Written Questions tabled on 11/02/2019 for answer on 18/02/2019
Written Questions must be tabled at least five working days before they are to be answered. In practice, Ministers aim to answer within seven/eight days but are not bound to do so. Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
First Minister
In light of a written answer received to OAQ53341I tabled on 30 January 2019, will the First Minister confirm the Welsh Government's targets for the 2021 PISA education tests?
Our target remains to achieve 500 in the domains of reading science and mathematics in the PISA 2021 assessment.
Further to WAQ77773, on what date did the First Minister delegate responsibility over the civil service to the Permanent Secretary?
Delegation for civil service staffing matters was conferred upon the Welsh Government by the UK Government, in 1999 and 2007, and there has been a standing arrangement that the Permanent Secretary assumes responsibility for staffing matters upon appointment. That responsibility was included in the advertisement when the post of Permanent Secretary was last recruited.
Minister for Economy and Transport
Further to WAQ 77030, have contracts now been awarded and, if not, how can organisations apply?
The procurement exercise for the new fast fibre broadband roll-out has been completed. There were three lots covering Wales all of which were awarded to BT.
Further to WAQ77030, what were the outcomes of the procurement exercise in terms of where suppliers are expected to prioritise and reach?
The procurement exercise for the new fast fibre broadband roll-out has been completed. There were three lots covering Wales all of which were awarded to BT. A table is attached which shows how many premises by local authority and lot are included in the new grant agreement.
Minister for Health and Social Services
What discussions has the Welsh Government had about the effect of hospital reorganisation in Shropshire on patients in Wales?
I welcome that a much needed decision has now been made on the NHS England Future Fit programme in Shropshire. This removes the uncertainty about the future of services which has been faced by people in Powys.
My officials are in regular communication with Powys Teaching Health Board to discuss the outcome of the process. The health board has already been working to consider the implications of the final decision and how to mitigate against the changes this will mean for planned care for patients in the region.
This will be through working with NHS partners in both England and Wales to strengthen the provision of planned care within the county, by providing more care closer to home and reducing the need to travel to neighbouring District General Hospitals.
Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs
Does the Welsh Government have any plans to change the law to promote resolution of disputes in relation to the cropping of overgrown trees and other vegetation on property where this has an adverse impact on the amenity of neighbours?
The High Hedges (Appeals) (Wales) Regulations 2004 was introduced in December 2004. The Regulations provide a framework to settle disputes between neighbours who are experiencing problems with overgrown trees and shrubs. Any change to legislation will depend upon a robust evidence base.
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to property owners where their amenity is adversely impacted due to loss of light as a result of overgrown trees and other vegetation on neighbouring property?
A range of powers are available to Local Authorities to resolve complaints about overgrown trees and other vegetation on neighbouring property. The High Hedges (Appeals) (Wales) Regulations 2004 allow a person to complain if a high hedge is affecting the reasonable enjoyment of their home or garden. Complaints should be made to the Local Authority. Prior to making a complaint, reasonable attempts should be made to resolve the matter with the hedge owner.
If necessary a Remedial Notice, may be issued which can include “preventative action” to ensure the nuisance caused by a High Hedge does not reoccur. These provisions only apply if:
- the hedge in question comprised wholly or predominantly of a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs;
- the hedge is over 2 metres high;
- the hedge acts, to some degree, as a barrier to light or access; and
- the hedge is adversely affecting the complainant’s reasonable enjoyment of their domestic property (their home or garden).
A property owner has the right to appeal against the issue of a Remedial Notice. Such an appeal would be determined by the Planning Inspectorate. Other available powers include part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, and Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Overhanging parts of trees and bushes can be trimmed off and returned to the owner of the hedge. Before doing this, one should check whether the tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Work carried out on a tree covered by TPO without the appropriate consent is an offence and may result in a fine.