Y Cyfarfod Llawn
Plenary
14/06/2023Cynnwys
Contents
Yn y fersiwn ddwyieithog, mae’r golofn chwith yn cynnwys yr iaith a lefarwyd yn y cyfarfod. Mae’r golofn dde yn cynnwys cyfieithiad o’r areithiau hynny.
In the bilingual version, the left-hand column includes the language used during the meeting. The right-hand column includes a translation of those speeches.
Cyfarfu'r Senedd yn y Siambr a thrwy gynhadledd fideo am 13:30 gyda'r Llywydd (Elin Jones) yn y Gadair.
The Senedd met in the Chamber and by video-conference at 13:30 with the Llywydd (Elin Jones) in the Chair.
Prynhawn da, a chroeso, bawb, i'r Cyfarfod Llawn. Ar y cychwyn fan hyn, hoffwn hysbysu'r Senedd, yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 26.75, fod Bil yr Amgylchedd Hanesyddol (Cymru) wedi cael Cydsyniad Brenhinol heddiw.
Good afternoon, and welcome, all, to this Plenary meeting. At the outset, I wish to inform the Senedd that, in accordance with Standing Order 26.75, the Historic Environment (Wales) Bill was given Royal Assent earlier today.
Yr eitem gyntaf, felly, y prynhawn yma yw'r cwestiynau i’r Gweinidog Cyllid a Llywodraeth Leol, ac mae'r cwestiwn cyntaf gan Joel James.
The first item, therefore, this afternoon is questions to the Minister for Finance and Local Government, and the first question is from Joel James.
1. Pa asesiad y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'i wneud o nifer y gweithwyr GIG sydd wedi cael mynediad at hyfforddiant drwy Academi Cymru? OQ59633
1. What assessment has the Minister made of the number of NHS employees who have accessed training through Academi Wales? OQ59633
Thank you. Academi Wales delivers a range of leadership interventions to public service leaders across Wales. In 2022, total delegates numbered 2,502, of whom 1,057 were NHS staff. For the first quarter of 2023, a total of 946 delegates have participated so far, with 292 of those delegates being from the NHS.
Diolch. Mae Academi Cymru yn darparu amrywiaeth o ymyriadau arweinyddiaeth i arweinwyr gwasanaethau cyhoeddus ledled Cymru. Yn 2022, roedd 2,502 o gynrychiolwyr i gyd, gydag 1,057 ohonynt yn staff y GIG. Ar gyfer chwarter cyntaf 2023, mae cyfanswm o 946 o gynrychiolwyr wedi cymryd rhan hyd yn hyn, gyda 292 o'r cynrychiolwyr hynny o'r GIG.
Thank you, Minister, for your response. As you know, Academi Wales is designed to transform this country through excellence in leadership, but, due to the COVID pandemic, our public sector leaders are now faced with challenges that they've never experienced before. I'm specifically thinking about our NHS leaders and how they have to deal with an ever-increasing complexity of health needs, a shortage of healthcare professionals in many sectors and geographical areas, and an ageing population, many of whom have chronic health conditions, to name just a few. Academi Wales lists a range of leadership training focusing on health boards, coaching and management training, which are standard skill sets that leaders need. But there doesn't seem to be any specific training on dealing with the challenges to the NHS in a post-COVID era. Minister, have you challenged Academi Wales to design this type of training, and what are the Welsh Government's aspirations for training the next generation of NHS leaders? Thank you.
Diolch am eich ymateb, Weinidog. Fel y gwyddoch, mae Academi Cymru wedi’i chynllunio i drawsnewid y wlad hon drwy ragoriaeth mewn arweinyddiaeth, ond oherwydd pandemig COVID, mae arweinwyr ein sector cyhoeddus bellach yn wynebu heriau nad ydynt erioed wedi’u hwynebu o’r blaen. Rwy’n meddwl yn benodol am ein harweinwyr yn y GIG, a sut mae’n rhaid iddynt ymdrin â chymhlethdod cynyddol o anghenion iechyd, prinder gweithwyr gofal iechyd proffesiynol mewn llawer o sectorau ac ardaloedd daearyddol, a phoblogaeth sy’n heneiddio, y mae gan lawer ohonynt gyflyrau iechyd cronig, i enwi ond ychydig. Mae Academi Cymru yn rhestru ystod o hyfforddiant arweinyddiaeth sy'n canolbwyntio ar fyrddau iechyd, datblygu staff a hyfforddiant rheoli, sy'n setiau sgiliau safonol y mae eu hangen ar arweinwyr. Ond nid yw'n ymddangos bod unrhyw hyfforddiant penodol ar gael ar ymdrin â'r heriau i'r GIG mewn byd ôl-COVID. Weinidog, a ydych wedi herio Academi Cymru i lunio’r math hwn o hyfforddiant, a beth yw dyheadau Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer hyfforddi’r genhedlaeth nesaf o arweinwyr y GIG? Diolch.
I'm very grateful to Joel James for this question this afternoon, and also for recognising Academi Wales as the centre of excellence that it is in terms of leadership development in Wales. So, Academi Wales does have a range of leadership interventions, including coaching, master classes, programmes and residential schools, and I'm really looking forward to the summer school in Lampeter later on this year. But I will say that NHS staff are one of the key target audiences for Academi Wales, and it does work directly with the NHS for some of its programmes, including, for example, independent members' induction training, and that's part of Academi Wales's efforts to improve and strengthen board level leadership across public services in Wales.
Academi Wales is, of course, not the only place in which NHS staff will receive training. There is a wide range of training available through the NHS itself, including professional development across a range of routes, including everything from work-based training to specialist courses. So, I think it's important to recognise that leadership within that one Welsh public service ethos is very much supported and catered for through Academi Wales, but, absolutely, the NHS has an important role to play. And, for me, it's important that those two ways of learning and ways of supporting leadership development complement each other. Thank you for the question—it's not often we get to talk about Academi Wales on the floor of the Senedd. It is one of the more joyous areas of my portfolio and a really exciting agenda.
Rwy’n ddiolchgar iawn i Joel James am y cwestiwn hwn y prynhawn yma, a hefyd am gydnabod Academi Cymru fel y ganolfan ragoriaeth ag ydyw o ran datblygu arweinyddiaeth yng Nghymru. Felly, mae gan Academi Cymru amrywiaeth o ymyriadau arweinyddiaeth, gan gynnwys hyfforddi, dosbarthiadau meistr, rhaglenni, ac ysgolion preswyl, ac edrychaf ymlaen yn fawr at yr ysgol haf yn Llanbedr Pont Steffan yn nes ymlaen eleni. Ond dylwn ddweud bod staff y GIG yn un o’r cynulleidfaoedd targed allweddol ar gyfer Academi Cymru, ac mae'n gweithio’n uniongyrchol gyda’r GIG ar gyfer rhai o’u rhaglenni, gan gynnwys, er enghraifft, hyfforddiant sefydlu aelodau annibynnol, ac mae hynny’n rhan o ymdrechion Academi Cymru i wella a chryfhau arweinyddiaeth ar lefel bwrdd ar draws y gwasanaethau cyhoeddus yng Nghymru.
Nid Academi Cymru yw’r unig le y bydd staff y GIG yn cael hyfforddiant wrth gwrs. Ceir ystod eang o hyfforddiant drwy’r GIG ei hun, gan gynnwys datblygiad proffesiynol ar draws ystod o lwybrau, gan gynnwys popeth o hyfforddiant seiliedig ar waith i gyrsiau arbenigol. Felly, credaf ei bod yn bwysig cydnabod bod arweinyddiaeth o fewn ethos yr un gwasanaeth cyhoeddus Cymreig hwnnw’n cael cryn dipyn o gymorth ac y darperir ar ei gyfer drwy Academi Cymru, ond yn sicr, mae gan y GIG ran bwysig i’w chwarae. Ac i mi, mae'n bwysig fod y ddwy ffordd o ddysgu a ffyrdd o gefnogi datblygiad arweinyddiaeth yn ategu ei gilydd. Ond diolch am eich cwestiwn—nid yn aml y cawn sôn am Academi Cymru ar lawr y Senedd. Mae’n un o feysydd mwy llawen fy mhortffolio, ac yn agenda wirioneddol gyffrous.
2. A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi diweddariad am adeiladau gwag sydd ym mherchnogaeth Llywodraeth Cymru yng Nghaernarfon? OQ59634
2. Will the Minister provide an update on empty buildings owned by the Welsh Government in Caernarfon? OQ59634
Yes. The former Welsh Government office building in North Penrallt is the only empty building owned by the Welsh Government in Caernarfon. The Minister for Climate Change has already written to Gwynedd county council on this matter, and officials are in active discussions with the council to ensure that the building is put back into beneficial use at the earliest opportunity.
Gwnaf. Hen adeilad swyddfa Llywodraeth Cymru yng Ngogledd Penrallt yw’r unig adeilad gwag sy’n eiddo i Lywodraeth Cymru yng Nghaernarfon. Mae’r Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd eisoes wedi ysgrifennu at gyngor sir Gwynedd ar y mater hwn, ac mae swyddogion mewn trafodaethau gyda’r cyngor ar hyn o bryd i sicrhau bod yr adeilad yn ôl mewn defnydd buddiol eto cyn gynted â phosibl.
Diolch yn fawr. Mae swyddfeydd y Llywodraeth ym Mhenrallt yn wag ers dwy flynedd, ac mae'r cyngor a chymdeithas dai leol yn awyddus i ddefnyddio'r adeilad ar gyfer cynnig llety dros dro i bobl sy'n cyflwyno eu hunain yn ddigartref. Ym mis Mai, fe gyflwynodd 107 o bobl eu hunain yn ddigartref yng Ngwynedd. Mae'r sir yn gwario £6 miliwn ar lety anaddas, gan nad oes yna ddigon o lefydd dros dro ar gael. Mi fyddai yna le i dros 30 o bobl ym Mhenrallt, safle sydd yng nghanol tre Caernarfon. Onid ydy hi'n gwneud synnwyr, o ran y defnydd effeithiol o adnoddau cyhoeddus—sydd yn rhan o'ch portffolio chi, i sicrhau'r defnydd effeithiol o adnoddau cyhoeddus—yn ogystal â llu o rhesymau eraill, i symud ymlaen efo'r cynllun yma? A wnewch chi ymrwymo heddiw i wneud popeth yn eich gallu er mwyn prysuro'r cynllun yma yn ei flaen?
Thank you very much. The Government offices in Penrallt have been empty for two years, and the council and a local housing association are eager to use the building to provide temporary accommodation to people who present themselves as homeless. In May, 107 people presented as homeless in Gwynedd. The county spends £6 million on unsuitable accommodation, because there are insufficient temporary places. There would be room for more than 30 people in Penrallt, a site that is in the middle of the town of Caernarfon. Doesn't it make sense, in terms of making effective use of public resources—which is part of your portfolio, to ensure that efficient use of public resources—as well as a whole host of other reasons, to move forward with this scheme? Will you commit today to doing everything within your power to accelerate this scheme?
I'm very grateful for this question this afternoon as well, and I just want to reassure Siân Gwenllian that we are very much seeking to ensure that any redevelopment of the site does deliver new and affordable housing to alleviate the current housing pressures in the area. We are very aware of the significant negative impacts that empty buildings do have on the local environment, and especially so in our town centres.
I can say that there is a meeting now scheduled between senior Welsh Government officials and the chief executive of Gwynedd county council, and his officers, on Monday of next week. I hope that's an opportunity for us to make some progress and agree a way forward. We've been unable to receive any recommendations from officials at this point in respect of disposal of the building to Gwynedd county council because we do need a more detailed proposal than that which has been forthcoming so far, and that's because I think that any proposals will require some significant grant support. So, any applications for such funding have to undergo a very rigorous process, and very much so to determine value for money.
But we are, I think, in the same space in terms of wanting the building to be used as soon as possible, and recognising that residential use is a really good use for that site, and there's very much a need for it. So, I do hope that the meeting, now, on Monday of next week will be productive.
Rwy’n ddiolchgar iawn am y cwestiwn hwn y prynhawn yma hefyd, a hoffwn roi sicrwydd i Siân Gwenllian ein bod yn ceisio sicrhau bod unrhyw waith ailddatblygu ar y safle yn darparu tai newydd a fforddiadwy i leddfu’r pwysau presennol o ran tai yn yr ardal. Rydym yn ymwybodol iawn o’r effeithiau negyddol sylweddol y mae adeiladau gwag yn eu cael ar yr amgylchedd lleol, ac yn enwedig felly yng nghanol ein trefi.
Gallaf ddweud bod cyfarfod wedi’i drefnu rhwng uwch swyddogion Llywodraeth Cymru a phrif weithredwr cyngor sir Gwynedd, a’i swyddogion, ddydd Llun yr wythnos nesaf. Gobeithio y bydd hwnnw'n gyfle inni wneud cynnydd a chytuno ar ffordd ymlaen. Nid ydym wedi cael unrhyw argymhellion gan swyddogion ar y pwynt hwn mewn perthynas â gwaredu'r adeilad i gyngor sir Gwynedd, gan fod angen cynnig mwy manwl arnom na'r hyn sydd wedi'i gyflwyno hyd yma, a hynny oherwydd fy mod yn credu y bydd angen cymorth grant sylweddol ar unrhyw gynigion. Felly, mae’n rhaid i unrhyw geisiadau am gyllid o’r fath fynd drwy broses drylwyr iawn, a hynny i raddau helaeth er mwyn archwilio gwerth am arian.
Ond credaf ein bod yn cytuno bod angen i'r adeilad gael ei ddefnyddio cyn gynted â phosibl, ac yn cydnabod bod defnydd preswyl yn ddefnydd da iawn ar gyfer y safle hwnnw, a bod ei angen yn fawr. Felly, gobeithio y bydd y cyfarfod ddydd Llun yr wythnos nesaf yn gynhyrchiol.
Cwestiynau nawr gan lefarwyr y pleidiau. Llefarydd y Ceidwadwyr yn gyntaf, Sam Rowlands.
Questions now from party spokespeople. The Conservative spokesperson, Sam Rowlands.
Diolch, Llywydd. Minister, I've spoken before about the issues around abuse of politicians, in particular councillors serving in local government. Minister, you will be aware that yesterday it was reported that the deputy leader of Anglesey council has said that, and I quote,
'All Tories should be shot.'
We'll all be aware, of course, that, in the UK over the last seven years, two MPs have been murdered in their role as parliamentarians—one Labour and one Conservative. This is real, literal violence, and any attempt to insight violence like that, in my view, should be met with the strongest condemnation. The language that Ieuan Williams used, I would say, is obscene and creates a foul atmosphere around our politics, especially from somebody in a leadership position, who has now stood down, as I say, as deputy leader of Anglesey council. Of course, this isn't the first time in recent months that a councillor has done this. We heard earlier this year of a Caerphilly Plaid Cymru councillor posing with a gun and posting about shooting English people. So, Minister, can you share your thoughts on this particular issue in Anglesey and the wider issue of abuse in politics?
Diolch, Lywydd. Weinidog, rwyf wedi sôn o’r blaen am faterion sy'n ymwneud â cham-drin gwleidyddion, yn benodol, cynghorwyr sy’n gwasanaethu mewn llywodraeth leol. Weinidog, fe fyddwch yn ymwybodol o'r adroddiadau ddoe fod dirprwy arweinydd cyngor Ynys Môn wedi dweud, ac rwy'n dyfynnu,
'Dylai pob Tori gael ei saethu.'
Bydd pob un ohonom yn ymwybodol, wrth gwrs, fod dau AS wedi cael eu llofruddio yn eu rôl fel seneddwyr dros y saith mlynedd diwethaf yn y DU—un Llafur ac un Ceidwadol. Mae'n drais gwirioneddol a llythrennol, a dylid condemnio unrhyw ymgais o'r fath i annog trais o'r fath yn y termau cryfaf yn fy marn i. Byddwn yn dweud bod yr iaith a ddefnyddiodd Ieuan Williams yn anweddus, ac yn creu awyrgylch aflan o amgylch ein gwleidyddiaeth, yn enwedig gan rywun mewn rôl arweiniol, ac sydd bellach wedi rhoi’r gorau i'w swydd fel dirprwy arweinydd cyngor Ynys Môn, fel rwy'n dweud. Wrth gwrs, nid dyma'r tro cyntaf yn y misoedd diwethaf i gynghorydd wneud hyn. Clywsom yn gynharach eleni am gynghorydd Plaid Cymru yng Nghaerffili yn cael tynnu ei lun gyda gwn ac yn postio am saethu Saeson. Felly, Weinidog, a wnewch chi roi eich barn ar y mater penodol hwn ar Ynys Môn, a mater ehangach camdriniaeth mewn gwleidyddiaeth?
Yes, I'm very grateful to Sam Rowlands for raising this, and, actually, it's a topic he returns to frequently in spokesperson's questions, which I think is really, really important, because it is one that I think transcends those party political lines, and one where we have to all stand shoulder to shoulder against any form of abuse. Healthy debate is wonderful; it's really important to be able to challenge each other, but also to do so in a way that is respectful.
And I think that it is the case now that the individual concerned has asked the standards committee of the local authority to look at what happened. I think that is definitely the appropriate way forward, because processes are in place to investigate potential breaches of codes of conduct, and I think that it's important now that that process takes place. But there are sanctions for breaching the code of conduct, and they can range from censure to suspension or disqualification from being a councillor for up to a period of five years. So, it is a serious matter.
It does give me an opportunity to say that we are currently consulting on a revised code of conduct, to ensure that it does remain fit for purpose in engendering trust in the highest standards of conduct for councillors. And I would obviously encourage colleagues to have their say in that consultation, and particularly to make sure that it is fit for purpose with all of the different things that we have to deal with nowadays, for example, threats online and social media abuse.
Ie, rwy’n ddiolchgar iawn i Sam Rowlands am godi hyn, ac mewn gwirionedd, mae’n bwnc y mae’n dychwelyd ato’n aml yng nghwestiynau’r llefarwyr, sy’n bwysig iawn yn fy marn i, gan ei fod yn bwnc sy'n mynd y tu hwnt i linellau pleidiau gwleidyddol, ac yn un lle mae'n rhaid i bob un ohonom sefyll ochr yn ochr yn erbyn unrhyw fath o gamdriniaeth. Mae dadl iach yn fendigedig; mae'n bwysig iawn gallu herio ein gilydd, ond gan wneud hynny hefyd mewn ffordd sy'n barchus.
A chredaf fod yr unigolyn dan sylw wedi gofyn i bwyllgor safonau’r awdurdod lleol edrych ar yr hyn a ddigwyddodd. Yn sicr, credaf mai dyna’r ffordd briodol ymlaen, gan fod prosesau ar waith i ymchwilio i achosion posibl o dorri codau ymddygiad, a chredaf ei bod yn bwysig fod y broses honno'n mynd rhagddi nawr. Ond mae sancsiynau am dorri'r cod ymddygiad, a gallant amrywio o gerydd i atal dros dro neu wahardd rhag bod yn gynghorydd am gyfnod o hyd at bum mlynedd. Felly, mae’n fater difrifol.
Mae’n rhoi cyfle imi ddweud ein bod yn ymgynghori ar god ymddygiad diwygiedig ar hyn o bryd, er mwyn sicrhau ei fod yn parhau'n addas i’r diben ar gyfer ennyn ymddiriedaeth yn y safonau ymddygiad uchaf ar gyfer cynghorwyr. Ac yn amlwg, hoffwn annog fy nghyd-Aelodau i ddweud eu dweud yn yr ymgynghoriad hwnnw, a sicrhau'n enwedig ei fod yn addas i'r diben gyda phob un o'r gwahanol bethau y mae'n rhaid inni ymdrin â nhw y dyddiau hyn, er enghraifft bygythiadau ar-lein a chamdriniaeth ar y cyfryngau cymdeithasol.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Minister. Thank you for that response. Just to expand on the issue slightly further, because, from that particular incident, it also appears that the chief executive of the council was at the meeting where those comments were made, and the chief executive seems to have asked for those comments not to be minuted. I would say that this is staggering, to say the least, because, of course, we'd all advocate and want people to stand up and speak out when things like this happen, not shy away in an attempt to cover it up. You just mentioned there some of the consultation on a revised code of conduct, but, I wonder, can I ask what resources and what support are Welsh Government giving to local authorities in order to support staff and councillors when they're dealing with aggression and hostility, especially in light of the events that we heard about yesterday?
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Weinidog. Diolch am eich ymateb. I ymhelaethu ychydig ymhellach ar y mater, oherwydd yn y digwyddiad penodol hwnnw, ymddengys hefyd fod prif weithredwr y cyngor yn y cyfarfod lle gwnaed y sylwadau, ac mae'n ymddangos bod y prif weithredwr wedi gofyn i'r sylwadau hynny beidio â chael eu cynnwys yn y cofnodion. Byddwn yn dweud bod hyn yn syfrdanol, a dweud y lleiaf, oherwydd wrth gwrs, byddai pob un ohonom o blaid ac yn awyddus i bobl godi eu llais pan fydd pethau fel hyn yn digwydd, yn hytrach na cheisio eu cuddio. Rydych newydd sôn am yr ymgynghoriad ar god ymddygiad diwygiedig, ond a gaf fi ofyn tybed pa adnoddau a pha gymorth y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu rhoi i awdurdodau lleol er mwyn cefnogi staff a chynghorwyr pan fyddant yn ymdrin ag ymddygiad ymosodol a gelyniaeth, yn enwedig yn wyneb y digwyddiadau y clywsom amdanynt ddoe?
We're working really closely with the Welsh Local Government Association, but also with One Voice Wales, because we know that levels of abuse are increasingly concerning to members of town and community councils as well as principal councils. And we are now working to develop some training on the code of conduct, so that local authorities and those who are elected to serve on councils are aware of the responsibilities of the various partners who operate roles on those bodies, but also ways in which they can find support, in terms of the WLGA, the resources from the local council and also those support mechanisms that lie outside the formal council as well. So, I think that it is something that now has a very strong focus and is a very important part of the work of my officials in the local government department.
Rydym yn gweithio'n agos iawn gyda Chymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru, ond hefyd gydag Un Llais Cymru, gan y gwyddom fod lefelau camdriniaeth yn peri pryder cynyddol i aelodau cynghorau tref a chymuned yn ogystal â'r prif gynghorau. Ac rydym wrthi'n gweithio ar ddatblygu hyfforddiant ar y cod ymddygiad, fel bod awdurdodau lleol a’r rheini sy'n cael eu hethol i wasanaethu ar gynghorau yn ymwybodol o gyfrifoldebau’r partneriaid amrywiol sy’n cyflawni rolau ar y cyrff hynny, ond hefyd y ffyrdd y gallant gael cymorth, o ran CLlLC, yr adnoddau gan y cyngor lleol yn ogystal â'r mecanweithiau cymorth hynny y tu hwnt i'r cyngor ffurfiol hefyd. Felly, credaf fod ffocws cryf iawn ar hyn bellach, ac mae'n rhan bwysig iawn o waith fy swyddogion yn yr adran llywodraeth leol.
Thank you for that response, again, Minister. Certainly, we're supporting efforts to make sure our staff and councillors in local authorities are properly equipped.
I just want to touch, in my last question, on local development plans. I'm sure the First Minister was disappointed yesterday that my question was too far down the order paper to be able to raise a question on it with him yesterday. But, Minister, you will be aware of Wrexham council's recent decision to not support the local development plan that was placed in front of the council. I did note the First Minister made comments on this a few weeks ago here in the Chamber, and I did note that those comments seemed to be mocking the decision of the council. In my view, it's completely disrespectful of local democracy and the mandate that councillors received only last year in those local authority elections. My view is that democracy works best at a local level, and if a local authority does not want to support something, they should be well within their right to not support something. So, in your view, Minister, would you not agree with me that local councils and councillors deserve respect as the people on the ground who know best for their local communities? And what approach will you be taking to build bridges not just with Wrexham council, but with all councils to ensure that they are properly supported in the development of local development plans?
Diolch am eich ymateb unwaith eto, Weinidog. Yn sicr, rydym yn cefnogi ymdrechion i sicrhau bod ein staff a'n cynghorwyr mewn awdurdodau lleol yn cael eu paratoi'n briodol.
Hoffwn sôn yn fy nghwestiwn olaf am gynlluniau datblygu lleol. Rwy’n siŵr fod y Prif Weinidog wedi’i siomi ddoe fod fy nghwestiwn yn llawer rhy isel ar y papur trefn i allu codi cwestiwn ar hyn gydag ef ddoe. Ond Weinidog, fe fyddwch yn ymwybodol o benderfyniad diweddar cyngor Wrecsam i beidio â chefnogi’r cynllun datblygu lleol a gyflwynwyd gerbron y cyngor. Sylwais fod y Prif Weinidog wedi gwneud sylwadau ar hyn yma yn y Siambr ychydig wythnosau yn ôl, a nodais fod y sylwadau hynny, yn ôl pob golwg, yn gwatwar penderfyniad y cyngor. Yn fy marn i, mae hynny’n gwbl amharchus tuag at ddemocratiaeth leol a’r mandad a gafodd cynghorwyr y llynedd yn yr etholiadau awdurdodau lleol. Fy marn i yw bod democratiaeth yn gweithio orau ar lefel leol, ac os nad yw awdurdod lleol yn dymuno cefnogi rhywbeth, dylai fod ganddynt berffaith hawl i beidio â'i gefnogi. Felly, yn eich barn chi, Weinidog, oni fyddech yn cytuno â mi fod cynghorau lleol a chynghorwyr yn haeddu parch fel y bobl ar lawr gwlad sy’n gwybod beth sydd orau ar gyfer eu cymunedau lleol? A pha gamau y byddwch yn eu cymryd i godi pontydd nid yn unig gyda chyngor Wrecsam, ond gyda phob cyngor i sicrhau eu bod yn cael y cymorth priodol wrth ddatblygu eu cynlluniau datblygu lleol?
Well, Wrexham is the only local authority in Wales not to have an adopted local development plan in place, and obviously that is a really disappointing position for them to be in. In not adopting a plan, it does remove certainty for communities, for businesses and for investors in Wrexham. We considered the positive report from planning inspectors following the statutory scrutiny process. We consider, as a Welsh Government, that that does enable now the LDP in Wrexham to be adopted, and let's remember we've had 11 years of preparation in Wrexham for this plan, and it was a plan that the council itself considered to be sound and able to be adopted, but yet it hasn't been. I do know that a judicial review was launched by third parties against the decision by the local authority not to adopt the plan, but Wrexham have conceded this judicial review in full. I understand that the authority is now scheduled to consider this again on 14 June. I'm checking my watch—that's today or tomorrow.
Wel, Wrecsam yw'r unig awdurdod lleol yng Nghymru nad oes ganddo gynllun datblygu lleol ar waith, ac yn amlwg, mae honno'n sefyllfa wirioneddol siomedig iddynt fod ynddi. Wrth beidio â mabwysiadu cynllun, mae'n cael gwared ar sicrwydd i gymunedau, i fusnesau, ac i fuddsoddwyr yn Wrecsam. Fe wnaethom ystyried yr adroddiad cadarnhaol gan arolygwyr cynllunio yn dilyn y broses graffu statudol. Fel Llywodraeth Cymru, rydym yn ystyried bod hynny nawr yn ei gwneud hi'n bosibl i’r CDLl yn Wrecsam gael ei fabwysiadu, a gadewch inni gofio ein bod wedi cael 11 mlynedd o baratoi yn Wrecsam ar gyfer y cynllun hwn, a'i fod yn gynllun roedd y cyngor ei hun yn ei ystyried yn gynllun cadarn y gellir ei fabwysiadu, ond eto, nid yw hynny wedi digwydd. Gwn fod adolygiad barnwrol wedi’i lansio gan drydydd partïon yn erbyn penderfyniad yr awdurdod lleol i beidio â mabwysiadu’r cynllun, ond mae Wrecsam wedi derbyn yr adolygiad barnwrol hwn yn llawn. Deallaf fod yr awdurdod i fod i ystyried hyn eto ar 14 Mehefin. Rwy'n edrych ar fy oriawr—mae hynny naill ai heddiw neu yfory.
I was going to provide clarity, and then I worked out I couldn't work out whether it was 13 or 14 June.
Roeddwn yn mynd i ddarparu eglurder, ac yna sylweddolais nad oeddwn innau'n gwybod ai 13 neu 14 Mehefin yw hi.
Llefarydd Plaid Cymru, Mabon ap Gwynfor.
The Plaid Cymru spokesperson, Mabon ap Gwynfor.
Diolch, Llywydd. Well, Llywydd, I'm hearing incredibly concerning things from local government and the homelessness sector about their ability to deliver homeless prevention measures. Representatives from the sector have told me that many support providers and commissioners have spent the last two months discussing how to reduce and remodel homelessness and housing support services because they don't have the funds to continue delivering services at the same level as they did last year. The lack of any increase to the housing support grant is forcing the sector to cut services in order to pay minimum wage, and the figures published by the Government last week show that over 10,000 people are now in temporary accommodation, causing huge challenges for local government and the sector at large. The sector is now under mor pressure than ever before. The likely reduction in support hours and service delivery is incredibly concerning, and the impact will be felt by the most vulnerable in our society. So, what is the Minister’s message to them and the brilliant front-line workers in local government and third sector who are struggling at the moment? What consideration did the Minister give to providing additional funds from the UK Government spring statement to increase the housing support grant? And what priority will the Minister give to the housing support grant, should the additional funds or in-year savings become available?
Diolch, Lywydd. Wel, Lywydd, rwy'n clywed pethau sy'n peri cryn bryder gan lywodraeth leol a'r sector digartrefedd ynglŷn â'u gallu i roi mesurau atal digartrefedd ar waith. Mae cynrychiolwyr o’r sector wedi dweud wrthyf fod llawer o gomisiynwyr a darparwyr cymorth wedi treulio’r ddau fis diwethaf yn trafod sut i leihau ac ailfodelu gwasanaethau digartrefedd a chymorth tai gan nad oes ganddynt arian i barhau i ddarparu gwasanaethau ar yr un lefel ag y gwnaent y llynedd. Mae diffyg unrhyw gynnydd i’r grant cymorth tai yn gorfodi’r sector i dorri gwasanaethau er mwyn talu'r isafswm cyflog, ac mae’r ffigurau a gyhoeddwyd gan y Llywodraeth yr wythnos diwethaf yn dangos bod dros 10,000 o bobl bellach mewn llety dros dro, sy'n achosi heriau enfawr i lywodraeth leol a'r sector yn gyffredinol. Mae'r sector bellach dan fwy o bwysau nag erioed. Mae’r gostyngiad tebygol mewn oriau cymorth a darpariaeth gwasanaethau yn peri pryder enfawr, a bydd yr effaith yn cael ei theimlo gan y rhai mwyaf agored i niwed yn ein cymdeithas. Felly, beth yw neges y Gweinidog iddynt hwy ac i'r gweithwyr gwych ar y rheng flaen mewn llywodraeth leol a’r trydydd sector sy’n ei chael hi’n anodd ar hyn o bryd? Pa ystyriaeth a roddodd y Gweinidog i ddarparu cyllid ychwanegol o ddatganiad y gwanwyn Llywodraeth y DU i gynyddu’r grant cymorth tai? A pha flaenoriaeth y bydd y Gweinidog yn ei rhoi i’r grant cymorth tai, os gellir dod o hyd i'r arian ychwanegol neu arbedion yn ystod y flwyddyn?
I'm very grateful for the question and also to take this opportunity, as you have, to recognise the important work that people in local authorities and those delivering these schemes provide. I will say that the question really is a policy and budget question for the Minister for Climate Change. I’ll make her aware of these concerns. But from my perspective, I will certainly say that, in the three-year spending review that we undertook last year, we did increase the housing support grant by 30 per cent at the start of that three-year spending review period, and that was, I think, a significant uplift.
It wasn’t possible, of course, to do a similar thing in the second year of the three-year spending review just because of the fact that the way in which the money that came from Westminster to Wales was profiled means that we had the majority of it in year 1; years 2 and 3 will inevitably be much more difficult.
The amount of funding that was provided to Wales through the spring statement was absolutely paltry. And let’s remember that this year, our budget is worth £900 million less than it was when we set our budgets, and that is largely the impact of inflation. So, at the moment, we’re really not in the space of being able to allocate additional funding to new things. It is very much about getting a clear sight, really, of the pressures across Government and the impact that inflation is having on our existing plans. So, I don’t want to mislead anybody as to our ability, really, to be providing large amounts of additional funding for new things, much as we would obviously want to be able to.
Rwy’n ddiolchgar iawn am y cwestiwn, ac am gael achub ar y cyfle hwn, fel y gwnaethoch chi, i gydnabod y gwaith pwysig y mae pobl mewn awdurdodau lleol a’r rhai sy’n rhoi'r cynlluniau hyn ar waith yn ei ddarparu. Fe ddywedaf mai cwestiwn polisi a chyllideb i’r Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd yw’r cwestiwn hwn mewn gwirionedd. Byddaf yn sicrhau ei bod ymwybodol o’r pryderon hyn. Ond o’m rhan i, yn sicr, fe ddywedaf ein bod wedi cynyddu’r grant cymorth tai 30 y cant yn yr adolygiad o wariant tair blynedd a gynhaliwyd gennym y llynedd ar ddechrau'r cyfnod adolygu gwariant tair blynedd hwnnw, ac rwy'n credu bod hwnnw'n gynnydd sylweddol.
Nid oedd yn bosibl gwneud rhywbeth tebyg yn ail flwyddyn yr adolygiad o wariant tair blynedd wrth gwrs am fod y ffordd roedd yr arian a ddaeth o San Steffan i Gymru wedi'i broffilio yn golygu ein bod wedi cael y rhan fwyaf ohono ym mlwyddyn 1; mae’n anochel y bydd blynyddoedd 2 a 3 yn llawer anoddach.
Roedd yr arian a ddarparwyd i Gymru drwy ddatganiad y gwanwyn yn hollol bitw. A gadewch inni gofio bod ein cyllideb eleni yn werth £900 miliwn yn llai na phan wnaethom osod ein cyllidebau, ac effaith chwyddiant yw hynny i raddau helaeth. Felly, ar hyn o bryd, nid ydym yn gallu dyrannu cyllid ychwanegol i bethau newydd. Mae'n ymwneud i raddau helaeth â chael golwg glir ar y pwysau ar draws y Llywodraeth a'r effaith y mae chwyddiant yn ei chael ar ein cynlluniau presennol. Felly, nid wyf am gamarwain unrhyw un ynghylch ein gallu i ddarparu symiau mawr o gyllid ychwanegol ar gyfer pethau newydd, er y byddem yn dymuno gallu gwneud hynny, yn amlwg.
Thank you for the response. Of course, you didn't mention the increase—[Inaudible.]—the budget was £139 million back in 2012 and, in today's money, that is the equivalent of £186 million. So, in real terms, that's a £20 million cut that they've received over 10 years to the housing support grant. So, any in-year savings would be appreciated.
Diolch am eich ymateb. Wrth gwrs, ni sonioch chi am y cynnydd—[Anghlywadwy.]—roedd y gyllideb yn £139 miliwn yn ôl yn 2012, ac yn arian heddiw, mae hynny'n cyfateb i £186 miliwn. Felly, mewn termau real, dyna doriad o £20 miliwn y maent wedi'i gael dros 10 mlynedd i'r grant cymorth tai. Felly, byddai unrhyw arbedion yn ystod y flwyddyn yn cael eu gwerthfawrogi.
Dwi am droi y cwestiwn nesaf tuag at yr Undeb Ewropeaidd a'r pres sydd yn dod o'r Undeb Ewropeaidd. A dwi'n deall fod yna gyfanswm oddeutu £500 miliwn yn dal yn weddill i Gymru o ran y cyllid Undeb Ewropeaidd. Mae gennym ni tan ddiwedd y flwyddyn yma er mwyn sicrhau bod yr arian yma yn cael ei wario yn ei gyfanrwydd. Mae adroddiad diweddaraf Audit Wales ar y mater wedi cadarnhau bod yr arian yma wedi'i glustnodi ond bod angen pigo i fyny'r raddfa o wario yn sylweddol. Mae'r Gweinidog hefyd yn ymwybodol bod angen i fuddiolwyr yr arian yma i wneud yr hawliadau yn derfynol erbyn 7 Gorffennaf i'r Llywodraeth.
Felly, gaf i ofyn i'r Gweinidog, lle rydyn ni arno efo'r arian yma? Oes yna sicrwydd y bydd yr arian yma yn cael eu neilltuo a'i wario? Ac yn olaf, yng nghyd-destun yr hyn a ddywedais i ynghynt o ran rhaglenni aelodaeth yr Undeb Ewropeaidd ac yng nghyd-destun tai, beth ydy asesiad y Gweinidog o'r effaith o ddiffygion cynnig San Steffan i Gymru o ran y rhaglen cyllid allan o arian Undeb Ewropeaidd a'r cymorth sydd ar gael i ddarparu ar gyfer tai cymdeithasol yng Nghymru?
I want to turn the next question to the European Union and the funding that comes from the EU. And I understand that a total of around £500 million is still remaining to Wales from European funding. We have until the end of this year to ensure that this funding is spent in full. A recent report by Audit Wales on the issue has confirmed that this funding has been allocated, but that the expenditure rate needs to be accelerated significantly. The Minister will also be aware that the beneficiaries of this funding will have to make their final claims by 7 July to the Government.
So, may I ask the Minister where we are with this funding? Is there assurance that this funding will be allocated and spent? And finally, in the context of what I said earlier in terms of the EU membership programmes and in the context of housing, what's the Minister's assessment of the impact of the deficiencies of Westminster's proposals for Wales in terms of post-EU funding and the support available to provide for social housing in Wales?
Thank you very much for that question. The Member will be aware that Audit Wales concluded that the Welsh European Funding Office and the Welsh Government, despite some challenges including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, have managed to commit all of the EU grant funding and more to projects and beneficiaries.
The report did recognise that we still have some significant funds available to spend during 2023, whilst managing some significant risks to maximising the draw-down of the funding. I can say, though, since the publication of that report, we have made some further progress and seen more improvement in that position: now with only £320 million spend of the structural funds—the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund programmes—remaining. That was the data as of the first week of June, so, I would expect the position to have improved still since then.
The Minister for rural affairs and the Minister for Economy, who are responsible for these schemes, are obviously very actively keeping a close watch on this and driving forward the spend in those places. Obviously, the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee might take some interest in this as well. It's important that we respect the role of PAPAC in that. But, as I say, the position is improving and it's something that the two particular Ministers are very actively involved in.
It is the case, of course, that the funding that will come to Wales following our exit from the EU is just absolutely paltry compared to that which we would have received had we remained in the European Union. I think that's now accepted by more or less everybody. But, I think it's beyond that, part of the problems, really, are about the way in which the UK Government is going about allocating this funding. Going through local government, in some cases, puts some parts of the partnership landscape that we have in Wales against each other. It means that the third sector now, I think, feels that it is not having such a direct impact as it has had in the past. Obviously, the kind of funding cuts out, I suppose, the natural way in which we've previously engaged with further education and higher education. So, it has caused significant problems in terms of the way in which we would have envisaged our post-EU funding to be allocated. That said, of course we will work constructively where we can to maximise the benefit of that funding, and I will have some further discussions with the Minister for Climate Change on that particular point you raised about social housing.
Diolch yn fawr iawn am eich cwestiwn. Bydd yr Aelod yn gwybod bod Archwilio Cymru wedi dod i'r casgliad fod Swyddfa Cyllid Ewropeaidd Cymru a Llywodraeth Cymru, er gwaethaf rhai heriau, gan gynnwys oedi a achoswyd gan bandemig COVID-19, wedi llwyddo i ymrwymo holl gyllid grant yr UE a mwy i brosiectau a buddiolwyr.
Roedd yr adroddiad yn cydnabod bod gennym arian sylweddol ar ôl i'w wario yn ystod 2023, gan reoli risgiau sylweddol i wneud y mwyaf o'r cyllid y gellir ei dynnu i lawr. Gallaf ddweud, serch hynny, ers i'r adroddiad hwnnw gael ei gyhoeddi, ein bod wedi gwneud peth cynnydd pellach ac wedi gweld mwy o welliant yn y sefyllfa: gyda dim ond £320 miliwn o wariant o'r cronfeydd strwythurol—Cronfa Datblygu Rhanbarthol Ewrop a rhaglenni Cronfa Gymdeithasol Ewrop—yn weddill bellach. Dyna oedd y data yn wythnos gyntaf mis Mehefin, felly byddwn yn disgwyl i'r sefyllfa fod wedi gwella eto ers hynny.
Mae'n amlwg fod y Gweinidog dros faterion gwledig a Gweinidog yr Economi, sy'n gyfrifol am y cynlluniau hyn, yn cadw llygad barcud ar hyn ac yn gyrru'r gwariant yn ei flaen yn y meysydd hynny. Yn amlwg, gallai'r Pwyllgor Cyfrifon Cyhoeddus a Gweinyddiaeth Gyhoeddus fod â diddordeb yn hyn hefyd. Mae'n bwysig ein bod yn parchu rôl y Pwyllgor Cyfrifon Cyhoeddus a Gweinyddiaeth Gyhoeddus yn hynny o beth. Ond fel y dywedais, mae'r sefyllfa'n gwella, ac mae'n rhywbeth y mae'r ddau Weinidog penodol yn ymwneud yn weithredol iawn ag ef.
Mae'n wir, wrth gwrs, fod yr arian a ddaw i Gymru wedi inni ymadael â'r UE yn hollol bitw o gymharu â'r hyn y byddem wedi'i gael pe byddem wedi aros yn yr Undeb Ewropeaidd. Credaf fod pawb, fwy neu lai, yn derbyn hynny bellach. Ond credaf fod hyn yn ymwneud â mwy na hynny, a bod rhan o'r problemau, mewn gwirionedd, yn ymwneud â'r ffordd y mae Llywodraeth y DU yn mynd ati i ddyrannu'r cyllid hwn. Mae mynd drwy lywodraeth leol, mewn rhai achosion, yn gosod rhai rhannau o dirwedd y bartneriaeth sydd gennym yng Nghymru yn erbyn ei gilydd. Rwy'n credu ei fod yn golygu bod y trydydd sector yn teimlo bellach nad yw'n cael effaith mor uniongyrchol ag yr arferai ei chael yn y gorffennol. Yn amlwg, mae'r math o gyllid yn torri allan, mae'n debyg, y ffordd naturiol rydym wedi ymgysylltu ag addysg bellach ac addysg uwch yn y gorffennol. Felly, mae wedi achosi problemau sylweddol yn y ffordd y byddem wedi rhagweld y byddai ein cyllid ôl-UE yn cael ei ddyrannu. Wedi dweud hynny, wrth gwrs y byddwn yn gweithio'n adeiladol, lle gallwn, i sicrhau bod y cyllid hwnnw'n gwneud y budd mwyaf posibl, a byddaf yn cael trafodaethau pellach gyda'r Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd ar y pwynt penodol a godwyd gennych ynglŷn â thai cymdeithasol.
Cwestiwn 3, Rhys ab Owen. Dwi'n disgwyl i feicroffon Rhys ab Owen gael ei droi ymlaen.
Question 3, Rhys ab Owen. I'm waiting for Rhys ab Owen's microphone to be unmuted.
If somebody can—. Yes, there we go. Diolch, Rhys.
Os gall rhywun—. Ie, dyna ni. Diolch, Rhys.
I unmuted myself, Llywydd. [Laughter.]
Dadfudais fy hun, Lywydd. [Chwerthin.]
3. Pa drafodaethau y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'u cael gydag awdurdodau lleol yng Nghanol De Cymru ynghylch eu defnydd o bwerau benthyca i ariannu prosiectau cyfalaf? OQ59646
3. What discussions has the Minister had with local authorities in South Wales Central regarding their use of borrowing powers to fund capital projects? OQ59646
I discuss a range of financial issues with local authorities across Wales through regular standing and other meetings. Decisions on the use of their borrowing powers to invest in local priorities are a matter for local elected members.
Rwy'n trafod amrywiaeth o faterion ariannol gydag awdurdodau lleol ledled Cymru drwy gyfarfodydd sefydlog rheolaidd a chyfarfodydd eraill. Mater i aelodau etholedig lleol yw penderfyniadau ynglŷn â'u defnydd o'u pwerau benthyca i fuddsoddi mewn blaenoriaethau lleol.
Diolch yn fawr, Gweinidog. In a recent meeting of St Fagans Community Council, the First Minister, attending there as the Senedd Member for Cardiff West, highlighted the fact that local government has more borrowing powers than the Welsh Government. The First Minister then went on to say that the Welsh Government were exploring whether local government could use that borrowing power and then the Welsh Government pay back the interest on that borrowed money. That seemed to me an interesting way forward to deal with the current lack of fair funding to Wales from Westminster. Are you in a position, Gweinidog, to update the Senedd on any of these discussions? Diolch yn fawr.
Diolch yn fawr, Weinidog. Yn un o gyfarfodydd diweddar Cyngor Cymuned Sain Ffagan, tynnodd y Prif Weinidog, a oedd yn bresennol yno fel Aelod o'r Senedd dros Orllewin Caerdydd, sylw at y ffaith bod gan lywodraeth leol fwy o bwerau benthyca na Llywodraeth Cymru. Aeth y Prif Weinidog ymlaen i ddweud bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn ystyried a allai llywodraeth leol ddefnyddio'r pŵer benthyca hwnnw, a bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedyn yn talu'r llog yn ôl ar yr arian a fenthycwyd. I mi, roedd honno'n swnio fel ffordd ddiddorol o ymdrin â'r diffyg cyllid teg i Gymru gan San Steffan ar hyn o bryd. Weinidog, a ydych chi mewn sefyllfa i roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i'r Senedd ar unrhyw rai o'r trafodaethau hyn? Diolch yn fawr.
Thank you for the question. So, we have used supported borrowing in the past in terms of supporting local authorities with some of their road maintenance programmes in particular, and that was very much along the model that you described, where the Welsh Government would then provide revenue support to service the debts of that borrowing. It is something that we can continue to have some discussions about. We have talked to local authorities as to whether or not we could use this, for example, in the space of health and social care centres, but because of the rules that surround these matters, it would have to be a project that was very much more in the space of social care than health, so there are some things that we would have to get around to be able to deliver that. Of course, our lack of revenue budget is a challenge in and of itself.
So, we do continue to have these particular discussions with local authorities. We don't have any firm proposals on the table at the moment, but the broad point that you raise is also a really important one in terms of local authorities having more power to borrow. So, the amount of affordable borrowing that a local authority might undertake is determined by a professional assessment of what's affordable, prudent and sustainable for the circumstances of that authority, and then it's referred to the full council to endorse. Now, I think that is very much a model that would be appropriate for us in the Senedd. It would be a case of the Welsh Government coming forward with plans for prudential borrowing and for the Senedd then to scrutinise those plans and agree or otherwise. That is the model that I would prefer to see, especially since our current situation in terms of our annual borrowing limits and the aggregate just aren't really appropriate, and they haven't changed since 2016 and take no account of inflation in that period.
Diolch am eich cwestiwn. Rydym wedi defnyddio benthyca â chymorth yn y gorffennol i gefnogi awdurdodau lleol gyda rhai o'u rhaglenni cynnal a chadw ffyrdd yn benodol, ac roedd hynny'n debyg iawn i'r model a ddisgrifiwyd gennych, lle byddai Llywodraeth Cymru wedyn yn darparu cymorth refeniw ar gyfer dyledion y benthyca hwnnw. Mae'n rhywbeth y gallwn barhau i gael trafodaethau yn ei gylch. Rydym wedi trafod gydag awdurdodau lleol i weld a allem ddefnyddio hyn ai peidio, er enghraifft ym maes canolfannau iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol, ond oherwydd y rheolau sydd ynghlwm wrth y materion hyn, byddai'n rhaid iddo fod yn brosiect ym maes gofal cymdeithasol i raddau mwy nag iechyd, felly mae rhai pethau y byddai'n rhaid inni fynd o'u cwmpas er mwyn gallu cyflawni hynny. Wrth gwrs, mae ein diffyg cyllideb refeniw yn her ynddi'i hun.
Felly, rydym yn parhau i gael y trafodaethau penodol hyn gydag awdurdodau lleol. Nid oes gennym unrhyw gynigion pendant ar y bwrdd ar hyn o bryd, ond mae'r pwynt cyffredinol a godwch hefyd yn un pwysig iawn o ran awdurdodau lleol yn cael mwy o bŵer i fenthyca. Felly, caiff faint o fenthyca fforddiadwy y gallai awdurdod lleol ei wneud ei bennu drwy asesiad proffesiynol o'r hyn sy'n fforddiadwy, yn ddarbodus ac yn gynaliadwy ar gyfer amgylchiadau'r awdurdod hwnnw, ac yna caiff hynny ei gyfeirio at y cyngor llawn i'w gymeradwyo. Nawr, credaf fod hwnnw'n fodel a fyddai'n briodol i ni yn y Senedd. Byddai'n fater o Lywodraeth Cymru yn cyflwyno cynlluniau ar gyfer benthyca darbodus, a'r Senedd wedyn yn craffu ar y cynlluniau hynny a chytuno neu beidio. Dyna'r model yr hoffwn ei weld, yn enwedig gan nad yw ein sefyllfa bresennol o ran ein terfynau benthyca blynyddol a'r swm cyfanredol yn briodol iawn, nid ydynt wedi newid ers 2016, ac nid ydynt wedi ystyried chwyddiant yn y cyfnod hwnnw.
Minister, borrowing powers are a useful tool when deployed correctly to, obviously, improve infrastructure. In the Vale of Glamorgan, the village of Dinas Powys has had great difficulty with its transport infrastructure because of the main arterial route from Barry, which is the largest town in Wales, to Cardiff, which is a big employment centre. Is there scope within the borrowing powers for the local authority to look at major transport infrastructure projects unilaterally, and use those borrowing powers to fund such infrastructure developments in this key bottleneck that is causing so much blight to the villagers of Dinas Powys?
Weinidog, mae pwerau benthyca yn offeryn defnyddiol pan gânt eu defnyddio'n gywir, i wella'r seilwaith, yn amlwg. Ym Mro Morgannwg, mae pentref Dinas Powys wedi cael cryn drafferth gyda'i seilwaith trafnidiaeth oherwydd y ffordd brifwythiennol o'r Barri, sef y dref fwyaf yng Nghymru, i Gaerdydd, sy'n ganolfan gyflogaeth fawr. A oes lle o fewn y pwerau benthyca i'r awdurdod lleol edrych ar brosiectau seilwaith trafnidiaeth mawr yn unochrog, a defnyddio'r pwerau benthyca hynny i ariannu datblygiadau seilwaith o'r fath yn y dagfa allweddol hon sy'n peri cymaint o drallod i drigolion Dinas Powys?
So, the local authority would need to undertake the borrowing fully within the prudential borrowing framework. It does allow local authorities to typically borrow for capital investment purposes, also to refinance existing debt, and then temporary borrowing for any purpose, should there be short-term need, such as if they’re expecting a large capital receipt. They would also then have to have full regard to the proper practices set out in the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy prudential code for capital finance in local authorities, when they are determining their borrowing limit. The overarching requirement of that code, as I was saying to the former Member, is that it would have to be prudent, sustainable and affordable, so I think it would be really for the local authority to be considering its borrowing within those particular confines.
Byddai angen i'r awdurdod lleol fenthyca yn gyfan gwbl o fewn y fframwaith benthyca darbodus. Mae'n caniatáu i awdurdodau lleol fenthyca fel arfer at ddibenion buddsoddi cyfalaf, ac i ailariannu dyledion presennol, ac yna benthyca dros dro at unrhyw ddiben, os oes angen benthyca yn y tymor byr, er enghraifft, os ydynt yn disgwyl derbyn swm cyfalaf mawr. Yna, byddai'n rhaid iddynt gadw at yr arferion priodol a nodir yng nghod materion ariannol y Sefydliad Siartredig Cyllid Cyhoeddus a Chyfrifyddiaeth ar gyfer cyllid cyfalaf mewn awdurdodau lleol, pan fyddant yn penderfynu ar eu terfyn benthyca. Gofyniad trosfwaol y cod hwnnw, fel roeddwn yn ei ddweud wrth yr Aelod, yw y byddai'n rhaid iddo fod yn ddarbodus, yn gynaliadwy ac yn fforddiadwy, felly credaf mai mater i'r awdurdod lleol fyddai ystyried ei fenthyca o fewn y cyfyngiadau penodol hynny.
4. Pa drafodaethau y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'u cael gyda'r Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol ynghylch yr angen i ddyrannu cyllid ychwanegol i awdurdodau lleol i gefnogi trigolion bregus? OQ59662
4. What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Social Justice regarding the need for additional allocation of finances for local authorities to support vulnerable residents? OQ59662
We have provided over £3 billion of support to those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis, including support channelled through local authorities. I continue to engage closely with the Minister for Social Justice on this issue, including through our work as members on the cost-of-living Cabinet sub-committee.
Rydym wedi darparu dros £3 biliwn o gymorth i'r rhai yr effeithir arnynt fwyaf gan yr argyfwng costau byw, gan gynnwys cymorth a sianelwyd drwy awdurdodau lleol. Rwy'n parhau i ymgysylltu'n agos â'r Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol ar y mater hwn, gan gynnwys drwy ein gwaith fel aelodau o is-bwyllgor y Cabinet ar gostau byw.
Diolch am yr ateb, Gweinidog.
Thank you very much for that response, Minister.
The upcoming refresh to the child poverty strategy scheduled for autumn this year presents an opportunity to really think ambitiously about the ways that this long-standing issue can be tackled. It is, of course, a responsibility that will cut across Government budgets and a variety of portfolios. Now, with local government settlements stretched, charities such as Barnardo’s Cymru are calling for the Welsh Government to ring-fence funding for local authorities directed at supporting children in poverty, as well as further investment in local government-administered services such as Flying Start and Families First. So, with the renewed strategy around the corner, have you discussed with the Minister for Social Justice whether additional resources will be allocated and ring-fenced for measures such as these?
Mae'r diweddariad sydd ar y ffordd i'r strategaeth tlodi plant a drefnwyd ar gyfer yr hydref eleni yn gyfle i feddwl yn uchelgeisiol am y ffyrdd y gellir mynd i'r afael â'r broblem hirsefydlog hon. Wrth gwrs, mae hwn yn gyfrifoldeb a fydd yn ymwneud ag amrywiaeth o bortffolios a chyllidebau'r Llywodraeth. Nawr, gyda setliadau llywodraeth leol o dan bwysau, mae elusennau fel Barnardo's Cymru yn galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i glustnodi cyllid ar gyfer awdurdodau lleol wedi'i gyfeirio at gefnogi plant mewn tlodi, yn ogystal â buddsoddiad pellach mewn gwasanaethau a weinyddir gan lywodraeth leol fel Dechrau'n Deg a Teuluoedd yn Gyntaf. Felly, gyda'r strategaeth newydd ar y gorwel, a ydych wedi trafod gyda'r Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol i weld a fydd adnoddau ychwanegol yn cael eu dyrannu a'u clustnodi ar gyfer mesurau fel y rhain?
Thank you for the question. So, we are working with partners, and with over 3,000 children, actually, to deliver that strategy, and also working with the organisations in the sector. The strategy that we will consult on sets out what we’ve heard, what we’re doing about it, and where we’ll be focusing our efforts in future. The aim then is to produce that final strategy by the end of this year and work with partners to deliver that strategy.
What I would say in terms of ring-fencing funding, actually that moves in a different direction to that which we’re taking at the moment, so we have a programme for government commitment to reduce the administrative burden on local authorities. So, Welsh Government officials held a number of important meetings with local authorities. I’ve spoken to leaders, they’ve spoken to the Society of Welsh Treasurers, and have concluded that one of the biggest burdens administratively on local authorities was the way in which we deal with grants. So, we’re actually going through a process at the moment of reviewing our grants in Wales along the lines of considering whether these grants can be moved into the RSG without having an impact on delivery, because some of the grants that we deal with are very small and probably disproportionate, I think, in terms of the industry of work that is created to administer those grants. So, we are moving in a different direction; it’s more about that trusting relationship that we have with local government. But that said, when we do consider individual grants, we do so having a full impact assessment, because obviously, we don’t want to be doing anything that causes harm to those people who we’re trying to support. So, this is a piece of work that is just starting at the moment, but just to say, really, our broad direction is about the dehypothecation rather than ring fencing.
Diolch am eich cwestiwn. Rydym yn gweithio gyda phartneriaid, a chyda dros 3,000 o blant mewn gwirionedd, ar ddarparu'r strategaeth honno, ac yn gweithio hefyd gyda sefydliadau yn y sector. Mae'r strategaeth y byddwn yn ymgynghori arni yn nodi'r hyn rydym wedi'i glywed, yr hyn rydym yn ei wneud am y peth, a lle byddwn yn canolbwyntio ein hymdrechion yn y dyfodol. Y nod wedyn yw cynhyrchu'r strategaeth derfynol honno erbyn diwedd eleni a gweithio gyda phartneriaid i roi'r strategaeth honno ar waith.
Yr hyn y byddwn yn ei ddweud o ran clustnodi cyllid yw bod hynny'n mynd i gyfeiriad gwahanol i'r hyn rydym yn ei wneud ar hyn o bryd, felly mae gennym ymrwymiad yn y rhaglen lywodraethu i leihau'r baich gweinyddol ar awdurdodau lleol. Cynhaliodd swyddogion Llywodraeth Cymru nifer o gyfarfodydd pwysig gydag awdurdodau lleol. Rwyf wedi siarad ag arweinwyr, maent hwythau wedi siarad â Chymdeithas Trysoryddion Cymru, ac wedi dod i'r casgliad mai un o'r beichiau gweinyddol mwyaf ar awdurdodau lleol yw'r ffordd rydym yn ymdrin â grantiau. Felly, ar hyn o bryd, rydym wrthi'n adolygu ein grantiau yng Nghymru er mwyn ystyried a ellir symud y grantiau hyn i'r grant cynnal refeniw heb gael effaith ar ddarpariaeth, gan fod rhai o'r grantiau rydym yn ymdrin â nhw yn fach iawn ac yn anghymesur, mae'n debyg, o ran y gwaith a grëir er mwyn gweinyddu'r grantiau hynny. Felly, rydym yn mynd i gyfeiriad gwahanol; mae'n ymwneud mwy â'r berthynas o ymddiriedaeth sydd gennym â llywodraeth leol. Ond wedi dweud hynny, pan fyddwn yn ystyried grantiau unigol, rydym yn gwneud hynny ar ôl cael asesiad effaith llawn, oherwydd yn amlwg, nid ydym eisiau gwneud unrhyw beth sy'n peri niwed i'r bobl rydym yn ceisio'u cefnogi. Felly, mae hwn yn waith sydd newydd ddechrau, ond dylid nodi ein bod yn teithio, yn gyffredinol, i gyfeiriad dadneilltuo yn hytrach na chlustnodi.
Minister, last week, the older people’s commissioner said that the cost-of-living crisis meant that activities that help prevent loneliness are no longer affordable for older people. The commissioner said that support for community groups and volunteers working to combat loneliness is so important as we face the cost-of-living crisis. Minister, what considerations have you given to providing ring-fenced funding to local authorities to enable them to support community groups tackling loneliness and isolation, especially as many councils continue to cut back on services such as day centres and libraries?
Weinidog, yr wythnos diwethaf, dywedodd y comisiynydd pobl hŷn fod yr argyfwng costau byw yn golygu nad yw gweithgareddau sy'n helpu i atal unigrwydd bellach yn fforddiadwy i bobl hŷn. Dywedodd y comisiynydd fod cymorth i grwpiau cymunedol a gwirfoddolwyr sy'n gweithio i frwydro yn erbyn unigrwydd mor bwysig wrth inni wynebu'r argyfwng costau byw. Weinidog, pa ystyriaethau a roddwyd gennych i ddarparu cyllid wedi'i glustnodi i awdurdodau lleol i'w galluogi i gefnogi grwpiau cymunedol sy'n mynd i'r afael ag unigrwydd ac ynysigrwydd, yn enwedig wrth i lawer o gynghorau barhau i dorri gwasanaethau fel canolfannau dydd a llyfrgelloedd?
I would refer the Member to the previous question in terms of our approach to ring fencing of funding and that we're moving in a different direction, really, about having that relationship of trust with local authorities, understanding that they know their communities best and that we don't want to be taking officer time up with filling forms in when it's disproportionate to do so. So, we are moving away from that ring fencing where possible and where it is appropriate to do so—it won't be in all cases.
But the point that you make really is about how we support older people through the cost-of-living crisis. I think one of the important things that we did was introduce the grant funding to local authorities to set up warm hubs. I know they've been absolutely invaluable for older people in particular across the winter, but actually some of those hubs are now continuing as welcome spaces, and they're continuing right through the summer and potentially beyond, to provide that place for people to go—older people, of course, but others too, to try and alleviate some of that loneliness and isolation that people are feeling. Again, it's something that I know is a real priority for the Minister.
Byddwn yn cyfeirio'r Aelod at y cwestiwn blaenorol mewn perthynas â'n dull o glustnodi cyllid a'r ffaith ein bod yn symud i gyfeiriad gwahanol, mewn gwirionedd, o ran sicrhau'r berthynas honno o ymddiriedaeth ag awdurdodau lleol, gan ddeall mai nhw sy'n adnabod eu cymunedau orau ac nad ydym am wastraffu amser swyddogion drwy ofyn iddynt lenwi ffurflenni pan fydd yn anghymesur i wneud hynny. Felly, rydym yn symud i ffwrdd o'r clustnodi hwnnw lle bo'n bosibl a lle mae'n briodol gwneud hynny—ni fydd yn bosibl ym mhob achos.
Ond mae'r pwynt rydych chi'n ei wneud yn ymwneud â sut rydym yn cefnogi pobl hŷn drwy'r argyfwng costau byw. Rwy'n credu mai un o'r pethau pwysig a wnaethom oedd cyflwyno'r cyllid grant i awdurdodau lleol allu sefydlu canolfannau clyd. Rwy'n gwybod eu bod wedi bod yn gwbl amhrisiadwy i bobl hŷn yn enwedig dros y gaeaf, ond mewn gwirionedd mae rhai o'r canolfannau hynny bellach yn parhau fel mannau croeso, ac maent yn parhau drwy'r haf a thu hwnt o bosibl, i ddarparu lle i bobl fynd iddo—pobl hŷn, wrth gwrs, ond eraill hefyd, i geisio lleddfu rhywfaint o'r unigrwydd a'r ynysigrwydd y mae pobl yn ei deimlo. Unwaith eto, gwn fod honno'n flaenoriaeth go iawn i'r Gweinidog.
5. Beth yw asesiad cyfredol Llywodraeth Cymru o gynnydd o ran cydweithio rhwng awdurdodau lleol? OQ59652
5. What is the Welsh Government's current assessment of progress on joint working between local authorities? OQ59652
I am grateful to local authority partners for their work and progress in establishing corporate joint committees. These were provided for by the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 to support regional working where it makes sense to do so.
Rwy'n ddiolchgar i bartneriaid awdurdodau lleol am eu gwaith a'u cynnydd wrth sefydlu cyd-bwyllgorau corfforedig. Darparwyd ar gyfer y rhain gan Ddeddf Llywodraeth Leol ac Etholiadau (Cymru) 2021 i gefnogi gweithio rhanbarthol lle mae'n gwneud synnwyr i wneud hynny.
Thank you for that, Minister. There are different configurations at play, aren't there, in different parts of Wales, with regard to joint working between local authorities, and it can get quite complicated. In south-east Wales and in Newport East, Minister, we have the Burns commission with its proposals for better integrated transport, which is really important for the future of the area, and in Newport East that involves Newport City Council and Monmouthshire County Council. We also, of course, have the corporate joint committee and the city deal. I just wonder, with an agenda as important as the Burns commission, what is the Welsh Government's role in assessing the effectiveness of the joint working between the different organisational structures, and whether that's going forward at the pace and making the progress that Welsh Government would like to see.
Diolch am hynny, Weinidog. Mae gwahanol ffurfiau ar waith, onid oes, mewn gwahanol rannau o Gymru, o ran cydweithio rhwng awdurdodau lleol, a gall fynd yn eithaf cymhleth. Yn ne-ddwyrain Cymru ac yn Nwyrain Casnewydd, Weinidog, mae gennym gomisiwn Burns gyda'i gynigion ar gyfer gwell trafnidiaeth integredig, sy'n bwysig iawn ar gyfer dyfodol yr ardal, ac yn Nwyrain Casnewydd mae hynny'n cynnwys Cyngor Dinas Casnewydd a Chyngor Sir Fynwy. Mae gennym hefyd y cyd-bwyllgor corfforedig a'r fargen ddinesig wrth gwrs. Gydag agenda mor bwysig â chomisiwn Burns, tybed beth yw rôl Llywodraeth Cymru wrth asesu effeithiolrwydd y cydweithio rhwng y gwahanol strwythurau sefydliadol, ac a yw'n symud ymlaen ar y cyflymder ac yn gwneud y cynnydd yr hoffai Llywodraeth Cymru ei weld?
I'm very grateful to John Griffiths for the question. On this occasion, Llywydd, I might ask the Minister with responsibility for transport to provide a more detailed response to that, because my role in respect of corporate joint committees is more around the governance of those partnerships. I did meet recently with the Minister for Climate Change, the Deputy Minister for Climate Change, and also the Minister for Economy, with all of the CJCs and we talked about their important role in terms of planning, transport and economic development, making sure that those things are properly joined up and dealt with in a collaborative and strategic way. I should say, at this point, thank you to the Local Government and Housing Committee for the interest that you've taken in CJCs in particular. I'm very much looking forward to hearing more about what the committee's conclusions are.
Rwy'n ddiolchgar iawn i John Griffiths am y cwestiwn. Ar yr achlysur hwn, Lywydd, efallai y caf ofyn i'r Gweinidog sy'n gyfrifol am drafnidiaeth ddarparu ymateb manylach i hynny, oherwydd mae fy rôl mewn perthynas â chyd-bwyllgorau corfforedig yn ymwneud yn fwy â llywodraethu'r partneriaethau hynny. Yn ddiweddar, fe gafodd y Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd, y Dirprwy Weinidog Newid Hinsawdd, a Gweinidog yr Economi a minnau gyfarfod gyda'r holl gyd-bwyllgorau corfforedig a buom yn siarad am eu rôl bwysig o ran cynllunio, trafnidiaeth a datblygu economaidd, gan sicrhau bod y pethau hynny'n cael eu cydgysylltu'n iawn a'u trin mewn ffordd gydweithredol a strategol. Ar y pwynt hwn, hoffwn ddiolch i'r Pwyllgor Llywodraeth Leol a Thai am y diddordeb rydych wedi'i ddangos mewn cyd-bwyllgorau corfforedig yn enwedig. Rwy'n edrych ymlaen yn fawr at glywed mwy am gasgliadau'r pwyllgor.
The Minister will be aware that prior to my colleague, Sam Rowlands, I actually held the portfolio for local government for nine years here, and over that time we saw off three whole-scale plans for merging local authorities. At the time, it was talked up that local authorities would actually start working more closely together. As a member of Conwy County Borough Council in 2004, in cabinet, I remember talks at that time about having a north Wales payroll system. Now, only recently, we've lost a bus service in my area, the T19, and all we needed to support that bus service running was co-operation from Gwynedd county council, but we had no representation whatsoever from them on that aspect, and as a result of that we have lost a very valuable bus service. So, what actual plans are in place to continue the theory going forwards of more joint working between local authorities, and one that is meaningful? Thank you.
Bydd y Gweinidog yn ymwybodol imi fod â'r portffolio llywodraeth leol am naw mlynedd, cyn fy nghyd-Aelod, Sam Rowlands, ac yn ystod y cyfnod hwnnw fe gawsom wared ar dri chynllun llawn ar uno awdurdodau lleol. Ar y pryd, soniwyd y byddai awdurdodau lleol yn dechrau cydweithio'n agosach. Fel aelod o Gyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy yn 2004, yn y cabinet, rwy'n cofio sgyrsiau bryd hynny am gael system gyflogres yng ngogledd Cymru. Nawr, yn ddiweddar, rydym wedi colli gwasanaeth bws yn fy ardal i, gwasanaeth T19, a'r cyfan oedd ei angen arnom i gefnogi'r gwasanaeth bws hwnnw oedd cydweithrediad â chyngor sir Gwynedd, ond ni chawsom unrhyw gynrychiolaeth o gwbl ganddynt ar yr agwedd honno, ac o ganlyniad i hynny rydym wedi colli gwasanaeth bws gwerthfawr iawn. Felly, pa gynlluniau sydd ar waith i barhau â'r theori o fwy o gydweithio ystyrlon rhwng awdurdodau lleol yn y dyfodol? Diolch.
