Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
10/03/2021Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Minister for Housing and Local Government
Will the Minister make a statement on the building of council houses in Wales?
I am delighted to say each of the 11 councils with retained housing stock have plans to build new council homes. Discussions show councils are starting to accelerate the rate of house building and plan to build around 1,800 homes during the next two years.
What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd on the impact that the tax paid when buying residential properties is having on the Welsh housing stock?
I speak regularly to my colleagues across the Cabinet. Land transaction tax raises revenue to support crucial public services in Wales. The most recent temporary threshold change provided support to homebuyers, additional support for social housing, and did not apply to those buying second homes or buy to let properties.
What plans are in place to ensure that local authorities will not be adversely affected financially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic?
We have made available over £660 million through the local government hardship fund to support local authorities in the pandemic in the current financial year. We announced a further £206 million as part of the final budget for the continuation of this fund in 2021-22.
Questions For - Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs
What support is the Welsh Government providing to farmers in Preseli Pembrokeshire?
Farmers within Preseli Pembrokeshire have received over £17 million of basic payment scheme payments during the past year, as well as funding via the Welsh dairy support scheme. Our Farming Connect service also continues to provide support and advice to farmers.
What further steps will the Welsh Government take to increase the number of green areas in cities and towns across Wales?
Welsh Government continues to support a number of initiatives to develop new green spaces, as well as improve the quality of established ones. For example, our Local Places for Nature fund has created over 380 butterfly, wildlife and community growing gardens in and around urban areas this year.