
Will you give way?
A wnewch chi ildio?
Certainly.
Wrth gwrs.
Do you share my concern that cuts or freezes in the housing support grant have been offered almost as a sacrificial offering in almost every Welsh Government draft budget for at least the last decade, despite the consequences of increased pressure on the NHS, accident and emergency departments, and blue light services? And do you agree that the Welsh Government should not be pursuing these false economies, and instead should be removing the millions of added cost pressure on statutory services that they would cause?
Ydych chi'n rhannu fy mhryder bod toriadau neu rewi yn y grant cymorth tai wedi cael eu cynnig bron fel offrwm aberthol yn bron pob cyllideb ddrafft Llywodraeth Cymru am o leiaf y degawd diwethaf, er gwaethaf canlyniadau mwy o bwysau ar adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys y GIG, a gwasanaethau golau glas? Ac a ydych chi'n cytuno na ddylai Llywodraeth Cymru fod yn dilyn yr economïau ffug hyn, ac yn hytrach y dylent fod yn cael gwared ar y miliynau o bwysau ychwanegol o ran costau ar wasanaethau statudol y bydden nhw'n eu hachosi?
Absolutely. Mark Isherwood raises an important point from his experience here in the Senedd, and I absolutely agree with every point that he's made there because there's a broader point here around preventative services not being properly supported, and the consequential effect on budgets elsewhere within the Welsh Government's control.
Of course, it's fair to say that this budget has come at a challenging time. However, I believe that there are clear aspects of this that are letting many parts of Wales down, and need to be urgently addressed. I've highlighted just two here this afternoon. So, in closing, I'd like to thank the Minister again for bringing forward today's debate, along with her continued engagement with members of our committee—I sit on the Local Government and Housing Committee. I look forward to further contributions from across the Chamber and call on all Members to support our Welsh Conservative amendment 1. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Yn hollol. Mae Mark Isherwood yn codi pwynt pwysig o'i brofiad yma yn y Senedd, ac rwy'n cytuno'n llwyr â phob pwynt y mae ef wedi'i wneud yn y fan yna oherwydd mae pwynt ehangach yma ynghylch gwasanaethau ataliol nad ydyn nhw'n cael eu cefnogi'n iawn, a'r effaith ganlyniadol ar gyllidebau mewn mannau eraill o fewn rheolaeth Llywodraeth Cymru.
Wrth gwrs, mae'n deg dweud bod y gyllideb hon wedi dod ar adeg heriol. Ond rwy'n credu bod agweddau clir o'r hyn sy'n gadael sawl rhan o Gymru i lawr, ac mae angen ymdrin â hi ar frys. Rwyf i wedi tynnu sylw at ddau yn unig yma y prynhawn yma. Felly, wrth gloi, hoffwn i ddiolch eto i'r Gweinidog am gyflwyno'r ddadl heddiw, ynghyd â'i hymgysylltiad parhaus ag aelodau ein pwyllgor ni—rwy'n eistedd ar y Pwyllgor Llywodraeth Leol a Thai. Rwy'n edrych ymlaen at gyfraniadau eraill o bob rhan o'r Siambr ac yn galw ar bob Aelod i gefnogi ein gwelliant 1 gan y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Now, I understand that it's impossible to draft a budget that pleases everybody, especially in the current climate. A budget is a reflection of your politics, and politics, after all, is about priorities. And I'd like to speak to one of those priorities that is often espoused—that of tackling homelessness. Homelessness is a scourge and nobody in an advanced and fair country should be left homeless, but the sad truth is that people are homeless here in Wales. Only last week, my surgery was full of appointments of people who were presenting themselves as homeless, from young families to octogenarians. Tackling and preventing homelessness is not only a good thing in and of itself, but it's also a preventative measure that saves money, be it money in our local authorities or money in the health service and elsewhere. Research has demonstrated that the housing support grant services deliver a net saving—
Nawr, rwy'n deall ei bod hi'n amhosibl drafftio cyllideb sy'n plesio pawb, yn enwedig yn yr hinsawdd sydd ohoni. Mae cyllideb yn adlewyrchiad o'ch gwleidyddiaeth, ac mae gwleidyddiaeth, wedi'r cyfan, yn ymwneud â blaenoriaethau. A hoffwn siarad am un o'r blaenoriaethau hynny sy'n cael ei arddel yn aml—sef mynd i'r afael â digartrefedd. Mae digartrefedd yn bla a ddylai neb mewn gwlad ddatblygedig a theg gael ei adael yn ddigartref, ond y gwir trist yw bod pobl yn ddigartref yma yng Nghymru. Dim ond yr wythnos diwethaf, roedd fy nghymhorthfa yn llawn apwyntiadau o bobl a oedd yn dod i ddweud eu bod yn ddigartref, o deuluoedd ifanc i bobl yn eu hwythdegau. Mae mynd i'r afael â digartrefedd a’i atal nid yn unig yn beth da ynddo'i hun, ond mae hefyd yn fesur ataliol sy'n arbed arian, boed yn arian yn ein hawdurdodau lleol neu arian yn y gwasanaeth iechyd ac yn rhywle arall. Mae ymchwil wedi dangos bod y gwasanaethau grant cymorth tai yn darparu arbediad net—
Will the Member take an intervention?
A wnaiff yr Aelod dderbyn ymyriad?
Yes, go for it, Janet.
Ie, ewch amdani, Janet.
Thank you, Mabon. Thank you, Mabon, very much. There's some irony here, isn't there? The reasons that the homeless numbers are increasing are, in fact, as a result of many private landlords—and I declare an interest—actually now serving section 21s. You've supported all those extra regulatory burdens that have been placed on private landlords that are now forcing people out of comfortable homes and into hotel rooms; 19 hotel rooms in Conwy county now have many homeless living in temporary accommodation, but they're there for months.
Diolch, Mabon. Diolch, Mabon, yn fawr iawn. Mae yna rywfaint o eironi yma, onid oes? Y rhesymau pam y mae'r niferoedd sy'n ddigartref yn cynyddu, mewn gwirionedd, yw o ganlyniad i lawer o landlordiaid preifat—ac rwy'n datgan buddiant—mewn gwirionedd yn cyflwyno ffurflenni adran 21. Rydych chi wedi cefnogi'r holl feichiau rheoleiddio ychwanegol hynny sydd wedi'u gosod ar landlordiaid preifat sydd bellach yn gorfodi pobl allan o gartrefi cyfforddus ac i mewn i ystafelloedd mewn gwesty; erbyn hyn mae 19 o ystafelloedd mewn gwesty yn sir Conwy â llawer o bobl ddigartref yn byw mewn llety dros dro, ond maen nhw yno ers misoedd.
There's no evidence at all to suggest that the new regulations are contributing to section 21, but I'm here to talk about homeless people, not to defend the landlords.
So, there's evidence to show that the housing support grant, the services delivered by the funding for the HSG, provides a net saving of £1.40 for every £1 invested by preventing homelessness. The housing support grant funds the vast majority of homelessness and housing support services, supporting over 60,000 people every year by providing tenancy support that prevents homelessness and keeps people in their homes; supported accommodation for a range of client groups, including refuge for survivors of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence; housing first projects that support people with a history of repeated homelessness to access and maintain a tenancy.
The homelessness sector is under more pressure than ever before, with around 9,000 people in temporary accommodation and nearly a third of them with dependent children. But the housing support grant, as things stand, will not see an uplift this year. This is a real-terms cut at a time when demand is increasing exponentially. Service delivery is now at risk. Local authorities and support providers are seriously concerned about the cost of running services and their ability to recruit and retain staff, and support providers are now actively considering walking away from existing contracts and may be unable to bid for contracts when they are re-tendered. So, will the finance Minister look again at the funding for the housing support grant and ensure that it sees an increase, so that the crucial services that it funds can continue and keep Wales on track to eradicate homelessness?
Secondly, we all know of the serious challenges facing society on several fronts. Climate change means that we need to rapidly decarbonise and poor housing is threatening the health and well-being of many of our citizens. If we're to reach our targets and decarbonise our housing stock while ensuring that people have good-quality housing, then we should expect to see the Government fund this decarbonisation project to the tune of some £170 million a year. But, as things stand, this budget will only provide £184 million over two years at a time of significantly rising inflation in the sector and labour shortages. This needs to be looked at if we are to achieve modest targets, let alone ambitious ones.
With the current cost-of-living crisis with large increases in in mortgage interest rates, it's expected that some 220,000 households in Wales will face difficulties in paying their mortgages this year. Wales led the way in introducing a mortgage rescue package back in 2008, and we need to see the introduction of a similar scheme again. There's no budget line for this as yet, so I'd like to ask the Government to consider this, moving forward.
Finally, there is no budget reference to the second iteration of the Wales quality housing standards, which, while welcomed, will certainly mean significant extra costs for social housing providers, while the private sector will have no such bar set as high. So, can the Minister provide clarification on this? Thank you.
Does dim tystiolaeth o gwbl i awgrymu bod y rheoliadau newydd yn cyfrannu at adran 21, ond rwyf yma i siarad am bobl ddigartref, nid i amddiffyn y landlordiaid.
Felly, mae tystiolaeth i ddangos bod y grant cymorth tai, y gwasanaethau a ddarperir gan y cyllid ar gyfer y grant hwnnw, yn darparu arbediad net o £1.40 am bob £1 a fuddsoddwyd drwy atal digartrefedd. Mae'r grant cymorth tai yn ariannu'r mwyafrif helaeth o wasanaethau digartrefedd a chymorth tai, gan gefnogi dros 60,000 o bobl bob blwyddyn trwy ddarparu cymorth tenantiaeth sy'n atal digartrefedd ac yn cadw pobl yn eu cartrefi; llety â chymorth ar gyfer ystod o grwpiau cleientiaid, gan gynnwys lloches i oroeswyr trais yn erbyn menywod, cam-drin domestig a thrais rhywiol; prosiectau tai yn gyntaf sy'n cefnogi pobl â hanes o ddigartrefedd dro ar ôl tro i gael gafael ar denantiaeth a'i chynnal.
Mae'r sector digartrefedd dan fwy o bwysau nag erioed o'r blaen, gyda thua 9,000 o bobl mewn llety dros dro a bron i draean ohonyn nhw â phlant dibynnol. Ond ni fydd y grant cymorth tai, fel y mae pethau ar hyn o bryd, yn gweld cynnydd eleni. Mae hwn yn doriad termau real ar adeg pan fo'r galw'n cynyddu'n esbonyddol. Mae'r gallu i ddarparu gwasanaethau bellach mewn perygl. Mae awdurdodau lleol a darparwyr cymorth yn pryderu'n ddifrifol am gost rhedeg gwasanaethau a'u gallu i recriwtio a chadw staff, ac mae darparwyr cymorth nawr yn mynd ati i ystyried cerdded i ffwrdd o'r contractau presennol, ac mae'n bosib na allant gynnig am gontractau pan fyddan nhw'n cael eu hail-dendro. Felly, a wnaiff y Gweinidog cyllid edrych eto ar yr arian ar gyfer y grant cymorth tai a sicrhau ei fod yn gweld cynnydd, fel y gall y gwasanaethau hanfodol y mae'n eu hariannu barhau a chadw Cymru ar y trywydd iawn i ddileu digartrefedd?
Yn ail, gwyddom i gyd am yr heriau difrifol sy'n wynebu cymdeithas mewn sawl maes. Mae newid hinsawdd yn golygu bod angen i ni ddatgarboneiddio'n gyflym ac mae tai gwael yn bygwth iechyd a llesiant llawer o'n dinasyddion. Os ydyn ni am gyrraedd ein targedau a datgarboneiddio ein stoc dai wrth sicrhau bod gan bobl dai o ansawdd da, yna dylem ddisgwyl gweld y Llywodraeth yn ariannu'r prosiect datgarboneiddio hwn i werth tua £170 miliwn y flwyddyn. Ond, fel y mae pethau ar hyn o bryd, dim ond £184 miliwn y bydd y gyllideb hon yn ei darparu dros ddwy flynedd ar adeg o chwyddiant sy'n cynyddu'n sylweddol yn y sector a phrinder llafur. Mae angen edrych ar hyn os ydym am gyrraedd targedau cymedrol, heb sôn am rai uchelgeisiol.
Gyda'r argyfwng costau byw presennol a chynnydd mawr mewn cyfraddau llog morgeisi, mae disgwyl y bydd tua 220,000 o aelwydydd yng Nghymru yn wynebu trafferthion wrth dalu eu morgeisi eleni. Arweiniodd Cymru'r ffordd o ran cyflwyno pecyn achub morgeisi yn ôl yn 2008, ac mae angen i ni weld cynllun tebyg yn cael ei gyflwyno eto. Does dim llinell gyllideb ar gyfer hyn hyd yma, felly hoffwn ofyn i'r Llywodraeth ystyried hyn, wrth symud ymlaen.
Yn olaf, nid oes cyfeiriad yn y gyllideb at ail fersiwn safonau ansawdd tai Cymru, a fydd, er bod croeso iddynt, yn sicr yn golygu costau ychwanegol sylweddol i ddarparwyr tai cymdeithasol, pan na fydd gan y sector preifat unrhyw safon o'r fath wedi'i phennu mor uchel. Felly, a all y Gweinidog roi eglurhad ar hyn? Diolch.
We have now exceeded the time allocated to this item on the agenda, but the business of the budget is very important. I have three further speakers. I will call all three, and then the Minister to reply. Huw Irranca-Davies.
Rydyn ni bellach wedi mynd y tu hwnt i'r amser a ddyrannwyd i'r eitem hon ar yr agenda, ond mae busnes y gyllideb yn bwysig iawn. Mae gen i dri siaradwr arall. Byddaf yn galw'r tri, ac yna'r Gweinidog i ymateb. Huw Irranca-Davies.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I'm speaking in my capacity as Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, although, if I have time at the end, I have just one other point to add, taking that hat off.
Our committee laid our report on the draft budget yesterday afternoon, and I thank committee members and our clerk team for their rapid and diligent scrutiny. Our scrutiny of the Welsh Government's draft budget proposals focused mainly on spending on justice. However, we also closely considered whether the Welsh Government has the capacity to legislate within the current constitutional context, and we're very grateful to the Counsel General for attending our meeting on 16 January to consider these areas in detail.
In relative terms, compared with the Welsh Government's other responsibilities, spending on justice within the draft budget is relatively limited, and it reflects the Welsh Government's relatively limited powers. However, its impact is wide ranging and so we keep a close eye on the Government's proposed spending in this area. We noted small decreases to the allocations within the draft budget that support the Welsh Government's justice transformation programme, and also to the Welsh tribunals. We were grateful to receive assurances from the Counsel General that these decreases did not signal that these areas were falling in priority. In particular, in the case of the Welsh tribunals, we heard that the Welsh Government would be monitoring the impact of any increases in cases or face-to-face hearings on the resources that the tribunals require, and so we recommended that the Counsel General should provide us with timely updates on its monitoring of that. We also heard about the important work that's under way to reform the Welsh tribunals, following recommendations made by the Law Commission. We would like to see more detail about the extent of this work, and so we recommended that the Counsel General should provide us with detail on the likely resources that will be needed to develop these proposals.
It is very important for us, as well as the Senedd, to be able to measure the outcomes of the Welsh Government's spending. We heard, during our session with the Counsel General, that the Welsh Government's first annual report on its delivering justice in Wales programme should contain detail on the Welsh Government's expenditure on justice and evaluations of the outcomes of that expenditure. As the content of the annual report will likely touch on both our remit and that of the Equality and Social Justice Committee, we will explore opportunities for joint scrutiny of the annual report.
Now, Members will be aware of the concerns we have as a committee on the increase in the number of UK parliamentary Bills subject to legislative consent memoranda. The Counsel General told us in quite clear terms that the Welsh Government has indeed sufficient resources to deliver its legislative programme. However, in the context of this increasing volume of LCMs, it's unclear to us as a committee if the Welsh Government does have sufficient resources to deliver all the legislation that it may decide at any time to be necessary. As a result, we are concerned that the Welsh Government may indeed be using the UK Government's legislative programme to implement some of its policy objectives because it may require less of its own resources to be deployed, which has the added effect of legislation in devolved areas being subject to less-detailed scrutiny by the Senedd. Now, I note that the Local Government and Housing Committee has also raised concerns after hearing evidence that the biggest challenge in delivering the Welsh Government's legislative programme is, in quotes, the 'skilled resource that is needed'.
We're also particularly concerned about the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill. The impact of this Bill on the Welsh Government's resources if it is enacted as currently drafted is likely to be considerable. The Counsel General told us that the Welsh Government is continuing to identify which areas will need attention under the Bill's requirements. We do believe that it is imperative that the full picture of that assessment is shared with us and with the Senedd. If the retained EU law Bill becomes law, the Welsh Government should do exactly that. We've recommended in our report that the Counsel General should report within a month of the Bill’s passage, and monthly thereafter.
Finally, we considered the Welsh Government’s future spending on its programme to improve the accessibility of Welsh law. We were told that the costs to deliver this programme are met from across a number of portfolios, and that indicative additional staffing costs of that work were set out in the explanatory memorandum to the Legislation (Wales) Bill. Since it is now over three years since the Bill became an Act, we have asked the Counsel General for an analysis of whether those costs are proving to be accurate.
In the final 20 seconds I have, if I can take my hat off, I began with justice, and I want to end with social justice and echo the words that have come from a few colleagues, our concern about the support for bus transport in Wales. This is a matter of social justice. I am worried that the squeeze on this budget—and there is an undoubted squeeze on this budget—is going to mean that, when Liz Truss blew up the economy, she may have blown up parts of our policy agenda, including radical reforms on the buses—[Interruption.] No, I'm not speaking as Chair. I made that clear, quite clear, quite crystal clear. As a backbencher.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, ac rwy'n siarad yn rhinwedd fy swydd fel Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a'r Cyfansoddiad, ond, os oes gen i amser ar y diwedd, mae gen i un pwynt arall i'w ychwanegu, gan dynnu'r het honno.
Gosododd ein pwyllgor ein hadroddiad ar y gyllideb ddrafft brynhawn ddoe, a diolch i aelodau'r pwyllgor a'n tîm clercio am eu craffu cyflym a diwyd. Roedd ein gwaith craffu ar gynigion drafft Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer y gyllideb yn canolbwyntio'n bennaf ar wariant ar gyfiawnder. Fodd bynnag, fe wnaethom hefyd ystyried yn fanwl a oes gan Lywodraeth Cymru'r gallu i ddeddfu o fewn y cyd-destun cyfansoddiadol presennol, ac rydym yn ddiolchgar iawn i'r Cwnsler Cyffredinol am fynychu ein cyfarfod ar 16 Ionawr i ystyried y meysydd hyn yn fanwl.
Mewn termau cymharol, o'i gymharu â chyfrifoldebau eraill Llywodraeth Cymru, mae gwariant ar gyfiawnder o fewn y gyllideb ddrafft yn gymharol gyfyngedig, ac mae'n adlewyrchu pwerau cymharol gyfyngedig Llywodraeth Cymru. Fodd bynnag, mae ei effaith yn eang ac felly rydym yn cadw llygad barcud ar wariant arfaethedig y Llywodraeth yn y maes hwn. Nodwyd gostyngiadau bach i'r dyraniadau o fewn y gyllideb ddrafft sy'n cefnogi rhaglen trawsnewid cyfiawnder Llywodraeth Cymru, a hefyd i dribiwnlysoedd Cymru. Roeddem yn ddiolchgar i gael sicrwydd gan y Cwnsler Cyffredinol nad oedd y gostyngiadau hyn yn arwydd bod y meysydd hyn yn gostwng o ran eu blaenoriaeth. Yn benodol, yn achos tribiwnlysoedd Cymru, clywsom y byddai Llywodraeth Cymru'n monitro effaith unrhyw gynnydd mewn achosion neu wrandawiadau wyneb yn wyneb ar yr adnoddau sydd eu hangen ar y tribiwnlysoedd, ac felly argymhellwyd y dylai'r Cwnsler Cyffredinol roi diweddariadau amserol i ni ynghylch ei waith yn monitro hynny. Clywsom hefyd am y gwaith pwysig sydd ar y gweill i ddiwygio tribiwnlysoedd Cymru, yn dilyn argymhellion a wnaed gan Gomisiwn y Gyfraith. Hoffem weld mwy o fanylion am raddfa’r gwaith hwn, ac felly fe wnaethom argymell y dylai'r Cwnsler Cyffredinol roi manylion i ni am yr adnoddau tebygol fydd eu hangen i ddatblygu'r cynigion hyn.
Mae'n bwysig iawn i ni, yn ogystal â Senedd Cymru, allu mesur canlyniadau gwariant Llywodraeth Cymru. Clywsom, yn ystod ein sesiwn gyda'r Cwnsler Cyffredinol, y dylai adroddiad blynyddol cyntaf Llywodraeth Cymru ar ei rhaglen sicrhau cyfiawnder i Gymru gynnwys manylion am wariant Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfiawnder a gwerthusiadau o ganlyniadau'r gwariant hwnnw. Gan y bydd cynnwys yr adroddiad blynyddol yn debygol o gyffwrdd â'n cylch gwaith ni a'r Pwyllgor Cydraddoldeb a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol, byddwn yn archwilio cyfleoedd i graffu ar y cyd ar yr adroddiad blynyddol.
Nawr, bydd yr Aelodau'n ymwybodol o'r pryderon sydd gennym fel pwyllgor am y cynnydd yn nifer Biliau seneddol y DU sy'n destun memoranda cydsyniad deddfwriaethol. Dywedodd y Cwnsler Cyffredinol wrthym yn hollol glir bod, yn wir, digon o adnoddau gan Lywodraeth Cymru i gyflawni ei rhaglen ddeddfwriaethol. Fodd bynnag, yng nghyd-destun y nifer cynyddol hwn o femoranda cydsyniad deddfwriaethol, nid yw'n glir i ni fel pwyllgor a oes gan Lywodraeth Cymru ddigon o adnoddau i gyflawni'r holl ddeddfwriaeth y gall benderfynu ar unrhyw adeg eu bod yn angenrheidiol. O ganlyniad, rydym yn pryderu y gallai Llywodraeth Cymru, yn wir, fod yn defnyddio rhaglen ddeddfwriaethol Llywodraeth y DU i weithredu rhai o'i hamcanion polisi oherwydd efallai y bydd angen defnyddio llai o'i hadnoddau ei hun, sy'n cael yr effaith ychwanegol ar ddeddfwriaeth mewn meysydd datganoledig sy'n destun craffu llai manwl gan y Senedd. Nawr, rwy'n nodi bod y Pwyllgor Llywodraeth Leol a Thai hefyd wedi codi pryderon ar ôl clywed tystiolaeth mai'r her fwyaf wrth ddarparu rhaglen ddeddfwriaethol Llywodraeth Cymru, mewn dyfyniadau, yw'r 'adnodd medrus sydd ei angen'.