I think there is a great deal of joint working going forward now and CJCs, I think, are now really starting to work very well together. We have managed to work with the UK Government, actually, to deal with some of the key operational issues that were facing CJCs, including in relation to VAT and wider taxation issues. UK Government did introduce legislation to deal with those matters, because CJCs themselves felt that not having those taxation matters dealt with was preventing them, really, from moving forward together. So, I'm pleased that those issues have now been dealt with.
I think that I will also mention a piece of work that I've been doing with Cefin Campbell through our co-operation agreement, which is a review of the partnership landscape across Wales to make sure that the landscape that we have at the moment is fit for purpose. And as part of that work—and it didn't include CJCs, but it did include regional partnership boards, substance misuse boards, and also violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence and a whole range of other boards—we met with all of the chairs of those over a period of time and heard about their experiences in terms of the barriers to better collaboration. So, now we're pulling together everything that we've heard from those conversations, and we'll be presenting a paper to the partnership council for Wales in July. We'll make sure that the Senedd is fully updated on our findings and our recommendations for the way forward as well.
Rwy'n credu bod llawer iawn o gydweithio wrth symud ymlaen nawr ac rwy'n credu bod cyd-bwyllgorau corfforedig yn dechrau gweithio'n dda iawn gyda'i gilydd bellach. Rydym wedi llwyddo i weithio gyda Llywodraeth y DU, mewn gwirionedd, i ymdrin â rhai o'r materion gweithredol allweddol a oedd yn wynebu cyd-bwyllgorau corfforedig, gan gynnwys mewn perthynas â TAW a materion trethiant ehangach. Cyflwynodd Llywodraeth y DU ddeddfwriaeth i fynd i'r afael â'r materion hynny, oherwydd roedd cyd-bwyllgorau corfforedig eu hunain yn teimlo bod peidio ag ymdrin â'r materion trethiant hynny yn eu hatal rhag symud ymlaen gyda'i gilydd mewn gwirionedd. Felly, rwy'n falch fod y materion hynny bellach wedi cael eu datrys.
Rwy'n credu yr hoffwn sôn hefyd am waith y bûm yn ei wneud gyda Cefin Campbell drwy ein cytundeb cydweithio, sef adolygiad o'r dirwedd bartneriaeth ledled Cymru i wneud yn siŵr fod y dirwedd sydd gennym ar hyn o bryd yn addas i'r diben. Ac fel rhan o'r gwaith hwnnw—ac nid oedd yn cynnwys cyd-bwyllgorau corfforedig, ond roedd yn cynnwys byrddau partneriaeth rhanbarthol, byrddau camddefnyddio sylweddau, a hefyd trais yn erbyn menywod, cam-drin domestig a thrais rhywiol ac ystod eang o fyrddau eraill—fe wnaethom gyfarfod â phob un o gadeiryddion y rheini dros gyfnod o amser a chlywed am eu profiadau o ran y rhwystrau i gydweithio'n well. Felly, nawr rydym yn tynnu popeth a glywsom o'r sgyrsiau hynny at ei gilydd, a byddwn yn cyflwyno papur i gyngor partneriaeth Cymru ym mis Gorffennaf. Byddwn yn sicrhau bod y Senedd yn cael yr wybodaeth lawn am ein canfyddiadau a'n hargymhellion ar gyfer y ffordd ymlaen hefyd.
Continuing with this theme—
Gan barhau â'r thema hon—
6. A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am effeithiolrwydd byrddau gwasanaethau cyhoeddus? OQ59647
6. Will the Minister make a statement on the effectiveness of public service boards? OQ59647
Yes. Public services boards are an effective vehicle for cross-public-service collaboration. Each has its own strengths and priorities. PSBs are now publishing their updated local well-being plans, and I'm working with the future generations commissioner to consider how best to support PSBs to deliver these.
Gwnaf. Mae byrddau gwasanaethau cyhoeddus yn gyfryngau effeithiol ar gyfer cydweithredu ar draws gwasanaethau cyhoeddus. Mae gan bob un ei gryfderau a'i flaenoriaethau ei hun. Mae byrddau gwasanaethau cyhoeddus bellach yn cyhoeddi eu cynlluniau llesiant lleol wedi'u diweddaru, ac rwy'n gweithio gyda chomisiynydd cenedlaethau'r dyfodol i ystyried y ffordd orau o gynorthwyo byrddau gwasanaethau cyhoeddus i gyflawni'r rhain.
Thank you. Clearly, PSBs play a crucial role in delivering on the seven well-being goals and the ways of working of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. What role, in your view, are PSBs playing in tackling food security, whether it's nurturing local farming and food businesses, procuring food locally for schools, hospitals and homes, or ensuring affordable food is available locally to all households in the midst of this cost-of-living crisis?
Diolch. Yn amlwg, mae gan fyrddau gwasanaethau cyhoeddus rôl hanfodol wrth gyflawni'r saith nod llesiant a'r ffyrdd o weithio a nodir yn Neddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau'r Dyfodol (Cymru) 2015. Pa rôl, yn eich barn chi, y mae byrddau gwasanaethau cyhoeddus yn ei chwarae wrth fynd i'r afael â diogeledd bwyd, naill ai drwy feithrin busnesau ffermio a bwyd lleol, caffael bwyd lleol i ysgolion, ysbytai a chartrefi, neu sicrhau bod bwyd fforddiadwy ar gael yn lleol i bob cartref yng nghanol yr argyfwng costau byw?
I'm really grateful to Jenny Rathbone for raising this and, in anticipation of her question this afternoon, because I know how passionate Jenny is in terms of ensuring food security and the availability of good quality food, I have asked officials to look at all nine of the 13 public services boards' well-being plans that have been published so far. And I'm really pleased that all of those plans have prioritised food in at least one of their objectives, and the priorities relate to sustainable food, food security, food poverty and also supply chains, depending on the particular focus of the PSB. PSBs have learned, from experience, that having too many objectives, I think, was difficult in the past. So, they have narrowed down those number of objectives, but to have food as part of those objectives in all of those plans I think really speaks to the important role that PSBs themselves recognise that they can play in this particular space.
We are expecting all of the remaining plans to be submitted very shortly, and it's the intention then to publish those as a suite together. But, yes, PSBs, I think, have a really important role to play. And I did have the opportunity to speak to the future generations commissioner earlier this week. I know that Jenny met with him last week to discuss some of these issues as well. So, we're, I think, all very much on the same page.
Rwy'n ddiolchgar iawn i Jenny Rathbone am godi'r mater hwn, a chyn ei chwestiwn y prynhawn yma, oherwydd rwy'n gwybod pa mor angerddol yw Jenny ynghylch sicrhau diogeledd bwyd ac argaeledd bwyd o ansawdd da, rwyf wedi gofyn i swyddogion edrych ar bob un o'r naw cynllun llesiant sydd wedi'u cyhoeddi gan y 13 bwrdd gwasanaethau cyhoeddus hyd yn hyn. Ac rwy'n falch iawn fod yr holl gynlluniau hynny wedi blaenoriaethu bwyd mewn o leiaf un o'u hamcanion, a bod y blaenoriaethau'n ymwneud â bwyd cynaliadwy, diogeledd bwyd, tlodi bwyd a chadwyni cyflenwi hefyd, yn dibynnu ar ffocws penodol y bwrdd gwasanaethau cyhoeddus. Mae byrddau gwasanaethau cyhoeddus wedi dysgu o brofiad fod cael gormod o amcanion, rwy'n credu, yn anodd yn y gorffennol. Felly, maent wedi lleihau nifer yr amcanion, ond rwy'n credu bod cael bwyd yn rhan o'r amcanion hynny ym mhob un o'r cynlluniau yn dangos y rôl bwysig y mae byrddau gwasanaethau cyhoeddus eu hunain yn cydnabod y gallant ei chwarae yn y gofod penodol hwn.
Rydym yn disgwyl i'r holl gynlluniau sy'n weddill gael eu cyflwyno'n fuan iawn, a'r bwriad wedyn yw cyhoeddi'r rheini fel cyfres gyda'i gilydd. Ond oes, rwy'n credu bod gan fyrddau gwasanaethau cyhoeddus rôl bwysig iawn i'w chwarae. A chefais gyfle i siarad â chomisiynydd cenedlaethau'r dyfodol yn gynharach yr wythnos hon. Gwn fod Jenny wedi cyfarfod ag ef yr wythnos diwethaf i drafod rhai o'r materion hyn hefyd. Felly, rwy'n credu ein bod i gyd yn gytûn ar hyn.
7. A wnaiff Llywodraeth Cymru roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am y rhaglen buddsoddi i arbed? OQ59628
7. Will the Welsh Government provide an update on the invest-to-save programme? OQ59628
Yes, I will. Since its introduction in 2009, the invest-to-save programme has supported approximately 200 projects, with an aggregate value in the region of £200 million. Most recently, it has provided funding for three new projects, helping us to deliver our programme for government commitment in respect of looked-after children.
Gwnaf. Ers ei chyflwyno yn 2009, mae'r rhaglen buddsoddi i arbed wedi cefnogi tua 200 o brosiectau, gyda gwerth cyfanredol o tua £200 miliwn. Yn fwyaf diweddar, mae wedi darparu cyllid ar gyfer tri phrosiect newydd, gan ein helpu i gyflawni ymrwymiad ein rhaglen lywodraethu mewn perthynas â phlant sy'n derbyn gofal.
Can I thank the Minister for that response? Invest-to-save is a project I've consistently supported. Using investment to produce long-term savings by greater efficiency will increase productivity. This is the way forward for the public sector, assuming we're not going to have infinite sums of money in the future. Will the Minister comment on the success of invest-to-save and how the learning from projects is being copied by other organisations? As we've seen far too often, in Wales, everyone has to discover the benefits themselves as if it was for the first time.
A gaf fi ddiolch i'r Gweinidog am yr ateb hwnnw? Mae buddsoddi i arbed yn brosiect rwyf wedi'i gefnogi'n gyson. Bydd defnyddio buddsoddi i gynhyrchu arbedion hirdymor mewn ffordd fwy effeithlon yn cynyddu cynhyrchiant. Dyma'r ffordd ymlaen i'r sector cyhoeddus, gan gymryd na fydd gennym symiau di-ben-draw o arian yn y dyfodol. A wnaiff y Gweinidog wneud sylw am lwyddiant buddsoddi i arbed a'r modd y mae'r gwersi a ddysgwyd o brosiectau yn cael eu hefelychu gan sefydliadau eraill? Fel rydym wedi'i weld yn llawer rhy aml, yng Nghymru mae'n rhaid i bawb ddarganfod y manteision eu hunain fel pe bai am y tro cyntaf.
Absolutely, and I share Mike Hedges's passion, if you like, for invest-to-save and everything that that means for the future way in which we fund various things across Wales. And at this point, I just really recognise the work that Jane Dodds has done in this space as well, because the work that we're funding at the moment comes very much as part of the discussions that Jane and I had during the budget negotiations and discussions the year before last. So, as a result of that now, we have projects funding advocacy services to prevent families from breaking up; £1 million is now with the National Adoption Service to continue their Fostering Wellbeing programme; and also £4.4 million to support Foster Wales and enable them to expand their provision so that they can improve the ability of local authority fostering services to retain and support foster carers. So, I think all of that is really important, and I think the learning will spread probably more easily in the space of looked-after children and foster carers than it has in some other places. I know one of Mike Hedges's real concerns, and mine too, has been about how it's been difficult to move the success from the projects that have been supported through invest-to-save to making it kind of business as usual, making it the natural choice for businesses—sorry, for organisations—across Wales.
We did have some work done with Cardiff University, Nesta, that looked at why good practice was struggling to be spread across Wales through the invest-to-save scheme, and I think that we've been able to use that learning to find better ways to support some of the work that has taken place.
Currently, we have the invest-to-save funds ring-fenced within the health and social services group, and also within the looked-after children's team. I'll perhaps write to Mike Hedges with a bit more information about those things.
Yn hollol, ac rwy'n rhannu angerdd Mike Hedges, os hoffech, ynglŷn â buddsoddi i arbed a phopeth y mae hynny'n ei olygu ar gyfer y ffordd rydym yn ariannu gwahanol bethau ledled Cymru yn y dyfodol. Ac ar hyn o bryd, rwy'n cydnabod y gwaith y mae Jane Dodds wedi'i wneud yn hyn o beth hefyd, oherwydd mae'r gwaith rydym yn ei ariannu ar hyn o bryd yn dod fel rhan fawr o'r trafodaethau a gafodd Jane a minnau yn ystod trafodaethau a negodiadau'r gyllideb y flwyddyn cyn y llynedd. Felly, o ganlyniad i hynny nawr, mae gennym brosiectau sy'n ariannu gwasanaethau eiriolaeth i atal teuluoedd rhag chwalu; mae £1 filiwn wedi mynd i'r Gwasanaeth Mabwysiadu Cenedlaethol i barhau â'u rhaglen Maethu Lles; a hefyd £4.4 miliwn i gefnogi Maethu Cymru a'u galluogi i ehangu eu darpariaeth fel y gallant wella gallu gwasanaethau maethu awdurdodau lleol i gadw a chefnogi gofalwyr maeth. Felly, rwy'n credu bod hynny i gyd yn bwysig iawn, ac rwy'n credu y bydd y dysgu'n lledaenu'n haws yn ôl pob tebyg ym maes plant sy'n derbyn gofal a gofalwyr maeth nag y mae wedi'i wneud mewn mannau eraill. Rwy'n gwybod bod un o bryderon gwirioneddol Mike Hedges, a minnau hefyd, yn ymwneud â sut mae wedi bod yn anodd symud y llwyddiant o'r prosiectau sydd wedi cael eu cefnogi drwy fuddsoddi i arbed i fod yn drefniant busnes fel arfer, gan ei wneud yn ddewis naturiol i fusnesau—i sefydliadau, mae'n ddrwg gennyf—ledled Cymru.
Fe wnaethom rywfaint o waith gyda Phrifysgol Caerdydd, Nesta, a oedd yn edrych ar pam fod anawsterau o ran lledaenu arferion da ledled Cymru drwy'r cynllun buddsoddi i arbed, ac rwy'n credu ein bod wedi gallu defnyddio'r gwersi a ddysgwyd o hynny i ddod o hyd i ffyrdd gwell o gefnogi peth o'r gwaith sydd wedi digwydd.
Ar hyn o bryd, mae gennym yr arian buddsoddi i arbed wedi'i glustnodi o fewn y grŵp iechyd a gwasanaethau cymdeithasol, a hefyd o fewn y tîm plant sy'n derbyn gofal. Efallai yr ysgrifennaf at Mike Hedges gydag ychydig mwy o wybodaeth am y pethau hynny.
8. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n eu cymryd i hwyluso'r gwaith o rannu arfer gorau a gwybodaeth rhwng cynghorau? OQ59656
8. What action is the Welsh Government taking to facilitate the sharing of best practice and information between councils? OQ59656
The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 put in place a new sector-led performance regime to drive improvement in local authorities across Wales. To support implementation, I have agreed £800,000 of funding for the Welsh Local Government Association improvement programme to provide for shared learning and corporate improvement across councils.
Mae Deddf Llywodraeth Leol ac Etholiadau (Cymru) 2021 wedi sefydlu trefn gyflawni newydd dan arweiniad y sector i ysgogi gwelliant mewn awdurdodau lleol ledled Cymru. Er mwyn cefnogi'r broses o weithredu, rwyf wedi cytuno ar £800,000 o gyllid ar gyfer rhaglen wella Cymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru i ddarparu ar gyfer dysgu ar y cyd a gwelliant corfforaethol ar draws cynghorau.
Thank you, Minister, that's excellent news. There seems to be a theme today on sharing of best practice and information between our councils, and it's something that I'm finding is lacking in policy areas across the board. Despite the sharing of best practice and information between councils being primarily the responsibility of the WLGA, as you've just said, and PSBs, as has already been outlined, surely it falls upon each Minister to ensure that delivery of policy is happening across the board and is happening to the very best standard across our country. The very best way to share this, of course, just from some examples of this, of what's not happening and what should be happening, is the Raglan Project in Monmouthshire County Council, for example, or perhaps a council that's excelling in recycling or delivering healthy food in our schools or having a mental health strategy in our schools that's really working. This sort of information, this sort of sharing of good practice, is not being shared, and it seems to be remiss of the Government to not ensure that their policies are being delivered properly on the ground. To that end, Minister, what action is the Welsh Government taking, and each Minister taking, to work alongside the WLGA to ensure that best practice is shared to each corner of Wales? Thank you.
Diolch, Weinidog, mae hwnnw'n newyddion ardderchog. Mae'n ymddangos bod thema heddiw ar rannu arferion gorau a gwybodaeth rhwng ein cynghorau, ac mae'n rhywbeth rwy'n ei ystyried yn brin mewn meysydd polisi yn gyffredinol. Er mai cyfrifoldeb CLlLC yw rhannu arferion gorau a gwybodaeth rhwng cynghorau yn bennaf, fel rydych newydd ddweud, a byrddau gwasanaethau cyhoeddus, fel sydd eisoes wedi'i amlinellu, mae'n siŵr mai mater i bob Gweinidog yw sicrhau bod y broses o gyflawni polisi'n digwydd ar draws y bwrdd ac yn digwydd i'r safon orau ar draws ein gwlad. Y ffordd orau o rannu hyn, wrth gwrs, o rai enghreifftiau o hyn, o ran yr hyn nad yw'n digwydd a'r hyn a ddylai fod yn digwydd, yw Prosiect Rhaglan yng Nghyngor Sir Fynwy, er enghraifft, neu gyngor sy'n rhagori mewn ailgylchu neu ddosbarthu bwyd iach yn ein hysgolion neu sy'n gweithredu strategaeth iechyd meddwl sy'n gweithio'n dda yn ein hysgolion. Nid yw'r math hwn o wybodaeth, y math hwn o rannu arferion da, yn cael ei rannu, ac ymddengys y byddai'n esgeulus i'r Llywodraeth beidio â sicrhau bod eu polisïau'n cael eu cyflawni'n briodol ar lawr gwlad. I'r perwyl hwnnw, Weinidog, pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd, a phob Gweinidog yn eu cymryd, i weithio ochr yn ochr â CLlLC i sicrhau bod arferion gorau'n cael eu rhannu i bob cwr o Gymru? Diolch.
Well, Ministers and officials regularly engage with a wide range of local authority-led networks in relation to the breadth of the sector's functions. So, those will include Cabinet members, it will include spokespeople for the WLGA and also officers will meet with our officials across the whole range of functions, and those really are invaluable opportunities for us to share opportunities and to hear the challenges, of course, that local authorities are experiencing in terms of delivering their functions as well.
I would say that our relationship with local government is a very open and honest one. I think that the level of engagement that we have is quite extraordinary in terms of the amount of meetings that take place both between Ministers and local authorities, but also between officials and officers. But, if there's more that we need to do, or if there are particular gaps where those networks are not in place, I would obviously look to close those. So, perhaps, if Laura Anne Jones wants to share with me some of the more detailed concerns, I'd be more than happy to look into those.
Wel, mae Gweinidogion a swyddogion yn ymgysylltu'n rheolaidd ag ystod eang o rwydweithiau a arweinir gan awdurdodau lleol mewn perthynas ag ehangder swyddogaethau'r sector. Felly, bydd y rheini'n cynnwys aelodau'r Cabinet, bydd yn cynnwys llefarwyr ar ran CLlLC a bydd swyddogion hefyd yn cyfarfod â'n swyddogion ni ar draws yr holl ystod o swyddogaethau, ac mae'r rheini'n gyfleoedd amhrisiadwy i ni rannu cyfleoedd a chlywed yr heriau, wrth gwrs, y mae awdurdodau lleol yn eu profi wrth gyflawni eu swyddogaethau.
Byddwn yn dweud bod ein perthynas â llywodraeth leol yn un agored a gonest iawn. Credaf fod lefel yr ymgysylltiad sydd gennym yn eithaf rhyfeddol o ran nifer y cyfarfodydd sy'n digwydd rhwng Gweinidogion ac awdurdodau lleol, ond hefyd rhwng swyddogion. Ond os oes mwy y mae angen i ni ei wneud, neu os oes bylchau penodol lle nad yw'r rhwydweithiau hynny ar waith, byddwn yn amlwg yn ceisio cau'r rheini. Felly, os yw Laura Anne Jones eisiau rhannu rhai o'r pryderon manylach gyda mi, byddwn yn barod iawn i edrych arnynt.
Finally, cwestiwn 9, Natasha Asghar.
Yn olaf, cwestiwn 9, Natasha Asghar.
9. Sut mae'r Gweinidog yn sicrhau bod awdurdodau lleol yn ymgysylltu â phreswylwyr ac yn cyfathrebu â hwy? OQ59631
9. How does the Minister ensure that local authorities engage and communicate with residents? OQ59631
The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 requires principal councils to put in place a participation strategy. This must set out how the council intends to encourage and enable local people to participate in decision making and scrutiny processes.
Mae Deddf Llywodraeth Leol ac Etholiadau (Cymru) 2021 yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i brif gynghorau roi strategaeth cyfranogiad ar waith. Rhaid iddi nodi sut mae'r cyngor yn bwriadu annog a galluogi pobl leol i gymryd rhan mewn prosesau gwneud penderfyniadau a phrosesau craffu.
Thank you for your answer, Minister. As you'll be well aware, constituents often turn to us for help in their darkest hour, and usually, after they've been passed from pillar to post by local authorities and other agencies, they come to us with their woes and issues. Now, in fact, a lot of constituents I help aren't actually getting responses to the letters and e-mails they've been sending to their local authorities, and one council in south-east Wales in particular has been particularly poor with their responses. I can say that I know exactly how they're feeling, having written to this particular council, raising my constituents' issues on countless occasions. Sometimes I'll get a reply, albeit not very useful, but a reply nonetheless. Sometimes you may be redirected elsewhere or, as is often the case, the letters will get ignored. In one instance, I'm still waiting for a reply to a letter I sent on behalf of a constituent several months ago, despite chasing the local authority for the response. Minister, do you agree with me that this is simply unacceptable? And will you please write to all local authority leaders in south-east Wales, calling upon each and every single one of them to urgently review these processes, to ensure that constituents are responded to within a reasonable time frame and, if it is the case, that no party politics are at play?
Diolch am eich ateb, Weinidog. Fel y gwyddoch, mae etholwyr yn aml yn troi atom am gymorth yn eu hawr dywyllaf, ac fel arfer, ar ôl iddynt gael eu pasio o bared i bost gan awdurdodau lleol ac asiantaethau eraill, maent yn dod atom gyda'u gofidiau a'u problemau. Nawr, mewn gwirionedd, mae llawer o'r etholwyr rwy'n eu helpu heb fod yn cael ymatebion i'r llythyrau a'r negeseuon e-bost y maent wedi bod yn eu hanfon at eu hawdurdodau lleol, ac mae un cyngor yn ne-ddwyrain Cymru yn arbennig o wael gyda'u hymatebion. Gallaf ddweud fy mod yn gwybod yn union sut maent yn teimlo, a minnau wedi ysgrifennu at y cyngor penodol hwn i godi problemau fy etholwyr ar nifer fawr o achlysuron. Weithiau byddaf yn cael ateb, er nad yw'n ddefnyddiol iawn, ond mae'n ateb serch hynny, Weithiau, gallech gael eich ailgyfeirio i fannau eraill, neu fel sy'n digwydd yn aml, bydd y llythyrau'n cael eu hanwybyddu. Mewn un achos, rwy'n dal i aros am ateb i lythyr a anfonais ar ran etholwr sawl mis yn ôl, er imi ofyn i'r awdurdod lleol am ymateb. Weinidog, a ydych chi'n cytuno bod hyn yn annerbyniol? Ac a wnewch chi ysgrifennu at holl arweinwyr awdurdodau lleol yn ne-ddwyrain Cymru, gan alw ar bob un ohonynt i adolygu'r prosesau hyn ar frys, i sicrhau bod etholwyr yn cael ymateb o fewn amser rhesymol, ac os yw'n digwydd, nad oes unrhyw wleidyddiaeth bleidiol ar waith?
Well, there are local protocols in place for dealing with issues when the council hasn't acted as it should when carrying out its duties. But, perhaps if the Member could could either have a conversation with me or write to me outside of this meeting, I'll look at the particular issue that is being discussed this afternoon.
Wel, mae protocolau lleol ar waith ar gyfer ymdrin â materion pan nad yw'r cyngor wedi gweithredu fel y dylai wrth gyflawni ei ddyletswyddau. Ond efallai y gallai'r Aelod naill ai gael sgwrs gyda mi neu ysgrifennu ataf wedi'r cyfarfod hwn, a gallaf edrych ar y mater penodol sy'n cael ei drafod y prynhawn yma.
Diolch yn fawr i'r Gweinidog.
I thank the Minister.
Yr eitem nesaf, felly, yw'r cwestiynau i'r Gweinidog Materion Gwledig a Gogledd Cymru, a’r Trefnydd, a'r cwestiwn cyntaf gan Rhys ab Owen.
The next item is the questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd, and the first question is from Rhys ab Owen.
1. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n eu cymryd i ddiogelu a rheoli bywyd gwyllt ym Mro Morgannwg? OQ59645
1. What action is the Welsh Government taking to protect and manage wildlife in the Vale of Glamorgan? OQ59645
A team Wales approach is taken to protect and manage wildlife. Welsh Government has recently provided over £1 million for projects in the Vale of Glamorgan, to deliver nature-based projects, enable partnership working and improve connections between nature habitats in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Rydym wedi mabwysiadu dull tîm Cymru o ddiogelu a rheoli bywyd gwyllt. Yn ddiweddar, mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi darparu dros £1 filiwn ar gyfer prosiectau ym Mro Morgannwg, i gyflawni prosiectau sy'n seiliedig ar natur, galluogi gweithio mewn partneriaeth a gwella cysylltiadau rhwng cynefinoedd natur ym Mro Morgannwg.
Diolch, Weinidog. I've raised with you before the Model Farm issue, in Rhoose, in the Vale of Glamorgan, which grows and sells wildflowers, and it's under threat due to plans to build an industrial park on its land. The Jenkins family have been tenants on the farm for nearly 100 years, and the improvements to the rights of tenant farmers contained in the Agriculture (Wales) Bill will come too late for them, if they are turfed out of their land. This is not just their place of work; it's their home, their home for generations, destroyed. And what makes this story even more tragic is that this family also lost a previous farm in the 1940s in the Epynt, when their family were forced to leave when the British army seized their land. That family in the Epynt have yet to return, and the fear now for the Jenkins family is that they will lose their livelihood and their home yet again, but this time through an international developer rather than the British state. What can the Welsh Government do to protect the farm, to protect farmers like the Jenkins family, and the wildlife it sustains?
Diolch, Weinidog. Rwyf wedi codi mater Model Farm, yn y Rhws, ym Mro Morgannwg, gyda chi o'r blaen, fferm sy'n tyfu ac yn gwerthu blodau gwyllt, ac mae dan fygythiad oherwydd cynlluniau i adeiladu parc diwydiannol ar ei dir. Mae'r teulu Jenkins wedi bod yn denantiaid ar y fferm ers bron i 100 mlynedd, a bydd y gwelliannau i hawliau ffermwyr tenant sydd wedi'u cynnwys ym Mil Amaeth (Cymru) yn dod yn rhy hwyr iddynt, os cânt eu troi allan. Nid eu gweithle'n unig yw hwn; dyma'u cartref, eu cartref ers cenedlaethau, ac mae'n cael ei ddinistrio. A'r hyn sy'n gwneud y stori hon hyd yn oed yn fwy trasig yw bod y teulu hwn hefyd wedi colli fferm arall yn y 1940au ar Epynt, pan gawsant eu gorfodi i adael ar ôl i'r fyddin Brydeinig feddiannu eu tir. Nid yw'r teulu wedi dychwelyd i Epynt, ac mae'r teulu Jenkins yn ofni nawr y byddant yn colli eu bywoliaeth a'u cartref unwaith eto, ond y tro hwn drwy ddatblygwr rhyngwladol yn hytrach na'r wladwriaeth Brydeinig. Beth all Llywodraeth Cymru ei wneud i ddiogelu'r fferm, i amddiffyn ffermwyr fel y teulu Jenkins, a'r bywyd gwyllt y mae'n ei gynnal?
Thank you. I'm very sorry to hear about the experience of the Jenkins family. Clearly, tenant farmers are very important to us in Wales. A significant percentage of our farmers here in Wales are tenant farmers. There is obviously protection for tenants; they should obviously take the matter up with their landlords, and I would also urge them to contact the Tenant Farmers Association, to see if there's anything they can do to help. And, if you'd like to write to me, whilst I can't obviously interfere in an individual case, I will see if there's anything that we can do to help as well.
Diolch. Mae'n ddrwg iawn gennyf glywed am brofiad y teulu Jenkins. Yn amlwg, mae ffermwyr tenant yn bwysig iawn i ni yng Nghymru. Mae canran sylweddol o'n ffermwyr yma yng Nghymru yn ffermwyr tenant. Yn amlwg mae yna amddiffyniad i denantiaid; yn amlwg, dylent drafod y mater gyda'u landlordiaid, a byddwn hefyd yn eu hannog i gysylltu â Chymdeithas y Ffermwyr Tenant, i weld a oes unrhyw beth y gallant hwy ei wneud i helpu. Ac os hoffech ysgrifennu ataf, er na allaf ymyrryd mewn achos unigol wrth gwrs, gallaf weld a oes unrhyw beth y gallwn ni ei wneud i helpu hefyd.
I've raised the issue of Model Farm with various Ministers in the Senedd here. The quality of land being protected is a component of the planning system. I appreciate it's not in your portfolio, Minister, but, obviously, that assessment of the quality of the land, and the protection of the wildlife on that land, should be a critical consideration within the planning system. It clearly isn't, when an example like Model Farm, where the local authority itself is promoting a business park that isn't required—and is proven not to be required, even by the developers themselves, who say it's a speculative development—and yet, over 100 acres of quality agricultural land that is habitat to many natural species that can be found in the Vale of Glamorgan is to be lost. So, what dialogue is undertaken between your officials and the planning Minister's officials to make sure that there are robust checks and balances within the planning system, that good-quality agricultural land that is of quality natural habitat as well is not sacrificed to unwanted developments such as the Model Farm business park?
Rwyf wedi codi mater Model Farm gyda gwahanol Weinidogion yn y Senedd hon. Mae ansawdd y tir sy'n cael ei warchod yn rhan o'r system gynllunio. Rwy'n sylweddoli nad yw o fewn eich portffolio chi, Weinidog, ond yn amlwg, dylai'r asesiad o ansawdd y tir, a diogelu'r bywyd gwyllt ar y tir hwnnw, fod yn ystyriaeth hanfodol yn y system gynllunio. Yn amlwg, nid yw hynny'n wir, pan fo enghraifft fel Model Farm, lle mae'r awdurdod lleol ei hun yn hyrwyddo parc busnes nad oes ei angen—ac mae tystiolaeth yn dangos nad oes ei angen, hyd yn oed gan y datblygwyr eu hunain, sy'n dweud ei fod yn ddatblygiad hapfasnachol—ac eto, bydd dros 100 erw o dir amaethyddol o safon, sy'n gynefin i lawer o rywogaethau naturiol sydd i'w gweld ym Mro Morgannwg, yn cael ei golli. Felly, pa sgyrsiau a fu rhwng eich swyddogion a swyddogion y Gweinidog cynllunio i sicrhau bod camau goruchwylio ar waith o fewn y system gynllunio, nad yw tir amaethyddol o ansawdd da sydd hefyd yn gynefin naturiol o ansawdd da yn cael ei aberthu er mwyn datblygiadau diangen fel parc busnes Model Farm?
[Inaudible.]—a significant amount of work and certainly, within my own portfolio, we've looked at land classification of agricultural land, because, as you say, it's very important that, as far as possible, it's protected for sustainable food production and also for our important habitats. I'm not aware of any specific conversations between my officials and the Minister for Climate Change's officials, particularly around the Model Farm that you've just raised with me. As I said in my answer to Rhys ab Owen, if he wants to write to me about it, I'll certainly be happy to look it up.
[Anghlywadwy.]—cryn dipyn o waith ac yn sicr, yn fy mhortffolio fy hun, rydym wedi edrych ar sut mae tir amaethyddol yn cael ei ddosbarthu, oherwydd, fel y dywedwch, mae'n bwysig iawn ei fod yn cael ei ddiogelu cyn belled ag y bo modd ar gyfer cynhyrchu bwyd cynaliadwy a hefyd ar gyfer ein cynefinoedd pwysig. Nid wyf yn ymwybodol o unrhyw sgyrsiau penodol rhwng fy swyddogion a swyddogion y Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd, yn enwedig mewn perthynas â mater Model Farm rydych newydd ei ddwyn i fy sylw. Fel y dywedais yn fy ateb i Rhys ab Owen, os yw am ysgrifennu ataf ynglŷn â hynny, byddaf yn sicr yn hapus i edrych ar y mater.
2. Beth mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i hyrwyddo bwyd a diod o Ogledd Cymru? OQ59655
2. What is the Welsh Government doing to promote food and drink from North Wales? OQ59655
The Welsh food and drink industry continues to go from strength to strength, growing in both scale and reputation. Welsh Government is promoting food in north Wales through our food festivals, which include Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon, Wrexham Food Festival, Menai Food Festival, Denbigh Plum Festival and Llangollen Food Festival, to name but a few, as well as at our agricultural shows.
Mae diwydiant bwyd a diod Cymru yn parhau i fynd o nerth i nerth, gan dyfu o ran graddfa ac o ran enw da. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn hyrwyddo bwyd yng ngogledd Cymru drwy ein gwyliau bwyd, sy'n cynnwys Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon, Gŵyl Fwyd Wrecsam, Gŵyl Fwyd Menai, Gŵyl Eirin Dinbych a Gŵyl Fwyd Llangollen, i enwi rhai yn unig, yn ogystal â'n sioeau amaethyddol.
Thank you very much, Minister. As I'm sure you'd agree, north Wales has some of the best food and drink, which is enjoyed around the world, and certainly will be enjoyed by a greater range of people, thanks to the trade deals being struck by the UK Government now being released from the shackles of the European Union.
One of the things, though, Minister, that breweries and other similar businesses in north Wales are concerned about is the possibility of glass being included in a deposit-return scheme. In my view, there's a commonsense DRS that excludes glass, and would see the scheme and its requirements aligned across the United Kingdom. You'll be aware that brewers are certainly very concerned, and potentially seeing breweries going out of business if this continues. So, Minister, can you expand on what you're doing to help reach this sensible UK-wide outcome, instead of doing things perhaps differently just for the sake of it? Thank you.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Weinidog. Fel rwy'n siŵr y byddech chi'n cytuno, mae gan ogledd Cymru beth o'r bwyd a diod gorau, sy'n cael eu mwynhau ledled y byd, ac yn sicr bydd ystod fwy o bobl yn eu mwynhau, diolch i'r cytundebau masnach a wneir gan Lywodraeth y DU, sydd bellach wedi cael ei rhyddhau o hualau'r Undeb Ewropeaidd.
Fodd bynnag, Weinidog, un o'r pethau y mae bragdai a busnesau tebyg eraill yng ngogledd Cymru yn bryderus yn eu cylch yw'r posibilrwydd y bydd gwydr yn cael ei gynnwys mewn cynllun dychwelyd ernes. Yn fy marn i, mae yna gynllun synnwyr cyffredin ar gyfer dychwelyd ernes sy'n eithrio gwydr, ac a fyddai'n golygu bod y cynllun a'i ofynion yn gyson ar draws y Deyrnas Unedig. Fe fyddwch yn ymwybodol fod bragwyr yn sicr yn bryderus iawn, ac mae'n bosibl y gallai bragdai fynd allan o fusnes os bydd hyn yn parhau. Felly, Weinidog, a allwch chi ymhelaethu ar yr hyn rydych chi'n ei wneud i helpu i gyrraedd y canlyniad synhwyrol hwn ledled y DU, yn hytrach na gwneud pethau'n wahanol heb fod angen? Diolch.
Well, I see you're copying your leader. I noticed his tweet about doing things differently. It's not in my portfolio—it's in the portfolio of the Minister for Climate Change—but it previously was in my portfolio when we first went out to consultation about a DRS. And I have to say that I think it's England doing things differently for the sake of it. Certainly, when I was the Minister with responsibility, I remember having conversations with Thérèse Coffey in her previous ministerial position, along with our Scottish counterparts, and glass was absolutely part of that scheme. So, if anybody is doing things differently for the sake of it, I think it's England.
I agree with what you say about north Wales hosting some of the best food and drink producers we have here in Wales. I disagree profoundly with you about the shackles of the EU being removed now, and, certainly, I haven't seen anything in the trade agreements that are currently being negotiated between the UK Government and other countries that demonstrate any clear benefits. But I do accept that there are concerns from some of the brewers, and I have had discussions, actually not with the Minister for Climate Change, but with the Minister for Economy. We met with some of the drink sector to discuss those concerns.
Rwy'n gweld eich bod yn copïo eich arweinydd. Sylwais ar ei drydariad am wneud pethau'n wahanol. Nid yw'n rhan o fy mhortffolio—mae'n rhan o bortffolio'r Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd—ond roedd yn rhan o'm portffolio i o'r blaen pan lansiwyd ymgynghoriad gennym gyntaf ar gynllun dychwelyd ernes. Ac mae'n rhaid imi ddweud fy mod yn credu mai Lloegr sy'n gwneud pethau'n wahanol heb fod angen. Yn sicr, pan oeddwn yn Weinidog â chyfrifoldeb, rwy'n cofio cael sgyrsiau gyda Thérèse Coffey yn ei swydd weinidogol flaenorol, ynghyd â'n swyddogion cyfatebol yn yr Alban, ac roedd gwydr yn sicr yn rhan o'r cynllun hwnnw. Felly, os oes unrhyw un yn gwneud pethau'n wahanol heb fod angen, rwy'n credu mai Lloegr sy'n gwneud hynny.
Rwy'n cytuno â'r hyn a ddywedwch am ogledd Cymru yn gartref i rai o'r cynhyrchwyr bwyd a diod gorau sydd gennym yma yng Nghymru. Rwy'n anghytuno'n llwyr â chi ynglŷn â'r ffaith bod y Llywodraeth wedi'i rhyddhau o hualau'r UE nawr, ac yn sicr, nid wyf wedi gweld unrhyw beth yn y cytundebau masnach sy'n cael eu trafod ar hyn o bryd rhwng Llywodraeth y DU a gwledydd eraill sy'n dangos unrhyw fuddion clir. Ond rwy'n derbyn bod pryderon gan rai o'r bragwyr, ac rwyf wedi cael trafodaethau, nid gyda'r Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd, ond gyda Gweinidog yr Economi. Fe wnaethom gyfarfod â rhai o'r sector diod i drafod y pryderon hynny.
Cwestiynau nawr gan lefarwyr y pleidiau. Llefarydd y Ceidwadwyr, Samuel Kurtz.
Questions now from party spokespeople. Conservative spokesperson, Samuel Kurtz.
Diolch, Llywydd. Minister, the recent Audit Wales report highlighted that, at the end of March, £58 million remained unspent from the rural development programme, with the deadline for spending this money being the end of this year. How confident are you that all this money will be spent, and not a penny will be returned to the EU?
Diolch, Lywydd. Weinidog, tynnodd adroddiad diweddar Archwilio Cymru sylw at y ffaith bod £58 miliwn o'r rhaglen datblygu gwledig yn dal i fod heb ei wario ar ddiwedd mis Mawrth, ac mae'r dyddiad cau ar gyfer gwario'r arian hwn ar ddiwedd y flwyddyn. Pa mor hyderus ydych chi y bydd yr holl arian hwn yn cael ei wario, ac na fydd ceiniog yn cael ei ddychwelyd i'r UE?
I'm just as confident as the last time I was asked this question. It seems a lot of opposition Members are constantly asking me how confident I am about it. You mentioned a figure. Over £765 million of the total programme spend has now been spent; there's about 10 per cent still to go. And as you said yourself, we have until the end of this year to make sure all that money is spent. So, I can only be confident about what I've done, so what I've done is try to make sure that we've over-committed, because I think you have to learn lessons from previous programmes. Clearly, over-committing, I think, is okay to do, because there's quite often an underspend, because of challenges that beneficiaries face—I'm not criticising—and obviously COVID came along and there have been even more challenges. So, what I've been very clear about with my officials is they must work closely with the beneficiaries. It's really important that the beneficiaries, who tell us they can spend that money, do that. I've done what I can do; I want them to do what they can do, but also if they have any concerns, to highlight them with my officials as soon as possible.
Rwyf yr un mor hyderus â'r tro diwethaf i rywun ofyn y cwestiwn hwn i mi. Mae'n ymddangos bod llawer o Aelodau'r wrthblaid yn gofyn i mi'n gyson pa mor hyderus ydw i am y peth. Roeddech chi'n sôn am ffigur. Mae dros £765 miliwn o gyfanswm gwariant y rhaglen bellach wedi'i wario; mae tua 10 y cant yn weddill. Ac fel y dywedoch chi eich hun, mae gennym tan ddiwedd y flwyddyn hon i sicrhau bod yr holl arian hwnnw'n cael ei wario. Felly, ni allaf ond bod yn hyderus am yr hyn rwyf wedi'i wneud, a'r hyn rwyf wedi'i wneud yw ceisio sicrhau ein bod wedi gorymrwymo, oherwydd rwy'n credu bod yn rhaid i chi ddysgu gwersi o raglenni blaenorol. Yn amlwg, rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n iawn inni orymrwymo, oherwydd yn aml mae yna danwariant, oherwydd heriau y mae buddiolwyr yn eu hwynebu—nid wyf yn beirniadu—ac yn amlwg mae hyd yn oed mwy o heriau wedi bod yn sgil COVID. Felly, yr hyn rwyf wedi bod yn glir iawn yn ei gylch gyda fy swyddogion yw bod yn rhaid iddynt weithio'n agos gyda'r buddiolwyr. Mae'n bwysig iawn fod y buddiolwyr, sy'n dweud wrthym y gallant wario'r arian hwnnw, yn gwneud hynny. Rwyf wedi gwneud yr hyn y gallaf ei wneud; rwyf eisiau iddynt hwy wneud yr hyn y gallant hwy ei wneud, ond hefyd os oes ganddynt unrhyw bryderon, rwyf eisiau iddynt dynnu sylw fy swyddogion atynt cyn gynted â phosibl.
Thank you for those reassurances, Minister, but if we are being honest, the Welsh Government has a bit of a chequered history when delivering the rural development plan. In June 2020, Audit Wales identified that key aspects of the design, operation and oversight of the rural development fund were not effective enough to ensure that grant awards would deliver value for money. That's a damning indictment of the Welsh Government's performance. And that's without touching on the fact that your Government moved the absolute maximum amount of money away from direct support for Welsh farmers via pillar 1, over to pillar 2 and the RDP—the highest anywhere in the European Union. You've refused multiple requests from me and the unions to hold an independent review into the RDP delivery, and that ship has now sailed. But given the importance of future schemes, can you outline what lessons—and you mentioned lessons learnt—but what lessons have been learned from those experiences, so that Audit Wales aren't repeating the same criticisms in the near future?
Diolch am y sicrwydd hwnnw, Weinidog, ond os ydym yn bod yn onest, mae gan Lywodraeth Cymru ychydig o hanes brith wrth gyflawni'r cynllun datblygu gwledig. Ym mis Mehefin 2020, nododd Archwilio Cymru nad oedd agweddau allweddol ar gynllunio, gweithredu a goruchwylio'r gronfa datblygu gwledig yn ddigon effeithiol i wneud yn siŵr y byddai dyfarniadau grant yn sicrhau gwerth am arian. Dyna feirniadaeth ddamniol o berfformiad Llywodraeth Cymru. A hynny heb gyffwrdd â'r ffaith bod eich Llywodraeth wedi symud y swm mwyaf posibl o arian i ffwrdd o gymorth uniongyrchol i ffermwyr Cymru drwy golofn 1, drosodd i golofn 2 a'r cynllun datblygu gwledig—y swm mwyaf yn unrhyw le yn yr Undeb Ewropeaidd. Rydych wedi gwrthod ceisiadau lluosog gennyf fi a'r undebau i gynnal adolygiad annibynnol i gyflawniad y Cynllun Datblygu Gwledig, ac mae'r llong honno bellach wedi hwylio. Ond o ystyried pwysigrwydd cynlluniau'r dyfodol, a wnewch chi amlinellu pa wersi—ac fe sonioch chi am wersi a ddysgwyd—ond pa wersi sydd wedi'u dysgu o'r profiadau hynny, fel nad yw Archwilio Cymru yn ailadrodd yr un feirniadaeth yn y dyfodol agos?
Well, again, I will repeat what I’ve said many times in the Chamber, what lessons were learned, and it’s really important lessons are learned; I’m not dismissing that at all. The findings of the 2020 Audit Wales report have already been addressed, so we’ve had enhanced selection rules implemented to ensure that projects are selected openly and fairly. Projects were selected in merit order in accordance with the published scoring procedure, and value for money is a criteria for all project awards. And those principles are absolutely embedded within the RDP grant appraisal model, and are in place for any current and future rural investment schemes. We didn’t need an independent inquiry, because this programme is scrutinised within an inch of its life. There is a huge amount of scrutiny in relation to this programme.
Wel, unwaith eto, rwyf am ailadrodd yr hyn rwyf wedi'i ddweud lawer gwaith yn y Siambr, y gwersi a ddysgwyd, ac mae'n bwysig iawn fod gwersi'n cael eu dysgu; nid wyf yn diystyru hynny o gwbl. Mae canfyddiadau adroddiad Archwilio Cymru 2020 eisoes wedi cael sylw, felly rydym wedi rhoi gwell rheolau dethol ar waith i sicrhau bod prosiectau'n cael eu dewis yn agored ac yn deg. Dewiswyd prosiectau yn nhrefn teilyngdod yn unol â'r weithdrefn sgorio gyhoeddedig, ac mae gwerth am arian yn faen prawf ar gyfer holl ddyfarniadau'r prosiect. Ac mae'r egwyddorion hynny wedi'u gwreiddio'n llwyr o fewn model arfarnu grantiau'r Rhaglen Datblygu Gwledig ac maent ar waith ar gyfer unrhyw gynlluniau buddsoddi gwledig presennol ac yn y dyfodol. Nid oedd angen ymchwiliad annibynnol arnom, oherwydd mae'r rhaglen hon yn cael ei harchwilio'n fanwl iawn. Mae llawer iawn o graffu'n digwydd mewn perthynas â'r rhaglen hon.
Thank you, Minister, and yes, you mentioned that it was scrutinised, and we’re grateful for the work that Audit Wales did back in 2020 to bring that to light.
But, finally, you recently made a joint announcement with the Minister for Climate Change regarding tree planting in Wales, which states:
'payment rates will be uplifted to pay 100% of 2023's actual costs'.
Can I ask from where this money has been found to pay for this uplift? And as next month I believe you’re due to make a statement on the sustainable farming scheme ahead of the summer agricultural shows, was this joint statement by the climate change Minister and yourself just a sign of things to come: trees over everything else? Because I attended the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Regen event at Sealands Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan last week, to see the good work that farmers are already doing through regenerative farming, and that’s what should be supported. I note that the Minister was unable to attend, but some of your officials were there. So, what guarantees can you give that the SFS will actually be tailored to support those farmers who are producing environmentally friendly food, be they tenants, upland farmers or lowland farmers? Diolch, Llywydd.
Diolch, Weinidog, a do, fe sonioch chi ei fod yn cael ei graffu, ac rydym yn ddiolchgar am y gwaith a wnaeth Archwilio Cymru yn ôl yn 2020 i ddod â hynny i'r amlwg.
Ond yn olaf, fe wnaethoch chi gyhoeddiad ar y cyd â'r Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd yn ddiweddar ynghylch plannu coed yng Nghymru, sy'n nodi:
'bydd cyfraddau talu yn cael eu codi i dalu 100% o gostau gwirioneddol 2023'.
A gaf fi ofyn o ble y canfuwyd yr arian i dalu am y codiad? Gan eich bod i wneud datganiad ar y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy fis nesaf cyn sioeau amaethyddol yr haf, a oedd y datganiad hwn ar y cyd gennych chi a'r Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd yn arwydd o bethau i ddod: coed dros bopeth arall? Oherwydd fe fynychais ddigwyddiad Regen Cymdeithas Amaethyddol Frenhinol Cymru yn Fferm Sealands ym Mro Morgannwg yr wythnos diwethaf i weld y gwaith da y mae ffermwyr eisoes yn ei wneud drwy ffermio ailwladychu, a dylid cefnogi hynny. Sylwaf nad oedd y Gweinidog yn gallu bod yn bresennol, ond roedd rhai o'ch swyddogion yno. Felly, pa warantau allwch chi eu rhoi y bydd y cynlluniau ffermio cynaliadwy yn cael eu teilwra mewn gwirionedd i gefnogi ffermwyr sy'n cynhyrchu bwyd ecogyfeillgar, boed yn denantiaid, yn ffermwyr ucheldir neu'n ffermwyr iseldir? Diolch, Lywydd.
I’m very pleased you were able to attend the Regen '23 event at Sealands Farm. I’m looking forward to visiting Sealands Farm, I hope before summer recess, or certainly as we just go into summer recess, because I’ve heard of the excellent work that’s being undertaken there; as you say, some officials were able to attend.
Obviously, we’re still in the co-design phase of SFS. I will be bringing forward a statement before we go into summer recess. You’ll know from our many discussions that sustainable food production is absolutely at the heart of the sustainable farming scheme, but we need to plant more trees. We know that. I’m sure you’ve had the opportunity to read the latest UK Climate Change Committee report that if we are going to meet our carbon emission targets, particularly around agriculture, those trees need to be there.
Rwy'n falch iawn eich bod wedi gallu mynychu digwyddiad Regen '23 yn Fferm Sealands. Rwy'n edrych ymlaen at ymweld â Fferm Sealands, cyn toriad yr haf gobeithio, neu yn sicr wrth inni fynd i mewn i wyliau'r haf, oherwydd rwyf wedi clywed am y gwaith rhagorol sy'n cael ei wneud yno; fel y dywedwch, roedd rhai swyddogion yn gallu bod yn bresennol.
Yn amlwg, rydym yn dal i fod yng nghyfnod cyd-gynllunio'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy. Byddaf yn cyflwyno datganiad cyn dechrau toriad yr haf. Fe wyddoch o'n trafodaethau niferus fod cynhyrchu bwyd cynaliadwy yn gwbl ganolog i'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy, ond mae angen inni blannu mwy o goed. Rydym yn gwybod hynny. Rwy'n siŵr eich bod wedi cael cyfle i ddarllen adroddiad diweddaraf Pwyllgor Newid Hinsawdd y DU sy'n dweud bod angen i'r coed hynny fod yno os ydym am gyrraedd ein targedau allyriadau carbon, yn enwedig ar gyfer amaethyddiaeth.
Llefarydd Plaid Cymru, Mabon ap Gwynfor.
Plaid Cymru spokesperson, Mabon ap Gwynfor.
Diolch, Llywydd. Wel, mae’n ddiwrnod braf a phoeth arall gyda’r haul yn tywynnu fel y mae wedi bod yn gwneud ers tua chwe wythnos bellach. Mae’n gynnar yn y flwyddyn i fod yn siarad am sychder, ond y gwir amdani ydy bod y gwair yn barod yn crino a ffosydd yn rhedeg yn sych, tra bod nifer o ffermwyr eisoes wedi cael eu first cut i mewn yn gynnar yn y flwyddyn. Mae’r diffyg glaw yn golygu y bydd twf gwair ar gyfer ail doriad am fod yn anodd, a fydd yn arwain at drafferthion porthiant, nid yn unig efo prinder gwair yn y caeau pori dros yr haf, ond hefyd efo gwellt yn dod yn brin wrth edrych ymlaen at y gaeaf hefyd. Bydd prisiau prynu gwellt i mewn yn cynyddu, yn ogystal â dŵr yfed yn rhedeg yn brin.
A wnaiff y Gweinidog, felly, roi asesiad inni o effaith y tymheredd uwch a’r cwymp yn y maint o law sydd yn disgyn yma ar amaeth, yn benodol cynaliadwyaeth cnydau a phorthiant? Hefyd, pa gamau y mae’r Llywodraeth yn eu cymryd i gefnogi ffermwyr a sicrhau gwytnwch ffermydd Cymru yn ystod y misoedd sych yma, a'r rhai sydd i ddod?
Thank you, Llywydd. Well, it’s another sunny and hot day with the sun shining as it has been for around six weeks now. It’s early in the year to be talking about drought, but the truth is that the grass is already parched and the rivers are running dry, whilst a number of farmers have got their first cut in early in the year. The lack of rain means that the growth of grass for the second cut will be difficult, which will lead to difficulties with feed, not only with a shortage of grass on grazing land over the summer, but also with hay being in short supply as we look to the winter too. The price of buying in hay will increase, and drinking water will become scarce.
So, will the Minister give us an assessment of the impact of the higher temperatures and the decline in rainfall on agriculture, particularly with regard to crops and feed? Also, what steps is the Government taking to support farmers and to ensure the resilience of Welsh farms during these dry months, and those that are to come?
Well, we are certainly seeing the impacts of climate change, aren’t we? I was reflecting, because I remember a Royal Welsh Show—it’s probably about five years ago now—where we were in a very similar position. We all know what the temperatures at last year’s Royal Welsh Show were, and the fact is that this is now becoming much more the norm than what we were facing probably a decade ago, even.
I haven’t had any specific discussions about support for the agricultural sector. I’m sure it will come, and as we approach the Royal Welsh Show and the other agricultural shows in particular, I’m sure it will be a topic of conversation. I remember having a drought summit at one Royal Welsh Show because things had indeed got that bad. But as you know, everything we’re doing through the Agriculture (Wales) Bill and through the sustainable farming scheme that we will be bringing forward is to help our farmers become more competitive and more resilient as we certainly face the impact of climate change.
Wel, rydym yn sicr yn gweld effeithiau newid hinsawdd, onid ydym? Roeddwn yn meddwl, oherwydd rwy'n cofio Sioe Frenhinol—oddeutu pum mlynedd yn ôl bellach, mae'n debyg—lle roeddem mewn sefyllfa debyg iawn. Rydym i gyd yn gwybod beth oedd y tymheredd yn Sioe Frenhinol Cymru y llynedd, a'r gwir amdani yw bod hyn bellach yn dod yn llawer mwy arferol na'r hyn roeddem yn ei wynebu ddegawd yn ôl hyd yn oed.
Nid wyf wedi cael unrhyw drafodaethau penodol am gefnogaeth i'r sector amaethyddol. Rwy'n siŵr y daw, ac wrth inni nesáu at Sioe Frenhinol Cymru a'r sioeau amaethyddol eraill yn arbennig, rwy'n siŵr y bydd yn bwnc trafod. Rwy'n cofio cael uwchgynhadledd sychder mewn un Sioe Frenhinol oherwydd bod pethau wedi mynd mor wael. Ond fel y gwyddoch, mae popeth a wnawn drwy'r Bil Amaethyddiaeth (Cymru) a thrwy'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy y byddwn yn ei gyflwyno yn digwydd er mwyn helpu ein ffermwyr i ddod yn fwy cystadleuol a gwydn wrth inni wynebu effaith newid hinsawdd.
Diolch i'r Gweinidog am yr ateb. Dwi am droi rŵan at Glastir. Mae Glastir, wrth gwrs, yn allweddol i nifer o ffermwyr Cymru—yn wir, mae'n gyfwerth â rhwng 10 y cant ac 20 y cant o drosiant nifer o'n ffermydd ni. Mae hi'n rhaglen bwysig, sy'n rhoi sicrwydd ariannol i nifer o ffermwyr wrth iddyn nhw ddelifro camau i warchod yr amgylchedd a helpu i adfer natur, megis gwella ansawdd dŵr, gwarchod bioamrywiaeth, plannu coed, gan ddatblygu cynefinoedd o bwys, ymhlith camau eraill. Ond mae ffermwyr wedi bod mewn cyswllt yn pryderu am sefydlogrwydd y taliadau yma wrth edrych ymlaen i'r flwyddyn nesaf. Felly, yn wyneb y pryderon yma a phwysigrwydd Glastir i nifer o'n ffermwyr, tybed all y Gweinidog roi sicrwydd i'r ffermydd yna heddiw ynghylch y taliadau Glastir ar gyfer y flwyddyn nesaf, a sicrhau bod ffermwyr yn clywed beth ydy'r cynlluniau ariannu ar gyfer 2024.
I thank the Minister for that response. I want to turn now to Glastir. Glastir, of course, is vital for a number of farmers in Wales—indeed, it's equivalent to between 10 per cent and 20 per cent of the turnover of a number of our farms. It's an important programme, which gives financial security to a number of farmers as they deliver steps to safeguard the environment and help the restoration of nature, such as improving water quality, protecting biodiversity, tree planting, developing habitats of importance, amongst other steps. But farmers have been in touch concerned about the stability of these payments in looking forward to next year. So, in the face of these concerns and the importance of Glastir to a number of our farmers, I wonder whether the Minister can give assurance to those farms today with regard to the Glastir payments for next year, and ensure that farmers hear what the financial plans are for 2024.
Unfortunately, I can't give that assurance today. As we know, I extended Glastir contracts for a further year, which will take us up to the end of this year. I'm awaiting advice on what we do in relation to next year. Obviously, we're looking at the sustainable farming scheme, and that will be that transition, which, obviously, isn't until 2025, so we do have that gap in 2024. But I'm afraid I can't give any detail today.
Yn anffodus, ni allaf roi'r sicrwydd hwnnw heddiw. Fel y gwyddom, estynnais gontractau Glastir am flwyddyn arall, a fydd yn mynd â ni hyd at ddiwedd y flwyddyn hon. Rwy'n aros am gyngor ar yr hyn a wnawn mewn perthynas â'r flwyddyn nesaf. Yn amlwg, rydym yn edrych ar y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy, a dyna fydd y trawsnewid, ac ni fydd yn digwydd, wrth gwrs, tan 2025, felly mae gennym fwlch yn 2024. Ond rwy'n ofni na allaf roi unrhyw fanylion heddiw.
3. Pa gefnogaeth mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei chynnig i sioeau amaethyddol yn Nwyrain De Cymru? OQ59657
3. What support is the Welsh Government offering to agricultural shows in South Wales East? OQ59657
Thank you. Welsh Government works closely with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations to support the development of the agricultural show sector across the whole of Wales.
Diolch. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n gweithio'n agos gyda Chymdeithas Amaethyddol Frenhinol Cymru a Chymdeithas y Sioeau a Sefydliadau Amaethyddol i gefnogi datblygiad y sector sioeau amaethyddol ledled Cymru gyfan.
Thank you, Minister. Our summer and agricultural shows truly embody the best of what Wales has to offer, and I thoroughly enjoy supporting them across my region of South Wales East, and beyond, and enjoy the world-class produce that my region boasts. We need to promote that more on a world stage. Sadly, the chairman of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations, Emlyn Jones, recently spoke about the challenges faced by agricultural shows this year. He said that there are a lot of things to fight against, such as sponsorship withdrawal. He also said that costs have increased for those keeping livestock, which has caused a 20 per cent to 30 per cent decrease in sheep, cattle and horse entries. Aled Rhys Jones, chief exec of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, also explained that many aspects of the infrastructure involved in enacting shows are costing a huge amount more than in 2019. I saw this in my own region, with the 150-year-old Monmouthshire Show, of course, being cancelled due to financial restraints last year. To me, this just sums up how fragile and vulnerable our shows actually are, and how much they need our support, encouragement, promotion and financial backing where possible in the coming summers. So, Minister, what support and moneys is the Welsh Government offering to our agricultural shows, to ensure that they can continue to show off the best Wales has to offer, for years to come?
Diolch, Weinidog. Mae ein sioeau haf a'n sioeau amaethyddol yn ymgorffori'r gorau o'r hyn sydd gan Gymru i'w gynnig, ac rwy'n mwynhau eu cefnogi ar draws fy rhanbarth yn Nwyrain De Cymru, a thu hwnt, ac yn mwynhau'r cynnyrch o'r radd flaenaf y mae fy rhanbarth yn ymfalchïo ynddo. Mae angen inni hyrwyddo hynny ymhellach ar lwyfan byd-eang. Yn anffodus, siaradodd cadeirydd Cymdeithas y Sioeau a Sefydliadau Amaethyddol, Emlyn Jones, yn ddiweddar am yr heriau sy'n wynebu sioeau amaethyddol eleni. Dywedodd fod llawer o bethau i ymladd yn eu herbyn, fel nawdd a dynnir yn ôl. Dywedodd hefyd fod costau wedi cynyddu i'r rhai sy'n cadw da byw, sydd wedi achosi gostyngiad o 20 y cant i 30 y cant yn nifer y defaid, gwartheg a cheffylau. Eglurodd Aled Rhys Jones, prif weithredwr Cymdeithas Amaethyddol Frenhinol Cymru, fod sawl agwedd ar y seilwaith sy'n gysylltiedig â chynnal sioeau yn costio llawer iawn mwy nag yn 2019. Gwelais hyn yn fy rhanbarth fy hun, gyda Sioe Sir Fynwy, sy'n 150 oed, yn cael ei chanslo oherwydd cyfyngiadau ariannol y llynedd. I mi, mae hyn yn dangos pa mor fregus yw ein sioeau mewn gwirionedd, a chymaint y maent angen ein cefnogaeth, ein hanogaeth, a'n cefnogaeth ariannol lle bo hynny'n bosibl yn ystod yr hafau nesaf. Felly, Weinidog, pa gymorth ac arian y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei gynnig i'n sioeau amaethyddol, er mwyn sicrhau y gallant barhau i ddangos y gorau sydd gan Gymru i'w gynnig am flynyddoedd i ddod?
Thank you. I don't disagree with anything you say about our agricultural shows—they are absolutely part of the fabric Wales, and I too enjoy attending many of them across Wales. The significant amount of funding, obviously, goes to the Royal Welsh Show, which is obviously a massive showcase for the sector here in Wales, and we support other shows as well. I know there are a few of the agricultural shows in your own region that benefited from money when we had the innovation fund during COVID, where, unfortunately, shows couldn't go ahead. I think you make a really important point about public support; it's really important that we all ask ourselves what we can do as members of the public to support the shows. I saw what Emlyn Jones said, and I certainly have had several discussions with Aled Jones, as he approaches his first Royal Welsh Show as chief executive. I know, for instance, they're not going forward with the horticultural marquee, which I think is a real shame—they've got some other ideas, which are very exciting and innovative, and we certainly support them. What I would say is that I don't have much money, there's no point pretending I do, but if there's any show—. There was one show in your constituency—I think it was Machen—that had just over £200, which really helped them. That's a very small amount of money on the scale of things. So, if there is a show that feels we can help in some small way—and it would be a small amount of money—please get them to write to me, and I'll certainly look at it.
Diolch. Nid wyf yn anghytuno ag unrhyw beth rydych chi'n ei ddweud am ein sioeau amaethyddol—maent yn bendant yn rhan o wead Cymru, ac rwyf innau hefyd yn mwynhau mynychu llawer ohonynt ledled Cymru. Mae'r swm sylweddol o gyllid, yn amlwg, yn mynd i'r Sioe Frenhinol, sy'n amlwg yn ffordd enfawr o arddangos yr hyn sydd gan y sector i'w gynnig yma yng Nghymru, ac rydym yn cefnogi sioeau eraill hefyd. Rwy'n gwybod bod rhai o'r sioeau amaethyddol yn eich rhanbarth chi wedi elwa o arian pan oedd gennym y gronfa arloesi yn ystod COVID, pan na ellid cynnal sioeau, yn anffodus. Rwy'n credu eich bod yn gwneud pwynt pwysig iawn am gefnogaeth y cyhoedd; mae'n bwysig iawn ein bod i gyd yn gofyn i ni'n hunain beth allwn ni ei wneud fel aelodau o'r cyhoedd i gefnogi'r sioeau. Gwelais yr hyn a ddywedodd Emlyn Jones, ac yn sicr rwyf wedi cael sawl trafodaeth gydag Aled Jones, wrth i'w Sioe Frenhinol gyntaf fel prif weithredwr nesáu. Rwy'n gwybod, er enghraifft, nad ydynt yn bwrw ymlaen gyda'r babell arddwriaethol, sy'n siomedig iawn yn fy marn i—mae ganddynt syniadau eraill, sy'n gyffrous ac yn arloesol iawn, ac rydym yn sicr yn eu cefnogi. Yr hyn y byddwn i'n ei ddweud yw nad oes gennyf lawer o arian, nid oes pwynt esgus fel arall, ond os oes unrhyw sioe—. Roedd yna un sioe yn eich etholaeth—ym Machen, rwy'n credu—a gafodd ychydig dros £200, a fu'n help mawr iddynt. Swm bach iawn o arian yw hynny o gymharu. Felly, os oes yna sioe sy'n teimlo y gallwn ni helpu mewn rhyw ffordd fach—a swm bach o arian fyddai—dywedwch wrthynt am ysgrifennu ataf, ac fe fyddaf yn sicr o edrych arno.
4. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n eu cymryd i ddiogelu a gwella bywyd gwyllt ar hyd cyrsiau dŵr yng Ngorllewin De Cymru? OQ59648
4. What action is the Welsh Government taking to protect and enhance wildlife along watercourses in South Wales West? OQ59648
The Welsh Government is committed to restoring freshwater habitats. We have put in place new regulations, supported with funding and advice, to ensure we reduce losses of pollutants from agriculture to the environment. We are building nature networks, protecting wildlife, working in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, and others, and delivering our sustainable farming scheme.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ymrwymo i adfer cynefinoedd dŵr croyw. Rydym wedi rhoi rheoliadau newydd ar waith, gyda chymorth cyllid a chyngor, i sicrhau ein bod yn cyfyngu ar nifer yr achosion o golli llygryddion o amaethyddiaeth i'r amgylchedd. Rydym yn adeiladu rhwydweithiau natur, yn diogelu bywyd gwyllt, yn gweithio mewn partneriaeth â Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru ac eraill, ac yn cyflawni ein cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy.
Thank you, Minister. I was delighted to hear that otters have been spotted around stretches of the River Cynon following a clean-up project. Otter numbers had declined due to pollution levels on the rivers, but their return is a welcome sight, and it's thanks to the River for All project, which aims to improve biodiversity with volunteers restoring and monitoring the rivers. Of course, the River Cynon is lucky to have received private funding and a team of volunteers to carry out the clean-up operations. Rivers in my region are not that lucky. Minister, what action will the Welsh Government take to replicate the fantastic work by the River for All project across South Wales West, to ensure that otters and other river wildlife are a common sight once again?
Diolch, Weinidog. Roeddwn wrth fy modd yn clywed bod dyfrgwn wedi cael eu gweld o amgylch rhannau o afon Cynon yn dilyn prosiect glanhau. Roedd nifer y dyfrgwn wedi gostwng oherwydd lefelau llygredd yn yr afonydd, ond mae eu dychweliad yn olygfa i'w chroesawu, a diolch i brosiect Afonydd i Bawb , sy'n ceisio gwella bioamrywiaeth gyda gwirfoddolwyr yn adfer ac yn monitro'r afonydd. Wrth gwrs, mae afon Cynon yn ffodus o fod wedi derbyn arian preifat a thîm o wirfoddolwyr i gyflawni'r gwaith glanhau. Nid yw afonydd yn fy ardal i mor lwcus. Weinidog, pa gamau y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i efelychu gwaith gwych prosiect Afonydd i Bawb ar draws Gorllewin De Cymru, i sicrhau bod dyfrgwn a bywyd gwyllt arall yr afon yn olygfa gyffredin unwaith eto?
I saw the article on the BBC that I think the Member is referring to, where otters were returning to the River Cynon following that clean-up that you referred to. Certainly, in north Wales, I've been invited to go and view an area where otters have returned as well. Clearly, it is something that I think we should absolutely encourage, and if there's anything we can do—. We have a few pots of money, different schemes, where we can help ensure that that continues to happen, and I'd be very happy to look at them. The majority of the schemes are within the Minister for Climate Change's portfolio, but I'll be happy to have that discussion with her.
Gwelais yr erthygl y credaf fod yr Aelod yn cyfeirio ati ar wefan y BBC, ac roedd yn dweud bod dyfrgwn yn dychwelyd i afon Cynon yn dilyn y gwaith glanhau y cyfeirioch chi ato. Yn sicr, yng ngogledd Cymru hefyd, rwyf wedi cael gwahoddiad i fynd i weld ardal lle mae dyfrgwn wedi dychwelyd. Yn amlwg, mae'n rhywbeth rwy'n credu y dylem ei annog yn gryf, ac os oes unrhyw beth y gallwn ei wneud—. Mae gennym ychydig o botiau o arian, cynlluniau gwahanol, lle gallwn helpu i sicrhau bod hynny'n parhau i ddigwydd, a byddwn yn hapus iawn i edrych arnynt. Mae'r rhan fwyaf o'r cynlluniau ym mhortffolio'r Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd, ond rwy'n hapus i gael y drafodaeth honno gyda hi.
