Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
07/02/2024Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Minister for Economy
What assessment has the Minister made of the economic and social impact of potential job losses at Tata Steel in Port Talbot?
If implemented, Tata Steel’s current plans will have an economic and social impact that we have not seen for many years. This will be felt by individuals, the supply chain and the wider communities, especially across south Wales.
Will the Minister make a statement on Welsh Government action to support businesses in town centres?
We are providing £125 million of funding over three years to Welsh local authorities through our Transforming Towns programme. Last year, we published our town centres position statement, which sets out the challenges facing towns in Wales and a series of interrelated, cross policy actions to address those challenges.
Will the Minister make a statement on Welsh Government efforts to improve broadband connectivity in Mid and West Wales?
Our full-fibre roll-out has delivered gigabit-capable broadband to 12,635 properties, plus further consequential premises. Access Broadband Cymru has provided £2.24 million since February 2021 to improve connectivity at 2,887 premises. The local broadband fund is contributing £1.81 million to improve connectivity to homes, businesses and public sector sites.
What assessment has the Minister made of the number of businesses that are likely to fail as a result of the Government reducing the level of business rate relief from 75 per cent to 40 per cent?
There are many factors that affect the viability of businesses. Viable businesses are not expected to fail due to the decision to provide additional temporary relief, extending a scheme that was never intended to continue indefinitely. Non-domestic rates liability is a predictable contribution to local services, which businesses plan for.
Questions For - Minister for Health and Social Services
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact on Welsh dentistry of EU legislation banning dental amalgam from 1 January 2025?
The EU is pursuing the phasing out of dental amalgam or fillings that use mercury. We agree in the Welsh Government that this is a sensible thing to do. There are other available, cost-effective, safe and equally effective materials available to use in its place.
What support will the Welsh Government be giving to the childcare sector to ensure they can raise staff wages in line with the new minimum wage from April onwards?
The Welsh Government has a number of policies in place, including an extension of 100 per cent business rates relief, which are aimed at supporting the sector with economic challenges, including increases to staff wages, pension and other operating costs.
How is the Welsh Government supporting the provision of emergency services in mid Wales?
We expect all patients who require emergency care to receive it in a timely manner and in order of clinical priority to support optimal outcomes. Last year, we invested £3 million to recruit 76 more ambulance staff, and £33 million in the last three years to update the ambulance fleet.
What further steps will the Welsh Government take to support people with unmet health needs?
Health boards are responsible for delivery of health services for their local population. The Welsh Government is holding them accountable for the services they deliver and working with them to ensure that patients are supported to access high-quality services.