Rydym hefyd yn poeni'n benodol am Fil Cyfraith yr UE a Ddargedwir (Dirymu a Diwygio). Mae effaith y Bil hwn ar adnoddau Llywodraeth Cymru os caiff ei ddeddfu fel y mae wedi'i ddrafftio ar hyn o bryd yn debygol o fod yn sylweddol. Dywedodd y Cwnsler Cyffredinol wrthym fod Llywodraeth Cymru yn parhau i ganfod pa feysydd fydd angen sylw o dan ofynion y Bil. Rydym o'r farn ei bod yn hanfodol bod y darlun llawn o'r asesiad hwnnw'n cael ei rannu â ni ac â'r Senedd. Os yw Bil Cyfraith yr UE a Ddargedwir yn dod yn gyfraith, dylai Llywodraeth Cymru wneud hynny'n union. Rydym wedi argymell yn ein hadroddiad y dylai'r Cwnsler Cyffredinol adrodd o fewn mis i basio'r Bil, ac yn fisol wedi hynny.
Yn olaf, fe wnaethon ni ystyried gwariant Llywodraeth Cymru yn y dyfodol ar ei rhaglen i wella hygyrchedd cyfraith Cymru. Dywedwyd wrthym y cwrddir â'r costau i gyflawni'r rhaglen hon o bob rhan o bortffolios, a bod costau staffio ychwanegol dangosol o'r gwaith hwnnw wedi'u nodi yn y memorandwm esboniadol i Fil Deddfwriaeth (Cymru). Gan ei bod hi bellach dros dair blynedd ers i'r Bil ddod yn Ddeddf, rydym wedi gofyn i'r Cwnsler Cyffredinol am ddadansoddiad o ba un a yw'r costau hynny'n profi i fod yn gywir.
Yn yr 20 eiliad olaf sydd gen i, os caf dynnu fy het, fe ddechreuais gyda chyfiawnder, ac rwyf eisiau gorffen gyda chyfiawnder cymdeithasol ac adleisio'r geiriau a gafwyd gan ambell gyd-Aelod, ein pryder am y gefnogaeth i gludiant bysiau yng Nghymru. Mae hyn yn fater o gyfiawnder cymdeithasol. Rwy'n poeni bod y wasgfa ar y gyllideb hon—ac mae gwasgfa ddiamheuol ar y gyllideb hon—yn mynd i olygu, pan ffrwydrodd Liz Truss yr economi, efallai ei bod wedi ffrwydro rhannau o'n hagenda polisi, gan gynnwys diwygiadau radical ar y bysiau—[Torri ar draws.] Na, dydw i ddim yn siarad fel Cadeirydd. Fe wnes i hynny'n glir, yn hollol glir, yn gwbl glir. Fel meinciwr cefn.
It's a pleasure to take part in this debate this afternoon, although I do feel a bit like a radio DJ on early breakfast now, as we're in the graveyard shift. This time of year, I usually get a little bit disappointed as well, because I always have this picture in my mind that we're going to be sat here like Charles Babbage with calculators, sort of going line by line through the figures, but I understand it's not like that and we have to be a bit more woolly and subjective about some of the things that we're talking about in a roundabout way.
As this budget has shown, the Welsh Government is continuing to undervalue social care, and not have its priorities in order. The over-reliance on agency workers and worsening skills shortage is leaving the sector incapable of functioning properly. Instead of taking responsibility, the Welsh Government puts the blame on local authorities, forcing them to consider cuts that affect the most vulnerable. A recent case of that was my own council in Denbighshire. It was widely reported that they were discussing reducing the care home fee for our most vulnerable residents in the constituency behind closed doors, without public scrutiny. So, I don't agree with the leadership decision to do that, and I think it should be debated in a public setting, where all stakeholders can be involved. Even when the Government has taken some responsibility, it has been a shockingly poor response to the needs of social care, and only £400,000 has been allocated to apprenticeships, with no answer on how to plug the gaps.
That brings me on to the training opportunities. I think, in social care, it's not always just about pay, although that is very important. It's also about the training and people feeling like they're valued in their roles, like they've got a career path and something to aspire to. I think that's a big thing in terms of the retention and recruitment of social care staff within various different settings. In my own constituency, I've done a programme of care home visits, and a lot of them are not operating to capacity. They might have, for example, an allocation of 50 beds, but they can only operate at maybe 25 to 30 because they just don't have the staff available, and then that's then backlogging onto the NHS system and contributing to some of the waiting times we're seeing and bedblocking, although I'm not too keen on that sort of wording, although I can't think of a better one at the moment.
Equally, even though the Welsh Government has recognised the role of unpaid carers, I'm deeply concerned that the Welsh Government does not see this, providing financial support to them, as a priority. This budget continues to undervalue, under-reward and underfund our carers, and all of this shows, whilst the UK Conservative Government levels up, the Welsh Labour Government is messing up.
Mae'n bleser cymryd rhan yn y ddadl hon y prynhawn yma, er fy mod yn teimlo ychydig fel DJ ar y radio ar raglen brecwast cynnar nawr, gan ein bod ni ar y shifft hwyr. Ar yr adeg hon o'r flwyddyn, fel arfer rwy'n mynd ychydig bach yn siomedig hefyd, achos mae gen i'r llun yma bob amser yn fy meddwl ein bod ni'n mynd i fod yn eistedd yma fel Charles Babbage gyda chyfrifianellau, gan fynd llinell ar ôl llinell drwy'r ffigurau, ond rwy'n deall nad fel yna y mae ac mae'n rhaid i ni fod ychydig yn fwy amwys a goddrychol am rai o'r pethau rydyn ni'n sôn amdanyn nhw mewn ffordd anuniongyrchol.
Fel mae'r gyllideb hon wedi dangos, mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n parhau i danbrisio gofal cymdeithasol, ac nid oes ganddi ei blaenoriaethau yn y drefn iawn. Mae'r orddibyniaeth ar weithwyr asiantaeth a'r prinder sgiliau sy'n gwaethygu yn gadael y sector mewn sefyllfa sy'n golygu na all weithio'n iawn. Yn hytrach na chymryd cyfrifoldeb, mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn rhoi'r bai ar awdurdodau lleol, gan eu gorfodi i ystyried toriadau sy'n effeithio ar y bobl fwyaf agored i niwed. Achos diweddar o hynny oedd fy nghyngor fy hun yn sir Ddinbych. Adroddwyd yn eang eu bod yn trafod lleihau ffioedd cartref gofal ein preswylwyr mwyaf agored i niwed yn yr etholaeth y tu ôl i ddrysau caeedig, heb graffu cyhoeddus. Felly, dydw i ddim yn cytuno â phenderfyniad yr arweinwyr i wneud hynny, ac rwy'n credu y dylid ei drafod mewn lleoliad cyhoeddus, lle gall yr holl randdeiliaid fod yn rhan o'r broses. Hyd yn oed pan fo'r Llywodraeth wedi cymryd rhywfaint o gyfrifoldeb, mae wedi bod yn ymateb brawychus o wael i anghenion gofal cymdeithasol, a dim ond £400,000 sydd wedi'i ddyrannu i brentisiaethau, ac nid oes ateb yn ynghylch sut i lenwi'r bylchau.
Mae hynny'n dod a fi at y cyfleoedd hyfforddi. Rwy'n credu, mewn gofal cymdeithasol, nad yw'n ymwneud â chyflog bob tro, er bod hynny'n bwysig iawn. Mae hefyd yn ymwneud â'r hyfforddiant a phobl yn teimlo eu bod yn cael eu gwerthfawrogi yn eu rolau, fel bod ganddyn nhw lwybr gyrfa a rhywbeth i anelu ato. Rwy'n credu bod hynny'n beth mawr o ran cadw a recriwtio staff gofal cymdeithasol o fewn gwahanol leoliadau. Yn fy etholaeth i fy hun, rydw i wedi gwneud rhaglen o ymweliadau cartrefi gofal, ac nid yw llawer ohonyn nhw yn gweithredu ar lefel y capasiti. Efallai fod ganddyn nhw, er enghraifft, ddyraniad o 50 gwely, ond dim ond ar efallai 25 i 30 y gallant weithredu oherwydd nad oes ganddyn nhw'r staff ar gael, ac yna mae hynny wedyn yn achosi ôl-groniad yn system y GIG ac yn cyfrannu at rai o'r amseroedd aros rydym yn eu gweld a blocio gwelyau, er nad wyf yn rhy hoff o'r math hwnnw o eiriad, ond ni allaf feddwl am eiriad gwell ar hyn o bryd.
Yn yr un modd, er bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cydnabod rôl gofalwyr di-dâl, rwy'n bryderus iawn nad yw Llywodraeth Cymru'n gweld hyn, gan roi cymorth ariannol iddyn nhw, fel blaenoriaeth. Mae'r gyllideb hon yn parhau i danbrisio, tan-wobrwyo a thanariannu ein gofalwyr, ac mae hyn i gyd yn dangos, tra bod Llywodraeth Geidwadol y DU yn codi'r gwastad, mae Llywodraeth Lafur Cymru yn gwneud llanast.
Minister, managing public finances after Liz Truss crashed the economy is desperately difficult, and I'm sure you have the sympathy of many Members in the Senedd in this very difficult task.
Members have already raised a number of points that I intended to, so I just have two points that I'd like you to consider in your response today. First of all, is it the case that all funding that would have been spent on the north-south air link and which was promised for improvements in public transport in north Wales, will indeed be spent on public transport improvements in north Wales, including the Wrexham Gateway? And secondly, do you agree that, amongst the many priorities that Welsh Government rightly has, improving the mental health of young people must be a key concern of all Ministers when they set their budgets? Diolch.
Gweinidog, mae rheoli cyllid cyhoeddus ar ôl i Liz Truss chwalu'r economi yn hynod o anodd ac rwy'n siŵr bod gennych chi gydymdeimlad llawer o Aelodau yn y Senedd yn y dasg anodd iawn hon.
Mae aelodau eisoes wedi codi nifer o bwyntiau yr oeddwn i'n bwriadu eu codi, felly dim ond dau bwynt sydd gennyf yr hoffwn i chi eu hystyried yn eich ymateb heddiw. Yn gyntaf oll, a yw'n wir y bydd yr holl gyllid a fyddai wedi cael ei wario ar y cysylltiad awyr rhwng y gogledd a'r de ac a addawyd ar gyfer gwelliannau mewn trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus yn y gogledd, yn wir yn cael ei wario ar welliannau trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus yn y gogledd, gan gynnwys Porth Wrecsam? Ac yn ail, a ydych chi'n cytuno, ymhlith y blaenoriaethau lawer sydd gan Lywodraeth Cymru yn briodol, fod gwella iechyd meddwl pobl ifanc yn gorfod bod yn bryder allweddol i bob Gweinidog pan fyddan nhw'n pennu eu cyllidebau? Diolch.
Galwaf ar y Gweinidog Cyllid a Llywodraeth Leol i ymateb i'r ddadl.
I call on the Minister for Finance and Local Government to reply to the debate.
Diolch, and thank you to all colleagues for what I think has been a really helpful debate. We've heard so many different priorities coming forward: dentistry, building safety, the health Minister’s six priorities for health, the EMA, social care workforce, highways, renewable energy, support for care leavers, the Welsh language, bus services, homelessness provision, farm funding, mental health and swimming pools. And I know that many of these particular issues are subject to some specific recommendations from committees. So, perhaps I'll leave my colleagues to respond to those through their responses to the committees, which I know that we'll be aiming to get to committee Chairs at least in time for the debate on the final budget. And I thought I maybe would concentrate my remarks more along the process, the reprioritisation exercise that we undertook and, of course, some comments on tax as well.
So, I thought I'd begin in reference to the comments by the Chair of the Finance Committee that suggested the committee was surprised and worried at the lack of candour in the draft budget. I take that suggestion very seriously, because we've always adopted an open, transparent and collaborative approach to the preparation of both our draft and our final budgets. I'm really proud that, as a Government, we publish a huge and extensive suite of documentation alongside the budget, and that includes details of our spending plans across all of Government, the impacts of our decisions, the economic context within which we're making those decisions, as well as new tax products, such as the ready reckoner.
And this year's documentation, of course, builds on that which we provided for the 2022 multi-year spending review, and that also included a distributional analysis of our spend, and that was a really significant piece of work, which helps us not just as a Government, and helps the Senedd too, but also our partners in the public and the third sectors. We also, of course, provide a budget leaflet, and that provides a really easy and accessible way into our high-level allocations, and we've provided a children's budget leaflet and also a fantastic animation, which sets out where our money comes from and what it is spent on. And some of these products have been developed in collaboration with our partners and stakeholders, including children, and of course we've sought to take back feedback from colleagues within the Senedd over the years, including the Finance Committee.
So, throughout the production of this year's budget, I've welcomed the constructive engagement and collaboration that we've had with the Finance Committee and with the Chair in particular, and we've worked really closely with the committee to provide details of what our priorities are, to the keep the committee up to date in terms of the challenging circumstances that we face, and also to actively pursue some collaborative working practices, which is why I was concerned by the comments mentioning candour. I think that could be interpreted by the public as an attempt to obscure the scrutiny process, and I think that couldn't be further from the truth. I always have recognised the importance of the scrutiny process, especially at times when funding is so restricted, and I'm keen to continue that open and collaborative work, and of course I'm open to understanding what further information committees need to complete their scrutiny, and look forward to continuing that productive relationship.
One area I think the committee identified as one that we could provide some further information in future would be alongside the calculations relating to the block grant adjustment. So, certainly, we'll look at seeing what more we can provide. Even though the draft budget narrative contains some substantial detail on the block grant adjustment, I do recognise that it has become more complicated over time and there would be benefit, I think, to a more detailed presentation of that information. So, I look forward to working with the Finance Committee on that particular aspect as well.
So, thinking of the reprioritisation exercise, it's just worth re-emphasising, I think, that this budget, of course, builds on our already published plans as part of our three-year spending review. So, this budget only allocates £1.2 billion over two financial years. Of course, we scrutinised a three-year spending review last year. And, as part of that, of course, we allocated an additional £1.3 billion over that spending review period to health, and nearly £0.75 billion additional to local government, and I think that we need to remember that in the context of what we're scrutinising here as well.
Diolch, a diolch i'r holl gyd-Aelodau am yr hyn sydd wedi bod yn ddadl ddefnyddiol iawn, yn fy marn i. Rydyn ni wedi clywed cymaint o flaenoriaethau gwahanol yn cael eu cyflwyno: deintyddiaeth, diogelwch adeiladau, chwe blaenoriaeth y Gweinidog Iechyd ar gyfer iechyd, y lwfans cynhaliaeth addysg, gweithlu gofal cymdeithasol, priffyrdd, ynni adnewyddadwy, cymorth i'r rhai sy'n gadael gofal, y Gymraeg, gwasanaethau bysiau, darpariaeth digartrefedd, cyllid fferm, iechyd meddwl a phyllau nofio. Ac rwy'n gwybod bod llawer o'r materion penodol hyn yn destun rhai argymhellion penodol gan bwyllgorau. Felly, efallai y gwnaf adael fy nghyd-Aelodau i ymateb i'r rhai hynny drwy eu hymatebion i'r pwyllgorau, ac rwy'n gwybod y byddwn ni'n anelu at gyrraedd Cadeiryddion y pwyllgorau o leiaf mewn pryd ar gyfer y ddadl ar y gyllideb derfynol. Ac roeddwn i'n meddwl efallai y byddwn i'n canolbwyntio fy sylwadau i yn fwy ar y broses, yr ymarfer ail-flaenoriaethu a gyflawnwyd gennym ac, wrth gwrs, rhai sylwadau ar dreth hefyd.
Felly, roeddwn i'n meddwl y byddwn i'n dechrau drwy gyfeirio at y sylwadau gan Gadeirydd y Pwyllgor Cyllid a oedd yn awgrymu bod y pwyllgor wedi'i synnu ac yn poeni am y diffyg eglurder yn y gyllideb ddrafft. Rwy'n cymryd yr awgrym hwnnw o ddifrif, oherwydd rydym bob amser wedi mabwysiadu dull agored, tryloyw a chydweithredol o baratoi ein cyllideb ddrafft a'n cyllideb derfynol. Rwy'n falch iawn, fel Llywodraeth, ein bod yn cyhoeddi cyfres enfawr a helaeth o ddogfennau ochr yn ochr â'r gyllideb, ac mae hynny'n cynnwys manylion ein cynlluniau gwariant ar draws y Llywodraeth gyfan, effeithiau ein penderfyniadau, y cyd-destun economaidd yr ydym yn gwneud y penderfyniadau hynny ynddo, yn ogystal â chynhyrchion treth newydd, megis y canllaw cyflym.
Ac mae dogfennau eleni, wrth gwrs, yn datblygu yr hyn a ddarparwyd gennym ar gyfer adolygiad gwariant aml-flwyddyn 2022, ac roedd hynny hefyd yn cynnwys dadansoddiad dosbarthiadol o'n gwariant, ac roedd hwnnw'n ddarn o waith sylweddol iawn, sy'n ein helpu nid yn unig fel Llywodraeth, ac yn helpu'r Senedd hefyd, ond hefyd ein partneriaid yn y sector cyhoeddus a'r trydydd sector. Rydyn ni hefyd, wrth gwrs, yn darparu taflen gyllideb, ac mae honno'n darparu ffordd hawdd a hygyrch iawn i'n dyraniadau lefel uchel, ac rydyn ni wedi darparu taflen gyllideb i blant a hefyd animeiddiad gwych, sy'n nodi o ble mae ein harian yn dod a'r hyn y mae'n cael ei wario arno. Ac mae rhai o'r cynhyrchion hyn wedi'u datblygu ar y cyd â'n partneriaid a'n rhanddeiliaid, gan gynnwys plant, ac wrth gwrs, rydym wedi ceisio cael adborth gan gyd-Aelodau yn y Senedd dros y blynyddoedd, gan gynnwys y Pwyllgor Cyllid.
Felly, trwy gydol y gwaith o gynhyrchu'r gyllideb eleni, rwyf wedi croesawu'r ymgysylltu a'r cydweithio adeiladol yr ydym wedi'i gael gyda'r Pwyllgor Cyllid a gyda'r Cadeirydd yn benodol, ac rydym wedi gweithio'n agos iawn gyda'r pwyllgor i roi manylion ein blaenoriaethau, i roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i'r pwyllgor o ran yr amgylchiadau heriol yr ydym yn eu hwynebu, a hefyd mynd ati i ddilyn rhai arferion gwaith cydweithredol, a dyna pam yr oeddwn i'n pryderu am y sylwadau yn sôn am eglurder. Rwy'n credu y gallai hynny gael ei ddehongli gan y cyhoedd fel ymgais i wneud y broses graffu yn aneglur, ac rwy'n credu na allai hynny fod ymhellach o'r gwir. Rwyf bob amser wedi cydnabod pwysigrwydd y broses graffu, yn enwedig ar adegau pan fo cyllid mor gyfyngedig, ac rwy'n awyddus i barhau â'r gwaith agored a chydweithredol hwnnw, ac wrth gwrs rwy'n agored i ddeall pa wybodaeth ychwanegol sydd ei hangen ar bwyllgorau i gwblhau eu gwaith craffu, ac yn edrych ymlaen at barhau â'r berthynas gynhyrchiol honno.
Un maes rwy'n credu y gwnaeth y pwyllgor ei nodi fel un y gallem ddarparu rhywfaint o wybodaeth bellach yn y dyfodol oedd ochr yn ochr â'r cyfrifiadau sy'n ymwneud â'r addasiad grant bloc. Felly, yn sicr, byddwn ni'n edrych i weld beth arall y gallwn ni ei ddarparu. Er bod naratif y gyllideb ddrafft yn cynnwys manylion sylweddol ar yr addasiad grant bloc, rwy'n cydnabod ei fod wedi dod yn fwy cymhleth dros amser a byddai budd, rwy'n credu, i gyflwyniad manylach o'r wybodaeth honno. Felly, rwy'n edrych ymlaen at weithio gyda'r Pwyllgor Cyllid ar yr agwedd benodol honno hefyd.
Felly, wrth feddwl am yr ymarfer ail-flaenoriaethu, mae'n werth ail-bwysleisio, rwy'n credu, bod y gyllideb hon, wrth gwrs, yn adeiladu ar ein cynlluniau sydd eisoes wedi'u cyhoeddi fel rhan o'n hadolygiad gwariant tair blynedd. Felly, dim ond dros ddwy flynedd ariannol y mae'r gyllideb hon yn dyrannu £1.2 biliwn. Wrth gwrs, buom yn craffu ar adolygiad gwariant tair blynedd y llynedd. Ac, fel rhan o hynny, wrth gwrs, fe wnaethon ni ddyrannu £1.3 biliwn yn ychwanegol dros y cyfnod adolygu gwariant hwnnw i iechyd, a bron i £0.75 biliwn yn ychwanegol i lywodraeth leol, ac rwy'n credu bod angen i ni gofio hynny yng nghyd-destun yr hyn yr ydyn ni'n craffu arno yma hefyd.
Of course, our capital budget falls by 8 per cent in real terms in the next financial year, so hearing about additional ideas from the Conservative benches as to how we could be spending capital is difficult to swallow when there wasn't a single extra penny of capital coming in the autumn statement. Of course, the Chancellor has the opportunity to rectify that in the spring statement, and we look forward to continuing to press the Chancellor for additional funding in that respect.
Thinking, now, of the reprioritisation exercise, to help us protect our front-line public services and support people through the cost-of-living crisis, we did undertake that reprioritisation exercise to release £87.4 million from within those existing budgets, which I've referred to as being agreed as part of our spending review. I did give certain areas a degree of protection, so front-line health services, local government through the RSG, and part of the education budget were excused from that exercise to try and reprioritise across Government, but, I mean, I have to say it was such a difficult exercise. We've been asked why we couldn't reprioritise a greater amount, but actually once we got past that we really did get into the realms of talking about cutting some of the programmes that help the most vulnerable people, and you end up going completely against the kind of preventative agenda that we all want to embrace by cutting some of those proposals.
In deciding which areas to reprioritise, Ministers across Government were searching out areas that were perhaps demand led, where they could, at risk, put a small amount into those budgets to release some funding. Other options included looking at whether contracts could be terminated or redeveloped or reduced in scope. For example, I did that in my own MEG through the reprocurement of our e-procurement contract, and also some work took place in that space in relation to public appointments.