5. Pa asesiad y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'i wneud o'r effaith ar Gymru a gaiff penderfyniad Llywodraeth y DU i beidio â bwrw ymlaen â'r Bil Lles Anifeiliaid (Anifeiliaid a Gedwir) ar Gymru? OQ59659
5. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact on Wales of the UK Government's decision not to proceed with the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill? OQ59659
Thank you. I am extremely frustrated and disappointed with the UK Government’s decision to dismantle the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, and I've written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs expressing my frustration. My officials are currently considering Wales’s options and are working at pace to determine the next steps.
Diolch. Rwy'n hynod rwystredig a siomedig ynglŷn â phenderfyniad Llywodraeth y DU i ddatgymalu'r Bil Lles Anifeiliaid (Anifeiliaid a Gedwir), ac rwyf wedi ysgrifennu at Ysgrifennydd Gwladol yr Amgylchedd, Bwyd a Materion Gwledig yn mynegi fy rhwystredigaeth. Ar hyn o bryd mae fy swyddogion yn ystyried opsiynau Cymru ac yn gweithio'n gyflym i benderfynu ar y camau nesaf.
Thank you for that answer, Minister. I, like you, am very disappointed to see the UK Government's latest u-turn. It could have driven forward improvements in the lives of millions of animals in the UK. I appreciate several elements of the Bill relate to reserved matters, but note that the Welsh Government had previously indicated that it would be minded to introduce a legislative consent memorandum, so that its provisions applied to Wales. With that in mind, do you have any intention of bringing forward your own proposals over the areas that are devolved, such as the keeping of primates as pets, as part of the Welsh Government's wider work to improve animal welfare in Wales?
Diolch am yr ateb hwnnw, Weinidog. Fel chithau, rwy'n siomedig iawn o weld tro pedol diweddaraf Llywodraeth y DU. Gallai fod wedi ysgogi gwelliannau ym mywydau miliynau o anifeiliaid yn y DU. Rwy'n deall bod sawl elfen o'r Bil yn ymwneud â materion a gadwyd yn ôl, ond nodaf fod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi dweud o'r blaen y byddai'n ystyried cyflwyno memorandwm cydsyniad deddfwriaethol, fel bod ei ddarpariaethau'n berthnasol i Gymru. Gyda hynny mewn golwg, a oes gennych unrhyw fwriad i gyflwyno eich cynigion eich hun yn y meysydd sydd wedi'u datganoli, megis cadw primatiaid fel anifeiliaid anwes, fel rhan o waith ehangach Llywodraeth Cymru i wella lles anifeiliaid yng Nghymru?
Thank you. As I say, we've done an incredible amount of work in relation to this Bill, because, contrary to what Sam Rowlands has just mentioned, and Andrew RT Davies tweets about, we don't have to do things differently. [Interruption.] About being different—I'm very happy to work with the UK Government if I think it's for the benefit of Wales; I'm not happy to work with them if I think they're being disrespectful or not doing the things that we would want.
I was very happy to work with the UK Government on this Bill, because I really felt it would deliver significant benefits for animal welfare here in Wales, which, as you know, Vikki, the same as you, is a priority for me. I could see this coming. I'd had numerous conversations with the Secretary of State, and with the Minister of State in our regular inter-ministerial group meetings. I'd even written—because I could see this was coming—to try and encourage them that, after such a significant amount of work, they would not just throw this Bill away.
I understand from my officials now that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs do intend to advance some of the provisions in the Bill, and one of them is around primates, as a statutory instrument under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. So, I will certainly look to see if there's anything we can do to work with them on that. My understanding is that they would look to introduce legislation by the end of this year, but again, apparently, it came with a caveat that this was an ambitious timetable. So, frankly, I don't trust them on it. It's really important that my officials now do look to see what we can do with the provisions—you mentioned the one about primates—and I know officials are currently working with lawyers to determine how we can progress.
Diolch. Fel y dywedaf, rydym wedi gwneud llawer iawn o waith mewn perthynas â'r Bil hwn, oherwydd, yn groes i'r hyn y mae Sam Rowlands newydd ei grybwyll, ac y mae Andrew RT Davies yn trydar yn ei gylch, nid oes raid i ni wneud pethau'n wahanol. [Torri ar draws.] Ynglŷn â bod yn wahanol—rwy'n hapus iawn i weithio gyda Llywodraeth y DU os credaf ei fod er budd Cymru; nid wyf yn hapus i weithio gyda nhw os credaf eu bod yn amharchus neu heb fod yn gwneud y pethau y byddem ni eu heisiau.
Roeddwn yn hapus iawn i weithio gyda Llywodraeth y DU ar y Bil hwn, oherwydd teimlwn yn gryf y byddai'n sicrhau manteision sylweddol i les anifeiliaid yma yng Nghymru, sy'n flaenoriaeth i mi, fel y gwyddoch, Vikki, ac fel y mae i chithau. Gallwn weld hyn yn dod. Roeddwn wedi cael nifer o sgyrsiau gyda'r Ysgrifennydd Gwladol, a chyda'r Gweinidog Gwladol yn ein cyfarfodydd grŵp rhyngweinidogol rheolaidd. Roeddwn wedi ysgrifennu hyd yn oed, i geisio eu hannog—oherwydd gallwn weld bod hyn yn dod—ar ôl gwneud cymaint o waith, i beidio â chael gwared ar y Bil hwn.
Rwy'n deall gan fy swyddogion nawr fod Adran yr Amgylchedd, Bwyd a Materion Gwledig yn bwriadu hyrwyddo rhai o'r darpariaethau yn y Bil, ac mae un ohonynt yn ymwneud â phrimatiaid, fel offeryn statudol o dan Ddeddf Lles Anifeiliaid 2006. Felly, byddaf yn sicr yn edrych i weld a oes unrhyw beth y gallwn ei wneud i weithio gyda nhw ar hynny. Fy nealltwriaeth i yw y byddent yn ceisio cyflwyno deddfwriaeth erbyn diwedd eleni, ond eto, mae'n debyg fod hynny wedi dod gyda chafeat fod hon yn amserlen uchelgeisiol. Felly, a dweud y gwir, nid oes gennyf ffydd y gallant ei wneud. Mae'n bwysig iawn fod fy swyddogion yn edrych nawr i weld beth allwn ni ei wneud gyda'r darpariaethau—fe wnaethoch chi sôn am yr un am brimatiaid—a gwn fod swyddogion yn gweithio gyda chyfreithwyr ar hyn o bryd i benderfynu sut y gallwn symud ymlaen.
6. Sut mae'r Gweinidog yn helpu busnesau amaethyddol i arallgyfeirio? OQ59637
6. How is the Minister helping agricultural businesses to diversify? OQ59637
The Welsh Government offers a range of support to assist agricultural businesses to diversify. The subsidised advice, mentoring and training provided by Farming Connect complements our grant schemes. Alongside our dedicated diversification grant, our horticulture and food business investment grants offer opportunities and support for farm businesses to branch out.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cynnig amrywiaeth o fathau o gymorth i gynorthwyo busnesau amaethyddol i arallgyfeirio. Mae'r cyngor, y mentora a'r hyfforddiant â chymhorthdal a ddarperir gan Cyswllt Ffermio yn ategu ein cynlluniau grant. Ochr yn ochr â'n grant arallgyfeirio pwrpasol, mae ein grantiau garddwriaeth a buddsoddi mewn busnesau bwyd yn cynnig cyfleoedd a chefnogaeth i fusnesau fferm allu ehangu.
Thank you for your answer, Minister. One area I'm particularly concerned about, and I know the farming community are concerned about, is when Welsh Government encourage, rightly so, farming businesses to diversify, they then feel like they're being ultimately punished by particular policy decisions of the Welsh Government—the tourism tax being one, for example—when those farm businesses have been asked to diversify into those types of areas.
But the particular issue I wanted to raise with you, Minister, is NRW's consultation on game birds. The farming community certainly hopes, and so do colleagues on this side, that this won't morph into a ban on the shooting of game, because aside from the environmental benefits, the economic importance to the sector is considerable. Several shooting businesses exist because agricultural businesses have diversified. So, can I ask the Minister to make representations in Cabinet to persuade her colleagues, in order that we don't see a policy position that ends up in the banning of shooting game that would have a real devastating impact on many rural farming businesses and communities?
Diolch am eich ateb, Weinidog. Un maes rwy'n arbennig o bryderus amdano, ac rwy'n gwybod bod y gymuned ffermio yn pryderu amdano, yw pan fydd Llywodraeth Cymru'n annog busnesau ffermio i arallgyfeirio, a hynny'n ddigon priodol, maent wedyn yn teimlo eu bod yn cael eu cosbi yn y pen draw gan benderfyniadau polisi penodol Llywodraeth Cymru—gyda'r dreth dwristiaeth yn un, er enghraifft—pan ofynnir i fusnesau fferm arallgyfeirio i'r mathau hynny o feysydd.
Ond y mater penodol roeddwn eisiau ei godi gyda chi, Weinidog, yw ymgynghoriad CNC ar adar hela. Mae'r gymuned ffermio yn sicr yn gobeithio, a chyd-Aelodau ar yr ochr hon hefyd, na fydd hyn yn datblygu'n waharddiad ar saethu adar hela, oherwydd ar wahân i'r manteision amgylcheddol, mae ei bwysigrwydd economaidd i'r sector yn sylweddol. Mae sawl busnes saethu yn bodoli oherwydd bod busnesau amaethyddol wedi arallgyfeirio. Felly, a gaf fi ofyn i'r Gweinidog gyflwyno sylwadau yn y Cabinet i berswadio ei chyd-Aelodau, fel nad ydym yn gweld safbwynt polisi sy'n arwain at wahardd saethu adar hela a fyddai'n cael effaith wirioneddol ddinistriol ar lawer o fusnesau a chymunedau ffermio gwledig?
I certainly haven't had complaints from the agricultural sector that if they diversify they would then feel they were being punished. I think it's nearly 50 per cent now of non-micro farms across Wales that have had some diversification action, so I think you can see how important it is for our farming businesses to build that resilience that we were talking about before and is needed. It really does provide an opportunity, I think, for farmers to protect their businesses from the impact of price fluctuations, for instance.
You refer to a consultation that's currently going ahead. You wouldn't expect me to pre-empt it. It's not in my portfolio. But these things come along, as you say, as policy. Obviously I make representations, if needed, but looking at the consultation that's going ahead, I think we need to await the responses.
Yn sicr, nid wyf wedi cael cwynion gan y sector amaethyddol eu bod yn teimlo'u bod yn cael eu cosbi wedi iddynt arallgyfeirio. Ledled Cymru, rwy'n credu bod bron i 50 y cant o ffermydd nad ydynt yn ffermydd micro wedi gweld rhywfaint o arallgyfeirio bellach, felly rwy'n credu y gallwch weld pa mor bwysig yw hi i'n busnesau ffermio adeiladu'r gwytnwch y soniem amdano'n flaenorol ac sydd ei angen. Rwy'n credu ei fod yn rhoi cyfle go iawn i ffermwyr ddiogelu eu busnesau rhag effaith amrywio prisiau, er enghraifft.
Rydych chi'n cyfeirio at ymgynghoriad sydd ar y gweill ar hyn o bryd. Ni fyddech yn disgwyl i mi achub y blaen arno. Nid yw yn fy mhortffolio. Ond mae'r pethau hyn yn dod yn bolisi, fel y dywedwch. Yn amlwg, rwy'n gwneud sylwadau, os oes angen, ond wrth edrych ar yr ymgynghoriad sydd ar y gweill, rwy'n credu bod angen inni aros am yr ymatebion.
7. A wnaiff y Gweinidog ymateb i adroddiad diweddar Archwilio Cymru ar gyllid y rhaglen datblygu gwledig a ddyrannwyd sydd heb ei wario? OQ59663
7. Will the Minister respond to Audit Wales’s recent report on unspent allocated rural development programme funding? OQ59663
The Welsh Government has until 31 December 2023 to fully spend all of its EU funding, which I remain fully committed to achieving. I was pleased to see Audit Wales recognise the steps we have taken to overcommit our available funding in order to maximise spending in Wales.
Mae gan Lywodraeth Cymru tan 31 Rhagfyr 2023 i wario ei holl gyllid UE yn llawn, ac rwy'n parhau i fod yn gwbl ymrwymedig i gyflawni hynny. Roeddwn yn falch o weld Archwilio Cymru yn cydnabod y camau rydym wedi'u cymryd i orymrwymo ein cyllid sydd ar gael er mwyn sicrhau'r gwariant gorau posibl yng Nghymru.
Diolch yn fawr am yr ateb yna. Wrth gwrs, mae hi'n siom fawr dwi a'r Gweinidog yn ei rhannu ein bod ni'n trafod gwario'r olaf o arian y cynllun datblygu gwledig, cynllun sydd wedi bod mor bwysig i ardaloedd fel fy etholaeth i, ac mi fydd peidio â bod yn rhan o'r gylched nesaf o gyllido yn ergyd drom. Dwi'n gwerthfawrogi'r heriau, wrth gwrs, sydd wedi wynebu'r Llywodraeth yn ddiweddar, chwyddiant yn un o'r rheini, ond yn croesawu'r newyddion yn yr adroddiad bod y Llywodraeth wedi gallu gwario cryn dipyn o'r gyllideb sy'n weddill yn 2023. Ond mae yna dal £58 miliwn ar ôl. Dwi'n cynrychioli ardal wledig. Dwi eisiau helpu'r Gweinidog i wario'r arian yma. Yr wythnos diwethaf, mi wnes i ymweld â Food Works yn Weston-super-Mare, sy'n fodel o'r math o barc cynhyrchu bwyd dwi wedi ei godi efo'r Gweinidog nifer o weithiau. Rhowch gyfle i ni. Mi helpwn ni chi i wario'r arian yna yn Ynys Môn ar gynllun o'r math hwnnw.
Thank you for that response. Of course, it's a great disappointment that the Minister and I will share that we are discussing the final expenditure from the rural development programme, which has been so important to areas such as my constituency, and not being part of the next cycle of funding will be a major blow. I appreciate the challenges that have faced the Government recently, inflation being one of them, but I do welcome the news in the report that the Government has been able to spend a fair amount of the remaining budget for 2023. But there is still £58 million remaining. I represent a rural area. I want to help the Minister to spend this money. Last week, I visited Food Works in Weston-super-Mare, which is a model of the kind of food production park that I've raised with the Minister on a number of occasions. Give us an opportunity. We will help you to spend that money on Anglesey on such a scheme.
This isn't money that's just slopping around. All this money has been committed, plus I have overcommitted, as you referred to. I don't think you were in the Chamber when I answered three questions from Sam Kurtz on the RDP and the Audit Wales report that you referred to. What I said to Sam Kurtz, and I will repeat for your benefit, is I've overcommitted because we've learnt lessons. We know that quite often there are underspends because sometimes it's difficult for beneficiaries to be able to spend the money, due to a variety of challenges. I've done everything I can to make sure we get as much money out as quickly as possible. You referred to the £58 million. That represents less than 10 per cent of the entire programme. They've still got until the end of December to spend that money. What's really important is that if there are any difficulties with spending that money, my officials are told about them quickly, so that we can look to see what we can do to help, because it's really important that we maximise the spend in response to all the challenges that we've had. We do need to work together, but I'm afraid there isn't any money that I can now allocate to anybody else, because that money has long been allocated and we've overcommitted. But I do agree with you that it's really disappointing that we're not going to have that funding anymore.
Nid arian sy'n hongian o gwmpas yw hwn. Mae'r holl arian wedi'i ymrwymo, ac rwyf wedi gorymrwymo, fel y dywedoch chi. Nid wyf yn credu eich bod yn y Siambr pan atebais dri chwestiwn gan Sam Kurtz ar y Cynllun Datblygu Gwledig ac adroddiad Archwilio Cymru y cyfeirioch chi ato. Yr hyn a ddywedais wrth Sam Kurtz, ac fe wnaf ei ailadrodd er eich mwyn chi, yw fy mod wedi gorymrwymo oherwydd ein bod wedi dysgu gwersi. Gwyddom fod yna danwariant yn aml oherwydd weithiau mae'n anodd i fuddiolwyr allu gwario'r arian oherwydd amrywiaeth o heriau. Rwyf wedi gwneud popeth yn fy ngallu i sicrhau ein bod yn cael cymaint o arian allan cyn gynted â phosibl. Fe wnaethoch chi gyfeirio at y £58 miliwn. Mae hynny'n llai na 10 y cant o'r rhaglen gyfan. Mae ganddynt tan ddiwedd mis Rhagfyr o hyd i wario'r arian hwnnw. Yr hyn sy'n bwysig iawn, os oes unrhyw anawsterau gyda gwario'r arian, yw bod fy swyddogion yn cael gwybod amdanynt yn gyflym, fel y gallwn edrych i weld beth allwn ni ei wneud i helpu, oherwydd mae'n bwysig iawn ein bod yn gwneud y gorau o'r gwariant mewn ymateb i'r holl heriau a fu gennym. Mae angen inni weithio gyda'n gilydd, ond rwy'n ofni nad oes unrhyw arian y gallaf ei ddyrannu i unrhyw un arall nawr, oherwydd mae'r arian hwnnw wedi'i ddyrannu ers amser maith ac rydym wedi gorymrwymo. Ond rwy'n cytuno â chi ei bod hi'n siomedig iawn na fyddwn yn cael yr arian hwnnw mwyach.
I'd just like to press the Minister on this further. It's very good to hear that you said this money has been overcommitted and you're confident that this money will be spent, but, for the benefit of all Members in this Chamber, if you could just outline what some of those projects are, and if you'd be willing to share a list of those projects around to Members, so that we can all see that Welsh Government is spending this money and that none of this money is going to be returned back to the UK.
Hoffwn bwyso ymhellach ar y Gweinidog ynglŷn â hyn. Mae'n dda iawn clywed eich bod wedi dweud bod yr arian hwn wedi cael ei orymrwymo a'ch bod yn hyderus y bydd yr arian yn cael ei wario, ond er budd yr holl Aelodau yn y Siambr, a wnewch chi amlinellu beth yw rhai o'r prosiectau hynny, ac a fyddech chi'n fodlon rhannu rhestr o'r prosiectau hynny â'r Aelodau, fel y gallwn i gyd weld bod Llywodraeth Cymru'n gwario'r arian ac nad oes dim o'r arian yn mynd i gael ei ddychwelyd i'r DU.
Okay, I'll repeat it again: I cannot spend the money; I have allocated the money. I have overallocated the money, and I've done everything I can—[Interruption.] It's now up to the—[Interruption.] Do you want to listen? Good. It's up to the beneficiaries, who've told us that they can absolutely spend that money, that they spend that money. It's really important that they give us a heads-up if there are any difficulties so that officials can work with them to make sure. So, whilst I say I am confident, obviously I'm not spending that money. If I was spending that money, I would be more confident, wouldn't I? But I'm confident that what we've done, by learning lessons from previous RDP schemes, where we know there is always an underspend, by overcommitting the funding, I hope that we will absolutely maximise that spending. I don't want to send any money back to the UK Government, I can absolutely assure you, or to the European Union prior to that. It's really important that that money is spent here in Wales. Certainly, from a commercial point of view, if I am able to allow Members to have access to information around the schemes, I'd be very happy to do that, but I will have to check that.
Iawn, fe wnaf ei ailadrodd eto: ni allaf wario'r arian; rwyf wedi dyrannu'r arian. Rwyf wedi gorddyrannu'r arian, ac rwyf wedi gwneud popeth a allaf—[Torri ar draws.] Erbyn hyn mater i'r—[Torri ar draws.] A ydych chi eisiau gwrando? Da iawn. Mater i'r buddiolwyr, sydd wedi dweud wrthym y gallant yn sicr wario'r arian, yw gwario'r arian hwnnw. Mae'n bwysig iawn eu bod yn dweud wrthym os oes unrhyw anawsterau fel y gall swyddogion weithio gyda nhw i wneud yn siŵr. Felly, er fy mod yn dweud fy mod yn hyderus, yn amlwg nid fi sy'n gwario'r arian hwnnw. Pe bawn i'n gwario'r arian, byddwn i'n fwy hyderus, oni fyddwn? Ond rwy'n hyderus fod yr hyn a wnaethom, trwy ddysgu gwersi o gynlluniau Rhaglen Datblygu Gwledig blaenorol, lle gwyddom fod yna danwariant bob amser, trwy orymrwymo'r cyllid, rwy'n gobeithio y byddwn yn sicr yn gwario cymaint â phosibl. Gallaf eich sicrhau nad wyf am anfon unrhyw arian yn ôl at Lywodraeth y DU, nac i'r Undeb Ewropeaidd cyn hynny. Mae'n bwysig iawn fod yr arian yn cael ei wario yma yng Nghymru. Yn sicr, o safbwynt masnachol, os gallaf ganiatáu i'r Aelodau gael mynediad at wybodaeth am y cynlluniau, byddwn yn hapus iawn i wneud hynny, ond bydd yn rhaid i mi wirio hynny.
Good afternoon, Minister. I just want to focus on small businesses and microbusinesses, particularly in rural areas. Many of those will be Welsh speaking microbusinesses and small family firms. The RDP has helped some of those small businesses and microbusinesses, particularly in Welsh-speaking communities. I just really want to just seek your assurances that the scheme going forward—the RDP replacement or whatever it will be—will actually look at ensuring that the support continues to those small businesses and microbusinesses, and how you will also be measuring that and ensuring that there's a good impact, particularly on our Welsh-speaking rural communities as well. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Prynhawn da, Weinidog. Rwyf am ganolbwyntio ar fusnesau bach a microfusnesau, yn enwedig mewn ardaloedd gwledig. Bydd llawer o'r rheini'n ficrofusnesau Cymraeg eu hiaith a chwmnïau teuluol bach. Mae'r Rhaglen Datblygu Gwledig wedi helpu rhai o'r busnesau bach a'r microfusnesau hynny, yn enwedig mewn cymunedau Cymraeg eu hiaith. Rwyf eisiau gofyn am eich sicrwydd y bydd y cynllun wrth symud ymlaen—y Rhaglen Datblygu Gwledig newydd neu beth bynnag y bydd—yn edrych ar sicrhau bod y gefnogaeth yn parhau i'r busnesau bach a'r microfusnesau hynny, a sut y byddwch chi hefyd yn mesur hynny ac yn sicrhau bod yna effaith dda, yn enwedig ar ein cymunedau gwledig Cymraeg eu hiaith. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Thank you. We're not having a replacement RDP programme, because I'm not sure what funding I'm going to get from the UK Government, and, as you know, our big scheme will be the sustainable farming scheme, and it's really important that every farm is able to access that. But, obviously, you're talking about rural economy, and I think again it is very important that we do as much as we can to recognise the importance of community-led approaches, if you like, to the challenges that our rural economy does face. So, I will have to look at the budget. There are really significant limitations being placed on us as a Government on funding by the UK Government. If you look at their approach to the shared prosperity fund, for instance, and the limited budget that's available to us, I've had to prioritise my core commitments. So, if you look at the LEADER programme, for instance, I think that's an excellent scheme that we've had in our rural communities, but I simply don't have the funding available to continue with this programme. But what we are doing—and it's not just in my portfolio, but right across Government with my Cabinet colleagues—is looking at what wider rural issues we can support through the delivery of the programme for government.
Diolch. Nid oes gennym Raglen Datblygu Gwledig newydd, oherwydd nid wyf yn siŵr pa gyllid a gaf gan Lywodraeth y DU, ac fel y gwyddoch, ein cynllun mawr fydd y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy, ac mae'n bwysig iawn fod pob fferm yn gallu cael mynediad at hwnnw. Ond yn amlwg, rydych chi'n siarad am economi wledig, ac rwy'n credu unwaith eto ei bod hi'n bwysig iawn ein bod yn gwneud cymaint ag y gallwn i gydnabod pwysigrwydd dulliau a arweinir gan y gymuned, os mynnwch, i'r heriau y mae ein heconomi wledig yn eu hwynebu. Felly, bydd yn rhaid imi edrych ar y gyllideb. Mae cyfyngiadau gwirioneddol sylweddol yn cael eu gosod arnom ni fel Llywodraeth ar gyllid gan Lywodraeth y DU. Os edrychwch ar eu dull o weithredu'r gronfa ffyniant gyffredin er enghraifft, a'r gyllideb gyfyngedig sydd ar gael i ni, bu'n rhaid i mi flaenoriaethu fy ymrwymiadau craidd. Felly, os edrychwch ar y rhaglen LEADER er enghraifft, credaf fod hwnnw'n gynllun rhagorol a fu gennym yn ein cymunedau gwledig, ond yn syml, nid oes gennyf arian ar gael i barhau'r rhaglen honno. Ond yr hyn a wnawn—ac nid yn fy mhortffolio i yn unig, ond ar draws y Llywodraeth gyda fy nghyd-Weinidogion Cabinet—yw edrych ar ba faterion gwledig ehangach y gallwn eu cefnogi drwy gyflawni'r rhaglen lywodraethu.
8. Beth yw polisi Llywodraeth Cymru ar gadw primatiaid fel anifeiliaid anwes? OQ59629
8. What is the Welsh Government's policy on the keeping of primates as pets? OQ59629
Thank you. The UK Government's Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill proposed prohibiting the keeping, breeding, sale and transfer of primates without specific licence. I supported its provisions in full and I'm extremely frustrated it's been dismantled.
Diolch. Roedd Bil Lles Anifeiliaid Llywodraeth y DU (Anifeiliaid a Gedwir) yn argymell gwahardd cadw, bridio, gwerthu a throsglwyddo primatiaid heb drwydded benodol. Cefnogais ei ddarpariaethau'n llawn ac rwy'n rhwystredig iawn ei fod wedi cael ei ddatgymalu.
I just want to say very unequivocally that primates are not suitable to be kept as pets, and certainly homes are not suitable for keeping primates. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has needed to rescue monkeys whose welfare has been compromised by owners in Wales and has directly encountered how private primate ownership can lead to suffering. The Welsh Government has a very good record on animal welfare, which I hope will continue. Following on from Vikki Howells earlier, will the Minister consider taking action to outlaw the private ownership of primates and save countless monkeys from a life of misery in inappropriate settings?
Rwyf am ddweud yn ddiamwys iawn nad yw primatiaid yn addas i'w cadw fel anifeiliaid anwes, ac yn sicr nid yw cartrefi'n addas ar gyfer cadw primatiaid. Mae'r Gymdeithas Frenhinol er Atal Creulondeb i Anifeiliaid wedi gorfod achub mwncïod mewn perygl gan berchnogion yng Nghymru ac mae wedi dod ar draws achosion uniongyrchol o'r ffordd y gall perchnogaeth breifat ar brimatiaid arwain at ddioddefaint. Mae gan Lywodraeth Cymru hanes da iawn mewn perthynas â lles anifeiliaid, a gobeithio y bydd hynny'n parhau. Yn dilyn ymlaen o'r hyn a ddywedodd Vikki Howells yn gynharach, a wnaiff y Gweinidog ystyried cymryd camau i wahardd perchnogaeth breifat ar brimatiaid ac achub mwncïod dirifedi rhag bywyd o ddioddefaint mewn lleoliadau amhriodol?
Thank you. As I said in my original answer to you, what the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill was doing was to better regulate and license. It wasn't looking at a complete ban; it was just looking at the regulations. I hope that would have been a significant step to where we would be, following the Bill.
I mentioned to Vikki Howells that I'd asked officials to work with lawyers to have a look to see what we can do in relation to that, and I will certainly be very interested, if it's correct what officials have been told, that DEFRA are looking to do this through a statutory instrument, and I'd be very happy to work with them to do that, because I think they would go out to consultation, and we could look then to legislation. And maybe that would be the opportunity also to see if we could strengthen it to look at a ban. I honestly don't know the answer to that, but I think it is something that we could look at.
I've also requested data under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 from our local authorities to see exactly what the extent of private ownership is here in Wales, because I think it would be good to see how significant, or not, the problem is.
Diolch. Fel y dywedais yn fy ateb gwreiddiol i chi, yr hyn roedd y Bil Lles Anifeiliaid (Anifeiliaid a Gedwir) yn ei wneud oedd rheoleiddio a thrwyddedu'n well. Nid oedd yn edrych ar waharddiad llwyr, dim ond edrych ar y rheoliadau. Rwy'n gobeithio y byddai hynny wedi bod yn gam mawr i ble'r hoffem fod, yn dilyn y Bil.
Soniais wrth Vikki Howells fy mod wedi gofyn i swyddogion weithio gyda chyfreithwyr i edrych i weld beth allwn ni ei wneud mewn perthynas â hynny, ac os yw'r hyn a ddywedwyd wrth swyddogion yn gywir, fod DEFRA yn edrych ar wneud hyn drwy offeryn statudol, byddwn yn hapus iawn i weithio gyda nhw i wneud hynny, oherwydd rwy'n credu y byddent yn ymgynghori, ac fe allem edrych wedyn ar ddeddfwriaeth. Ac efallai mai dyna fyddai'r cyfle hefyd i weld a allem ei gryfhau i edrych ar waharddiad. Yn onest, nid wyf yn gwybod yr ateb i hynny, ond rwy'n credu ei fod yn rhywbeth y gallem edrych arno.
Rwyf hefyd wedi gofyn am ddata o dan Ddeddf Anifeiliaid Gwyllt Peryglus 1976 gan ein hawdurdodau lleol i weld yn union faint o berchnogaeth breifat sydd yma yng Nghymru, oherwydd rwy'n credu y byddai'n dda gweld pa mor sylweddol, neu beidio, yw'r broblem.
9. A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am ddyfodol cynaliadwyedd bwyd yng Nghymru? OQ59660
9. Will the Minister make a statement regarding the future of food sustainability in Wales? OQ59660
The Welsh Government is committed to supporting the food and drink industry in Wales in respect of environmental and economic sustainability, and to ensure the industry continues to deliver to address the needs of the people of Wales.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ymrwymo i gefnogi'r diwydiant bwyd a diod yng Nghymru mewn perthynas â chynaliadwyedd amgylcheddol ac economaidd, ac i sicrhau bod y diwydiant yn parhau i fynd i'r afael ag anghenion pobl Cymru.
Thank you, Minister, for that answer. As you're aware, sustainable food production will be fundamental in our quest for food security here in Wales. Sadly, I believe the benefits for future generations of anchoring food security in legislation were not recognised recently. However, the fact remains that there is huge demand for Government to take action that spans wider than the agricultural Bill or the sustainable farming scheme or any community food strategy, and I welcome the commitments you've made to date.
Last month, the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee made several recommendations to the Government. One was the publication of a document setting out all of the Government's food policies across departments, showing how these align against the Government's key overarching objectives in relation to food. Minister, can the Senedd expect such a document to be published and, if so, when would you envisage it being available for scrutiny?
Diolch am eich ateb, Weinidog. Fel y gwyddoch, bydd cynhyrchu bwyd cynaliadwy yn hanfodol yn ein hymdrech i sicrhau diogeledd bwyd yma yng Nghymru. Yn anffodus, nid wyf yn credu bod manteision angori diogeledd bwyd mewn deddfwriaeth ar gyfer cenedlaethau'r dyfodol wedi'u cydnabod yn ddiweddar. Fodd bynnag, erys y ffaith bod galw mawr ar y Llywodraeth i weithredu mewn ffordd sy'n ymestyn yn ehangach na'r Bil amaethyddol neu'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy neu unrhyw strategaeth fwyd gymunedol, ac rwy'n croesawu'r ymrwymiadau rydych chi wedi'u gwneud hyd yma.
Fis diwethaf, gwnaeth Pwyllgor yr Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig sawl argymhelliad i'r Llywodraeth. Un oedd cyhoeddi dogfen yn nodi holl bolisïau bwyd y Llywodraeth ar draws adrannau, gan ddangos sut mae'r rhain yn cyd-fynd ag amcanion cyffredinol allweddol y Llywodraeth mewn perthynas â bwyd. Weinidog, a all y Senedd ddisgwyl i ddogfen o'r fath gael ei chyhoeddi ac os felly, pryd fyddech chi'n rhagweld y bydd ar gael inni allu craffu arni?
Thank you. Yes, the Senedd can expect it. I'm going to say 'autumn this year'. I'll say 'autumn this year', but, you know, it might extend into the winter. But, just to let you know, there's a significant amount of work already going on across Government. And you will have heard me say in response to the debate on your food Bill—I think it was in answer to Jenny Rathbone—that the First Minister was going to convene all Ministers, along with our officials, to look at the significant food policy work that was going on across Government to try and link it up. The First Minister chaired that meeting yesterday, and it was fascinating. Even I learned things that were going on within food. Food sits within my portfolio, but to hear of the significant work going on right across Government, from nearly every Minister, in relation to food policy—. So, what I've asked officials to do now is to bring all that work together in a single document. Some of it will absolutely fit into the work of the community food strategy, which, as you know, we're working on with Plaid Cymru as part of the co-operation agreement to bring forward that community food strategy. Others won't fit into the community food strategy, but I think it will be important to bring all that work together in the document that you've just referred to. So, the first stage of the work will be to bring the work together. I've asked for that be done by the end of this term, so in just over four weeks' time. That can be then looked at over the summer, looking forward then to bringing forward the document that you've just questioned me about. So, as I say, I hope it will be the autumn, but if I say before Christmas, I think I'll cover myself.
Diolch. Fe all y Senedd ddisgwyl hynny. Rwy'n mynd i ddweud 'hydref eleni'. Fe ddywedaf 'hydref eleni', ond wyddoch chi, efallai y bydd yn ymestyn i mewn i'r gaeaf. Ond i chi gael gwybod, mae cryn dipyn o waith eisoes yn digwydd ar draws y Llywodraeth. Ac fe fyddwch wedi fy nghlywed yn dweud mewn ymateb i'r ddadl ar eich Bil bwyd—mewn ateb i Jenny Rathbone, rwy'n credu—fod y Prif Weinidog yn mynd i gynnull yr holl Weinidogion, ynghyd â'n swyddogion, i edrych ar y gwaith polisi bwyd sylweddol a oedd yn digwydd ar draws y Llywodraeth er mwyn ceisio ei gydgysylltu. Cadeiriodd y Prif Weinidog y cyfarfod hwnnw ddoe, ac roedd yn ddiddorol. Fe ddysgais innau hyd yn oed am bethau a oedd yn digwydd ym maes bwyd. Mae bwyd yn fy mhortffolio i, ond roedd clywed am y gwaith sylweddol sy'n digwydd ar draws y Llywodraeth, gan bron bob Gweinidog, mewn perthynas â pholisi bwyd—. Felly, yr hyn y gofynnais i swyddogion ei wneud nawr yw dod â'r holl waith at ei gilydd mewn un ddogfen. Bydd rhywfaint ohono'n cyd-fynd yn llwyr â gwaith y strategaeth bwyd cymunedol rydym yn gweithio arni gyda Phlaid Cymru, fel y gwyddoch, yn rhan o'r cytundeb cydweithio er mwyn cyflwyno'r strategaeth bwyd cymunedol honno. Ni fydd modd cynnwys rhai o'r pethau eraill yn y strategaeth bwyd cymunedol, ond rwy'n credu y bydd yn bwysig dod â'r holl waith at ei gilydd yn y ddogfen rydych newydd gyfeirio ati. Felly, cam cyntaf y gwaith fydd dod â'r gwaith at ei gilydd. Rwyf wedi gofyn am wneud hynny erbyn diwedd y tymor hwn, felly ymhen ychydig dros bedair wythnos. Gellir edrych ar hynny wedyn dros yr haf, gan edrych ymlaen wedyn at gyflwyno'r ddogfen rydych newydd fy holi yn ei chylch. Felly, fel rwy'n dweud, rwy'n gobeithio y gellir gwneud hynny yn yr hydref, ond rwy'n credu ei bod yn ddiogel imi ddweud cyn y Nadolig.
10. A wnaiff y Gweinidog gadarnhau beth yw'r camau nesaf ar gyfer cyflwyno CCTV gorfodol mewn lladd-dai? OQ59653
10. Will the Minister confirm what the next steps are for introducing compulsory CCTV in slaughterhouses? OQ59653
I've consulted on proposals and published a summary of responses last month. Officials are now developing regulations to deliver on our commitment to require CCTV in all slaughterhouses. I plan to introduce these by spring 2024.
Rwyf wedi ymgynghori ar gynigion ac wedi cyhoeddi crynodeb o'r ymatebion y mis diwethaf. Mae swyddogion bellach yn datblygu rheoliadau i gyflawni ein hymrwymiad i ofyn am deledu cylch cyfyng ym mhob lladd-dy. Rwy'n bwriadu cyflwyno'r rhain erbyn gwanwyn 2024.
It's very good to hear that, Minister. I'm sure you would agree that animals slaughtered in Wales should be the subject of the highest possible standards and regulations. And would you agree with me that the consultation showed quite clearly the strength of public opinion in favour of the highest possible standards? As a Member of this Senedd, animal welfare is one of the most prominent aspects of the postbag that I receive, and I'm sure that's reflected across the Chamber. So, with that background, Minister, I'm very pleased to hear that you'll be pressing ahead with these new standards, and I hope you can do so effectively from the first day of implementation.
Mae'n dda clywed hynny, Weinidog. Rwy'n siŵr y byddech chi'n cytuno y dylid arfer y safonau a'r rheoliadau uchaf posibl ar gyfer anifeiliaid sy'n cael eu difa yng Nghymru. Ac a fyddech chi'n cytuno â mi fod yr ymgynghoriad yn dangos yn eithaf clir pa mor gryf yw barn y cyhoedd o blaid y safonau uchaf posibl? Fel Aelod o'r Senedd hon, lles anifeiliaid yw un o'r pethau sy'n cael fwyaf o sylw yn fy mag post, ac rwy'n siŵr fod hynny'n wir ar draws y Siambr. Felly, gyda'r cefndir hwnnw, Weinidog, rwy'n falch iawn o glywed y byddwch yn bwrw ymlaen â'r safonau newydd hyn, ac rwy'n gobeithio y gallwch wneud hynny'n effeithiol o ddiwrnod cyntaf eu gweithredu.
Yes, thank you. I absolutely agree with you. Whenever there is any issue or consultation in relation to animal welfare, my postbag certainly, as an MS, always increases; I definitely think people prefer animals to people, and it's always a matter of great importance, I think, to our constituents. And, of course, animal welfare is absolutely a priority for me as Minister and for the Welsh Government, and one of the reasons I brought the five-year animal welfare plan in when we first came back after the election two years ago was to show the scope of work that we intend to do in the animal welfare space.
There were over 16,000 responses to the consultation, and overwhelmingly they were in support of having CCTV in our slaughterhouses, and, I have to say, all the large slaughterhouses here in Wales do already have CCTV. And, I should say, CCTV cannot replace direct oversight by a slaughterhouse manager, or even the official vets that have to be there. So, I think we should be reassured that there are very, very high standards in our slaughterhouses across Wales.
Ie, diolch. Rwy'n cytuno'n llwyr â chi. Pryd bynnag y bydd unrhyw fater neu ymgynghoriad mewn perthynas â lles anifeiliaid, mae fy mag post i yn sicr, fel Aelod o'r Senedd, bob amser yn chwyddo; rwy'n bendant yn meddwl bod yn well gan bobl anifeiliaid na phobl, ac mae bob amser yn fater o bwys mawr i'n hetholwyr. Ac wrth gwrs, mae lles anifeiliaid yn flaenoriaeth lwyr i mi fel Gweinidog ac i Lywodraeth Cymru, ac un o'r rhesymau pam y cyflwynais y cynllun lles anifeiliaid pum mlynedd pan ddaethom yn ôl ar ôl yr etholiad ddwy flynedd yn ôl oedd er mwyn dangos cwmpas y gwaith y bwriadwn ei wneud ym maes lles anifeiliaid.
Cafwyd dros 16,000 o ymatebion i'r ymgynghoriad, ac roedd y mwyafrif llethol ohonynt o blaid cael teledu cylch cyfyng yn ein lladd-dai, ac mae'n rhaid imi ddweud, mae gan bob lladd-dy mawr yma yng Nghymru deledu cylch cyfyng yn barod. A dylwn ddweud na all teledu cylch cyfyng gymryd lle goruchwyliaeth uniongyrchol gan reolwr lladd-dy, na hyd yn oed y milfeddygon swyddogol y mae'n rhaid eu cael yno. Felly, rwy'n credu y dylem fod yn dawel ein meddwl fod safonau uchel iawn yn ein lladd-dai ledled Cymru.
Nid yw Janet Finch-Saunders yn y Siambr i ofyn cwestiwn 11, felly cwestiwn 12, Tom Giffard.
Janet Finch-Saunders is not in the Chamber to ask question 11, so question 12, Tom Giffard.
Ni ofynnwyd cwestiwn 11 [OQ59635].
Question 11 [OQ59635] not asked.
12. Pa drafodaethau mae'r Gweinidog wedi'u cael gyda Gweinidog yr Economi ynghylch twristiaeth mewn cymunedau gwledig? OQ59650
12. What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Economy about tourism in rural communities? OQ59650
I have regular discussions with all of my Cabinet colleagues on a range of topics, including tourism in rural communities. Our strategy, 'Welcome to Wales: Priorities for the Visitor Economy 2020-2025', sets our vision and ambition for the sector across Wales.
Rwy'n cael trafodaethau rheolaidd gyda fy holl gyd-Weinidogion Cabinet ar amrywiaeth o bynciau, gan gynnwys twristiaeth mewn cymunedau gwledig. Mae ein strategaeth, 'Croeso i Gymru: Blaenoriaethau i'r Economi Ymwelwyr 2020-2025', yn gosod ein gweledigaeth a'n huchelgais ar gyfer y sector ledled Cymru.
Thank you, Minister, for your answer, and for getting to question 12—I didn't think I'd be called today. [Laughter.]
Diolch am eich ateb, Weinidog, ac am gyrraedd cwestiwn 12—nid oeddwn yn meddwl y cawn fy ngalw heddiw. [Chwerthin.]
You have Janet Finch-Saunders to thank for that. [Laughter.]
Mae gennych Janet Finch-Saunders i ddiolch am hynny. [Chwerthin.]
I regularly have Janet Finch-Saunders to thank, Llywydd. [Laughter.]
Can I raise with you the issue of the 182-day rule that's been brought in by the Welsh Government? Obviously, the predominant form, if you like, of visitor accommodation in rural communities will be the self-catering holiday let properties, so we know that any potential tax changes would disproportionately have an impact on those rural communities. So, I'm just wondering, from your perspective, as the rural communities' voice, if you like, around the Cabinet table, whether there's been a specific rural impact assessment done on the impact that these changes could have not only on the self-catering holiday let properties themselves, but the wider infrastructure—that local pub, the local shop and so on—that visitors can often keep viable. So, can you confirm whether or not that work has been done, please, and what specific representations have you made about this policy on behalf of rural communities?
Mae gennyf Janet Finch-Saunders i ddiolch iddi'n rheolaidd, Lywydd. [Chwerthin.]
A gaf fi godi mater y rheol 182 diwrnod a gyflwynwyd gan Lywodraeth Cymru? Yn amlwg, y prif fath o lety i ymwelwyr mewn cymunedau gwledig fydd llety gwyliau hunanddarpar, felly fe wyddom y byddai unrhyw newidiadau treth posibl yn cael effaith anghymesur ar y cymunedau gwledig hynny. Felly, o'ch safbwynt chi, fel llais y cymunedau gwledig, os mynnwch, o gwmpas bwrdd y Cabinet, a oes asesiad effaith gwledig penodol wedi'i wneud ar yr effaith y gallai'r newidiadau hyn ei chael nid yn unig ar yr eiddo llety gwyliau hunanddarpar ei hun, ond ar y seilwaith ehangach—y dafarn leol, y siop leol ac ati—y bydd ymwelwyr yn aml yn gallu eu cadw ar agor. Felly, a wnewch chi gadarnhau a yw'r gwaith hwnnw wedi'i wneud ai peidio os gwelwch yn dda, a pha sylwadau penodol a wnaed gennych am y polisi hwn ar ran cymunedau gwledig?
Well, obviously, when any policy is discussed around the Cabinet table, every Minister has a view and brings forward significant points on policy to test it. The economic impact will have been done. I don't know if it will have specifically looked at rural communities, but I will certainly ask that question and write to the Member.FootnoteLink
Wel, yn amlwg, pan drafodir unrhyw bolisi o amgylch bwrdd y Cabinet, mae gan bob Gweinidog farn ac mae'n cyflwyno pwyntiau pwysig ar bolisi i'w phrofi. Bydd yr asesiad effaith economaidd wedi'i wneud. Nid wyf yn gwybod a fydd wedi edrych yn benodol ar gymunedau gwledig, ond yn sicr fe wnaf ofyn y cwestiwn hwnnw ac ysgrifennu at yr Aelod.FootnoteLink
Diolch i'r Gweinidog.
I thank the Minister.
Yr eitem nesaf, felly, fydd y cwestiynau amserol. Mae dau gwestiwn amserol heddiw, a'r ddau yn cael eu hateb gan y Gweinidog economi, ac mae'r cyntaf o'r rheini gan Jayne Bryant.
The next item is the topical questions. There are two topical questions today, and both will be answered by the Minister for Economy, and the first of those is to be asked by Jayne Bryant.
1. A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad mewn ymateb i'r cyhoeddiad bod cwmni parseli Tuffnells wedi mynd i ddwylo'r gweinyddwyr? TQ794
1. Will the Minister make a statement in response to the announcement that Tuffnells parcel firm has gone into administration? TQ794
Thank you. It is sad news that Tuffnells parcels has entered into administration. This took place yesterday, and I know this will be devastating for management and staff. Our focus now will be on supporting those affected workers here in Wales.
Diolch. Mae'n newyddion trist fod cwmni parseli Tuffnells wedi mynd i ddwylo'r gweinyddwyr. Digwyddodd hyn ddoe, a gwn y bydd yn ddinistriol i'r rheolwyr a'r staff. Byddwn yn canolbwyntio nawr ar gefnogi'r gweithwyr yr effeithir arnynt yma yng Nghymru.
Thank you for that answer, Minister. As you mentioned, one of those depots is situated in Rogerstone, in my constituency of Newport West, and it has been confirmed that all of the 75 workers there have been made redundant. This is devastating news to all those workers and their families, who are in this situation due to no fault of their own. In what is already an extremely difficult year for many, the suddenness of this announcement seems particularly cruel.
The workers are obviously the priority, and they have been let down, but there are also other businesses and subcontractors who will be affected by this, with one local business having several outstanding invoices. Minister, I know the Welsh Government and your officials always act swiftly in these situations, but can you assure me that support will be mobilised for the workforce so that they're given the best advice in terms of possible connections to other employers and opportunities for training? I've already been contacted by a number of local businesses offering their support and help. And do you have any advice to give the other local businesses affected about how they can contact the administrators for the services that they are owed?
Diolch am yr ateb hwnnw, Weinidog. Fel y sonioch chi, mae un o'r depos hynny yn Nhŷ-du yn fy etholaeth yng Ngorllewin Casnewydd, a chadarnhawyd bod pob un o'r 75 o weithwyr yno wedi cael eu diswyddo. Mae hyn yn newyddion trychinebus i'r holl weithwyr hynny a'u teuluoedd, sydd yn y sefyllfa hon heb unrhyw fai arnynt hwy. Yn yr hyn sydd eisoes yn flwyddyn eithriadol o anodd i lawer, mae sydynrwydd y cyhoeddiad i'w weld yn arbennig o greulon.
Mae'n amlwg mai'r gweithwyr yw'r flaenoriaeth, ac maent wedi cael cam, ond mae busnesau ac is-gontractwyr eraill hefyd yn mynd i gael eu heffeithio gan hyn, gydag un busnes lleol â sawl anfoneb heb eu talu iddo. Weinidog, rwy'n gwybod bod Llywodraeth Cymru a'ch swyddogion bob amser yn gweithredu'n gyflym yn y sefyllfaoedd hyn, ond a allwch chi fy sicrhau y bydd cymorth yn cael ei drefnu ar gyfer y gweithlu fel eu bod yn cael y cyngor gorau ynglŷn â chysylltiadau posibl â chyflogwyr eraill a chyfleoedd ar gyfer hyfforddi? Mae nifer o fusnesau lleol eisoes wedi cysylltu â mi i gynnig eu cefnogaeth a'u help. Ac a oes gennych unrhyw gyngor i'w roi i'r busnesau lleol eraill yr effeithir arnynt ar sut y gallant gysylltu â'r gweinyddwyr am yr hyn sy'n ddyledus iddynt am eu gwasanaethau?
Thank you for the question. There's a number of really important practical points there, and I recognise that one of the Tuffnells depots is indeed in her constituency in Rogerstone. The difficulty we have in the Welsh Government is that there was no contact from the company to us, at any point, to indicate it was in distress, so we found out when the announcement was actually made that administrators were appointed yesterday. It's part of a much larger group, with over 2,000 people directly employed by Tuffnells, so it'll be a shock to workers as well. Now, the challenge is about what they are able to do and how they get those forms of support. The administrators have provided their details on the Tuffnells website—they've got contact details. If you're an individual, people can contact the Welsh Government. If people contact through your office, we can take forward that advice. But we're looking to work with the administrators to make sure that there's clear advice and understanding of the support that the Welsh Government can provide, for example, through our ReAct Plus programme or our Communities for Work Plus programme and, potentially, links through Careers Wales, to help people find alternative work. We also have a constructive relationship with the Department for Work and Pensions as well and about the sort of support they may be able to provide.
For any businesses that are affected, they should definitely contact Business Wales, to understand what we can do to try to direct them in terms of their rights. But they also should have direct contact with the administrators and about where they are in the line of credit and what they can do, if they do have outstanding invoices that have not been paid.
Part of the challenge of dealing with the workforce is that we don't believe, we don't understand there to be a recognised union on either the site in the Member's constituency or across the wider business. That then means that workers are needing to be organised after the event. I think it makes it even more important that there's direct contact with both the administrators' office and, indeed, as I say, through co-ordinating local officials. So, I'd be very happy to meet the Member to have a practical conversation with her and/or her UK parliamentary colleague to understand the sort of calls for advice that you're getting from the 70-odd people who are permanently employed, or were permanently employed on the site, and to make sure that they do have easy access to support that's available from Welsh Government or, indeed, as I say, the DWP.
Diolch am y cwestiwn. Mae yna nifer o bwyntiau ymarferol pwysig iawn yno, ac rwy'n deall bod un o ddepos Tuffnells yn ei hetholaeth yn Nhŷ-du. Yr anhawster sydd gennym yn Llywodraeth Cymru yw na chysylltodd y cwmni â ni o gwbl ar unrhyw adeg i nodi ei fod mewn trafferthion, felly cawsom wybod pan wnaed y cyhoeddiad fod gweinyddwyr wedi'u penodi ddoe. Mae'n rhan o grŵp llawer mwy, gyda dros 2,000 o bobl yn cael eu cyflogi'n uniongyrchol gan Tuffnells, felly bydd yn sioc i'r gweithwyr hefyd. Nawr, mae'r her yn ymwneud â'r hyn y gallant ei wneud a sut maent yn cael y mathau hynny o gefnogaeth. Mae'r gweinyddwyr wedi rhoi eu manylion ar wefan Tuffnells—mae ganddynt fanylion cyswllt. Os ydych chi'n unigolyn, gall pobl gysylltu â Llywodraeth Cymru. Os bydd pobl yn cysylltu drwy eich swyddfa, gallwn fwrw ymlaen â'r cyngor hwnnw. Ond rydym eisiau gweithio gyda'r gweinyddwyr i sicrhau bod cyngor clir a dealltwriaeth o'r cymorth y gall Llywodraeth Cymru ei ddarparu, er enghraifft drwy ein rhaglen ReAct Plus neu ein rhaglen Cymunedau am Waith a Mwy, a chysylltiadau drwy Gyrfa Cymru o bosibl, i helpu pobl i ddod o hyd i waith arall. Mae gennym hefyd berthynas adeiladol gyda'r Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau yn ogystal ac am y math o gymorth y gallant ei ddarparu.
I unrhyw fusnesau yr effeithir arnynt, dylent yn bendant gysylltu â Busnes Cymru i ddeall beth allwn ni ei wneud i geisio eu cyfeirio ynglŷn â'u hawliau. Ond dylent hefyd gael cyswllt uniongyrchol â'r gweinyddwyr ac ynglŷn â ble maent yn y llinell gredyd a'r hyn y gallant ei wneud, os oes ganddynt anfonebau heb eu talu iddynt.
Rhan o'r her o ymdrin â'r gweithlu yw nad ydym yn credu bod undeb cydnabyddedig ar y safle yn etholaeth yr Aelod nac ar draws y busnes ehangach. Mae hynny'n golygu felly fod angen trefnu gweithwyr ar ôl i'r pethau hyn ddigwydd. Rwy'n credu ei bod yn bwysicach fyth fod yna gyswllt uniongyrchol â swyddfa'r gweinyddwyr ac yn wir, fel y dywedais, drwy gydlynu swyddogion lleol. Felly, rwy'n hapus iawn i gyfarfod â'r Aelod i gael sgwrs ymarferol gyda hi a/neu Aelod Seneddol y DU i ddeall y math o alwadau am gyngor rydych chi'n eu cael gan yr oddeutu 70 o bobl sy'n cael eu cyflogi'n barhaol, neu a arferai gael eu cyflogi'n barhaol ar y safle, ac i sicrhau bod ganddynt fynediad hawdd at gymorth sydd ar gael gan Lywodraeth Cymru neu'r Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau yn wir, fel y dywedais.
I'd like to thank Jayne for asking this question; I'd echo the comments that have been made about the loss of these jobs. It's another bitter blow for the region I represent, which comes on the back of hundreds of job losses at Tillery Valley Foods Ltd in Cwmtillery and Avara Foods in Abergavenny.
Minister, you've expressed real concern about the latest rise in unemployment for Wales because, at 4.8 per cent, it's a full percentage point higher than the UK average. I note and I welcome the points you've made about the package of support that's being made available to those made redundant by Tuffnells. Could you talk us through, please, whether you think the site could be repurposed for alternative employment? And could you please give the Senedd an idea of what the Welsh Government is doing to address these really concerning figures about the national increase in unemployment? Thank you.
Hoffwn ddiolch i Jayne am ofyn y cwestiwn hwn; rwy'n adleisio'r sylwadau a wnaed ynglŷn â cholli'r swyddi hyn. Mae'n ergyd chwerw arall i'r rhanbarth rwy'n ei gynrychioli, yn dilyn colli cannoedd o swyddi yn Tillery Valley Foods Ltd yng Nghwmtyleri ac Avara Foods yn y Fenni.
Weinidog, rydych wedi mynegi cryn bryder am y cynnydd diweddaraf mewn diweithdra yng Nghymru oherwydd, ar 4.8 y cant, mae bwynt canran cyfan yn uwch na chyfartaledd y DU. Rwy'n nodi ac yn croesawu'r pwyntiau a wnaed gennych ynglŷn â'r pecyn cymorth sy'n cael ei ddarparu i'r rhai a ddiswyddwyd gan Tuffnells. A wnewch chi ddweud wrthym, os gwelwch yn dda, p'un a ydych yn credu y gellid addasu'r safle ar gyfer cyfleoedd cyflogaeth eraill? Ac a allwch roi syniad i'r Senedd o'r hyn y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i fynd i'r afael â'r ffigurau hyn ar y cynnydd cenedlaethol mewn diweithdra, sy'n peri pryder gwirioneddol? Diolch.
Well, with respect, I won't answer the last part of that, because I there's a further topical question from one of your colleagues on the figures that came out yesterday.
When it comes to the potential to support and challenge that is available here, part of the good news is that, for workers with skills and in logistics and related areas, there is still a need for people in that sector. So, I'm cautiously optimistic that we'll be able to provide people with alternative opportunities for work. When it comes to the site, I don't physically have knowledge of the site itself, but on the more general point around employment sites, all of our local authorities and, indeed, the Welsh Government, are looking at sites for employment. It's probably the better side of the equation to have about demand for employment sites, so I'm very keen that this site continues to be an employment site. We have regular enquiries from businesses that are looking to expand that are already here in Wales, as well as potential investors into Wales, and ones who are having significant employment sites available is actually something that we are looking to do to expand and to maintain those sites.
The Member mentioned Tillery Valley Foods—I met again with the task force, attended by the constituency Member for Blaenau Gwent, Alun Davies, this morning, and again, we're clear that we want that significant site for employment to remain an employment site, and not just to help the current workforce who are looking to find alternative work. There's still a significant number of people who are looking for alternative work, following the demise of Tillery Valley Foods, as well as making sure that there are future employment opportunities on that site. And it's a real point of intent that we've worked very constructively with the local authority, with constituency Members and more than one party on. And in the same way, we're also looking at Avara Foods in Monmouthshire, and, at the same, as I say, there is a practical and constructive relationship with the Department for Work and Pensions to find alternative work for the directly affected workforce.
Wel, â phob parch, nid wyf am ateb rhan olaf y cwestiwn, gan fod cwestiwn amserol pellach gan un o'ch cyd-Aelodau ar y ffigurau a gyhoeddwyd ddoe.
O ran y potensial yma i gefnogi ac i herio, rhan o'r newyddion da, i weithwyr sydd â sgiliau ac ym maes logisteg a meysydd cysylltiedig, yw bod angen pobl yn y sector hwnnw o hyd. Felly, rwy'n obeithiol iawn y byddwn yn gallu darparu cyfleoedd eraill i bobl weithio. O ran y safle, nid wyf yn gyfarwydd â'r safle ei hun, ond ar y pwynt mwy cyffredinol ynglŷn â safleoedd cyflogaeth, mae pob un o'n hawdurdodau lleol, a Llywodraeth Cymru yn wir, yn edrych ar safleoedd ar gyfer cyflogaeth. Mae'n debyg mai hon yw ochr orau'r hafaliad i'w gael mewn perthynas â'r galw am safleoedd cyflogaeth eraill, felly rwy'n awyddus iawn i'r safle hwn barhau i fod yn safle cyflogaeth. Rydym yn cael ymholiadau rheolaidd gan fusnesau sydd eisoes yma yng Nghymru ac sy'n awyddus i ehangu, yn ogystal â darpar fuddsoddwyr yng Nghymru, ac mae rhai a chanddynt safleoedd cyflogaeth sylweddol ar gael yn rhywbeth rydym yn bwriadu ei wneud i ehangu a chynnal y safleoedd hynny.
Soniodd yr Aelod am Tillery Valley Foods—cyfarfûm â'r tasglu, a fynychwyd gan yr Aelod etholaeth dros Flaenau Gwent, Alun Davies, unwaith eto y bore yma, ac unwaith eto, rydym yn glir ein bod am i'r safle cyflogaeth sylweddol hwnnw barhau i fod yn safle cyflogaeth, ac nid yn unig i helpu'r gweithlu presennol sy'n chwilio am swyddi eraill. Mae nifer sylweddol o bobl yn dal i chwilio am swyddi eraill, yn dilyn tranc Tillery Valley Foods, yn ogystal â sicrhau bod cyfleoedd cyflogaeth ar y safle hwnnw yn y dyfodol. Ac mae'n fwriad gwirioneddol rydym wedi gweithio'n adeiladol iawn arno gyda'r awdurdod lleol, gydag Aelodau etholaeth a mwy nag un blaid. Ac yn yr un modd, rydym hefyd yn edrych ar Avara Foods yn sir Fynwy, ac ar yr un pryd, fel y dywedaf, mae gennym berthynas ymarferol ac adeiladol gyda'r Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau i ddod o hyd i swyddi eraill ar gyfer y gweithlu yr effeithir arno'n uniongyrchol.
Diolch i'r Gweinidog am yr ateb i'r cwestiwn cyntaf yna. Luke Fletcher i ofyn yr ail gwestiwn.
I thank the Minister for the response to the first question. Luke Fletcher to ask the second question.
2. Beth mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i wella canlyniadau economaidd yng Nghymru, yn dilyn cyhoeddi ystadegau ONS mis Mehefin sy'n dangos patrwm o ddirywiad yng nghyfraddau cyflogaeth a gweithgarwch economaidd Cymru? TQ795
2. What is the Welsh Government doing to improve economic outcomes in Wales, following the publication of the June ONS statistics which show a pattern of decline in Welsh employment rates and economic activity? TQ795
Thank you for the question. Labour market data should be interpreted in the round and draw on a range of sources, including those looking at longer term trends. The labour force survey results that the Office for National Statistics published are in themselves relatively volatile, as the sample size is small for Wales. Our statisticians advise that a single month's set of results should not be relied on as a definitive representation of labour market conditions in Wales, albeit we are concerned about a number of areas in the economy in Wales, and it remains part of the discussions we have both internally with business, trade union stakeholders, and, indeed, with the UK Government.
Diolch am eich cwestiwn. Dylid dehongli data'r farchnad lafur yn ei gyfanrwydd gan ddefnyddio amrywiaeth o ffynonellau, gan gynnwys y rheini sy'n edrych ar dueddiadau mwy hirdymor. Mae canlyniadau arolwg y gweithlu a gyhoeddwyd gan y Swyddfa Ystadegau Gwladol yn gymharol anwadal ynddynt eu hunain, gan fod maint y sampl yn fach ar gyfer Cymru. Mae ein hystadegwyr yn dweud na ddylid dibynnu ar ganlyniadau un mis fel darlun diffiniol o gyflwr y farchnad lafur yng Nghymru, er ein bod yn pryderu am nifer o rannau o'r economi yng Nghymru, ac mae hyn yn parhau i fod yn rhan o'r trafodaethau a gawn yn fewnol gyda busnesau, rhanddeiliaid undebau llafur, ac yn wir, gyda Llywodraeth y DU.
Diolch am yr ateb, Gweinidog.
Thank you for that response, Minister.
Regardless of whether this is a blip or a trend, surely the Government would be preparing for the worst outcome, rather than potentially sitting on its hands and carrying on as if it's business as usual. Last month when we raised concerns regarding recent increases in the rate of unemployment and economic inactivity, both you and the First Minister dismissed the figures as a snapshot. Since then, of course, we've had another release of data from the ONS. We now have the lowest rate of employment across the whole of the UK, and the joint highest rate of unemployment, higher than anywhere else in the UK since last year. We've seen further rises in the rate of economic inactivity, which have also increased to a greater extent in Wales over the past year than anywhere else in the UK.
And, as I mentioned last month, this is against the long-term underperformance of the Welsh economy on productivity, which has shown no discernible improvements since 1998. On practically every metric for employment and economic performance, the picture in Wales is one of stagnation and managed decline. Considering these latest figures, considering the number of closures of workplaces we're hearing about—we had a question on the closure of Tuffnells just five minutes ago—and considering the concerns within multiple sectors of the economy, does the Minister agree that we need a far franker assessment of the state of the Welsh economy than the one he provided last month?
Boed yn eithriad neu'n duedd, dylai'r Llywodraeth fod yn paratoi ar gyfer y canlyniad gwaethaf yn hytrach nag eistedd ar ei dwylo a pharhau fel pe bai popeth yn fusnes fel arfer. Fis diwethaf, pan wnaethom godi pryderon ynghylch cynnydd diweddar mewn cyfraddau diweithdra ac anweithgarwch economaidd, fe wnaethoch chi a'r Prif Weinidog ddiystyru'r ffigurau fel ciplun yn unig. Ers hynny, wrth gwrs, mae'r Swyddfa Ystadegau Gwladol wedi cyhoeddi rhagor o ddata. Bellach, mae gennym y gyfradd gyflogaeth isaf yn y DU gyfan, a'r gyfradd gydradd uchaf o ddiweithdra, sy'n uwch nag unrhyw le arall yn y DU ers y llynedd. Rydym wedi gweld cynnydd pellach yng nghyfradd anweithgarwch economaidd, sydd hefyd wedi cynyddu i raddau mwy yng Nghymru dros y flwyddyn ddiwethaf nag unrhyw le arall yn y DU.
Ac fel y soniais fis diwethaf, mae hyn yng nghyd-destun tangyflawniad hirdymor economi Cymru ar gynhyrchiant, nad yw wedi dangos unrhyw welliannau sylweddol ers 1998. Ar bron bob metrig ar gyfer cyflawniad economaidd a chyflogaeth, mae'r darlun yng Nghymru yn un o ddiffyg twf a dirywiad a reolir. O ystyried y ffigyrau diweddaraf hyn, o ystyried nifer y gweithleoedd y clywn amdanynt yn cau—cawsom gwestiwn ar gau Tuffnells bum munud yn ôl—ac o ystyried y pryderon mewn sawl sector o'r economi, a yw'r Gweinidog yn cytuno bod angen asesiad llawer mwy gonest o gyflwr economi Cymru na'r un a ddarparodd fis diwethaf?
No, I think that is not a fair reflection on the action of the Government or on the series of statements that I've made about the current position of the economy and the prospects for the future. We are certainly not sitting on our hands and acting complacently. The honest difficulty that we have is that labour force survey figures are relatively volatile, and ONS are looking to revise the labour force survey during the rest of this year to provide more certainty. The more certain picture we have is less timely—it's the annual population survey, and that shows quite a different picture. It still continues to show Welsh unemployment levels below the UK level, it continues to show that there has been, over the period of devolution—and I completely reject his points around productivity—we have seen real improvements in productivity, as well as in employment. And until the post-pandemic period, we'd also seen improvements in economic inactivity rates as well.
And it's worth pointing out that the pay-as-you-earn figures, which cover employees not self-employment, actually show an improvement over the last year, and they show an improvement over the last month of figures available. So, that evidence suggests that employment is growing in Wales, and that's not subject to a small survey sample, and so it's a confounding picture. It is possible that something entirely different is happening in the self-employed sector of the economy, and I think it's honest to say that we do still have an ongoing challenge with economic inactivity. That's taking place also in large parts of the rest of the UK. The headline figures I think do provide a challenge for economic inactivity in itself, because it still covers full-time students. And obviously, we expect most of those full-time students to go on to secure employment.
I think the wider point is—. And I just want to remind the Member and others in the Chamber that when I've spoken about the future of the economy, I've been really clear about some of the risks that we are facing, about some of the unevenness in the economy as well. Whilst the UK may avoid a recession, there'll be some sectors where there are significant unemployment events through this year, and other areas where there is real growth and employment. And we still face a challenge in having the available labour and the match-up of the jobs that are available. Some of that really is about the work that we're already trying to do to help people back into the world of work when they are generally economically inactive, and that's work that, actually, we could do with a constructive approach together with the UK Government.
So, there are risks and challenges, yes, and I think I've been very frank about those. I think we could see another blip in the wrong direction when it comes to the withdrawal of what's left of the energy support scheme for businesses, but there will continue to be opportunities, some of which I have seen for myself today in meeting the Port of Milford Haven to look at current opportunities and near-side opportunities to significantly increase growth in that part of Wales, and there are others too, as well. I look forward to being frank and honest about where we are, but I certainly won't apologise for being upbeat about those sectors of our economy where there is real potential for growth that should benefit all of us.
Na, ni chredaf fod hynny'n adlewyrchiad teg o weithredoedd y Llywodraeth na'r gyfres o ddatganiadau rwyf wedi'u gwneud am sefyllfa bresennol yr economi a'r rhagolygon ar gyfer y dyfodol. Yn sicr, nid ydym yn eistedd ar ein dwylo nac yn ymddwyn yn hunanfodlon. Yr anhawster gonest sydd gennym yw bod ffigurau arolygon y gweithlu yn gymharol anwadal, ac mae'r Swyddfa Ystadegau Gwladol yn bwriadu adolygu arolwg y gweithlu ar gyfer gweddill y flwyddyn hon i ddarparu mwy o sicrwydd. Mae'r darlun mwy sicr sydd gennym yn llai amserol—yr arolwg blynyddol o'r boblogaeth yw hwnnw, ac mae hwnnw'n dangos darlun eithaf gwahanol. Mae'n dal i ddangos bod lefelau diweithdra Cymru yn is na lefel y DU, mae'n parhau i ddangos ein bod, dros gyfnod datganoli—ac rwy'n gwrthod ei bwyntiau ynghylch cynhyrchiant yn llwyr—wedi gweld gwelliannau gwirioneddol mewn cynhyrchiant, yn ogystal ag mewn cyflogaeth. A hyd at y cyfnod ar ôl y pandemig, gwelsom welliannau yn y cyfraddau anweithgarwch economaidd hefyd.
