Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
26/03/2025Answers 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 is the Welsh Government doing to improve water quality in Preseli Pembrokeshire?
Preseli Pembrokeshire boasts 14 designated bathing waters, all rated as 'excellent'. It is also home to the Cleddau, a special area of conservation river renowned for its diverse wildlife. Our approach prioritises collaboration across sectors and nature-based solutions to enhance water quality throughout entire catchments.
What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the levels of illegal fishing in Wales?
The Welsh Government’s fisheries enforcement activity is intelligence led and follows a risk-based approach. The Wales fisheries monitoring centre co-ordinates marine enforcement officer activity. Regular patrols onshore and at sea are undertaken using fishery patrol vessels. Breaches of fisheries regulations are enforced, as can be seen by recent prosecutions.
What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with stakeholders about the potential of the Welsh hemp sector?
My officials have discussed the growing of hemp and the potential of the sector with stakeholders. Subject to growers obtaining the necessary Home Office licence, the Welsh Government support hemp growers through the Growing for the Environment scheme.
What is the Welsh Government doing to support flood alleviation across Delyn?
On 18 March I announced Welsh Government’s flood and coastal erosion risk management programme for 2025-26 and I am delighted that we are investing a record £77 million in flood risk management this year. This includes £862,000 for risk management authorities in Delyn, which we estimate will benefit 303 properties.
Questions For - Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to making changes to the length of terms of office in local government?
The length of terms of office in local government was consulted on in our electoral administration and reform White Paper in 2022. The responses were published in April 2023. We asked whether local government should revert to four-year terms—53 per cent of respondents did not support this approach.
What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with local authorities about improving the financial efficiencies of councils?
In addition to meetings with individual councils, I discuss financial matters regularly with local government through the finance sub-group and the partnership council for Wales.
What is the Welsh Government doing to support the regeneration of town centres?
We are working with local authorities through our Transforming Towns programme to support the regeneration of town centres across Wales. We have protected budgets for the Transforming Towns programme, with £40 million available for 2025/26.
What is the Welsh Government doing to incentivise the development of affordable housing?
We are investing a record annual budget of £411 million for social housing in the next financial year—an additional £81 million compared to this year. Last week I also announced that £90 million has been awarded in registered social landlords' low-interest loans to support the delivery of an additional 227 affordable homes and help RSLs navigate escalating costs of borrowing to build homes.