I know that portfolio Ministers did have some really good and thorough scrutiny in their own committees about the choices that they made, but I'll just give a few examples to put them on the record. So, in the rural affairs MEG, the budget repriorisation was limited to farm funding outside of the basic payment scheme. So, the Minister provided protection to the BPS, and we did see then, of course, though, a reduction to the rural economic and sustainability budget line. This MEG, though, did have an increase of £63 million through the multi-year settlement last year. That's now been reduced by just under £9 million to £54 million, and I know that the Minister is working through the difficult choices now that that makes for her in terms of some of the farming and land management activities. That's just one example of the difficult choices that we talk about.
In health, there were a number of areas where funding was refocused to ensure that resources could be focused on our front-line services as far as possible. Those, for example, include changes to the plans for the establishment of an NHS executive, so there will be a reduction now in scope and capacity over the short term, in order to refocus some of the funding towards the front-line services.
In other areas, we've had to revise the timeline of delivery, due to the inflationary pressures, but not the scale of ambition, and an example there would be that whilst obviously excellent progress has been made in terms of maintaining the sustainable communities for learning programme, our programme to improve and develop schools and colleges in Wales, the availability of construction materials and labour has seen costs rise by around 15 per cent, so inevitably we'll be delivering less with that programme even though the amount that we intend to spend will be the same.
And, of course, you'll have heard my colleague, the Minister for Climate Change, talking about the commitment in relation to 20,000 social homes. That now will include an element of homes beyond new builds compliant with development quality requirements, but it's clear that given the multiple sector challenges and the cost increases in the supply chain, and the inflation rates that we face, we may now see, out of necessity, some more homes being brought into the social sector though non-new-build routes. But I do think that gives us good opportunity to take further action in respect of empty homes.
As well as reprioritising, having more flexibility would of course assist us. A number of people have mentioned the fuel support payment. Well, that was something that we were able to do because we were carrying over money that had arrived very late in the financial year in 2021-22. We were able to carry that over outside of the Wales reserve. That was a pragmatic decision on the part of the UK Government, but if that kind of carry-over of very late consequential funding could just become part of our normal way of working, that would help us a great deal.
I don't have too much time left, but I do want to say a few words on tax, although I know we'll have much more opportunity to talk about this in a lot more detail tomorrow afternoon. But there is a recommendation from the Finance Committee that we talk more about the work that we've been doing to understand the potential use of various tax-raising powers. Of course, we did publish our income tax ready-reckoner alongside the draft budget, and that takes account of behavioural impacts of tax changes. It does use His Majesty's Revenue and Customs estimates for certain elements, but it also does include some additional estimates for the potential migration effect of varying income tax rates within the UK. Those were based on a Swiss academic study, because it's the most appropriate proxy for the situation in Wales, although it's not perfect, but we do build that into our ready-reckoner to understand what the impact would be if we were to raise those higher and additional rates of Welsh rates of income tax. We know that the recent changes to income tax rates and thresholds in Scotland provide us now with that first example of income tax varying policies within the UK, and as the relevant detail does now become available as to the impacts of that, hopefully that will provide us with some further information to help inform our policy in this area in future.
And then, just on the rates and bands, the devolution of powers to vary income tax thresholds would prove an additional policy tool, but I think that it would be very difficult to do so without the full devolution of all income tax on non-savings, non-dividend income, and that would be a step that the Welsh Government's devolved tax responsibilities would take, but it would lead to a very, very big change and much greater exposure to the relative tax-base growth risk within Wales and the rest of the UK. So, I think that this is something that we'll discuss in a lot more detail tomorrow, but again, whenever we're talking about the further devolution of tax powers, we have to do so in the context of balancing the risk and the reward, but I look forward to tomorrow's debate on that.
Finally, just thank you to everybody for their contributions this afternoon. I know all of my colleagues will be responding to those committee reports, but also giving some thought and reflection to the important points raised this afternoon.
Wrth gwrs, mae ein cyllideb gyfalaf yn gostwng 8 y cant mewn termau real yn y flwyddyn ariannol nesaf, felly mae clywed am syniadau ychwanegol o'r meinciau Ceidwadol ynglŷn â sut y gallem fod yn gwario cyfalaf yn anodd ei lyncu pan nad oedd yr un geiniog ychwanegol o gyfalaf yn dod yn natganiad yr hydref. Wrth gwrs, mae gan y Canghellor gyfle i unioni hynny yn natganiad y gwanwyn, ac edrychwn ymlaen at barhau i bwyso ar y Canghellor am arian ychwanegol yn hynny o beth.
Gan feddwl, yn awr, am yr ymarfer ail-flaenoriaethu, i'n helpu i ddiogelu ein gwasanaethau cyhoeddus rheng flaen a chefnogi pobl trwy'r argyfwng costau byw, gwnaethom ymgymryd â'r ymarfer ail-flaenoriaethu hwnnw i ryddhau £87.4 miliwn o fewn y cyllidebau presennol hynny, yr wyf wedi cyfeirio atynt fel rhai y cytunwyd arnynt fel rhan o'n hadolygiad gwariant. Fe wnes i roi rhywfaint o amddiffyniad i rai meysydd, felly cafodd gwasanaethau iechyd rheng flaen, llywodraeth leol drwy'r grant cynnal refeniw, a rhan o'r gyllideb addysg eu hesgusodi o'r ymarfer hwnnw i geisio ail-flaenoriaethu ar draws y Llywodraeth, ond, wyddoch chi, mae'n rhaid i mi ddweud ei fod yn ymarfer mor anodd. Gofynnwyd i ni pam na allem ail-flaenoriaethu mwy o swm, ond mewn gwirionedd ar ôl i ni ddatrys hynny gwnaethon ni yn wir fynd i faes trafod torri rhai o'r rhaglenni sy'n helpu'r bobl fwyaf agored i niwed, ac rydych chi yn y pen draw yn mynd yn llwyr yn erbyn y math o agenda ataliol yr ydym ni i gyd am ei groesawu drwy dorri rhai o'r cynigion hynny.
Wrth benderfynu pa feysydd i'w hail-flaenoriaethu, roedd Gweinidogion ar draws y Llywodraeth yn chwilio am feysydd a oedd efallai'n cael eu harwain gan y galw, lle y gallen nhw, gyda risg, roi swm bach yn y cyllidebau hynny i ryddhau rhywfaint o gyllid. Roedd opsiynau eraill yn cynnwys edrych a fyddai modd terfynu neu ailddatblygu contractau neu eu lleihau o ran cwmpas. Er enghraifft, gwnes i hynny yn fy mhrif grŵp gwariant fy hun drwy ailgyhoeddi ein contract e-gaffael, a hefyd gwnaed rhywfaint o waith yn y maes hwnnw mewn cysylltiad ag apwyntiadau cyhoeddus.
Rwy'n gwybod bod Gweinidogion portffolio wedi cael rhywfaint o waith craffu da a thrylwyr iawn yn eu pwyllgorau eu hunain ar y dewisiadau a wnaethant, ond fe wnaf roi ychydig o enghreifftiau yn unig i'w rhoi ar y cofnod. Felly, yn y prif grŵp gwariant materion gwledig, roedd ail-flaenoriaethu'r gyllideb wedi'i gyfyngu i gyllid fferm y tu allan i'r cynllun talu sylfaenol. Felly, rhoddodd y Gweinidog amddiffyniad i'r cynllun taliad sylfaenol, a gwelsom bryd hynny, wrth gwrs, er hynny, ostyngiad i'r llinell gyllideb economaidd a chynaliadwyedd wledig. Er hynny, cafodd y prif grŵp gwariant hwn gynnydd o £63 miliwn drwy'r setliad aml-flwyddyn y llynedd. Mae hynny bellach wedi'i leihau ychydig o dan £9 miliwn i £54 miliwn, ac rwy'n gwybod bod y Gweinidog yn gweithio drwy'r dewisiadau anodd nawr y mae hynny'n ei achosi iddi o ran rhai o'r gweithgareddau ffermio a rheoli tir. Dyna un enghraifft yn unig o'r dewisiadau anodd rydyn ni'n sôn amdanyn nhw.
Ym maes iechyd, roedd nifer o feysydd lle cafodd cyllid aildrefnu i sicrhau y gallai adnoddau ganolbwyntio ar ein gwasanaethau rheng flaen cyn belled ag y bo modd. Mae'r rheiny, er enghraifft, yn cynnwys newidiadau i'r cynlluniau ar gyfer sefydlu gweithredwr GIG, felly bydd gostyngiad nawr o ran cwmpas a chapasiti dros y tymor byr, er mwyn aildrefnu rhywfaint o'r cyllid ar gyfer y gwasanaethau rheng flaen.
Mewn meysydd eraill, rydyn ni wedi gorfod adolygu'r amserlen gyflawni, oherwydd pwysau chwyddiant, ond nid graddfa'r uchelgais, ac er enghraifft byddai hynny tra bod cynnydd rhagorol wedi'i wneud o ran cynnal y rhaglen cymunedau cynaliadwy ar gyfer dysgu, ein rhaglen i wella a datblygu ysgolion a cholegau yng Nghymru, mae'r deunyddiau adeiladu a llafur sydd ar gael wedi gweld costau'n codi tua 15 y cant, felly mae'n anochel y byddwn yn darparu llai gyda'r rhaglen honno er y bydd y swm yr ydym yn bwriadu ei wario yr un fath.
Ac, wrth gwrs, byddwch wedi clywed fy nghyd-Weinidog, y Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd, yn sôn am yr ymrwymiad mewn perthynas â 20,000 o gartrefi cymdeithasol. Bydd hynny nawr yn cynnwys elfen o gartrefi y tu hwnt i adeiladau newydd sy'n cydymffurfio â gofynion ansawdd datblygu, ond mae'n amlwg, o ystyried yr heriau lluosog yn y sector a'r cynnydd mewn costau yn y gadwyn gyflenwi, a'r cyfraddau chwyddiant sy'n ein hwynebu, y gwelwn yn awr o bosibl, o reidrwydd, mwy o gartrefi yn cael eu dwyn i'r sector cymdeithasol drwy lwybrau nad ydynt yn adeiladau newydd. Ond rwy'n credu bod hynny'n rhoi cyfle da i ni gymryd camau pellach o ran tai gwag.
Yn ogystal ag ail-flaenoriaethu, byddai cael mwy o hyblygrwydd wrth gwrs yn ein cynorthwyo ni. Mae nifer o bobl wedi sôn am y taliad cymorth tanwydd. Wel, roedd hwnnw'n rhywbeth yr oedden ni'n gallu ei wneud oherwydd ein bod yn cario arian drosodd a oedd wedi cyrraedd yn hwyr iawn yn y flwyddyn ariannol yn 2021-22. Roedden ni'n gallu cario hwnnw drosodd y tu allan i gronfa wrth gefn Cymru. Roedd hwnnw'n benderfyniad pragmataidd ar ran Llywodraeth y DU, ond pe bai'r math yna o gario drosodd o gyllid canlyniadol hwyr iawn yn gallu dod yn rhan o'n ffordd arferol o weithio, byddai hynny'n ein helpu ni i wneud llawer iawn.
Does gen i ddim llawer o amser ar ôl, ond rwyf eisiau dweud ychydig eiriau ar dreth, er fy mod yn gwybod y bydd gennym lawer mwy o gyfle i siarad am hyn mewn llawer mwy o fanylder pnawn yfory. Ond mae yna argymhelliad gan y Pwyllgor Cyllid ein bod yn siarad yn fwy am y gwaith rydyn ni wedi bod yn ei wneud i ddeall y defnydd posib o wahanol bwerau codi trethi. Wrth gwrs, gwnaethom gyhoeddi ein canllaw cyflym ar dreth incwm ochr yn ochr â'r gyllideb ddrafft, ac mae hynny'n ystyried effeithiau ymddygiadol newidiadau i'r dreth. Mae'n defnyddio amcangyfrifon Cyllid a Thollau Ei Fawrhydi ar gyfer rhai elfennau, ond mae hefyd yn cynnwys rhai amcangyfrifon ychwanegol ar gyfer effaith mudo posibl ar gyfraddau treth incwm amrywiol o fewn y DU. Roedd y rheiny'n seiliedig ar astudiaeth academaidd o'r Swistir, oherwydd dyma'r procsi mwyaf priodol ar gyfer y sefyllfa yng Nghymru, er nad yw'n berffaith, ond rydym yn cynnwys hwnnw yn ein canllaw cyflym i ddeall beth fyddai'r effaith pe byddem yn codi'r cyfraddau uwch ac ychwanegol hynny o gyfraddau treth incwm yng Nghymru. Rydyn ni'n gwybod bod y newidiadau diweddar i gyfraddau treth incwm a throthwy yn Yr Alban yn rhoi'r enghraifft gyntaf honno i ni nawr o bolisïau amrywio trethi incwm o fewn y DU, ac wrth i'r manylion perthnasol ddod ar gael nawr o ran effeithiau hynny, gobeithio y bydd hynny'n rhoi rhywfaint o wybodaeth bellach i ni helpu i lywio ein polisi yn y maes hwn yn y dyfodol.
Ac yna, ar y cyfraddau a'r bandiau, byddai datganoli pwerau i amrywio trothwyon treth incwm yn arf polisi ychwanegol, ond rwy'n credu y byddai'n anodd iawn gwneud hynny heb ddatganoli yn llawn yr holl dreth incwm ar incwm nad yw'n gynilion, incwm nad yw'n ddifidend, a byddai hynny'n gam y byddai cyfrifoldebau trethi datganoledig Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei gymryd, ond byddai'n arwain at newid mawr iawn, iawn a llawer mwy o amlygiad i'r risg o dwf cymharol yn sail i dreth yng Nghymru a gweddill y DU. Felly, rwy'n credu bod hyn yn rhywbeth y byddwn ni'n ei drafod mewn llawer mwy o fanylder yfory, ond eto, pryd bynnag yr ydym yn sôn am ddatganoli pwerau treth ymhellach, mae'n rhaid i ni wneud hynny yng nghyd-destun cydbwyso'r risg a'r budd, ond edrychaf ymlaen at ddadl yfory ar hynny.
Yn olaf, diolch i bawb am eu cyfraniadau y prynhawn yma. Rwy'n gwybod y bydd fy nghyd-Aelodau i gyd yn ymateb i adroddiadau'r pwyllgorau hynny, ond hefyd yn rhoi rhywfaint o feddwl a myfyrdod i'r pwyntiau pwysig a godwyd y prynhawn yma.
Before I move on to the further business, I did indicate to the Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr that I would accept his point of order at the end of the debate. I understand that the point of order will now be raised by the Member for South Wales Central, Heledd Fychan.
Cyn i mi symud ymlaen i'r busnes arall, dywedais wrth yr Aelod dros Ddwyrain Caerfyrddin a Dinefwr y byddwn i'n derbyn ei bwynt o drefn ar ddiwedd y ddadl. Rwy'n deall y caiff y pwynt o drefn nawr ei godi gan yr Aelod dros Ganol De Cymru, Heledd Fychan.
Yes. Diolch yn fawr iawn, Dirprwy Lywydd. I just wanted to check, really, that I'd heard correctly earlier, and I'd like to ask for a ruling, Dirprwy Lywydd, as to whether the language used and one phrase in particular used by Hefin David in the course of the debate were acceptable. I won't repeat the words, but they were crass, insensitive, and in a workplace setting, arguably discriminatory. In fact, an employment tribunal judge in 2021 ruled the exact same comment as being inappropriate and unprofessional. It lowered the tone of the debate, in my view, that was otherwise characterised by respectful disagreement and is an affront to the dignity of the Senedd and the people we represent.
Ie. Diolch yn fawr iawn, Dirprwy Lywydd. Dim ond eisiau gwirio oeddwn i, mewn gwirionedd, fy mod i wedi clywed yn gywir yn gynharach, a hoffwn ofyn am ddyfarniad, Dirprwy Lywydd, ynglŷn ag a oedd yr iaith a ddefnyddiwyd ac un ymadrodd yn benodol a ddefnyddiwyd gan Hefin David yng nghwrs y ddadl yn dderbyniol. Wna i ddim ailadrodd y geiriau, ond roedden nhw'n eithafol, yn ansensitif, ac mewn lleoliad gweithle, gellid dadlau eu bod yn gwahaniaethu. Mewn gwirionedd, dyfarnodd barnwr tribiwnlys cyflogaeth yn 2021 bod yr union yr un sylw yn amhriodol ac amhroffesiynol. Bu iddo iselhau'r ddadl, yn fy marn i, a nodweddid fel arall gan anghytundeb parchus ac mae'n sarhad ar urddas y Senedd a'r bobl yr ydym ni'n eu cynrychioli.
I have had a chance to review the transcript and I consider that the language used is wholly inappropriate by the Member, and no Member of this Parliament should be using such language, and I would therefore call on the Member to both retract his statement and apologise for making such a reference in his contribution today.
Rwyf wedi cael cyfle i adolygu'r trawsgrifiad ac rwyf o'r farn bod yr iaith a ddefnyddir yn gwbl amhriodol gan yr Aelod, ac ni ddylai unrhyw Aelod o'r Senedd hon ddefnyddio iaith o'r fath, ac felly rwy'n galw ar yr Aelod i dynnu ei ddatganiad yn ôl ac ymddiheuro am wneud y fath gyfeiriad yn ei gyfraniad heddiw.
I sincerely withdraw and apologise for using that term. It was intended, in the heat of the debate, to make a political point. It was flippant and it was indeed inappropriate. In fact, given the fact that one of Plaid Cymru's councillors in Caerphilly had been pictured holding a gun, threatening to shoot English people, the word I should have used was 'appalling'.
Rwy'n tynnu'n ôl yn ddiffuant ac yn ymddiheuro am ddefnyddio'r term hwnnw. Y bwriad, yng ngwres y ddadl, oedd gwneud pwynt gwleidyddol. Roedd yn wamal ac yn wir roedd yn amhriodol. Yn wir, o ystyried y ffaith y tynnwyd llun un o gynghorwyr Plaid Cymru yng Nghaerffili yn dal dryll, yn bygwth saethu Saeson, y gair y dylwn i fod wedi'i ddefnyddio oedd 'gwarthus'.
I'm disappointed that the Member included the last reference. I accept his retraction of the statement, and I would encourage all Members not to use such language, but in doing so, please do not bring other issues such as that in. I think this was purely based upon the language used in this debate, and I do not believe such language is appropriate in any debate in this Chamber, and I would encourage all Members to make sure that their contributions do not include such language in future.
Rwy'n siomedig bod yr Aelod wedi cynnwys y cyfeiriad olaf. Rwy'n derbyn ei fod yn tynnu'r datganiad yn ôl, a byddwn yn annog pob Aelod i beidio â defnyddio iaith o'r fath, ond wrth wneud hynny, peidiwch â dod â materion eraill fel yna i mewn. Rwy'n credu bod hyn wedi'i seilio'n llwyr ar yr iaith a ddefnyddiwyd yn y ddadl hon, ac nid wyf yn credu bod iaith o'r fath yn briodol mewn unrhyw ddadl yn y Siambr hon, a byddwn yn annog pob Aelod i wneud yn siŵr nad yw eu cyfraniadau'n cynnwys iaith o'r fath yn y dyfodol.
Y cwestiwn yw: a ddylid derbyn gwelliant 1? A oes unrhyw Aelod yn gwrthwynebu? [Gwrthwynebiad.] Oes. Felly, gohiriaf y pleidleisio o dan yr eitem hon tan y cyfnod pleidleisio.
The proposal is to agree amendment 1. Does any Member object? [Objection.] Yes, there is objection. I will defer voting under this item until voting time.
Gohiriwyd y pleidleisio tan y cyfnod pleidleisio.
Voting deferred until voting time.
Symudwn ymlaen. Yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.24, oni bai bod Aelod yn gwrthwynebu, caiff y ddau gynnig o dan eitem 5 a 6 eu grwpio i'w trafod ond gyda phleidleisiau ar wahân. Gwelaf nad oes unrhyw wrthwynebiad.
We'll move on now. In accordance with Standing Order 12.24, unless a Member objects, the two motions under items 5 and 6 will be grouped for debate, but with separate votes. I see that there are no objections.
Felly galwaf ar y Gweinidog Materion Gwledig a Gogledd Cymru.
So, I call on the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales.
Cynnig NDM8197 Lesley Griffiths
Cynnig bod Senedd Cymru, yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 26.11:
Yn cytuno i egwyddorion cyffredinol Bil Amaethyddiaeth (Cymru).
Motion NDM8197 Lesley Griffiths
To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 26.11:
Agrees to the general principles of the Agriculture (Wales) Bill.
Cynnig NDM8198 Lesley Griffiths
Cynnig bod Cymru, at ddibenion unrhyw ddarpariaethau sy’n deillio o’r Bil Amaethyddiaeth (Cymru) yn cytuno i unrhyw gynnydd mewn gwariant o’r math y cyfeiriwyd ato yn Rheol Sefydlog 26.69, sy’n codi o ganlyniad i’r Bil.
Motion NDM8198 Lesley Griffiths
To propose that the Senedd, for the purposes of any provisions resulting from the Agriculture (Wales) Bill, agrees to any increase in expenditure of a kind referred to in Standing Order 26.69, arising in consequence of the Bill.
Cynigiwyd y cynigion.
Motions moved.
Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'm very pleased to open this debate on the general principles of the Agriculture (Wales) Bill and to move the motion and the financial resolution. The Bill represents an important first step in our plans for agricultural reform. It is the first of its kind for Wales, and is a made-in-Wales policy designed to support Welsh priorities.
Welsh farmers hold an important position in our society, not only recognised for their role in producing a supply of safe, high-quality food, but also for their opportunity to help tackle some of the most pressing challenges our country faces. We must respond to the climate and nature emergencies. The need for action at scale and to deliver outcomes at pace is essential if we are to ensure a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector for present and future generations.
The Welsh Government is committed to a just transition to a new low-carbon future, and our farmers and the communities in which they operate play a vital role in delivering that just transition and the move to net zero. The Bill establishes sustainable land management as the framework, demonstrating this commitment to support farmers to lower their carbon footprint and deliver for nature whilst, at the same time, continuing to produce food sustainably through resilient agriculture businesses. It also recognises the key role farmers play as stewards of our Welsh language, heritage and culture.
The concept of sustainable land management is referenced by four objectives and the associated sustainable land management duty. The objectives and duty legislate for a made-in-Wales agricultural policy that incorporates the wide-ranging and significant economic, environmental and social contribution of agriculture in Wales.
Presenting sustainable land management as a set of objectives is consistent with and complements the approach of other Welsh legislation, such as the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. The sustainable land management objectives make clear what we're aiming to achieve, providing the legislative and policy platform for ongoing action in accordance with the SLM duty that best contributes to achieving this production of food and other goods in a sustainable manner, whilst tackling the climate and nature emergencies, sustaining and promoting the Welsh language, and conserving the Welsh countryside and our cultural resources. In doing so, the Bill recognises the complementary objectives of supporting farmers in the sustainable production of food, contributing to thriving rural communities and keeping farmers on the land.