Ac mae'n werth nodi bod y ffigurau talu wrth ennill, sy'n berthnasol i weithwyr cyflogedig yn hytrach na gweithwyr hunangyflogedig, mewn gwirionedd yn dangos gwelliant dros y flwyddyn ddiwethaf, ac maent yn dangos gwelliant dros y mis diwethaf o ffigurau sydd ar gael. Felly, mae'r dystiolaeth honno'n awgrymu bod cyflogaeth yn tyfu yng Nghymru, ac nid yw hynny'n seiliedig ar sampl arolwg bach, ac felly mae'n ddarlun sy'n peri dryswch. Mae'n bosibl fod rhywbeth cwbl wahanol yn digwydd yn sector hunangyflogedig yr economi, a chredaf ei bod yn onest dweud bod gennym her barhaus o hyd gydag anweithgarwch economaidd. Mae hynny'n wir hefyd mewn rhannau helaeth o weddill y DU. Credaf fod y prif ffigurau'n darparu her i anweithgarwch economaidd ynddo'i hun, gan ei fod yn dal i gynnwys myfyrwyr amser llawn. Ac yn amlwg, rydym yn disgwyl i'r rhan fwyaf o'r myfyrwyr amser llawn hynny gamu ymlaen i gyflogaeth.
Credaf mai'r pwynt ehangach yw—. A hoffwn atgoffa'r Aelod ac eraill yn y Siambr fy mod, pan fyddaf wedi sôn am ddyfodol yr economi, wedi bod yn glir iawn ynghylch rhai o'r risgiau rydym yn eu hwynebu, ac ynghylch rhywfaint o'r anwastadrwydd yn yr economi hefyd. Er y gallai'r DU osgoi dirwasgiad, bydd rhai sectorau yn wynebu diweithdra sylweddol drwy gydol y flwyddyn hon, a meysydd eraill lle ceir cyflogaeth a thwf gwirioneddol. Ac rydym yn dal i wynebu her o ran sicrhau bod modd paru'r gweithwyr sydd ar gael gyda'r swyddi sydd ar gael. Mae rhywfaint o hynny'n ymwneud â'r gwaith rydym eisoes yn ceisio'i wneud i helpu pobl yn ôl i fyd gwaith pan fyddant yn economaidd anweithgar yn gyffredinol, ac mae hwnnw'n waith y gallem ei wneud mewn ffordd adeiladol ar y cyd â Llywodraeth y DU.
Felly, mae risgiau a heriau, oes, a chredaf fy mod wedi bod yn onest iawn yn eu cylch. Credaf y gallem weld gwyriad arall i'r cyfeiriad anghywir wrth i'r hyn sy'n weddill o'r cynllun cymorth biliau ynni i fusnesau gael ei dynnu'n ôl, ond bydd cyfleoedd o hyd, ac rwyf wedi gweld rhai ohonynt drosof fy hun heddiw wrth gyfarfod â Phorthladd Aberdaugleddau i edrych ar gyfleoedd presennol a chyfleoedd i ddod i gynyddu twf yn sylweddol yn y rhan honno o Gymru, a cheir cyfleoedd eraill hefyd. Edrychaf ymlaen at fod yn onest ac yn agored ynglŷn â ble rydym arni, ond yn sicr, nid wyf am ymddiheuro am fod yn obeithiol am y sectorau o'n heconomi lle mae yna botensial go iawn ar gyfer twf a ddylai fod o fudd i bob un ohonom.
Minister, regardless of what you might say, these latest figures are very worrying. As the economic picture has improved elsewhere across the UK, the Welsh Government must address why there is a pattern of decline here in Wales, and we must better understand the Government's plans to address and improve this situation. Now, earlier this year, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research argued that since devolution Welsh economic policies,
'have lacked coherence and consistency, and ambitions have not been matched by effective implementation.'
Let me remind you, Minister, that that report was in fact co-authored by a former Welsh Labour Government Minister. Therefore, can you tell us exactly how the Welsh Government will prioritise job creation in this Senedd term to ensure that this decline is now addressed? Can you also tell us what new measures will be introduced to support and nurture more entrepreneurship here in Wales? Finally, can you also confirm that you will urgently review the Government's employability and skills action plan in light of this pattern of decline, given that your current plan seems not to be working?
Weinidog, ni waeth beth a ddywedwch, mae'r ffigurau diweddaraf hyn yn peri cryn bryder. Gan fod y darlun economaidd wedi gwella mewn mannau eraill ledled y DU, mae'n rhaid i Lywodraeth Cymru fynd i'r afael â pham fod patrwm o ddirywiad yma yng Nghymru, ac mae'n rhaid inni gael gwell dealltwriaeth o gynlluniau'r Llywodraeth i fynd i'r afael â'r sefyllfa hon a'i gwella. Nawr, yn gynharach eleni, dadleuodd y Sefydliad Cenedlaethol dros Ymchwil Economaidd a Chymdeithasol, fod polisïau economaidd Cymru ers datganoli,
'heb fod â digon o gydlyniant a chysondeb, ac nad yw'r uchelgeisiau wedi cael eu gwireddu oherwydd gweithredu aneffeithiol.'
Gadewch imi eich atgoffa, Weinidog, fod yr adroddiad hwnnw wedi'i gyd-ysgrifennu gan un o gyn-Weinidogion Llywodraeth Lafur Cymru. Felly, a allwch ddweud wrthym sut yn union y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn blaenoriaethu creu swyddi yn nhymor y Senedd hon i sicrhau yr eir i'r afael â'r dirywiad? A allwch ddweud wrthym hefyd pa fesurau newydd a gyflwynir i gefnogi a meithrin mwy o entrepreneuriaeth yma yng Nghymru? Yn olaf, a allwch gadarnhau hefyd y byddwch yn adolygu cynllun gweithredu cyflogadwyedd a sgiliau'r Llywodraeth ar frys yng ngoleuni'r patrwm hwn o ddirywiad, o ystyried nad yw eich cynllun presennol yn gweithio, yn ôl pob golwg?
Well, again, I understand the point that the Member makes given that he's a Conservative Member and the avoidance of some of the facts. When you look at the period of devolution, productivity has increased in Wales over the period of devolution. We started with a significant period of unemployment in Wales being higher than the UK average. The long-term trend has been lower; that's why these figures are particularly concerning and the confounder of, as I say, the PAYE data, which shows that the number of people in paid, direct employment has increased in Wales over the last year, and increased in Wales over the last quarter and the last month. Those are facts, not opinions.
When it comes to job creation, we've regularly talked about what we're doing to support entrepreneurship through a range of our programmes. We also have the challenges over investing in skills for the future, as well, and, again, that's been part of today's conversation with businesses. In all of these areas, there is a Welsh Government plan and approach that businesses themselves welcome. Our challenge is whether we're able to meet the scale of that challenge, and whether, actually, we have a UK Government that works alongside us or not. There are times when the UK Government is relatively constructive, and free ports is just one example. There are others where they are not so constructive: the conversations we are still not having properly around the future of the steel sector, the deliberate and wasteful competition on intervening in skills policy. These are areas where we could always have a better ask and a better deal for the people of Wales, if only Conservative Ministers were prepared to act in a constructive way and to invest in the future of our economy, as, indeed, we will continue to do for and on behalf of the people of Wales.
Wel, unwaith eto, rwy'n deall y pwynt y mae'r Aelod yn ei wneud o ystyried ei fod yn Aelod Ceidwadol a'i fod yn osgoi rhai o'r ffeithiau. Pan edrychwch ar gyfnod datganoli, mae cynhyrchiant wedi cynyddu yng Nghymru dros gyfnod datganoli. Fe ddechreuasom gyda chyfnod sylweddol o ddiweithdra uwch yng Nghymru na chyfartaledd y DU. Mae'r duedd hirdymor wedi bod yn is; dyna pam fod y ffigurau hyn yn peri cymaint o bryder, ac yn drysu'r data talu wrth ennill, fel y dywedaf, sy'n dangos bod nifer y bobl mewn gwaith uniongyrchol, cyflogedig wedi cynyddu yng Nghymru dros y flwyddyn ddiwethaf, ac wedi cynyddu yng Nghymru dros y chwarter diwethaf a'r mis diwethaf. Ffeithiau yw'r rhain, nid safbwyntiau.
O ran creu swyddi, rydym wedi siarad yn rheolaidd am yr hyn rydym yn ei wneud i gefnogi entrepreneuriaeth drwy ystod o'n rhaglenni. Mae gennym hefyd yr heriau gyda buddsoddi mewn sgiliau ar gyfer y dyfodol, ac unwaith eto, mae hynny wedi bod yn rhan o'r sgwrs heddiw gyda busnesau. Ym mhob un o'r meysydd hyn, mae gan Lywodraeth Cymru gynllun a dull gweithredu y mae busnesau eu hunain yn eu croesawu. Ein her yw i ba raddau y gallwn ymdopi â maint yr her honno, a ph'un a oes gennym Lywodraeth y DU sy'n gweithio law yn llaw â ni ai peidio. Ceir adegau pan fo Llywodraeth y DU yn gymharol adeiladol, ac un enghraifft yw porthladdoedd rhydd. Ceir adegau eraill pan nad ydynt mor adeiladol: y sgyrsiau nad ydym yn eu cael yn iawn o hyd ynglŷn â dyfodol y sector dur, y gystadleuaeth fwriadol a gwastraffus ar ymyrryd mewn polisi sgiliau. Mae'r rhain yn feysydd lle gallem bob amser alw am well a bargen well i bobl Cymru, pe bai Gweinidogion Ceidwadol yn barod i weithredu mewn ffordd adeiladol a buddsoddi yn nyfodol ein heconomi, fel y byddwn ninnau'n parhau i'w wneud ar ran pobl Cymru.
I have to say I've rarely heard such nonsense from Conservatives in this Chamber, but Paul Davies has clearly not been watching or listening in the last 12 months where we've had a masterclass in economic incompetence and mismanagement from Elizabeth Truss, from Boris Johnson and now from the current Prime Minister. The only thing they have in common is that they don't give a damn about this place and they don't give a damn about the people who pay their wages.
Minister, what we have seen over the last few years has been slow economic growth, slow GDP growth across the United Kingdom—that's been slower than all of our major competitors. And in the last two years, GDP growth has almost come to an end. Since a hard Brexit was imposed on this country, we have seen GDP growth come to an end for the first time in decades, as a consequence of decisions taken in London. Do you agree with me, Minister, that the only way that Wales will benefit from the investments that you are making is if we return to the single market, we return to the customs union and we have a UK Government that believes in redistribution of wealth across the United Kingdom, and has the eradication of inequality as a core objective of economic policy.
Mae'n rhaid imi ddweud mai prin y clywais y fath nonsens gan y Ceidwadwyr yn y Siambr hon, ond mae'n amlwg nad yw Paul Davies wedi bod yn gwylio nac yn gwrando dros y 12 mis diwethaf, wrth inni gael dosbarth meistr mewn camreoli ac anghymhwysedd economaidd gan Elizabeth Truss, gan Boris Johnson a bellach gan Brif Weinidog presennol y DU. Yr unig beth sydd ganddynt yn gyffredin yw nad ydynt yn malio dim am y lle hwn, nac yn malio dim am y bobl sy'n talu eu cyflogau.
Weinidog, yr hyn rydym wedi'i weld dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf yw twf economaidd araf, twf araf cynnyrch domestig gros ledled y Deyrnas Unedig—mae hwnnw wedi bod yn arafach na'n holl brif gystadleuwyr. Ac yn ystod y ddwy flynedd ddiwethaf, mae twf cynnyrch domestig gros wedi aros yn ei unfan bron. Ers i Brexit caled gael ei orfodi ar y wlad hon, rydym wedi gweld twf cynnyrch domestig gros yn aros yn ei unfan am y tro cyntaf ers degawdau, o ganlyniad i benderfyniadau a wnaed yn Llundain. A ydych yn cytuno â mi, Weinidog, mai'r unig ffordd y bydd Cymru'n elwa o'r buddsoddiadau a wnewch yw os dychwelwn at y farchnad sengl, os dychwelwn at yr undeb tollau, ac os cawn Lywodraeth y DU sy'n credu mewn ailddosbarthu cyfoeth ledled y Deyrnas Unedig, ac sydd â dileu anghydraddoldeb yn un o amcanion craidd ei pholisi economaidd?
I thank the Member for his question, but also for his engagement this morning around the future of members of his community in Abertillery and the work we’re doing, both with Avara, where lots of the workforce are indeed from Blaenau Gwent, as well as Tillery Valley Foods.
When businesses describe the challenges that they have, the new trading conditions of Brexit are one of the issues they raise regularly, together with energy prices, which are still a significant problem, which is why I’m so concerned about the withdrawal of the last vestiges of support from the energy support the UK Government has provided. Inflation remains a continued concern, as indeed does the availability of a workforce and investment in skills. On each of those areas, there is much scope for improvement.
We, here in the Welsh Government, are doing all that we can to support people to trade with the current realities post Brexit, and to actually try and support those businesses with the levers we have available to us. I absolutely agree that improved trading conditions with our closest trading block, our European partners, who will always be our physical neighbours, would be a significant positive for the UK economy and the economy here in Wales. Trade with the EU is a bigger chunk of our economy than other parts of the UK, and I do look forward to a more grown-up conversation around our relationship with the European Union if there is a change in Government. That also, I think, would make a big difference when it comes to investing in the future of our economy, when it comes to recognising regional inequalities, and looking to do something deliberately with the power of the UK Government to work with us to address those issues here in Wales. It’s part of the reason I’m continuing to engage with the current UK Government, as well as those who may appear in a future UK Government, to make sure that the needs of Wales are recognised when future investments do come into Wales, to transform the lives of the communities that we are privileged to represent here in the Welsh Parliament.
Diolch i'r Aelod am ei gwestiwn, ond hefyd am ei ymwneud y bore yma ynghylch dyfodol aelodau o'i gymuned yn Abertyleri a'r gwaith rydym yn ei wneud, gydag Avara, lle mae llawer o'r gweithlu'n dod o Flaenau Gwent, yn ogystal â Tillery Valley Foods.
Pan fydd busnesau'n disgrifio'r heriau sy'n eu hwynebu, mae amodau masnachu newydd Brexit yn un o'r materion y maent yn eu codi'n rheolaidd, ynghyd â phrisiau ynni, sy'n dal i fod yn broblem sylweddol, a dyna pam fy mod yn poeni cymaint fod y cymorth ynni y mae Llywodraeth y DU wedi'i ddarparu yn cael ei dynnu'n ôl. Mae chwyddiant yn parhau i fod yn bryder parhaus, ynghyd ag argaeledd gweithlu a buddsoddi mewn sgiliau. Ym mhob un o'r meysydd hynny, mae llawer o le i wella.
Yma yn Llywodraeth Cymru, rydym yn gwneud popeth yn ein gallu i gefnogi pobl i fasnachu gyda'r realiti presennol ar ôl Brexit, ac i geisio cefnogi'r busnesau hynny gyda'r ysgogiadau sydd ar gael i ni. Cytunaf yn llwyr y byddai gwell amodau masnachu gyda'n bloc masnachu agosaf, ein partneriaid Ewropeaidd, a fydd bob amser yn gymdogion daearyddol i ni, yn gadarnhaol iawn i economi'r DU a'r economi yma yng Nghymru. Mae masnach gyda'r UE yn rhan fwy o'n heconomi na rhannau eraill o'r DU, ac edrychaf ymlaen at sgwrs fwy aeddfed ynglŷn â'n perthynas â'r Undeb Ewropeaidd os bydd newid yn y Llywodraeth. Credaf y byddai hynny hefyd yn gwneud gwahaniaeth mawr o ran buddsoddi yn nyfodol ein heconomi, o ran cydnabod anghydraddoldebau rhanbarthol, a cheisio gwneud rhywbeth yn fwriadol gyda phŵer Llywodraeth y DU i weithio gyda ni i fynd i'r afael â'r materion hynny yma yng Nghymru. Mae'n rhan o'r rheswm pam fy mod yn parhau i ymgysylltu â Llywodraeth bresennol y DU, yn ogystal â'r rhai a allai fod yn rhan o Lywodraeth y DU yn y dyfodol, i sicrhau bod anghenion Cymru yn cael eu cydnabod pan ddaw buddsoddiadau i Gymru yn y dyfodol, i drawsnewid bywydau'r cymunedau y mae'n fraint eu cynrychioli yma yn Senedd Cymru.
Pwynt o drefn nawr gan Darren Millar.
We have a point of order now from Darren Millar.
Diolch, Llywydd. I’d like to raise a point of order in relation to a comment made by the Minister for Health and Social Services last week in the debate in which my party called for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to publish the Ernst & Young report, which there’s been a lot of speculation about and a lot of public interest in in north Wales. In the debate on that report, the Minister said, and I quote:
'The audit committee of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, on advice from the Welsh Government, commissioned Ernst & Young to undertake a forensic review of accounting management after Audit Wales qualified the health board's accounts for 2021-22 and identified internal control failures.'
That assertion has been disputed by the former chair of the health board, who said the statement was 'misleading and inaccurate'. He also said that it was certainly not commissioned—the report—on the advice of the Welsh Government, and, in addition to that, the former vice-chair of the audit committee of the health board, the former independent member Richard Micklewright, said that
'the Welsh government was not involved in the decision in any way nor was its input sought.'
Clearly, there’s a dispute about whether that statement is accurate or not. If it is not accurate, the statement which the Minister made, then she may have inadvertently misled this Senedd. So, I would be very grateful—given the public interest in this matter, it’s essential that we get to the truth—I’d be very grateful if the Minister could address these concerns as soon as possible.
Diolch, Lywydd. Hoffwn godi pwynt o drefn mewn perthynas â sylw a wnaed gan y Gweinidog Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol yr wythnos diwethaf yn y ddadl lle galwodd fy mhlaid ar Fwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Betsi Cadwaladr i gyhoeddi adroddiad Ernst & Young, y bu llawer o ddyfalu amdano a llawer o ddiddordeb ynddo ymhlith y cyhoedd yng ngogledd Cymru. Yn y ddadl ar yr adroddiad hwnnw, dywedodd y Gweinidog:
'Yn dilyn cyngor gan Lywodraeth Cymru, comisiynodd pwyllgor archwilio Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Betsi Cadwaladr Ernst & Young i gynnal adolygiad fforensig o reolaeth cyfrifyddu ar ôl i Archwilio Cymru roi barn amodol ar gyfrifon y bwrdd iechyd ar gyfer 2021-22 a nodi methiannau rheoli mewnol.'
Mae cyn-gadeirydd y bwrdd iechyd wedi gwrthwynebu'r honiad hwnnw, a ddywedodd fod y datganiad yn 'gamarweiniol ac yn anghywir'. Dywedodd hefyd na chafodd ei chomisiynu—yr adroddiad—yn dilyn cyngor gan Lywodraeth Cymru, ac yn ogystal â hynny, dywedodd cyn-is-gadeirydd pwyllgor archwilio'r bwrdd iechyd, y cyn-aelod annibynnol, Richard Micklewright,
'nad oedd Llywodraeth Cymru yn rhan o'r penderfyniad mewn unrhyw ffordd, ac ni ofynnwyd am ei mewnbwn chwaith.'
Yn amlwg, mae yna anghydweld ynglŷn ag a yw'r datganiad hwnnw'n gywir ai peidio. Os nad yw'n gywir, y datganiad a wnaeth y Gweinidog, yna efallai ei bod wedi camarwain y Senedd hon yn anfwriadol. Felly, byddwn yn ddiolchgar iawn—o ystyried budd y cyhoedd yn y mater hwn, mae'n hanfodol ein bod yn cyrraedd y gwir—byddwn yn ddiolchgar iawn pe gallai'r Gweinidog roi sylw i'r pryderon hyn cyn gynted â phosibl.
Diolch am roi rhybudd i fi o'r pwynt yna o drefn, ac felly, ymhellach i'r pwynt yna o drefn, y Gweinidog iechyd, Eluned Morgan.
I thank you for giving me warning of that point of order, so, further to that point of order, the Minister for health, Eluned Morgan.
Thanks very much. I’d like to thank Darren Millar for the opportunity to set out the situation. The director general of the NHS in Wales, Judith Paget, spoke directly to the then chief executive of Betsi, Jo Whitehead, following the Audit Wales report that found allegations of financial misstatements, and recommended that the health board should undertake a full investigation to understand how the misstatements had occurred. The Welsh Government did not commission the report, and I’ve never suggested that the Welsh Government commissioned the report, but it is probably fair to say that there was not a direct conversation, to my knowledge, between the Welsh Government and the audit committee of the Betsi board, but there was a conversation, as I have noted, which took place between the CEO of the NHS in Wales and the CEO of Betsi, and I’m happy to correct the record on that score.
The audit committee of Betsi then commissioned the Ernst & Young report. The former board of Betsi must take full responsibility for that, and for all the terms and conditions associated with the report.
Diolch yn fawr. Hoffwn ddiolch i Darren Millar am y cyfle i egluro'r sefyllfa. Siaradodd cyfarwyddwr cyffredinol y GIG yng Nghymru, Judith Paget, yn uniongyrchol â phrif weithredwr bwrdd Betsi ar y pryd, Jo Whitehead, yn dilyn adroddiad Archwilio Cymru a ganfu honiadau o gamddatganiadau ariannol, gan argymell y dylai'r bwrdd iechyd gynnal ymchwiliad llawn i ddeall sut y gwnaed y camddatganiadau. Ni chomisiynodd Llywodraeth Cymru yr adroddiad, ac nid wyf erioed wedi awgrymu bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi comisiynu'r adroddiad, ond mae'n debyg ei bod yn deg dweud na chafwyd sgwrs uniongyrchol, hyd y gwn i, rhwng Llywodraeth Cymru a phwyllgor archwilio bwrdd Betsi, ond fe gafwyd sgwrs, fel y nodais, rhwng prif swyddog gweithredol y GIG yng Nghymru a phrif swyddog gweithredol bwrdd Betsi, ac rwy'n fwy na pharod i gywiro'r cofnod ar hynny.
Yna, comisiynodd pwyllgor archwilio Betsi adroddiad Ernst & Young. Mae'n rhaid i fwrdd blaenorol Betsi gymryd cyfrifoldeb llawn am hynny, ac am yr holl delerau ac amodau sy'n gysylltiedig â'r adroddiad.
Thank you to both Darren Millar for the point of order and to the Minister for the clarification.
Diolch i Darren Millar am y pwynt o drefn ac i'r Gweinidog am ei heglurhad.
Fe awn ni ymlaen, felly, i'r datganiadau 90 eiliad, a'r datganiad cyntaf gan Jack Sargeant.
We'll move on, therefore, to the 90-second statements, and the first statement from Jack Sargeant.
Diolch, Llywydd. Llywydd, I recently met with James Hunt of Nanny Biscuit in my constituency, who are the organisers of the Grand Week in Wales, and the Grand Week in Wales aims to celebrate the rich cultural history of our country whilst also supporting a variety of local and national charities. The name, the Grand Week in Wales, is given in recognition of Wales's 1,000-mile circumference, Llywydd, and the organisers are asking people to join in and raise money by taking part in one of their creative 1,000-themed challenges, whether this be doing 1,000 good deeds, 1,000 Welsh kindness acts, or indeed making 1,000 Welsh cakes. The Grand Week in Wales will bring people together right across our nation, whilst raising money for some amazing charities and social enterprises. It launches next week, Llywydd, on 19 June, and I want to wish everyone taking part across Cymru the very best of luck, and I urge you all as Members to find out more and consider taking part in one of those 1,000-themed challenges.
Diolch, Lywydd. Lywydd, fe gyfarfûm yn ddiweddar â James Hunt o Nanny Biscuit yn fy etholaeth, sy'n trefnu'r Grand Week in Wales, a nod y Grand Week in Wales yw dathlu hanes diwylliannol cyfoethog ein gwlad gan gefnogi amrywiaeth o elusennau lleol a chenedlaethol ar yr un pryd. Mae'r enw, y Grand Week in Wales, yn cydnabod cylchedd 1,000 milltir o hyd Cymru, Lywydd, ac mae'r trefnwyr yn gofyn i bobl ymuno a chodi arian drwy gymryd rhan yn un o'u heriau creadigol ar thema 1,000, boed hynny'n wneud 1,000 o weithredoedd da, 1,000 o weithredoedd caredig Cymreig, neu'n wir, gwneud 1,000 o gacennau cri. Bydd y Grand Week in Wales yn dod â phobl at ei gilydd ledled ein gwlad, gan godi arian ar gyfer elusennau a mentrau cymdeithasol anhygoel. Mae'n cael ei lansio yr wythnos nesaf, Lywydd, ar 19 Mehefin, a hoffwn ddymuno pob lwc i bawb sy'n cymryd rhan ledled Cymru, ac rwy'n annog pob un ohonoch fel Aelodau i ddarganfod mwy ac i ystyried cymryd rhan yn un o'r heriau ar y thema 1,000.
Daeth y Dirprwy Lywydd (David Rees) i’r Gadair.
The Deputy Presiding Officer (David Rees) took the Chair.
Yr wythnos yma, rydym ni'n nodi marwolaeth y Dywysoges Gwenllian. Fe'i ganwyd yn 1282, blwyddyn bwysig iawn yn hanes Cymru. Pan oedd hi ond ychydig fisoedd oed, fe laddwyd ei thad, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Tywysog olaf Cymru, gan fyddin Edward I o Loegr. Roedd ei mam, Eleanor de Montfort, wedi marw yn fuan ar ôl i Gwenllian gael ei geni. Fe gipiwyd Gwenllian yn fabi bach o'i chynefin yn Arfon, a threuliodd weddill ei bywyd mewn lleiandy yn Sempringham, Lloegr, hyd at ei marwolaeth yn 54 oed.
Oedd hi'n gwybod pwy oedd hi? Dydyn ni ddim wir yn gwybod. Cafodd ei halltudio ymhell o'i gwlad a'i theulu fel na fyddai hi'n sbardun i wrthryfel gan y Cymry. Diolch i Gymdeithas y Dywysoges Gwenllian am gadw ei henw yn fyw. Diolch i fy rhieni i am roi ei henw i mi. Yn 2009, fe ailenwyd Carnedd Uchaf yn Eryri yn 'Carnedd Gwenllian'. Mae tref Bethesda gerllaw a, benwythnos diwethaf, cynhaliwyd gŵyl arbennig yn Nyffryn Ogwen i gofio'r Dywysoges Gwenllian, wedi'i threfnu gan Bartneriaeth Ogwen.
Mae'r bardd Roger Griffin wedi crynhoi'r stori hynod drist, ond efo thinc gobeithiol yn y diweddglo:
This week we mark the death of Princess Gwenllian. She was born in 1282, a very important year in the history of Wales. When she was only a few months old, her father, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last Prince of Wales, was killed by the army of Edward I of England. Her mother, Eleanor de Montfort, had died soon after Gwenllian was born. She was captured as a young baby from her home in Arfon, and she spent the rest of her life in a nunnery in Sempringham in England, until her death at the age of 54.
Did she know who she was? We don't really know. She was exiled far from her nation and her family so she wouldn't inspire revolt by the Welsh. Thanks to the Princess Gwenllian Society for keeping her name alive. Thanks to my parents for giving me her name. In 2009, Carnedd Uchaf in Eryri was renamed 'Carnedd Gwenllian'. The town of Bethesda is nearby, and last weekend a very special festival was held in the Ogwen valley to remember Princess Gwenllian, organised by Partneriaeth Ogwen.
Roger Griffin, the poet, has summarised this very sad story, but with a note of hope at the end:
'You were our last, but not our lost princess. / Your footprints on our rocky path remain. / Survival is our nation's special skill, / And time has merely honed our stubborn pride.'
'Chi oedd ein tywysoges olaf, ond nid ein tywysoges a gollwyd. / Mae eich olion traed ar ein llwybr creigiog o hyd. / Goroesi yw sgil arbennig ein cenedl, / A dim ond hogi ein balchder ystyfnig y mae amser.'
This week is Men's Health Week, and it's an international event that takes place every year in June. The goal of Men's Health Week is to encourage men to take proactive steps to improving their physical and mental well-being. During Men's Health Week, various organisations, health professionals and community groups organise events, workshops and health screenings—an educational programme specifically targeted towards men. These activities aim to provide information and resources on topics such as prevention, exercise, nutrition, mental health, and the important of getting regular check-ups and screenings. Men's Health Week serves as a reminder for men to prioritise their health and well-being, to engage in a healthy lifestyle, and to seek timely medical advice when needed. It also encourages an open discussion about men's health issues, which may often be overlooked or stigmatised. By promoting awareness, Men's Health Week aims to improve the overall health outcomes for men and encourage them to lead a healthier and happier life. Diolch.
Yr wythnos hon yw Wythnos Iechyd Dynion, ac mae'n ddigwyddiad rhyngwladol sy'n digwydd bob blwyddyn ym mis Mehefin. Nod yr Wythnos Iechyd Dynion yw annog dynion i gymryd camau rhagweithiol i wella eu lles corfforol a meddyliol. Yn ystod yr Wythnos Iechyd Dynion, mae sefydliadau amrywiol, gweithwyr iechyd proffesiynol a grwpiau cymunedol yn trefnu digwyddiadau, gweithdai a sgriniadau iechyd—rhaglen addysgol wedi'i thargedu'n benodol tuag at ddynion. Nod y gweithgareddau hyn yw darparu gwybodaeth ac adnoddau ar bynciau fel atal, ymarfer corff, maeth, iechyd meddwl, a phwysigrwydd cael archwiliadau a sgriniadau rheolaidd. Mae Wythnos Iechyd Dynion yn atgoffa dynion i flaenoriaethu eu hiechyd a'u lles, i fabwysiadu ffordd iach o fyw, ac i geisio cyngor meddygol amserol pan fo angen. Mae hefyd yn annog trafodaeth agored am faterion iechyd dynion, sy'n aml yn gallu cael eu hanwybyddu neu eu stigmateiddio. Drwy hyrwyddo ymwybyddiaeth, nod Wythnos Iechyd Dynion yw gwella canlyniadau iechyd cyffredinol i ddynion a'u hannog i fyw bywydau iachach a hapusach. Diolch.
Diolch, bawb.
Thank you very much, everyone.
Eitem 5 y prynhawn yma yw'r ddadl Aelodau o dan Reol Sefydlog 11.21, ymgyrch Warm This Winter. Galwaf ar Hefin David i wneud y cynnig.
Item 5 this afternoon is a Member debate under Standing Order 11.21, the Warm This Winter campaign. I call on Hefin David to move the motion.
Cynnig NDM8275 Hefin David, Jack Sargeant, Jane Dodds
Cefnogwyd gan Alun Davies (Blaenau Gwent), Carolyn Thomas, Delyth Jewell, Heledd Fychan, Huw Irranca-Davies, Jenny Rathbone, John Griffiths, Joyce Watson, Mike Hedges, Rhianon Passmore, Rhys ab Owen, Sioned Williams, Vikki Howells
Cynnig bod y Senedd:
1. Yn nodi bod Cymru a gweddill y Deyrnas Unedig yn wynebu argyfyngau lluosog, sef yr argyfwng costau byw, yr argyfwng ynni, a'r argyfyngau hinsawdd a natur, a bod ymgyrch Warm This Winter yn cydnabod bod yr argyfyngau hyn yn gysylltiedig ac wedi'u hymblethu, a bod yr un ffactorau wedi'u hachosi a'r un atebion sydd iddynt.
2. Yn nodi bod ymgyrch Warm This Winter yng Nghymru yn galw am gymorth brys i'r rhai mwyaf bregus.
3. Yn nodi bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cyflwyno buddsoddiad i gefnogi aelwydydd bregus y gaeaf diwethaf, ei bod wedi cyhoeddi cwmni ynni cyhoeddus newydd i Gymru, a chynlluniau effeithlonrwydd ynni ychwanegol ar gyfer ein cartrefi, ond bod angen gwneud mwy.
4. Yn galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i weithio i weithredu atebion ar gyfer llwybr gwirioneddol allan o'r argyfwng costau byw, drwy gydnabod bod camau allweddol i fynd i'r afael â diogelwch ynni a'r argyfwng hinsawdd—fel cynnydd mawr mewn effeithlonrwydd ynni a chyflwyno ynni cymunedol ledled Cymru.
5. Yn galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i godi pryderon gyda Llywodraeth y DU am gost ynni, a'r angen i sicrhau bod cynlluniau cymorth y DU ar waith i sicrhau bod pobl yn gynnes y gaeaf hwn, a phob gaeaf i ddod.
Motion NDM8275 Hefin David, Jack Sargeant, Jane Dodds
Supported by Alun Davies (Blaenau Gwent), Carolyn Thomas, Delyth Jewell, Heledd Fychan, Huw Irranca-Davies, Jenny Rathbone, John Griffiths, Joyce Watson, Mike Hedges, Rhianon Passmore, Rhys ab Owen, Sioned Williams, Vikki Howells
To propose that the Senedd:
1. Notes that Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom are in the grips of multiple crises, namely the cost-of-living crisis, energy crisis, and the climate and nature emergencies, and that the Warm This Winter campaign recognises that these crises are connected and intertwined, and that they have shared causes and shared solutions.
2. Notes that the Warm This Winter campaign in Wales is calling for emergency support for the most vulnerable.
3. Notes that the Welsh Government has put investment in place to support vulnerable households last winter, that they have announced a new public energy company for Wales, and additional energy efficiency schemes for our homes, but that more needs to be done.
4. Calls on the Welsh Government to work to implement solutions for a genuine pathway out of the cost-of-living crisis, by recognising that there are key steps to addressing energy security and the climate crisis—like a rapid scale up of energy efficiency and rolling out community energy all over Wales.
5. Calls on the Welsh Government to raise concerns with the UK Government on the cost of energy, and the need to ensure that there are UK support schemes in place to ensure that people are warm this winter, and every winter to come.
Cynigiwyd y cynnig.
Motion moved.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. As I look up through the funnel at the sky, I can see the sky is blue, and this is possibly one of the warmest days, if not the warmest day, of the year. You might think it's an unusual time to start thinking about winter, but, actually, this is absolutely the right time to start thinking about winter and how we protect our most vulnerable and lowest income households as we approach, with climate change, what could be a cold and could be a wet winter.
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Wrth imi edrych i fyny drwy'r twndis ar yr awyr, gallaf weld bod yr awyr yn las, ac o bosibl, dyma un o'r diwrnodau cynhesaf, os nad diwrnod cynhesaf y flwyddyn. Efallai eich bod yn meddwl ei bod yn adeg anarferol i ddechrau meddwl am y gaeaf, ond mewn gwirionedd, dyma'r adeg iawn i ddechrau meddwl am y gaeaf a sut rydym yn amddiffyn ein haelwydydd tlotaf a mwyaf bregus wrth inni anelu, gyda newid hinsawdd, at yr hyn a allai fod yn aeaf oer a gwlyb.
Therefore, I'm very pleased to be able to bring this debate forward today, and I want to say a 'thank you', of course, to co-submitters Jack Sargeant and Jane Dodds, who will have things to say in this debate, and also everyone else who has signed up to it. But also I think I should mention someone much missed from this Chamber, who is Bethan Sayed. I'm sure she's missed by Plaid Cymru—she's certainly missed by us. [Interruption.] Yes, you've got to nod. You've got to nod. Bethan has demonstrated the maxim that Tony Benn first came up with that, by leaving Parliament, you have more time for politics. And that's certainly the case with her. She's helped us develop this motion. She's helped us identify some of the key areas of campaigning through her work with Climate Cymru and, across the UK, the Warm This Winter campaign, which is an excellent campaign, which is designed to effect change in the UK, but also, through Climate Cymru, here in Wales.
And what I'm going to do today is identify some of the things we'd like to see Welsh Government doing, some of the things they've done well so far and maybe have started to discontinue and we'd like to see a bit more next year, and also some of the things the UK Government is doing. But Conservatives can rest easy—I'm not going to go on the attack; I'm not going to do an Alun Davies and upset you. My plan is certainly to try and find my—[Interruption.] Shh. My plan is certainly to try and find some ways of finding cross-party agreement on this and, hopefully, have full support across this Chamber for the motion. I understand Welsh Government will be supporting the motion. I've got something to say about that in a minute.
So, we are living through a climate crisis, a cost-of-living crisis and an environmental crisis. All of these things together are combining towards hurting those people who are most vulnerable in our communities. But, of course, they are combined, they are connected, these issues, and I think there is certainly a way, through some of the recommendations we'll have today, of addressing these issues.
So, the Warm This Winter campaign across the UK calls for energy support to help people struggling with energy bills, a coherent plan to end gas and oil dependency and the upscaling of renewable projects. Here in Wales, Climate Cymru have adapted the Warm This Winter campaign to ask the Welsh Government to support vulnerable people in Wales with home-efficiency grants and investment in community renewables. What I wanted to do was just look at what the Welsh Government have done so far first of all, and also raise some concerns about that, for the future, and then look at what we want to see.
So, so far, we've seen a £150 cost-of-living payment from the Welsh Government. Caerphilly council distributed that in my constituency, and they also added to it. We've seen a £200 Welsh fuel support scheme. We've seen additional funding to the discretionary assistance fund, a £4 million national fuel voucher scheme and a £1 million warm banks fund. These were all helpful things last winter that made a difference for the people in our communities. We would like to see a winter 2023 winter fuel campaign similar to the one that was run in 2022. So far, we haven't heard from Welsh Government as to whether this will happen. With the Minister—. I think the Minister's on the screen. I'd like to say it would be helpful to know whether Welsh Government intend to run either a similar campaign or something very similar to it.
What next from Welsh Government? Well, we'd like to credit the Welsh Government for the Nest scheme. I think it has made a difference in guiding the most vulnerable people to the activities that they can undertake and places they can go to gain support. But we would like the Welsh Government to adjust that scheme for people on the lowest incomes in order to help them insulate their homes. There is a route to that. I think you need some support from the UK Government too to do it, but there is certainly the opportunity to extend that scheme.
We want the Welsh Government to support the living wage campaign and to think about, particularly, that promise we made for those workers in social care, that their wages—. The lower they go, the harder that service is to deliver. And we'd like to think about the ability to go beyond the living wage, even, for social care workers. We'd like to give all unpaid carers cost-of-living financial support, not just those in receipt of carers allowance—my little daughter is five years old, and she's a carer for her older sister; there are many forms of caring that go on in the communities, and I think we need to think about that—and also bring together the additional support that exists, the free school meals, council tax reduction schemes and other schemes the Welsh Government deliver, under one umbrella, one cohesive system, so that it's easy for people to understand and to access. And of course we would like to see, further down the line, a more cohesive benefits system, but this is a step towards that that the Welsh Government can introduce.
And I know what Jack Sargeant is going to talk about in his speech—it's going to be prepayment meters. Is that right, Jack? I think it is. Give me a nod if it is; it is. And I think prepayment meters, and the forced introduction of prepayment meters in this country, is an evil, and I think Jack Sargeant is going to tell us why that's the case, and he's going to tell us later what can be done about it.
We also want the Welsh Government to lobby the UK Government to make up for the shortfall that low and vulnerable households will have as a result of inflation and the increasing difficulties that the economy is having. And again, I'm not going to get into a party political battering of the Conservatives. What I'd say to the Conservatives is: join the Welsh Government in calling for the UK Government to fill the gaps in the social security system that is being created by this out-of-control inflation that we are seeing at this point in time. Work together, get the UK Government to fill in those gaps; it can happen, and it can be done.
We'd also—and this is, of course, Labour Party policy, but I would imagine Plaid Cymru would support it as well—want to impose a genuine windfall tax on energy companies, and also scrap incentives to scale up the extraction of fossil fuels. I think that is something that we would support; at least two thirds of this Chamber, I think, would support that.
What can the UK Government do to help the Welsh Government deliver secure homes and insulated homes? Well, the devolved budget can be increased to enable delivery of a scaled up home insulation programme. And the fact is that, as you deliver home insulation in this country, it delivers savings in the medium term back to the Treasury. This is an invest-to-save activity that the UK Government could be engaging in, but isn't, and we feel that that could happen. We could see a rapid scale-up also of low-cost renewables.
And finally, now, this is a live one, the next one: Warm Homes. I've been in touch with Welsh Government special advisers, and I'm told we're expecting a Warm Homes statement from the Welsh Government today. So, I'd say to the Minister: perhaps she could make that statement as part of her response to this debate—it would be really helpful. I've asked Alex in my office to send me a message should the Warm Homes statement be released. Is it out?
Felly, rwy'n falch iawn o allu cyflwyno'r ddadl hon heddiw, a hoffwn ddiolch, wrth gwrs, i'm cyd-gyflwynwyr, Jack Sargeant a Jane Dodds, a fydd â phethau i'w dweud yn y ddadl hon, a phawb arall sydd wedi ei chefnogi. Ond credaf y dylwn sôn hefyd am rywun y mae llawer o hiraeth ar ei hôl yn y Siambr hon, sef Bethan Sayed. Rwy'n siŵr fod hiraeth gan Blaid Cymru amdani—yn sicr, mae hiraeth arnom ni amdani. [Torri ar draws.] Oes, mae'n rhaid ichi nodio. Mae'n rhaid ichi nodio. Mae Bethan yn enghraifft o wireb Tony Benn fod gennych fwy o amser i wleidyddiaeth ar ôl gadael y Senedd. Ac mae hynny'n sicr yn wir yn ei hachos hi. Mae wedi ein helpu i ddatblygu'r cynnig hwn. Mae wedi ein helpu i nodi rhai o'r meysydd ymgyrchu allweddol drwy ei gwaith gyda Climate Cymru, ac ar draws y DU, ymgyrch Warm This Winter, sy'n ymgyrch ardderchog, ac sydd wedi'i chynllunio i sicrhau newid yn y DU, ac yma yng Nghymru hefyd drwy Climate Cymru.
A'r hyn rwyf am ei wneud heddiw yw nodi rhai o'r pethau yr hoffem weld Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu gwneud, rhai o'r pethau y maent wedi'u gwneud yn dda hyd yn hyn ac efallai wedi dechrau eu dirwyn i ben a hoffem weld ychydig mwy ohonynt y flwyddyn nesaf, a hefyd rhai o'r pethau y mae Llywodraeth y DU yn eu gwneud. Ond gall y Ceidwadwyr ymlacio—nid wyf am ymosod arnynt; nid wyf am eich cynhyrfu fel Alun Davies. Fy mwriad, yn sicr, yw ceisio dod o hyd i fy—[Torri ar draws.] Hisht. Fy mwriad yn sicr yw ceisio dod o hyd i ffyrdd o ddod i gytundeb trawsbleidiol ar hyn, a gobeithio, i gael cefnogaeth lawn ar draws y Siambr i'r cynnig. Deallaf y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn cefnogi'r cynnig. Mae gennyf rywbeth i'w ddweud am hynny mewn munud.
Felly, rydym yn byw drwy argyfwng hinsawdd, argyfwng costau byw ac argyfwng amgylcheddol. Mae'r holl bethau hyn gyda'i gilydd yn ychwanegu at y boen i'r bobl fwyaf agored i niwed yn ein cymunedau. Ond wrth gwrs, maent wedi'u cyfuno, maent yn gysylltiedig, y materion hyn, ac rwy'n sicr fod ffordd o fynd i'r afael â'r materion hyn drwy rai o'r argymhellion a fydd gennym heddiw.
Felly, mae ymgyrch Warm This Winter yn galw am gymorth ynni ledled y DU i helpu pobl sy'n ei chael hi'n anodd talu biliau ynni, cynllun cydlynol i ddod â dibyniaeth ar nwy ac olew i ben a chynyddu prosiectau adnewyddadwy. Yma yng Nghymru, mae Climate Cymru wedi addasu ymgyrch Warm This Winter i ofyn i Lywodraeth Cymru gefnogi pobl fregus yng Nghymru gyda grantiau effeithlonrwydd ynni yn y cartref a buddsoddi mewn ynni adnewyddadwy cymunedol. Yr hyn roeddwn am ei wneud oedd edrych ar yr hyn y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'i wneud hyd yn hyn i ddechrau, a chodi rhai pethau ynghylch hynny hefyd, ar gyfer y dyfodol, ac edrych ar yr hyn yr hoffem ei weld.
Felly, hyd yn hyn, rydym wedi gweld taliad costau byw o £150 gan Lywodraeth Cymru. Cafodd hwnnw ei ddosbarthu gan gyngor Caerffili yn fy etholaeth, ac fe wnaethant ychwanegu ato hefyd. Rydym wedi gweld cynllun cymorth tanwydd Cymru gwerth £200. Rydym wedi gweld cyllid ychwanegol i'r gronfa cymorth dewisol, cynllun talebau tanwydd cenedlaethol gwerth £4 miliwn a chronfa canolfannau cynnes gwerth £1 filiwn. Roedd pob un o'r rhain yn bethau defnyddiol a wnaeth wahaniaeth i'r bobl yn ein cymunedau y gaeaf diwethaf. Hoffem weld ymgyrch tanwydd ar gyfer gaeaf 2023 yn debyg i'r un a gynhaliwyd yn 2022. Hyd yma, nid yw Llywodraeth Cymru wedi dweud a fydd hyn yn digwydd. Gyda'r Gweinidog—. Rwy'n credu bod y Gweinidog ar y sgrin. Hoffwn ddweud y byddai'n ddefnyddiol gwybod a yw Llywodraeth Cymru yn bwriadu cynnal naill ai ymgyrch debyg neu rywbeth tebyg iawn iddi.
Beth nesaf gan Lywodraeth Cymru? Wel, hoffem ganmol Llywodraeth Cymru am gynllun Nyth. Credaf ei fod wedi gwneud gwahaniaeth wrth arwain y bobl fwyaf agored i niwed at y gweithgareddau y gallant ymgymryd â nhw a'r lleoedd y gallant fynd am gymorth. Ond hoffem pe bai Llywodraeth Cymru yn addasu'r cynllun hwnnw ar gyfer y bobl ar yr incwm isaf er mwyn eu helpu i inswleiddio eu cartrefi. Mae yna lwybr at hynny. Credaf fod angen rhywfaint o gefnogaeth arnoch gan Lywodraeth y DU hefyd i wneud hynny, ond yn sicr, mae cyfle i ymestyn y cynllun hwnnw.
Rydym am i Lywodraeth Cymru gefnogi'r ymgyrch cyflog byw ac i feddwl, yn arbennig, am yr addewid a wnaethom i weithwyr gofal cymdeithasol, fod eu cyflogau—. Po isaf yr ânt, yr anoddaf yw darparu'r gwasanaeth hwnnw. A hoffem feddwl am y gallu i fynd y tu hwnt i'r cyflog byw hyd yn oed, i weithwyr gofal cymdeithasol. Hoffem roi cymorth ariannol ar gyfer costau byw i bob gofalwr di-dâl, nid y rhai sy'n derbyn lwfans gofalwyr yn unig—mae fy merch fach yn bum mlwydd oed, ac mae'n ofalwr i'w chwaer hŷn; mae sawl math o ofalu'n digwydd yn y cymunedau, a chredaf fod angen inni feddwl am hynny—a hefyd, dod â'r cymorth ychwanegol sy'n bodoli, y prydau ysgol am ddim, cynlluniau gostyngiadau'r dreth gyngor a chynlluniau eraill y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu darparu, o dan un ymbarél, un system gydlynol, fel ei bod yn hawdd i bobl ddeall a chael mynediad ati. Ac wrth gwrs, hoffem weld, maes o law, system fudd-daliadau fwy cydlynol, ond mae hwn yn gam tuag at hynny y gall Llywodraeth Cymru ei gymryd.
A gwn beth mae Jack Sargeant yn mynd i sôn amdano yn ei araith—mesuryddion rhagdalu. A yw hynny'n gywir, Jack? Rwy'n credu ei fod. Rhowch nod i mi os ydyw; ydy. A chredaf fod mesuryddion rhagdalu, a chyflwyno mesuryddion rhagdalu gorfodol yn y wlad hon, yn erchyll, a chredaf fod Jack Sargeant yn mynd i ddweud pam, ac mae'n mynd i ddweud wrthym yn nes ymlaen beth y gellir ei wneud amdano.
Rydym hefyd am i Lywodraeth Cymru lobïo Llywodraeth y DU i wneud iawn am y diffyg y bydd aelwydydd incwm isel a bregus yn ei ddioddef o ganlyniad i chwyddiant a'r anawsterau cynyddol y mae'r economi yn eu hwynebu. Ac unwaith eto, nid wyf am wneud ymosodiad gwleidyddol ar y blaid Geidwadol. Yr hyn y byddwn yn ei ddweud wrth y Ceidwadwyr yw: ymunwch â Llywodraeth Cymru i alw ar Lywodraeth y DU i lenwi'r bylchau yn y system nawdd cymdeithasol sy'n cael eu creu gan y chwyddiant afreolus a welwn ar hyn o bryd. Gweithio gyda'n gilydd, cael Llywodraeth y DU i lenwi'r bylchau hynny; fe all ddigwydd, ac fe ellir ei wneud.
Byddem hefyd—ac un o bolisïau'r Blaid Lafur yw hwn, ond byddwn yn dychmygu y byddai Plaid Cymru yn ei gefnogi hefyd—yn awyddus i osod treth ffawdelw go iawn ar gwmnïau ynni, a chael gwared ar gymelliadau i gynyddu gweithgarwch echdynnu tanwydd ffosil. Credaf fod hynny'n rhywbeth y byddem yn ei gefnogi; credaf y byddai o leiaf ddwy ran o dair o'r Siambr yn cefnogi hynny.
Beth y gall Llywodraeth y DU ei wneud i helpu Llywodraeth Cymru i ddarparu cartrefi diogel a chartrefi wedi'u hinswleiddio? Wel, gellir cynyddu'r gyllideb ddatganoledig i alluogi cyflwyno rhaglen inswleiddio cartrefi ar raddfa fwy. A'r ffaith yw, wrth ichi inswleiddio cartrefi yn y wlad hon, mae'n darparu arbedion yn y tymor canolig yn ôl i'r Trysorlys. Mae hwn yn gam buddsoddi i arbed y gallai Llywodraeth y DU ei gymryd, ond nid yw'n gwneud hynny, ac rydym yn teimlo y gallai hynny ddigwydd. Gallem weld darpariaeth ynni adnewyddadwy rhad yn cynyddu'n gyflym hefyd.
Ac yn olaf, nawr, mae hwn yn fater byw, yr un nesaf: Cartrefi Clyd. Rwyf wedi bod mewn cysylltiad â chynghorwyr arbennig Llywodraeth Cymru, a dywedir wrthyf ein bod yn disgwyl datganiad ar Cartrefi Clyd gan Lywodraeth Cymru heddiw. Felly, hoffwn ddweud wrth y Gweinidog: efallai y gallai wneud y datganiad hwnnw fel rhan o'i hymateb i'r ddadl hon—byddai'n ddefnyddiol iawn. Rwyf wedi gofyn i Alex yn fy swyddfa anfon neges ataf os caiff datganiad Cartrefi Clyd ei gyhoeddi. A yw wedi dod?
No. I'm waiting for it.
Na. Rwy'n aros amdano.
We're waiting for it. Sioned's waiting for it as well. So, we're waiting with bated breath, Minister, for the Warm Homes statement. If you've got it, let us have it—let's do it now. What would we like to see in that statement? We'd like to see an ambitious Warm Homes programme for Wales, at scale and pace. This should target the most impacted households first, prioritise improving the fabric of the house with energy-efficient measures, and combine a street-by-street approach and on-demand support for vulnerable households wherever they are. That is what we're asking for in the Warm Homes scheme; we really are looking forward to that statement and what is coming next.
And I just wanted to say something about Arbed as well, which is now of course discontinued. Caerphilly council managed the investment in Lansbury Park in my constituency, which saw a transformation of many homes on the estate. But not every home was covered; some felt the scheme didn't go far enough for some of the homes on the estate. And I'd like to ask the Welsh Government what lessons can be learned from the delivery of that scheme, because we knew that there were opportunities to link some of the Arbed work into existing homes, and we were told that it wasn't cost-effective to do so as the programme then existed. So, if Warm Homes is coming forward, can that perhaps fill some of the gaps that Arbed didn't?
As with all these debates, individual Member's debates, this is for the Chamber—this is for people in this Chamber, Members in this Chamber, to tell us what's happening in their communities and what they would like to see in terms of policy. I'm really looking forward to hearing those responses. I really hope that Conservatives will take part in the debate—that would be really helpful to us all. I know Plaid Cymru are intending to take part, and Labour, and Liberal Democrats. And I'd like to hear collectively what more we can do, collectively what more we can do, to make this winter warmer for those people who are most vulnerable and are on the lowest incomes in our society. So, right now, it's over to you.
Rydym yn aros amdano. Mae Sioned yn aros amdano hefyd. Felly, rydym yn aros yn eiddgar, Weinidog, am y datganiad Cartrefi Clyd. Os oes gennych chi'r datganiad hwnnw, gadewch i ni ei gael—gadewch i ni ei wneud nawr. Beth fyddem ni'n hoffi ei weld yn y datganiad hwnnw? Hoffem weld rhaglen uchelgeisiol Cartrefi Clyd i Gymru, yn gyflym ac ar raddfa fawr. Dylai dargedu'r aelwydydd yr effeithir arnynt fwyaf yn gyntaf, blaenoriaethu gwella ffabrig y tŷ gyda mesurau sy'n effeithlon o ran ynni, a chyfuno dull fesul stryd a chefnogaeth ar alw i aelwydydd agored i niwed lle bynnag y maent. Dyna beth y galwn amdano yn y cynllun Cartrefi Clyd; rydym yn edrych ymlaen yn fawr at y datganiad a'r hyn sydd i ddod nesaf.
Ac roeddwn eisiau dweud rhywbeth am Arbed hefyd, sydd bellach wedi dod i ben wrth gwrs. Cyngor Caerffili oedd yn rheoli'r buddsoddiad ym Mharc Lansbury yn fy etholaeth i, a welodd lawer o gartrefi ar yr ystad yn cael eu trawsnewid. Ond ni chafodd pob cartref ei gynnwys; roedd rhai'n teimlo nad oedd y cynllun yn mynd yn ddigon pell i rai o'r cartrefi ar yr ystad. A hoffwn ofyn i Lywodraeth Cymru pa wersi y gellir eu dysgu o gyflawniad y cynllun hwnnw, oherwydd roeddem yn gwybod bod cyfleoedd i gysylltu peth o waith Arbed â chartrefi presennol, a dywedwyd wrthym nad oedd gwneud hynny'n gosteffeithiol fel roedd y rhaglen yn bodoli ar y pryd. Felly, os yw Cartrefi Clyd yn cael ei gyflwyno, a allai hwnnw lenwi rhai o'r bylchau na wnaeth Arbed ei wneud efallai?
Fel gyda'r holl ddadleuon hyn, dadleuon Aelodau unigol, mater i'r Siambr—mater i'r bobl yn y Siambr hon, Aelodau yn y Siambr hon, yw dweud wrthym beth sy'n digwydd yn eu cymunedau a'r hyn yr hoffent ei weld o ran polisi. Rwy'n edrych ymlaen yn fawr at glywed yr ymatebion hynny. Rwy'n gobeithio'n fawr y bydd y Ceidwadwyr yn cymryd rhan yn y ddadl—byddai hynny'n ddefnyddiol iawn i ni gyd. Rwy'n gwybod bod Plaid Cymru yn bwriadu cymryd rhan, a Llafur, a'r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol. A hoffwn glywed beth arall y gallwn ei wneud gyda'n gilydd i wneud y gaeaf hwn yn gynhesach i'r bobl fwyaf agored i niwed ac sydd ar yr incwm isaf yn ein cymdeithas. Felly, drosodd atoch chi nawr.
I have many speakers, and well over the limit. I'll try and call everyone, but you can help me by keeping to your time, please. Jane Dodds.
Mae gennyf lawer o siaradwyr, ac ymhell dros y terfyn. Fe geisiaf alw ar bawb, ond gallwch fy helpu drwy gadw at eich amser, os gwelwch yn dda. Jane Dodds.
Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd. There's throwing down the gauntlet there, so I will do my best to keep within my time.
Every winter, people die in Wales due to cold homes. Rural communities, such as my own region of Mid and West Wales, suffer from fuel and energy poverty far above the national average. The problems of last year, as we've heard, have not gone away, and I would like to thank Hefin for bringing this forward at this point. It is critical that we plan for winter from now on. We cannot leave people waiting and wanting, and wanting to know what's happening around having warm homes. Rising costs this winter may mean that many of all of our residents are forced to make the difficult decision between heating and eating.
Wales has the oldest housing stock in the United Kingdom, and the lowest proportion of dwellings in the country with an energy performance certificate rating of C and above. Welsh housing is some of the least energy efficient in Europe. According to a committee report last year, the Warm Homes programme failed to match Wales's level of need, and undermined its own goals due to its poor design and delivery. As I've previously highlighted in the Siambr, at the current rate, the Nest programme would take 134 years to insulate every fuel-poor home.
The Warm This Winter campaign is calling for emergency support for vulnerable households, whether that be by automatically referring the needy to energy-efficient schemes, or through expanding financial support to cover those who have fallen through the cracks. We cannot wait. This Government must act now.
Beyond immediate relief, we in Wales need solutions at scale and at pace, to end fuel poverty and create a more energy-secure renewable future. The Welsh Government must do more to support community renewable projects, end our reliance upon expensive fossil fuels, and help upskill our workforce to a green transition. That's why I've been calling, and others have been as well, to make sure that we have a 'bonanza tax', as I call it, on energy executive bonuses, or by campaigning for a transition to a universal basic income. We must stop Aberpergwm coal mine right now, and ensure that there is action to close Ffos-y-fran, as is supposed to be happening on 28 July.
By helping our most impacted houses today, and by investing in a renewable tomorrow, Wales can help make fuel poverty a thing of the past. On top of what we've heard already from Hefin, and the idea of this umbrella approach to helping people understand what's available, I just want to talk very quickly about debt bonfires. Debt bonfires was a recommendation in the Equality and Social Justice Committee's report, and it makes it clear that this is one tool that can help those households that are suffering under burdensome debts, but will also take away the stress and the mental health things that go with it as well.
I look forward to the debate and the discussion, and I thank, once again, Hefin, for bringing this forward. Diolch yn fawr iawn, Dirprwy Lywydd.
Diolch yn fawr, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Rydych wedi gosod her yno, felly fe wnaf fy ngorau i gadw o fewn fy amser.
Bob gaeaf, mae pobl yn marw yng Nghymru oherwydd cartrefi oer. Mae cymunedau gwledig, fel fy rhanbarth fy hun yng Nghanolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru, yn dioddef tlodi tanwydd ac ynni i raddau llawer mwy na'r cyfartaledd cenedlaethol. Fel y clywsom, nid yw problemau y llynedd wedi diflannu, a hoffwn ddiolch i Hefin am gyflwyno hyn nawr. Mae'n hanfodol ein bod yn cynllunio ar gyfer y gaeaf o hyn ymlaen. Ni allwn adael i bobl aros ac aros, eisiau gwybod beth sy'n digwydd ynglŷn â chael cartrefi cynnes. Gall costau cynyddol y gaeaf hwn olygu bod llawer o'n preswylwyr yn gorfod gwneud y penderfyniad anodd rhwng gwresogi a bwyta.
Cymru sydd â'r stoc dai hynaf yn y Deyrnas Unedig, a'r gyfran isaf o anheddau yn y wlad sydd â sgôr tystysgrif perfformiad ynni o C ac uwch. Tai yng Nghymru yw rhai o'r rhai lleiaf effeithlon o ran ynni yn Ewrop. Yn ôl adroddiad pwyllgor y llynedd, mae'r rhaglen Cartrefi Clyd wedi methu ateb lefel yr angen yng Nghymru, ac mae wedi tanseilio ei nodau ei hun oherwydd ei bod wedi'i chynllunio a'i chyflwyno'n wael. Fel y nodais yn y Siambr o'r blaen, ar y gyfradd bresennol, byddai rhaglen Nyth yn cymryd 134 o flynyddoedd i inswleiddio pob cartref sy'n dlawd o ran tanwydd.
Mae ymgyrch Warm This Winter yn galw am gymorth brys i aelwydydd agored i niwed, boed hynny drwy gyfeirio'r anghenus yn awtomatig at gynlluniau effeithlon o ran ynni, neu drwy ehangu cymorth ariannol i gynnwys y rhai sydd wedi syrthio drwy'r bylchau. Ni allwn aros. Rhaid i'r Llywodraeth hon weithredu nawr.
Y tu hwnt i ryddhad ar unwaith, mae angen atebion arnom yng Nghymru yn gyflym ac ar raddfa fawr, i roi diwedd ar dlodi tanwydd a chreu dyfodol adnewyddadwy mwy diogel o ran ynni. Rhaid i Lywodraeth Cymru wneud mwy i gefnogi prosiectau ynni adnewyddadwy cymunedol, dod â'n dibyniaeth ar danwydd ffosil drud i ben, a helpu i uwchsgilio ein gweithlu ar gyfer trawsnewidiad gwyrdd. Dyna pam rwyf wedi bod yn galw, fel y mae eraill wedi bod yn ei wneud, am sicrhau bod gennym 'dreth bonansa', fel rwy'n ei galw, ar fonysau swyddogion gweithredol cwmnïau ynni, neu drwy ymgyrchu dros bontio i incwm sylfaenol cyffredinol. Mae'n rhaid inni atal pwll glo Aberpergwm nawr, a sicrhau bod camau gweithredu i gau Ffos-y-fran, fel sydd i fod i ddigwydd ar 28 Gorffennaf.
Drwy helpu'r tai yr effeithir arnynt fwyaf heddiw, a thrwy fuddsoddi mewn yfory adnewyddadwy, gall Cymru helpu i wneud tlodi tanwydd yn rhywbeth sy'n perthyn i'r gorffennol. Yn ogystal â'r hyn a glywsom gan Hefin eisoes, a'r syniad o ddull ymbarél o helpu pobl i ddeall beth sydd ar gael, hoffwn siarad yn gyflym iawn am goelcerthi dyledion. Roedd coelcerthi dyledion yn argymhelliad yn adroddiad y Pwyllgor Cydraddoldeb a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol, ac mae'n ei gwneud yn glir fod hwn yn un offeryn a all helpu aelwydydd sy'n dioddef dan faich dyledion, ond a fydd hefyd yn cael gwared ar y straen a'r problemau iechyd meddwl sy'n mynd law yn llaw â hynny hefyd.
Edrychaf ymlaen at y ddadl a'r drafodaeth, a diolch, unwaith eto, i Hefin am gyflwyno hyn. Diolch yn fawr iawn, Ddirprwy Lywydd.
I'm very pleased to be able to co-submit this motion of Hefin David's today, alongside Jane Dodds as well. It was a pleasure to welcome Climate Cymru and the Warm This Winter campaign to the Senedd a few weeks ago, for Members to be able to sign up and pledge to their campaign. And if Members haven't done so yet, then I urge them to consider doing just that. And Hefin David is absolutely right. The sun is beating down outside today; it's sweltering out there. But last winter, we should not forget how long and how miserable and how difficult it was for so many. And so many of those are already worried about how they will manage next winter. And I completely support the motion in front of us today, and the calls for emergency support for our most vulnerable.
Deputy Presiding Officer, Hefin David hasn't read my mind too cleverly; I am going to talk about prepayment meters, but I'm not going to ask him for the lottery numbers. It should be no surprise that I'm going to talk about the issues of vulnerable individuals and families, and how they were being treated last winter by energy suppliers. The prepayment meter scandal that developed last year demonstrated the sheer failings of the UK Government, Ofgem and the suppliers—these suppliers who are meant to protect vulnerable consumers and ensure that their energy is not disconnected. But that's not what we saw. We saw thousands of court warrants passed at once for forced installation, without checks being done on whether the individual was vulnerable or not and how that would impact them. We saw the sickening footage, didn't we, in The Times, of agents contracted by British Gas forcing prepayment meters onto extremely vulnerable customers. And I'm aware of other examples, from a survey my office has done, where people who need constant electricity for their medical devices for them to survive being forcibly switched with the prospect of having their energy cut off.
The whole experience reinforced to me just how broken our energy market is and how it is completely organised to protect the interest of the suppliers, their shareholders and their executives. Deputy Presiding Officer, as Chair, I recently had the chance to grill some of these top executives from the most common energy suppliers in the UK, when they came to give evidence to the Petitions Committee. And I must say that I was (a) frustrated, (b) annoyed at times with their responses, and I've even found myself, with the agreement of the committee—and I see some members of the committee here in front of me—as Chair, writing to one executive to suggest to him that it was not appropriate for him to come to a committee of the Welsh Parliament and suggest that if people didn't have prepayment meters they would stop paying their energy bills and they would go on holiday. I'm waiting for the response from the executive. I would be grateful for his clarification and evidence on that matter, because—.
Rwy'n falch iawn o allu cyd-gyflwyno cynnig Hefin David heddiw, ochr yn ochr â Jane Dodds. Roedd yn bleser croesawu Climate Cymru ac ymgyrch Warm This Winter i'r Senedd ychydig wythnosau yn ôl, i Aelodau allu cefnogi ac ymrwymo i'w hymgyrch. Ac os nad yw'r Aelodau wedi gwneud hynny eto, rwy'n eu hannog i ystyried gwneud hynny. Ac mae Hefin David yn hollol gywir. Mae'r haul yn tywynnu y tu allan heddiw; mae'n berwi. Ond y gaeaf diwethaf, ni ddylem anghofio pa mor hir a pha mor ddiflas a pha mor anodd oedd hi i gymaint o bobl. Ac mae cymaint o'r rheini eisoes yn poeni ynglŷn â sut y byddant yn ymdopi y gaeaf nesaf. Ac rwy'n llwyr gefnogi'r cynnig sydd o'n blaenau heddiw, a'r galwadau am gymorth brys i'n pobl fwyaf agored i niwed.
Ddirprwy Lywydd, nid yw Hefin David wedi darllen fy meddwl yn dda iawn; rwyf am siarad am fesuryddion rhagdalu, ond nid wyf am ofyn iddo am rifau'r loteri. Ni ddylai fod yn syndod fy mod am siarad am broblemau unigolion a theuluoedd agored i niwed, a sut y cawsant eu trin gan gyflenwyr ynni y gaeaf diwethaf. Roedd sgandal y mesuryddion rhagdalu a ddatblygodd y llynedd yn dangos methiannau llwyr Llywodraeth y DU, Ofgem a'r cyflenwyr—y cyflenwyr hyn sydd i fod i amddiffyn defnyddwyr agored i niwed a sicrhau nad yw eu hynni'n cael ei ddatgysylltu. Ond nid dyna a welsom. Gwelsom filoedd o warantau llys yn cael eu pasio ar unwaith ar gyfer gosod mesuryddion yn orfodol, heb i wiriadau gael eu gwneud i weld a oedd yr unigolyn yn agored i niwed ai peidio a sut y byddai hynny'n effeithio arnynt. Gwelsom y fideo ffiaidd, oni wnaethom, gan The Times, o asiantwyr dan gontract gan Nwy Prydain yn gorfodi mesuryddion rhagdalu ar gwsmeriaid hynod agored i niwed. Ac rwy'n ymwybodol o enghreifftiau eraill, o arolwg a wnaed gan fy swyddfa, lle mae pobl sydd angen trydan cyson ar gyfer eu dyfeisiau meddygol er mwyn iddynt allu goroesi yn cael eu gorfodi i newid neu wynebu'r posibilrwydd y byddai eu hynni'n cael ei ddatgysylltu.
Mae'r profiad wedi tanlinellu pa mor doredig yw ein marchnad ynni a sut y caiff ei threfnu'n llwyr er mwyn amddiffyn buddiannau'r cyflenwyr, eu cyfranddalwyr a'u swyddogion gweithredol. Ddirprwy Lywydd, fel Cadeirydd, cefais gyfle yn ddiweddar i holi rhai o brif swyddogion gweithredol y cyflenwyr ynni mwyaf cyffredin yn y DU, pan ddaethant i roi tystiolaeth i'r Pwyllgor Deisebau. Ac mae'n rhaid imi ddweud imi deimlo (a) yn rhwystredig, a (b) wedi fy nghythruddo ar adegau gan eu hymatebion, ac euthum mor bell hyd yn oed, gyda chytundeb y pwyllgor—a gwelaf rai aelodau o'r pwyllgor yma o'm blaen—fel Cadeirydd, ag ysgrifennu at un swyddog gweithredol i awgrymu wrtho nad oedd yn briodol iddo ddod i bwyllgor yn Senedd Cymru ac awgrymu os na fyddai gan bobl fesuryddion rhagdalu y byddent yn rhoi'r gorau i dalu eu biliau ynni ac y byddent yn mynd ar wyliau. Rwy'n aros am ymateb gan y swyddog gweithredol. Byddwn yn ddiolchgar am ei eglurhad a'i dystiolaeth mewn perthynas â'r mater hwnnw, oherwydd—.
Will you take an intervention?
A wnewch chi dderbyn ymyriad?
Of course.
Wrth gwrs.
Would you be willing to tell us who that was, what company that was? Or, I understand if you wouldn't like to.
A fyddech chi'n fodlon dweud wrthym pwy oedd hwnnw, pa gwmni oedd hwnnw? Neu, rwy'n deall os nad ydych yn dymuno gwneud hynny.
