Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
05/03/2025Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of river pollution levels?
Forty-four per cent of our rivers, including the River Tawe, have achieved 'good' or 'better' ecological status under the water framework directive classifications. However, I recognise more needs to be done. We have already made £40 million available for water quality improvement and I recently announced a further £16 million for 2025-26.
How is the Welsh Government ensuring the safety of South Wales West residents who live near former opencast coal mines?
The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring our coal tip communities are safe, including those living near former opencast sites. Since 2020 we have allocated over £65 million to local authorities, Natural Resources Wales and the Mining Remediation Authority to undertake key activities to support the coal tip safety programme.
Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on what the Welsh Government is doing to support the reintroduction of the European beaver to Wales?
Our targeted engagement on proposed legislative amendments to support the managed reintroduction of European beavers closes on the 14 March. An update will be provided following consideration of the responses, and if appropriate, we will introduce legislative changes to provide European beavers with the necessary protection in Wales.
What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Gwent Wildlife Trust, and Cardiff and Newport councils about ecologically responsible planning decisions for projects on the Gwent Levels?
Both the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning and I are committed to ecologically responsible planning decisions on the Gwent levels. A recent written statement sets out our approach to the development of strategic planning policy guidance for the Gwent levels.
Questions For - Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language
What impact assessments has the Welsh Government undertaken in relation to the visitor levy?
Impact assessments of the visitor levy were published on 25 November and are available on our web pages.
What is the Welsh Government doing to promote a fair distribution of funding for North Wales?
The Government considers the needs of all parts of Wales in its decision making.
What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales about the need to allocate additional funding to locally maintained roads and pavements?
I have regular discussions with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales about the importance of fixing our roads and pavements. The final budget provides local authorities with an extra £10 million of revenue funding per year to enable them to access £120 million additional funding for local road improvements.
Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on council tax increases in Wales?
The setting of budgets and council tax levels every year is a matter for local councils. I ask councils to carefully consider the balance between maintaining services, and the financial pressures on households, and to engage meaningfully with communities on the decisions they make.