I would like to thank the Chairs and members of the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, including members of the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee who also participated in the ETRA committee, the Finance Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for their thorough scrutiny of this Bill during Stage 1. I appreciate the work that has gone into delivering their comprehensive and helpful reports within a very tight timescale. It is also important that I thank all the farmers, stakeholders and communities who've contributed, supported and worked with us to develop the proposals for this vital legislation. The combined expertise, challenge and perspective has been and continues to be invaluable to the development of this Bill and future schemes.
My written statement of 3 February 2023 highlighted the productive discussions held with Plaid Cymru as part of the co-operation agreement on amendments to the Bill. The intention is to bring forward those amendments at Stage 2, should Members agree the general principles of the Bill today. The amendments are: introduction of additional text in relation to the first sustainable land management objective, section 1 of the Bill. For the purposes of the first objective, factors relevant to whether food and other goods are produced in a sustainable manner include, amongst other things, the resilience of agricultural businesses within the communities in which they operate.
Three additional purposes to the power to provide support, section 8 of the Bill, have also been drafted to be inserted within subsection (2). These follow the first purpose of encouraging the production of food in an environmentally sustainable manner. The additional purposes are: (b) helping rural communities to thrive and strengthening links between agricultural businesses and their communities; (c) improving the resilience of agricultural businesses; and (d) sustaining the Welsh language and promoting and facilitating its use. The amendments support the resilience of agricultural business by enabling an effective, efficient, profitable and, therefore, sustainable production base and supply chain. This links directly to the farmer. Supporting farmers with their own well-being, engagement with their communities, sustaining and promoting the Welsh language and business diversification are all key aspects to keeping farmers on the land.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Rwy'n falch iawn o agor y ddadl hon ar egwyddorion cyffredinol y Bil Amaethyddiaeth (Cymru) ac i gynnig y cynnig a'r penderfyniad ariannol. Mae'r Bil yn gam cyntaf pwysig yn ein cynlluniau ar gyfer diwygio amaethyddol. Dyma'r cyntaf o'i fath i Gymru, ac mae'n bolisi wedi'i lunio yng Nghymru sydd wedi'i gynllunio i gefnogi blaenoriaethau Cymru.
Mae gan ffermwyr Cymru swyddogaeth bwysig yn ein cymdeithas, ac fe gânt eu cydnabod nid yn unig am eu swyddogaeth wrth gynhyrchu cyflenwad o fwyd diogel o ansawdd uchel, ond hefyd am yr hyn a wnânt i helpu i fynd i'r afael â rhai o'r heriau mwyaf dybryd sy'n ein hwynebu yn ein gwlad. Mae'n rhaid i ni ymateb i'r argyfyngau hinsawdd a natur. Mae'r angen am weithredu eang ac i sicrhau canlyniadau brys yn hanfodol os ydym am sicrhau sector amaethyddol cynaliadwy a chydnerth ar gyfer cenedlaethau'r presennol a'r dyfodol.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ymrwymo i bontio teg i ddyfodol carbon isel newydd, ac mae ein ffermwyr a'r cymunedau y maent yn gweithredu ynddynt yn chwarae rhan hanfodol wrth gyflawni'r pontio teg hwnnw a symud at sero net. Mae'r Bil yn sefydlu rheoli tir cynaliadwy fel y fframwaith, gan ddangos yr ymrwymiad hwn i gefnogi ffermwyr i ostwng eu hôl troed carbon a darparu ar gyfer natur gan, ar yr un pryd, barhau i gynhyrchu bwyd yn gynaliadwy drwy fusnesau amaeth cydnerth. Mae hefyd yn cydnabod y swyddogaeth allweddol sydd gan ffermwyr fel stiwardiaid ein hiaith, treftadaeth a'n diwylliant Cymreig.
Cyfeirir at y cysyniad o reoli tir cynaliadwy gan bedwar amcan a'r ddyletswydd rheoli tir cynaliadwy cysylltiedig. Mae'r amcanion a'r ddyletswydd yn deddfu ar gyfer polisi amaethyddol a wnaed yng Nghymru sy'n ymgorffori cyfraniad economaidd, amgylcheddol a chymdeithasol eang a sylweddol amaethyddiaeth yng Nghymru.
Mae cyflwyno rheoli tir cynaliadwy fel cyfres o amcanion yn gyson â'r dull gweithredu mewn agweddau eraill o ddeddfwriaeth Cymru, megis Deddf yr Amgylchedd (Cymru) 2016 a Deddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau'r Dyfodol (Cymru) 2015, ac yn eu hategu. Mae'r amcanion rheoli tir cynaliadwy yn gwneud yn glir yr hyn rydym yn anelu at ei gyflawni, gan ddarparu'r llwyfan a'r polisi deddfwriaethol ar gyfer gweithredu'n barhaus yn unol â'r ddyletswydd Rheoli Tir yn Gynaliadwy sy'n cyfrannu orau at gyflawni'r cynhyrchiant hwn o fwyd a nwyddau eraill mewn modd cynaliadwy, wrth fynd i'r afael â'r argyfyngau hinsawdd a natur, cynnal a hyrwyddo'r Gymraeg, a gwarchod cefn gwlad Cymru a'n hadnoddau diwylliannol. Wrth wneud hynny, mae'r Bil yn cydnabod amcanion cyflenwol cefnogi ffermwyr wrth gynhyrchu bwyd yn gynaliadwy, cyfrannu at gymunedau gwledig ffyniannus a chadw ffermwyr ar y tir.
Hoffwn ddiolch i Gadeiryddion ac aelodau'r Pwyllgor Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig, gan gynnwys aelodau o'r Pwyllgor Newid Hinsawdd, yr Amgylchedd a Seilwaith a gymerodd ran hefyd yn y pwyllgor ETRA, y Pwyllgor Cyllid a'r Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a'r Cyfansoddiad am graffu'n drylwyr ar y Bil hwn yn ystod Cyfnod 1. Rwy'n gwerthfawrogi'r gwaith a wnaed i gyflwyno eu hadroddiadau cynhwysfawr a defnyddiol o fewn amserlen dynn iawn. Mae hefyd yn bwysig fy mod yn diolch i'r holl ffermwyr, rhanddeiliaid a chymunedau sydd wedi cyfrannu, cefnogi a gweithio gyda ni i ddatblygu'r cynigion ar gyfer y ddeddfwriaeth hanfodol hon. Mae'r arbenigedd, yr her a'r persbectif cyfun wedi bod ac yn parhau i fod yn amhrisiadwy i ddatblygu'r Bil hwn a chynlluniau i'r dyfodol.
Amlygodd fy natganiad ysgrifenedig dyddiedig 3 Chwefror 2023 y trafodaethau cynhyrchiol a gynhaliwyd gyda Phlaid Cymru fel rhan o'r cytundeb cydweithio ar welliannau i'r Bil. Y bwriad yw cyflwyno'r gwelliannau hynny yng Nghyfnod 2, pe bai Aelodau'n cytuno ar egwyddorion cyffredinol y Bil heddiw. Dyma'r diwygiadau: cyflwyno testun ychwanegol mewn perthynas â'r amcan rheoli tir cynaliadwy cyntaf, adran 1 o'r Bil. At ddibenion yr amcan cyntaf, mae ffactorau sy'n berthnasol i weld a yw bwyd a nwyddau eraill yn cael eu cynhyrchu mewn modd cynaliadwy yn cynnwys, ymhlith pethau eraill, cydnerthedd busnesau amaethyddol o fewn y cymunedau y maent yn gweithredu ynddynt.
Mae tri diben ychwanegol i'r pŵer i ddarparu cymorth, adran 8 o'r Bil, hefyd wedi'u drafftio i'w mewnosod i is-adran (2). Mae'r rhain yn dilyn y diben cyntaf o annog cynhyrchu bwyd mewn modd amgylcheddol gynaliadwy. Y dibenion ychwanegol yw: (b) helpu cymunedau gwledig i ffynnu a chryfhau cysylltiadau rhwng busnesau amaethyddol a'u cymunedau; (c) gwella cydnerthedd busnesau amaethyddol; a (d) cynnal y Gymraeg a hybu a hwyluso ei defnydd. Mae'r gwelliannau yn cefnogi cydnerthedd busnes amaethyddol drwy alluogi sylfaen gynhyrchu a chadwyn gyflenwi effeithiol, effeithlon, proffidiol ac, felly, sylfaen cynhyrchu a chadwyn gyflenwi gynaliadwy. Mae hyn yn cysylltu'n uniongyrchol â'r ffermwr. Mae cefnogi ffermwyr gyda'u llesiant eu hunain, eu hymwneud â'u cymunedau, cynnal a hyrwyddo'r Gymraeg ac arallgyfeirio busnes i gyd yn agweddau allweddol ar gadw ffermwyr ar y tir.
Daeth y Llywydd i’r Gadair.
The Llywydd took the Chair.
Turning to the recommendations from the committees, given the detailed nature of the committee reports and the number of recommendations made—84 in total—it is not possible to respond to each one of them individually in the time available today. I have already provided a written response to the Finance Committee report prior to today’s debate, and I will be writing to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee following this debate.
Turning to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee report, I acknowledge the full range of recommendations made, and I am pleased to read that recommendation 1 asks the Senedd to agree the general principles of the Bill. I am also pleased that a clear majority of the committee support the provisions to prohibit the use of snares. This is an important step forward for animal welfare here in Wales, and one reflected in our programme for government commitments. A number of important recommendations have been made by the committee, the majority of which, I am pleased to say, are expected to be accepted or accepted in principle.
I will also write to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee to provide considered responses to its recommendations. The Finance Committee was broadly content with the financial implications of the Bill, and my response to the committee ahead of this debate, in line with the committee’s recommendation 1, recognises my acceptance of the majority of recommendations. In addition to the amendments agreed with Plaid Cymru, I am expecting to lay a small number of further Government amendments to the Bill at the amending stage.
In conclusion, Llywydd, this is an ambitious and transformational piece of legislation that reforms decades of EU farming support. There can be no mistaking the importance of this moment. This Bill will breathe new life into the agricultural sector here in Wales, as it is the first Welsh agricultural Bill, the first time that the Welsh Government has had the opportunity to bring agricultural legislation of this nature before the Senedd, and the first time that our farmers, our communities and our businesses have been able to decide their own futures. This agricultural Bill has given a voice to the Welsh countryside and all those who work within it. I urge Members to agree the general principles and the financial resolution of the Bill. Diolch.
Gan droi at yr argymhellion gan y pwyllgorau, o ystyried natur fanwl adroddiadau'r pwyllgor a nifer yr argymhellion a wnaed—84 i gyd—nid yw'n bosibl ymateb i bob un ohonyn nhw'n unigol yn yr amser sydd ar gael heddiw. Rwyf eisoes wedi darparu ymateb ysgrifenedig i adroddiad y Pwyllgor Cyllid cyn y ddadl heddiw, a byddaf yn ysgrifennu at y Pwyllgor Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig a'r Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a'r Cyfansoddiad yn dilyn y ddadl hon.
Wrth droi at adroddiad y Pwyllgor Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig, rwy'n cydnabod yr ystod lawn o argymhellion a wnaed, ac rwy'n falch o ddarllen bod argymhelliad 1 yn gofyn i'r Senedd gytuno ar egwyddorion cyffredinol y Bil. Rwy'n falch hefyd bod mwyafrif clir o'r pwyllgor yn cefnogi'r darpariaethau i wahardd defnyddio maglau. Dyma gam pwysig ymlaen ar gyfer lles anifeiliaid yma yng Nghymru, ac un a adlewyrchir yn ymrwymiadau ein rhaglen lywodraethu. Mae nifer o argymhellion pwysig wedi eu gwneud gan y pwyllgor, ac mae disgwyl i'r mwyafrif ohonynt, rwy'n falch o ddweud, gael eu derbyn neu eu derbyn mewn egwyddor
Byddaf hefyd yn ysgrifennu at y Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a'r Cyfansoddiad i ddarparu ymatebion ystyriol i'w argymhellion. Roedd y Pwyllgor Cyllid yn fodlon ar y cyfan gyda goblygiadau ariannol y Bil, ac mae fy ymateb i'r pwyllgor cyn y ddadl hon, yn unol ag argymhelliad 1 y pwyllgor, yn cydnabod fy mod yn derbyn mwyafrif yr argymhellion. Yn ogystal â'r gwelliannau a gytunwyd gyda Phlaid Cymru, rwy'n disgwyl cyflwyno nifer fach o welliannau pellach gan y Llywodraeth i'r Bil yn y cyfnod diwygio.
I gloi, Llywydd, mae hwn yn ddarn uchelgeisiol a thrawsnewidiol o ddeddfwriaeth sy'n diwygio degawdau o gymorth ffermio gan yr Undeb Ewropeaidd. Ni ellir gorbwysleisio pwysigrwydd y foment hon. Bydd y Bil hwn yn rhoi bywyd newydd i'r sector amaethyddol yma yng Nghymru, gan mai dyma Fil amaethyddol cyntaf Cymru, y tro cyntaf i Lywodraeth Cymru gael y cyfle i ddod â deddfwriaeth amaethyddol o'r natur yma gerbron y Senedd, a'r tro cyntaf i'n ffermwyr, ein cymunedau a'n busnesau allu penderfynu ar eu dyfodol eu hunain. Mae'r Bil amaethyddol hwn wedi rhoi llais i gefn gwlad Cymru a phawb sy'n gweithio yno. Rwy'n annog Aelodau i gytuno ar yr egwyddorion cyffredinol ac ar gynnig ariannol y Bil. Diolch.
Galwaf nawr ar Gadeirydd Pwyllgor yr Economi, Masnach a Materion gwledig—Paul Davies.
I call now on the Chair of the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee—Paul Davies
Diolch, Llywydd. This Bill and this debate mark a very important moment for Welsh agriculture, the environment and, indeed, the Welsh economy. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, it’s the first time that the Senedd is considering legislation for a wholly made-in-Wales agricultural policy. The policy framework set out in this Bill is intended to last for many years to come. Therefore, the stakes are very high, and it is vital to get it right. In my view, this piece of legislation is probably the most important piece of legislation since the start of devolution, and that’s why it’s important to get this right, as it will shape agriculture and our environment for decades to come.
The Bill, as the Minister said, signals a new policy approach for sustainable land management, and it will give Welsh Ministers new powers to support farmers under a scheme that is developed wholly in Wales, for Wales. The Minister has said that the overarching aim of the Bill is to keep Welsh farmers on the land. As our committee report sets out, the support that they receive under the powers in this Bill must balance a number of different needs: (1) the need to protect and promote sustainable food production and local supply chains; (2) the need to support strong and vibrant rural economies and help our Welsh-speaking rural communities to thrive; and (3) the need to protect our precious Welsh landscapes, natural environment and biodiversity in the face of climate and nature emergencies.
The Bill was referred to our committee for scrutiny as we hold the rural affairs remit. I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues on the committee and, indeed, the clerking team for their hard work and support during our work. But it is also important to note that our work was greatly assisted by the active participation of members of the Climate, Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee. We are grateful for their invaluable input, which can be seen in the Record of Proceedings and, indeed ,in this report. We are also, as always, grateful to all the organisations and individuals who have engaged with the committee’s scrutiny work.
Diolch, Llywydd. Mae'r Bil hwn a'r ddadl hon yn nodi adeg bwysig iawn i amaethyddiaeth Cymru, yr amgylchedd ac, yn wir, i economi Cymru. Yn dilyn ymadawiad y DU â'r Undeb Ewropeaidd, dyma'r tro cyntaf i'r Senedd ystyried deddfwriaeth ar gyfer polisi amaethyddol a wnaed yn llwyr yng Nghymru. Bwriedir i'r fframwaith polisi a nodir yn y Bil hwn bara am flynyddoedd lawer i ddod. Felly, mae'n arwyddocaol iawn, ac mae'n hanfodol ei gael yn iawn. Yn fy marn i, mae'n debyg mai'r darn hwn o ddeddfwriaeth yw'r darn pwysicaf o ddeddfwriaeth ers dechrau datganoli, a dyna pam mae'n bwysig cael hyn yn iawn, gan y bydd yn dylanwadu ar amaethyddiaeth a'n hamgylchedd am ddegawdau i ddod.
Mae'r Bil, fel dywedodd y Gweinidog, yn arwydd o ddull polisi newydd o reoli tir cynaliadwy, a bydd yn rhoi pwerau newydd i Weinidogion Cymru i gefnogi ffermwyr o dan gynllun sy'n cael ei ddatblygu'n gyfan gwbl yng Nghymru, dros Gymru. Mae'r Gweinidog wedi dweud mai nod cyffredinol y Bil yw cadw ffermwyr Cymru ar y tir. Fel y mae adroddiad ein pwyllgor yn nodi, rhaid i'r gefnogaeth y maent yn ei dderbyn o dan y pwerau yn y Bil hwn gydbwyso nifer o anghenion gwahanol: (1) yr angen i ddiogelu a hyrwyddo cynhyrchu bwyd cynaliadwy a chadwyni cyflenwi lleol; (2) yr angen i gefnogi economïau gwledig cryf a bywiog a helpu ein cymunedau gwledig Cymraeg i ffynnu; a (3) yr angen i amddiffyn ein tirweddau gwerthfawr yng Nghymru, yr amgylchedd naturiol a bioamrywiaeth yn wyneb argyfyngau hinsawdd a natur.
Cafodd y Bil ei gyfeirio at ein pwyllgor craffu gan mai ni sydd â chyfrifoldeb dros faterion gwledig. Hoffwn achub ar y cyfle hwn i ddiolch i fy nghyd-Aelodau ar y pwyllgor ac, yn wir, i'r tîm clercio am eu gwaith caled a'u cefnogaeth yn ystod ein gwaith. Ond mae'n bwysig nodi hefyd bod ein gwaith wedi cael cymorth mawr gan gyfranogiad gweithredol aelodau'r Pwyllgor Hinsawdd, Newid, yr Amgylchedd a Seilwaith. Rydym yn ddiolchgar am eu cyfraniad amhrisiadwy, sydd i'w weld yng Nghofnod y Trafodion ac, yn wir, yn yr adroddiad hwn. Rydym hefyd, fel bob amser, yn ddiolchgar i'r holl sefydliadau ac unigolion sydd wedi ymgysylltu â gwaith craffu'r pwyllgor.
Some provisions of this framework Bill will replace clauses in the UK Agriculture Act 2020 that are due to expire under a sunset clause at the end of 2024. With some exceptions, these clauses mirror the powers that Welsh Ministers currently have under that UK Act. However, it should be noted that this Bill is particularly broad in scope, and it introduces some significant new elements. These new elements include prohibiting the use of snares and glue traps in Wales, and the new powers for Natural Resources Wales over forestry felling licences. And so, whilst these provisions could be argued to be agricultural in nature, they could also perhaps have been legislated for and scrutinised separately.
The Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee had 14 weeks to scrutinise the general principles of this Bill. We considered all aspects of the Bill to the best of our ability in the time available. I know that the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee has made some strong recommendations about the Welsh Government’s chosen approach to legislating in the field of agriculture, and so I will not pre-empt anything other Members may say about that, but I would like to highlight some of the policy-related matters that we identify in our report.
The Welsh Government has involved stakeholders in the development of this Bill in recent years, with a number of consultations and a co-design process. So it was initially surprising to us on the committee that there were some fundamental issues on which stakeholders still had quite divergent views. The very definition of 'sustainable land management' has proved to be a sticking point. To the lay reader there is no definition, neither bespoke nor borrowed, on the face of the Bill. The Minister’s view is that the sustainable land management objectives set out in section 1 of the Bill are the definition. And the committee’s report sets out some strong arguments for how those objectives in section 1, and the list of purposes for support in section 8, could be strengthened. There is also some disquiet about the proposal to allow the definition of ‘agriculture’ to be amended by subordinate legislation, and we have recommended that the Minister also reviews this aspect of the Bill and seeks to allay concerns.
There also appeared to be a lack of clarity and/or a lack of understanding by stakeholders about the Welsh Government’s intentions with some of the provisions in the Bill. In particular this is the case for support for ancillary activities, and how this might benefit the agri-food supply chain. Recommendation 16 of our report asks the Minister to provide more clarity on this. It was also widely expected by stakeholders that national minimum standards would be a feature of this legislation, and there was much disappointment that this was not the case. The committee would therefore like the Minister to clearly set out her intentions for the future regulatory baseline for the sector. We have also asked that the Minister gives further consideration to animal welfare and the role of the farm vet in the new legislative framework.
From our scrutiny work it was clear that further work is needed to address concerns of tenant farmers and those who farm on common land, ensuring that they can fully access the support available under the proposed sustainable farming scheme. The needs of new entrants into the sector must also be fully supported by the Bill. We have welcomed the Minister’s commitment to further work in these areas, as monitoring the effectiveness and impact of the sustainable farming scheme will be vital.
In light of the evidence that the committee received, our report has suggested amendments to the Bill’s reporting provisions, as well as the concerns that were raised with us about data collection provisions. The Bill grants Welsh Ministers powers over marketing standards, and our inquiry raised important questions about post-EU divergence and the role of the common frameworks. In our report we have also included a recommendation about assessing the impact of trade deals on the Welsh agricultural sector.
In closing, Llywydd, I stress again that this is a wide-ranging and highly significant piece of legislation. I therefore invite all Members to consider the range of evidence and recommendations in our report, along with the views of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Finance Committee on the Bill as introduced. As our report notes, with regard to Part 5 of the Bill, a clear majority of the committee supported the provisions to prohibit the use of snares, although there was support from two Members for the Minister to give further consideration to a highly regulated licensing system.
As I said earlier, this legislation will shape the landscape of Welsh agriculture and the environment for decades to come, and so we have to ensure that this piece of legislation is absolutely right. In taking account of the range of evidence presented to us, and our 30 recommendations, we recommend that the Senedd agrees to the general principles of this Agriculture (Wales) Bill and that it now proceeds to the second, amending stage. Diolch, Llywydd.
Bydd rhai darpariaethau'r Bil fframwaith hwn yn disodli cymalau yn Neddf Amaeth y DU 2020 sydd i fod i ddod i ben o dan gymal machlud ar ddiwedd 2024. Gyda rhai eithriadau, mae'r cymalau hyn yn adlewyrchu'r pwerau sydd gan Weinidogion Cymru o dan y Ddeddf DU honno ar hyn o bryd. Fodd bynnag, dylid nodi bod y Bil hwn yn arbennig o eang o ran cwmpas, ac mae'n cyflwyno rhai elfennau newydd sylweddol. Mae'r elfennau newydd hyn yn cynnwys gwahardd defnyddio maglau a thrapiau glud yng Nghymru, a'r pwerau newydd i Gyfoeth Naturiol Cymru ynghylch trwyddedau torri coed mewn coedwigoedd. Ac felly, er y gellid dadlau bod y darpariaethau hyn yn amaethyddol eu natur, efallai y gellid hefyd fod wedi eu deddfu a chraffu arnynt ar wahân.