I'm very happy to name the individual. The individual was Andrew Ward, from Scottish Power. It's on the public record; it's there for those to see on Senedd.tv, if they need to. My letter will be public as well, and so will his response to the committee. Because it's the view of people like that, and the sort of view of individuals like that, who are really struggling to support the most vulnerable people, isn't it? And that's the problem that we're here to discuss, about supporting the most vulnerable, living and surviving in an energy crisis that has no place in society at all, and what Hefin David rightly said towards the end of his contribution, that we have a collective responsibility to do something about.
I am grateful to the Minister for her leadership on this very matter. I'd be grateful if she, once again, could reaffirm the Welsh Government's position on banning the forced installation of prepayment meters.
This debate, Dirprwy Lywydd—and I see time is winding up slowly—this debate is part of the solution needed to protect the residents of Cymru next winter. I do, again, want to thank Hefin David and Members who have supported this motion. I hope the whole Senedd can come together in agreement with this motion. It is a very important one. I also want to thank Bethan Sayed and Climate Cymru for everything they've done to support vulnerable residents. And, as I said at the start, if Members haven't signed the pledge, then they should do. Diolch.
Rwy'n hapus iawn i enwi'r unigolyn. Yr unigolyn oedd Andrew Ward, o Scottish Power. Mae wedi'i gofnodi'n gyhoeddus; mae yno i bobl ei weld ar Senedd.tv, os ydynt eisiau gwneud hynny. Bydd fy llythyr yn gyhoeddus hefyd, ac felly hefyd ei ymateb i'r pwyllgor. Oherwydd pobl sydd â safbwynt felly, ac unigolion sydd â barn o'r fath, sy'n ei chael hi'n anodd iawn cefnogi'r bobl fwyaf agored i niwed, onid e? A dyna'r broblem rydym yma i'w thrafod, ynglŷn â chefnogi'r rhai mwyaf agored i niwed, sy'n byw ac yn goroesi mewn argyfwng ynni nad oes iddo le mewn cymdeithas o gwbl, a'r hyn a ddywedodd Hefin David yn briodol tuag at ddiwedd ei gyfraniad, fod gennym gyfrifoldeb ar y cyd i wneud rhywbeth yn ei gylch.
Rwy'n ddiolchgar i'r Gweinidog am ei harweinyddiaeth ar y mater hwn. Byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe gallai hi, unwaith eto, ailddatgan safbwynt Llywodraeth Cymru ar wahardd gosod mesuryddion rhagdalu yn orfodol.
Mae'r ddadl hon, Ddirprwy Lywydd—a gwelaf fod amser yn dirwyn i ben yn araf—mae'r ddadl hon yn rhan o'r ateb sydd ei angen i amddiffyn trigolion Cymru y gaeaf nesaf. Unwaith eto, hoffwn ddiolch i Hefin David a'r Aelodau sydd wedi cefnogi'r cynnig hwn. Rwy'n gobeithio y gall y Senedd gyfan ddod at ei gilydd i gytuno â'r cynnig. Mae'n un pwysig iawn. Hoffwn ddiolch hefyd i Bethan Sayed a Climate Cymru am bopeth y maent wedi'i wneud i gefnogi trigolion agored i niwed. Ac fel y dywedais ar y dechrau, os nad yw'r Aelodau wedi arwyddo'r adduned, dylent wneud hynny. Diolch.
I'd like to thank Hefin for bringing forward this Member's debate and also Bethan Sayed for all her work—of course, our former colleague, here on the Plaid Cymru benches. And I'm glad to be one of the motion's supporters, and Plaid Cymru wholeheartedly supports the motion, as it encompasses the actions, as has been said, that are needed now during the warmth of summer to help households in Wales during what will be an upcoming cold and difficult winter. Because although our energy bills may be slightly less high at the moment, as the sun dries our clothes and warms our houses, they're still not normal. This really needs to be underlined: 80 per cent higher than at the start of the energy crisis, and still completely unaffordable for far too many families.
From July, when the Ofgem price cap comes into effect, the typical annual energy bill will be £2,074. That means there will be 6.6 million households in fuel poverty across the UK. That's up from 4.5 million in October 2021. And we know, from many reports that have been published so far this year, that there is a great concern that next winter will be difficult—even, in some cases, more difficult than the last. As the motion states, we're facing multiple crises, and, as with so many crises, it's the poorest in our communities and those that have intersecting inequalities that feel the impact the most.
Barnardo's Cymru stated in their recent report that the most common concern for households in Wales is meeting heating and food costs due to rising prices. Targeted support must be provided to get these families through this deeply difficult winter ahead. Figures from Citizens Advice Cymru show us people are already struggling with debt, and energy debt advice is the most common issue they're dealing with. We've heard report after report quoted in debates in this Chamber about that need for better targeting, co-ordination and delivery of the support that is available.
The Senedd supported my call for a Bill to ensure that every £1 of Welsh support goes to the right pocket at the right time, as easily and quickly as possible. Support must be effective, and its delivery streamlined, and yet we still don't have that Welsh benefits system in place that Plaid Cymru has long advocated for, with a statutory element to local authority delivery of these support payments. This could ensure the support schemes that must be instituted next winter are made even more efficient, getting that support to the people who need it. We need to learn the lessons of last winter to know how much support is needed and where. So, what evaluation has been done, Minister, of, for example, the Welsh fuel support programme? What new proposals does the Government have to help families through this year's hard winter? And what progress has been made to ensure the way we do that is improved?
The Warm Homes programme encapsulates the aims of the Warm This Winter Wales campaign like no other single measure, in my opinion, and is therefore absolutely key to this debate. It's deeply and truly concerning that the next iteration of the programme has been so delayed. Actually, it's more than concerning; I think it's scandalous, and I think it's irresponsible.
We on the Equality and Social Justice Committee received the same answer for over a year to the questions we raised in our work regarding the new proposals, although the consultation on those new proposals closed in April 2022. I'd like to share an example of how worrying the Government's response has been on this: when we received unclear answers on the Government's plans from the Minister for Social Justice during a scrutiny session on debt and the cost of living, we wrote to her to ask for more clarity on proposals and timescales, and, in response, we were sent the answer from the Minister for Climate Change to a written question from me. We had to write again before we were given the answer many of us have now been receiving for months, which didn't shed much light.
Dirprwy Lywydd, this is absolutely urgent work that meets a desperate need to improve the energy efficiency of fuel-poor homes in Wales, to make them warmer, greener, healthier places to live, with energy bills that are permanently lower. And yet it seems this has not been given the focus it deserves. So, I hope, in response to the debate, we will receive the answer, that that e-mail pops into our inboxes, that the fuel-poor households of Wales get a clear answer, the answer they deserve, the answer that will give us faith that the Government has a coherent and deliverable plan, and that the timetable for this work is beyond vague indications.
So, Minister, what is the timeline for the new iteration of the Warm Homes programme? When will it be operational? Not what month, not 'by the winter', or 'the end of the winter' answers, please, which could actually mean it's the beginning of next spring. Can you tell us more about any change in eligibility criteria? What will be the threshold of any cap on support? And, crucially, how are you ensuring that this work will not slip any further? Diolch.
Hoffwn ddiolch i Hefin am gyflwyno'r ddadl Aelodau a hefyd i Bethan Sayed am ei holl waith—ein cyn gyd-Aelod yma ar feinciau Plaid Cymru wrth gwrs. Ac rwy'n falch o fod yn un o gefnogwyr y cynnig, ac mae Plaid Cymru yn cefnogi'r cynnig yn llwyr, gan ei fod yn cwmpasu'r camau gweithredu, fel y dywedwyd, sydd eu hangen nawr yn ystod cynhesrwydd yr haf i helpu aelwydydd yng Nghymru yn ystod y gaeaf oer ac anodd sydd i ddod. Er y gall ein biliau ynni fod ychydig yn is ar hyn o bryd, wrth i'r haul sychu ein dillad a chynhesu ein tai, nid ydynt yn normal o hyd. Mae gwir angen pwysleisio hyn: maent 80 y cant yn uwch nag ar ddechrau'r argyfwng ynni, ac maent yn dal i fod yn hollol anfforddiadwy i lawer gormod o deuluoedd.
O fis Gorffennaf ymlaen, pan ddaw cap pris Ofgem i rym, bydd y bil ynni blynyddol nodweddiadol yn £2,074. Mae hynny'n golygu y bydd 6.6 miliwn o aelwydydd mewn tlodi tanwydd ledled y DU. Mae wedi cynyddu o 4.5 miliwn ym mis Hydref 2021. Ac fe wyddom, o lawer o adroddiadau sydd wedi eu cyhoeddi hyd yma eleni, fod pryder mawr y bydd y gaeaf nesaf yn anodd—hyd yn oed yn anos na'r diwethaf mewn rhai achosion. Fel y dywed y cynnig, rydym yn wynebu argyfyngau lluosog, ac fel gyda chymaint o argyfyngau, y tlotaf yn ein cymunedau a'r rhai sydd ag anghydraddoldebau croestoriadol sy'n teimlo'r effaith fwyaf.
Dywedodd Barnardo's Cymru yn eu hadroddiad diweddar mai'r pryder mwyaf cyffredin i aelwydydd yng Nghymru yw talu costau gwresogi a bwyd oherwydd prisiau cynyddol. Rhaid darparu cymorth wedi'i dargedu i sicrhau bod y teuluoedd hyn yn goroesi'r gaeaf anodd iawn o'n blaenau. Mae ffigurau gan Cyngor ar Bopeth Cymru yn dangos bod pobl eisoes yn cael trafferth gyda dyledion, a chyngor ar ddyledion ynni yw'r mater mwyaf cyffredin y maent yn ymdrin ag ef. Rydym wedi clywed nifer o adroddiadau'n cael eu dyfynnu mewn dadleuon yn y Siambr hon mewn perthynas â'r angen i dargedu, cydlynu a darparu'r cymorth sydd ar gael yn well.
Cefnogodd y Senedd fy ngalwad am Fil i sicrhau bod pob £1 o gymorth Cymreig yn mynd i'r boced gywir ar yr adeg gywir, a hynny mewn modd mor hawdd a chyflym â phosibl. Rhaid i'r cymorth fod yn effeithiol, ac mae'n rhaid symleiddio'r modd y caiff ei ddarparu, ac eto nid oes gennym system fudd-daliadau Gymreig ar waith fel y mae Plaid Cymru wedi dadlau drosti ers amser maith, gydag elfen statudol i ddarparu'r taliadau cymorth hyn gan awdurdodau lleol. Gallai hyn sicrhau bod y cynlluniau cymorth y mae'n rhaid eu sefydlu y gaeaf nesaf yn cael eu gwneud hyd yn oed yn fwy effeithlon, gan sicrhau'r gefnogaeth honno i'r bobl sydd ei hangen. Mae angen inni ddysgu gwersi o'r gaeaf diwethaf i wybod faint o gymorth sydd ei angen a lle mae ei angen. Felly, pa werthusiad a wnaed, Weinidog, o raglen cymorth tanwydd Cymru, er enghraifft? Pa gynigion newydd sydd gan y Llywodraeth i helpu teuluoedd drwy'r gaeaf caled eleni? A pha gynnydd a wnaed i sicrhau bod y ffordd y gwnawn hynny'n gwella?
Mae'r rhaglen Cartrefi Clyd yn crynhoi amcanion ymgyrch Warm This Winter y gaeaf hwn mewn ffordd nad oes unrhyw fesur unigol arall yn ei wneud yn fy marn i, ac felly mae'n gwbl allweddol i'r ddadl hon. Mae'n peri pryder mawr fod yr iteriad nesaf o'r rhaglen wedi'i ohirio i'r fath raddau. Mewn gwirionedd, mae'n fwy na phryderus; rwy'n credu ei fod yn warthus, ac rwy'n credu ei fod yn anghyfrifol.
Am dros flwyddyn, fe gawsom ni ar y Pwyllgor Cydraddoldeb a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol yr un ateb i'r cwestiynau a godwyd gennym yn ein gwaith ynghylch y cynigion newydd, er i'r ymgynghoriad ar y cynigion newydd hynny ddod i ben ym mis Ebrill 2022. Hoffwn rannu enghraifft o ba mor ofidus yw ymateb y Llywodraeth wedi bod ar hyn: pan gawsom atebion aneglur ar gynlluniau'r Llywodraeth gan y Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol yn ystod sesiwn graffu ar ddyledion a chostau byw, fe wnaethom ysgrifennu ati i ofyn am fwy o eglurder ar gynigion ac amserlenni, ac mewn ymateb, anfonwyd ateb gan y Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd i gwestiwn ysgrifenedig gennyf. Bu'n rhaid inni ysgrifennu eto cyn i ni gael yr ateb y mae llawer ohonom wedi bod yn ei gael ers misoedd bellach, nad oedd yn taflu llawer o oleuni ar y mater.
Ddirprwy Lywydd, mae hwn yn waith hanfodol sy'n diwallu angen dybryd i wella effeithlonrwydd ynni cartrefi sy'n dlawd o ran tanwydd yng Nghymru, i'w gwneud yn lleoedd cynhesach, gwyrddach ac iachach i fyw, gyda biliau ynni sy'n is yn barhaol. Ac eto mae'n ymddangos nad yw wedi cael y ffocws y mae'n ei haeddu. Felly, mewn ymateb i'r ddadl, rwy'n gobeithio y byddwn yn cael yr ateb, y bydd yr e-bost yn ymddangos ym mewnflwch pob un ohonom, y bydd yr aelwydydd sy'n dlawd o ran tanwydd yng Nghymru yn cael ateb clir, yr ateb y maent yn ei haeddu, yr ateb a fydd yn rhoi hyder inni fod gan y Llywodraeth gynllun cydlynol a chyflawnadwy, a bod yr amserlen ar gyfer y gwaith yn llai annelwig.
Felly, Weinidog, beth yw'r llinell amser ar gyfer iteriad newydd y rhaglen Cartrefi Clyd? Pryd fydd yn weithredol? Nid pa fis, nid 'erbyn y gaeaf', a dim atebion 'diwedd y gaeaf', os gwelwch yn dda, a allai olygu dechrau'r gwanwyn nesaf. A allwch chi ddweud mwy wrthym am unrhyw newid yn y meini prawf cymhwysedd? Beth fydd trothwy unrhyw gap ar gymorth? Ac yn hollbwysig, sut ydych chi'n sicrhau na fydd y gwaith hwn yn llithro ymhellach? Diolch.
More than 80 per cent of fuel-poor households in Wales live in inefficient homes, higher than in any other UK nation, highlighting National Energy Action Cymru's concerns that current schemes are insufficient to deal with the scale of fuel poverty in Wales, and their call for guaranteed support for the worst first. There is an urgent need to upgrade the energy efficiency of fuel-poor homes in Wales, including owner-occupied and private rented sector homes, to make them much warmer, greener, healthier places to live, with energy bills that are permanently low.
In a letter in response to me as chair of the cross-party group on fuel poverty and energy efficiency in April, the Minister for Climate Change stated that she expects to procure a new demand-led scheme to replace Nest by the end of the calendar year, adding this will enable the new scheme to be awarded late autumn and mobilised over the winter, with delivery expected from late winter. The cross-party group believes it is imperative that the Welsh Government now implement the new Warm Homes programme with urgency, ensuring that the replacement demand-led scheme for NEST is operational this winter with eligibility and scale confirmed.
The Senedd’s Equality and Social Justice Committee report on fuel poverty and the Warm Homes programme makes several welcome recommendations regarding the next iteration of the Warm Homes programme, including for the Welsh Government to ensure the programme embeds the fabric and worst-first approach to retrofitting, targeting the poorest households in the least efficient homes; is bigger in scale, with smarter, less restrictive eligibility criteria, and greener in its interventions; looks to cover the cost of enabling works; removes the single application cap to help accommodate multiple measures and designs a more intelligent means of limiting costs; and is backed by a robust data collection, monitoring and evaluation framework with a fit-for-purpose quality assurance regime. This remains the best lasting way of tackling fuel poverty, reducing the amount of energy fuel-poor households need to use to heat their homes in the first place and providing a permanent reduction in energy bills.
In the years to come, the next scheme and programme will need to be backed by sufficient increased funding if the Welsh Government is to meet its 2035 fuel poverty targets and contribute to its efforts to reach net zero. And if, as we heard from Hefin David, the Welsh Government is issuing a policy statement on its Warm Homes programme today, it is imperative that the scheme is operational as soon as possible. Further important detail, including eligibility and scale, must be confirmed.
Unprecedented steps were taken by the UK Government to support people with the cost of living following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and its massive impacts on global food and fuel prices and the pressures on the economy caused by the pandemic. Amongst other things, this enabled the Welsh Government to double the winter fuel support scheme payment to £200 for eligible households to help with fuel prices.
Speaking here as Chair of the cross-party group on fuel poverty and energy efficiency last year, I called for the scheme’s eligibility criteria to be extended and was grateful when the Minister subsequently did this. However, questioning the Social Justice Minister here in January, and again last month following the Welsh Government’s announcement that it was not continuing the winter fuel scheme beyond 2022-23, I asked her whether this would be scrapped entirely, replaced by the original £100 payment or replaced by something else. I’d be grateful if the Minister could answer this now.
Further questioning her here last month, I noted her confirmation to my office that, although the Welsh Government had made up to £90 million available for payments to eligible low-income households under the 2022-23 winter fuel support scheme, and estimated that approximately 427,000 households will be eligible, less than £65 million had been spent by 28 February this year when applications closed, with local authorities across Wales reporting that just 316,000 households had applied and that only 341,468 had received a payment. I asked the Minister whether this underspend would therefore be carried forward, and if not, why not. However, it was not confirmed if this underspend will be carried forward to help the most vulnerable in fuel poverty. Again, I would be grateful if the Minister could answer this now.
Lessons also need to be learnt on how benefit take-up is maximised in the future. As the Bevan Foundation reiterated in April, the Welsh Government should establish a coherent and integrated Welsh benefits system for all the means-tested benefits it is responsible for.
Mae mwy nag 80 y cant o aelwydydd sy'n dlawd o ran tanwydd yng Nghymru yn byw mewn cartrefi aneffeithlon, sy'n nifer uwch nag unrhyw wlad arall yn y DU, gan dynnu sylw at bryderon National Energy Action Cymru nad yw'r cynlluniau presennol yn ddigonol i ymdrin â graddau tlodi tanwydd yng Nghymru, a'u galwad am gefnogaeth warantedig i'r rhai sy'n dioddef waethaf yn gyntaf. Mae angen gwella effeithlonrwydd ynni cartrefi sy'n dlawd o ran tanwydd yng Nghymru ar frys, gan gynnwys cartrefi perchen-feddianwyr a'r sector rhentu preifat, i'w gwneud yn lleoedd llawer cynhesach, gwyrddach ac iachach i fyw ynddynt, gyda biliau ynni sy'n isel yn barhaol.
Mewn llythyr yn ymateb i mi fel cadeirydd y grŵp trawsbleidiol ar dlodi tanwydd ac effeithlonrwydd ynni ym mis Ebrill, dywedodd y Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd ei bod yn disgwyl caffael cynllun newydd yn cael ei arwain gan y galw i ddisodli Nyth erbyn diwedd y flwyddyn galendr, gan ychwanegu y bydd hyn yn ei gwneud hi'n bosibl dyfarnu arian y cynllun newydd ar ddiwedd yr hydref a'i weithredu dros y gaeaf, gyda disgwyliad y bydd yn cael ei ddarparu o ddiwedd y gaeaf ymlaen. Mae'r grŵp trawsbleidiol yn credu ei bod yn hanfodol fod Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithredu'r rhaglen Cartrefi Clyd newydd ar frys, gan sicrhau bod y cynllun newydd sy'n seiliedig ar y galw ar gyfer Nyth yn weithredol y gaeaf hwn gyda chymhwysedd a maint wedi'i gadarnhau.
Mae adroddiad Pwyllgor Cydraddoldeb a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol y Senedd ar dlodi tanwydd a rhaglen Cartrefi Clyd yn gwneud sawl argymhelliad i'w croesawu ynghylch iteriad nesaf y rhaglen Cartrefi Clyd, gan gynnwys argymhelliad i Lywodraeth Cymru sicrhau bod y rhaglen yn ymgorffori'r dull ffabrig yn gyntaf a gwaethaf yn gyntaf o ôl-osod gan dargedu'r aelwydydd tlotaf yn y cartrefi lleiaf effeithlon; ei fod yn fwy o faint, gyda meini prawf cymhwysedd craffach, llai cyfyngol, ac yn wyrddach o ran ei ymyriadau; ei fod yn ceisio talu cost gwaith galluogi; yn dileu'r cap cais sengl i helpu i ddarparu ar gyfer mesurau lluosog ac yn llunio ffordd fwy deallus o gyfyngu ar gostau; a'i fod yn cael ei gefnogi gan fframwaith casglu data, monitro a gwerthuso cadarn gyda chyfundrefn sicrhau ansawdd addas i'r diben. Dyma'r ffordd orau o fynd i'r afael â thlodi tanwydd yn barhaol, gan leihau faint o ynni y mae angen i aelwydydd tlawd ei ddefnyddio i wresogi eu cartrefi yn y lle cyntaf a darparu gostyngiad parhaol mewn biliau ynni.
Yn y blynyddoedd i ddod, bydd angen cefnogi'r cynllun a'r rhaglen nesaf gan gyllid cynyddol digonol os yw Llywodraeth Cymru am gyrraedd ei thargedau tlodi tanwydd 2035 a chyfrannu at ei hymdrechion i gyrraedd sero net. Ac os bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn cyhoeddi datganiad polisi ar ei rhaglen Cartrefi Clyd heddiw, fel y clywsom gan Hefin David, mae'n hanfodol fod y cynllun yn weithredol cyn gynted â phosibl. Rhaid cadarnhau manylion pellach pwysig, yn cynnwys cymhwysedd a maint.
Cymerwyd camau digynsail gan Lywodraeth y DU i gefnogi pobl gyda chostau byw yn dilyn ymosodiad anghyfreithlon Rwsia ar Wcráin a'i effeithiau enfawr ar brisiau bwyd a thanwydd byd-eang a'r pwysau ar yr economi a achoswyd gan y pandemig. Ymhlith pethau eraill, roedd hyn yn galluogi Llywodraeth Cymru i ddyblu taliad y cynllun cymorth tanwydd y gaeaf i £200 i aelwydydd cymwys i helpu gyda phrisiau tanwydd.
Wrth siarad yma fel Cadeirydd y grŵp trawsbleidiol ar dlodi tanwydd ac effeithlonrwydd ynni y llynedd, galwais am ymestyn meini prawf cymhwysedd y cynllun ac roeddwn yn ddiolchgar pan wnaeth y Gweinidog hynny wedyn. Fodd bynnag, wrth holi'r Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol yma ym mis Ionawr, ac eto fis diwethaf yn dilyn cyhoeddiad Llywodraeth Cymru nad oedd yn parhau â'r cynllun tanwydd gaeaf y tu hwnt i 2022-23, gofynnais iddi a fyddai hwn yn cael ei ddileu'n llwyr, yn cael ei ddisodli gan y taliad gwreiddiol o £100 neu'n cael ei ddisodli gan rywbeth arall. Byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe gallai'r Gweinidog ateb hyn nawr.
Wrth ei holi ymhellach yma fis diwethaf, nodais ei chadarnhad i fy swyddfa, er bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi sicrhau bod hyd at £90 miliwn ar gael ar gyfer taliadau i aelwydydd incwm isel cymwys o dan gynllun cymorth tanwydd y gaeaf 2022-23, ac wedi amcangyfrif y bydd tua 427,000 o aelwydydd yn gymwys, roedd llai na £65 miliwn wedi'i wario erbyn 28 Chwefror eleni pan gaeodd y cyfnod ymgeisio, gydag awdurdodau lleol ar draws Cymru yn dweud mai dim ond 316,000 o aelwydydd oedd wedi gwneud cais ac mai dim ond 341,468 oedd wedi derbyn taliad. Gofynnais i'r Gweinidog a fyddai'r tanwariant hwn yn cael ei gario ymlaen felly, ac os na, pam? Fodd bynnag, ni chafwyd cadarnhad y byddai'r tanwariant yn cael ei gario ymlaen i helpu'r rhai mwyaf agored i niwed mewn perthynas â tlodi tanwydd. Unwaith eto, byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe gallai'r Gweinidog ateb y cwestiwn hwn nawr.
Mae angen dysgu gwersi hefyd ar sut mae sicrhau bod cymaint â phosibl o bobl yn manteisio ar fudd-daliadau yn y dyfodol. Fel yr ategwyd gan Sefydliad Bevan ym mis Ebrill, dylai Llywodraeth Cymru sefydlu system fudd-daliadau gydlynol ac integredig i Gymru ar gyfer yr holl fudd-daliadau prawf modd y mae'n gyfrifol amdanynt.
Mark, conclude now please.
Mark, mae'n rhaid ichi ddirwyn i ben nawr, os gwelwch yn dda.
We will be supporting this motion.
Byddwn yn cefnogi'r cynnig.
The sun is indeed beating down, but it really isn't that hot. I'm absolutely shocked that National Grid has recommissioned a coal-fired power station in order to meet demand to enable people to run air conditioning. You couldn't make it up, could you? It's not 40 degrees, but it will be if we don't change our ways. National Grid absolutely hasn't got it, and nor indeed has the population of the UK, because people are not explaining this to them. And if we don't have better-insulated houses, we're going to simply go on like this. It's total madness, and it's as if we didn't have a climate emergency.
We have 600,000 households living in fuel-poor homes who are absolutely between a rock and a hard place: they don't have the money to insulate their homes and they don't have the option to move to renewable energy. A majority of them are living in private rented homes. If that's what people who own their own home want to do, that's their problem, but our problem is those who are living in private rented housing who have no options, because if they start kicking up a row with their landlord, they'll just be kicked out. We're bottom of the European league table, and Wales has the coldest of all the homes that we have across our nations and regions.
It's over a year since the Equality and Social Justice Committee's report on fuel poverty, and we still don't have a refreshed Warm Homes programme. This is really, really serious. Because it simply isn't there to address the criticism of the previous programme, which was identified in detail by Audit Wales in November 2021, and here we are, being told we won't even have one by November 2023. As Jane Dodds has pointed out, it would take 134 years to rectify the insulation of people's homes. So I am really fearful for next winter, because we won't even have the additional support that was given to households by either the UK Government or the Welsh Government. It is really going to be a disaster. So, we really do have to look at solutions—I agree with you, Hefin David, and thank you very much for organising this debate.
I was looking up a report that I was involved in in the fourth Senedd with some of my colleagues, including John Griffiths and Julie Morgan, as well as Llyr Huws Gruffydd. It was published in March 2016. We needed 'A Smarter Energy Future for Wales', and our recommendations were that we aim to meet all of our energy needs from renewable sources, in the context of the need to reduce carbon emissions by, at that time, 80 per cent by 2050, and we need to set a target date for achieving this.
When you look at what we've actually achieved, it is pretty pathetic. That is the alternative that people need to be offered: you don't need to have the expensive gas and electricity that is determined by the magic price of the gas that day, which is just a guarantee for the energy companies who just want to go on doing the same old same old that's causing all the problems.
The other thing that we recommended was that we urgently need to revise the building regulations to ensure that all new houses are built to 'near zero' energy standards. If Lord Deben can be calling for a levy on all house builders who build more than 100 homes to reimburse all these homeowners who've just been dumped on, having to retrofit their homes because they'd been so inadequately built, surely the Welsh Labour Government can come up with something as fierce as that.
And equally, I'm just looking at what Ukraine has achieved since Russia invaded in February last year: they built enough renewable energy generation to power 200,000 homes 60 miles from the front line, generating 114 MW of electricity. England produced 1 MW of electricity with two offshore wind turbines. And Wales, which has—I've got a list of all the publicly owned energy programmes, whether they're community or individual households, local authorities, other public sector—
Mae'r haul yn tywynnu, ond nid yw mor boeth â hynny. Rwy'n synnu'n fawr fod y Grid Cenedlaethol wedi ailgomisiynu gorsafoedd pŵer glo er mwyn ateb y galw i alluogi pobl i gynnal systemau aerdymheru. Mae'n anodd credu'r peth. Nid yw'n 40 gradd, ond mi fydd os na newidiwn ein ffyrdd. Nid yw'r Grid Cenedlaethol wedi deall y sefyllfa o gwbl, ac nid yw poblogaeth y DU wedi deall y sefyllfa ychwaith, oherwydd nid yw pobl yn esbonio hyn iddynt. Ac os nad oes gennym dai wedi'u hinswleiddio'n well, bydd pethau'n parhau i fod fel hyn. Mae'n wallgofrwydd llwyr, ac mae fel pe na bai gennym argyfwng hinsawdd.
Mae gennym 600,000 o aelwydydd yn byw mewn cartrefi sy'n dlawd o ran tanwydd ac maent mewn sefyllfa amhosibl: nid oes ganddynt yr arian i inswleiddio eu cartrefi ac nid oes ganddynt opsiwn i newid i ynni adnewyddadwy. Mae'r rhan fwyaf ohonynt yn byw mewn cartrefi preifat wedi'u rhentu. Os mai dyna mae pobl sy'n berchen ar eu cartref eu hunain eisiau ei wneud, eu problem nhw yw hynny, ond ein problem ni yw'r rhai sy'n byw mewn tai rhent preifat nad oes ganddynt unrhyw opsiynau, oherwydd os byddant yn dechrau dadlau gyda'u landlord, byddant yn cael eu troi allan. Rydym ar waelod tabl cynghrair Ewrop, a Chymru sydd â'r cartrefi oeraf o'r holl gartrefi sydd gennym ar draws ein gwledydd a'n rhanbarthau.
Mae dros flwyddyn wedi bod ers adroddiad y Pwyllgor Cydraddoldeb a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol ar dlodi tanwydd, ac rydym yn dal i fod heb raglen Cartrefi Clyd newydd. Mae hyn yn ddifrifol iawn. Oherwydd nid yw yno i fynd i'r afael â beirniadaeth o'r rhaglen flaenorol, a nodwyd yn fanwl gan Archwilio Cymru ym mis Tachwedd 2021, a dyma ni, yn cael gwybod na fydd gennym un erbyn mis Tachwedd 2023 hyd yn oed. Fel y nododd Jane Dodds, byddai'n cymryd 134 o flynyddoedd i gywiro'r sefyllfa o ran gwaith inswleiddio ar gartrefi pobl. Felly rwy'n ofni'n fawr am y gaeaf nesaf, oherwydd ni fydd gennym y cymorth ychwanegol a roddwyd i aelwydydd gan Lywodraeth y DU na Llywodraeth Cymru. Fe fydd yn drychineb go iawn. Felly, mae'n rhaid inni edrych ar atebion—rwy'n cytuno â chi, Hefin David, a diolch yn fawr iawn am drefnu'r ddadl hon.
Roeddwn yn edrych ar adroddiad roedd gennyf ran ynddo yn y bedwaredd Senedd gyda rhai o fy nghyd-Aelodau, gan gynnwys John Griffiths a Julie Morgan, yn ogystal â Llyr Huws Gruffydd. Fe'i cyhoeddwyd ym mis Mawrth 2016. Roeddem angen 'Dyfodol Ynni Craffach i Gymru', a'n hargymhellion oedd ein bod yn anelu at ddiwallu ein holl anghenion ynni o ffynonellau adnewyddadwy, yng nghyd-destun yr angen i leihau allyriadau carbon 80 y cant erbyn 2050, fel yr oedd ar y pryd, ac mae angen inni bennu dyddiad targed ar gyfer cyflawni hyn.
Pan edrychwch ar yr hyn a gyflawnwyd gennym mewn gwirionedd, mae'n eithaf truenus. Dyna'r dewis arall y mae angen inni ei gynnig i bobl: nid oes angen i chi gael y nwy a'r trydan drud y caiff ei bris ei bennu yn ôl pris hud y nwy y diwrnod hwnnw, nad yw ond yn warant i'r cwmnïau ynni sydd eisiau parhau i wneud yr un hen bethau sy'n achosi'r holl broblemau.
Y peth arall a argymhellwyd gennym oedd bod angen inni ddiwygio'r rheoliadau adeiladu ar frys i sicrhau bod pob tŷ newydd yn cael eu hadeiladu i safonau ynni 'bron ddim carbon'. Os gall yr Arglwydd Deben alw am ardoll ar bob adeiladwr tai sy'n adeiladu mwy na 100 o gartrefi i ad-dalu'r holl berchnogion tai sydd newydd gael cam yn sgil gorfod ôl-osod eu cartrefi oherwydd eu bod wedi cael eu hadeiladu mewn modd mor annigonol, yn sicr gall Llywodraeth Lafur Cymru feddwl am rywbeth mor gryf â hynny.
Ac yn yr un modd, rwy'n edrych ar yr hyn y mae Wcráin wedi'i gyflawni ers i Rwsia ymosod arni ym mis Chwefror y llynedd: fe wnaethant gynhyrchu digon o ynni adnewyddadwy i bweru 200,000 o gartrefi 60 milltir o'r rheng flaen, gan gynhyrchu 114 MW o drydan. Cynhyrchodd Lloegr 1 MW o drydan gyda dau dyrbin gwynt ar y môr. A Chymru, sydd wedi—mae gennyf restr o'r holl raglenni ynni sy'n eiddo i'r cyhoedd, boed yn aelwydydd unigol, yn gymunedau, yn awdurdodau lleol neu—
You need to conclude now, Jenny, please.
Mae angen i chi ddirwyn i ben nawr, Jenny, os gwelwch yn dda.
The total is 581 MW for all these organisations throughout all the years that we've ever done this. We absolutely need to have an ambitious renewable energy programme, and it's an emergency; not a nice-to-have—an emergency.
Y cyfanswm yw 581 MW ar gyfer yr holl sefydliadau hyn drwy gydol yr holl flynyddoedd rydym wedi bod yn gwneud hyn. Mae gwir angen inni gael rhaglen ynni adnewyddadwy uchelgeisiol, ac mae'n argyfwng; nid rhywbeth y byddai'n braf ei gael—mae'n argyfwng.
Hoffwn i ddiolch hefyd i Hefin am gynnal y ddadl hon, ac i Climate Cymru a Bethan Sayed am eu gwaith gyda'r ymgyrch yma. Mae mor bwysig. Mae nifer o Aelodau wedi sôn am yr argyfwng costau byw, a fel dŷn ni wedi clywed, 'argyfwng' ydy'r gair gyda hynna, hefyd—y ffaith bod hyd yn oed cadw'n fyw nawr ar gyfer gymaint o bobl yn fater o greisis. Ac fel dŷn ni wedi clywed eisoes, nid mater o gadw'n gynnes ar gyfer y gaeaf sy'n dod yn unig ydy hyn. Mae'r ymgyrch wedi ffocysu ar yr angen i ffeindio datrysiadau mwy cynaliadwy i fynd i'r afael â'r argyfyngau hinsawdd a natur dŷn ni wedi clywed cymaint amdanyn nhw, i helpu pobl sy'n fregus nawr a chenedlaethau sydd dal i ddod.
I'd also like to thank Hefin for staging this debate, and to Climate Cymru and Bethan Sayed for their work with this campaign. It is so very important. Many Members have already mentioned the cost-of-living crisis, and as we've heard, it is a crisis—the fact that simply staying alive now for so many people is a critical matter. And as we've already heard, it's not a matter of keeping warm for the coming winter alone. The campaign is focused on the need to find more sustainable solutions to tackle the climate and nature emergencies that we've heard so much about, to help people who are vulnerable now, but also to assist future generations.
Because these crises overlap. There's a social justice driver here in helping people who are struggling now, and in preventing climate catastrophe from condemning future generations to a life of cold, misery and darkness. This campaign is calling for significant radical increase in investment in renewables like solar and wind energy, focusing on empowering community schemes and protecting our natural world. Now, I join them—and I certainly, again, am very grateful that this debate is happening—in calling on the Welsh Government to redouble efforts to set up Ynni Cymru, and to explore what further devolved powers are necessary so that Wales can benefit from our natural resources. We are a country that is so rich in those resources, but we are at present locked out of benefiting from their potential. Devolving further powers over water and over the Crown Estate are two of the major changes that need to be seen urgently.
And again, from a social justice perspective, it's of utmost importance that we support workers who are currently working in carbon-heavy industries so that they can gain new skills. We cannot stand by and allow another generation of workers in Wales to be disempowered by large-scale changes to their industry. The lessons from Thatcherism are still being felt, so this is a revolution, a change, a radical shift in how we sustain our lives, and that needs to happen with the people by empowering people, not by taking things away from people.
Oherwydd mae'r argyfyngau hyn yn gorgyffwrdd. Mae yna ysgogiad cyfiawnder cymdeithasol yma i helpu pobl sy'n ei chael hi'n anodd nawr, ac i atal trychineb hinsawdd rhag gwthio cenedlaethau'r dyfodol i fywyd o oerfel, dioddefaint a thywyllwch. Mae'r ymgyrch hon yn galw am gynnydd sylweddol mewn buddsoddiad mewn ynni adnewyddadwy fel ynni solar a gwynt, gan ganolbwyntio ar rymuso cynlluniau cymunedol a diogelu byd natur. Nawr, rwy'n ymuno â nhw—ac rwy'n sicr yn ddiolchgar iawn unwaith eto fod y ddadl hon yn digwydd—i alw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i ddyblu'r ymdrechion i sefydlu Ynni Cymru, ac i archwilio pa bwerau datganoledig pellach sy'n angenrheidiol fel y gall Cymru elwa o'n hadnoddau naturiol. Rydym yn wlad sydd mor gyfoethog yn yr adnoddau hynny, ond rydym ar hyn o bryd wedi ein cloi allan rhag elwa o'u potensial. Mae datganoli rhagor o bwerau dros ddŵr a thros Ystad y Goron yn ddau o'r newidiadau mawr sydd angen eu gweld ar frys.
Ac eto, o safbwynt cyfiawnder cymdeithasol, mae'n hollbwysig ein bod yn cefnogi gweithwyr sy'n gweithio mewn diwydiannau drud ar garbon ar hyn o bryd fel y gallant ennill sgiliau newydd. Ni allwn sefyll yn ôl a chaniatáu i genhedlaeth arall o weithwyr yng Nghymru gael eu dadrymuso gan newidiadau mawr i'w diwydiant. Mae'r gwersi gan Thatcheriaeth yn dal i gael eu teimlo, felly dyma chwyldro, newid, symud radical yn y ffordd rydym yn cynnal ein bywydau, ac mae angen i hynny ddigwydd gyda'r bobl drwy rymuso pobl, nid trwy fynd â phethau oddi wrth bobl.
Will you take an intervention?
A wnewch chi dderbyn ymyriad?
Certainly.
Wrth gwrs.
You're talking there about moving workers from carbon-heavy industries to green industries, and we've suggested a transitional universal basic income would be one way of doing that. I don't know if you'd agree with that approach. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Rydych chi'n siarad am symud gweithwyr o ddiwydiannau drud ar garbon i ddiwydiannau gwyrdd, ac rydym wedi awgrymu y byddai incwm sylfaenol cyffredinol trosiannol yn un ffordd o wneud hynny. Nid wyf yn gwybod a fyddech chi'n cytuno â'r dull hwnnw o weithredu. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Diolch, Jane. I think that that is certainly—. It's exactly these kinds of radical—well, it shouldn't be radical, but radical ideas, thinking outside the box—bold—that need to be thought of, because as has been—. Jenny's made this point; other people have made the point too that if we keep on doing what we are doing now, well, there won't be a planet left for us to save, and it's the people in those most vulnerable positions who are going to be most at risk. So, certainly, if we can do anything to empower people in those situations, I fully agree with that sentiment—
Diolch yn fawr, Jane. Rwy'n meddwl bod hynny'n sicr—. Dyma'r union fath o syniadau radical—wel, ni ddylai fod yn radical, ond syniadau radical, a meddwl y tu allan i'r bocs—beiddgar—y mae angen inni feddwl amdanynt, oherwydd fel sydd wedi—. Mae Jenny wedi gwneud y pwynt hwn; mae pobl eraill wedi gwneud y pwynt hefyd, os ydym yn parhau i wneud yr hyn rydym yn ei wneud nawr, wel, ni fydd planed ar ôl i ni ei hachub, a'r bobl yn y sefyllfaoedd mwyaf bregus sy'n mynd i wynebu'r perygl mwyaf. Felly, yn sicr, os gallwn wneud unrhyw beth i rymuso pobl yn y sefyllfaoedd hynny, rwy'n cytuno'n llwyr â hynny—
Diolch am hwnna.
Thank you for that.
—because we have to change the way that we live. The days of market forces deciding who should be able to stay alive comfortably, frankly, they must be confined to history. The changes that are being proposed here are long overdue and they are simultaneously urgent, so I really urge Members to support this motion. Diolch yn fawr.
—oherwydd mae'n rhaid inni newid y ffordd rydym yn byw. Mae'n rhaid inni droi ein cefnau ar y dyddiau pan oedd grymoedd y farchnad yn penderfynu pwy ddylai allu aros yn fyw yn gyfforddus. Mae'n hen bryd inni weld y newidiadau sy'n cael eu cynnig yma ac mae brys mawr amdanynt ar yr un pryd, felly rwy'n annog yr Aelodau i gefnogi'r cynnig hwn. Diolch yn fawr.
Thank you to the Members for Caerphilly, Mid and West Wales and Alyn and Deeside for tabling this motion today. I was pleased to sign up in support of the motion, and I'm grateful to have the chance to speak in support of it today. As the motion sets out, people in the communities that we represent are facing a relentless succession of interrelated crises and challenges. All of us are affected by these combined pressures. However, and as the motion also reminds us, it's the most vulnerable groups in our society who are most affected. For example, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health notes that energy increases are likely to affect the most vulnerable households more severely. We know that fuel-poor households live in less energy-efficient properties, so their energy cost increases are likely to be far higher than average. And that's without exploring the sheer criminality of the prepayment meters, which penalise the most vulnerable.
I endorse the call from the Warm This Winter campaign, as it's clear that we must take action to support the most vulnerable. The Welsh Government has proactively brought forward a range of successful initiatives that have made a real difference to the people around us: the winter fuel support scheme, the cost-of-living payment, extra funding for the discretionary assistance fund, the fuel voucher scheme and funding for warm hubs. Regarding these, I'd just like to take a few moments to pay tribute to the volunteers in my constituency of Cynon Valley who have risen to the challenge. A robust network of winter welcome centres has been developed throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf, supported by the council, and offer local people somewhere warm and safe to go.
To use just three examples that I've visited over the course of the last winter, I went along to Abercwmboi community group to see the weekly warm hub that they provide at the Cap Coch Inn; the Cornerstone Church in Cwmbach offers a twice-weekly warm hub to people in the community; and the award-winning volunteers at Lee Gardens Pool run a weekly winter welcome service in the Penrhiwceiber old age centre. Now, all these projects offer local people somewhere to stay warm, to not have to worry about energy costs, but they do far more than that as well. The centres provide food for people who need it, offer somewhere for people to have a chat, some company, to tackle social isolation. This was something that really came across and was really appreciated when I spoke to people accessing these schemes. So, I want to place on record my sincere thanks for all of the volunteers across Cynon Valley and across Wales who make schemes like these happen.
However, as the motion reminds us, these initiatives, as important as they are, do not offer a permanent solution to the trials that our communities face. I support the motion's call for the Welsh Government to work to implement a solution that meets this challenge head on, using the levers that it controls and the powers that we do possess. I look forward to the Minister setting out her response to this point. But, perhaps, most of all, we need the UK Government to take action to fix the broken energy market, to fix the cost of energy. Whereas residential gas prices we pay are only just above the European average, we actually pay the third highest residential electricity prices in Europe. The support provided by the UK Government to households and businesses to meet the costs of energy are only around half of those provided by the German Government. Ministers in Westminster can and must do more. So, I hope that we can all support this motion today to send the strongest possible message. Diolch.
Diolch i'r Aelodau dros Gaerffili, Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru ac Alun a Glannau Dyfrdwy am gyflwyno'r cynnig hwn heddiw. Roeddwn yn falch o gefnogi'r cynnig, ac rwy'n ddiolchgar am y cyfle i siarad i'w gefnogi heddiw. Fel y mae'r cynnig yn nodi, mae pobl yn y cymunedau a gynrychiolir gennym yn wynebu cyfres ddi-baid o argyfyngau a heriau cydgysylltiedig. Effeithir ar bob un ohonom gan y pwysau cyfunol hwn. Fodd bynnag, ac fel y mae'r cynnig hefyd yn ein hatgoffa, y grwpiau mwyaf bregus yn ein cymdeithas sy'n cael eu heffeithio fwyaf. Er enghraifft, mae Sefydliad Siartredig Iechyd yr Amgylchedd yn nodi bod cynnydd mewn costau ynni yn debygol o effeithio ar yr aelwydydd mwyaf agored i niwed yn fwy difrifol. Gwyddom fod cartrefi sy'n dlawd o ran tanwydd yn byw mewn eiddo sy'n llai effeithlon o ran ei ddefnydd o ynni, felly mae codiadau costau ynni yn debygol o fod yn llawer uwch na'r cyfartaledd iddynt hwy. A hynny heb archwilio troseddoldeb y mesuryddion rhagdalu, sy'n cosbi'r rhai mwyaf agored i niwed.
Rwy'n cymeradwyo'r alwad gan ymgyrch Warm this Winter, gan ei bod yn amlwg fod yn rhaid inni weithredu i gefnogi'r rhai mwyaf agored i niwed. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cyflwyno ystod o gynlluniau llwyddiannus sydd wedi gwneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol i'r bobl o'n cwmpas: cynllun cymorth tanwydd y gaeaf, y taliad costau byw, cyllid ychwanegol ar gyfer y gronfa cymorth dewisol, y cynllun talebau tanwydd a chyllid ar gyfer canolfannau clyd. Ar y rhain, hoffwn roi ychydig funudau i dalu teyrnged i'r gwirfoddolwyr yn fy etholaeth yng Nghwm Cynon sydd wedi ymateb i'r her. Cafodd rhwydwaith cadarn o ganolfannau croeso'r gaeaf ei ddatblygu ledled Rhondda Cynon Taf, gyda chefnogaeth y cyngor, ac maent yn cynnig rhywle cynnes a diogel i bobl leol fynd.
Os caf ddefnyddio tair enghraifft yr ymwelais â nhw yn ystod y gaeaf diwethaf, euthum i grŵp cymunedol Abercwmboi i weld y ganolfan glyd wythnosol y maent yn ei darparu yn nhafarn Cap Coch; mae eglwys Cornerstone yng Nghwm-bach yn cynnig canolfan glyd ddwywaith yr wythnos i bobl yn y gymuned; ac mae'r gwirfoddolwyr sydd wedi ennill gwobrau ym Mhwll Lee Gardens yn cynnal gwasanaeth croeso'r gaeaf wythnosol yng nghanolfan yr henoed Penrhiw-ceibr. Nawr, mae'r holl brosiectau hyn yn cynnig rhywle i bobl leol aros yn gynnes, i beidio â gorfod poeni am gostau ynni, ond maent yn gwneud llawer mwy na hynny hefyd. Mae'r canolfannau'n darparu bwyd i bobl sydd ei angen, yn cynnig rhywle i bobl gael sgwrs, cwmni, i fynd i'r afael ag unigedd cymdeithasol. Roedd hyn i'w weld yn glir mewn gwirionedd ac roedd yn cael ei werthfawrogi'n fawr pan siaradais â phobl a oedd yn defnyddio'r cynlluniau hyn. Felly, hoffwn gofnodi fy niolch diffuant i'r holl wirfoddolwyr ledled Cwm Cynon a ledled Cymru sy'n ei gwneud hi'n bosibl i gynlluniau fel hyn ddigwydd.
Fodd bynnag, fel y mae'r cynnig yn ein hatgoffa, er mor bwysig ydynt, nid yw'r cynlluniau hyn yn cynnig ateb parhaol i'r treialon y mae ein cymunedau yn eu hwynebu. Rwy'n cefnogi galwad y cynnig ar Lywodraeth Cymru i weithio i weithredu atebion i oresgyn yr her yn uniongyrchol, gan ddefnyddio'r dulliau y mae'n eu rheoli a'r pwerau sydd gennym. Edrychaf ymlaen at glywed y Gweinidog yn nodi ei hymateb i'r pwynt hwn. Ond yn anad dim, efallai fod angen i Lywodraeth y DU gymryd camau i fynd i'r afael â'r farchnad ynni sydd wedi torri, er mwyn lleihau cost ynni. Er mai ond ychydig bach yn uwch na'r cyfartaledd Ewropeaidd yw'r prisiau a dalwn am nwy preswyl, rydym yn talu'r pris uchaf ond am ddwy wlad arall yn Ewrop am drydan preswyl. Dim ond tua hanner y cymorth a ddarperir gan Lywodraeth yr Almaen yw'r cymorth a ddarperir gan Lywodraeth y DU i aelwydydd a busnesau i dalu costau ynni. Gall Gweinidogion yn San Steffan wneud mwy a rhaid iddynt wneud mwy. Felly, rwy'n gobeithio y gall pawb ohonom gefnogi'r cynnig hwn heddiw i anfon y neges gryfaf sy'n bosibl. Diolch.
Before I call the next speaker, since it's been referenced several times this afternoon already, the Government has published its written statement on the Warm Home programme, so you can all have a quick look at it on e-mail if you want. Heledd Fychan.
Cyn imi alw'r siaradwr nesaf, gan fod cyfeiriad wedi bod at hynny sawl gwaith y prynhawn yma eisoes, mae'r Llywodraeth wedi cyhoeddi ei datganiad ysgrifenedig ar y rhaglen Cartrefi Clyd, felly gallwch i gyd gael cipolwg arno ar e-bost os ydych chi eisiau. Heledd Fychan.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Hoffwn ddiolch i Hefin David am gyflwyno'r ddadl hon, un sy'n bwysig ofnadwy, fel sydd wedi cael ei amlinellu gan gymaint o Aelodau yn y Siambr yma'n barod, ac un dwi'n ofnadwy o falch o gefnogi. Heb os, mae'r ymgyrch Cynnes Gaeaf Yma gan Climate Cymru yn un mae nifer ohonom ni wedi bod yn falch o gefnogi o'r cychwyn, a hoffwn innau ddiolch hefyd i bawb sydd ynghlwm efo'r ymgyrch a'r gwaith hyrwyddo gwych gan Bethan Sayed. Mae'n sicr wedi sicrhau bod pobl ar lawr gwlad hefyd yn rhan o hyn, bod pobl mewn cymunedau yn gallu gweld bod yna rywbeth ymarferol maen nhw'n gallu ei wneud a bod yn rhan o ymgyrch ehangach, a dyna pam fod cymaint yn ei chefnogi hi, wrth gwrs.
A minnau'n cynrychioli Canol De Cymru, dwi'n gwybod pa mor bwysig ydy'r ymgyrch hon. Wedi'r cyfan, dyma'r rhanbarth sydd wedi ei heffeithio gan yr argyfyngau hinsawdd a natur mewn ffordd real iawn yn y blynyddoedd diweddar, fel y gwelwyd, wrth gwrs, efo llifogydd dinistriol 2020 a'r bygythiad parhaus sydd i nifer o ardaloedd wrth inni barhau i wynebu tywydd eithafol. Dyma hefyd y rhanbarth gyda rhai o gymunedau mwyaf difreintiedig Cymru, lle mae tlodi plant a defnydd o fanciau bwyd yn cynyddu. Yn wir, mae o yn torri fy nghalon o weld yn ddyddiol effaith dewisiadau gwleidyddol ar fywydau pobl, a dewisiadau gwleidyddol ydyn nhw, mae'n rhaid inni fod yn onest am hynny, polisïau megis llymder, peidio â pharhau gyda'r codiad i gredyd cynhwysol, ac, fel dŷn ni eisoes wedi clywed, caniatáu i gwmnïau ynni godi crocbris tra'n parhau i wneud elw aruthrol. Mae hyn yn anfoesol.
Mi oedd Jane Dodds yn sôn am bobl yn gwneud y dewis rhwng cael cartref cynnes neu fwyd, wel, rŵan, mae'r un o'r ddau i nifer o'n teuluoedd ni. Mae hi'n sefyllfa eithriadol, ac roeddem ni'n clywed Jack Sargeant yn dweud ynglŷn â'r math o sylwadau sarhaus y mae pobl yn mynd i fynd ar wyliau. Dydy pobl ddim efo'r arian ar gyfer pethau sylfaenol. Dyna'r realiti yn ein hetholaethau a'n rhanbarthau ni.
Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. I would like to thank Hefin David for bringing forward today's debate, one that's very important, as has already been outlined by so many Members in the Chamber already, and one I'm very pleased to support. There's no doubt that the Climate Cymru Warm This Winter campaign is one that a number of us have been pleased to support from the beginning, and I'd like to thank everyone related to the campaign and the excellent promotional work by Bethan Sayed. It's certainly ensured that people on the ground too are part of this campaign, that people in communities can see that there is something practical that they can do and be part of that wider campaign, and that's why so many are supporting it, of course.
I represent South Wales Central, so I know how important this campaign is. After all, this is the region that has been impacted by the climate crisis and nature crisis in a very real way in the past few years, as we saw with the damaging floods in 2020 and the ongoing threat to areas as we face extreme weather. This is also the region with some of the most deprived communities in Wales, where child poverty and the use of foodbanks are increasing. Indeed, it breaks my heart seeing on a daily basis the impact of political choices on people's lives, and they are political choices, we have to be honest about that, policies such as austerity, not continuing with the universal credit uplift, and, as we've already heard, allowing energy companies to charge a fortune whilst continuing to make a huge profit. This is immoral.
Jane Dodds spoke about people making the choice between having a warm home or food on the table, well, now, a number of our families can't afford to do either of those things. It is a very serious situation. We heard what Jack Sargeant said about the kind of offensive comments that people are going to go on holiday. Well, people don't have the money for the fundamentals and the basics. That's the reality in our constituencies and regions.
I think we also need to be honest in terms of how it is people living in poverty who are having the least impact on the environment in terms of the climate crisis. They don't have cars, because they can't afford them. They don't waste energy, because they watch every penny. They don't travel abroad by aeroplane; they use public transport where it is available to them. So, when we talk about people making changes, we need to ensure that we are targeting the people who are having that impact on the environment. And I don't think it's fair when we're preaching to people about the need to save energy, and so on—. Most people are doing everything possible, and that's why things like the Warm Homes schemes and ensuring that retrofitting is absolutely essential, because people aren't being wasteful with their energy.
And people are struggling to pay their bills. We've just received in our inboxes the Citizens Advice decarbonisation dashboard, and I would like to draw attention to that, because it does show that in Wales, almost one in two constituencies requires an average spend of over £15,000, compared to north-east England, where fewer than one in five homes require this level. If you look further into the statistics, they show that one in 10 customers in February of this year were behind on their energy bills, and this was an increase of 175 per cent from April 2020. I was really interested to see the figures then in terms of the region I represent. In Rhondda, 65 per cent homes require high investment, an average of £15,000, and in Cardiff Central, 63 per cent of homes. Every constituency in the region I represent is way over that 50 per cent. So, this is significant. The analysis by Citizens Advice is also interesting in terms of the number of jobs that this potentially could create. In just South Wales Central, 10,095 jobs—very significant when we've been hearing of job losses.
I was also interested in the analysis that a minimum that could be saved to the NHS by investing in homes in South Wales Central alone is between £25 million and £33 million—that’s a significant saving. So, it's trying to look at this issue—they are interconnected; we've obviously connected in terms of the climate emergency, heating, but in terms of savings with the NHS and so on, we have a future generations Act here in Wales. Every policy should be working together, but they are not. We talk about pitting budget against budget. We need to do this properly. We have an opportunity, and it’s people in our constituencies and regions who are suffering if we get it wrong.
Rwy'n credu bod angen inni fod yn onest hefyd ynghylch y ffaith mai pobl sy'n byw mewn tlodi sy'n cael yr effaith leiaf ar yr amgylchedd yn yr argyfwng hinsawdd. Nid oes ganddynt geir am na allant eu fforddio. Nid ydynt yn gwastraffu ynni am eu bod yn cadw llygad ar bob ceiniog. Nid ydynt yn teithio dramor mewn awyren; maent yn defnyddio trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus lle mae ar gael iddynt. Felly, pan fyddwn yn siarad am bobl yn gwneud newidiadau, mae angen inni sicrhau ein bod yn targedu'r bobl sy'n cael effaith ar yr amgylchedd. Ac nid wyf yn meddwl ei bod yn deg inni bregethu i bobl am yr angen i arbed ynni, ac yn y blaen—. Mae'r rhan fwyaf o bobl yn gwneud popeth sy'n bosibl, a dyna pam mae pethau fel y cynlluniau Cartrefi Clyd a sicrhau bod ôl-osod yn digwydd yn gwbl hanfodol, gan nad yw pobl yn wastraffus gyda'u hynni.
Ac mae pobl yn ei chael hi'n anodd talu eu biliau. Rydym newydd gael dangosfwrdd datgarboneiddio Cyngor ar Bopeth yn ein mewnflychau, a hoffwn dynnu sylw ato, oherwydd mae'n dangos bod angen gwariant cyfartalog o dros £15,000 ar bron i un o bob dwy etholaeth yng Nghymru, o'i gymharu â gogledd-ddwyrain Lloegr, lle mae llai nag un o bob pum cartref angen y lefel hon o wariant. Os edrychwch yn fanylach ar yr ystadegau, maent yn dangos bod un o bob 10 cwsmer ym mis Chwefror eleni ar ei hôl hi gyda'u biliau ynni, sef cynnydd o 175 y cant ers mis Ebrill 2020. Roedd gennyf ddiddordeb mawr mewn gweld ffigurau'r rhanbarth rwy'n ei gynrychioli. Yn y Rhondda, mae angen lefel uchel o fuddsoddiad ar 65 y cant o gartrefi, cyfartaledd o £15,000, ac ar 63 y cant o gartrefi yng Nghanol Caerdydd. Mae pob etholaeth yn y rhanbarth rwy'n ei gynrychioli ymhell dros 50 y cant. Felly, mae hyn yn arwyddocaol. Mae'r dadansoddiad gan Gyngor ar Bopeth hefyd yn ddiddorol o ran nifer y swyddi y gallai hyn eu creu. Yng Nghanol De Cymru yn unig, 10,095 o swyddi—sy'n nifer sylweddol iawn a ninnau wedi bod yn clywed am golli swyddi.
Roedd gennyf ddiddordeb hefyd yn y dadansoddiad fod y lleiafswm y gellid ei arbed i'r GIG drwy fuddsoddi mewn cartrefi yng Nghanol De Cymru yn unig rhwng £25 miliwn a £33 miliwn—mae hwnnw'n arbediad sylweddol. Felly, mae'n fater o geisio edrych ar y mater hwn—maent yn rhyng-gysylltiedig; rydym yn amlwg wedi cysylltu o ran yr argyfwng hinsawdd, gwresogi, ond o ran arbedion gyda'r GIG ac yn y blaen, mae gennym Ddeddf cenedlaethau'r dyfodol yma yng Nghymru. Dylai pob polisi fod yn gweithio gyda'i gilydd, ond nid ydynt yn gwneud hynny. Rydym yn sôn am osod cyllideb yn erbyn cyllideb. Mae'n rhaid inni wneud hyn yn iawn. Mae gennym gyfle, a phobl yn ein hetholaethau a'n rhanbarthau sy'n dioddef os na chawn hyn yn iawn.
I’m grateful to Hefin David for bringing this forward and to the work of Climate Cymru in bringing this to national attention. It's an absolute tragedy. It's a real tragedy that, on the warmest days of the year through the summer, there are many people who we represent in all parts of the country who are terrified about what's ahead of them. Terrified of the winter, terrified of the cold that they know that they will feel when the winter bites. Terrified of the impact of that. Children who can't sleep in bed at night because they're cold and are then unable to learn the following morning, because they're cold. Older people who are afraid to turn on the heating because they know they can't afford to pay the bills, and this in the twenty-first century. We should be ashamed of ourselves, all of us.
I recognise the work that the Welsh Government has done. I recognise, as well, the work of the United Kingdom Government in responding to the emergency that we have faced over recent months. But it is wrong. It is wrong for Ministers, either here or in London, to simply blame the situation in Ukraine for the situation we're facing today. This is not an accident of history; this is a lack of planning and a lack of foresight, and a lack of courage to take difficult decisions ahead of us. Because the climate crisis is not new, the crisis in energy production and energy distribution is not new. It's a failure of planning that has created the situation we face today. In that way, the situation in Ukraine is the catalyst and not the cause of the crisis that is facing people in all parts of the United Kingdom. We have to learn the lessons of this crisis, and for me, these lessons are twofold. First of all, whilst the help and support from the Welsh and UK Governments has been appreciated by those people who are suffering from fuel poverty today, we can't continually rely on what will always be temporary measures to support the poorest and most vulnerable people in our society. We have to change the way that we do energy in the United Kingdom, and that is the second point that I wish to make.
We need to plan for energy for the future. We need effective regulation. From my point of view and my analysis, Ofgem has failed completely over the last few decades to deliver the regulation that will deliver the prices and energy security that this country has the right to expect from its regulators. It has been a failure of the regulated market to deliver the investment that that market needs to deliver energy at an affordable price for people up and down the country, and we need to be able to say that. But we also need Governments to invest in future energy security and sustainability as well. We need the Welsh Government—and I hope the Minister will address this—to be supportive of the investments in distributed generation and in nuclear over the coming months and years. We need to know that the Welsh Government will support the small-scale modular reactors that could deliver baseload supply up and down the country. We need the Welsh Government to be a partner there. I know the Welsh Government worked hard with the Member for Sir Fôn to support the investment in Wylfa, and we appreciate that, but we need to plan this as well.
Minister, what I want to see from you, in terms of your response, is also what is the Welsh Government going to do to deliver distributed generation, small-scale local generation of energy, to bring together the climate policy with social policy, with economic policy. This is not rocket science; it's the basics. It's being delivered in other countries and it needs to be delivered in this country as well.
Rwy'n ddiolchgar i Hefin David am gyflwyno hyn ac i waith Climate Cymru yn dod â hyn i sylw cenedlaethol. Mae'n drasiedi lwyr. Mae'n drasiedi go iawn, ar ddyddiau cynhesaf y flwyddyn drwy'r haf, fod llawer o bobl rydym yn eu cynrychioli ym mhob rhan o'r wlad yn ofni'r hyn sydd o'u blaenau. Ofn y gaeaf, ofn yr oerfel y gwyddant y byddant yn ei deimlo pan ddaw'r gaeaf. Yn ofni effaith hynny. Plant sy'n methu cysgu yn y gwely yn y nos oherwydd eu bod yn oer ac yna'n methu dysgu y bore canlynol am eu bod yn oer. Pobl hŷn sy'n ofni rhoi'r gwres ymlaen oherwydd eu bod yn gwybod na allant fforddio talu'r biliau, a hyn yn yr unfed ganrif ar hugain. Dylem fod â chywilydd ohonom ein hunain, bawb ohonom.
Rwy'n cydnabod y gwaith y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'i wneud. Hefyd, rwy'n cydnabod gwaith Llywodraeth y Deyrnas Unedig yn ymateb i'r argyfwng rydym wedi'i wynebu dros y misoedd diwethaf. Ond nid yw'n iawn. Nid yw'n iawn fod Weinidogion, yma neu yn Llundain, yn beio'r sefyllfa yn Wcráin am y sefyllfa a wynebwn heddiw. Nid damwain hanes yw hyn; diffyg cynllunio a diffyg paratoi yw hyn, a diffyg dewrder i wneud penderfyniadau anodd am y dyfodol. Oherwydd nid yw'r argyfwng hinsawdd yn newydd, nid yw'r argyfwng cynhyrchiant ynni a dosbarthu ynni yn newydd. Methiant cynllunio sydd wedi creu'r sefyllfa sy'n ein hwynebu heddiw. Yn hynny o beth, y sefyllfa yn Wcráin yw'r catalydd ac nid achos yr argyfwng sy'n wynebu pobl ym mhob rhan o'r Deyrnas Unedig. Mae'n rhaid inni ddysgu gwersi'r argyfwng hwn, ac i mi, mae'r gwersi hyn yn ddeublyg. Yn gyntaf oll, er bod y cymorth a'r gefnogaeth gan Lywodraeth Cymru a Llywodraeth y DU wedi cael eu gwerthfawrogi gan y bobl sy'n dioddef o dlodi tanwydd heddiw, ni allwn ddibynnu'n barhaus ar yr hyn a fydd bob amser yn fesurau dros dro i gefnogi'r bobl dlotaf a mwyaf agored i niwed yn ein cymdeithas. Mae'n rhaid inni newid y ffordd yr ymdriniwn ag ynni yn y Deyrnas Unedig, a dyna'r ail bwynt rwyf am ei wneud.
Mae angen inni gynllunio ar gyfer ynni yn y dyfodol. Mae angen rheolaeth effeithiol arnom. O'm safbwynt i ac yn ôl fy nadansoddiad i, dros y degawdau diwethaf mae Ofgem wedi methu rheoleiddio mewn ffordd a fydd yn sicrhau'r prisiau a diogelu ffynonellau ynni fel y mae gan y wlad hon hawl i'w ddisgwyl gan ei rheoleiddwyr. Methiant y farchnad reoledig ydyw i gyflawni'r buddsoddiad sydd ei angen ar y farchnad honno i ddarparu ynni am bris fforddiadwy i bobl ledled y wlad, ac mae angen inni allu dweud hynny. Ond mae angen i Lywodraethau fuddsoddi i ddiogelu ffynonellau ynni a chynaliadwyedd yn y dyfodol hefyd. Mae angen i Lywodraeth Cymru—a gobeithio y bydd y Gweinidog yn mynd i'r afael â hyn—gefnogi buddsoddiadau mewn cynhyrchu gwasgaredig ac ynni niwclear dros y misoedd a'r blynyddoedd nesaf. Mae angen inni wybod y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn cefnogi'r adweithyddion modwlar ar raddfa fach a allai ddarparu cyflenwad llwyth sylfaen ledled y wlad. Mae angen i Lywodraeth Cymru fod yn bartner yno. Rwy'n gwybod bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi gweithio'n galed gyda'r Aelod dros sir Fôn i gefnogi'r buddsoddiad yn Wylfa, ac rydym yn gwerthfawrogi hynny, ond mae angen i ni gynllunio hyn hefyd.
Weinidog, rwyf am weld hefyd, yn eich ymateb, beth fydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i sicrhau cynhyrchiant gwasgaredig, cynhyrchiant ynni lleol ar raddfa fach, i gysylltu'r polisi hinsawdd â'r polisi cymdeithasol, â'r polisi economaidd. Nid yw'n anodd; dyma'r pethau sylfaenol. Mae'n cael ei wneud mewn gwledydd eraill ac mae angen ei wneud yn y wlad hon hefyd.
I'd like to thank Hefin David and Climate Cymru for bringing forward this debate. The Chancellor stated today that there is much still to do to grow the economy and that we must stick to the plan to halve inflation. This comes off the back of no intervention to stop rising food prices and increasing interest rates, which means an increase in mortgages and other loans, and crippling energy and food bills. Together, these bills prove an impossible mountain to climb each month for families in my constituency. Working families and children are falling into poverty.
Soaring food costs have led to a demand at our food banks unlike anything we have previously seen. Churches, chapels, charities and community groups have opened their doors to provide dedicated warm spaces, community pantries and top-up shops, where residents can access food free of charge or at a discount price. We shouldn't need this provision. With less money in our pockets, we're forced to make cheaper, unhealthier options, leading to a potential costly health crisis in the very near future.
While energy companies take advantage, handing out more to shareholders than the existing windfall tax has raised, the Government's energy price guarantee only guaranteed energy bills landing on doormats at more than double the charge compared to the beginning of last year. More worrying than that, the new energy price cap will still mean residents in Rhondda pay the same or very similar amounts to last winter, which is still more than double that of the previous year. I'd like to thank the Minister for Social Justice for her answer to my written questions regarding an energy social tariff, and I understand constructive discussions with the UK Government are ongoing. Off the back of this, I'd just like to ask the Minister, once more, to continue her great work and to continue to raise the importance of this with her UK Government counterparts, to ensure our constituents, like mine in Rhondda, are warm this winter.
Hoffwn ddiolch i Hefin David a Climate Cymru am gyflwyno'r ddadl hon. Dywedodd y Canghellor heddiw fod llawer i'w wneud o hyd i dyfu'r economi a bod yn rhaid inni gadw at y cynllun i haneru chwyddiant. Daw hyn yn sgil diffyg unrhyw ymyrraeth i atal prisiau bwyd rhag codi a chyfraddau llog cynyddol, sy'n golygu cynnydd mewn morgeisi a benthyciadau eraill, a biliau ynni a bwyd llyffetheiriol. Gyda'i gilydd, mae'r biliau hyn yn fynydd amhosibl i'w ddringo bob mis i deuluoedd yn fy etholaeth. Mae teuluoedd sy'n gweithio a phlant yn wynebu byw mewn tlodi.
Mae costau bwyd cynyddol wedi arwain at alw yn ein banciau bwyd sy'n wahanol i unrhyw beth a welsom o'r blaen. Mae eglwysi, capeli, elusennau a grwpiau cymunedol wedi agor eu drysau i ddarparu mannau cynnes pwrpasol, pantrïau cymunedol a siopau arbennig, lle gall preswylwyr gael mynediad at fwyd am ddim neu am bris gostyngol. Ni ddylem fod angen y ddarpariaeth hon. Gyda llai o arian yn ein pocedi, cawn ein gorfodi i wneud dewisiadau rhatach, mwy afiach, gan arwain at argyfwng iechyd a allai fod yn gostus yn y dyfodol agos iawn.
Tra bo cwmnïau ynni'n cymryd mantais, gan ddosbarthu mwy i gyfranddalwyr nag y mae'r dreth ffawdelw bresennol wedi'i godi, y cyfan a warantwyd gan warant pris ynni'r Llywodraeth oedd bod y biliau ynni a laniai ar y mat yn fwy na dwywaith yr hyn oeddent ar ddechrau y llynedd. Yn fwy pryderus na hynny, bydd y cap newydd ar bris ynni yn dal i olygu bod trigolion Rhondda yn talu'r un symiau neu symiau tebyg iawn i'r gaeaf diwethaf, sy'n dal i fod dros ddwywaith yr hyn oeddent y flwyddyn flaenorol. Hoffwn ddiolch i'r Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol am ei hateb i fy nghwestiynau ysgrifenedig ar dariff cymdeithasol ynni, ac rwy'n deall bod trafodaethau adeiladol yn parhau gyda Llywodraeth y DU. Yn sgil hynny, unwaith eto, hoffwn ofyn i'r Gweinidog barhau â'i gwaith gwych a pharhau i ddwyn pwysigrwydd hyn i sylw ei Gweinidogion cyfatebol yn Llywodraeth y DU, er mwyn sicrhau bod ein hetholwyr, fel fy rhai i yn Rhondda, yn gynnes y gaeaf hwn.
Galwaf nawr ar y Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol, Jane Hutt.
I now call on the Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt.
Diolch yn fawr i chi i gyd. I'm really pleased. I'm really pleased that the Senedd is taking time to debate this important issue, highlighted by the Warm This Winter campaign and Climate Cymru. It gives me the opportunity to respond and update on Welsh Government's action and our position. Of course, this is very much cross-Government; with my colleague, the Minister for Climate Change, I'll be addressing the issues that you've raised in this debate and indeed have raised in this campaign. But yes, we all recognise, as you said, that the economic pressures and the nature and climate emergencies faced in Wales have come together in Wales in ways we've not seen before, exacerbating the issues many people face, resulting in the biggest fall in living standards since records began. And the World Meteorological Organization set out just last month how the likelihood of the world reaching 1.5 degrees of warming in the next five years is now 66 per cent. Just three years ago, it was less than 20 per cent. And just as the cost-of-living crisis most affects those who are already struggling, the climate crisis will also hit the most vulnerable the hardest. And thank you for all of those contributions today from speakers who've outlined and highlighted this. The Welsh Government recognises this, and we recently concluded, as you know, a call for evidence on how we can best secure a just transition to avoid these issues, to seize the opportunities of change. My colleague Julie James will be saying more on that in due course.
In these difficult times, the Welsh Government has used the full means at our disposal to help those most in need, through programmes that provide targeted support to alleviate financial pressures, taking action to maximise incomes, and initiatives that help deliver the social wage into Wales, keeping money in people's pockets. And to give just a few examples, our council tax reduction scheme provides £244 million of financial assistance to almost 270,000 low-income and vulnerable households. And, of these, almost 214,000 pay no council tax at all. The latest data shows that our commitment to the provision of free school meals has ensured that over 73,000 children received at least one nutritious meal as part of the school day. As part of the co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru, an additional 45,000 reception class pupils have benefited from the roll-out of the universal primary free school meals programme.
Now, it's also important and good to hear from Members today about the initiatives that we've taken. It is important to recognise the fact that we provided £244 million of financial assistance to the most low-income and vulnerable households, as I said. But also we provided that support in term of the winter fuel support scheme, which assisted so many households, in fact, 340,000 households in the last financial year—the Welsh Government fuel support scheme.
But we are not able to continue with that scheme. As you know, this year, our funding allocation from the UK Government was insufficient to enable us to repeat many of these schemes, but I am pleased that the Fuel Bank Foundation partnership continues into this year to provide fuel vouchers and the heat fund to support people on prepayment meters, and that our warm hubs—the £1 million we've put in—has made a difference in terms of those welcome centres, and Vikki Howells drew attention to that.
So, we did focus on our discretionary assistance fund this year, and that received an additional £18.8 million—
Diolch yn fawr i chi i gyd. Rwy'n falch iawn. Rwy'n falch iawn fod y Senedd yn rhoi amser i drafod y mater pwysig hwn, a amlygwyd gan ymgyrch Warm This Winter a Climate Cymru. Mae'n rhoi cyfle i mi ymateb a rhoi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am waith Llywodraeth Cymru a'n safbwynt. Wrth gwrs, mater trawslywodraethol yw hwn; gyda fy nghyd-Aelod, y Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd, byddaf yn mynd i'r afael â'r materion rydych wedi'u codi yn y ddadl hon ac yn yr ymgyrch. Ond rydym i gyd yn cydnabod, fel y dywedoch chi, fod y pwysau economaidd a'r argyfyngau natur a hinsawdd a wynebir yng Nghymru wedi dod at ei gilydd yng Nghymru mewn ffyrdd nad ydym wedi'u gweld o'r blaen, gan waethygu'r problemau y mae llawer o bobl yn eu hwynebu, ac arwain at y gostyngiad mwyaf mewn safonau byw ers dechrau cadw cofnodion. A nododd Sefydliad Meteorolegol y Byd y mis diwethaf sut mae'r tebygolrwydd y bydd y byd yn cyrraedd 1.5 gradd o gynhesu yn y pum mlynedd nesaf bellach yn 66 y cant. Dair blynedd yn ôl yn unig, roedd yn llai nag 20 y cant. Ac yn union fel yr argyfwng costau byw sy'n effeithio fwyaf ar y rhai sydd eisoes yn ei chael hi'n anodd, bydd yr argyfwng hinsawdd hefyd yn taro'r rhai mwyaf agored i niwed y galetach na neb arall. A diolch am yr holl gyfraniadau heddiw gan siaradwyr sydd wedi nodi a thynnu sylw at hyn. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cydnabod hyn, ac yn ddiweddar, fel y gwyddoch, fe wnaethom gyhoeddi galwad am dystiolaeth ar sut y gallwn fynd ati yn y ffordd orau i sicrhau pontio teg er mwyn osgoi'r problemau hyn, a bachu ar y cyfleoedd a ddaw yn sgil newid. Bydd fy nghyd-Aelod, Julie James, yn dweud mwy am hynny maes o law.
Yn y cyfnod anodd hwn, mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi defnyddio'r holl ffyrdd sydd ar gael i ni o helpu'r rhai mwyaf anghenus, drwy raglenni sy'n darparu cymorth wedi'i dargedu i leddfu pwysau ariannol, gan gymryd camau i wneud y mwyaf o incwm, a mentrau sy'n helpu i ddarparu'r cyflog cymdeithasol i Gymru, gan gadw arian ym mhocedi pobl. Ac i roi ambell enghraifft yn unig, mae ein cynllun gostyngiadau'r dreth gyngor yn darparu £244 miliwn o gymorth ariannol i bron i 270,000 o aelwydydd incwm isel a bregus. Ac o'r rhain, nid yw bron i 214,000 yn talu unrhyw dreth gyngor o gwbl. Mae'r data diweddaraf yn dangos bod ein hymrwymiad i ddarparu prydau ysgol am ddim wedi sicrhau bod dros 73,000 o blant yn cael o leiaf un pryd maethlon yn rhan o'r diwrnod ysgol. Yn rhan o'r cytundeb cydweithio â Phlaid Cymru, mae 45,000 o ddisgyblion dosbarth derbyn ychwanegol wedi elwa o gyflwyno'r rhaglen prydau ysgol am ddim i bob disgybl cynradd.
Nawr, mae hefyd yn bwysig ac yn dda clywed gan yr Aelodau heddiw am y cynlluniau sydd gennym ar waith. Mae'n bwysig cydnabod y ffaith ein bod wedi darparu £244 miliwn o gymorth ariannol i'r aelwydydd mwyaf bregus ar yr incwm isaf, fel y dywedais. Ond hefyd fe wnaethom ddarparu cymorth y cynllun cymorth tanwydd y gaeaf, a gynorthwyodd gymaint o aelwydydd, 340,000 o aelwydydd mewn gwirionedd, yn y flwyddyn ariannol ddiwethaf—cynllun cymorth tanwydd Llywodraeth Cymru.
Ond ni allwn barhau â'r cynllun hwnnw. Fel y gwyddoch, eleni, nid oedd ein dyraniad cyllid gan Lywodraeth y DU yn ddigon i'n galluogi i ailadrodd llawer o'r cynlluniau hyn, ond rwy'n falch fod partneriaeth Sefydliad y Banc Tanwydd yn parhau eleni i ddarparu talebau tanwydd a'r gronfa wres i gefnogi pobl ar fesuryddion rhagdalu, a bod ein canolfannau clyd—yr £1 filiwn rydym wedi'i ddarparu—wedi gwneud gwahaniaeth o ran y canolfannau croeso, a thynnodd Vikki Howells sylw at hynny.
Felly, fe wnaethom ganolbwyntio ar ein cronfa cymorth dewisol eleni, a darparwyd £18.8 miliwn ychwanegol ar gyfer honno—
Minister, will you take an intervention?
Weinidog, a wnewch chi dderbyn ymyriad?
Yes, certainly.
Gwnaf, wrth gwrs.
Hefin David.
Hefin David.
Thank you for that, and I really appreciate the fleshing out of the debate that you're doing today. We've had the warm homes statement, and I think it's safe to say it provides some information, but is very broad brush, and I think we need the chance to interrogate it here in this Chamber. Would you be able to give us the guarantee that—? As you said earlier in your statement that Julie James will be providing further advice, will you give us the guarantee that this will then be able to be discussed in this Chamber at a date before the recess?
Diolch am hynny, ac rwy'n gwerthfawrogi'n fawr y ffordd rydych chi'n rhoi cnawd ar esgyrn y ddadl heddiw. Rydym wedi cael y datganiad cartrefi clyd, ac rwy'n credu ei bod yn ddiogel dweud ei fod yn darparu rhywfaint o wybodaeth, ond mae'n gyffredinol iawn, ac rwy'n credu bod angen cyfle i'w gwestiynu yma yn y Siambr. A fyddech chi'n gallu rhoi sicrwydd i ni—? Fel y dywedoch chi'n gynharach yn eich datganiad y bydd Julie James yn darparu cyngor pellach, a wnewch chi roi sicrwydd i ni y bydd modd trafod hyn yn y Siambr hon ar ryw ddyddiad cyn y toriad?
Yes, and Hefin, I was going to go on to that as I realise the statement, a written statement, has just come up, so I'll get to that very quickly. And of course, this is the statement today made by the Minister for Climate Change, and, quite clearly, you’ll need to have the opportunity to address and raise questions about that.
So, I just wanted to make the point about the discretionary assistance fund being a really important priority for us, because it does help urgent assistance to households facing those unprecedented costs for the most basic of things, such as food and fuel. You know about the work that we're doing with community food organisations. And can I also congratulate and thank not only all those who've spoken and have continued to speak about the scandal of prepayment meter forced installations, but particularly to Jack Sargeant and for the petition he's taking forward? Also, we have to recognise that, despite repeated representation to the UK Government, the energy bill support scheme—I think that's also been mentioned—of £400, a lifeline, ended in April.
So, going on to those wider issues within our devolved competence, we're breaking down the barriers to the roll-out of renewables to secure local benefit. Our programme for government commits us to expanding renewable energy generation by public bodies and community enterprises in Wales by over 100 MW between 2021 and 2026. We grant fund Community Energy Wales, that not-for-profit membership organisation supporting and representing community groups developing energy projects in Wales, and they received significantly increased support for their current three-year business plan, and that scaling up support for community and local energy in Wales. That point, of course, Alun Davies made as well.
We've recontracted recently the Welsh Government energy service to support communities in the public sector to invest in renewable energy, reducing their bills and raising revenue to deliver local services. That funding does enable community groups to employ staff, fund projects and explore opportunities for investing in shared-ownership projects—again, a key point made in this debate and in the campaign.
So, in October, as you know, last year, Julie James announced that we will be setting up a company to develop large-scale renewable energy developments on public land, increasing the value to Wales of renewable energy projects developed on the Welsh Government estate. We've already seen communities benefit during COVID and the cost-of-living crisis from the community funds from existing windfarms on the estate, and we want to build on this and deliver the real and long-term differences to local communities.
So, yes, Hefin, thank you for bringing this motion forward. It's really important that now the Minister for Climate Change has announced the policy details to the new Warm Homes scheme with her written statement, and we expect to procure that scheme this year. It will continue to focus on energy efficiency, building on the success of previous schemes, in which we've invested £420 million, helping over 73,000 households since 2010. And of course, it is important that it's not only measures in homes in terms of energy efficiency, it's also free energy efficiency advice.
I just want to go on to the point about the optimised retrofit scheme, because, obviously, the Warm Homes scheme is within the private sector, owner-occupied homes, but the optimised retrofit scheme will continue to improve energy efficiency in the social sector, alongside the system changes being run through by the revised Welsh housing quality standard. So, consultation, finalising—as many of you know on the committees, the new standard is to be published later this year. It's going to be a bold ambition to bring our social housing stock up to the highest possible levels of energy efficiency. It will keep anti-poverty requirements at its heart, and it will improve energy efficiency. That's got the aim of supporting tenants and well-being, and all new social housing must achieve EPC A or an equivalent standard now; existing social housing must have a targeted energy pathway in place to achieve EPC A by 2033, or by a date after 2033 that—
Gwnaf, a Hefin, roeddwn yn mynd i fynd ymlaen at hynny gan fy mod yn sylweddoli bod y datganiad, datganiad ysgrifenedig, newydd ymddangos, felly dof at hynny'n gyflym iawn. Ac wrth gwrs, dyma'r datganiad a wnaed heddiw gan y Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd, ac yn amlwg, bydd angen i chi gael cyfle i'w drafod a holi cwestiynau yn ei gylch.
Felly, roeddwn i eisiau gwneud y pwynt ynglŷn â bod y gronfa cymorth dewisol yn flaenoriaeth bwysig iawn i ni, oherwydd mae'n helpu i roi cymorth brys i aelwydydd sy'n wynebu costau digynsail am y pethau mwyaf sylfaenol, fel bwyd a thanwydd. Rydych chi'n gwybod am y gwaith rydym yn ei wneud gyda sefydliadau bwyd cymunedol. Ac a gaf innau hefyd longyfarch a diolch nid yn unig i bawb sydd wedi siarad ac sydd wedi parhau i siarad am sgandal gosod mesuryddion rhagdalu yn orfodol, ond yn arbennig Jack Sargeant ac am y ddeiseb y mae'n bwrw ymlaen â hi? Hefyd, er inni gyflwyno sylwadau dro ar ôl tro i Lywodraeth y DU, rhaid inni gydnabod bod y cynllun cymorth biliau ynni—rwy'n credu bod hyn wedi'i grybwyll hefyd—o £400, a oedd yn achubiaeth, wedi dod i ben ym mis Ebrill.
Felly, i fynd ymlaen at y materion ehangach o fewn ein cymhwysedd datganoledig, rydym yn chwalu'r rhwystrau i gyflwyno ynni adnewyddadwy er mwyn sicrhau budd lleol. Mae ein rhaglen lywodraethu yn ein hymrwymo i sicrhau cynnydd o dros 100 MW yn y cynhyrchiant ynni adnewyddadwy gan gyrff cyhoeddus a mentrau cymunedol yng Nghymru rhwng 2021 a 2026. Rydym yn ariannu Ynni Cymunedol Cymru, y sefydliad di-elw i aelodau sy'n cefnogi ac yn cynrychioli grwpiau cymunedol ac sy'n datblygu prosiectau ynni yng Nghymru, a chawsant gryn dipyn yn fwy o gymorth i'w cynllun busnes tair blynedd cyfredol, a chymorth cynyddol i ynni cymunedol a lleol yng Nghymru. Fe wnaeth Alun Davies y pwynt hwnnw hefyd wrth gwrs.
Rydym wedi ailgontractio gwasanaeth ynni Llywodraeth Cymru yn ddiweddar i gefnogi cymunedau yn y sector cyhoeddus i fuddsoddi mewn ynni adnewyddadwy, gan leihau eu biliau a chodi refeniw i ddarparu gwasanaethau lleol. Mae'r cyllid hwnnw'n galluogi grwpiau cymunedol i gyflogi staff, ariannu prosiectau ac archwilio cyfleoedd i fuddsoddi mewn prosiectau rhanberchenogaeth—eto, pwynt allweddol a wnaed yn y ddadl ac yn yr ymgyrch.
Felly, ym mis Hydref y llynedd, fel y gwyddoch, cyhoeddodd Julie James y byddwn yn sefydlu cwmni i ddatblygu datblygiadau ynni adnewyddadwy ar raddfa fawr ar dir cyhoeddus, gan gynyddu gwerth prosiectau ynni adnewyddadwy a ddatblygir ar ystad Llywodraeth Cymru i Gymru. Rydym eisoes wedi gweld cymunedau'n elwa yn ystod COVID a'r argyfwng costau byw o'r cronfeydd cymunedol o ffermydd gwynt presennol ar yr ystad, ac rydym am adeiladu ar hyn a sicrhau gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol a hirdymor i gymunedau lleol.
Felly, Hefin, diolch am gyflwyno'r cynnig hwn. Mae'n bwysig iawn fod y Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd bellach wedi cyhoeddi manylion polisi'r cynllun Cartrefi Clyd newydd gyda'i datganiad ysgrifenedig, ac rydym yn disgwyl caffael y cynllun hwnnw eleni. Bydd yn parhau i ganolbwyntio ar effeithlonrwydd ynni, gan adeiladu ar lwyddiant cynlluniau blaenorol, lle rydym wedi buddsoddi £420 miliwn, gan helpu dros 73,000 o aelwydydd ers 2010. Ac wrth gwrs, mae'n bwysig nad mesurau effeithlonrwydd ynni mewn cartrefi'n unig ydyw, mae hefyd yn gyngor am ddim ar effeithlonrwydd ynni.
Rwyf am fwrw ymlaen at y pwynt ynglŷn â'r cynllun ôl-osod er mwyn optimeiddio, oherwydd yn amlwg, mae'r cynllun Cartrefi Clyd o fewn y sector preifat, cartrefi perchen-feddianwyr, ond bydd y cynllun ôl-osod er mwyn optimeiddio yn parhau i wella effeithlonrwydd ynni yn y sector cymdeithasol, ochr yn ochr â'r newidiadau i'r system y mae safon ansawdd tai diwygiedig Cymru yn eu cyflwyno. Felly, ymgynghori, penderfynu'n derfynol—fel y mae llawer ohonoch yn gwybod ar y pwyllgorau, mae'r safon newydd i'w chyhoeddi yn ddiweddarach eleni. Mae'n mynd i fod yn uchelgais beiddgar i sicrhau bod ein stoc tai cymdeithasol yn cyflawni'r lefelau uchaf posibl o effeithlonrwydd ynni. Bydd yn sicrhau bod gofynion gwrthdlodi'n parhau'n ganolog iddo, a bydd yn gwella effeithlonrwydd ynni. Ei nod yw cefnogi tenantiaid a llesiant, ac erbyn hyn rhaid i bob tŷ cymdeithasol newydd gael tystysgrif perfformiad ynni A neu safon gyfatebol; mae'n rhaid bod gan dai cymdeithasol sy'n bodoli'n barod lwybr ynni wedi'i dargedu ar waith i gael tystysgrif perfformiad ynni A erbyn 2033, neu erbyn dyddiad ar ôl 2033 sydd—
Minister, you need to conclude now, please.
Weinidog, mae angen i chi ddod i ben nawr, os gwelwch yn dda.
So, I will conclude. Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd. Welsh Government is fully committed to tackling the current crises. We can't tackle these alone; the UK Government has a significant part to play. And I would say, finally—and this is, again, responding to Jack Sargeant and others—that my call is to mandate the removal of prepayment meters installed by force by the current process over the course of the last six months. I have in my hand a letter from Ofgem telling me that 5,647 PPM installations under warrant were installed last year, and we have over 460,000 people in Wales, households, with PPM. So, I will publish that letter. I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this, and to Climate Cymru for their campaign. We will be supporting this motion. The written statement has been made by the Minister for Climate Change. Diolch yn fawr.
Rwy'n dod i ben. Diolch yn fawr, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ymrwymo'n llwyr i fynd i'r afael â'r argyfyngau presennol. Ni allwn fynd i'r afael â'r rhain ar ein pen ein hunain; mae gan Lywodraeth y DU ran bwysig i'w chwarae. Ac rwyf am ddweud, ar y diwedd—a hyn, unwaith eto, mewn ymateb i Jack Sargeant ac eraill—mai fy ngalwad yw mandadu dileu mesuryddion rhagdalu a osodwyd drwy orfodaeth gan y broses bresennol dros y chwe mis diwethaf. Mae gennyf lythyr gan Ofgem yn fy llaw yn dweud wrthyf fod 5,647 o fesuryddion rhagdalu wedi'u gosod dan warant y llynedd, ac mae gan dros 460,000 o bobl yng Nghymru, aelwydydd, fesuryddion rhagdalu. Felly, fe gyhoeddaf y llythyr hwnnw. Rwy'n ddiolchgar am y cyfle i gyfrannu at hyn, ac i Climate Cymru am eu hymgyrch. Byddwn yn cefnogi'r cynnig. Mae'r datganiad ysgrifenedig wedi'i wneud gan y Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd. Diolch yn fawr.
Galwaf ar Hefin David i ymateb i'r ddadl.
I call on Hefin David to reply to the debate.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, a diolch, Gweinidog. I can see that the statement has been made. If anybody ever wonders why we've got computers in this Chamber, it's really helpful to have the statement straight to the screen.
I do want to make just a point about the statement. It is very broad brush. I think we still need information on the timeline for the procurement of a new service. We need a statement on the budget—we need information on the budget—and we need information on eligibility. I'll come back to that in a second. Jenny.
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd, a diolch, Weinidog. Gallaf weld bod y datganiad wedi'i wneud. Os oes unrhyw un yn meddwl tybed pam fod gennym gyfrifiaduron yn y Siambr, mae'n ddefnyddiol iawn cael y datganiad yn syth i'r sgrin.
Rwyf am wneud un pwynt ynglŷn â'r datganiad. Mae'n gyffredinol iawn. Rwy'n credu bod angen gwybodaeth arnom o hyd am y llinell amser ar gyfer caffael gwasanaeth newydd. Mae angen datganiad ar y gyllideb—mae angen gwybodaeth arnom am y gyllideb—ac mae angen gwybodaeth arnom am gymhwysedd. Fe ddychwelaf at hynny mewn munud. Jenny.
Do you agree with me that actually what it is is a list of the different recommendations that have come from both Audit Wales and from the climate change and the social justice committees, which is not a policy?
A ydych chi'n cytuno â mi mai'r hyn ydyw mewn gwirionedd yw rhestr o'r gwahanol argymhellion sydd wedi dod gan Archwilio Cymru ac o'r pwyllgor newid hinsawdd a'r pwyllgor cyfiawnder cymdeithasol, nid polisi?
Yes. So, I was coming on to that. I was looking through the link that links to the collective statement, and in there it says:
'The significant number of fossil fuel boiler replacements is not sustainable.'
And then it leads that,
'By restricting eligibility to the most energy inefficient homes, the Welsh Government aimed to ensure that the Nest scheme focused its limited resources'.
And, therefore, the Welsh Government needs to be clear about what the core aim of Nest would be, and future eligibility criteria. So, then you switch to the statement, and the statement says—just bear with me a second. The statement says:
'The new scheme will tackle both the climate emergency and fuel poverty. In line with the Government’s commitment to ensure a just transition to net zero, it will focus on supporting the worst-off households in the poorest condition buildings in the owner occupied, private rented and housing co-operative sectors.'
All of that seems very broad, and I think we have legitimate questions now about how you focus in on solving those problems that we have all identified today in the debate. And I think the statement needs interrogation, it needs detail.
I think we should welcome the fact that the Nest scheme is going to be extended until the new programme is procured. That is very welcome, because it certainly gives us that window, but I think we do need that discussion, that debate. And I think we can collectively say in this Chamber that we welcome the Minister for Social Justice's view that this will be debated, and I think we'd be concerned if that didn't happen. That's the general view I'm getting from the Chamber today. So, I think that's really important. We welcome the statement, but I think what it does is, it raises more questions than it answers, and that is a key point, a fundamental part of this debate.
So, I was going to do the traditional summing up. I suppose I haven't really got much time—I've got two and a half minutes—but Jane Dodds, you said you wanted a bonanza tax. A bonanza tax—I like that rather than a windfall tax. The issue is that any kind of tax like that is a one-off, and I think you've got to have the sustainability built in as well. And I think we could talk about windfall taxes, but I think, sometimes, the public get a little bit sceptical and say, 'Okay, well, what do you do afterwards?', and I think that is certainly the case. A universal basic income might be the answer, but, again, that needs funding as well.
Jack—prepayment meters. I actually think the Minister gave you a really supportive answer there, but still more needs to be done, and I know your committee is working on this. Sioned, you identified that bills are not normal. They're not normal at this time, and debt advice needs to be better, and I think that echoes the issue I raised, that the Warm This Winter campaign would like to see more detail from Welsh Government on how they're going to support people this winter, 2023, as well.
And Delyth, I thought that your view, to sum up, in my view, was that invest-to-save isn't just about investing to save money; it's investing to save lives, and that's what we're talking about here. I thought I'd put it as you might put it, and I think that's certainly, absolutely, what we're talking about and why we say, in this Chamber, that we are looking for specific spending commitments. Those spending commitments, actually, over a period of time, will run themselves to savings and, in consequence, save lives.
Vikki Howells emphasised the role of the UK Government, but also then went local, talking about warm hubs and Welsh Government support for warm hubs being really important. Buffy, next to me, did the same thing and talked about how the cost-of-living and inflation are impacting on foodbanks in her constituency as well.
Heledd Fychan, this was another one that I really thought cut to the heart of this: people living in poverty have the least impact on climate change, but are suffering the most because of it, and I think that's a significant lesson that we need to raise. If the statement from the Welsh Government is about social justice, if the aim is social justice, then it has to be targeted at those people who are suffering most because of the actions of people who earn the most.
And finally, I do want to come back to Jack Sargeant's really powerful overall point that it's not just about prepayment meters; it's about the fact that the wealthiest people, the suppliers, the stakeholders and executives, are so far removed from reality that they do not understand the plight of people in the communities that we represent here in Wales, and that cuts to the heart of this debate.
I just want to thank everyone for—. And Mark Isherwood's point too. I wanted to pay tribute to him as chair of the cross-party group on fuel poverty and the long service he's had there, and the valuable contribution that he's made from the perspective of experience and service in this Chamber, and I think we should all respect that, and we are grateful for it. But I'm grateful to everyone for this debate today. I think we've made our point, and we look forward to the next debate on this in this Chamber.
Roeddwn yn dod at hynny. Roeddwn yn edrych drwy'r ddolen sy'n cysylltu â'r datganiad ar y cyd, ac yno mae'n dweud:
'Nid yw gosod niferoedd mor sylweddol o foeleri tanwydd ffosil newydd yn gynaliadwy.'
Ac yna mae'n dweud,
'Drwy benderfynu mai dim ond y cartrefi mwyaf aneffeithlon o ran ynni a oedd yn gymwys, nod Llywodraeth Cymru oedd sicrhau bod adnoddau cyfyngedig cynllun Nyth yn cael eu neilltuo i'r rhai sy'n wynebu'r risg uchaf o fod mewn tlodi tanwydd'.
Ac felly, mae angen i Lywodraeth Cymru fod yn glir ynglŷn â beth fyddai nod craidd Nyth, a meini prawf cymhwysedd yn y dyfodol. Felly, rydych chi'n troi at y datganiad, ac mae'r datganiad yn dweud—arhoswch eiliad. Mae'r datganiad yn dweud:
'Bydd y cynllun newydd yn mynd i'r afael â'r argyfwng hinsawdd a thlodi tanwydd. Yn unol ag ymrwymiad y Llywodraeth i sicrhau trosglwyddo teg i sero net, bydd yn canolbwyntio ar gefnogi'r cartrefi tlotaf, yn yr adeiladau sydd yn y cyflwr gwaethaf, yn y sectorau sy’n eiddo i berchen-feddianwyr, rhent preifat a chwmnïau cydweithredol.'
Mae hynny i gyd yn ymddangos yn gyffredinol iawn, ac rwy'n credu bod gennym gwestiynau dilys nawr ynglŷn â sut rydych chi'n canolbwyntio ar ddatrys y problemau y mae pawb ohonom wedi'u nodi heddiw yn y ddadl. Ac rwy'n credu bod angen cwestiynu'r datganiad, mae angen manylion.
Rwy'n credu y dylem groesawu'r ffaith bod cynllun Nyth yn mynd i gael ei ymestyn hyd nes y caiff y rhaglen newydd ei chaffael. Mae hynny i'w groesawu'n fawr, oherwydd mae'n sicr yn rhoi'r ffenestr honno i ni, ond rwy'n credu bod angen y drafodaeth honno arnom, y ddadl honno. Ac rwy'n credu y gallwn ddweud ar y cyd yn y Siambr hon ein bod yn croesawu barn y Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol y bydd hyn yn cael ei drafod, ac rwy'n credu y byddem yn poeni pe na bai hynny'n digwydd. Dyna'r farn gyffredinol rwy'n ei chael o'r Siambr heddiw. Felly, rwy'n credu bod hynny'n bwysig iawn. Rydym yn croesawu'r datganiad, ond rwy'n credu mai'r hyn y mae'n ei wneud yw codi mwy o gwestiynau nag y mae'n eu hateb, ac mae hwnnw'n bwynt allweddol, yn rhan sylfaenol o'r ddadl hon.
Felly, roeddwn yn mynd i grynhoi yn y ffordd arferol. Mae'n debyg nad oes gennyf lawer o amser—mae gennyf ddau funud a hanner mewn gwirionedd—ond Jane Dodds, fe ddywedoch chi eich bod chi eisiau treth bonansa. Treth bonansa—rwy'n hoffi hynny yn hytrach na threth ffawdelw. Y broblem yw bod unrhyw fath o dreth felly'n dreth untro, ac rwy'n credu bod yn rhaid ichi gael cynaliadwyedd wedi'i adeiladu i mewn hefyd. Ac rwy'n credu y gallem siarad am drethi ffawdelw, ond rwy'n credu, weithiau, fod y cyhoedd yn mynd ychydig yn amheus a dweud, 'Iawn, wel, beth wnewch chi wedyn?', a chredaf fod hynny'n sicr yn wir. Efallai mai incwm sylfaenol cyffredinol yw'r ateb, ond unwaith eto, mae angen cyllid ar hynny hefyd.
Jack—mesuryddion rhagdalu. Rwy'n credu mewn gwirionedd fod y Gweinidog wedi rhoi ateb cefnogol iawn i chi, ond mae angen gwneud mwy o hyd, a gwn fod eich pwyllgor yn gweithio ar hyn. Sioned, fe wnaethoch chi nodi nad yw biliau'n normal. Nid ydynt yn normal ar hyn o bryd, ac mae angen i gyngor ar ddyledion fod yn well, a chredaf fod hynny'n adleisio'r mater a godais, y byddai ymgyrch Warm This Winter yn hoffi gweld mwy o fanylion gan Lywodraeth Cymru ynglŷn â sut maent yn mynd i gefnogi pobl y gaeaf hwn, 2023, hefyd.
A Delyth, roeddwn yn meddwl mai eich safbwynt chi, i grynhoi, yn fy marn i, oedd bod buddsoddi i arbed yn ymwneud â mwy na buddsoddi i arbed arian yn unig; mae'n fuddsoddi i achub bywydau, a dyna beth rydym yn siarad amdano yma. Roeddwn yn meddwl fy mod wedi ei roi fel y byddech chi'n ei roi, ac rwy'n credu'n bendant mai dyna rydym yn sôn amdano a pham rydym yn dweud, yn y Siambr hon, ein bod yn chwilio am ymrwymiadau gwario penodol. Bydd yr ymrwymiadau gwario hynny, dros gyfnod o amser, yn creu arbedion, ac o ganlyniad, yn achub bywydau.
Pwysleisiodd Vikki Howells rôl Llywodraeth y DU, ond aeth yn lleol wedyn, a siarad am ganolfannau clyd a bod cefnogaeth Llywodraeth Cymru i ganolfannau clyd yn bwysig iawn. Gwnaeth Buffy, wrth fy ymyl, yr un peth a soniodd ynglŷn â sut mae costau byw a chwyddiant yn effeithio ar fanciau bwyd yn ei hetholaeth hi hefyd.
Heledd Fychan, roedd hwn yn bwynt arall y credwn ei fod wedi mynd at wraidd hyn: pobl sy'n byw mewn tlodi sy'n cael yr effaith leiaf ar newid hinsawdd, ond nhw sy'n dioddef fwyaf o'i herwydd, a chredaf fod honno'n wers fawr y mae angen inni dynnu sylw ati. Os yw'r datganiad gan Lywodraeth Cymru yn ymwneud â chyfiawnder cymdeithasol, os mai cyfiawnder cymdeithasol yw'r nod, mae'n rhaid ei dargedu at y bobl sy'n dioddef fwyaf oherwydd gweithredoedd y bobl sy'n ennill fwyaf.
Ac yn olaf, rwyf am ddod yn ôl at bwynt trosfwaol pwerus iawn Jack Sargeant ei fod yn ymwneud â mwy na mesuryddion rhagdalu'n unig; mae'n ymwneud â'r ffaith bod y bobl gyfoethocaf, y cyflenwyr, y cyfanddalwyr a'r swyddogion gweithredol, mor bell oddi wrth realiti fel nad ydynt yn deall sefyllfa pobl yn y cymunedau rydym yn eu cynrychioli yma yng Nghymru, a dyna sydd wrth wraidd y ddadl hon.
Hoffwn ddiolch i bawb am—. A phwynt Mark Isherwood hefyd. Roeddwn eisiau talu teyrnged iddo ef fel cadeirydd y grŵp trawsbleidiol ar dlodi tanwydd a'r gwasanaeth hir y mae wedi'i roi yno, a'r cyfraniad gwerthfawr y mae wedi'i wneud o safbwynt ei brofiad a'i wasanaeth yn y Siambr hon, ac rwy'n credu y dylem i gyd barchu hynny, ac rydym yn ddiolchgar am hynny. Rwy'n ddiolchgar iawn i bawb am y ddadl hon heddiw. Rwy'n credu ein bod wedi gwneud ein pwynt, ac edrychwn ymlaen at y ddadl nesaf ar hyn yn y Siambr.
Y cwestiwn yw: a ddylid derbyn y cynnig? A oes unrhyw Aelod yn gwrthwynebu? Nac oes. Felly, derbynnir y cynnig yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.36.
The proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? No. Therefore, the motion is agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Derbyniwyd y cynnig yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.36.
Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Eitem 6 y prynhawn yma yw dadl ar adroddiad y Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg, 'Cymorth Iechyd Meddwl mewn Addysg Uwch'. Galwaf ar Gadeirydd y pwyllgor i wneud y cynnig. Jayne Bryant.
Item 6 this afternoon is the debate on the Children, Young People and Education Committee's report on 'Mental Health support in Higher Education'. I call on the Chair of the committee to move the motion. Jayne Bryant.
Cynnig NDM8292 Jayne Bryant
Cynnig bod y Senedd:
Yn nodi adroddiad y Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg, sef 'Cymorth Iechyd Meddwl mewn Addysg Uwch' a osodwyd yn y Swyddfa Gyflwyno ar 29 Mawrth 2023.
Motion NDM8292 Jayne Bryant
To propose that the Senedd:
Notes the report of the Children, Young People and Education Committee ‘Mental Health support in Higher Education’ which was laid in the Table Office on 29 March 2023.
Cynigiwyd y cynnig.
Motion moved.
Diolch, Deputy Llywydd. Before I start, I would like to say that throughout this debate we will be talking about issues around mental health. Talking and being open about mental health is important to break down stigma, but I know and understand that it can be upsetting for some.
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Cyn imi ddechrau, hoffwn ddweud, drwy gydol y ddadl hon, y byddwn yn siarad am faterion sy'n ymwneud ag iechyd meddwl. Mae siarad a bod yn agored am iechyd meddwl yn bwysig er mwyn chwalu stigma, ond rwy'n gwybod ac yn deall y gall beri gofid i rai.
I’m pleased that today’s debate is, I believe, a first in the Chamber: two Government Members responding to a single committee report. Due to the cross-cutting nature of the report and our recommendations, we felt it was important to hear both from the Minister for Education and Welsh Language and the Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Well-being. I’m incredibly grateful that they were both willing to take up our invitation for this innovative step, and that the Llywydd was also supportive. So, diolch yn fawr. As committees often look at issues broadly and holistically, resulting in cross-cutting recommendations, I hope today’s joint response is the first of many.
Finally, before I talk about the report itself, I'd like to thank all those who have engaged with the committee, in particular, the students who responded to our survey or who we met during our visits to higher education institutions. We know that it can be difficult to share some of those experiences, but we hope that you can see the issues you've raised reflected in the report and its recommendations. I'd also like to thank all those who provided written and oral evidence to the committee, and the university staff who helped facilitate our engagement. We had such high-quality written and oral evidence, which certainly made it easier for the committee to identify and draw upon robust recommendations. And it's also important that I put on record, on behalf of the committee, our thanks to the clerking team, led by Naomi Stocks. Naomi and the team have really been excellent. And I’d also like to thank my fellow committee members for working together collegiately and sensitively on an issue that I know is important to us all.
Like many other committees, we use our strategic plan to help us prioritise the work we do. There are two particular priorities that shaped our decision to do this work: the emotional and mental well-being of children and young people; and ensuring our scrutiny is timely and constructive. Issues around student well-being and welfare were raised during our scrutiny of the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Bill, and we stated that we would be likely to revisit these issues at some point during this Senedd. We decided to do this work now because it provided us with an opportunity to help inform development of the new regulatory framework for higher education. The establishment of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research is a big change for post-16 education, and we want to play a constructive role in the commission’s future, and felt that doing this work at this point could shape both the Welsh Government’s and the future commission’s thinking.
Now is the time for a step change in support for students' mental health. We were given examples of good practice in the evidence we gathered, and of attempts to work across sectors and across geographical boundaries to improve student mental health support. But supporting students with their mental health is complex for many reasons. We made 33 recommendations, which we strongly believe, if fully implemented, would bring about that step change to deliver timely and comprehensive support for students.
One of the clear themes from the evidence was the need for a common framework that sets out a baseline of what a student can expect in terms of seamless support for their mental health, regardless of where they are studying in Wales. This does not mean that all institutions must provide the same type of support, because another clear theme of the evidence was the need to tailor support to the context of the institutions, different student groups and to individual student need. Such a framework would balance the need for a consistent offer against the need for tailored support to meet individual needs. It was clear from the evidence we received from institutions that they believed such a common framework was both necessary and deliverable.
This is exactly what recommendation 15 calls for, and I'm really pleased that it has been accepted. In responding, the Welsh Government highlights that the new registration and funding conditions will enable the commission to set out clear expectations, and that the commission will take account of our recommendations in developing these conditions. In doing this, the commission will build on the existing Stepchange framework and the work already being done by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales. This, they say, will effectively constitute the common framework the committee has called for.
Rwy'n falch mai'r ddadl heddiw yw'r gyntaf o'i bath yn y Siambr, rwy'n credu: dau Aelod Llywodraeth yn ymateb i un adroddiad pwyllgor. Oherwydd natur drawsbynciol yr adroddiad a'n hargymhellion, roeddem yn teimlo ei bod yn bwysig clywed gan Weinidog y Gymraeg ac Addysg a'r Dirprwy Weinidog Iechyd Meddwl a Llesiant. Rwy'n hynod ddiolchgar fod y ddau ohonynt yn barod i dderbyn ein gwahoddiad i gymryd y cam arloesol hwn gyda ni, a bod y Llywydd hefyd yn gefnogol. Felly, diolch yn fawr. Gan fod pwyllgorau'n aml yn edrych ar faterion mewn modd eang a chyfannol, gan arwain at argymhellion trawsbynciol, rwy'n gobeithio mai'r cyntaf o nifer fydd yr ymateb ar y cyd heddiw.
Yn olaf, cyn imi sôn am yr adroddiad ei hun, hoffwn ddiolch i bawb sydd wedi ymgysylltu â'r pwyllgor, yn enwedig y myfyrwyr a ymatebodd i'n harolwg neu y cyfarfuom â nhw yn ystod ein hymweliadau â sefydliadau addysg uwch. Gwyddom y gall fod yn anodd rhannu rhai o'r profiadau hynny, ond gobeithiwn y gallwch weld y materion a godwyd gennych wedi'u hadlewyrchu yn yr adroddiad a'i argymhellion. Hoffwn ddiolch hefyd i bawb a roddodd dystiolaeth ysgrifenedig a llafar i'r pwyllgor, a staff y brifysgol a helpodd i hwyluso ein hymwneud. Cawsom dystiolaeth ysgrifenedig a llafar o ansawdd uchel a'i gwnaeth yn llawer haws i'r pwyllgor nodi a thynnu ar argymhellion cadarn. Ac mae hefyd yn bwysig fy mod yn cofnodi fy niolch ar ran y pwyllgor i'r tîm clercio, dan arweiniad Naomi Stocks. Mae Naomi a'r tîm wedi bod yn wych. A hoffwn ddiolch hefyd i'm cyd-Aelodau ar y pwyllgor am gydweithio'n golegol ac yn sensitif ar fater y gwn ei fod yn bwysig i bob un ohonom.
Fel llawer o bwyllgorau eraill, rydym yn defnyddio ein cynllun strategol i'n helpu i flaenoriaethu'r gwaith a wnawn. Cafodd ein penderfyniad i wneud y gwaith hwn ei siapio gan ddwy flaenoriaeth benodol: lles emosiynol a meddyliol plant a phobl ifanc; a sicrhau bod ein gwaith craffu yn amserol ac yn adeiladol. Codwyd materion yn ymwneud â llesiant a lles myfyrwyr yn ystod ein gwaith craffu ar Fil Addysg Drydyddol ac Ymchwil (Cymru), a dywedasom y byddem yn debygol o ailedrych ar y materion hyn ar ryw adeg yn ystod tymor y Senedd hon. Gwnaethom benderfyniad i wneud y gwaith hwn nawr am ei fod yn rhoi cyfle inni helpu i lywio'r gwaith o ddatblygu'r fframwaith rheoleiddio newydd ar gyfer addysg uwch. Mae sefydlu'r Comisiwn Addysg Drydyddol ac Ymchwil yn newid mawr i addysg ôl-16, ac rydym am chwarae rhan adeiladol yn nyfodol y comisiwn, ac yn teimlo y gallai gwneud y gwaith hwn nawr siapio meddylfryd Llywodraeth Cymru a'r comisiwn yn y dyfodol.
Nawr yw'r adeg am newid sylweddol i gymorth iechyd meddwl i fyfyrwyr. Cawsom enghreifftiau o arferion da yn y dystiolaeth a gasglwyd gennym, ac o ymdrechion i weithio ar draws sectorau ac ar draws ffiniau daearyddol i wella cymorth iechyd meddwl i fyfyrwyr. Ond mae cefnogi myfyrwyr gyda'u hiechyd meddwl yn gymhleth am sawl rheswm. Gwnaethom 33 o argymhellion, a chredwn yn gryf, pe byddent yn cael eu rhoi ar waith yn llawn, y byddent yn arwain at newid sylfaenol yn y modd y darparir cymorth amserol a chynhwysfawr i fyfyrwyr.
Un o'r themâu clir o'r dystiolaeth oedd yr angen am fframwaith cyffredin sy'n nodi llinell sylfaen o'r hyn y gall myfyriwr ei ddisgwyl o ran cymorth di-dor i'w hiechyd meddwl, ni waeth ble maent yn astudio yng Nghymru. Nid yw hyn yn golygu bod yn rhaid i bob sefydliad ddarparu'r un math o gymorth, gan mai thema glir arall o'r dystiolaeth oedd yr angen i deilwra cymorth i gyd-destun y sefydliadau, gwahanol grwpiau o fyfyrwyr ac i anghenion myfyrwyr unigol. Byddai fframwaith o'r fath yn cydbwyso'r angen am gynnig cyson yn erbyn yr angen am gymorth wedi'i deilwra i ddiwallu anghenion unigol. Roedd yn amlwg o'r dystiolaeth a gawsom gan sefydliadau eu bod yn credu bod fframwaith cyffredin o'r fath yn angenrheidiol ac yn gyflawnadwy.
Dyma'n union y mae argymhelliad 15 yn galw amdano, ac rwy'n falch iawn ei fod wedi'i dderbyn. Wrth ymateb, mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn nodi y bydd yr amodau cofrestru a chyllido newydd yn galluogi'r comisiwn i nodi disgwyliadau clir, ac y bydd y comisiwn yn ystyried ein hargymhellion wrth ddatblygu'r amodau hyn. Wrth wneud hyn, bydd y comisiwn yn adeiladu ar fframwaith presennol Stepchange a'r gwaith y mae Cyngor Cyllido Addysg Uwch Cymru eisoes yn ei wneud. Dywedant y bydd hyn, i bob pwrpas, yn creu'r fframwaith cyffredin y mae'r pwyllgor wedi galw amdano.
However, I would like to know how this package of work will be communicated to students. Will all this work be pulled together into a single place that clearly sets out exactly what the framework is? Will it be easily available to students, and set out in ways that helps them understand exactly what they can expect? Will it provide them with the ways and means to challenge if their institution is not providing this?
Closely linked to this recommendation is recommendation 25, which calls for the recently piloted mental health university liaison service in Cardiff and the Vale to be rolled out across Wales. The evidence from the sector was that this pilot has been a real game changer. We also heard from others across Wales who would love to see similar projects in their own areas.
Early evaluation seems to suggest that this approach really does fill a much-needed gap, and addresses some of the other issues raised throughout our report. These issues include the need for close working between the NHS and higher education sector; development of shared language, thresholds and definitions; and development of clear information and data-sharing protocols.
It is again promising to see that this recommendation has been accepted in principle, and that HEFCW has begun to plan for a wider roll-out, pending the evaluation of the pilot. The Government has said that rolling out this pilot nationally will require longer term funding, which will ultimately be a decision for the commission. I'd urge the Minister to do everything to help support the roll-out of this approach across Wales. And I imagine this is an issue that the committee will continue to monitor closely as the commission is established.
While these two recommendations were at the heart of our report, other recommendations covered issues such as the need for improved data and intelligence, so that we can better understand the extent of the issues faced by students and what interventions work. This need for improved publicly available data continues to be a theme in much of our work.
We also recommended specific support to be developed for international students and healthcare and social care students, who may face particular challenges as well as specific barriers to accessing support. And I'm pleased, again, that both these recommendations have been accepted.
Other recommendations covered the impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis; the need for more mental health training and awareness for both staff and students; and the need for sustainable funding that matches the level of need. We also reflected on the Health and Social Care Committee’s work on mental health inequalities, and the Welsh Youth Parliament's mental health and well-being committee report, 'Young Minds Matter'.
Before I conclude, I also want to reflect on another report that informed our considerations: Mind Cymru’s 'Sort the Switch' report. It looked at the transitions between child and adolescent mental health services and adult mental health services. And this report, and the incredibly powerful evidence session with some of the young people who were involved in the report, led to recommendation 33. And this calls for full implementation of the recommendations in 'Sort the Switch'.
I know that that evidence session will remain with me and the rest of the committee for a long time. The young people spoke with great power about their experiences and how they wanted to improve things for young people who follow in their footsteps. Clearly, not all students are 18-years-old and not all students will face transition to adult support services at the same time as going to higher education. But this is the reality for a number of young people, and managing both transitions effectively will play a vital role in ensuring they have a successful time in higher education.
I would like to thank the Deputy Minister for her engagement with us on this issue, including coming to give evidence to the committee and her recent correspondence. And while, as a committee, we're disappointed that the recommendation has been rejected, I'd like to ask the Deputy Minister if she would be willing to commit to provide a further update to the committee, outlining which recommendations from 'Sort the Switch' don’t align with the programme of work already under way to improve transition services. And I appreciate there's a very small amount of time today in which to do that, so, after this debate would be helpful too.
I would like to once again to thank everyone who contributed to this work. It’s clear that there is a commitment from all in the sector and the Welsh Government, but we need to ensure that this work is delivered at pace and results in real change on the ground so that students, no matter where they are studying or what their own personal background is, get the right support at the right time, when they need it. I look forward to listening to the other speakers today, and to hearing from both the Minister and Deputy Minister, who are so critical to delivery of our suite of recommendations. Diolch yn fawr.
Fodd bynnag, hoffwn wybod sut y bydd y pecyn gwaith hwn yn cael ei gyfathrebu i fyfyrwyr. A fydd yr holl waith hwn yn cael ei dynnu ynghyd i un lle sy’n nodi’n glir beth yn union yw’r fframwaith? A fydd yn hygyrch i fyfyrwyr, ac wedi’i osod mewn ffyrdd sy’n eu helpu i ddeall beth yn union y gallant ei ddisgwyl? A fydd yn darparu ffyrdd iddynt herio os nad yw eu sefydliad yn darparu hyn?
Mae cysylltiad agos rhwng yr argymhelliad hwn ac argymhelliad 25, sy’n galw am gyflwyno gwasanaeth cyswllt y prifysgolion ar gyfer materion iechyd meddwl ledled Cymru, yn sgil ei dreialu'n ddiweddar yng Nghaerdydd a’r Fro. Y dystiolaeth gan y sector oedd bod y cynllun peilot hwn wedi bod yn drawsnewidiol. Clywsom hefyd gan eraill ledled Cymru a fyddai wrth eu boddau'n gweld prosiectau tebyg yn eu hardaloedd eu hunain.
Ymddengys bod gwerthuso cynnar yn awgrymu bod y dull hwn yn llenwi bwlch y mae taer angen ei lenwi, ac yn mynd i’r afael â rhai o’r materion eraill a godwyd yn ein hadroddiad drwyddo draw. Mae’r materion hyn yn cynnwys yr angen am gydweithio agos rhwng y GIG a’r sector addysg uwch; datblygu iaith, trothwyon a diffiniadau a rennir; a datblygu protocolau clir ar gyfer rhannu gwybodaeth a data.
Unwaith eto, mae'n addawol gweld bod yr argymhelliad hwn wedi’i dderbyn mewn egwyddor, a bod CCAUC wedi dechrau cynllunio ar gyfer ei gyflwyno ar raddfa ehangach yn dilyn y gwerthusiad o’r cynllun peilot. Mae’r Llywodraeth wedi dweud y bydd angen cyllid mwy hirdymor er mwyn cyflwyno’r cynllun peilot hwn yn genedlaethol, a fydd yn y pen draw yn benderfyniad i’r comisiwn. Hoffwn annog y Gweinidog i wneud popeth i helpu i gefnogi’r gwaith o gyflwyno’r dull hwn ledled Cymru. Ac rwy’n dychmygu bod hwn yn fater y bydd y pwyllgor yn parhau i’w fonitro’n agos wrth i’r comisiwn gael ei sefydlu.
Er mai'r ddau argymhelliad hyn a oedd wrth wraidd ein hadroddiad, roedd argymhellion eraill yn ymdrin â materion fel yr angen am well data a gwybodaeth, fel y gallwn gael gwell dealltwriaeth o'r problemau y mae myfyrwyr yn eu hwynebu a pha ymyriadau sy’n gweithio. Mae'r angen am well data i fod ar gael i'r cyhoedd yn parhau i fod yn thema yn llawer o'n gwaith.
Fe wnaethom argymell hefyd y dylid datblygu cymorth penodol ar gyfer myfyrwyr rhyngwladol a myfyrwyr gofal iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol, a allai wynebu heriau penodol yn ogystal â rhwystrau penodol i gael mynediad at gymorth. Ac rwy'n falch, unwaith eto, fod y ddau argymhelliad wedi'u derbyn.
Roedd argymhellion eraill yn ymwneud ag effaith y pandemig a’r argyfwng costau byw; yr angen am fwy o hyfforddiant ac ymwybyddiaeth iechyd meddwl i staff a myfyrwyr; a'r angen am gyllid cynaliadwy sy'n cyfateb i lefel yr angen. Hefyd, fe wnaethom ystyried gwaith y Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol ar anghydraddoldebau iechyd meddwl, ac adroddiad pwyllgor iechyd meddwl a llesiant Senedd Ieuenctid Cymru, ‘Meddyliau Iau o Bwys’.
Cyn imi gloi, hoffwn ystyried adroddiad arall a lywiodd ein hystyriaethau: adroddiad 'Sortiwch y Switsh' gan Mind Cymru. Edrychodd ar y pontio rhwng gwasanaethau iechyd meddwl plant a’r glasoed a gwasanaethau iechyd meddwl oedolion. Ac arweiniodd yr adroddiad hwn, a’r sesiwn dystiolaeth hynod bwerus gyda rhai o’r bobl ifanc a fu’n rhan o’r adroddiad, at argymhelliad 33, sy'n galw am weithredu argymhellion 'Sortiwch y Switsh' yn llawn.
Gwn y bydd y sesiwn dystiolaeth honno’n aros gyda mi a gweddill y pwyllgor am amser maith. Soniodd y bobl ifanc yn rymus iawn am eu profiadau a sut oeddent eisiau gwella pethau i bobl ifanc y dyfodol. Yn amlwg, nid yw pob myfyriwr yn 18 oed, ac ni fydd pob myfyriwr yn pontio i wasanaethau cymorth oedolion yr un pryd ag y byddant yn dechrau addysg uwch. Ond dyma’r realiti i nifer o bobl ifanc, a bydd rheoli’r ddau fath o bontio'n effeithiol yn chwarae rhan hanfodol wrth sicrhau eu bod yn cael amser llwyddiannus mewn addysg uwch.
Hoffwn ddiolch i’r Dirprwy Weinidog am ymgysylltu â ni ar y mater hwn, gan gynnwys dod i roi tystiolaeth i’r pwyllgor a’i gohebiaeth ddiweddar. Ac er ein bod fel pwyllgor yn siomedig fod yr argymhelliad wedi’i wrthod, hoffwn ofyn i’r Dirprwy Weinidog a fyddai’n fodlon ymrwymo i roi diweddariad pellach i’r pwyllgor, i amlinellu pa argymhellion o 'Sortiwch y Switsh' nad ydynt yn cyd-fynd â'r rhaglen waith sydd eisoes ar y gweill i wella gwasanaethau pontio. Ac rwy'n sylweddoli mai ychydig iawn o amser sydd gennym heddiw i wneud hynny, felly byddai hynny'n ddefnyddiol ar ôl y ddadl hon hefyd.
Hoffwn ddiolch unwaith eto i bawb a gyfrannodd at y gwaith hwn. Mae’n amlwg fod ymrwymiad gan bawb yn y sector a Llywodraeth Cymru, ond mae angen inni sicrhau bod y gwaith hwn yn cael ei gyflawni’n gyflym ac yn arwain at newid gwirioneddol ar lawr gwlad fel bod myfyrwyr, ni waeth ble maent yn astudio na beth yw eu cefndiroedd personol, yn cael y cymorth iawn ar yr adeg iawn, pan fydd ei angen arnynt. Edrychaf ymlaen at wrando ar y siaradwyr eraill heddiw, ac at glywed gan y Gweinidog a’r Dirprwy Weinidog, sydd mor allweddol i gyflawni ein cyfres o argymhellion. Diolch yn fawr.
I'd first like to start by thanking and paying tribute to our fabulous committee Chair, Jayne Bryant, our brilliant committee clerk I see up there, and the whole of our CYP team, as well, of course, as my fellow committee members for enabling this report, as well as, of course, those who provided evidence, particularly our young people who added such value to our report. I agree with our Chair; it is really, really positive that both Ministers are going to respond to this debate today, so thank you to them.
The mental health of our young people is something that we all, as a committee, share concerns about, so we are all thankful, I know, to have carried out this review. Our committee broadly found that the extent of the mental health issues among students in higher education has been increasing in recent years, which is worrying, not just for educational outcomes, but, more importantly, the well-being, of course, of our young people. One in four students reported having diagnosed mental health issues, and a further one in four reported undiagnosed mental health issues. Most concerningly, UCAS statistics have shown a 450 per cent increase in applicants disclosing a mental health condition as part of the application process, a trend echoed by Cardiff University, who have seen an 89 per cent increase in students declaring a mental health condition during the application process.
The report identified a widespread concern from stakeholders that there were significant data gaps in Wales, as they often have to use UK-wide data to identify what issues students are facing. It is crucial that we have a Wales-wide data set, not just UK-extracted data, so we can get a better understanding of the picture here in Wales.
When it comes to the pandemic effect, it is clear that mental health issues, of course, predate the pandemic, but they have definitely being exacerbated by it, for example impacting the ability to socialise, to work and afford university. We have seen Universities Wales and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists highlight concerns about social development. This is something I believe we need far more research into, as we found in committee, so we can truly grasp the full severity of it, and it was clear from our evidence gathering that it has been significant. The pandemic, of course, has not just affected students, but also staff. The impact is unquantifiable, and there needs to be an all-encompassing approach when addressing this issue.
When it comes to transitioning to higher education, as our Chair has just outlined, our report has highlighted the need for more to be done earlier in the application and admissions process to support these transitions. There needs to be better flagging of mental health support on open days, along with higher education institutions providing programmes for students prior to starting that promote health and well-being. So, I'm pleased to see the Welsh Government's commitment to providing twice yearly regular information and any available data on the roll-out of the whole-system approach in pre-16 education, and that they will take forward the recommendation from the post-16 education sector to consider ways universities can work with the local post-16 colleges and schools to support learner mental health in advance of the transition to higher education.
Our report found that the increasing volume and complexity of cases are placing a strain on the ability to support students and that there are significant issues with training for those practitioners who, either directly or indirectly, deal with student mental health. They expressed the importance of appropriate, timely training being made available to staff within a provider. There is a need for national framework to improve mental health across the board, and it's imperative that the Welsh Government publish universal guidance on how to address the mental health deficit. It is clear that this is missing, or at least currently lacking.
Finally, overall, there is a lot of work to be done on ensuring we address the current mental health crisis in Wales. We need an all-encompassing approach that is copied and used across the board so we don't see that variation of provision across Wales. I'm pleased to see the Welsh Government agree with most of our proposals, but I'd like to see this Senedd regularly updated on the process of implementation. There is a lot of work that needs to be done, but there are also a lot of quick wins that Government can make now to contribute towards more positive mental health, because our young people's well-being matters.
Hoffwn ddechrau drwy ddiolch a thalu teyrnged i Gadeirydd gwych ein pwyllgor, Jayne Bryant, clerc ardderchog ein pwyllgor, a welaf yn y fan acw, a'r tîm plant a phobl ifanc cyfan, yn ogystal, wrth gwrs, â'm cyd-aelodau ar y pwyllgor am wneud yr adroddiad hwn yn bosibl, yn ogystal, wrth gwrs, â’r rheini a roddodd dystiolaeth, yn enwedig ein pobl ifanc, a ychwanegodd gymaint o werth at ein hadroddiad. Rwy'n cytuno â’n Cadeirydd; mae’n wirioneddol gadarnhaol y bydd y ddau Weinidog yn ymateb i’r ddadl hon heddiw, felly diolch iddynt hwythau.
Mae iechyd meddwl ein pobl ifanc yn rhywbeth y mae pob un ohonom, fel pwyllgor, yn rhannu pryderon yn ei gylch, felly gwn fod pob un ohonom yn ddiolchgar fod yr adolygiad hwn wedi'i gynnal. Canfu ein pwyllgor fod materion iechyd meddwl ymhlith myfyrwyr mewn addysg uwch wedi bod ar gynnydd yn gyffredinol dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf, sy’n peri pryder, nid yn unig ynghylch canlyniadau addysgol, ond yn bwysicach, ynghylch llesiant ein pobl ifanc wrth gwrs. Dywedodd un o bob pedwar myfyriwr eu bod wedi cael diagnosis o broblemau iechyd meddwl, a nododd un o bob pedwar pellach fod ganddynt broblemau iechyd meddwl na wnaed diagnosis ohonynt. Yr hyn sy'n peri'r pryder mwyaf yw bod ystadegau UCAS wedi dangos cynnydd o 450 y cant yn nifer yr ymgeiswyr sy’n datgan bod ganddynt gyflwr iechyd meddwl fel rhan o’r broses ymgeisio, tuedd a adleisiwyd gan Brifysgol Caerdydd, sydd wedi gweld cynnydd o 89 y cant yn nifer y myfyrwyr sy’n datgan bod ganddynt gyflwr iechyd meddwl yn ystod y broses ymgeisio.
Nododd yr adroddiad bryder eang gan randdeiliaid fod bylchau sylweddol yn y data yng Nghymru, gan fod yn rhaid iddynt ddefnyddio data ar gyfer y DU gyfan yn aml i nodi pa broblemau y mae myfyrwyr yn eu hwynebu. Mae’n hollbwysig fod gennym set o ddata ar gyfer Cymru gyfan, nid data ar gyfer y DU yn unig, fel y gallwn gael gwell dealltwriaeth o’r sefyllfa yma yng Nghymru.
O ran effaith y pandemig, mae’n amlwg fod materion iechyd meddwl, wrth gwrs, yn bodoli cyn y pandemig, ond maent yn bendant wedi cael eu gwaethygu ganddo, gan effeithio er enghraifft ar y gallu i gymdeithasu, i weithio ac i fforddio bod yn y brifysgol. Rydym wedi gweld Prifysgolion Cymru a Choleg Brenhinol y Therapyddion Galwedigaethol yn amlygu pryderon ynglŷn â datblygiad cymdeithasol. Mae hyn yn rhywbeth y credaf fod arnom angen llawer mwy o ymchwil iddo, fel y canfuom yn y pwyllgor, fel y gallwn lwyr amgyffred ei ddifrifoldeb, ac roedd yn amlwg o’n gwaith casglu tystiolaeth ei fod wedi bod yn sylweddol. Mae'r pandemig, wrth gwrs, wedi cael effaith ar staff yn ogystal â myfyrwyr. Mae'r effaith yn anfesuradwy, ac mae angen ymagwedd hollgynhwysol wrth ymdrin â'r mater hwn.
O ran pontio i addysg uwch, fel y mae ein Cadeirydd newydd nodi, mae ein hadroddiad wedi tynnu sylw at yr angen i wneud mwy yn gynharach yn y broses ymgeisio a derbyn i gefnogi’r pontio hwn. Mae angen tynnu sylw'n well at gymorth iechyd meddwl ar ddiwrnodau agored, ynghyd â bod sefydliadau addysg uwch yn darparu rhaglenni sy'n hybu iechyd a lles i fyfyrwyr cyn dechrau. Felly, rwy'n falch o weld ymrwymiad Llywodraeth Cymru i ddarparu gwybodaeth reolaidd ddwywaith y flwyddyn ac unrhyw ddata sydd ar gael ar gyflwyno'r dull system gyfan mewn addysg cyn-16, ac y byddant yn bwrw ymlaen â'r argymhelliad gan y sector addysg ôl-16 i ystyried ffyrdd y gall prifysgolion weithio gyda cholegau ôl-16 lleol ac ysgolion i gefnogi iechyd meddwl dysgwyr cyn iddynt bontio i addysg uwch.
Canfu ein hadroddiad fod nifer a chymhlethdod cynyddol yr achosion yn rhoi straen ar y gallu i gefnogi myfyrwyr a bod problemau sylweddol o ran hyfforddi'r ymarferwyr hynny sydd, naill ai’n uniongyrchol neu’n anuniongyrchol, yn ymdrin ag iechyd meddwl myfyrwyr. Mynegwyd pwysigrwydd sicrhau bod hyfforddiant priodol ac amserol ar gael i staff darparwr. Mae angen fframwaith cenedlaethol i wella iechyd meddwl yn gyffredinol, ac mae’n hollbwysig fod Llywodraeth Cymru yn cyhoeddi canllawiau cyffredinol ar sut i fynd i’r afael â’r diffyg iechyd meddwl. Mae’n amlwg fod hyn ar goll, neu o leiaf yn brin, ar hyn o bryd.
Yn olaf, yn gyffredinol, mae llawer o waith i’w wneud i sicrhau ein bod yn mynd i’r afael â’r argyfwng iechyd meddwl presennol yng Nghymru. Mae arnom angen dull hollgynhwysol sy'n cael ei efelychu a'i ddefnyddio gan bawb fel nad ydym yn gweld amrywio yn y ddarpariaeth ledled Cymru. Rwy'n falch o weld bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn cytuno â'r rhan fwyaf o'n cynigion, ond hoffwn weld y Senedd hon yn cael yr wybodaeth ddiweddaraf yn rheolaidd ar y broses weithredu. Mae angen gwneud llawer o waith, ond mae llawer o bethau hawdd y gall y Llywodraeth eu gwneud nawr i gyfrannu at iechyd meddwl mwy cadarnhaol, gan fod llesiant ein pobl ifanc yn bwysig.
Hoffwn i ddatgan budd, sef bod fy ngŵr yn gyflogedig gan Brifysgol Abertawe ac yn aelod o UCU. Hoffwn i hefyd adleisio’r diolchiadau sydd wedi cael eu gwneud. Roedd hwn yn ymchwiliad amserol a dadlennol o’r heriau unigryw mae myfyrwyr yn eu hwynebu o ran eu hiechyd meddwl a'u lles, sydd wrth gwrs wedi’u dwysáu gan y pandemig, a gan y cyd-destun economaidd anodd.
Roedd y dystiolaeth yn gwbl glir. Yn ôl UCMC, rŷn ni yng nghanol argyfwng iechyd meddwl o ran myfyrwyr yma yng Nghymru. Ym mhob prifysgol, roedd y data a’r dystiolaeth anecdotaidd yn gyson o ran y cynnydd sylweddol sydd wedi bod yn nifer y myfyrwyr sydd angen cymorth, a chynnydd hefyd yn nifer y myfyrwyr a oedd mewn argyfwng pan oedden nhw eisiau cael mynediad at gymorth.
Ein prif ganfyddiad, dwi’n meddwl, oedd nad oedd safon a lefel gyson o gymorth iechyd meddwl ar gael i bob myfyriwr ym mhob rhan o Gymru, ac felly bod pob myfyriwr ddim yn medru cael y gorau o’u haddysg yn y brifysgol. Mae’r mwyafrif o’n hargymhellion ni yn ymwneud â sut y gellir mynd i’r afael â hynny. Mae’n siomedig nad yw’r Llywodraeth wedi’u derbyn yn llawn, yn enwedig o gofio’r cynnydd yn niferoedd a chyfran y myfyrwyr yn cofrestru yn y naw prifysgol a’r tri choleg addysg bellach sy’n cael eu rheoleiddio gan CCAUC a ddatganodd gyflwr iechyd meddwl.
Hoffwn i ddiolch i’r myfyrwyr a rannodd eu profiadau mewn modd mor onest â ni. Roedd rhai o'r profiadau yn gwbl dorcalonnus ac yn creu pryder gwirioneddol am sut y mae potensial y myfyrwyr yma yn cael ei danseilio a'i gyfyngu. Torcalonnus ar lefel bersonol, wrth gwrs, ond rhywbeth a fydd yn ein gwneud yn dlotach fel cenedl.
Ond roedd yn galonogol, er gwaetha’r ystadegau brawychus, clywed am ddatrysiadau effeithiol oedd yn gwneud gwahaniaeth i’r sefyllfa, fel y cynllun peilot gwasanaeth cyswllt iechyd meddwl prifysgolion, er enghraifft, oedd ar waith yn ardal Caerdydd, oedd yn dangos yn glir sut bod modd cau’r bylchau niweidiol yna sy’n bodoli yn rhy aml rhwng darpariaeth gwasanaethau cefnogi a chymorth y sector addysg a’r sector iechyd. Mae’r argymhelliad yma yn un o nifer sy’n cael eu derbyn yn rhannol yn hytrach nag yn llawn, am fod yna oblygiadau cyllidol a fydd, maes o law, yn gyfrifoldeb i’r comisiwn addysg trydyddol ac ymchwil newydd. Rwy’n annog, felly, y Llywodraeth i annog y corff newydd i flaenoriaethu’r gwaith yma o ran cynllunio a chyllido, a hoffwn i glywed ymrwymiad heddiw gan y Gweinidog addysg ar hynny.