Roedd gan y Pwyllgor Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig 14 wythnos i graffu ar egwyddorion cyffredinol y Bil hwn. Fe wnaethon ni ystyried pob agwedd o'r Bil hyd eithaf ein gallu yn yr amser oedd ar gael. Gwn fod y Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a'r Cyfansoddiad wedi gwneud rhai argymhellion cryf ynghylch y dull a ddewiswyd gan Lywodraeth Cymru i ddeddfu ym maes amaethyddiaeth, ac felly ni fyddaf yn achub y blaen ar unrhyw beth y bydd Aelodau eraill yn ei ddweud am hynny, ond hoffwn dynnu sylw at rai o'r materion sy'n gysylltiedig â pholisi a nodwn yn ein hadroddiad.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cynnwys rhanddeiliaid wrth ddatblygu'r Bil hwn yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf, gyda nifer o ymgynghoriadau a phroses gyd-ddylunio. Felly roedd yn syndod i ni ar y pwyllgor i ddechrau bod rhai materion sylfaenol nad oedd rhanddeiliaid yn gytûn arnynt o hyd. Mae'r union ddiffiniad o 'reoli tir cynaliadwy' wedi bod yn fater cynhennus. I'r darllenydd lleyg nid oes diffiniad, naill ai un pwrpasol neu wedi'i fenthyg, ar wyneb y Bil. Barn y Gweinidog yw mai'r amcanion rheoli tir cynaliadwy a nodir yn adran 1 o'r Bil yw'r diffiniad. Ac mae adroddiad y pwyllgor yn nodi rhai dadleuon cryf dros sut y gellid cryfhau'r amcanion hynny yn adran 1, a'r rhestr o ddibenion ar gyfer cymorth yn adran 8. Mae rhywfaint o anniddigrwydd hefyd ynglŷn â'r cynnig i ganiatáu i'r diffiniad o 'amaethyddiaeth' gael ei ddiwygio gan is-ddeddfwriaeth, ac rydym wedi argymell bod y Gweinidog hefyd yn adolygu'r agwedd hon ar y Bil ac yn ceisio lliniaru pryderon.
Ymddangosai bod diffyg eglurder a/neu ddiffyg dealltwriaeth gan randdeiliaid yn ymwneud â bwriadau Llywodraeth Cymru gyda rhai o'r darpariaethau yn y Bil hefyd. Yn benodol, mae hyn yn wir am gefnogaeth i weithgareddau ategol, a sut y gallai hyn fod o fudd i'r gadwyn gyflenwi bwyd-amaeth. Mae argymhelliad 16 o'n hadroddiad yn gofyn i'r Gweinidog roi mwy o eglurder ar hyn. Roedd disgwyl mawr hefyd gan randdeiliaid y byddai safonau gofynnol cenedlaethol yn nodwedd o'r ddeddfwriaeth hon, ac roedd cryn siom nad oedd hyn yn wir. Felly, hoffai'r pwyllgor i'r Gweinidog nodi ei bwriadau ar gyfer y waelodlin reoleiddio ar gyfer y sector yn y dyfodol. Rydyn ni hefyd wedi gofyn i'r Gweinidog roi ystyriaeth bellach i les anifeiliaid a swyddogaeth milfeddyg y fferm yn y fframwaith deddfwriaethol newydd.
O'n gwaith craffu roedd yn amlwg bod angen gwaith pellach i fynd i'r afael â phryderon ffermwyr tenant a'r rhai sy'n ffermio ar dir comin, gan sicrhau eu bod yn gallu manteisio'n llawn ar y cymorth sydd ar gael o dan y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy arfaethedig. Rhaid i anghenion newydd-ddyfodiaid i'r sector hefyd gael eu cefnogi'n llawn gan y Bil. Rydym ni wedi croesawu ymrwymiad y Gweinidog i waith pellach yn y meysydd hyn, gan y bydd monitro effeithiolrwydd ac effaith y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy yn hanfodol.
Yn sgil y dystiolaeth a dderbyniodd y pwyllgor, mae ein hadroddiad wedi awgrymu gwelliannau i ddarpariaethau adrodd y Bil, yn ogystal â'r pryderon a godwyd gyda ni am ddarpariaethau casglu data. Mae'r Bil yn rhoi pwerau i Weinidogion Cymru dros safonau marchnata, ac roedd ein hymchwiliad yn codi cwestiynau pwysig am wahaniaethau ar ôl ymadael â'r Undeb Ewropeaidd a swyddogaeth y fframweithiau cyffredin. Yn ein hadroddiad rydym ni hefyd wedi cynnwys argymhelliad ynghylch asesu effaith cytundebau masnach ar sector amaethyddol Cymru.
Wrth gloi, Llywydd, pwysleisiaf eto fod hwn yn ddarn eang ac arwyddocaol iawn o ddeddfwriaeth. Felly, rwy'n gwahodd pob Aelod i ystyried ystod y dystiolaeth a'r argymhellion yn ein hadroddiad, ynghyd â safbwyntiau'r Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a'r Cyfansoddiad a'r Pwyllgor Cyllid ar y Bil fel y'i cyflwynwyd. Fel y noda ein hadroddiad, o ran Rhan 5 o'r Bil, roedd mwyafrif clir o'r pwyllgor yn cefnogi'r darpariaethau i wahardd defnyddio maglau, er bod cefnogaeth gan ddau Aelod i'r Gweinidog roi ystyriaeth bellach i system drwyddedu reoledig iawn.
Fel y dywedais yn gynharach, bydd y ddeddfwriaeth hon yn llunio tirwedd amaeth Cymru a'r amgylchedd am ddegawdau i ddod, ac felly mae'n rhaid i ni sicrhau bod y darn hwn o'r ddeddfwriaeth yn gwbl gywir. Wrth ystyried yr ystod o dystiolaeth a gyflwynir i ni, a'n 30 argymhelliad, rydym yn argymell i'r Senedd gytuno i egwyddorion cyffredinol y Bil Amaethyddiaeth (Cymru) hwn a'i bod yn mynd ymlaen nawr at yr ail gyfnod, sef y cyfnod diwygio. Diolch, Llywydd.
Galwaf nawr ar Gadeirydd y Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a'r Cyfansoddiad, Huw Irranca-Davies.
I now call on the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, Huw Irranca-Davies.
Diolch, Llywydd. I'd like to open my contribution this afternoon by thanking the committee members and our clerking team, but also by emphasising that one of the key questions my committee considers is whether a Bill is fit for purpose as a piece of law. As a general rule, we don't comment on the merits of the policy it contains.
The Minister told us that the Bill is a framework Bill, with the aim of being in place for several decades. As a result, the Minister emphasised the need for futureproofing and flexibility. But it is because the Bill is a framework or enabling Bill that our report contains so many recommendations—there are 44 in total. It's a reflection in part of our concern about the amount of power it provides to Welsh Ministers at the expense of this legislature. Our report demonstrates that it isn't just our committee that has concerns about the use of framework Bills—our predecessor committees and long-established committees in the House of Lords express the same concerns.
Of most importance when a legislature is asked to delegate powers to the executive is consideration as to how those powers could be used in the future, rather than how the current Minister intends to use them at the time they are taken. So, it's regardless of words on record and intent of this Minister. If passed, the Bill will delegate broad powers to any future Government in Wales. The powers could be used to develop significant policy on agriculture, with very limited democratic input and decision making by the Senedd as the legislature. That's what this Bill as currently written does; it can be amended. Future Welsh Ministers will be able to avoid detailed scrutiny by the Senedd of what could be substantive and significant policy decisions on agriculture, potentially for, and I repeat it, decades.
We believe that the Welsh Government has had the opportunity to draft a Bill that could have included more detail on its face. The detail would have included the relevant purposes, the principles and the criteria underpinning agricultural policy in Wales that will replace the provisions and powers being returned from the European Union, not least since the decision to leave the EU was taken by the electorate in 2016. In an attempt to improve the Bill, therefore, 11 of our recommendations require more information to be placed on its face, particularly on policy detail and matters relating to the exercise of regulation-making powers. In addition, a further 15 recommendations seek explanations for the approach adopted in the Bill. They genuinely are seeking to improve the Bill.
In the absence of any sunset provision—I draw particular reference to that—to ensure transition to a new system of agricultural support, changes could be made, as it's currently fashioned in this Bill, on an indefinite basis to the existing system, which gives certainty to no-one. We accept that it is this Minister’s stated intention to transition to the sustainable farming scheme and a new system of support. But, as currently drafted, the Bill places no obligation on this or any future Government to actually do so by any certain date. We have therefore recommended that it would be appropriate to include a sunset provision in the Bill to provide that certainty—an end date for transition away from the basic payment scheme and the common agricultural policy. If provision is included to allow an end date to be amended by regulations, such regulations then should be of course subject to the affirmative procedure.
We note that the Welsh Government has not replicated limitations on the exercise of some regulation-making powers—so, for example, under sections 15, 16 and 22 of the Bill—that were included in the UK Agriculture Act 2020. This means that, as it currently stands, the 2020 Act—legislation by the UK Government—provides more control for this Senedd over the exercise of Welsh Ministers' powers than the Bill before us today. So, nine of our recommendations were aimed at addressing this specific issue. We think that these are sensible.
Five of our recommendations relate to the procedures attached to the making of regulations, and a further four recommendations call for amendments to 12 sections in the Bill to include a duty on the Welsh Ministers to consult before making regulations, because this is such a framework Bill. This is important because, in a recent set of, for example, student loans regulations, the Welsh Government did not consult before making the regulations because there was no statutory requirement to do so. It may have been good or bad policy, but there was no duty to consult.
I would like to cover now two brief specific recommendations before closing. We recommended that the Bill should be amended to include a definition of 'sustainable land management'. In the committee's view, it is not appropriate to try and define a term adequately by a set of objectives, which may or may not be achieved and which can be balanced across and traded against each other. It does not provide the certainty needed in good law.
Section 50 of the Bill permits the Welsh Ministers to amend the definitions of agriculture and ancillary activities—definitions that go to the very heart of the Bill. This is an exceptionally broad power that could fundamentally change the nature and the reach of this Bill. So, as well as seeking clarity on why this power is being taken, we recommended that, if the Minister retains section 50, a superaffirmative procedure should apply to the regulation power.
So, just in conclusion, Llywydd, we concluded that the Bill, as currently framed, in this broad framework that it has, doesn't actually provide a sensible and constitutionally appropriate approach to legislation and has some significant shortcomings. But these can be improved in the passage of the Bill, so, in the interests of sound law making, we hope that the Minister, who's offered to write to us in detail on our recommendations, does listen to those concerns, which are sensible recommendations, and can address this positively as the Bill proceeds. Thank you very much. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Diolch, Llywydd. Hoffwn agor fy nghyfraniad y prynhawn yma trwy ddiolch i aelodau'r pwyllgor a'n tîm clercio, ond hefyd trwy bwysleisio mai un o'r cwestiynau allweddol y mae fy mhwyllgor yn ei ystyried yw, a yw Bil yn addas i'r diben fel darn o gyfraith. Fel rheol gyffredinol, nid ydym yn gwneud sylw ar rinweddau'r polisi y mae'n ei gynnwys.
Dywedodd y Gweinidog wrthym ni mai Bil fframwaith yw'r Bil, gyda'r nod o fod yn ei le am sawl degawd. O ganlyniad, pwysleisiodd y Gweinidog yr angen am ddiogelu'r dyfodol a hyblygrwydd. Ond mae ein hadroddiad yn cynnwys cymaint o argymhellion—44 i gyd, oherwydd bod y Bil yn Fil fframwaith neu Fil galluogi. Mae'n adlewyrchiad yn rhannol o'n pryder ynghylch faint o bŵer y mae'n ei ddarparu i Weinidogion Cymru ar draul y ddeddfwrfa hon. Mae ein hadroddiad yn dangos nad ein pwyllgor ni yn unig sydd â phryderon am ddefnyddio Biliau fframwaith—mae ein pwyllgorau rhagflaenol a'n pwyllgorau sydd wedi hen ennill eu plwyf yn Nhŷ'r Arglwyddi yn mynegi'r un pryderon.
O'r pwys mwyaf pan ofynnir i ddeddfwrfa ddirprwyo pwerau i'r pwyllgor gwaith yw ystyried sut y gellid defnyddio'r pwerau hynny yn y dyfodol, yn hytrach na sut mae'r Gweinidog presennol yn bwriadu eu defnyddio ar adeg eu llunio. Felly, ni waeth beth yw'r geiriau ar gof a chadw a bwriad y Gweinidog hwn. Os caiff ei basio bydd y Bil yn dirprwyo pwerau eang i unrhyw Lywodraeth yng Nghymru yn y dyfodol. Gallai'r pwerau gael eu defnyddio i ddatblygu polisi sylweddol ar amaethyddiaeth, gyda mewnbwn democrataidd a grymoedd penderfynu cyfyngedig iawn gan y Senedd fel y ddeddfwrfa. Dyna yw swyddogaeth y Bil hwn fel y'i hysgrifennwyd ar hyn o bryd; gellir ei ddiwygio. Bydd Gweinidogion Cymru yn y dyfodol yn gallu osgoi craffu manwl gan y Senedd ar yr hyn a allai fod yn benderfyniadau polisi sylweddol a dwys ar amaethyddiaeth, o bosibl ar gyfer, ac rwy'n ei ailadrodd, degawdau.
Rydym o'r farn bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cael y cyfle i ddrafftio Bil a allai fod wedi cynnwys mwy o fanylion ar ei wyneb. Byddai'r manylion wedi cynnwys y dibenion perthnasol, yr egwyddorion a'r meini prawf sy'n sail i bolisi amaethyddol yng Nghymru a fydd yn disodli'r darpariaethau a'r pwerau sy'n cael eu dychwelyd o'r Undeb Ewropeaidd, nid lleiaf ers i'r etholwyr benderfynu gadael yr UE yn 2016. Mewn ymgais i wella'r Bil, felly, mae 11 o'n hargymhellion yn gofyn am roi mwy o wybodaeth ar ei wyneb, yn enwedig ar fanylion polisi a materion sy'n ymwneud ag arfer pwerau gwneud rheoliadau. Yn ogystal, mae 15 o argymhellion eraill yn gofyn am esboniadau ar gyfer y dull a fabwysiadwyd yn y Bil. Maen nhw wirioneddol yn ceisio gwella'r Bil.
Yn absenoldeb unrhyw ddarpariaeth machlud—rwy'n cyfeirio'n benodol at hynny—er mwyn sicrhau trosglwyddo i system newydd o gefnogaeth amaethyddol, gellid gwneud newidiadau, fel y mae yn y Bil hwn ar hyn o bryd, ar sail amhenodol i'r system bresennol, sy'n rhoi sicrwydd i neb. Rydym yn derbyn mai bwriad y Gweinidog hwn yw trosglwyddo i'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy a system newydd o gefnogaeth. Ond, fel y'i drafftiwyd ar hyn o bryd, nid yw'r Bil yn gosod unrhyw rwymedigaeth ar y Llywodraeth hon nac ar unrhyw un yn y dyfodol i wneud hynny mewn gwirionedd erbyn unrhyw ddyddiad penodol. Rydym ni felly wedi argymell y byddai'n briodol cynnwys darpariaeth machlud yn y Bil i ddarparu'r sicrwydd hwnnw—dyddiad gorffen ar gyfer pontio o'r cynllun talu sylfaenol a'r polisi amaethyddol cyffredin. Os cynhwysir darpariaeth i ganiatáu diwygio dyddiad terfynol gan reoliadau, dylai rheoliadau o'r fath yna fod yn ddarostyngedig i'r weithdrefn gadarnhaol wrth gwrs.
Rydym ni'n nodi nad yw Llywodraeth Cymru wedi efelychu cyfyngiadau ar arfer rhai pwerau gwneud rheoliadau—felly, er enghraifft, o dan adrannau 15, 16 a 22 o'r Bil—a gawsant eu cynnwys yn Neddf Amaethyddiaeth y DU 2020. Mae hyn yn golygu, fel y mae ar hyn o bryd, bod Deddf 2020—deddfwriaeth gan Lywodraeth y DU—yn rhoi mwy o reolaeth i'r Senedd hon dros arfer pwerau Gweinidogion Cymru na'r Bil sydd ger ein bron heddiw. Felly, nod naw o'n hargymhellion oedd mynd i'r afael â'r mater penodol hwn. Credwn fod y rhain yn synhwyrol.
Mae pump o'n hargymhellion yn ymwneud â'r gweithdrefnau sydd ynghlwm wrth wneud rheoliadau, ac mae pedwar argymhelliad pellach yn galw am ddiwygio 12 adran yn y Bil i gynnwys dyletswydd ar Weinidogion Cymru i ymgynghori cyn gwneud rheoliadau, gan fod hwn yn Fil fframwaith o'r fath. Mae hyn yn bwysig oherwydd, mewn cyfres ddiweddar o reoliadau benthyciadau myfyrwyr, er enghraifft, ni ymgynghorwyd â Llywodraeth Cymru cyn gwneud y rheoliadau oherwydd nad oedd gofyniad statudol i wneud hynny. Efallai y bu yn bolisi da neu ddrwg, ond doedd dim dyletswydd i ymgynghori.
Hoffwn yn awr gwmpasu dau argymhelliad penodol byr cyn cloi. Argymhellwyd y dylid diwygio'r Bil i gynnwys diffiniad o 'reoli tir cynaliadwy'. Ym marn y pwyllgor, nid yw'n briodol ceisio diffinio term yn ddigonol drwy gyfres o amcanion, y gellir eu cyflawni neu beidio ac y gellir eu cydbwyso neu eu cyfnewid â'i gilydd. Nid yw'n rhoi'r sicrwydd sydd ei angen mewn cyfraith dda.
Mae adran 50 o'r Bil yn caniatáu i Weinidogion Cymru ddiwygio'r diffiniadau o amaethyddiaeth a gweithgareddau ategol—diffiniadau sy'n mynd at wraidd y Bil. Dyma bŵer eithriadol o eang a allai newid natur a chyrhaeddiad y Bil hwn yn sylfaenol. Felly, yn ogystal â cheisio eglurder ynghylch pam yr hawlir y pŵer hwn, fe wnaethon ni argymell, os yw'r Gweinidog yn cadw adran 50, y dylai gweithdrefn uwch-gadarnhau fod yn berthnasol i'r pŵer rheoleiddio.
Felly, dim ond i gloi, Llywydd, daethom i'r casgliad nad yw'r Bil, fel y mae ar hyn o bryd, yn y fframwaith eang hwn sydd ganddo, mewn gwirionedd yn darparu dull synhwyrol a chyfansoddiadol briodol o ddeddfwriaeth a bod ganddo rai diffygion sylweddol. Ond gellir gwella'r rhain wrth basio'r Bil, felly, er budd llunio cyfraith gadarn, gobeithiwn fod y Gweinidog, sydd wedi cynnig ysgrifennu atom yn fanwl ar ein hargymhellion, yn gwrando ar y pryderon hynny, sy'n argymhellion synhwyrol, ac yn gallu mynd i'r afael â hyn yn gadarnhaol wrth i'r Bil fynd rhagddo. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Cyllid nawr, Peredur Owen Griffiths.
Chair of the Finance Committee now, Peredur Owen Griffiths.
Diolch, Llywydd, a dwi'n falch o gael cyfrannu yn y ddadl yma heddiw fel Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Cyllid, a dwi'n falch iawn o ddiolch i'r Gweinidog am roi tystiolaeth, ac i'r tîm clercod ac i'r Aelodau am eu gwaith. Dwi'n siŵr bod y Gweinidog yn falch ein bod ni ddim wedi rhoi cymaint o recommendations i mewn â rhai o'r pwyllgorau eraill; dŷn ni wedi rhoi 10 argymhelliad. Felly, dwi'n diolch i'r Gweinidog am ddarparu ymateb i ni cyn y ddadl hon ac am dderbyn naw o'r argymhellion hynny.
Yn anffodus, fel sydd wedi digwydd gyda chymaint o Filiau a gyflwynwyd i'r Senedd, mae diffyg gwybodaeth yn yr asesiad effaith rheoleiddiol sy'n cyd-fynd â'r Bil wedi'i gwneud yn anodd i'r pwyllgor asesu cyfanswm costau'r Bil.
Thank you, Llywydd, and I'm pleased to contribute to this debate as Chair of the Finance Committee, and I'm delighted to thank the Minister for giving evidence and the clerking team and Members for their work. I'm sure that the Minister is pleased that we didn't make as many recommendations as some other committees; we made 10 recommendations in total. So, I thank the Minister for providing a response prior to this debate and for accepting nine of our recommendations.
Sadly, as with so many Bills that have been introduced to this Senedd, the lack of information contained in the regulatory impact assessment accompanying this Bill has made it difficult for the committee to assess its total costs.
In particular, we have a significant concern regarding the lack of available financial information relating to the future sustainable land management scheme that will be introduced by this Bill, which is not yet finalised. This is the most significant cost arising from the Bill and assumes that Welsh Government's annual payments to farmers will be £278 million, under the future SLM scheme. However, there seems to be a hole in the Welsh Government's finances on this point. The funding that farmers currently receive through the common agricultural policy is approximately £370 million per annum—almost £100 million more than the cost of the new scheme. The Minister told us that the 'missing' £100 million was the rural development plan funding, which has not been included, as it is not a direct payment to farmers. However, we are not clear what the RDP costs outlined in option 3 of the RIA relate to. We are therefore pleased that the Minister has agreed our recommendation 2 and will provide further details relating to this element when the revised RIA is laid following Stage 2.
We have concerns about the affordability of the new scheme, especially if there is a maximum take-up from all farm businesses. We recommend that the Minister undertakes modelling work to estimate the annual cost of the new scheme, dependent on the different levels of take-up in different farming types. The Minister has agreed in principle, but said that the timescales will not allow additional information to be included in the revised RIA. However, we note that the environmental and economic modelling work being undertaken will inform the design of the final proposed scheme, and we are pleased to hear the commitment to consult on the final scheme at the end of this year.
We are disappointed that the Minister is unable to accept recommendation 6. This recommendation asked for further work to be undertaken to assess the cost to the private sector related to forestry arising as a result of adding conditions to new licences. However, we are encouraged to hear the Minister's response that no additional costs to the private sector are envisaged over and above what they are already. There are also significant IT costs to develop a new system for online applications and contract management of £35.5 million. We are pleased that the Minister's preferred option is to enhance and build on the current system and that she has agreed recommendation 8 to provide further details of the IT development costs in the revised RIA.
In addition, the cost for farmers completing an online application is estimated to be 50 per cent higher than maintaining the status quo, and this may impede farmers, especially on smaller farms, from applying for the scheme. We are grateful to the Minister for accepting recommendation 9 and her commitment that making the application process user friendly is an important design principle that will be adopted where possible. Approximately £2.8 million of additional costs will be borne by Natural Resources Wales. We are aware that NRW is facing a flat budget for the next financial year, which amounts to a real-terms cut. We asked for clarification on whether additional funding will be made available by the Welsh Government or whether NRW will be expected to absorb these costs into the existing budget. Whilst the Minister has accepted this recommendation, regrettably, the narrative that she provided fails to answer the question.
Yn benodol, mae gennym ni bryder sylweddol ynghylch y diffyg gwybodaeth ariannol sydd ar gael yn ymwneud â'r cynllun rheoli tir cynaliadwy yn y dyfodol a gyflwynir gan y Bil hwn, nad yw wedi'i gwblhau eto. Dyma'r gost fwyaf sylweddol sy'n deillio o'r Bil ac mae'n tybio y bydd taliadau blynyddol Llywodraeth Cymru i ffermwyr yn £278 miliwn, dan gynllun rheoli tir cynaliadwy y dyfodol. Ond mae'n ymddangos bod diffyg yng nghyllid Llywodraeth Cymru yn hyn o beth. Tua £370 miliwn y flwyddyn yw'r cyllid y mae ffermwyr yn ei gael ar hyn o bryd drwy'r polisi amaethyddol cyffredin—bron i £100 miliwn yn fwy na chost y cynllun newydd. Dywedodd y Gweinidog mai'r £100 miliwn 'coll' oedd cyllid y cynllun datblygu gwledig, sydd heb ei gynnwys, gan nad yw'n daliad uniongyrchol i ffermwyr. Fodd bynnag, nid ydym yn glir beth mae'r costau cynllun datblygu gwledig a amlinellir yn opsiwn 3 o'r asesiad effaith rheoleiddiol yn ymwneud â nhw. Rydym yn falch felly bod y Gweinidog wedi cytuno ar argymhelliad 2 o'n heiddo a byddwn yn darparu manylion pellach yn ymwneud â'r elfen hon pan gyflwynir yr asesiad effaith rheoleiddiol diwygiedig yn dilyn Cyfnod 2.
Mae gennym bryderon am fforddiadwyedd y cynllun newydd, yn enwedig os yw pob busnes fferm yn hawlio'r uchafswm dyledus. Rydym yn argymell bod y Gweinidog yn gwneud gwaith modelu i amcangyfrif cost flynyddol y cynllun newydd, yn ddibynnol ar y gwahanol fentiau o gyllid a hawlir mewn gwahanol fathau o ffermio. Mae'r Gweinidog wedi cytuno mewn egwyddor, ond dywedodd na fydd yr amserlenni yn caniatáu cynnwys gwybodaeth ychwanegol yn yr asesiad effaith rheoleiddiol diwygiedig. Fodd bynnag, rydym yn nodi y bydd y gwaith modelu amgylcheddol ac economaidd a wneir yn llywio dyluniad y cynllun arfaethedig terfynol, ac rydym yn falch o glywed yr ymrwymiad i ymgynghori ar y cynllun terfynol ddiwedd eleni.
Rydym yn siomedig nad yw'r Gweinidog yn gallu derbyn argymhelliad 6. Gofynnodd yr argymhelliad hwn am waith pellach i asesu'r gost i'r sector preifat sy'n gysylltiedig â choedwigaeth sy'n codi o ganlyniad i ychwanegu amodau i drwyddedau newydd. Fodd bynnag, fe'n calonogir ni o glywed ymateb y Gweinidog nad oes unrhyw gostau ychwanegol i'r sector preifat yn cael eu rhagweld yn fwy na'r hyn ydyn nhw eisoes. Mae costau TG sylweddol hefyd i ddatblygu system newydd ar gyfer ceisiadau ar-lein a rheoli contractau o £35.5 miliwn. Rydym yn falch mai hoff ddewis y Gweinidog yw gwella ac adeiladu ar y system bresennol a'i bod wedi cytuno ar argymhelliad 8 i roi manylion pellach am gostau datblygu TG yn yr asesiad effaith rheoleiddiol diwygiedig.
Ar ben hynny, amcangyfrifir bod y gost i ffermwyr sy'n cwblhau cais ar-lein 50 y cant yn uwch na chynnal y sefyllfa sydd ohoni, a gall hyn rwystro ffermwyr, yn enwedig ar ffermydd llai, rhag gwneud cais am y cynllun. Rydym yn ddiolchgar i'r Gweinidog am dderbyn argymhelliad 9 ac mae ei hymrwymiad bod gwneud y broses ymgeisio yn gyfeillgar i ddefnyddwyr yn egwyddor ddylunio bwysig a fydd yn cael ei mabwysiadu lle bo modd. Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru fydd yn ysgwyddo oddeutu £2.8 miliwn o gostau ychwanegol. Rydym yn ymwybodol bod Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru yn wynebu cyllideb wastad am y flwyddyn ariannol nesaf, sy'n gyfystyr â thoriad mewn termau real. Fe ofynnon ni am eglurhad a fydd cyllid ychwanegol ar gael gan Lywodraeth Cymru neu a fydd disgwyl i Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru amsugno'r costau hyn i'r gyllideb bresennol. Er bod y Gweinidog wedi derbyn yr argymhelliad hwn, yn anffodus, nid yw'r naratif a roddodd yn ateb y cwestiwn.
Llywydd, rwy’n ymwybodol o’r amser, ond hoffwn godi mater pwysig sy'n ymwneud ag ystyried cynigion am benderfyniadau ariannol. Rwy’n cydnabod y ffaith bod y Gweinidog wedi ymateb cyn y ddadl heddiw, ond nid dyna’r arfer. Mae ymatebion fel arfer yn cael eu cyhoeddi ar ôl y ddadl Cyfnod 1, gyda’r penderfyniad ariannol yn cael ei ystyried yn syth ar ôl cytuno ar y cynnig Cyfnod 1. Nid yw’r broses hon yn caniatáu i Aelodau o’r Senedd hon ystyried y goblygiadau ariannol yn llawn cyn y mae gofyn iddyn nhw awdurdodi gwariant sy’n deillio o Fil. Rydym yn teimlo bod hyn hefyd yn tanseilio ymdrechion y pwyllgor, a’i fod yn cynyddu'r risg yn sylweddol y bydd y Senedd yn pasio deddfau gyda chanlyniadau ariannol ansicr.
Rydw i wedi bod mewn gohebiaeth efo’r Prif Weinidog ac wedi awgrymu, pan nad yw’n bosibl i Weinidog ymateb cyn dadl Cyfnod 1, y byddai’n briodol trafod y cynnig ar gyfer penderfyniad ariannol o leiaf wythnos yn ddiweddarach. Rwy’n aros am ymateb gan Lywodraeth Cymru, ond rwy’n siŵr y byddai’r Siambr hon yn cytuno, o ystyried y pwysau presennol ar y gyllideb gyhoeddus, ei bod yn bwysicach nag erioed bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn rhoi cymaint o eglurder a sicrwydd â phosibl cyn y mae'n gofyn i’r Senedd ymrwymo adnoddau. Diolch yn fawr.
Llywydd, I am conscious of time, but I would like to raise an important issue relating to the consideration of financial resolution motions. Whilst acknowledging that the Minister has responded prior to today’s debate, this is not standard practice. Usually, responses are issued after the Stage 1 debate, with the financial resolution considered immediately after the Stage 1 motion has been agreed. This process does not allow Members of the Senedd to properly consider the financial implications fully before being asked to authorise spending arising from a Bill. We feel that this also undermines the committee’s efforts and increases the risk of the Senedd passing laws with uncertain financial outcomes.
I have been in correspondence with the First Minister and suggested that, when it is not possible for Ministers to respond prior to the Stage 1 debate, it would be appropriate to take the financial resolution motion at least a week later. I am awaiting a response from the Welsh Government, but I’m sure this Chamber would agree that, given the current pressures on public finances, it is more important than ever that the Welsh Government provides as much clarity as possible and as much assurance as possible before it asks the Senedd to commit resources. Thank you.
As always, I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to contribute in this afternoon's debate. We will be voting in favour of the general principles of this Bill.
As has already been mentioned, this is a landmark piece of legislation for Wales's agricultural community. For the first time ever, Wales is set to benefit from having its first Welsh-born, Welsh-bred agricultural legislation, tailored to the uniqueness of the industry in Wales and its importance to our culture and language. As a Welsh parliamentarian in this Senedd Cymru, this is certainly a principle that I'm incredibly proud of, and now, as Minister for rural affairs, you have more powers than you previously held.
With Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine shining an important spotlight on the significance of food sovereignty, and the pressures being seen by both food consumers and producers, this Bill's passage through this place comes at an important time both domestically and globally. And, to steal a phrase from Bon Jovi, Llywydd, this agriculture Bill is halfway there, so, as we progress to Stage 2, let's get this Bill all the way there.
The need to focus on productivity is important. With sustainable land management the key objective, and the leading role the agricultural community plays in tackling climate change, we must continue to see the production of high-quality Welsh produce and the sustainable use of our land as two sides of the same coin. Through technology and improved farming practices, it's easily possible to be able to get more from less without exploiting the resources available to us. It's vital then that productivity is reflected in this legislation.
So, it's important that we get this legislation right. I welcome the fact that the Government hasn't rushed this agricultural policy; they've taken their time through consultation and discussions with the farming community to get the Bill to where it is today—a long way from where the 'Brexit and our land' consultation had us in 2018. But, with that, our agricultural community needs security. Our farmers need that important ability to be able to plan for the future. And, whilst this draft legislation does that to some degree, I still think it can go further. That ability to plan ahead is not just specific to farm businesses, but in the wider context of the sustainable land management objectives. Economic, social, cultural, environmental—they all need this ability. But, in addition to this, we ought to ensure that all four objectives are displayed and interpreted on one equal footing, removing the possibility of ambiguity or any prioritisation. By ensuring that this is done, we can make certain that all four objectives are given equal and intertwined priority in their implementation, so that no focus can be shifted from one to another.
One such point of contention surrounds the restriction of certain predatory controls. It remains questionable whether the Bill allows the Welsh Government to maintain and enhance the resilience of ecosystems effectively, whilst at the same time removing predatory control—a possibility that there is a contradiction between two parts of the Bill. And so, this is a matter of clarity that I look forward to seeking during Stage 2 of the Bill's progression.
This Bill is ambitious, but with such ambition, we must ensure that there are sufficient checks and balances in place. By obligating the Welsh Government to report back on their key ambitions, we can ensure that Ministers are kept on track and that all objectives within this legislation are being successfully achieved, because we cannot afford either of the four objectives to fall below the wayside.
Llywydd, this is an incredibly exciting time for Wales's agricultural community. Yes, there are challenges before us, but I am proud of the work that our farmers have done and continue to do in feeding a nation and protecting our environment. I hope that the final Agriculture (Wales) Bill will echo that pride in our farmers, welcoming the next generation of farmers onto the land. Diolch yn fawr.
Fel bob amser, rwy'n ddiolchgar iawn am gael y cyfle i gyfrannu yn y ddadl y prynhawn yma. Byddwn yn pleidleisio o blaid egwyddorion cyffredinol y Bil hwn.
Fel y soniwyd eisoes, mae hwn yn ddarn o ddeddfwriaeth nodedig i gymuned amaethyddol Cymru. Am y tro cyntaf erioed, mae Cymru ar fin manteisio ar gael ei deddfwriaeth amaethyddol gyntaf, a luniwyd yma yng Nghymru, wedi'i theilwra i natur y diwydiant yng Nghymru a'i phwysigrwydd i'n diwylliant a'n hiaith. Fel seneddwr Cymreig yn y Senedd hon, mae hon yn sicr yn egwyddor yr wyf yn hynod falch ohoni, ac erbyn hyn, fel Gweinidog materion gwledig, mae gennych chi fwy o bwerau nag oedd gennych chi gynt.
Gyda goresgyniad anghyfreithlon Putin ar Wcráin yn dal sylw pwysig ar arwyddocâd sofraniaeth bwyd, a'r pwysau a welir gan ddefnyddwyr a chynhyrchwyr bwyd, mae hynt y Bil hwn drwy'r lle hwn ar adeg bwysig gartref ac yn fyd-eang. Ac, er mwyn dwyn ymadrodd gan Bon Jovi, Llywydd, mae'r Bil amaethyddiaeth hwn hanner ffordd yno, felly, wrth inni fynd ymlaen i Gyfnod 2, boed inni gyrraedd pen y daith gyda'r Bil hwn.
Mae'r angen i ganolbwyntio ar gynhyrchiant yn bwysig. Gyda rheoli tir cynaliadwy yr amcan allweddol, a swyddogaeth flaenllaw y gymuned amaethyddol wrth fynd i'r afael â newid hinsawdd, mae'n rhaid inni barhau i weld cynhyrchu cynnyrch Cymreig o safon uchel a'r defnydd cynaliadwy o'n tir fel dwy ochr i'r un geiniog. Drwy dechnoleg a gwell arferion ffermio, mae'n hawdd cael mwy o lai heb ddefnyddio'r adnoddau sydd ar gael i ni. Mae'n hanfodol felly yr adlewyrchir cynhyrchiant yn y ddeddfwriaeth hon.
Felly, mae'n bwysig inni weithredu'r ddeddfwriaeth yma'n briodol. Rwy'n croesawu'r ffaith nad yw'r Llywodraeth wedi rhuthro'r polisi amaethyddol hwn; maen nhw wedi cymryd eu hamser drwy ymgynghori a thrafod gyda'r gymuned ffermio i gael y Bil i ble mae heddiw—ymhell o'r sefyllfa yr oedden ni ynddi gydag ymgynghoriad 'Brexit a'n tir' yn 2018. Ond, gyda hynny, mae angen sicrwydd ar ein cymuned amaethyddol. Mae ar ein ffermwyr angen y gallu hanfodol hwnnw i allu cynllunio ar gyfer y dyfodol. Ac, er bod y ddeddfwriaeth ddrafft hon yn gwneud hynny i ryw raddau, rwy'n dal i feddwl y gall fynd ymhellach. Nid yw'r gallu hwnnw i gynllunio ymlaen llaw yn benodol i fusnesau fferm yn unig, ond yng nghyd-destun ehangach yr amcanion rheoli tir cynaliadwy. Economaidd, cymdeithasol, diwylliannol, amgylcheddol—maen arnyn nhw i gyd angen y gallu hwn. Ond, yn ogystal â hyn, fe ddylem ni sicrhau y caiff y pedwar amcan eu harddangos a'u dehongli ar un sail gyfartal, gan gael gwared ar y posibilrwydd o amwysedd neu unrhyw flaenoriaethu. Drwy sicrhau y gwneir hyn, gallwn sicrhau bod pob un o'r pedwar amcan yn cael blaenoriaeth gyfartal ac yn cydblethu wrth eu gweithredu, fel na ellir symud unrhyw bwyslais o un i'r llall.
Mae un daten boeth o'r fath ynghylch y cyfyngiad o rai elfennau o reoli plau. Mae'n dal yn amheus a yw'r Bil yn caniatáu i Lywodraeth Cymru gynnal a gwella cydnerthedd ecosystemau yn effeithiol, gan gael gwared ar reolaeth plâu yr un pryd—posibilrwydd bod gwrthddywediad rhwng dwy ran o'r Bil. Ac felly, mae hyn yn fater o eglurder yr wyf yn edrych ymlaen at ei geisio yn ystod Cyfnod 2 o hynt y Bil.
Mae'r Bil hwn yn uchelgeisiol, ond gydag uchelgais o'r fath, rhaid i ni sicrhau bod digon o wirio. Drwy roi rheidrwydd ar Lywodraeth Cymru i adrodd yn ôl ar eu huchelgeisiau allweddol, gallwn sicrhau bod Gweinidogion yn clywed y diweddaraf ac y caiff pob amcan yn y ddeddfwriaeth hon ei gyflawni'n llwyddiannus, oherwydd ni allwn ni fforddio i'r naill na'r llall o'r pedwar amcan fethu.
Llywydd, mae hwn yn gyfnod hynod gyffrous i gymuned amaethyddol Cymru. Oes, mae yna heriau o'n blaenau ni, ond rwy'n falch o'r gwaith mae ein ffermwyr wedi ei wneud ac yn parhau i'w wneud wrth fwydo cenedl a gwarchod ein hamgylchedd. Gobeithio y bydd Bil Amaethyddiaeth (Cymru) yn ei ffurf derfynol yn adleisio'r balchder hwnnw yn ein ffermwyr, gan groesawu'r genhedlaeth nesaf o ffermwyr i'r tir. Diolch yn fawr.
Mae'r siwrnai er mwyn cyrraedd y rhan yma o'r daith wedi bod yn un hir ac, ar adegau, wedi bod yn reit dymhestlog. O'r eiliad y cafwyd y datganiad fod y Deyrnas Gyfunol am adael yr Undeb Ewropeaidd, roedd hi'n amlwg bod yna her anferthol am fod o flaen y sector amaethyddol. Dechreuwyd y daith efo cam gwag, wrth i'r Llywodraeth gyflwyno 'Brexit a'n tir'. Ond, o ludw y cynllun hwnnw, dysgwyd gwersi pwysig am gydweithio, gwrando a chydgynllunio, ac mae'r blaid hon wedi bod yn glir wrth leisio barn y gymuned amaethyddol yn hyn o beth, sydd wedi dod â ni i'r fan yma heddiw.
Rŵan, gadewch i ni beidio ag anghofio yr egwyddorion craidd hyn: mae'n rhaid i bawb gael bwyd, ac mae angen i'r bwyd yna gael ei gynhyrchu gan rywun, yn rhywle, mewn modd cynaliadwy. Dyna ydy rôl y ffermwr. Mae ffermwyr yn cynhyrchu bwyd fel ein bod ni ddim yn gorfod gwneud hynny, fel ein bod ni yn medru eistedd neu sefyll yma yn dadlau a datblygu polisi. Felly, roedd yn syndod gweld y drafft cyntaf heb unrhyw sôn o gwbl ynddo am bwysigrwydd cynhyrchu bwyd. Ond rŵan, drwy gydweithio â Phlaid Cymru a gwrando ar lais yr amaethwyr, mae cynhyrchu bwyd yn ddeilliant craidd yn y Bil, sydd i’w groesawu.
Mae sicrhau budd economaidd a chymunedol ein hamaethwyr hefyd yn holl bwysig. Os nad ydy darn o ddeddfwriaeth ynghylch amaeth yn creu fframwaith sydd yn diogelu'r economi wledig yna mae'n ddeddfwriaeth sydd yn methu ein cynhyrchwyr bwyd ac yn methu ein cymunedau gwledig. Dyna pam i'r gymuned amaethyddol a ni yma ym Mhlaid Cymru, drwy waith clodwiw Cefin Campbell fan hyn, wthio mor galed i sicrhau bod gwerth economaidd yn gynwysedig ar wyneb y Bil. Dyma ichi ffrwyth llafur blynyddoedd o gydweithio a gwrando ar lais y gymuned amaethyddol, a chydweithio efo Llywodraeth i gyrraedd nod cyffredin.
Dwi am gymryd ennyd i ganolbwyntio ar welliannau eraill sydd wedi cael eu derbyn gan y Llywodraeth fel rhan o'r bartneriaeth cydweithredu. Mae'r amcan cyntaf, yn ogystal â sôn am gynhyrchu bwyd, bellach yn pwysleisio pwysigrwydd gwytnwch busnesau amaethyddol o fewn eu cymunedau. Mae hyn am gryfhau y Bil yn sylweddol, gan ddangos pwysigrwydd hyfywedd economaidd hirdymor y fferm deuluol Gymreig. Yn ogystal â hyn, mae yna dri pwrpas ychwanegol wedi cael eu drafftio o fewn adran 8 o'r Bil, fydd yn helpu i gefnogi ein cymunedau gwledig, gwella gwytnwch busnesau amaethyddol, a chynnal y Gymraeg a'n diwylliant. Ac, wrth gwrs, mae'n rhaid croesawu a chydnabod rôl y Blaid mewn sicrhau parhad y taliadau sylfaenol yn ystod y cyfnod trawsnewidiol yma sydd i ddod.
Ond, erys rhai cwestiynau o hyd, ac wrth ein bod ni'n edrych i ddechrau ar graffu y Bil, rwy'n awyddus i'r Llywodraeth feddwl am atebion cadarnhaol neu ddatrysiadau boddhaol i rai o'r cwestiynau a'r heriau sydd yn cael eu cynnig gan y Bil o'n blaenau. Mae'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy wedi codi nifer o gwestiynau sydd heb dderbyn atebion clir hyd yma, ac mae angen inni gael yr atebion yma yn ystod y cyfnod craffu er mwyn rhoi hyder i bawb sydd ynghlwm â ffermio a buddiannau natur yr un modd. Er enghraifft, 10 y cant o goed. Er yn ymddangosiadol amlwg, mae yna amwysedd ynghylch beth y mae hyn yn ei olygu wrth ei weithredu—10 y cant o ba ddarn o dir, a pha fath o goed? Yn yr un modd, mae angen eglurder am y 10 y cant o dir gwlyb.
Mae ffermwyr yn gorfod cynllunio eu busnesau flynyddoedd o flaen llaw wrth baratoi tir ar gyfer grawn neu wrth fagu a thewhau anifeiliaid, ac maen nhw'n gorfod gwneud hynny yn wyneb marchnad sydd, yn aml, yn ansefydlog ac yn medru newid dros nos. Felly, byddai rhoi cyllideb rhag blaen o dair blynedd yn sefydlogrwydd, gan helpu i sicrhau cyflenwad bwyd yr un pryd. Tybed fyddai’r Gweinidog yn fodlon rhoi setliad tair blynedd i’r sector amaethyddol?
Mae hefyd angen craffu manwl ar effaith y Ddeddf arfaethedig yma ar ffermydd tenant a'r rhai sy'n ffermio tir comin. Dŷn ni wedi clywed ychydig o eiriau yn ein symud ni i'r cyfeiriad cywir yn hyn o beth, ond mae angen eglurhad a chadarnhad pellach.