O ran datrysiadau, mae gweithio yn well ac yn agosach rhwng y sectorau addysg uwch ac iechyd ar draws ffiniau hefyd yn gwbl greiddiol. Mae rhai o’r argymhellion sydd gyda ni yn galw am newidiadau systemig, ond roedd rhai materion yn rhai sy’n ymddangos efallai’n fwy syml i’w datrys; er enghraifft, fe glywsom ni gan fyfyriwr oedd yn dweud bod angen cael tair llythyr gwahanol gan feddyg teulu, bob un yn costio £15, am nad oedd y geiriad yn unol â’r hyn yr oedd ei angen ar y darparwr addysg, yn unol â’u polisïau nhw. Felly, hoffwn i wybod gan y Dirprwy Weinidog Iechyd Meddwl a Llesiant a fydd yn mynd i’r afael â’r materion ymarferol fel hyn o fewn y gwasanaeth iechyd sy’n ychwanegu at faich iechyd meddwl ac economaidd myfyrwyr.
Un o’r sesiynau, fel y clywon ni gan y Cadeirydd, gafodd fwyaf o argraff arna i, oedd clywed gan bobl ifanc oedd yn rhan o ymgyrch 'Sort the Switch' Mind Cymru. Roedd eu profiadau nhw yn amrywiol, ond roedden nhw’n siarad ag un llais, o ran teimlo bod y system yn cael ei wneud iddyn nhw, a’u lleisiau nhw ddim yn cael eu clywed. Hynod, hynod siomedig, felly, oedd gweld bod y Llywodraeth yn gwrthod ein hargymhelliad i dderbyn argymhellion adroddiad 'Sort the Switch', a hoffwn i wybod yn well, Ddirprwy Weinidog, am y rheswm dros wrthod gwneud hyn. Mae’r ymateb i’r adroddiad yn dweud nad yw’r holl ofynion yma yn gyson gyda rhaglenni gwaith sydd ar y gweill. Felly fy nghwestiwn i yw: wel, pam hynny? Tybed a oes angen edrych eto ar y rhaglenni gwaith yn sgil hyn.
Yn olaf, roeddwn yn falch o weld bod y Llywodraeth yn derbyn ein hargymhelliad y dylai’r Llywodraeth a’r comisiwn trydyddol newydd weithio mewn partneriaeth gymdeithasol gyda sefydliadau addysg uwch er mwyn sicrhau nad yw amodau gwaith yn tanseilio staff a’u gallu i ddarparu cefnogaeth effeithiol i fyfyrwyr, achos fe ddywedodd llywydd UCMC, Orla Tarn, wrthym yn rymus iawn yn gynnar yn ein hymchwiliad nad oedd modd arllwys o gwpan gwag. Hynny yw, dyw staff ein prifysgolion, sydd o dan straen yn sgil pwysau gwaith, amodau gweithio a thâl annheg, ddim yn y lle gorau felly i roi'r gefnogaeth sydd ei angen ar eu myfyrwyr. Mae'r anghydfod, fel ŷn ni i gyd yn gwybod, yn parhau, ac yn wir yn dwysáu, gyda sefydliadau addysg uwch yn gostwng cyflogau staff sy'n cymryd rhan yn y boicot marcio ac asesu gwbl gyfreithlon mewn modd sydd yn anghymesur ac yn anghyfiawn. Felly, Weinidog addysg, sut ydych chi'n gweithio fel Llywodraeth i ddatrys yr anghydfod yma sy'n debyg o chwalu'r cwpan hwnnw yn deilchion? Diolch.
I'd like to declare an interest, namely that my husband is employed by Swansea University and a member of UCU. I'd also like to echo the thanks already given. This was very timely and revealed the unique challenges faced by students in terms of their mental health and well-being, which of course have intensified because of the pandemic, and also the difficult economic climate.
The evidence was very clear. According to NUS Wales, we are in the midst of a mental health crisis for students here in Wales. In all universities, the data and the anecdotal evidence was consistent in terms of the significant increase in the number of students who need support, and also an increase in the number of students who were in crisis when they needed to access support.
Our main finding, I think, was that there wasn't a consistent level of mental health support for students in all parts of Wales, and therefore, that every student couldn't make the most of their education in university. Most of our recommendations relate to how we can tackle that issue. It is disappointing that the Government hasn't accepted in full those recommendations, particularly given the increase in the numbers and percentages of students registered in the nine universities and three HE institutions regulated by HEFCW that declared that they had a mental health issue.
I’d like to thank the students that shared their experiences in such an honest way with us. Some of those experiences were entirely heartbreaking and caused real concern about how the potential of these students is undermined and limited. It is heartbreaking on a personal level, of course, but also something that will make us poorer as a nation.
But it was encouraging, despite the frightening statistics, to hear about effective solutions that did make a difference, such as the mental health university liaison service pilot scheme, which was being implemented in the Cardiff area, which showed clearly how we could close those damaging gaps that too often exist between the provision of support services and support in the health sector. This recommendation is one of many that are accepted in part rather than fully, because there are funding implications that will, in time, become a responsibility for the new tertiary education and research body. I encourage the Government to prioritise this work in terms of planning and funding, and I'd like to hear a commitment today from the education Minister on that.
In terms of solutions, working more effectively and closely between health and education across boundaries is crucial. Some of the recommendations that we make call for systemic changes, but there were some issues that appeared simpler to resolve; for example, we heard from a student who said that she needed three different letters from her GP, all of them costing £15, because the wording wasn't in accordance with what was needed by the education provider in accordance with their policies. So, I would like to know from the Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Well-being whether she'll tackle these practical issues within the health service that just add to the mental health burden, and also the economic burdens faced by students
One of the sessions, as we heard from the Chair, that had the greatest impact on me was to hear from young people who are part of the 'Sort the Switch' Mind Cymru campaign. Their experiences were varied, but they spoke with one voice in feeling that the system was being imposed upon them and that their voices weren't being heard. It was very disappointing, therefore, to see that the Government had rejected our recommendation to accept the 'Sort the Switch' report’s recommendations, and I would like to understand better, Deputy Minister, the rationale for this. The response to the report says that all of these requirements are not consistent with current work programmes. So, my question is: well, why is that the case? I wonder whether you need to look at those work programmes as a result of this.
And finally, I was pleased to see that the Government accepted our recommendation that the Government and the new tertiary commission should work in social partnership with HE institutions to ensure that working conditions don't undermine staff and their ability to provide effective support for their students, because Orla Tarn, the president of NUS Wales, told us very powerfully that you couldn't pour from an empty jug. That is to say that staff in our universities, who are already facing stress and anxiety because of unfair working conditions and salary, aren't best placed to provide the support that their students need. The dispute, as we know, is continuing and indeed is intensifying, with HE institutions reducing salaries for staff who are taking part in the perfectly legal boycott of marking and assessment, which is disproportionate and unjust. So, education Minister, how are you working as a Government to resolve this dispute, which is likely to break that jug into a thousand pieces? Thank you.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'd also like to echo the thanks given. Not to duplicate what my committee colleagues and other Members have contributed, I'd like to raise two points during today's debate that have really worried me since our work of compiling and publishing the report.
The first is the universities' perception of how easy it is for students and young people to find mental health support provided by universities. I was fortunate to meet with a number of university mental health staff and students. I'd like to thank them for their time. We discussed their experience providing and accessing mental health support in university. The picture painted by the staff proved vastly different to the experience of the students, especially for those students with disabilities and additional learning needs.
The staff were upbeat and positive, outlining the numerous adverts pointing towards channels students can use to access support, which was in complete contrast to the students, who felt it was unclear to whom and where they could turn to access support—so much so, they set up their own support group off campus.
To ensure students who need mental health support don’t miss out in future, it would be beneficial for the Minister to have constructive conversations with our further education sector regarding how they reach students and young people. An annual or biannual health and well-being survey that includes mental health may prove fruitful.
The second point I’d like to raise is regarding international students. In Rhondda alone, dozens of international students tell me they find themselves in desperate situations as a result of deception and neglect by their universities. Students are being recruited on a lie, and are left to fend for themselves on arrival. Can you imagine leaving your home to study in the UK with the promise of accommodation for you and your dependents only to find you’re left with a one-bedroom flat, having to rent a house in this current climate or pay for an Airbnb, with no support from the university?
These students have no recourse to public funds. If it wasn’t for volunteers like Natalie and students like Esther, who have been volunteering their time day and night to support these students and their families with accommodation and food, they would be left with nothing.
These people only find themselves in this situation as a result of empty promises from the university. This inevitably takes its toll on their mental health. But trying to access further support from the universities has proved futile—so much so that I was told by one of the students they wouldn’t think twice about finding the nearest beach, walking into the sea and never returning.
People cannot live like this, and I’m ashamed that their Welsh university has led them to feel this way. I would urge the Minister to demand change from our universities, demand that support is stepped up for the students who have arrived following their lies, and demand that students arriving in the future are fully informed of what awaits them on arrival. Diolch.
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Hoffwn innau adleisio'r diolch a roddwyd. Heb ailadrodd yr hyn y mae fy nghyd-Aelodau ar y pwyllgor ac Aelodau eraill wedi’i ddweud, hoffwn godi dau bwynt yn ystod y ddadl heddiw sydd wedi fy mhoeni’n fawr ers ein gwaith ar lunio a chyhoeddi’r adroddiad.
Y cyntaf yw canfyddiad y prifysgolion o ba mor hawdd yw hi i fyfyrwyr a phobl ifanc ddod o hyd i gymorth iechyd meddwl a ddarperir gan brifysgolion. Roeddwn yn ffodus i gyfarfod â nifer o fyfyrwyr a staff iechyd meddwl y brifysgol. Hoffwn ddiolch iddynt am eu hamser. Buom yn trafod eu profiad o ddarparu a chael mynediad at gymorth iechyd meddwl yn y brifysgol. Roedd y sefyllfa a ddisgrifiwyd gan y staff yn dra gwahanol i brofiad y myfyrwyr, yn enwedig myfyrwyr ag anableddau ac anghenion dysgu ychwanegol.
Roedd y staff yn galonogol ac yn gadarnhaol wrth amlinellu’r nifer o hysbysebion a oedd yn cyfeirio at sianeli y gall myfyrwyr eu defnyddio i gael cymorth, yn gwbl groes i’r myfyrwyr, a oedd yn teimlo ei bod yn aneglur at bwy ac i ble y gallent droi am gymorth—i'r fath raddau nes eu bod wedi sefydlu eu grŵp cymorth eu hunain oddi ar y campws.
Er mwyn sicrhau nad yw myfyrwyr sydd angen cymorth iechyd meddwl ar eu colled yn y dyfodol, byddai’n fuddiol i’r Gweinidog gael sgyrsiau adeiladol gyda’n sector addysg bellach ynglŷn â sut maent yn cyrraedd myfyrwyr a phobl ifanc. Gall arolwg iechyd a lles blynyddol neu ddwywaith y flwyddyn sy'n cynnwys iechyd meddwl fod o fudd.
Mae’r ail bwynt yr hoffwn ei godi'n ymwneud â myfyrwyr rhyngwladol. Yn Rhondda yn unig, mae dwsinau o fyfyrwyr rhyngwladol yn dweud wrthyf eu bod mewn sefyllfaoedd enbyd o ganlyniad i dwyll ac esgeulustod gan eu prifysgolion. Mae myfyrwyr yn cael eu recriwtio ar sail celwydd, a chânt eu gadael i ofalu amdanynt eu hunain ar ôl cyrraedd. A allwch chi ddychmygu gadael eich cartref i astudio yn y DU gyda'r addewid o lety i chi a'ch dibynyddion, a darganfod wedyn fod gennych fflat un ystafell wely, ac yn gorfod rhentu tŷ yn yr hinsawdd bresennol neu dalu am Airbnb, heb unrhyw gymorth gan y brifysgol?
Nid oes gan y myfyrwyr hyn unrhyw hawl i arian cyhoeddus. Oni bai am wirfoddolwyr fel Natalie a myfyrwyr fel Esther, sydd wedi bod yn gwirfoddoli ddydd a nos i gefnogi’r myfyrwyr hyn a’u teuluoedd gyda llety a bwyd, byddent yn cael eu gadael heb ddim.
Mae'r bobl hyn yn y sefyllfa hon o ganlyniad i addewidion gwag gan y brifysgol. Yn anochel, mae'n cael effaith ar eu hiechyd meddwl. Ond mae ceisio cael rhagor o gymorth gan y prifysgolion wedi bod yn ofer—i'r fath raddau fel y dywedodd un o’r myfyrwyr wrthyf na fyddent yn meddwl ddwywaith am ddod o hyd i’r traeth agosaf a cherdded i mewn i'r môr, a pheidio â dychwelyd.
Ni all pobl fyw fel hyn, ac mae arnaf gywilydd fod eu prifysgol Gymreig wedi gwneud iddynt deimlo fel hyn. Rwy'n annog y Gweinidog i fynnu newid gan ein prifysgolion, i fynnu bod cymorth yn cael ei gynyddu i’r myfyrwyr sydd wedi cyrraedd yn sgil eu celwyddau, ac i fynnu bod myfyrwyr sy’n cyrraedd yn y dyfodol yn cael gwybod popeth am yr hyn sy'n eu disgwyl pan fyddant yn cyrraedd. Diolch.
I'd like to also share the comments of my other committee members in thanking our clerking team and also our Chair, Jayne Bryant, for excellently chairing the committee, and also to all those young people who fed into this inquiry as well. Before I start my main contribution, I just wanted to mention the 'Sort the Switch' evidence session that we had here in the Senedd. I think that's probably one of the most powerful evidence sessions I have taken since I've been a Member of this place and even when I was a councillor. I felt so compelled that day to apologise on behalf of Welsh politicians for the way those young people had been treated. I did feel ashamed to be a Member of this Senedd in the way that we had been letting those young people down.
But what I thought was also important about this debate was—. It was highlighted by stakeholders and a number of young people that this was an issue that we needed to look at, and I know from the Deputy Minister for Mental Health, who was here when she was the committee Chair of the children and young people's committee, that this was something that was clear in the 'Mind over matter' report that came forward, and I'm pleased that the Deputy Minister is going to be responding to this debate today.
What was clear during the evidence session was that data is lacking across our Welsh universities, and I think if we are going to deliver that change that we need, universities and the Welsh Government need to have that data to hand, so that we understand how many young people are struggling across our universities to make sure we can put that support and help in place, and that was one of our recommendations in the report.
What also became apparent were the issues facing our international students. I went on a visit with committee member Sioned Williams to Swansea Glyndŵr university, and we heard directly from international students there about the challenges they were facing, mainly because of cultural issues and not being able to feel supported to come forward to disclose an issue, because if they disclosed something, they weren't quite sure how that would be treated by their families back home or other students there. So, there is a massive piece of work that needs to be done to support our international students right across Wales to make sure they are supported and get the help that we need.
Another issue that I thought came through the report was the transition from students going into higher education and those students not feeling that they were supported as they were coming through. A lot of those students who currently had mental health conditions were not disclosing that to the university, mainly because they didn't feel there was the opportunity to do that, and actually that the mental health element of the induction was a five-minute conversation at the end. That was one conversation that we did have, and it was, 'If you've got a problem come and see me at the bottom at the end,' and that student didn't feel they could actually go there, because half the class, who were there, would think that they had a problem, and that's just not the way the do that. So, we do need to make sure that we are supporting our young people through the transition into HE, and I know that was another recommendation in our report.
What I thought was clear from the whole inquiry was the need for cross-departmental working between the education Minister here and the Deputy Minister for Mental Health. I'm pleased that recommendation 11 was accepted by the Government, and it would be very good to learn what work the Deputy Minister has started in that working group and to see how you're going to improve the actual mental health support that our young people are getting in our higher education institutions in Wales. I was disappointed that the Government did not fully accept recommendation 13, where we did call for that whole-system approach in HE, because if you bring everything together, it would actually help deliver a better service for those young people in our institutions, and I'd like to know a bit more from the Government of why they actually don't think that is actually needed across our institution in Wales.
Another thing that stood out for me was actually the understanding between higher education institutions and our health boards about how they work collectively together to help people, because another piece of evidence that we heard was that the different thresholds of level of intervention and support were different between higher education institutions and the health boards, and I think that really does need to be ironed out, because we cannot be expecting our lecturers and teachers in universities to actually become counsellors and social workers for students when actually the support they need is through our health boards and professionals trained there to deliver that support. So, I would like to know what the Welsh Government is doing to make sure there is more synergy between those two areas.
So, overall, I think it was clear that doing nothing is simply not an option. We have a duty to support young people in our higher education institutions across Wales, because their mental health is very, very important to their educational attainment, but we need to support them to become fully rounded individuals to get that good-quality education they need and the support they need in higher education, and also to our teaching staff as well, to make sure that they are also supported and trained properly to help people who come forward to manage those young people who need the help they need. Diolch yn fawr iawn, Dirprwy Lywydd.
Hoffwn innau hefyd rannu sylwadau aelodau eraill y pwyllgor wrth ddiolch i’n tîm clercio ac i'n Cadeirydd, Jayne Bryant, am gadeirio’r pwyllgor yn rhagorol, a hefyd i’r holl bobl ifanc a gyfrannodd at yr ymchwiliad hwn. Cyn imi ddechrau ar fy mhrif gyfraniad, roeddwn am sôn am sesiwn dystiolaeth 'Sortiwch y Switsh’ a gawsom yma yn y Senedd. Credaf mai dyna un o'r sesiynau tystiolaeth mwyaf pwerus i mi eu cael ers imi fod yn Aelod o'r lle hwn, a hyd yn oed pan oeddwn yn gynghorydd. Roeddwn yn teimlo bod yn rhaid imi ymddiheuro y diwrnod hwnnw ar ran gwleidyddion Cymru am y ffordd roedd y bobl ifanc hynny wedi cael eu trin. Roeddwn yn teimlo cywilydd i fod yn Aelod o’r Senedd hon am y ffordd roeddem wedi gwneud cam â'r bobl ifanc hynny.
Ond yr hyn a oedd hefyd yn bwysig am y ddadl hon yn fy marn i, oedd—. Nodwyd gan randdeiliaid a nifer o bobl ifanc fod hwn yn fater roedd angen inni edrych arno, a gwn, gan y Dirprwy Weinidog Iechyd Meddwl, a oedd yma pan oedd yn Gadeirydd y pwyllgor plant a phobl ifanc, fod hyn yn rhywbeth a oedd yn glir yn yr adroddiad 'Cadernid Meddwl' a gafodd ei gyflwyno, ac rwy’n falch y bydd y Dirprwy Weinidog yn ymateb i’r ddadl hon heddiw.
Yr hyn a oedd yn amlwg yn ystod y sesiwn dystiolaeth oedd bod diffyg data ar draws ein prifysgolion yng Nghymru, ac os ydym am gyflawni’r newid sydd ei angen arnom, credaf fod angen i brifysgolion a Llywodraeth Cymru gael y data hwnnw wrth law, fel y gallwn ddeall sut mae llawer o bobl ifanc yn ei chael hi'n anodd yn ein prifysgolion, er mwyn sicrhau y gallwn roi cymorth ar waith, a dyna oedd un o’n hargymhellion yn yr adroddiad.
Yr hyn a ddaeth i’r amlwg hefyd oedd y materion sy’n wynebu ein myfyrwyr rhyngwladol. Gyda'r aelod o'r pwyllgor, Sioned Williams, ymwelais â phrifysgol Glyndŵr Abertawe, a chlywsom yn uniongyrchol gan fyfyrwyr rhyngwladol yno am yr heriau roeddent yn eu hwynebu, yn bennaf oherwydd materion diwylliannol a'u teimlad nad oeddent yn cael cefnogaeth i roi gwybod am broblem, oherwydd pe baent yn datgelu rhywbeth, nid oeddent yn siŵr sut y byddai hynny'n cael ei drin gan eu teuluoedd gartref neu gan fyfyrwyr eraill yno. Felly, mae llawer o waith angen ei wneud i gefnogi ein myfyrwyr rhyngwladol ledled Cymru er mwyn sicrhau eu bod yn cael eu cefnogi ac yn cael y cymorth sydd ei angen.
Mater arall a ddaeth i'r amlwg drwy’r adroddiad oedd y broses o bontio i addysg uwch, a myfyrwyr yn teimlo nad oeddent yn cael eu cefnogi wrth iddynt ddechrau mewn addysg uwch. Roedd llawer o fyfyrwyr â chyflyrau iechyd meddwl yn barod yn osgoi datgelu hynny i'r brifysgol, yn bennaf am nad oeddent yn teimlo bod cyfle i wneud hynny, ac mewn gwirionedd, nad oedd elfen iechyd meddwl y sesiwn sefydlu yn ddim mwy na sgwrs bum munud ar y diwedd. Dyna un sgwrs a gawsom, sef, 'Os oes gennych broblem, dewch i fy ngweld ar y diwedd,' ac nid oedd y myfyriwr dan sylw yn teimlo y gallent wneud hynny, gan y byddai hanner y dosbarth, a oedd yno, yn meddwl bod ganddynt broblem, ac nid dyna'r ffordd o wneud hynny. Felly, mae angen inni sicrhau ein bod yn cynorthwyo ein pobl ifanc i bontio i addysg uwch, a gwn fod hynny'n argymhelliad arall yn ein hadroddiad.
Yr hyn a oedd yn glir drwy’r ymchwiliad yn fy marn i, oedd yr angen am waith trawsadrannol rhwng y Gweinidog addysg yma a’r Dirprwy Weinidog Iechyd Meddwl. Rwy’n falch fod y Llywodraeth wedi derbyn argymhelliad 11, a byddai’n dda cael gwybod pa waith y mae’r Dirprwy Weinidog wedi’i ddechrau yn y gweithgor hwnnw a gweld sut rydych yn mynd i wella’r cymorth iechyd meddwl y mae ein pobl ifanc yn ei gael yn ein sefydliadau addysg uwch yng Nghymru. Roeddwn yn siomedig na dderbyniodd y Llywodraeth argymhelliad 13 yn llawn, lle roeddem yn galw am ddull system gyfan mewn addysg uwch, oherwydd pe baech yn dod â phopeth at ei gilydd, byddai’n helpu i ddarparu gwasanaeth gwell i’r bobl ifanc hynny yn ein sefydliadau, a hoffwn wybod mwy gan y Llywodraeth ynghylch pam nad ydynt yn credu bod angen hynny ar draws ein sefydliad yng Nghymru.
Rhywbeth arall a oedd yn sefyll allan i mi oedd y ddealltwriaeth rhwng sefydliadau addysg uwch a’n byrddau iechyd ynglŷn â sut maent yn gweithio gyda’i gilydd i helpu pobl, gan fod tystiolaeth arall a glywsom yn nodi bod y trothwyon o ran lefel yr ymyrraeth a chymorth rhwng sefydliadau addysg uwch a’r byrddau iechyd yn wahanol, a chredaf fod gwir angen mynd i'r afael â hynny, gan na allwn ddisgwyl i’n darlithwyr a’n hathrawon mewn prifysgolion ddod yn gwnselwyr ac yn weithwyr cymdeithasol i fyfyrwyr, pan ddylai'r cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt ddod drwy ein byrddau iechyd a'n gweithwyr proffesiynol sydd wedi’u hyfforddi yno i ddarparu’r cymorth hwnnw. Felly, hoffwn wybod beth mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i sicrhau mwy o synergedd rhwng y ddau beth.
Felly, ar y cyfan, credaf ei bod yn amlwg nad yw gwneud dim yn opsiwn. Mae gennym ddyletswydd i gefnogi pobl ifanc yn ein sefydliadau addysg uwch ledled Cymru, gan fod eu hiechyd meddwl yn bwysig iawn i’w cyrhaeddiad addysgol, ond mae angen inni eu cefnogi i ddod yn unigolion cyflawn er mwyn cael yr addysg o ansawdd da sydd ei hangen arnynt, a’r cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt mewn addysg uwch, a hefyd i’n staff addysgu hefyd, i sicrhau eu bod hefyd yn cael eu cefnogi a’u hyfforddi’n briodol i helpu pobl sy’n ceisio cymorth, ac i ymdrin â'r bobl ifanc sydd angen y cymorth hwnnw. Diolch yn fawr iawn, Ddirprwy Lywydd.
I'd like to begin by also thanking our superb Chair, Jayne Bryant, and also the clerking team and my colleagues on the committee. I think that we all worked incredibly closely together and with genuine individual and collective passion for the subject matter during this inquiry. I'd also like to thank every single person and individual that contributed during the course of the inquiry. In particular, I'd like to thank those young people, who, as Jayne Bryant has already said, spoke with us with such clarity and purpose, and with such insight and power. Their contribution was enormous, and we are very, very grateful for the candid discussion that took place during the course of the inquiry.
I'm just going to make a few points, if I may, Dirprwy Lywydd. Firstly, preparedness for transitions—transitions of any type—are absolutely vital. And I say this as somebody who experienced mental ill-health as a consequence of a lack of preparedness for higher education more than 20 years ago. Now, our report outlines how to improve and enhance learner preparedness, informed again by the voices of young people who contributed to the inquiry. And I hope that, if the Welsh Government embraces and really implements what we have presented, preparedness will soon reach the point that is required for seamless transition into higher education.
Now, I do share the disappointment of others concerning the Welsh Government's rejection of recommendation 33, which was formed, shaped and informed very clearly by young people themselves. I'm sure Ministers would agree that the voice of young people should be at the heart of policy making, wherever and however policy affects them. So, I would like further reasoning, as Jayne Bryant has requested, for rejecting recommendation 33. And I'd also urge Ministers to meet with those young people who gave evidence as part of 'Sort the Switch'.
Now, finally, I don't think that any committee member really expected Ministers to agree to our suggestion that both Ministers respond today. That you are responding together I think shows how the Welsh Government is genuinely working on a cross-portfolio basis, and I hope that your initiative sets a very healthy precedent for others in Government to follow. Diolch.
Hoffwn ddechrau drwy ddiolch i'n Cadeirydd gwych, Jayne Bryant, y tîm clercio a fy nghyd-aelodau o'r pwyllgor. Rwy'n credu ein bod i gyd wedi gweithio'n anhygoel o agos gyda'n gilydd a chydag angerdd gwirioneddol fel unigolion ac ar y cyd ynghylch y mater dan sylw yn ystod yr ymchwiliad hwn. Hoffwn ddiolch hefyd i bob unigolyn a gyfrannodd yn ystod yr ymchwiliad. Yn fwyaf arbennig, fel y mae Jayne Bryant wedi'i ddweud eisoes, hoffwn ddiolch i'r bobl ifanc a siaradodd â ni gyda'r fath eglurder a phwrpas, a chyda'r fath fewnwelediad a phŵer. Roedd eu cyfraniad yn enfawr, ac rydym yn ddiolchgar tu hwnt am y drafodaeth onest a gafwyd yn ystod yr ymchwiliad.
Rwyf am wneud ychydig o bwyntiau, os caf, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Yn gyntaf, mae parodrwydd ar gyfer pontio—pontio o unrhyw fath—yn gwbl hanfodol. Ac rwy'n dweud hyn fel rhywun sydd wedi profi afiechyd meddwl o ganlyniad i ddiffyg parodrwydd ar gyfer addysg uwch dros 20 mlynedd yn ôl. Nawr, mae ein hadroddiad yn amlinellu sut i wella parodrwydd dysgwyr, wedi'i lywio unwaith eto gan leisiau pobl ifanc a gyfrannodd at yr ymchwiliad. Ac os bydd Llywodraeth Cymru'n croesawu ac yn gweithredu'r hyn rydym wedi'i gyflwyno, rwy'n gobeithio y bydd parodrwydd yn cyrraedd y pwynt sydd ei angen ar gyfer sicrhau pontio di-dor i addysg uwch.
Nawr, rwy'n rhannu'r siom y mae eraill yn ei deimlo fod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi gwrthod argymhelliad 33, a gafodd ei ffurfio, ei siapio a'i lywio'n glir iawn gan bobl ifanc eu hunain. Rwy'n siŵr y byddai Gweinidogion yn cytuno y dylai llais pobl ifanc fod yn ganolog yn y broses o lunio polisïau, lle bynnag a sut bynnag y mae polisi'n effeithio arnynt. Felly, fel y mae Jayne Bryant wedi gofyn, hoffwn glywed ymhellach beth yw'r rhesymeg dros wrthod argymhelliad 33. A hoffwn annog y Gweinidogion hefyd i gyfarfod â'r bobl ifanc a roddodd dystiolaeth fel rhan o 'Sortiwch y Switsh'.
Nawr, yn olaf, nid wyf yn credu bod unrhyw aelod o'r pwyllgor wedi disgwyl i Weinidogion gytuno â'n hawgrym y dylai'r ddau Weinidog ymateb heddiw. Rwy'n credu bod y ffaith eich bod yn ymateb gyda'ch gilydd yn dangos sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithio o ddifrif ar sail drawsbortffolio, a gobeithio y bydd eich blaengarwch yn gosod cynsail iach iawn i Aelodau eraill yn y Llywodraeth ei ddilyn. Diolch.
Diolch i'r Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg am ddod â'r ddadl bwysig iawn, iawn yma i lawr y Senedd y prynhawn yma. Fel llefarydd iechyd Plaid Cymru, fel rhan o'r Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol, dwi, fel gymaint ohonoch chi, wedi treulio llawer iawn o amser yn trafod iechyd meddwl mewn cymaint o gyd-destunau gwahanol, ac yn eiddgar i ymestyn y drafodaeth i gyd-destunau gwahanol. Ond mae iechyd meddwl yn y cyd-destun yma heddiw yn un sy'n taro tant penodol iawn efo fi, nid oherwydd fy mhrofiadau i yn bersonol, ond oherwydd profiad erchyll teulu yn fy etholaeth i.
Mi oedd Mared Foulkes yn fyfyrwraig yn ei hail flwyddyn yn astudio fferylliaeth ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd pan gafodd hi e-bost awtomataidd gan y brifysgol yn dweud ei bod hi wedi methu ei harholiadau ac na fyddai hi'n cael symud ymlaen i'w thrydedd blwyddyn. Mi oedd y newyddion mor siomedig i'r ferch ifanc, alluog, ddisglair yma, y ffordd cafodd y newyddion ei dorri mor oeraidd, y teimlad bod y gefnogaeth gan y brifysgol yn amlwg mor annigonol, fod Mared wedi gweld dim opsiwn arall ond i gymryd ei bywyd hi ei hun. Dwi'n cofio Mared yn ferch fach, yr un oed â'm merch hynaf i. Mi oedd y digwyddiad yma nid yn unig yn dinistrio teulu a grŵp o ffrindiau, ond yn newyddion wnaeth dorri calonnau ar draws y gymuned yn Ynys Môn. Mi wnaeth o daro pawb, y tristwch o golli dynes ifanc mor dalentog, mor llawn o botensial, o dan amgylchiadau mor drychinebus, ac mae cymaint yn dal i gofio amdani hi.
Mi ddaeth wedyn yn amlwg bod y newyddion gan y peiriant awtomataidd wedi bod yn anghywir a'i bod hi, mewn gwirionedd, wedi pasio'r arholiadau, ac mae gwall oedd yr e-bost gwreiddiol, sy'n gwneud y stori'n fwy torcalonnus fyth. Ond mae achos Mared, fel lot o achosion o fyfyrwyr ifanc ledled Cymru, yn dyst o fethiant mewn dyletswydd i ofal, dwi'n credu. Pan fydd prifysgolion yn derbyn pobl ifanc i mewn i'w sefydliadau, mae'n rhaid sicrhau eu bod nhw yn deall mai pobl ifanc iawn, iawn ydyn nhw—ddim hyd yn oed yn 18 oed yn aml, fel dŷn ni wedi clywed yma y prynhawn yma—llawer yn symud oddi cartref am y tro cyntaf, a'r rhan helaeth yn dysgu sut i fyw yn annibynnol am y tro cyntaf. Ac mae'n rhaid i'r prifysgolion fod yna i'w cefnogi nhw drwy'r newidiadau yna.
Mae achos Mared, a sut y cafodd y newyddion ei dorri, heb unrhyw un o'r brifysgol yna i'w chefnogi hi ar y pryd, sut y cafodd newyddion sydd mor bwysig i fywydau pobl ifanc ei ryddhau heb ei siecio, i gyd yn enghreifftiau o fethiant i gael y lefel o ddyletswydd gofal yn ddigon gwydn. Mae'r teimladau, wrth gwrs, yn dal i fod mor gryf ag erioed i deulu Mared, ac mi fyddan nhw. A thra fy mod i'n croesawu bod prifysgolion yn trafod y testun yn fwy agored rŵan—a gwaith y pwyllgor, wrth gwrs, wedi annog cymaint ar hynny—mae yna'n dal cymaint i'w wneud. Dwi'n gwybod bod teulu Mared yn benderfynol y dylai model Bryste gael ei weithredu, fel bod cyfrifoldeb ar brifysgolion i roi gwybod i deulu os oes yna bryder am lesiant myfyriwr. Dwi'n gwybod bod yna safbwyntiau gwahanol ynglŷn â'r union fodel hwnnw, ond, y gwir ydy, mae'n rhaid i rieni a gofalwyr fod mor sicr ag y gallan nhw eu bod nhw yn rhoi eu plant nhw mewn amgylchiadau gofalgar pan fyddan nhw'n mynd i brifysgol.
Fe wnaf i grybwyll yn sydyn iawn rhai o'r elfennau yn ymwneud ag iechyd yn ehangach yn yr adroddiad. Dwi'n falch gweld bod y Llywodraeth yn agor i'r egwyddor o basborts, fydd yn galluogi pasio gwybodaeth iechyd meddwl heb orfod mynd trwy lwyth o rwystrau; falch hefyd fod y Llywodraeth wedi creu adroddiad am amseroedd aros CAMHS i bob un bwrdd iechyd, a'u bod nhw bellach yn creu cynlluniau datblygu. Mae'r rhain yn gamau cadarnhaol, dwi'n meddwl, sydd i'w croesawu. Ond i ni wir weld y newidiadau rydym ni'n dymuno eu gweld, mae'n rhaid gweithredu ym mhob maes o fewn y brifysgol, ac i wneud llesiant ac iechyd meddwl y myfyriwr yn ganolog i bob un penderfyniad, fel bod achosion fel un Mared ddim yn cael eu hailadrodd yma yng Nghymru eto.
Thank you to the Children, Young People and Education Committee for bringing forward this very, very important debate to the Senedd this afternoon. As the health spokesperson for Plaid Cymru, as part of the Health and Social Care Committee, I, like so many of you, have spent a great deal of time discussing mental health in so many different contexts. And I'm very eager to extend that discussion to different contexts too. But mental health in this context today is one that strikes a particular chord with me, not because of my own personal experiences, but because of the appalling experience of a family in my constituency.
Mared Foulkes was a student in her second year studying pharmacy in Cardiff University when she received an automated e-mail by the university telling her that she had failed her examinations and that she wouldn't proceed to her third year. The news was so disappointing to this young, intelligent, bright woman, the way that the news was shared in such a cold way, the feeling that the support was so insufficient, that Mared saw no other option but to take her own life. I remember Mared as a very young girl, the same age as my eldest daughter. This event didn't just shatter a family and a friendship group; it was news that broke hearts across the community on Anglesey. Everyone was affected by the sadness of losing a young woman who was so talented, so full of potential, under such terrible circumstances, and so many remember her.
It then became clear that the automated message was incorrect and that she had, truth be told, passed her examinations, and that the original e-mail was sent in error, which makes this story even more heartbreaking. But Mared's case, as with similar cases, is testimony to the failure to fulfil a duty of care. When universities accept young people into their institutions, they have to ensure that they understand that they are very, very young people—not even 18 years of age very often, as we've heard this afternoon—several of them are moving away from home for the first time, and many of them learning how to live independently for the first time. And the universities have to be there to support them through those changes.
Mared's case, and how the news was shared, without anyone from the university there to support her at the time, how the news that's so important to the lives of our young people was released without being checked, are all examples of a failure to hold that duty of care at a sufficiently resilient level. The feelings run as high for Mared's family as they always have done, and always will. Whilst I welcome the fact that universities are now discussing these issues more openly—and the committee's work has driven that openness—there is still so much to do. I know that Mared's family is determined that the recommendations made as a result of events at Bristol university will be implemented, so if there are concerns about the well-being and welfare of a student, they will be acted upon and families informed. I know that there are different views on how that model should be adopted, but parents and carers have to be as sure as possible that they send their children off to a caring environment when they go to university.
I'll mention very quickly some of the elements related to health in the report. I'm very pleased that the Government is open to the idea of passports, to share information with regard to mental health without having to go through many barriers. I'm also pleased that the Government has made produced a report on CAMHS waiting times for every health board and that development plans are being drawn up. These are positive developments that I think are to be welcomed. But, for us to see the changes that we do want to see, we have to take action in every area within universities, and place the welfare and mental health of students at the heart of every single decision, so that cases such as Mared's aren't repeated here in Wales again.
Galwaf ar Weinidog y Gymraeg ac Addysg, Jeremy Miles.
I call on the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, a dwi am ddiolch i'r pwyllgor am gyflwyno'r ddadl bwysig hon heddiw ac am lais y bobl ifanc yn yr ymchwiliad. Mae'r pwyllgor yn gwbl iawn bod yn rhaid inni sicrhau bod gan fyfyrwyr y cymorth sydd ei angen arnyn nhw i gynnal iechyd meddwl da. Dyna pam byddwn ni'n gweithio i sicrhau bod gan bob prifysgol yr adnoddau angenrheidiol i gefnogi iechyd meddwl myfyrwyr, gan gynnwys gwasanaethau cwnsela a rhaglenni cymorth seicolegol.
Rŷn ni'n croesawu gwaith Cyngor Cyllido Addysg Uwch Cymru, mewn partneriaeth â'r sector, i ddatblygu dull gweithredu strategol ac i ymgorffori iechyd a llesiant, gan gynnwys iechyd meddwl a dulliau mwy diogel rhag hunanladdiad yn eu polisïau a'u harferion. Rŷn ni newydd glywed gan Rhun ap Iorwerth ba mor bwysig mae'r gwaith penodol hwnnw.
Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I'd like to thank the committee for bringing forward this important debate and for the contribution of the young people to the inquiry. The committee is entirely right that we must ensure that students have the support that they need, to maintain good mental health. That's why we will be working to ensure that every university has the necessary resources to support student mental health, including counselling services and psychological support services.
We welcome the work of HEFCW, in partnership with the sector, to develop a strategic approach and to incorporate health and well-being, including mental health and safeguards from suicide in their policies and practices. We've just heard from Rhun ap Iorwerth just how important that work is.
The committee's report expressed concerns that students were not accessing everything they are entitled to financially. Earlier this year, we announced an additional £2.3 million to support universities' health and well-being strategies. We all know how financial pressures impact on mental health, so HEFCW were asked to prioritise developing and promoting financial services and advice, and to work together with student unions in reviewing the support provided. We are committed to supporting day-to-day living costs for students, and I'm sure Members will all have seen, and been pleased to have seen, that we were able to increase maintenance support by 9.4 per cent for the next academic year.
The committee report highlighted the importance of support for transition to higher education, and both James Evans and Ken Skates have raised that again in today's debate. We recognise the challenges faced during transitions between stages of education, which is why we've funded all universities, including the Open University, to work collaboratively to develop University Ready, a unique set of resources on making the transition into higher education. As the committee recommended, we also commissioned evaluation effectiveness of previously allocated COVID-19-related funding for post-16 education, and we await the outcomes of this report.
The establishment of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research gives us an opportunity to confront the challenges facing student mental health across both further and higher education. Addressing the point that Sioned Williams made, expressing her disappointment that we haven't accepted all recommendations in full, we've been mindful, in our response to the recommendations, that the opportunity to take further action will fall, in part, to the commission when it's fully operational next year. We're also conscious that, during the passage of the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022, the committee itself stressed the importance of ensuring that the commission operates at an arm's length from Welsh Government, which obviously we agree with as a Government. But I'm sure that the task of addressing the questions that Jayne Bryant raised, and also some of the points that Sioned Williams asked about, will be important considerations for the commission.
Nonetheless, it's because of the challenges identified by the sector and campaigners regarding student mental health that, last year, we were the first nation in the UK to legislate to ensure that tertiary education providers have proper processes, services and policies in place to support the welfare, well-being and safety of students and staff. The new registration and funding condition will be developed by the commission, and we anticipate that, in doing so, it will implement a number of the recommendations in the report, including sharing best practice, encouraging the delivery of appropriate training, and improving processes for disclosure and recording of student mental health conditions, all of which have been touched on in various ways today.
Regarding the point that Jayne Bryant raised in connection with recommendation 15, we expect that this will create a common framework for mental health support across tertiary education, making it clear to students the baseline that they can expect from providers in this area. I should say as well that the commission will also play an important part in ensuring greater co-ordination in service provision between providers in education and healthcare services. Buffy Williams and James Evans made an important point in relation to international students. Universities have a responsibility to ensure that information and advice provided by contracted agents is clear and up to date, so that prospective students can make fully informed decisions. This is a matter that I've met with the vice-chancellors to discuss. We are also working with HEFCW to ensure that international students are aware both of their rights and their responsibilities before accepting a university place, so that those decisions can be made in an informed way.
Over the coming months, we will look forward to taking forward the majority of the committee's recommendations, to ensure that students receive all the support that they need.
Mynegodd adroddiad y pwyllgor bryderon nad oedd myfyrwyr yn cael mynediad at bopeth y mae ganddynt hawl iddo yn ariannol. Yn gynharach eleni, fe wnaethom gyhoeddi £2.3 miliwn ychwanegol i gefnogi strategaethau iechyd a lles prifysgolion. Rydym i gyd yn gwybod sut mae pwysau ariannol yn effeithio ar iechyd meddwl, felly gofynnwyd i CCAUC flaenoriaethu datblygu a hyrwyddo cyngor a gwasanaethau ariannol, a chydweithio gydag undebau myfyrwyr i adolygu'r cymorth a ddarparir. Rydym wedi ymrwymo i gefnogi costau byw myfyrwyr o ddydd i ddydd, ac rwy'n siŵr y bydd yr Aelodau i gyd wedi gweld, ac yn falch o fod wedi gweld, ein bod wedi gallu cynyddu'r cymorth cynhaliaeth 9.4 y cant ar gyfer y flwyddyn academaidd nesaf.
Amlygodd adroddiad y pwyllgor bwysigrwydd cefnogaeth i bontio i addysg uwch, ac mae James Evans a Ken Skates wedi codi hynny eto yn y ddadl heddiw. Rydym yn cydnabod yr heriau a wynebir yn ystod y cyfnod pontio rhwng camau addysg, a dyna pam ein bod wedi ariannu pob prifysgol, gan gynnwys y Brifysgol Agored, i gydweithio i ddatblygu Barod ar gyfer Prifysgol, set unigryw o adnoddau ar bontio i addysg uwch. Fel yr argymhellwyd gan y pwyllgor, fe wnaethom gomisiynu gwerthusiad effeithiolrwydd hefyd o gyllid cysylltiedig â COVID-19 a ddyrannwyd yn flaenorol ar gyfer addysg ôl-16, ac rydym yn aros am ganlyniadau'r adroddiad hwn.
Mae sefydlu'r Comisiwn Addysg Drydyddol ac Ymchwil yn rhoi cyfle inni fynd i'r afael â'r heriau sy'n wynebu iechyd meddwl myfyrwyr ar draws addysg bellach ac uwch. I ymateb i'r pwynt a wnaeth Sioned Williams, yn mynegi ei siom nad ydym wedi derbyn pob argymhelliad yn llawn, rydym wedi cadw mewn cof yn ein hymateb i'r argymhellion y bydd y cyfle i gymryd camau pellach yn rhannol yn fater i'r comisiwn pan fydd yn gwbl weithredol y flwyddyn nesaf. Rydym hefyd yn ymwybodol, yn ystod taith Deddf Addysg Drydyddol ac Ymchwil (Cymru) 2022, fod y pwyllgor ei hun wedi pwysleisio pwysigrwydd sicrhau bod y comisiwn yn gweithredu hyd braich o Lywodraeth Cymru, ac yn amlwg rydym yn cytuno â hynny fel Llywodraeth. Ond rwy'n siŵr y bydd y dasg o fynd i'r afael â'r cwestiynau a gododd Jayne Bryant, a rhai o'r pwyntiau y gofynnodd Sioned Williams yn eu cylch, yn ystyriaethau pwysig i'r comisiwn.
Serch hynny, oherwydd yr heriau a nodwyd gan y sector ac ymgyrchwyr ynghylch iechyd meddwl myfyrwyr, ni oedd y genedl gyntaf yn y DU i ddeddfu, y llynedd, i sicrhau bod gan ddarparwyr addysg drydyddol brosesau, gwasanaethau a pholisïau priodol ar waith i gefnogi lles, llesiant a diogelwch myfyrwyr a staff. Bydd yr amod cofrestru ac ariannu newydd yn cael ei ddatblygu gan y comisiwn, ac rydym yn rhagweld, wrth wneud hynny, y bydd yn gweithredu nifer o'r argymhellion yn yr adroddiad, gan gynnwys rhannu arferion gorau, annog cyflwyno hyfforddiant priodol, a gwella prosesau ar gyfer datgelu a chofnodi cyflyrau iechyd meddwl myfyrwyr, ac mae pob un ohonynt wedi cael eu crybwyll mewn gwahanol ffyrdd heddiw.
Ar y pwynt a gododd Jayne Bryant mewn cysylltiad ag argymhelliad 15, disgwyliwn y bydd hyn yn creu fframwaith cyffredin ar gyfer cymorth iechyd meddwl ar draws addysg drydyddol, gan ei gwneud yn glir i fyfyrwyr beth yw'r llinell sylfaen y gallant ei disgwyl gan ddarparwyr yn y maes hwn. Dylwn ddweud y bydd y comisiwn hefyd yn chwarae rhan bwysig yn sicrhau mwy o gydlynu wrth ddarparu gwasanaethau rhwng darparwyr addysg a gwasanaethau gofal iechyd. Gwnaeth Buffy Williams a James Evans bwynt pwysig mewn perthynas â myfyrwyr rhyngwladol. Mae gan brifysgolion gyfrifoldeb i sicrhau bod gwybodaeth a chyngor a ddarperir gan asiantwyr dan gontract yn glir ac yn gyfredol, fel y gall darpar fyfyrwyr wneud penderfyniadau cwbl wybodus. Mae hwn yn fater rwyf wedi cyfarfod â'r is-gangellorion i'w drafod. Rydym hefyd yn gweithio gyda CCAUC i sicrhau bod myfyrwyr rhyngwladol yn ymwybodol o'u hawliau a'u cyfrifoldebau cyn derbyn lle mewn prifysgol, fel y gellir gwneud y penderfyniadau hynny mewn ffordd wybodus.
Dros y misoedd nesaf, byddwn yn edrych ymlaen at fwrw ymlaen â'r rhan fwyaf o argymhellion y pwyllgor, er mwyn sicrhau bod myfyrwyr yn derbyn yr holl gymorth sydd ei angen arnynt.
Ac yn awr, galwaf ar y Dirprwy Weinidog Iechyd Meddwl a Llesiant, Lynne Neagle.
And now, I call on the Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Well-being, Lynne Neagle.
Thank you, Deputy Llywydd. Can I thank you for the opportunity to speak in this debate, and can I also take this opportunity to thank the committee for their work on this important inquiry? The Minister for education and I have been taking a joint-ministerial approach to this. We have our joint oversight board, which is focused on delivering a whole-system approach to emotional mental health and well-being in schools, and I also recently convened and chair our ministerial higher education, further education mental health advisory group, to explore opportunities to enhance the offer within higher education and further education settings, and to inform the development of our successor mental health strategy for Wales.
I was pleased to see the recommendations from the committee that recognise the role of this group, and also the recommendation that post-16 students are an integral part of our new mental health strategy, and I'm happy to reaffirm that commitment today. I'm committed to continuing to strengthen our policy in this area and sustaining our investment in mental health to ensure that everyone, including students, can access support when it is needed. Next week, I will be making a statement on the implementation of our 111 press 2 service for urgent mental health advice and support. This new service is transformational, and I've asked officials to ensure that information is provided to the higher education and FE sectors, so that they can raise awareness of this and other mental health support with their students. This is one important development in relation to improving access, but I do, however, recognise that, for students, more work is needed. We have accepted in principle a range of recommendations to help students access primary care and to share health information, and several Members have made reference to that today.
Given the shortage of time that I've got, I'd like to use my remaining time to just respond to a few of the points that were made directly in the debate. Several Members raised the mental health university liaison service, and that recommendation was accepted in principle because of the work with the commission going on. But just to assure the Chamber that I have visited the service; I think it is an excellent service. I think there is something there about holding on to those young people, and we know that the transition to university is a time of vulnerability for young people, and we've both restated in our response our commitment to seeing that service rolled out. I think it is important to recognise that the success of the service in Cardiff also depends on the partnerships that exist with the local health board. So, that's something that we're going to have to actively work to replicate.
Laura, you referred to the reporting on the whole-school approach work. Just to clarify for the record that what we've committed to do is give annual updates to the committee on that, in line with the academic year. I would reiterate that we offered the committee the opportunity to send the Chair to be part of our new whole-school approach and whole-system approach delivery board, which will receive detailed updates on all these areas of work, and that option is very much open to the committee.
James, you asked for an update on the working group. It's early days for the working group; we've met twice. The focus is on trying to establish some quick wins around the issues that we've highlighted, but also, vitally, to identify issues in the new strategy.
If I can just turn now to 'Sort the Switch', Ken said that there's nothing more important than the voices of young people, and I absolutely agree, and that's why I came so quickly to the committee to listen to what you had heard from those young people. We also commissioned our own work from Tros Gynnal Plant with young people, which gave us the same messages. And I was absolutely clear with the committee that we know that there is more work to be done on transitions, and I am 100 per cent committed to doing that work. We've had the workshops with the health boards. I am going to be meeting young people to talk about the young person's passport, and I give you my commitment that we will improve transitions from children to adult mental health services.
Just to say on the rejection of that recommendation that 'Sort the Switch' is a very important report, aligned with the other reports that I referred to, but the recommendations were much broader than our current work plan, which is being prioritised to focus on those areas that will have the most impact. And an example of that is the recommendation around extending statutory advocacy, which is something we want to do but we can't do as an immediate priority.
I also wanted to let the committee know that officials are working closely with Mind Cymru, and they, in fact, support our current work programme. And, in fact, since the publication of their report, has refocused this ask of Welsh Government into four key asks: to listen to and act on the voices of young people in specialist CAMHS, and we are doing that; to make sure national guidance is delivered, and I was clear to the committee that this is about implementation and driving that implementation now; to support young people when they leave specialist CAMHS; and to change the way services are run to better involve young people's voices. And I believe the work that we're doing and the assurances I've given the committee about monitoring and a new framework to monitor delivery in this area will make sure that these things are delivered.
And just to assure the committee and Members in this Chamber, we are absolutely determined to get this right, and I would have taken the committee's hand off if they had made a different kind of recommendation, but hopefully that has clarified our position on that. Diolch.
Diolch yn fawr, Ddirprwy Lywydd. A gaf fi ddiolch i chi am y cyfle i siarad yn y ddadl hon, ac a gaf fi hefyd achub ar y cyfle i ddiolch i'r pwyllgor am eu gwaith yn yr ymchwiliad pwysig hwn? Mae'r Gweinidog addysg a minnau wedi mabwysiadu agwedd gyd-weinidogol tuag at hyn. Mae gennym ein bwrdd trosolwg ar y cyd, sy'n canolbwyntio ar ddarparu dull system gyfan o ymdrin ag iechyd meddwl a llesiant emosiynol mewn ysgolion, ac yn ddiweddar cynullais a chadeiriais grŵp cynghori'r gweinidog ar iechyd meddwl mewn addysg bellach ac addysg uwch, i archwilio cyfleoedd i wella'r cynnig o fewn lleoliadau addysg uwch ac addysg bellach, ac i lywio'r gwaith o ddatblygu ein strategaeth iechyd meddwl olynol i Gymru.
Roeddwn yn falch o weld argymhellion y pwyllgor sy'n cydnabod rôl y grŵp hwn, a hefyd yr argymhelliad fod myfyrwyr ôl-16 yn rhan annatod o'n strategaeth iechyd meddwl newydd, ac rwy'n hapus i ailddatgan yr ymrwymiad hwnnw heddiw. Rwyf wedi ymrwymo i barhau i gryfhau ein polisi yn y maes hwn a chynnal ein buddsoddiad ym maes iechyd meddwl er mwyn sicrhau bod pawb, gan gynnwys myfyrwyr, yn gallu cael gafael ar gymorth pan fo angen. Yr wythnos nesaf, byddaf yn gwneud datganiad ar weithredu ein gwasanaeth 111 dewis 2 ar gyfer cyngor a chymorth iechyd meddwl brys. Mae'r gwasanaeth newydd hwn yn drawsnewidiol, ac rwyf wedi gofyn i swyddogion sicrhau bod gwybodaeth yn cael ei darparu i'r sectorau addysg uwch ac addysg bellach, fel y gallant godi ymwybyddiaeth o'r gwasanaeth a chymorth iechyd meddwl arall ymysg eu myfyrwyr. Mae hwn yn un datblygiad pwysig mewn perthynas â gwella mynediad, ond rwy'n cydnabod bod angen gwneud mwy o waith mewn perthynas â myfyrwyr. Rydym wedi derbyn ystod o argymhellion mewn egwyddor i helpu myfyrwyr i gael mynediad at ofal sylfaenol ac i rannu gwybodaeth iechyd, ac mae sawl Aelod wedi cyfeirio at hynny heddiw.
O gofio bod amser yn brin, hoffwn ddefnyddio'r amser sy'n weddill i ymateb i ychydig o'r pwyntiau a wnaed yn uniongyrchol yn y ddadl. Mae sawl Aelod wedi crybwyll gwasanaeth cyswllt iechyd meddwl y prifysgolion, a derbyniwyd yr argymhelliad hwnnw mewn egwyddor oherwydd y gwaith sy'n mynd rhagddo gyda'r comisiwn. Ond er mwyn sicrhau'r Siambr fy mod wedi ymweld â'r gwasanaeth; rwy'n credu ei fod yn wasanaeth ardderchog. Rwy'n credu bod rhywbeth yno ynglŷn â dal gafael ar y bobl ifanc hynny, a gwyddom fod pontio i'r brifysgol yn adeg fregus i bobl ifanc, ac mae'r ddau ohonom wedi ailddatgan yn ein hymateb ein hymrwymiad i weld y gwasanaeth hwnnw'n cael ei gyflwyno. Rwy'n credu ei bod yn bwysig cydnabod bod llwyddiant y gwasanaeth yng Nghaerdydd hefyd yn dibynnu ar y partneriaethau sy'n bodoli gyda'r bwrdd iechyd lleol. Felly, mae hynny'n rhywbeth y bydd yn rhaid inni weithio ar ei efelychu.
Laura, fe gyfeirioch chi at adrodd ar waith y dull ysgol gyfan. Hoffwn egluro ar gyfer y cofnod mai'r hyn rydym wedi ymrwymo i'w wneud yw rhoi diweddariadau blynyddol i'r pwyllgor ar hynny, i gyd-fynd â'r flwyddyn academaidd. Hoffwn ailadrodd ein bod wedi cynnig cyfle i'r pwyllgor anfon y Cadeirydd i fod yn rhan o'n dull ysgol gyfan newydd a'n bwrdd cyflawni dull system gyfan, a fydd yn derbyn diweddariadau manwl ar yr holl feysydd gwaith hyn, ac mae'r opsiwn hwnnw'n agored iawn i'r pwyllgor.
James, fe wnaethoch ofyn am ddiweddariad ar y gweithgor. Mae'n ddyddiau cynnar ar y gweithgor; rydym wedi cyfarfod ddwywaith. Mae'r ffocws ar geisio sefydlu enillion cyflym gyda'r materion rydym wedi tynnu sylw atynt, ond hefyd, yn hanfodol, nodi materion sy'n codi yn y strategaeth newydd.
Os caf fi droi nawr at 'Sortiwch y Switsh', fe ddywedodd Ken nad oes dim yn bwysicach na lleisiau pobl ifanc, ac rwy'n cytuno'n llwyr, a dyna pam y deuthum i'r pwyllgor mor gyflym i wrando ar yr hyn roeddech chi wedi'i glywed gan y bobl ifanc hynny. Hefyd, fe wnaethom gomisiynu ein gwaith ein hunain gan Tros Gynnal Plant gyda phobl ifanc, a roddodd yr un negeseuon i ni. Ac roeddwn yn hollol glir gyda'r pwyllgor ein bod yn gwybod bod mwy o waith i'w wneud ar bontio, ac rwyf wedi ymrwymo 100 y cant i wneud y gwaith hwnnw. Rydym wedi cynnal y gweithdai gyda'r byrddau iechyd. Byddaf yn cyfarfod â phobl ifanc i siarad am y pasbort i bobl ifanc, ac rwy'n rhoi fy ymrwymiad i chi y byddwn yn gwella pontio rhwng gwasanaethau iechyd meddwl plant a gwasanaethau iechyd meddwl oedolion.
Ar wrthod yr argymhelliad hwnnw, hoffwn ddweud bod 'Sortiwch y Switsh' yn adroddiad pwysig iawn, sy'n cyd-fynd â'r adroddiadau eraill y cyfeiriais atynt, ond roedd yr argymhellion yn llawer mwy cyffredinol na'n cynllun gwaith presennol, sy'n cael ei flaenoriaethu i ganolbwyntio ar y meysydd a fydd yn cael yr effaith fwyaf. Ac enghraifft o hynny yw'r argymhelliad ynghylch ymestyn eiriolaeth statudol, sy'n rhywbeth rydym eisiau ei wneud ond ni allwn ei wneud fel blaenoriaeth ar unwaith.
Roeddwn eisiau rhoi gwybod i'r pwyllgor hefyd fod swyddogion yn gweithio'n agos gyda Mind Cymru, sy'n cefnogi ein rhaglen waith bresennol. Ac ers iddynt gyhoeddi eu hadroddiad, maent wedi ailffocysu'r alwad ar Lywodraeth Cymru yn bedair galwad allweddol: gwrando ar leisiau pobl ifanc mewn gwasanaethau CAMHS arbenigol a gweithredu arnynt, ac rydym yn gwneud hynny; sicrhau bod canllawiau cenedlaethol yn cael eu darparu, a dywedais yn glir wrth y pwyllgor fod hyn yn ymwneud â gweithredu a sbarduno'r gweithredu hwnnw nawr; cefnogi pobl ifanc pan fyddant yn gadael gwasanaethau CAMHS arbenigol; a newid y ffordd y mae gwasanaethau'n cael eu rhedeg i gynnwys lleisiau pobl ifanc yn well. Ac rwy'n credu y bydd y gwaith rydym yn ei wneud a'r sicrwydd rwyf wedi'i roi i'r pwyllgor ynghylch monitro a fframwaith newydd i fonitro'r ddarpariaeth yn y maes hwn yn sicrhau bod y pethau hyn yn cael eu cyflawni.
Ac er mwyn sicrhau'r pwyllgor a'r Aelodau yn y Siambr, rydym yn gwbl benderfynol o gael hyn yn iawn, a byddwn wedi bod yn ddig iawn wrth y pwyllgor pe bai wedi gwneud math gwahanol o argymhelliad, ond gobeithio bod hynny wedi egluro ein safbwynt ar hynny. Diolch.
Galwaf ar Gadeirydd y pwyllgor, Jayne Bryant, i ymateb i'r ddadl.
I call on the Chair of the committee, Jayne Bryant, to reply to the debate.
Diolch, Deputy Llywydd, and thank you, once again, to everybody who's taken part today in this debate. It's really very much appreciated, and I know that, for so many Members—or, I think, all Members—in this Chamber, it's something that we all very much care about. I realise that I don't have a lot of time to go through all of the points that have been made today, but we have heard from—. We started off hearing from Laura who talked about the importance of the number of undiagnosed and diagnosed students who are presenting at universities with mental health conditions, and the importance of the data sets to get that better understanding of where we are as well. So, thank you for that contribution, Laura.
Sioned mentioned the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research and some of the opportunities there, as well as mentioning the positive examples that we have heard about, and as we highlighted so strongly in our committee report and our recommendation on the mental health university liaison service. We thought incredibly well of that and we look forward to seeing how that progresses—very closely we’ll be following that.
We also heard then from Buffy, who talked about international students, and Buffy spoke very passionately about some of the experiences that international students have shared with her. This is something that, as a committee, we also heard from others on as well, and I was glad to hear the Minister touching on that in his response as well.
James mentioned 'Sort the Switch' and the powerful voices of those young people who we all heard, and also the visits that all Members went on to speak to young people across Wales. I think that was something that we took very seriously, and we’re very grateful to those young people who spoke to us at their place of study as well. James also talked about the cross-departmental working as well.
Rhun—very grateful for your contribution, and also for sharing the tragic circumstances of Mared’s death. I really appreciate you bringing that to us today, and our condolences to Mared’s family and her friends. Also, the importance that universities are out there to care and support, and I think that’s something that universities must remember—to put the mental health and well-being of their students at the heart of everything as well.
Thank you, then, to our Ministers, who both responded. As I say, they were very grateful for today, and this is a first—we don’t often have firsts, I feel, in the Chamber, but today was one of those. Thank you for your detailed responses in the short time that you both had, so we do appreciate that. The Minister for education talked about a strategic approach, and also how the commission provides an opportunity now, and also about the baseline that students will come to expect in terms of mental health and well-being, and what universities offer. Thank you for the words you said around international students as well, because I think that is really important.
Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Well-being, again, thank you for talking about the joint ministerial approach. I think that nothing shows that more than today’s response. And the importance, again, that everyone, including students, needs to know what support is available, and that they get that support when they need that support. We look forward to following that mental health university liaison service, and we will be keeping a close eye on this. I can’t say enough how much we feel as passionately as you about how good it is, and we look forward to that rolling out, hopefully. We hear what you’ve said about the work that needs to be done on transitions. We feel that and share your commitment on that, so diolch yn fawr, and thank you to everybody for contributing today. Diolch yn fawr.
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd, a diolch unwaith eto i bawb sydd wedi cymryd rhan yn y ddadl hon heddiw. Rydym yn werthfawrogol iawn, ac i gynifer o Aelodau—neu i'r holl Aelodau, rwy'n credu—yn y Siambr hon, rwy'n gwybod ei fod yn rhywbeth rydym i gyd yn malio'n fawr amdano. Rwy'n sylweddoli nad oes gennyf lawer o amser i fynd drwy'r holl bwyntiau sydd wedi'u gwneud heddiw, ond fe glywsom gan—. I ddechrau, clywsom gan Laura a siaradodd am bwysigrwydd nifer y myfyrwyr yn y prifysgolion sydd wedi cael diagnosis ac sydd heb gael diagnosis o gyflyrau iechyd meddwl, a phwysigrwydd y setiau data i gael gwell dealltwriaeth o'r sefyllfa hefyd. Felly, diolch am y cyfraniad hwnnw, Laura.
Soniodd Sioned am y Comisiwn Addysg Drydyddol ac Ymchwil a rhai o'r cyfleoedd yno, yn ogystal â sôn am yr enghreifftiau cadarnhaol y clywsom amdanynt, ac fel y gwnaethom nodi mor gryf yn adroddiad ein pwyllgor a'n hargymhelliad ar wasanaeth cyswllt iechyd meddwl y prifysgolion. Roeddem yn croesawu hwnnw'n fawr ac edrychwn ymlaen at weld sut mae hwnnw'n datblygu—byddwn yn dilyn hwnnw'n agos iawn.
Clywsom hefyd gan Buffy, a siaradodd am fyfyrwyr rhyngwladol, a siaradodd Buffy'n angerddol iawn am rai o'r profiadau y mae myfyrwyr rhyngwladol wedi'u rhannu gyda hi. Mae hyn yn rhywbeth rydym wedi'i glywed gan eraill hefyd, fel pwyllgor, ac roeddwn yn falch o glywed y Gweinidog yn cyffwrdd ar hynny yn ei ymateb hefyd.
Soniodd James am 'Sortiwch y Switsh' a lleisiau pwerus y bobl ifanc y clywodd pawb ohonom ganddynt, a hefyd ymweliadau'r holl Aelodau ledled Cymru i siarad â phobl ifanc. Rwy'n credu bod hynny'n rhywbeth roeddem yn gyfan gwbl o ddifrif yn ei gylch, ac rydym yn ddiolchgar iawn i'r bobl ifanc a siaradodd â ni yn eu mannau astudio hefyd. Soniodd James am y gwaith trawsadrannol hefyd.
Rhun—rwy'n ddiolchgar iawn am eich cyfraniad, a hefyd am rannu amgylchiadau trasig marwolaeth Mared. Rwy'n gwerthfawrogi'n fawr eich bod wedi codi hynny gyda ni heddiw, ac rydym yn cydymdeimlo â theulu a ffrindiau Mared. Hefyd, mae'n bwysig fod prifysgolion yno i ofalu a chefnogi, ac rwy'n credu bod hynny'n rhywbeth y mae'n rhaid i brifysgolion ei gofio—rhoi iechyd meddwl a llesiant eu myfyrwyr wrth wraidd popeth.
Diolch felly i'n Gweinidogion am ymateb. Fel rwy'n dweud, roeddent yn ddiolchgar iawn am heddiw, a dyma'r tro cyntaf—nid wyf yn teimlo ein bod yn gweld pethau'n digwydd am y tro cyntaf yn y Siambr yn aml, ond roedd heddiw'n un o'r rheini. Diolch i chi am eich ymatebion manwl yn yr amser byr a gawsoch eich dau, felly rydym yn gwerthfawrogi hynny. Siaradodd y Gweinidog addysg am ddull strategol, a hefyd sut mae'r comisiwn yn darparu cyfle nawr, a hefyd am y llinell sylfaen y bydd myfyrwyr yn dod i'w disgwyl o ran iechyd meddwl a llesiant, a'r hyn y mae prifysgolion yn ei gynnig. Diolch am y geiriau a ddywedoch chi am fyfyrwyr rhyngwladol hefyd, oherwydd rwy'n credu bod hynny'n bwysig iawn.
Ddirprwy Weinidog Iechyd Meddwl a Llesiant, unwaith eto, diolch i chi am siarad am y dull cyd-weinidogol. Nid wyf yn credu bod unrhyw beth yn dangos hynny'n fwy na'r ymateb heddiw. Ac mae'n bwysig, unwaith eto, fod pawb, gan gynnwys myfyrwyr, yn cael gwybod pa gymorth sydd ar gael, a'u bod yn cael y cymorth hwnnw pan fo angen y cymorth hwnnw arnynt. Rydym yn edrych ymlaen at ddilyn gwasanaeth cyswllt iechyd meddwl y prifysgolion, a byddwn yn cadw llygad barcud ar hyn. Ni allaf ddweud digon cymaint y teimlwn mor angerddol â chi ynglŷn â pha mor dda ydyw, ac edrychwn ymlaen at ei weld yn cael ei gyflwyno, gobeithio. Rydym yn clywed yr hyn rydych wedi'i ddweud am y gwaith sydd angen ei wneud mewn perthynas â phontio. Rydym yn cytuno ac yn rhannu eich ymrwymiad yn hynny o beth, felly diolch yn fawr, a diolch i bawb am gyfrannu heddiw. Diolch yn fawr.
Y cwestiwn yw a ddylid nodi adroddiad y pwyllgor. A oes unrhyw Aelod yn gwrthwynebu? Nac oes, felly derbynnir y cynnig yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.36.
The proposal is to note the committee's report. Does any Member object? No. The motion is therefore agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Derbyniwyd y cynnig yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.36.
Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Detholwyd y gwelliannau canlynol: gwelliant 1 yn enw Lesley Griffiths, a gwelliannau 2 a 3 yn enw Siân Gwenllian. Os derbynnir gwelliant 1, caiff gwelliant 2 ei ddad-ddethol.
The following amendments have been selected: amendment 1 in the name of Lesley Griffiths, and amendments 2 and 3 in the name of Siân Gwenllian. If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be deselected.
Eitem 7 heddiw yw dadl y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig ar anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, a galwaf ar Laura Anne Jones i wneud y cynnig.
Item 7 this afternoon is the Welsh Conservatives debate on additional learning needs, and I call on Laura Anne Jones to move the motion.