Yn olaf, mae ffermwyr Cymru yn ymwybodol iawn o’u dyletswyddau amgylcheddol, yn gweld y newid yn y byd natur o flaen eu llygaid ac yn profi newid hinsawdd yn ddyddiol. Maen nhw’n awyddus i chwarae eu rhan wrth i ni geisio gwyrdroi y cwymp ym myd natur a sicrhau nad ydy tymheredd y byd yn cynyddu y tu hwnt i 1.5 gradd yn uwch na’r hyn ydoedd yn yr oes cyn-ddiwydiannol. Felly, dwi’n edrych ymlaen i gydweithio â’r sector a phartneriaid eraill wrth graffu a mireinio'r Bil yma, ac mi fyddwn ni'n pleidleisio o blaid y cynnig er mwyn ein galluogi ni i fynd i Gyfnod 2. Diolch.
The journey to bring us to this part of the journey has been long and, at times, rather tempestuous. From the second that the statement was made that the United Kingdom was to leave the European Union, it was clear that a significant challenge faced the agricultural sector. Now, the journey began with a misstep, as the Government published 'Brexit and our land'. But, from the ashes of that scheme, we learned important lessons about collaboration, listening and joint planning, and this party has been clear in amplifying the voice of the agricultural community in this regard, which has brought us to where we are today.
Now, let us not forget these important principles: everyone needs food, and this food has to be produced by someone, somewhere, in a sustainable way. That is the farmer's role. A farmer produces food so that we don't have to do so, so that we can sit or stand here debating and developing policy. So it was a surprise to see the first draft without any mention made whatsoever of the importance of food production. But now, in collaboration with Plaid Cymru and by listening to farmers' voices, food production is a key output of the Bill, which is to be welcomed.
Ensuring the economic and community benefit of our farmers is also vital. If a piece of legislation on agriculture does not create the framework to safeguard the rural economy, then it's legislation that fails our food producers and fails our rural communities. That's why the agricultural community and us in Plaid Cymru, through Cefin Campbell's laudable work here, have pushed for economic value to be included on the face of the Bill. This is the fruit of years of collaboration and listening to the agricultural community, and collaboration too with the Government to achieve a common aim.
I wish to take a moment to focus on other amendments that have been accepted by the Government as part of the co-operation partnership. The first objective, as well as mentioning food production, now emphasises the importance of resilient agricultural businesses in our communities. This will strengthen the Bill significantly, demonstrating the importance of the long-term viability of the Welsh family farm. In addition to this, three additional purposes have been drafted within section 8 of the Bill, which will help to support our rural communities, improve the resilience of agricultural businesses, and support the Welsh language and our culture. And, of course, we have to welcome and acknowledge the role of the party in ensuring the continuity of the basic payment during this transformative period to come.
But, some questions remain, and as we begin our scrutiny of the Bill, I'm eager for the Government to formulate positive answers or satisfactory solutions to some of the questions and challenges posed by the Bill before us. The sustainable farming scheme has raised a number of questions and we're yet to receive clear answers to them, and we need these answers during the scrutiny period to give confidence to everyone involved in farming and with an interest in nature. For example, 10 per cent of trees. Although the meaning is obvious at first glance, it is unclear as to what this means in practice—10 percent of what parcel of land, and what kinds of trees? By the same token, we need an explanation of the 10 per cent of wetlands.
Farmers have to plan their businesses years in advance, preparing land for cereals or in nurturing and fattening their animals, and they have to do so in the face of a market that is often unstable and can change overnight. Therefore, a three-year budget would offer that stability, while simultaneously securing our food supply. So, I wonder whether the Minister would be willing to give the agricultural sector a three-year settlement.
We also need detailed scrutiny of the impact of this proposed legislation on tenant farmers, and those who farm common land. We've heard a few words moving us in the right direction in this regard, but we need clarity and further confirmation on this.
Finally, farmers in Wales are acutely aware of their environmental duties. They see the change in our natural world with their own eyes and experience climate change on a daily basis. They are eager to play their part as we try to reverse the decline in the natural world and limit the increase in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. So, I look forward to working with the sector and other partners as we scrutinise and finesse this Bill, and we'll be voting in favour of the proposal to enable us to move to Stage 2. Thank you.
I thank the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee for allowing members of the climate change committee to take part in this really important inquiry in scrutiny of Stage 1 of the Bill. I wanted to talk a little bit more about recommendation 9, which is the need for more clarity on the role of local procurement and local food supply chains, and how they're going to be supported by the Bill.
There's a decent amount of information in the explanatory memorandum about food security, which is a major concern for me. So, I approve of that level of detail, and, clearly, a lot of research has gone into what we mean by food security. So, food security is the ability of the people of Wales to access enough nutritious food to meet their dietary needs for a healthy life. It's not just affected by the availability of food, but also its affordability, quality and safety. Clearly, we have a major food security crisis in Wales, because so many of our population are unable to access healthy food, because they simply can't afford it. Not only that, in many cases, far too many people, regardless of their income, are simply not eating nutritious food because they simply don't understand that processed food is full of adulteration—things that are very, very bad for them. So, I think, highlighting the evidence from the Landworkers' Alliance, who argued that missing from the Bill were some references to how we're going to develop the food system to strengthen our food security, because this Bill is intended to be for the next 20 or 30 years, so, therefore, we really, really do need to get it right.
Samuel Kurtz mentioned the war in Ukraine, which is one, at the moment, I would regard as quite a temporary upheaval in food security. I think much more significant are the whole issues of climate change and the wholesale movement of populations who are unable to live in areas of the world because they simply can't produce any food. And, so, this is a much more significant issue. Also mentioned in the explanatory memorandum is the role of antimicrobial resistance, which is both for people and animals, and that's a very significant issue too.
So, I think, I would like to see much more detail around how the Bill challenges us in our objectives around sustainable land management to really develop those local food networks that will enable people to have access to properly fresh food, produced in a way that does not undermine the quality of our soil, and ensures that we are not subject to what is going to be a very bumpy ride going forward as we transition away from the climate change emergency. So, I hope that the Minister can provide us with some assurance that, as we take forward the Bill to Stage 2, there will be a good deal more information about how we're going to do that.
Diolch i'r Pwyllgor Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig am ganiatáu i aelodau'r pwyllgor newid hinsawdd gymryd rhan yn yr ymchwiliad gwirioneddol bwysig hwn wrth graffu ar Gyfnod 1 y Bil. Roeddwn i eisiau siarad ychydig yn fwy am argymhelliad 9, sef yr angen am fwy o eglurder ar swyddogaeth caffael lleol a chadwyni cyflenwi bwyd lleol, a sut fydd y Bil yn eu cefnogi.
Mae yna swm teilwng o wybodaeth yn y memorandwm esboniadol am ddiogeledd bwyd, sy'n bryder mawr i mi. Felly, rwy'n cymeradwyo'r lefel honno o fanylion, ac, yn amlwg, ymchwiliwyd llawer i'r hyn rydym ni'n ei olygu wrth ddiogeledd bwyd. Felly, diogeledd bwyd yw gallu pobl Cymru i gael gafael ar ddigon o fwyd maethlon i ddiwallu eu hanghenion dietegol ar gyfer bywyd iach. Nid effeithir arno gan faint o fwyd sydd ar gael yn unig, ond hefyd ei fforddiadwyedd, ei ansawdd a'i ddiogeledd. Yn amlwg, mae gennym ni argyfwng diogeledd bwyd mawr yng Nghymru, oherwydd bod cymaint o'n poblogaeth yn methu cael gafael ar fwyd iach, oherwydd yn syml, nid ydynt yn gallu ei fforddio. Nid yn unig hynny, mewn llawer o achosion, mae llawer gormod o bobl, ni waeth beth fo'u hincwm, nad ydyn nhw'n bwyta bwyd maethlon oherwydd yn syml, dydyn nhw ddim yn deall bod bwyd wedi'i brosesu yn llawn ategolion—pethau sy'n ddrwg iawn, iawn iddyn nhw. Felly, rwy'n credu, gan dynnu sylw at y dystiolaeth o Gynghrair Gweithwyr y Tir, oedd yn dadlau mai'r hyn oedd ar goll o'r Bil oedd, mewn gwirionedd, rai cyfeiriadau at sut rydym ni'n mynd i ddatblygu'r system fwyd i gryfhau ein diogeledd bwyd, oherwydd bwriedir i'r Bil hwn fod am yr 20 neu 30 mlynedd nesaf, felly, mae gwir angen i ni wneud pethau'n iawn.
Soniodd Samuel Kurtz am y rhyfel yn Wcráin, sy'n un agwedd, ar hyn o bryd, y byddwn yn ystyried fel amhariad dros dro ar ddiogeledd bwyd. Agwedd llawer mwy arwyddocaol rwy'n credu yw'r holl faterion newid hinsawdd a symudiad poblogaethau cyfan nad ydynt yn gallu byw mewn ardaloedd o'r byd oherwydd yn syml, ni allant gynhyrchu unrhyw fwyd. Ac, felly, mae hwn yn fater llawer mwy arwyddocaol. Sonnir hefyd yn y memorandwm esboniadol am rôl ymwrthedd gwrthficrobaidd, sydd ar gyfer pobl ac anifeiliaid, ac mae hynny'n fater sylweddol iawn hefyd.
Felly, rwy'n credu, hoffwn weld llawer mwy o fanylion ynghylch sut mae'r Bil yn ein herio yn ein hamcanion ynghylch rheoli tir cynaliadwy i wir ddatblygu'r rhwydweithiau bwyd lleol hynny a fydd yn galluogi pobl i gael mynediad at fwyd ffres iawn, wedi'i gynhyrchu mewn ffordd nad yw'n tanseilio ansawdd ein pridd, ac yn sicrhau nad ydym yn rhwym i daith anesmwyth iawn yn y dyfodol wrth i ni bontio o'r argyfwng newid hinsawdd. Felly, rwy'n gobeithio y gall y Gweinidog roi rhywfaint o sicrwydd i ni, wrth i ni fwrw ymlaen â'r Bil i Gyfnod 2, y bydd llawer iawn mwy o wybodaeth am sut rydym ni'n mynd i wneud hynny.
Thank you, Minister, for all your work in this regard. We've heard from many how this is really a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape agricultural policy in Wales, following our departure from the European Union. The last-minute amendments to the Bill are also welcomed, namely adding some additional detail on ensuring the sustainability of farm businesses. I would just like to raise some areas of focus for me. One of them we've heard about is food production. In my conversations—and I know others have raised this as well—with farmers, their biggest concern is that they are concerned there is no mechanism for measuring food production as a public good. Although food production is highlighted in the Bill as a key public good, there isn't a means in the delivery mechanism, that being the sustainable farming scheme, for farmers being rewarded for that public good. So, what I'd like to ask is if food production has been identified as a public good, especially when our own food security has become of prime importance, which we've heard from others in the Siambr, particularly in relation to the emerging conflict in Ukraine. Could I ask that the Bill does create a mechanism for farmers to be rewarded for it? And food security has to be at the heart of the Bill. I'd be keen to hear more from the Minister about how she intends to ensure that farmers are rewarded.
Another issue I'd like to raise is that of the national minimum standards. It's my view that the sustainable farming scheme needs a robust regulatory baseline put in place before the start of the scheme, without which the scheme may fail to deliver upon its ambitions. So, I was wondering whether, Minister, you could provide us with an assurance in the Siambr today as to whether the national minimum standards will be ready in time for the start of the SFS.
Finally, and we've heard this from the Chair of the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs committee, is tenant farmers being able to access the scheme. There is great concern that tenant farmers, particularly new entrants, will be hampered by potentially not being able to make the necessary changes to lease the land in order to access the scheme, for example adhering to the 10 per cent tree cover. With that in mind, I was wondering whether you would be willing to work with me and others on what assessment has been made to ensure that tenant farmers, particularly new entrants, are afforded some leniency in order to be able to access the scheme. There are real opportunities to increase new entrants, which is what we need in relation to our rural economy, to ensure that we have long-term sustainability and futureproof our farming. I look forward to future work with the Minister and others in the Siambr as well. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Diolch, Gweinidog, am eich holl waith yn hyn o beth. Rydym ni wedi clywed gan lawer sut y mae hwn mewn gwirionedd yn gyfle unwaith mewn cenhedlaeth i ail-lunio polisi amaethyddol yng Nghymru, yn dilyn ein hymadawiad o'r Undeb Ewropeaidd. Mae'r gwelliannau munud olaf i'r Bil hefyd yn cael eu croesawu, sef ychwanegu rhywfaint o fanylion ychwanegol ar sicrhau cynaliadwyedd busnesau fferm. Hoffwn godi rhai meysydd penodol o fy rhan fy hun. Un ohonyn nhw rydym ni wedi clywed amdano yw cynhyrchu bwyd. Yn fy sgyrsiau—ac rwy'n gwybod bod eraill wedi codi hyn hefyd—gyda ffermwyr, eu pryder mwyaf yw eu bod yn pryderu nad oes mecanwaith ar gyfer mesur cynhyrchu bwyd fel nwydd cyhoeddus. Er bod cynhyrchu bwyd yn cael ei amlygu yn y Bil fel nwydd cyhoeddus allweddol, nid oes modd yn y mecanwaith cyflenwi, sef y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy, i ffermwyr gael eu gwobrwyo am y nwydd cyhoeddus hwnnw. Felly, yr hyn yr hoffwn wybod yw pa un a yw cynhyrchu bwyd wedi'i nodi fel nwydd cyhoeddus, yn enwedig pan fo pwys mawr ar ein diogeledd bwyd ein hunain, rydym ni wedi clywed amdano gan eraill yn y Siambr, yn enwedig mewn perthynas â'r gwrthdaro sy'n dod i'r amlwg yn Wcráin. A gaf i ofyn i'r Bil greu mecanwaith i ffermwyr gael eu gwobrwyo amdano? Ac mae'n rhaid i ddiogeledd bwyd fod wrth wraidd y Bil. Byddwn i'n awyddus i glywed mwy gan y Gweinidog am sut mae hi'n bwriadu sicrhau bod ffermwyr yn cael eu gwobrwyo.
Mater arall yr hoffwn ei godi yw un y safonau gofynnol cenedlaethol. Fy marn i yw bod angen llinell sylfaen reoleiddio gadarn ar y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy cyn dechrau'r cynllun, y gall y cynllun fethu â chyflawni ei uchelgeisiau hebddi. Felly, roeddwn i'n pendroni, Gweinidog, a allech chi roi sicrwydd i ni yn y Siambr heddiw ynghylch a fydd y safonau gofynnol cenedlaethol yn barod mewn pryd ar gyfer dechrau'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy.
Yn olaf, ac rydym ni wedi clywed hyn gan Gadeirydd y pwyllgor Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig, yw ffermwyr tenant yn gallu manteisio ar y cynllun. Mae yna bryder mawr y bydd ffermwyr tenant, yn enwedig newydd-ddyfodiaid, yn cael eu llesteirio gan fethu o bosib â gwneud y newidiadau angenrheidiol i brydlesu'r tir er mwyn cael mynediad at y cynllun, er enghraifft cadw at yr amod gorchudd coed o 10 y cant. Gyda hynny mewn golwg, tybed a fyddech chi'n fodlon gweithio gyda mi ac eraill ar ba asesiad sydd wedi'i wneud i sicrhau bod ffermwyr tenant, yn enwedig newydd-ddyfodiaid, yn cael rhywfaint o drugaredd er mwyn gallu cael mynediad i'r cynllun. Mae cyfleoedd gwirioneddol i gynyddu newydd-ddyfodiaid, sef yr hyn sydd ei angen arnom ni mewn perthynas â'n heconomi wledig, i sicrhau bod gennym ni gynaliadwyedd hirdymor ac yn gwarchod ein ffermio yn y dyfodol. Edrychaf ymlaen at ddyfodol o weithio gyda'r Gweinidog ac eraill yn y Siambr hefyd. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
I welcome the opportunity to take part in this debate. It is one of the most important pieces of legislation, I think, that this Senedd will scrutinise. It not only shapes the future of Welsh farming, but our natural heritage, economy and culture, and particularly in mid and west Wales, so we need to get it right. I'm pleased to support the ETRA committee's recommendations and agree the general principles and to proceed to Stage 2, but—and there is a 'but'—I do have to make three points, and some of them have been made.
The Bill does establish sustainable land management as the framework, and that's been alluded to, but what does that really mean? If we look at, for example, the intensive poultry units that I've mentioned many, many times, and the real concerns of the Landworkers' Alliance Cymru and Sustainable Food Knighton, who will be here next week, what difference will this make to that proliferation of intensive poultry units, for example? There are 150 there already, housing an estimated 10 million chickens, and I think we ought to have a moratorium until we've looked at the damage that that has done. Jenny Rathbone did mention antimicrobial resistance, and when you're mass-producing things like chicken, then there is a real possibility that that will leach into the population, and we all know that there are worldwide issues with antibiotics for people and their effectiveness. The Wildlife Trusts Wales has warned that life in the River Wye is silently slipping away. So, what will this Bill do to address those environmental concerns, of which I've just given you some examples?
So, the second point is transitional plans for financial support. Given my first point, ironically, it's a bit like the chicken and the egg. Wales Environment Link and others argue that, without a deadline on basic payments, we cannot successfully transition to the sustainability scheme. The farming unions and others, on the other hand, argue that without the stability of the basic payment schemes, we cannot successfully transition to the sustainability scheme. So, which is it? I do appreciate that you'll be consulting on it, but can you reveal your thinking, Minister? Are you considering a gradual tapering, for example, as suggested by the RSPB?
And thirdly, I want to raise the issue of public access. The pandemic did bring to the fore the importance and also limitations of public access to green and blue, in the case of our waterways and spaces. So, I wholly support Wales Environment Link's proposal to strengthen these provisions in the Bill. 'This land is your land', the song goes, but, at the moment, too much of it is inaccessible or off-limits. In respect of the recent High Court judgment on wild camping on Dartmoor, the UK Labour Party said it would pass a right to roam Act. Is that something the Minister has reflected on in the context of developing this Bill to the next stages?
Rwy'n croesawu'r cyfle i gymryd rhan yn y ddadl hon. Mae'n un o'r darnau pwysicaf o ddeddfwriaeth, rwy'n credu, y bydd y Senedd yma yn craffu arno. Nid yn unig mae'n llunio dyfodol ffermio Cymru, ond ein treftadaeth naturiol, ein heconomi a'n diwylliant, ac yn arbennig yn y canolbarth a'r gorllewin, felly mae angen i ni wneud pethau'n iawn. Rwy'n falch o gefnogi argymhellion pwyllgor ETRA a chytuno ar yr egwyddorion cyffredinol ac i fynd ymlaen i Gyfnod 2, ond—ac mae yna 'ond'—mae'n rhaid i mi wneud tri phwynt, ac mae rhai ohonyn nhw wedi eu gwneud.
Mae'r Bil yn sefydlu rheoli tir cynaliadwy fel y fframwaith, a chyfeiriwyd at hynny, ond beth mae hynny'n ei olygu mewn gwirionedd? Os edrychwn ni ar, er enghraifft, yr unedau dofednod dwys yr ydw i wedi eu crybwyll lawer, lawer gwaith, a phryderon gwirioneddol Cynghrair Gweithwyr y Tir Cymru a Bwyd Cynaliadwy Trefyclo, a fydd yma'r wythnos nesaf, pa wahaniaeth fydd hyn yn ei wneud i'r llu hwnnw o unedau dofednod dwys, er enghraifft? Mae 150 yno'n barod, gan gartrefu tua 10 miliwn o ieir, ac rwy'n credu y dylen ni gael moratoriwm nes ein bod ni wedi edrych ar y difrod y mae hynny wedi'i wneud. Fe wnaeth Jenny Rathbone sôn am ymwrthedd gwrthficrobaidd, a phan fyddwch chi'n masgynhyrchu pethau fel cyw iâr, yna mae posibilrwydd gwirioneddol y bydd hynny'n treiddio i'r boblogaeth, ac rydym ni i gyd yn gwybod bod problemau byd-eang gyda gwrthfiotigau i bobl a'u heffeithiolrwydd. Mae Ymddiriedolaethau Bywyd Gwyllt Cymru wedi rhybuddio bod bywyd yn Afon Gwy yn diflannu’n dawel. Felly, beth fydd y Bil hwn yn ei wneud i fynd i'r afael â'r pryderon amgylcheddol hynny, yr wyf newydd roi rhai enghreifftiau i chi ohonyn nhw?
Felly, yr ail bwynt yw cynlluniau pontio ar gyfer cymorth ariannol. O ystyried fy mhwynt cyntaf, yn eironig, mae ychydig fel yr iâr a'r wy. Mae Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru ac eraill yn dadlau na allwn ni bontio i'r cynllun cynaliadwyedd yn llwyddiannus heb ddyddiad terfyn ar daliadau sylfaenol. Mae'r undebau amaeth ac eraill, ar y llaw arall, yn dadlau na allwn ni bontio'n llwyddiannus i'r cynllun cynaliadwyedd heb sefydlogrwydd y cynlluniau taliadau sylfaenol. Felly, pa un yw hi? Rwy'n sylweddoli y byddwch yn ymgynghori ar hyn, ond a allwch chi ddatgelu eich ffordd o feddwl, Gweinidog? Ydych chi'n ystyried newid graddol, er enghraifft, fel yr awgrymir gan yr RSPB?
Ac yn drydydd, hoffwn godi mater mynediad i'r cyhoedd. Amlygodd y pandemig bwysigrwydd a hefyd cyfyngiadau mynediad y cyhoedd i fannau gwyrdd a glas, yn achos ein dyfrffyrdd a'n tiroedd glas. Felly, rwy'n llwyr gefnogi cynnig Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru i gryfhau'r darpariaethau hyn yn y Bil. 'Mae'r wlad hon yn eiddo i ti â mi', ebe'r gân, ond, ar hyn o bryd, mae gormod ohono'n anhygyrch neu'n waharddedig. O ran dyfarniad diweddar yr Uchel Lys ar wersylla gwyllt ar Dartmoor, dywedodd Plaid Lafur y DU y byddai'n pasio Deddf hawl i grwydro. Ydy hynny'n rhywbeth mae'r Gweinidog wedi myfyrio arno yng nghyd-destun datblygu'r Bil hwn i'r cyfnodau nesaf?
Y Gweinidog materion gwledig nawr i ymateb i'r ddadl yma—Lesley Griffiths.
The Minister for rural affairs now to reply to the debate—Lesley Griffiths.
Diolch, Llywydd. I very much welcome all of the comments that have been made by Members today and the spirit in which they've been made. I've set out today why I believe this Bill is an important step in agricultural reform here in Wales and I've listened really carefully to the views and the recommendations of the three committees and, of course, to other Members as well.
The Bill does provide the framework on which all future agricultural support will be delivered, and we also have the proposed sustainable farming scheme, which will be the first future support scheme and the main source of future Government support for farmers across Wales. Access to the sustainable farming scheme needs to be available to all eligible farmers in Wales. Members, including Jane Dodds, referred to tenant farmers, and I've said all along that if it's not accessible to tenant farmers, then it won't work. It's really important this scheme works for every farmer on every type of farm across Wales.
I've implemented a number of working groups with farmers to understand the opportunities that exist, but also to see what barriers are there. So, working groups in relation to tenants, working groups in relation to new entrants, which, again, Jane Dodds mentioned, and working groups on common land to make sure we do have that vibrant farming sector here in Wales.
To reiterate my opening remarks, I don't have time to go through all the recommendations or to address every Member's questions, but I'll certainly do my best to address many of them. I'll start with Paul Davies, as Chair of the ETRA committee. He asked for further clarity on the scope of support for ancillary activities. I know that's one of your recommendations to me, and I will provide further clarity on the scope of support for ancillary activities within the explanatory memorandum. So, an amendment is not needed. The scope of ancillary activity is linked to agriculture and they are complementary to the activities that are captured under the definition of 'agriculture'. So, whilst 'ancillary activities' is fairly broad, I think it's fair to say, that is to enable Welsh Ministers to be able to respond to future developments in the sector and enable that support to be more inclusive of the supply chain.
Several Members, including Paul Davies, mentioned the national minimum standards. They already exist in law, and what I've asked officials to do is to explore whether new legislation—whether that be primary or secondary legislation—is required to stabilise the existing regulatory baseline, for example, and the regulations.
Huw Irranca-Davies—again, I will be responding to the LJC committee—you talked about the sunset clause that is in the UK Agriculture Act, which will obviously end in 2025. I've previously stated that we will not sunset BPS. I know you listened to—sorry, Paul Davies's committee, I know, listened to—quite a good evidence session, I thought, from stakeholders on transition plans and a sunset provision for the Bill. I think it's fair to say that the farming unions and environmental organisations agreed there shouldn't be a cliff edge in financial support, and I've always said that, but there were varying views on the need to legislate for a transition period or for a sunset period, so—. I notice that you don't advocate for sunset provision. I think further detail on how, the transition to the new system of agricultural support, will form, of course, part of the final sustainable farming scheme consultation.
Huw Irranca-Davies also talked about the definition of sustainable land management. That's already defined in the Bill by the four objectives and the sustainable land management duty. The SLM objectives and duty have been informed by the UN definition, developed in the specific legislative context in Wales, obviously, of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. Because we've already got that legislation, it's been quite easy to hook in and to have that consistency. But also we've had extensive stakeholder consultation and engagement around that also—
Diolch, Llywydd. Rwy'n croesawu'n fawr yr holl sylwadau sydd wedi'u gwneud gan Aelodau heddiw a'r ysbryd y maen nhw wedi'u gwneud ynddo. Rwyf wedi nodi heddiw pam fy mod yn credu bod y Bil hwn yn gam pwysig wrth ddiwygio'r byd amaethyddol yma yng Nghymru ac rwyf wedi gwrando'n astud iawn ar farn ac argymhellion y tri phwyllgor ac, wrth gwrs, yr Aelodau eraill hefyd.
Mae'r Bil yn darparu'r fframwaith ar gyfer cyflawni pob cymorth amaethyddol yn y dyfodol, ac mae gennym hefyd y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy arfaethedig, sef y cynllun cymorth cyntaf i'r dyfodol a phrif ffynhonnell cymorth gan y Llywodraeth yn y dyfodol i ffermwyr ledled Cymru. Mae angen sicrhau bod mynediad i'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy ar gael i bob ffermwr sy'n gymwys yng Nghymru. Cyfeiriodd aelodau, gan gynnwys Jane Dodds, at ffermwyr tenantiaid, ac rwyf wedi dweud ar hyd yr amser os nad yw'n hygyrch i ffermwyr tenant, yna ni fydd yn gweithio. Mae'n bwysig iawn bod y cynllun yma yn gweithio i bob ffermwr ar bob math o fferm ledled Cymru.
Rwyf wedi gweithredu nifer o weithgorau gyda ffermwyr i ddeall y cyfleoedd sy'n bodoli, ond hefyd i weld pa rwystrau sydd yna. Felly, gweithgorau mewn cysylltiad â thenantiaid, gweithgorau mewn cysylltiad â newydd-ddyfodiaid, fel y soniodd Jane Dodds eto, a gweithgorau ar dir comin i wneud yn siŵr bod gennym y sector ffermio bywiog yna yma yng Nghymru.
I ailadrodd fy sylwadau agoriadol, does gen i ddim amser i fynd drwy'r holl argymhellion nac i ymdrin â chwestiynau pob Aelod, ond byddaf yn sicr yn gwneud fy ngorau i ymdrin â llawer ohonyn nhw. Byddaf yn dechrau gyda Paul Davies, fel Cadeirydd pwyllgor ETRA. Gofynnodd am eglurder pellach ar gwmpas y gefnogaeth ar gyfer gweithgareddau ategol. Gwn mai dyna un o'ch argymhellion i mi, a byddaf yn rhoi eglurder pellach ar gwmpas y gefnogaeth ar gyfer gweithgareddau ategol o fewn y memorandwm esboniadol. Felly, nid oes angen gwelliant. Mae cwmpas gweithgaredd ategol yn gysylltiedig ag amaethyddiaeth ac maen nhw'n gyflenwol i'r gweithgareddau sy'n cael eu dal o dan y diffiniad o 'amaethyddiaeth'. Felly, er bod 'gweithgareddau ategol' yn weddol eang, rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n deg dweud, mae er mwyn galluogi Gweinidogion Cymru i allu ymateb i ddatblygiadau yn y sector yn y dyfodol a galluogi'r gefnogaeth honno i fod yn fwy cynhwysol yn y gadwyn gyflenwi.
Soniodd sawl Aelod, gan gynnwys Paul Davies, am y safonau gofynnol cenedlaethol. Maen nhw eisoes yn bodoli yn y gyfraith, a'r hyn rwyf i wedi gofyn i swyddogion ei wneud yw archwilio pa un a yw deddfwriaeth newydd—boed hynny'n ddeddfwriaeth sylfaenol neu'n is-ddeddfwriaeth—yn ofynnol i sefydlogi'r waelodlin reoleiddio bresennol, er enghraifft, a'r rheoliadau.
Huw Irranca-Davies—eto, byddaf yn ymateb i'r Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a’r Cyfansoddiad—fe wnaethoch chi sôn am y cymal machlud sydd yn Neddf Amaeth y DU, a fydd yn amlwg yn dod i ben yn 2025. Rwyf wedi datgan yn y gorffennol na fyddwn yn rhoi cymal machlud ar y Cynllun Cymorth ar gyfer Cynllun y Taliad Sylfaenol. Rwy'n gwybod eich bod wedi gwrando ar—sori, fe wnaeth pwyllgor Paul Davies, rwy'n gwybod, wrando ar—sesiwn dystiolaeth eithaf da, roeddwn yn credu, gan randdeiliaid ar gynlluniau pontio a darpariaeth machlud ar gyfer y Bil. Rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n deg dweud bod yr undebau amaeth a sefydliadau amgylcheddol wedi cytuno na ddylai fod ymyl clogwyn mewn cefnogaeth ariannol, ac rwyf wastad wedi dweud hynny, ond roedd yna farn amrywiol ar yr angen i ddeddfu ynghylch cyfnod pontio neu ynghylch cyfnod machlud, felly—. Rwy'n sylwi nad ydych yn cefnogi darpariaeth machlud. Rwy'n credu y bydd manylion pellach am sut, y system newydd o gymorth amaethyddol, wrth gwrs yn ffurfio rhan o'r ymgynghoriad cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy terfynol.
Soniodd Huw Irranca-Davies hefyd am y diffiniad o reoli tir yn gynaliadwy. Mae hynny eisoes wedi'i ddiffinio yn y Bil gan y pedwar amcan a'r ddyletswydd rheoli tir cynaliadwy. Mae amcanion a dyletswydd rheoli tir yn gynaliadwy wedi eu llywio gan ddiffiniad y Cenhedloedd Unedig, a ddatblygwyd yng nghyd-destun deddfwriaethol penodol yng Nghymru, yn amlwg, o Ddeddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau'r Dyfodol (Cymru) 2015 a Deddf yr Amgylchedd (Cymru) 2016. Oherwydd bod gennym y ddeddfwriaeth eisoes, mae wedi bod yn eithaf hawdd bachu ynddi a chael y cysondeb hwnnw. Ond hefyd rydyn ni wedi cael ymgynghoriad ac ymgysylltu rhanddeiliaid helaeth ynghylch hynny hefyd—
Will the Minister give way on that? I don't want to push this point but, curiously, actually, it's quite reassuring to hear the words on record and to hear the words in front of committees, but that, you recognise, is not quite the same as having on the face of the Bill not that this is informed by, but this is that definition or a version of it. I just want to make that point, because there is a clear difference in law.
A wnaiff y Gweinidog ildio ar hynny? Dydw i ddim am wthio'r pwynt hwn ond, yn rhyfedd iawn, mewn gwirionedd, mae'n eithaf calonogol clywed y geiriau ar y cofnod a chlywed y geiriau o flaen pwyllgorau, ond nid yw hynny, rydych chi'n cydnabod, yn union yr un fath â'u cael ar wyneb y Bil nid fod hwn yn cael ei lywio gan, ond dyma'r diffiniad hwnnw neu fersiwn ohono. Rydw i eisiau gwneud y pwynt yna, oherwydd mae gwahaniaeth clir mewn cyfraith.
I note what you say and defining sustainable land management by reference to the objectives and the duty does provide certainty, I think, in shaping possible action to the specific context of land management within Wales.
Huw also mentioned around it being a broad, framework Bill, and, again, we can point to the affirmative procedure for the scrutiny of the Senedd when regulations are made in order to allay any fears about the breadth of the framework.
Peredur talked about funding, of course, and it's really difficult when you don't know what your funding is going to be, and the focus of the future support cost-benefit analysis within the RIA was on the costs and benefits of providing revenue support directly to farmers. And as you said, under the current system, the two largest contributors are the basic payment scheme and Glastir, and that amounts to the £278 million that you referred to per year. I do accept the recommendation to add further information relating to the RDP elements not included in the RIA for information, following Stage 2.
Around NRW, the costs that we've attributed to NRW are indicative estimates and not predictions. Officials are currently working with NRW to determine what, if any, future downstream costs may be realised as a result of the SLM schemes. And as we begin to transition, I will work to ensure that any downstream costs resulting from the implementation of this legislation are fully considered.
Samuel Kurtz, I was very pleased to hear you talking about and recognising the complementary objectives of supporting our farmers to produce food sustainably. And of course, they are absolutely in a position—they have so many opportunities—to help address the climate and nature emergencies. And like other Members—Jane Dodds, and obviously, Mabon ap Gwynfor and Cefin Campbell and yourself and obviously my own group—I look forward to challenge at Stage 2 and to continuing to work with you all to make this the very best piece of legislation.
Mabon ap Gwynfor queried about the 10 per cent on trees and what that means. That's being looked at as part of the co-design for the sustainable farming scheme. It will be going out to consultation again, and what we're trying to do is have that conversation with farmers and try to explore how they can plant trees so that they become an asset to food production—so, for instance, shelter belts or biosecurity barriers. I'm not quite sure the start was tempestuous; I'm not sure that was 'Brexit and our land' really or that it was a misstep. It was absolutely the first consultation and, yes, things have changed, but what's the point in having consultation if you don't listen and you don't make changes? And I do think that everybody has absolutely contributed along that very long journey that you pointed out.
I think it was you who asked about the hierarchy. Yes, it was. There is no hierarchy—it's always been the intention that the SLM objectives would be considered together. They're not expected—. There's no hierarchy because what they are expected to be is complementary, and we don't intend to alter section 2. I think the wording 'best achieves' is already present in the SLM duty in that context, and there's a strenuous duty on Welsh Ministers to maximise their contribution.
Jenny Rathbone talked about food security, and the biggest challenge to our food security is the climate emergency, so by investing in our soils and our habitats and our livestock—and of course in our farmers' skills—for me, that's an investment in protecting food production.
And Joyce Watson referred to AMR—I'm actually making an oral statement on AMR and the use of that, and I think that is a really important point.
So, I am committed to writing to committees, Llywydd, with a response on each of the recommendations and the issues raised by various Members today pertaining to the committee reports, so I do ask that Members approve the motion and agree the general principles and financial resolution of the Agriculture (Wales) Bill. Diolch.
Nodaf yr hyn yr ydych chi'n ei ddweud ac mae diffinio rheoli tir yn gynaliadwy wrth gyfeirio at yr amcanion a'r ddyletswydd yn rhoi sicrwydd, rwy'n credu, wrth lunio camau posibl i gyd-destun penodol rheoli tir o fewn Cymru.
Soniodd Huw hefyd ei fod yn Fil fframwaith, eang, ac, unwaith eto, gallwn gyfeirio at y weithdrefn gadarnhaol ar gyfer gwaith craffu'r Senedd pan wneir rheoliadau er mwyn lleddfu unrhyw ofnau am ehangder y fframwaith.
Soniodd Peredur am gyllid, wrth gwrs, ac mae'n anodd iawn pan nad ydych yn gwybod beth fydd eich cyllid, a phwyslais y dadansoddiad cost a budd yn y dyfodol o fewn yr asesiad effaith rheoleiddiol, oedd ar gostau a manteision darparu cymorth refeniw yn uniongyrchol i ffermwyr. Ac fel y dywedoch chi, o dan y system bresennol, y ddau gyfrannwr mwyaf yw'r cynllun talu sylfaenol a Glastir, ac mae hynny'n gyfystyr â'r £278 miliwn y cyfeirioch chi ato bob blwyddyn. Rwy'n derbyn yr argymhelliad i ychwanegu gwybodaeth ychwanegol yn ymwneud ag elfennau'r cynllun datblygu gwledig nad ydyn nhw wedi'u cynnwys yn yr asesiad effaith rheoleiddiol er gwybodaeth, yn dilyn Cyfnod 2.
O ran CNC, mae'r costau yr ydym wedi'u priodoli i CNC yn amcangyfrifon dangosol ac nid rhagfynegiadau. Ar hyn o bryd mae swyddogion yn gweithio gyda CNC i benderfynu pa gostau nes ymlaen yn y dyfodol, os o gwbl, y gellir eu cyflawni o ganlyniad i'r cynlluniau rheoli tir yn gynaliadwy. Ac wrth i ni ddechrau pontio, byddaf yn gweithio i sicrhau bod unrhyw gostau nes ymlaen sy'n deillio o weithredu'r ddeddfwriaeth hon yn cael eu hystyried yn llawn.
Samuel Kurtz, roeddwn yn falch iawn o'ch clywed yn crybwyll ac yn cydnabod yr amcanion cyflenwol o gefnogi ein ffermwyr i gynhyrchu bwyd yn gynaliadwy. Ac wrth gwrs, maen nhw mewn sefyllfa—mae ganddyn nhw gymaint o gyfleoedd—i helpu i fynd i'r afael â'r argyfyngau hinsawdd a natur. Ac fel Aelodau eraill—Jane Dodds, ac yn amlwg, Mabon ap Gwynfor a Cefin Campbell a chi eich hun ac yn amlwg fy ngrŵp fy hun—rwy'n edrych ymlaen at herio yng Nghyfnod 2 ac i barhau i weithio gyda chi i gyd er mwyn gwneud hyn y darn gorau oll o ddeddfwriaeth.
Holodd Mabon ap Gwynfor am y 10% ar goed a beth mae hynny'n ei olygu. Mae hynny'n cael ei ystyried fel rhan o'r cyd-ddylunio ar gyfer y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy. Bydd yn mynd i ymgynghoriad eto, a'r hyn yr ydyn ni'n ceisio ei wneud yw cael y sgwrs honno gyda ffermwyr a cheisio archwilio sut y gallant blannu coed fel eu bod yn dod yn gaffaeliad i gynhyrchu bwyd—felly, er enghraifft, lleiniau cysgodi neu rwystrau bioddiogelwch. Dydw i ddim yn hollol siŵr fod y cychwyn yn dymhestlog; dwi ddim yn siŵr mai 'Brexit a'n tir' oedd hynny mewn gwirionedd na'i fod yn gam gwag. Hwn oedd yr ymgynghoriad cyntaf un ac ydynt, mae pethau wedi newid, ond beth yw'r pwynt cael ymgynghoriad os nad ydych chi'n gwrando a ddim yn gwneud newidiadau? Ac rwy'n credu bod pawb wedi cyfrannu ar hyd y daith hir iawn honno y gwnaethoch chi dynnu sylw ati.
Rwy'n credu mai chi a ofynnodd am yr hierarchaeth. Ie. Does dim hierarchaeth—mae wastad wedi bod yn fwriad y byddai amcanion datblygu tir yn gynaliadwy yn cael eu hystyried gyda'i gilydd. Dydyn nhw ddim yn ddisgwyliedig—. Does dim hierarchaeth oherwydd mae disgwyl iddyn nhw fod yn gyflenwol, a dydyn ni ddim yn bwriadu newid adran 2. Rwy'n credu bod y geiriad 'yn cyflawni orau' eisoes yn bresennol yn y ddyletswydd rheoli tir yn gynaliadwy yn y cyd-destun hwnnw, ac mae dyletswydd anodd ar Weinidogion Cymru i gynyddu eu cyfraniad i'r eithaf.
Siaradodd Jenny Rathbone am ddiogelwch bwyd, a'r her fwyaf i'n diogelwch bwyd yw'r argyfwng hinsawdd, felly drwy fuddsoddi yn ein priddoedd a'n cynefinoedd a'n da byw—ac wrth gwrs yn sgiliau ein ffermwyr—i mi, mae hynny'n fuddsoddiad i ddiogelu cynhyrchu bwyd.
Ac fe gyfeiriodd Joyce Watson at Ymwrthedd Gwrthficrobaidd, AMR—rydw i mewn gwirionedd yn gwneud datganiad llafar ar AMR a'i ddefnydd, ac rwy'n credu bod hynny'n bwynt pwysig iawn.
Felly, rwy'n ymrwymo i ysgrifennu at y pwyllgorau, Llywydd, gydag ymateb i bob un o'r argymhellion a'r materion a godwyd gan wahanol Aelodau heddiw yn ymwneud ag adroddiadau'r pwyllgor, felly gofynnaf i Aelodau gymeradwyo'r cynnig ac i gytuno ar egwyddorion cyffredinol a datrysiad ariannol y Bil Amaethyddiaeth (Cymru). Diolch.
Y cwestiwn felly yw: a ddylid derbyn y cynnig o dan eitem 5? A oes unrhyw Aelod yn gwrthwynebu? Na, does dim gwrthwynebiad. Felly, mae'r cynnig o dan eitem 5 wedi ei dderbyn.
The proposal therefore is to agree the motion under item 5. Does any Member object? There are no objections. And therefore the motion under item 5 is agreed.
Derbyniwyd y cynnig yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.36.
Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Y cwestiwn nesaf, felly, yw: a ddylid derbyn y penderfyniad ariannol, a'r cynnig o dan eitem 6? A oes unrhyw Aelod yn gwrthwynebu? Na, does yna ddim gwrthwynebiad i hynny. Ac felly mae'r cynnig yna hefyd, o dan eitem 6, wedi ei dderbyn.
The next question is that the financial resolution and the motion under item 6 be agreed. Does any Member object? No, there are no objections. And therefore that motion under item 6 is also agreed.
Derbyniwyd y cynnig yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.36.
Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Sy'n dod â ni nawr at y cyfnod pleidleisio, ac, oni bai bod tri Aelod yn dymuno i fi ganu'r gloch, fe wnawn ni symud yn syth i'r bleidlais. Ac mae'r pleidleisiau y prynhawn yma ar y ddadl ar y gyllideb ddrafft ar gyfer 2023-24. A gwelliant 1 fydd yn cael ei gymryd gyntaf, felly dwi'n galw am bleidlais ar welliant 1, a gyflwynwyd yn enw Darren Millar. Agor y bleidlais. Cau'r bleidlais. O blaid 13, neb yn ymatal, 38 yn erbyn. Ac felly mae gwelliant 1 wedi ei wrthod.
Which brings us to voting time, and, unless three Members wish for the bell to be rung, I will proceed directly to voting. The votes this afternoon are on the debate on the draft budget for 2023-24. The first vote is on amendment 1, and I call for a vote on amendment 1, tabled in the name of Darren Millar. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 13, no abstentions and 38 against. And therefore amendment 1 is not agreed.
Eitem 4. Dadl: Cyllideb Ddrafft 2023-2024 - Gwelliant 1, cyflwynwyd yn enw Darren Millar: O blaid: 13, Yn erbyn: 38, Ymatal: 0
Gwrthodwyd y gwelliant
Item 4. Debate: Draft Budget 2023-2024 - Amendment 1, tabled in the name of Darren Millar: For: 13, Against: 38, Abstain: 0
Amendment has been rejected
Gwelliant 2 sydd nesaf, felly. Pleidlais ar welliant 2, a gyflwynwyd yn enw Siân Gwenllian. Agor y bleidlais. Cau'r bleidlais. O blaid 11, neb yn ymatal, 40 yn erbyn. Ac felly mae gwelliant 2 wedi ei wrthod.
We'll move now to amendment 2. And I call for a vote on amendment 2, tabled in the name of Siân Gwenllian. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 11, no abstentions, 40 against. And therefore amendment 2 is not agreed.
Eitem 4. Dadl: Cyllideb Ddrafft 2023-2024 - Gwelliant 2, cyflwynwyd yn enw Siân Gwenllian: O blaid: 11, Yn erbyn: 40, Ymatal: 0
Gwrthodwyd y gwelliant
Item 4. Debate: Draft Budget 2023-2024 - Amendment 2, tabled in the name of Siân Gwenllian: For: 11, Against: 40, Abstain: 0
Amendment has been rejected
Pleidlais ar y cynnig heb ei ddiwygio fydd ddiwethaf, felly, y cynnig yn enw Lesley Griffiths. Agor y bleidlais. Cau'r bleidlais. O blaid 27, 11 yn ymatal, 13 yn erbyn. Ac felly mae'r cynnig yna wedi ei dderbyn.
We'll now vote on the unamended motion, tabled in the name of Lesley Griffiths. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 27, 11 abstentions, 13 against. And therefore the motion is agreed.
Eitem 4. Dadl: Cyllideb Ddrafft 2023-2024 - Cynnig: O blaid: 27, Yn erbyn: 13, Ymatal: 11
Derbyniwyd y cynnig
Item 4. Debate: Draft Budget 2023-2024 - Motion: For: 27, Against: 13, Abstain: 11
Motion has been agreed
Dyna ddiwedd ar y pleidleisio, a diwedd ar ein gwaith ni am heddiw. Diolch yn fawr.
And that concludes voting time and brings our proceedings to a close. Thank you.
Daeth y cyfarfod i ben am 18:24.
The meeting ended at 18:24.