Cynnig NDM8294 Darren Millar
Cynnig bod y Senedd:
1. Yn nodi:
a) bod nifer y plant a phobl ifanc sy'n derbyn cymorth anghenion dysgu ychwanegol (ADY) wedi gostwng ers cyflwyno diwygiadau anghenion dysgu ychwanegol y llynedd;
b) bod oedi a heriau wrth gyflwyno diwygiadau ADY yn achosi loteri cod post mewn mynediad at gymorth ADY i ddysgwyr ledled Cymru; ac
c) bod ymchwil gan Gymdeithas Genedlaethol Prifathrawon Cymru wedi canfod bod 94 y cant o arweinwyr ysgolion yn dweud nad yw cyllid i ymdrin â phob agwedd ar ddeddfwriaeth ADY newydd yn ddigonol.
2. Yn galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i:
a) cynnal adolygiad brys o weithredu diwygiadau ADY;
b) cymryd camau brys i sicrhau bod plant ag ADY yn cael eu hadnabod a'u bod yn cael mynediad at gymorth yn gynt; ac
c) darparu cymorth ariannol ychwanegol yn uniongyrchol i ysgolion Cymru i sicrhau bod dysgwyr ag ADY yn gallu cael gafael ar y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt.
Motion NDM8294 Darren Millar
To propose that the Senedd:
1. Notes that:
a) the number of children and young people receiving additional learning (ALN) needs support has decreased since the introduction of additional learning needs reforms last year;
b) delays and challenges in the rollout of ALN reforms are causing a postcode lottery in access to ALN support for learners across Wales; and
c) research by the National Association of Head Teachers Cymru found that 94 per cent of school leaders reported that funding to cover all aspects of the new ALN legislation is not sufficient.
2. Calls on the Welsh Government to:
a) undertake an urgent review of the implementation of ALN reforms;
b) take urgent action to ensure that children with ALN are identified and provided with access to support sooner; and
c) provide additional financial support directly to Welsh schools to ensure that learners with ALN are able to access the support they need.
Cynigiwyd y cynnig.
Motion moved.
Diolch yn fawr, Deputy Presiding Officer. I’m honoured to open this both vital and timely debate this afternoon and move our motion tabled in the name of my colleague, Darren Millar.
I’m glad that the Welsh Conservatives have been able to use their time to host this debate today. I’ve stated my concerns to the Minister both in committee and on the floor of this Senedd several times in relation to what is happening on the ground in our schools with the implementation of the new—and, we agree, much needed—ALN reforms, and the lack of ALN provision. This isn’t a debate on whether reform was necessary—I think we can all agree that it was—but this is a debate to highlight the ever increasingly urgent situation we have in our schools, and that those children in urgent need of specialist, one-to-one ALN support within our classrooms in Wales just aren’t receiving it.
Llywydd, it’s not just the odd school affected by this. It’s not just the odd child. It’s every school and hundreds of children. As a Senedd, we can’t be okay that parental choice to have their children in mainstream education is being taken away due to the lack of provision and lack of ALN support for those who need it. Home schooling is a parental choice that many children flourish in, but being forced to home school due to resources not being there in mainstream education to help our children and young people where it's needed is not okay.
Diolch yn fawr, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Mae'n fraint cael agor y ddadl hanfodol ac amserol hon y prynhawn yma a gwneud y cynnig a gyflwynwyd yn enw fy nghyd-Aelod, Darren Millar.
Rwy'n falch fod y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig wedi gallu defnyddio'u hamser i gynnal y ddadl hon heddiw. Rwyf wedi datgan fy mhryderon wrth y Gweinidog yn y pwyllgor ac ar lawr y Senedd hon sawl gwaith mewn perthynas â'r hyn sy'n digwydd ar lawr gwlad yn ein hysgolion gyda gweithredu'r diwygiadau anghenion dysgu ychwanegol (ADY) newydd—a mawr eu hangen, rydym yn cytuno—a'r diffyg darpariaeth ADY. Nid dadl ynglŷn ag a oedd angen diwygio yw hon—rwy'n credu y gallwn i gyd gytuno fod angen diwygio—ond dadl i dynnu sylw at y sefyllfa gynyddol enbyd sydd gennym yn ein hysgolion, ac nad yw'r plant sydd angen cymorth ADY arbenigol un i un ar frys yn ein hystafelloedd dosbarth yng Nghymru yn ei gael.
Lywydd, nid ambell ysgol yn unig sy'n cael eu heffeithio gan hyn. Nid ambell blentyn yn unig ydyw. Mae'n cael effaith ar bob ysgol a channoedd o blant. Fel Senedd, ni allwn dderbyn bod dewis rhieni i'w plant fod mewn addysg brif ffrwd yn cael ei wadu iddynt oherwydd diffyg darpariaeth a diffyg cymorth ADY i'r rhai sydd ei angen. Dewis rhieni yw addysg yn y cartref, ac mae llawer o blant yn ffynnu wrth gael addysg o'r fath, ond nid yw'n iawn gorfodi rhieni i ddarparu addysg yn y cartref am nad yw'r adnoddau angenrheidiol ar gael lle mae eu hangen mewn addysg brif ffrwd i helpu ein plant a'n pobl ifanc.
Members from your own benches, Minister, share these concerns of seeing a rise in coming out of mainstream education because of these reasons. Every school that I've visited the length and breadth of Wales, without exception, have stated to me their concerns of not having sufficient moneys available to deliver the ALN support needed in their schools, both primary and secondary.
Teachers and school leaders were noticeably upset that they weren't able to supply their children with the support they need due to the massively overstretched budgets. This is, in part, due to directive after directive from this Welsh Government without the money to follow them to ensure delivery for things, in the most part, that are much needed in our schools and in education in Wales. The lack of money in schools to fulfil AL needs impacts not only those needing the specialised support, but everyone—all teachers, all pupils in that classroom.
Whilst waiting extraordinarily long waits for statements for children to come back, teachers are having to stretch themselves to teach a full class of pupils as well as having to attend to the very specific needs of one, two, three children in that classroom. That is an almost impossible situation, which means all pupils will miss out somehow through no fault of that teacher. Deputy Presiding Officer, children and young people in Wales have already missed enough schooling due to the pandemic and suffered enough from inadequate mental health support in our schools. This situation with ALN is causing unnecessary stress on our teachers, affecting their mental health, increasing their workload pressures, which must be considered by the Minister.
The Minister states that equity is important in the Government amendment—it is to all of us, but equality of opportunity to have the best education possible surely underpins all aspirations when making decisions in education in Wales. We need to absolutely ensure all schools have the tools they need to deliver the best education possible. It is not sustainable to have a situation where continuous directives are put on schools where the money doesn't follow. School budgets should not be at crisis point, where the fundamentals to ensuring the best education cannot be delivered because vital ALN staff cannot be afforded. I also think that the Welsh Government should seriously look at incorporating ALN training into all teacher training as a fundamental going forward, so we are able to utilise our workforce better.
I would now like to move to the Plaid Cymru amendments, which we will, of course, be supporting, and I thank you for raising such an important point as the need for bilingual support with ALN. We too recognise the urgent need to have this addressed, and, Deputy Presiding Officer, I hope that the Labour benches will join us both in supporting these amendments, supporting the Welsh language provision in this regard.
Moving to Labour's amendment, we unfortunately won't be supporting the Labour amendment today, not because we don't welcome the new reforms—as I said, this is not what this debate is about—but due to the Welsh Government's failure to recognise that extraordinary and rising delays and the challenges in the roll-out of ALN reforms, coupled with increased demands for ALN, are causing a postcode lottery in access to ALN support for learners across Wales. I must note our disappointment that your amendment to point 1 of our motion fails to recognise this concerning reality in schools across Wales. In fact, I would challenge the Minister to visit any school across Wales and for ALN provision to not be one of their top priorities and their top concerns.
By not amending point 2 of our motion, I'm assuming that the education Minister and the Welsh Government do recognise the urgency and will, therefore, be supporting our calls to increase direct funding to Welsh schools to plug this gap in provision that is clearly there right now. The extension of the implementation of the Act and the extra funding to education partners for ALN implementation until 2025 is welcome, but could the Minister in his response make it clear who these education partners are and where exactly this money is going? Thank you.
Deputy Presiding Officer, the major problem and reasons for this debate are that money, resources and expertise need to go to the front line now to ensure children are identified and statemented quickly enough and get the support that they need. That means to schools, who can identify these kids quicker than anyone else; they know their children, they know their needs, they know how to help, before any official diagnosis is made. We all recognise new ALN reforms are making steady progress, and, of course, there is naturally going to be a difficult period of transition, but, Minister, what about those learners slipping through the net right now? What about all the children and young people not getting the education they deserve right now? What about all the disruption caused to all pupils' education and the impact on teachers' well-being and their ability to teach? The current situation in our schools is worrying, and therefore it's disappointing that it's taken our opposition debate to get some real action and movement on this. But at least, if the Government are saying that they recognise the need, we will hopefully now see real action on this going forward.
As set out in our motion, without significant increase in funding on top of what's already been promised, directly to schools, more and more of our children's education will be negatively impacted. Surely this is the last thing we want to happen in Wales. Alongside the all-important funding and training, we need an urgent review of the current implementation of the ALN reforms, and I'm glad that the Minister, in a letter dated yesterday, has said that this review will happen. I look forward to the Estyn thematic review in September 2023, which will also indicate whether the needs of ALN are being met, but the Government also need to recognise that urgent action needs to be taken now. We cannot wait to hear the findings of that review, so that we can truly get to the bottom of these issues that schools are facing with the implementation, and plug the gaps to ensure that we are giving our children in Wales the very best opportunities to succeed. So, I look forward to hearing speeches from across the Chamber today and to the Minister's response, and I would ask you all to support our motion today. Diolch.
Weinidog, mae Aelodau ar eich meinciau eich hun yn rhannu’r pryderon hyn ynglŷn â'r cynnydd yn y nifer sy'n gadael addysg brif ffrwd oherwydd y rhesymau hyn. Mae pob ysgol yr ymwelais â hi ledled Cymru, yn ddieithriad, wedi nodi eu pryderon wrthyf ynghylch diffyg arian i ddarparu’r cymorth ADY sydd ei angen yn eu hysgolion, ysgolion cynradd ac uwchradd fel ei gilydd.
Roedd athrawon ac arweinwyr ysgolion yn amlwg yn siomedig nad oeddent yn gallu rhoi'r cymorth y maent ei angen i'w plant am fod eu cyllidebau o dan ormod o bwysau. Mae hyn, yn rhannol, o ganlyniad i gyfarwyddeb ar ôl cyfarwyddeb gan y Llywodraeth Cymru hon heb arian i'w canlyn i sicrhau bod pethau y mae eu hangen yn fawr yn ein hysgolion ac ym myd addysg yng Nghymru yn cael eu darparu. Mae’r diffyg arian mewn ysgolion i gyflawni dysgu ychwanegol yn effeithio nid yn unig ar y rhai sydd angen cymorth arbenigol, ond ar bawb—pob athro, pob disgybl yn yr ystafell ddosbarth honno.
Wrth aros am amser hir i ddatganiadau plant ddod yn ôl, mae athrawon yn gorfod ymlafnio i addysgu dosbarth llawn o ddisgyblion yn ogystal â gorfod rhoi sylw i anghenion penodol iawn un, dau, tri o blant yn y dosbarth hwnnw. Mae honno’n sefyllfa bron yn amhosibl, sy’n golygu y bydd pob disgybl ar eu colled mewn rhyw ffordd neu'i gilydd heb unrhyw fai ar yr athro. Ddirprwy Lywydd, mae plant a phobl ifanc yng Nghymru eisoes wedi colli digon o addysg oherwydd y pandemig ac wedi dioddef digon o ganlyniad i gymorth iechyd meddwl annigonol yn ein hysgolion. Mae’r sefyllfa hon gydag ADY yn rhoi straen diangen ar ein hathrawon, gan effeithio ar eu hiechyd meddwl, gan gynyddu eu llwythi gwaith, sy'n rhywbeth y mae’n rhaid i’r Gweinidog ei ystyried.
Mae’r Gweinidog yn datgan bod tegwch yn bwysig yng ngwelliant y Llywodraeth—mae'n bwysig i bob un ohonom, ond yn sicr mae cyfle cyfartal i gael yr addysg orau bosibl yn sail i bob dyhead wrth wneud penderfyniadau addysg yng Nghymru. Mae angen inni sicrhau bod gan bob ysgol yr adnoddau sydd eu hangen arnynt i ddarparu'r addysg orau bosibl. Nid yw'n gynaliadwy cael sefyllfa lle mae cyfarwyddebau parhaus yn cael eu rhoi i ysgolion heb arian i'w dilyn. Ni ddylai cyllidebau ysgolion fod mewn argyfwng, lle na ellir darparu’r hanfodion i sicrhau’r addysg orau am na ellir fforddio staff ADY hanfodol. Credaf hefyd y dylai Llywodraeth Cymru edrych o ddifrif ar ymgorffori hyfforddiant ADY fel elfen sylfaenol o hyfforddiant athrawon yn y dyfodol, er mwyn inni allu defnyddio ein gweithlu’n well.
Hoffwn ganolbwyntio nawr ar welliannau Plaid Cymru, y byddwn yn eu cefnogi wrth gwrs, a diolch am godi pwynt mor bwysig â'r angen am gymorth dwyieithog gydag ADY. Rydym ninnau hefyd yn cydnabod yr angen dybryd i roi sylw i hyn, a Ddirprwy Lywydd, rwy'n gobeithio y bydd y meinciau Llafur yn ymuno â ni i gefnogi’r gwelliannau hyn, gan gefnogi’r ddarpariaeth Gymraeg yn hyn o beth.
Gan symud at welliant Llafur, yn anffodus, ni fyddwn yn cefnogi gwelliant Llafur heddiw, nid am nad ydym yn croesawu’r diwygiadau newydd—fel y dywedais, nid dadl am hynny yw hon—ond oherwydd methiant Llywodraeth Cymru i gydnabod bod oedi eithriadol a chynyddol a’r heriau wrth gyflwyno diwygiadau ADY, ynghyd â’r galw cynyddol am ADY, yn achosi loteri cod post o ran mynediad at gymorth ADY i ddysgwyr ledled Cymru. Mae'n rhaid imi nodi ein siom nad yw eich gwelliant i bwynt 1 yn ein cynnig yn cydnabod y realiti hwn sy’n peri cymaint o bryder mewn ysgolion ledled Cymru. A dweud y gwir, byddwn yn herio’r Gweinidog i ymweld ag unrhyw ysgol ledled Cymru lle nad yw'r ddarpariaeth ADY yn un o’u prif flaenoriaethau a’u prif bryderon.
Drwy beidio â diwygio pwynt 2 yn ein cynnig, rwy’n cymryd bod y Gweinidog addysg a Llywodraeth Cymru yn cydnabod y brys ac y byddant, felly, yn cefnogi ein galwadau i gynyddu cyllid uniongyrchol i ysgolion Cymru er mwyn cau’r bwlch amlwg yn y ddarpariaeth ar hyn o bryd. Mae ymestyn gweithrediad y Ddeddf a’r cyllid ychwanegol i bartneriaid addysg ar gyfer gweithredu ADY tan 2025 yn gam i’w groesawu, ond a allai’r Gweinidog nodi'n glir yn ei ymateb pwy yw’r partneriaid addysg hyn ac i ble'n union y mae’r arian hwn yn mynd? Diolch.
Ddirprwy Lywydd, y broblem fawr a’r rhesymau dros y ddadl hon yw bod angen i arian, adnoddau ac arbenigedd fynd i’r rheng flaen nawr er mwyn sicrhau bod plant yn cael eu nodi ac y gwneir datganiadau ar eu cyfer yn ddigon cyflym, a'u bod yn cael y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt. Golyga hynny, i ysgolion, sy'n gallu nodi'r plant hyn yn gyflymach nag unrhyw un arall; maent yn adnabod eu plant, maent yn ymwybodol o'u hanghenion, maent yn gwybod sut i helpu, cyn i unrhyw ddiagnosis swyddogol gael ei wneud. Mae pob un ohonom yn cydnabod bod diwygiadau ADY newydd yn gwneud cynnydd cyson, ac wrth gwrs, mae'n naturiol y bydd y cyfnod pontio'n anodd, ond Weinidog, beth am y dysgwyr sy’n llithro drwy’r rhwyd nawr? Beth am yr holl blant a phobl ifanc nad ydynt yn cael yr addysg y maent yn ei haeddu nawr? Beth am yr holl darfu ar addysg pob disgybl a’r effaith ar les athrawon a’u gallu i addysgu? Mae’r sefyllfa bresennol yn ein hysgolion yn peri pryder, ac felly mae’n siomedig ei bod wedi cymryd dadl gwrthblaid i gymell gweithredu go iawn ar hyn. Ond o leiaf, os yw’r Llywodraeth yn dweud eu bod yn cydnabod yr angen, gobeithio y gwelwn weithredu go iawn ar hyn wrth symud ymlaen.
Fel y nodir yn ein cynnig, heb gynnydd sylweddol mewn cyllid yn ychwanegol at yr hyn a addawyd eisoes, yn uniongyrchol i ysgolion, bydd mwy a mwy o effaith negyddol ar addysg ein plant. Dyma’r peth olaf rydym am ei weld yn digwydd yng Nghymru. Ochr yn ochr â’r cyllid a’r hyfforddiant hollbwysig, mae arnom angen adolygiad brys o weithrediad presennol y diwygiadau ADY, ac rwy’n falch fod y Gweinidog wedi dweud mewn llythyr ddoe y bydd yr adolygiad hwn yn mynd rhagddo. Edrychaf ymlaen at adolygiad thematig Estyn ym mis Medi 2023, a fydd hefyd yn dangos a yw anghenion ADY yn cael eu diwallu, ond mae angen i’r Llywodraeth gydnabod hefyd fod angen rhoi camau brys ar waith nawr. Ni allwn aros i glywed canfyddiadau’r adolygiad hwnnw, fel y gallwn fynd at wraidd y problemau y mae ysgolion yn eu hwynebu gyda gweithredu, a llenwi’r bylchau i sicrhau ein bod yn rhoi’r cyfleoedd gorau posibl i’n plant yng Nghymru lwyddo. Felly, edrychaf ymlaen at glywed areithiau o bob rhan o’r Siambr heddiw ac at ymateb y Gweinidog, ac rwy'n gofyn i bob un ohonoch gefnogi ein cynnig heddiw. Diolch.
Rwyf wedi dethol y tri gwelliant i’r cynnig. Os derbynnir gwelliant 1, caiff gwelliant 2 ei ddad-ddethol. Galwaf ar Weinidog y Gymraeg ac Addysg i gynnig yn ffurfiol welliant 1, a gyflwynwyd yn enw Lesley Griffiths.
I have selected the three amendments to the motion. If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be deselected. I call on the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language to move formally amendment 1, tabled in the name of Lesley Griffiths.
Gwelliant 1—Lesley Griffiths
Dileu pwynt 1 a rhoi yn ei le:
Yn nodi bod
Estyn wedi canfod bod cynnydd cyson tuag at roi’r diwygiadau ADY ar waith a bod y newidiadau yn cael eu croesawu'n gyffredinol.
ymchwil yn canfod bod y Cwricwlwm i Gymru a’r cod ADY yn hyrwyddo ffocws ar degwch a chynwysoldeb i bob dysgwr.
cyfnod gweithredu’r diwygiadau ADY wedi'i ymestyn er mwyn sicrhau bod teuluoedd yn cael y cymorth gorau posibl, a’r cyllid gweithredu wedi cynyddu er mwyn helpu i gynllunio ar gyfer diwallu anghenion dysgwyr unigol.
Amendment 1—Lesley Griffiths
Delete point 1 and replace with:
Notes that:
Estyn finds that ALN implementation is making steady progress and changes are generally welcomed.
research finds that the Curriculum for Wales and ALN code are promoting a focus on equity and inclusivity for all learners.
the ALN implementation period has been extended to ensure that families receive the best support possible, and implementation funding increased to help plan for meeting individual learner need.
Cynigiwyd gwelliant 1.
Amendment 1 moved.
Ffurfiol.
Formally.
A galwaf ar Heledd Fychan i gynnig gwelliannau 2 a 3, a gyflwynwyd yn enw Siân Gwenllian.
And I call on Heledd Fychan to move amendments 2 and 3, tabled in the name of Siân Gwenllian.
Gwelliant 2—Siân Gwenllian
Mewnosoder ar ddiwedd is-bwynt 1(b):
gyda phrinder penodol o ddarpariaeth Gymraeg.
Amendment 2—Siân Gwenllian
Insert at end of sub-point 1(b):
with a particular shortage of Welsh-language provision.
Gwelliant 3—Siân Gwenllian
Mewnosod fel is-bwynt newydd ar ddiwedd pwynt 2:
cymryd camau ar unwaith i leddfu pryderon gan ddarparwyr cyfrwng Cymraeg ynghylch argaeledd adnoddau Cymraeg i gefnogi gwaith ADY, a sicrhau bod yr holl adnoddau'n cael eu cyhoeddi'n ddwyieithog.
Amendment 3—Siân Gwenllian
Insert as new sub-point at end of point 2:
take immediate action to alleviate concerns from Welsh-medium providers regarding the availability of Welsh language resources to support ALN work, and ensure all resources are published bilingually.
Cynigiwyd gwelliannau 2 a 3.
Amendments 2 and 3 moved.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Dirprwy Lywydd, ac dwi’n falch o glywed y bydd y Ceidwadwyr yn cefnogi'r gwelliannau hynny. Dwi hefyd yn ddiolchgar iawn eich bod chi wedi cyflwyno’r ddadl. Mae o’n bwnc eithriadol o bwysig i nifer o’n hetholwyr ni. Yn wir, mi ges i ddau deulu ddoe yn cysylltu efo fi, a ddim yn gwybod bod y ddadl hon yn digwydd heddiw yn y Senedd. Mae o’n fater sy’n fyw iawn. A siarad gyda nifer o’m cyd-Aelodau, dwi’n gwybod bod gennym ni i gyd waith achos yn gysylltiedig â hyn a’r diffygion sydd yna o fewn y system bresennol. Ac fel roedd Laura Anne Jones yn ei amlinellu, rydym ninnau, hefyd, yn cefnogi’r diwygiadau gan Lywodraeth Cymru. Mae dirfawr eu hangen nhw, ac rydym ni yn deall bod yna heriau aruthrol o ran cyrraedd yr uchelgais; rydym ni’n gwybod bod gweithlu yn her aruthrol, ond rydym ni hefyd yn credu bod yna le i wella’r ddarpariaeth, a bod yn onest, o ran rhai o’r methiannau sydd ar y funud.
Heb os, er gwaethaf y diwygiadau yma, mae yna bryderon dybryd gan nifer o deuluoedd, athrawon, undebau, a’r sector addysg ehangach ynglŷn â darpariaeth anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yng Nghymru. Dwi’n clywed yn aml am ddiffygion o ran y gefnogaeth sydd ar gael, problemau mae ysgolion yn eu cael efo cael y cyllid digonol i ddarparu’r gefnogaeth angenrheidiol, fel yr amlinellwyd yn barod, ac, mewn rhai achosion, fod rhieni wedi gwneud y penderfyniad i addysgu o gartref oherwydd bod y system addysg yn methu â diwallu anghenion plentyn neu berson ifanc. Mae o'n rhywbeth rydym ni wedi bod yn ei drafod o weld absenoldebau ysgol yn mynd yn uwch ac ati. Pan oedden ni’n trafod dysgu o adref dim ond wythnos diwethaf yn y Siambr, mae hwn yn broblem, ac mae o’n effeithio fwyaf ar ferched, sydd yn gorfod rhoi’r gorau i’w swyddi ac ati i fod yn addysgu o gartref. Mae o’n fater o gydraddoldeb hefyd, a dwi’n meddwl bod yn rhaid inni edrych arno o ran hynny.
Fel y soniwyd yn barod, hefyd, mae’r ddarpariaeth ar y funud yn un sy’n digwydd ar hap, sy’n ddibynnol ar eich cod post, ac mae hynny’n arbennig o wir pan fo’n dod i ddarpariaeth cyfrwng Cymraeg, gyda’r mynediad at ddarpariaeth a chefnogaeth anghenion dysgu ychwanegol addas yn amrywio’n fawr hyd yn oed o fewn y rhanbarth dwi’n ei gynrychioli yng Nghanol De Cymru.
Fel nodwyd yn y papur a gyhoeddwyd ar y cyd gan Gomisiynydd y Gymraeg a’r Comisiynydd Plant Cymru ar 1 Mehefin—dwi’n gobeithio y bydd y Gweinidog efallai yn gallu ymateb i’r papur hwnnw; dwi’n siŵr eich bod wedi ei weld o ers iddo fo gael ei gyhoeddi yn Eisteddfod yr Urdd—o dan Gonfensiwn y Cenhedloedd Unedig ar Hawliau’r Plentyn, mae gan blant yr hawl i dderbyn addysg yn eu hiaith eu hunain, ac maen nhw’n mynd ymlaen i ddweud yn yr adroddiad fod tystiolaeth yn dangos bod ffordd bell i fynd er mwyn sicrhau cyfundrefn addysg ADY cyfrwng Cymraeg, ac mae’n nhw’n dweud bod yna heriau sylweddol. Ond yr hyn dwi’n meddwl oedd yn frawychus, ond ddim yn sioc i neb ohonom ni, oherwydd ei fod o'n rhywbeth rydym ni wedi ei glywed yn yr adroddiad, ydy, os caf i ddyfynnu:
'Naill ai mae disgyblion cyfrwng Cymraeg yn gorfod derbyn cefnogaeth drwy gyfrwng y Saesneg, yn methu â chael y gefnogaeth y mae ei hangen arnynt, neu mae’r dysgwyr sydd ag ADY mwy cymhleth yn dewis addysg cyfrwng Saesneg o’r cychwyn gan eu bod eisoes yn ymwybodol o ddiffyg cefnogaeth cyfrwng Cymraeg.'
Wel, yn chwe mis diwethaf, mae tri theulu gwahanol wedi dod ataf i fel Aelod rhanbarthol i godi'r union fater hwn. Mae un teulu wedi symud ysgol a derbyn addysg cyfrwng Saesneg yn erbyn eu hewyllys oherwydd eu cred bod y gwasanaeth cyfrwng Saesneg yn fwy addas, ac mae eraill wedi gorfod newid iaith yr aelwyd neu symud i ardal awdurdod lleol arall. Dydy hyn ddim yn dderbyniol. Gwyddom hefyd fod tystiolaeth bod plant sydd ag anghenion cyfathrebu mewn ieithoedd eraill, gan gynnwys BSL ac iaith arwyddo, hefyd yn dioddef o ddiffyg darpariaeth digonol.
Fel roeddwn i'n ei ddweud ar y dechrau, rydym ni'n gwybod bod yna heriau o ran y gweithlu ac ati, ond un o'r problemau rydym ni hefyd yn ei chael—a dwi dal i'w glywed o pan fyddaf yn cael ymatebion gan rai awdurdodau lleol—ydy does yna ddim galw am y ddarpariaeth yma yn y Gymraeg. Dwi'n gwrthod derbyn bod hynny'n wir, oherwydd dydy'r gwaith achos sydd yn dod i fy swyddfa ddim yn adlewyrchu hynny. Dwi'n meddwl bod yna heriau daearyddol ac ati, ond y gwir amdani os nad ydym ni'n rhoi'r cyfle cyfartal i bawb—mae'r Gweinidog yn aml yn dweud bod yr iaith Gymraeg yn perthyn i bawb, ac mae hi, ond os ydym ni eisiau sicrhau bod pob plentyn a pherson ifanc yn gallu cael mynediad at yr iaith, yna mae diwallu'r anghenion hyn o ran y dewis iaith yn eithriadol o bwysig. A dwi'n meddwl pan ydym ni'n sôn am bobl yn gorfod symud i awdurdod lleol arall neu newid iaith yr aelwyd, mewn Cymru fodern, lle mae gennym ni darged o filiwn o siaradwyr Cymraeg erbyn 2050, mae'n rhywbeth y mae'n rhaid inni gael datrysiadau iddo fo.
Felly, diolch i chi am ddod â hyn gerbron. Mae yna waith i'w wneud, ond, yn fwy na dim, dwi eisiau gwybod beth ydy'r datrysiadau a sut rydym ni'n mynd i sicrhau bod pob plentyn a pherson ifanc yn cael y gefnogaeth sydd ei angen arnynt.
Thank you very much, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I'm very pleased to hear that the Conservatives will be supporting those amendments. I'm also very grateful that you have put forward this debate. It is an exceptionally important issue for a number of our constituents. Indeed, I had two families yesterday contacting me, and they didn't know that this debate was happening today in the Senedd. It is a very live issue. And speaking to many of my fellow Members, I know that we all have casework related to these issues and the deficiencies that there are within the current system. And as Laura Anne Jones outlined, we, too, support the reforms by the Welsh Government. They're very much needed and we do understand that there are major challenges in terms of achieving the ambition; we know that the workforce is a huge challenge, but we also believe that there is room for improvement in the provision, to be honest, about some of the failings that there are at present.
Without a doubt, despite these reforms, there are major concerns by a number of families, unions, teachers and the wider sector about the provision in terms of additional learning needs in Wales. I hear very often about deficiencies in the support available, problems that schools have with receiving sufficient funding to provide the support needed, as already outlined, and, in some cases, that parents have made the decision to educate at home because the education system can't meet the needs of a child or young person. It's something that we have been discussing in seeing absences from school increasing. When we discussed education at home, just last week in the Siambr, this is an issue, and it does have an impact mostly on women, who have to give up their jobs to educate at home. It is a matter of equality too, and I think that we do need to look at that aspect of it too.
As already mentioned, the provision at present is one that happens at random, almost—it depends on your postcode—and that's particularly true when it comes to Welsh-medium provision, with access to suitable additional learning needs provision and support varying widely even within the region that I represent in South Wales Central.
As outlined in the paper published jointly by the Welsh Language Commissioner and the Children's Commissioner for Wales on 1 June—I hope that the Minister perhaps will be able to respond to that paper; I'm sure that you have seen it since it was published at the Urdd Eisteddfod—under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have the right to receive education in their own language, and they go on to say in the report that evidence shows that there is a long way to go to ensure an education system through the medium of Welsh with regard to ALN, and they say that there are major challenges. But I think that what was frightening, but wasn't a shock perhaps to any of us, because it is something we have already heard in the report, is, if I may quote:
'Either Welsh-medium learners must receive support through the medium of English, do not receive the support required, or, as in the case of some learners with more complex needs, choose English medium education from the outset, as they are already aware of the lack of Welsh-medium ALN support.'
Well, in the past six months, three different families have come to me as a regional Member to raise these exact issues. One family has moved school and has received English-medium education against their wishes because they believe that the English-medium service is more appropriate for their child; others have had to change the language spoken at home or have had to move to another local authority area. This is not acceptable. We also know that there is evidence that children with communication needs in other languages, including BSL, are also suffering from a lack of adequate provision.
As I said at the beginning, we know that there are challenges in terms of the workforce and so on, but one of the issues that we also hear about—and I still hear about it when I get responses from some local authorities—is that there is no demand for this provision through the medium of Welsh. I refuse to accept that that is the case, because the casework that reaches my office doesn't reflect that. I think that there are geographical challenges and so on, but the truth is if we don't provide equal opportunities for everyone—and the Minister frequently says that the Welsh language belongs to everyone, and it does, but if we do want to ensure that every child and young person can access the Welsh language, then meeting these needs in terms of language choice is particularly important. And I think when we're talking about people having to move to another local authority area or to change the household language, in a modern Wales, where we have a target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050, that is something that we do have to find solutions for.
So, I thank you for bringing this issue forward. There is work to be done, but, more than anything, I want to know exactly what the solutions are and how we will ensure that every child and young person can receive the support that they need.
I was motivated to join this debate because I absolutely think that the Welsh Conservatives are framing it in the wrong way. Of course the number of children and young people receiving ALN support has decreased, because the system by which we evaluate it has changed. There isn't any longer a perverse incentive to spend huge amounts of time and resources pursuing financial support, filling in forms and getting assessment after assessment, because that is no longer the way in which we're doing this. So, schools have to own the pupils that they have with them and there's absolutely no justification for continuing to chase the money, rather than getting on with making reasonable adjustments to pupils' individual needs.
You argue in your motion that there's a postcode lottery for support for learners. I haven't heard the evidence yet, and I'd like to see it, because, obviously, were that to be the case, we'd need to be very worried. You quote a report that's nearly two years old that 94 per cent of school leaders report that there's not enough money for this, but I would remind you that the Welsh Government's budget is £1 billion short this year, and therefore there isn't a huge amount of new money going around.
I have yet to understand the need for an urgent review so soon after the ALN system has been established. It is, after all, only 18 months and five terms that this new system has been in place, and, certainly, school governors are still getting their heads around their new responsibilities. Yes, some staff, particularly in secondary schools, we learn from Estyn, are unclear about their individual responsibilities, and that's obviously a concern if teaching and learning is not appropriately shaped to meet the needs of the pupils in front of them.
So, I absolutely—. It isn't the way I'm experiencing it as a school governor of many years standing—25 years, I think. It seems to me that where—. Some staff do not realise that provision for ALN—this is Estyn—is everyone's responsibility. If teachers are not differentiating their classes and their teaching to ensure that different pupils' needs and different learning styles are taken into account, then clearly there are some learning and training issues there that need to be resolved.
But I can assure you that in the school where I'm a governor, out of 1,500 pupils we have 120 young people following a bespoke pathway. Nine pupils are receiving individual tuition only, because their mental health or other trauma does not enable them to be taking part in a classroom situation. We already have identified 10 pupils in the next year 7 who are going to have IDPs in place. We have five pupils who have never been back to school as a result of the trauma they've suffered during COVID, and that is despite the best efforts of the school to try and encourage them to come into school in whatever way they can, and we have at least one pupil who has opted for home-school learning because they're actually going out to work to supplement the family income in the middle of the cost-of-living crisis.
These things are really important, really serious, but I think the evidence that the additional learning needs reforms are not working at this stage is not presented here this afternoon, or not so far, and I wait to hear from other people were that to be the case.
Cefais fy nghymell i ymuno â’r ddadl hon gan y credaf fod y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig yn ei fframio yn y ffordd hollol anghywir. Wrth gwrs fod nifer y plant a’r bobl ifanc sy’n cael cymorth ADY wedi gostwng, oherwydd mae'r system rydym yn ei defnyddio i'w werthuso wedi newid. Nid oes unrhyw gymhelliant gwrthnysig bellach i dreulio llawer iawn o amser a chanolbwyntio adnoddau ar geisio cymorth ariannol, yn llenwi ffurflenni ac yn cael un asesiad ar ôl y llall, gan nad dyna'r ffordd rydym yn gwneud hyn mwyach. Felly, mae’n rhaid i ysgolion gydnabod y disgyblion sydd ganddynt, ac nid oes unrhyw gyfiawnhad o gwbl dros barhau i fynd ar ôl yr arian, yn hytrach na bwrw ymlaen â gwneud addasiadau rhesymol i anghenion unigol disgyblion.
Rydych yn dadlau yn eich cynnig fod yna loteri cod post ar gyfer cymorth i ddysgwyr. Nid wyf wedi clywed y dystiolaeth eto, a hoffwn ei gweld, oherwydd yn amlwg, pe bai hynny'n wir, byddai angen inni fod yn bryderus iawn. Rydych yn dyfynnu adroddiad sydd bron yn ddwy flwydd oed, fod 94 y cant o arweinwyr ysgolion yn dweud nad oes digon o arian ar gyfer hyn, ond hoffwn eich atgoffa bod cyllideb Llywodraeth Cymru £1 biliwn yn brin eleni, ac felly nid oes swm enfawr o arian newydd ar gael.
Rwyf eto i ddeall yr angen am adolygiad brys mor fuan ar ôl sefydlu’r system ADY. Wedi’r cyfan, dim ond ers 18 mis a phum tymor y mae’r system newydd hon wedi bod ar waith, ac yn sicr, mae llywodraethwyr ysgolion yn dal i ddod i ddeall eu cyfrifoldebau newydd. Rydym yn clywed gan Estyn fod rhai aelodau staff, yn enwedig mewn ysgolion uwchradd, yn aneglur ynghylch eu cyfrifoldebau unigol, ac mae hynny'n amlwg yn bryder os nad yw addysgu a dysgu wedi'u llunio'n briodol i ddiwallu anghenion y disgyblion sydd o'u blaenau.
Felly, rwy'n hollol—. Nid dyna fy mhrofiad i fel llywodraethwr ysgol ers blynyddoedd lawer—25 mlynedd, rwy'n credu. Ymddengys i mi fod—. Nid yw rhai staff yn sylweddoli bod darpariaeth ar gyfer ADY—Estyn yw hyn—yn gyfrifoldeb ar bawb. Os nad yw athrawon yn trefnu eu dosbarthiadau ac yn addysgu'n wahaniaethol i sicrhau bod anghenion gwahanol ddisgyblion a gwahanol ffyrdd o ddysgu'n cael eu hystyried, yn amlwg, mae yna faterion yn codi o ran dysgu a hyfforddi sy'n galw am eu datrys.
Ond gallaf eich sicrhau, yn yr ysgol lle rwy'n llywodraethwr, allan o 1,500 o ddisgyblion, mae gennym 120 o bobl ifanc yn dilyn llwybr pwrpasol. Mae naw disgybl yn cael hyfforddiant unigol yn unig, gan nad yw eu hiechyd meddwl neu drawma arall yn eu galluogi i gymryd rhan mewn sefyllfa ddosbarth. Rydym eisoes wedi nodi 10 disgybl yn y flwyddyn 7 nesaf y bydd cynllun datblygu unigol ar waith ar eu cyfer. Mae gennym bum disgybl nad ydynt wedi dychwelyd i’r ysgol o ganlyniad i’r trawma y gwnaethant ei ddioddef yn ystod COVID, a hynny er gwaethaf ymdrechion gorau’r ysgol i geisio eu hannog i ddod i’r ysgol ym mha bynnag ffordd y gallant, ac mae gennym o leiaf un disgybl sydd wedi dewis dysgu cartref-ysgol am eu bod yn mynd allan i weithio i ychwanegu at incwm y teulu ynghanol yr argyfwng costau byw.
Mae’r pethau hyn yn bwysig iawn, yn wirioneddol ddifrifol, ond ni chredaf fod y dystiolaeth nad yw’r diwygiadau anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn gweithio ar hyn o bryd wedi'i chyflwyno yma y prynhawn yma, neu hyd yn hyn, ac fe arhosaf i glywed gan bobl eraill a yw hynny'n wir.
I'm delighted to take part in this debate and highlight the need to ensure that children with additional learning needs are sufficiently supported through the education system. According to the Welsh Government, the additional learning needs reforms affect around one in five pupils, and we know that educational outcomes are poorer for those learners compared to the rest of the pupil population, and so reforms were very much needed, and to be fair the Welsh Government's ALN reforms made some very positive changes that have been welcomed by stakeholders and the education profession. However, there are also some very serious concerns too—concerns about resources and concerns about implementation, particularly given that these reforms have coincided with the COVID pandemic, a new curriculum, and post-16 reforms too.
Every teacher in Wales, at some point in their career, will work with a child who will need additional support, and it's vital that they have the skills and training to ensure they can provide the best possible support in the classroom. Members may be aware of the petition started by Clare-Anna Mitchell that calls for all teachers and teaching assistants to have compulsory training in additional learning needs, and I believe that Ms Mitchell is absolutely right. We know that the first step in improving the educational experiences and outcomes for children with additional learning needs is to improve the training that teachers receive, so I do hope the Welsh Government is genuinely listening to the concerns raised by parents like Ms Mitchell, and I hope action is forthcoming to better support their children.
I appreciate that the Welsh Government has provided £12 million in funding to increase the resources for schools to implement the new ALN system and lead whole-school strategies to embed inclusive education. That funding is key to ensuring schools have the tools that they need to better support individual learners, and so it is absolutely essential that that funding reaches as many schools as possible. For example, Welsh language support for children with additional learning needs is desperately lacking, as we've heard from Heledd Fychan, and for some parents there just aren't the resources in place for their child to receive support through a Welsh-medium mainstream school.
So, I do hope that the Welsh Government will redouble its efforts to ensure resources are available in both English and Welsh, so that parents are able to send their child to a school of their choice in their local area. Indeed, perhaps the Minister will take the opportunity to tell us what steps the Welsh Government is taking to ensure that children are able to access the support they need in both Welsh-medium and English-medium schools.
Our motion recognises that the number of children and young people receiving additional learning needs support has decreased since the introduction of the reforms made last year, and we on this side of the Chamber have some concerns. We believe that there needs to be an urgent review of the implementation of ALN reforms to ensure that they are effective and that learners are getting the help that they need. There is a genuine fear that there are children in Wales who need additional support but they are just not receiving it. There is still inconsistency across Wales in the amount of support available to neurodiverse children in schools, as well as variations in the quality of provisions provided, and that is simply not good enough.
And so, I want to voice my support for the calls to review the ALN reforms, and I hope the Welsh Government will seriously consider the points in our motion this afternoon. We must strive for better, and ensure that learners who have additional needs are able to be properly supported in schools, and indeed, in college settings. And we must ensure that children are able to access that support in English and in Welsh.
And finally, Llywydd, I'd like to remind Members that it was six years ago today that I introduced the Autism (Wales) Bill, with a clear purpose to improve services for people with autism in Wales. We know that some children with autism have additional learning needs, and an autism Bill could have gone some way to supporting them through the education system. But that legislation was blocked, and yet the problems that these children and their families are facing are still there six years on. So, I urge Members to support this motion, and send a statement today that this Senedd is willing to prioritise this issue and ensure that learners with additional needs are able to get the support that they need. Thank you.
Rwy’n falch iawn o gymryd rhan yn y ddadl hon ac i dynnu sylw at yr angen i sicrhau bod plant ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn cael eu cefnogi’n ddigonol drwy’r system addysg. Yn ôl Llywodraeth Cymru, mae’r diwygiadau anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn effeithio ar oddeutu un o bob pump disgybl, a gwyddom fod canlyniadau addysgol yn waeth i’r dysgwyr hynny o gymharu â gweddill y boblogaeth ddisgyblion, ac felly roedd gwir angen diwygiadau, ac a bod yn deg, gwnaeth diwygiadau ADY Llywodraeth Cymru rai newidiadau cadarnhaol iawn sydd wedi’u croesawu gan randdeiliaid a’r proffesiwn addysg. Fodd bynnag, ceir rhai pryderon difrifol iawn hefyd—pryderon ynglŷn ag adnoddau a phryderon ynglŷn â gweithredu, yn enwedig o ystyried bod y diwygiadau hyn wedi cyd-daro â phandemig COVID, cwricwlwm newydd, a diwygiadau ôl-16 hefyd.
Bydd pob athro yng Nghymru, ar ryw adeg yn eu gyrfa, yn gweithio gyda phlentyn y bydd angen cymorth ychwanegol arnynt, ac mae’n hanfodol fod ganddynt y sgiliau a’r hyfforddiant i sicrhau eu bod yn gallu darparu’r cymorth gorau posibl yn yr ystafell ddosbarth. Efallai fod yr Aelodau’n ymwybodol o’r ddeiseb a ddechreuwyd gan Clare-Anna Mitchell sy’n galw am hyfforddiant gorfodol mewn anghenion dysgu ychwanegol i bob athro a chynorthwyydd addysgu, a chredaf fod Ms Mitchell yn llygad ei lle. Gwyddom mai’r cam cyntaf ar gyfer gwella profiadau a chanlyniadau addysgol plant ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yw gwella’r hyfforddiant y mae athrawon yn ei gael, felly rwy'n gobeithio bod Llywodraeth Cymru'n gwrando'n astud ar y pryderon a godwyd gan rieni fel Ms Mitchell, ac rwy'n gobeithio bod camau ar y gweill i gefnogi eu plant yn well.
Rwy’n sylweddoli bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi darparu £12 miliwn o gyllid i gynyddu’r adnoddau i ysgolion weithredu’r system ADY newydd ac arwain strategaethau ysgol gyfan i ymgorffori addysg gynhwysol. Mae’r cyllid hwnnw’n allweddol i sicrhau bod gan ysgolion y dulliau sydd eu hangen arnynt i gefnogi dysgwyr unigol yn well, ac felly mae’n gwbl hanfodol fod y cyllid hwnnw’n cyrraedd cynifer o ysgolion â phosibl. Er enghraifft, mae cymorth iaith Gymraeg i blant ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn enbyd o brin, fel y clywsom gan Heledd Fychan, ac i rai rhieni, nid oes adnoddau ar gael i’w plentyn gael cymorth drwy ysgol brif ffrwd cyfrwng Cymraeg.
Felly, rwy'n gobeithio y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn atgyfnerthu ei hymdrechion i sicrhau bod adnoddau ar gael yn y Gymraeg a’r Saesneg, fel bod rhieni’n gallu anfon eu plentyn i ysgol o’u dewis yn eu hardal leol. Yn wir, efallai y gwnaiff y Gweinidog achub ar y cyfle i ddweud wrthym pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i sicrhau bod plant yn gallu cael mynediad at y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt mewn ysgolion cyfrwng Cymraeg a chyfrwng Saesneg.
Mae ein cynnig yn cydnabod bod nifer y plant a phobl ifanc sy’n cael cymorth anghenion dysgu ychwanegol wedi gostwng ers cyflwyno’r diwygiadau a wnaed y llynedd, ac mae rhai pryderon gennym ar yr ochr hon i’r Siambr. Credwn fod angen adolygiad brys o'r broses o weithredu diwygiadau ADY i sicrhau eu bod yn effeithiol a bod dysgwyr yn cael y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt. Ceir ofn gwirioneddol fod yna blant yng Nghymru sydd angen cymorth ychwanegol ond nad ydynt yn ei gael. Ceir anghysondeb o hyd ledled Cymru o ran faint o gymorth sydd ar gael i blant niwroamrywiol mewn ysgolion, yn ogystal ag amrywiadau yn ansawdd y darpariaethau, ac nid yw hynny’n ddigon da.
Ac felly, hoffwn ddatgan fy nghefnogaeth i'r galwadau i adolygu'r diwygiadau ADY, ac rwy'n gobeithio y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn ystyried y pwyntiau yn ein cynnig y prynhawn yma o ddifrif. Mae'n rhaid inni ymdrechu i wella, a sicrhau bod dysgwyr sydd ag anghenion ychwanegol yn gallu cael cymorth priodol mewn ysgolion, ac mewn colegau yn wir. Ac mae'n rhaid inni sicrhau bod plant yn gallu cael y cymorth hwnnw yn Saesneg ac yn Gymraeg.
Ac yn olaf, Lywydd, hoffwn atgoffa'r Aelodau imi gyflwyno Bil Awtistiaeth (Cymru) chwe blynedd yn ôl i heddiw, gyda phwrpas clir i wella gwasanaethau i bobl ag awtistiaeth yng Nghymru. Gwyddom fod gan rai plant ag awtistiaeth anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, a gallai Bil awtistiaeth fod wedi mynd ymhell i’w cefnogi drwy’r system addysg. Ond cafodd y ddeddfwriaeth honno ei hatal, ac eto, mae’r problemau y mae’r plant hyn a’u teuluoedd yn eu hwynebu yn dal i fodoli chwe blynedd yn ddiweddarach. Felly, rwy’n annog yr Aelodau i gefnogi’r cynnig hwn, ac i ddatgan heddiw fod y Senedd hon yn fodlon blaenoriaethu’r mater hwn a sicrhau bod dysgwyr ag anghenion ychwanegol yn gallu cael y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt. Diolch.
Daeth y Llywydd i’r Gadair.
The Llywydd took the Chair.
I declare an interest as a parent of a child who's severely autistic and is benefiting from this legislation. We actually had, as parents, a meeting with the teachers a few weeks ago, and the preparation for the IDP is incredible. It's inclusive, it involves more than one teacher, it involves the additional learning needs co-ordinator, and, I have to say, it made a huge difference to me as a parent being able to plan for my daughter's future—planning some three, four, five years ahead. I think the nature of my daughter's condition is so clear that it does make it slightly easier to see her future direction. She's in a specialist resource space at the moment and has come on incredibly well, and her future is starting to take shape, and I'm starting to understand it. And just from a speech I made a few years ago, I asked, 'Will she ever be able to tell me that she loves me?' Well, she tells me that she loves me, and I tell her that I love her back now, so I'm really pleased that she's able to do that.
One thing I wanted to say is: in order to know where we're going, it's helpful to know where we've been. And I often reflect upon what kind of support would I have had if I had my daughter's condition when I was born. And I've got a sample of Hansard from 13 July 1970, which was the Second Reading of the Education (Handicapped Children) Act 1970, and the Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science, Mr William van Straubenzee, a Tory MP, was introducing the Second Reading, and he said,
'The Government's reintroduction of the provisions of Clause 1 at the earliest possible moment will, I know, reassure many people who have the interests of mentally handicapped children at heart, and not least their parents and those who have the important duty of teaching them in junior training centres and in hospitals for the mentally handicapped.'
'After the transfer enacted by the Bill, the junior training centres will be run by local education authorities as part of the special education provision. The L.E.A.s will also be responsible for the provision of education for children in hospitals for the mentally handicapped, in the same way as they now provide education for children who are in hospitals for reasons other than mental handicap. In assuming this responsibility, local education authorities will be able to build upon the splendid foundation of teaching work among mentally handicapped children which has already been laid by the hospital authorities.'
So, you can see very clearly that the direction that the Government has gone with this is to move the responsibility very much to schools, away from the health service. Imagine what it would have been like then to have had your child educated in a hospital setting because there was nowhere else for them to go.
There was a tv documentary that looked at the Mental Health Act 1959 and the impact it was having in 1973, three years after the introduction of this Bill, and many children we would today identify as autistic were being held in hospital and being classified, following the Mental Health Act 1959, as 'severely sub-normal'. Now, my concern is, if my daughter was born then, she would be in hospital, with not much chance of getting out, being educated in that setting.
So, to understand where we are now, it is helpful to understand the progress we've made. And it was a paediatrician called Dr Derek Ricks, who sadly died very young in 1988, who started to make the changes that were necessary. And I think the Government is standing on the shoulders of giants here in moving towards this provision. I was on the committee that introduced the ALN Act, and I'm very pleased to see it in operation. The challenge for it is where there is a grey area. So, I've said my daughter is clearly autistic and has very clear needs. Some parents feel that their children have needs in that grey area: do they need to be in a resource space, should they be in a mainstream class, should they be in a special school? And this is where things get particularly difficult and where the system becomes stretched.
Martin and Sarah Humphreys are parents in my constituency, and they've mentioned their son, Luke, and what they've said to me was that, 'Every time we ask for Luke to experience a more varied curriculum, we've been met with resistance and obstacles, time delays and refusal. Luke spent his primary education in mainstream school with a one-to-one assistant and met his targets like the rest of the class.' He's now in discussion, through the IDP system, as to where his next destination will be. Unlike my daughter, it isn't as clear, and that is where the challenge is. But I'd say the Government are addressing that, and I agree with everything Jenny Rathbone said.
As a parent of a child with additional learning needs, and supporting those in my constituency, this system is working, and there will always be challenges that it will face, but I think we need to give it time to work and to follow that through. I think the Government is doing the right thing, and I will be supporting the Government's amendment to the motion today.
Rwy’n datgan buddiant fel rhiant i blentyn sy’n awtistig iawn ac sy’n elwa o’r ddeddfwriaeth hon. Mewn gwirionedd, cawsom gyfarfod fel rhieni gyda’r athrawon ychydig wythnosau yn ôl, ac mae’r gwaith paratoi ar gyfer y cynllun datblygu unigol yn anhygoel. Mae'n gynhwysol, mae'n cynnwys mwy nag un athro, mae'n cynnwys y cydlynydd anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, ac mae'n rhaid imi ddweud, fe wnaeth wahaniaeth enfawr i mi fel rhiant allu cynllunio ar gyfer dyfodol fy merch—cynllunio rhyw dair, pedair, pum mlynedd ymlaen llaw. Rwy'n credu bod natur cyflwr fy merch mor glir fel ei bod ychydig yn haws gweld ei chyfeiriad yn y dyfodol. Mae hi mewn darpariaeth adnoddau arbenigol ar hyn o bryd ac wedi gwneud llawer o gynnydd, ac mae ei dyfodol yn dechrau dod yn gliriach, ac rwy'n dechrau ei ddeall. Ac mewn araith a wneuthum ychydig flynyddoedd yn ôl, gofynnais, 'A fydd hi byth yn gallu dweud wrthyf ei bod hi'n fy ngharu?' Wel, bellach, mae'n dweud wrthyf ei bod yn fy ngharu, ac rwy'n dweud wrthi hi fy mod yn ei charu hi'n ôl, felly rwy'n falch iawn ei bod yn gallu gwneud hynny.
Un peth roeddwn yn dymuno'i ddweud yw: er mwyn gwybod i ble rydym yn mynd, mae'n ddefnyddiol gwybod o ble rydym wedi bod. A byddaf yn aml yn myfyrio ar ba fath o gymorth y byddwn wedi'i gael pe byddai cyflwr fy merch wedi bod arnaf fi pan gefais fy ngeni. Ac mae gennyf sampl o Hansard o 13 Gorffennaf 1970, sef Ail Ddarlleniad Deddf Addysg (Plant dan Anfantais) 1970, ac roedd yr Is-ysgrifennydd Gwladol dros Addysg a Gwyddoniaeth, Mr William van Straubenzee, AS Torïaidd, yn cyflwyno'r Ail Ddarlleniad, ac fe ddywedodd,
'Gwn y bydd ailgyflwyno darpariaethau Cymal 1 gan y Llywodraeth ar yr adeg gynharaf bosibl yn rhoi sicrwydd i lawer o bobl sy'n poeni am fuddiannau plant dan anfantais feddyliol, yn enwedig eu rhieni a’r rhai sydd â’r ddyletswydd bwysig o’u haddysgu mewn canolfannau hyfforddi plant iau ac mewn ysbytai ar gyfer pobl dan anfantais feddyliol.'
'Ar ôl y trosglwyddiad a ddeddfir gan y Bil, bydd y canolfannau hyfforddi plant iau yn cael eu rhedeg gan awdurdodau addysg lleol fel rhan o'r ddarpariaeth addysg arbennig. Bydd yr awdurdodau addysg lleol hefyd yn gyfrifol am ddarparu addysg i blant mewn ysbytai ar gyfer pobl dan anfantais feddyliol, yn yr un modd ag y maent yn darparu addysg ar hyn o bryd i blant sydd mewn ysbytai am resymau ar wahân i anfantais feddyliol. Wrth gymryd y cyfrifoldeb hwn, bydd awdurdodau addysg lleol yn gallu adeiladu ar y sylfaen wych o waith addysgu plant dan anfantais feddyliol sydd eisoes wedi'i gosod gan awdurdodau ysbytai.'
Felly, gallwch weld yn glir iawn mai’r cyfeiriad y mae’r Llywodraeth wedi mynd iddo gyda hyn i raddau helaeth yw trosglwyddo'r cyfrifoldeb oddi ar y gwasanaeth iechyd ac ar ysgolion. Dychmygwch y profiad o gael eich plentyn yn cael eu haddysgu mewn ysbyty am nad oedd unman arall iddynt fynd.
Roedd yna raglen ddogfen a edrychai ar Ddeddf Iechyd Meddwl 1959 a’r effaith a gâi ym 1973, dair blynedd ar ôl cyflwyno’r Bil hwn, ac roedd llawer o blant y byddem yn eu nodi heddiw fel plant awtistig yn cael eu cadw yn yr ysbyty ac yn cael eu dosbarthu, yn dilyn Deddf Iechyd Meddwl 1959, fel 'difrifol o isnormal'. Nawr, fy mhryder i yw, pe bai fy merch wedi cael ei geni bryd hynny, byddai hi yn yr ysbyty, heb fawr o obaith dod allan, ac yn cael ei haddysgu yn y lleoliad hwnnw.
Felly, i ddeall ble rydym arni erbyn hyn, mae'n ddefnyddiol deall y cynnydd rydym wedi'i wneud. A phediatregydd o’r enw Dr Derek Ricks, a fu farw’n ifanc iawn ym 1988, a ddechreuodd wneud y newidiadau angenrheidiol. A chredaf fod y Llywodraeth yn adeiladu ar waith gwych a wnaed eisoes yma wrth symud tuag at y ddarpariaeth hon. Roeddwn ar y pwyllgor a gyflwynodd y Ddeddf ADY, ac rwy’n falch iawn o’i gweld ar waith. Yr her iddi yw lle ceir mannau llwyd. Felly, rwyf wedi dweud bod fy merch yn amlwg yn awtistig a bod ganddi anghenion clir iawn. Mae rhai rhieni'n teimlo bod gan eu plant anghenion yn y man llwyd hwnnw: a oes angen iddynt fod mewn darpariaeth adnoddau arbenigol, a ddylent fod mewn dosbarth prif ffrwd, a ddylent fod mewn ysgol arbennig? A dyma lle mae pethau'n mynd yn arbennig o anodd, a lle mae'r system dan bwysau.
Mae Martin a Sarah Humphreys yn rhieni yn fy etholaeth, ac maent wedi sôn am eu mab, Luke, a’r hyn y maent wedi’i ddweud wrthyf yw, 'Bob tro y gofynnwn am i Luke brofi cwricwlwm mwy amrywiol, rydym wedi wynebu gwrthwynebiad a rhwystrau, oedi a gwrthodiadau. Treuliodd Luke ei addysg gynradd mewn ysgol brif ffrwd gyda chynorthwyydd un i un, a chyflawnodd ei dargedau fel gweddill y dosbarth.' Mae bellach yn trafod, drwy system y cynlluniau dysgu unigol, i ble fydd yn mynd nesaf. Yn wahanol i fy merch, nid yw'r sefyllfa mor glir, a dyna ble mae'r her. Ond byddwn yn dweud bod y Llywodraeth yn mynd i'r afael â hynny, ac rwy'n cytuno â phopeth a ddywedodd Jenny Rathbone.
Fel rhiant i blentyn ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, a rhywun sy’n eu cefnogi yn fy etholaeth, mae’r system hon yn gweithio, a bydd bob amser yn wynebu heriau, ond credaf fod angen inni roi amser iddi weithio ac i ddilyn hynny drwodd. Credaf fod y Llywodraeth yn gwneud y peth iawn, a byddaf yn cefnogi gwelliant y Llywodraeth i’r cynnig heddiw.
I'll also have to declare an interest, as I've got a nephew who is waiting for an autism diagnosis.
I agree with some of the points that Laura Anne Jones made, and Hefin David, that reforms were necessary, because the old system was not fit for purpose, it was too complicated and it wasn't user friendly, and I'm pleased that reforms are taking place. However, recent findings show concerning developments in the Welsh Government's approach to delivering the new transition to a new framework, which puts some of the most vulnerable people at risk in Wales. I won't go into it all; Paul Davies mentioned a lot of the points I want to make.
But I go round a lot of schools in my constituency, and from the personal experience that my family have seen, there are a number of young people with additional learning needs in classrooms in Wales who simply cannot get support, because they do not have a diagnosis to access the levels of support they need. I've got a headteacher in one of my schools in Brecon and Radnor who spends 90 per cent of her time caring for a child with ALN. They know that child has got ALN, but they cannot access the support because that child has not yet got a diagnosis. And, if they have got a diagnosis, a lot of the schools are saying that the funding isn't coming through the system. They're having to make radical changes to their school by either not filling places or not doing developments and refurbishment on the school, to actually fund the additional learning needs that is required.
I know the Deputy Minister for Social Services is here, and I know the ALN part of getting diagnosis is in her portfolio, and I think it's very, very important now that we actually focus on getting those young people who are in our schools, who need diagnosis, to get the support they need through the system. There are thousands of young people stuck, waiting for a diagnosis for autism or a neurodiverse condition. They are young people who are in our schools, who need the support and they're not getting it. I'm being told of other—. Yes, I'll take an intervention, Jenny. I see you getting on your feet.
Bydd yn rhaid imi ddatgan buddiant hefyd, gan fod gennyf nai sy'n aros am ddiagnosis o awtistiaeth.
Cytunaf â rhai o’r pwyntiau a wnaeth Laura Anne Jones, a Hefin David, fod y diwygiadau'n angenrheidiol, gan nad oedd yr hen system yn addas i’r diben, roedd yn rhy gymhleth ac nid oedd yn hawdd ei defnyddio, ac rwy’n falch fod y diwygiadau'n digwydd. Fodd bynnag, mae canfyddiadau diweddar yn dangos datblygiadau sy'n peri pryder yn null Llywodraeth Cymru o gyflawni'r newid i fframwaith newydd, ac mae'n creu risg i rai o'r bobl fwyaf agored i niwed yng Nghymru. Nid wyf am drafod yr holl fanylion; soniodd Paul Davies am lawer o’r pwyntiau rwyf am eu gwneud.
Ond rwy’n mynd i lawer o ysgolion yn fy etholaeth, ac o brofiad personol fy nheulu, mae nifer o bobl ifanc ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol mewn ystafelloedd dosbarth yng Nghymru na allant gael cymorth, am nad ydynt wedi cael diagnosis i allu cael mynediad at y lefelau cymorth sydd eu hangen arnynt. Mae gennyf bennaeth yn un o fy ysgolion ym Mrycheiniog a Sir Faesyfed sy'n treulio 90 y cant o'i hamser yn gofalu am blentyn ag ADY. Maent yn gwybod bod gan y plentyn ADY, ond ni allant gael mynediad at y cymorth am nad yw’r plentyn wedi cael diagnosis eto. Ac os ydynt wedi cael diagnosis, mae llawer o'r ysgolion yn dweud nad yw'r cyllid yn dod drwy'r system. Maent yn gorfod gwneud newidiadau radical i'w hysgol naill ai drwy beidio â llenwi lleoedd neu beidio â gwneud datblygiadau ac adnewyddu'r ysgol, er mwyn ariannu'r anghenion dysgu ychwanegol sydd eu hangen.
Gwn fod y Dirprwy Weinidog Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol yma, a gwn fod yr elfen ADY o gael diagnosis yn ei phortffolio hi, a chredaf ei bod yn bwysig iawn nawr ein bod yn canolbwyntio ar gael y bobl ifanc yn ein hysgolion sydd angen diagnosis i gael y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt drwy'r system. Mae miloedd o bobl ifanc yn aros am ddiagnosis o awtistiaeth neu gyflwr niwroamrywiol. Maent yn bobl ifanc yn ein hysgolion sydd angen y cymorth ac nid ydynt yn ei gael. Dywedwyd wrthyf am eraill—. Gwnaf, fe wnaf dderbyn ymyriad, Jenny. Rwy'n eich gweld yn codi.
Diagnosis is important, but, at the end of the day, the school has to devise some provision that meets the needs of the child, and the diagnosis will only be an indication. Schools have got to own the pupils that they've got, and ensure that they're making necessary adjustments to meet the needs of individual children. Clearly, there's a debate to be had between parents and the child, as to whether a mainstream school is appropriate or a specialist unit, but, at the end of the day, it's the provision, not the diagnosis that's the most important.
Mae diagnosis yn bwysig, ond yn y pen draw, mae’n rhaid i’r ysgol lunio darpariaeth sy’n diwallu anghenion y plentyn, a dim ond arwydd fydd y diagnosis. Mae'n rhaid i ysgolion gydnabod y disgyblion sydd ganddynt, a sicrhau eu bod yn gwneud yr addasiadau angenrheidiol i ddiwallu anghenion plant unigol. Yn amlwg, mae dadl i'w chael rhwng rhieni a'r plentyn ai ysgol brif ffrwd neu uned arbenigol sy'n briodol, ond yn y pen draw, y ddarpariaeth, nid y diagnosis, sydd bwysicaf.
I agree with everything you're saying, Jenny: it's very important that schools do own the pupils that they have, and those schools want those pupils to be owned by their school. But, unfortunately, to get the support they need, they need a diagnosis, because the funding follows a diagnosis. And schools who are cash strapped, because they've had years of underfunding from the Government—this is the only Government that has cut the education budget across the UK—they don't have the money in their resources to actually fund that, so they need the diagnosis to get there.
So, what I would like to know from the Government is: what are you doing to make sure that those young people get the support they need, by getting the diagnosis in place, so that they can receive the support that they need in schools? Because that is the way you will solve a lot of these problems. There are too many people being pulled out of school because they cannot get the support they need, and too many teachers sat—I'm going to finish, Hefin; it's okay—and too many teachers sat actually doing caring jobs, when they should be actually helping our young people develop their education.
Rwy'n cytuno â phopeth a ddywedwch, Jenny: mae'n bwysig iawn fod ysgolion yn cydnabod y disgyblion sydd ganddynt, ac mae'r ysgolion hynny am i'r disgyblion hynny gael eu cydnabod gan eu hysgol. Ond yn anffodus, i gael y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt, mae angen diagnosis arnynt, gan fod y cyllid yn dilyn diagnosis. Ac mae ysgolion sy'n brin o arian parod, am eu bod wedi cael eu tanariannu ers blynyddoedd gan y Llywodraeth—dyma'r unig Lywodraeth sydd wedi torri'r gyllideb addysg ledled y DU—nid oes ganddynt gyllid yn eu hadnoddau i ariannu hynny, felly mae angen y diagnosis arnynt i wneud hynny.
Felly, yr hyn yr hoffwn ei wybod gan y Llywodraeth yw: beth ydych chi'n ei wneud i sicrhau bod y bobl ifanc hynny’n cael y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt, drwy sicrhau y ceir y diagnosis, fel y gallant gael y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt mewn ysgolion? Oherwydd dyna'r ffordd y byddwch yn datrys llawer o'r problemau hyn. Mae gormod o bobl yn cael eu tynnu allan o’r ysgol am na allant gael y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt, ac mae gormod o athrawon—rwy’n mynd i orffen, Hefin; mae'n iawn—ac mae gormod o athrawon yn gwneud swyddi gofalu pan ddylent fod yn helpu ein pobl ifanc i ddatblygu eu haddysg.
The purpose of the legislation, of course, was to move away from the situation that James Evans has just described. Every child needs and deserves the same opportunity to reach their full potential, whatever their particular needs are in terms of their education. Every child has the same right to an education that meets those needs and helps and enables them to flourish and enjoy school or college—not simply to be educated, but to enjoy that education. And for too long, parents have had to struggle, to fight, to campaign—year after year after year—without getting the help and the support that their children require. It was a real privilege to guide this legislation through as a Minister, and I remain grateful to Darren Millar, the Conservative spokesperson at the time, who shared, I think, the same vision and the same ambition for children who do have additional learning needs. We disagreed on certain things, but we agreed on far more. I think it's important to recognise that agreement across the Chamber on what we want to see.
But I want to be reassured, Minister, that we are delivering on that ambition. Because the one thing that I've learnt over these past years is that there is inconsistency in the delivery of the policy. My experience is different to that of others. My experience is that parents still do have to struggle too hard to get the support that their child requires. I want reassurance that the implementation of the policy delivers on the vision. I recognise that we are reforming the curriculum, and that is an urgent priority. I recognise also that the pandemic has had an enormously disruptive impact on where we were and what our timescales were prior to that. I recognise all of that. But I want the reassurance from Government that the commitment to a consistency of approach remains as strong as it was when the legislation was being put in place. Kirsty Williams, of course, was the education Minister at the time. I remember her determination, and I remember the way in which she spoke about this legislation, and the determination that every child matters, and that the needs of every child must be met in a holistic way. And that remains, I hope, the driving force—and I know, with the current education Minister, it will remain as the driving force of policy.
But that consistency is important. It's consistency through the journey, through school, into college, and into adulthood. Does the support be delivered over time? Is it delivered over geography? It is far easier to receive the specialisms needed in a city like Cardiff than it is in other parts of the country. Do all our communities have the same level of support that they require to deliver the same holistic education? [Interruption.] I'll take an intervention.
Pwrpas y ddeddfwriaeth, wrth gwrs, oedd symud i ffwrdd o'r sefyllfa y mae James Evans newydd ei disgrifio. Mae pob plentyn angen ac yn haeddu'r un cyfle i gyrraedd eu potensial llawn, beth bynnag yw eu hanghenion penodol o ran eu haddysg. Mae gan bob plentyn yr un hawl i addysg sy'n diwallu'r anghenion hynny ac yn eu helpu ac yn eu galluogi i ffynnu a mwynhau ysgol neu goleg—nid yn unig i gael eu haddysgu, ond i fwynhau'r addysg honno. Ac yn rhy hir, mae rhieni wedi gorfod ymdrechu, ymladd, ymgyrchu—flwyddyn ar ôl blwyddyn ar ôl blwyddyn—heb y cymorth a'r gefnogaeth sydd eu hangen ar eu plant. Roedd yn fraint wirioneddol arwain y ddeddfwriaeth hon drwodd fel Gweinidog, ac rwy'n parhau i fod yn ddiolchgar i Darren Millar, llefarydd y Ceidwadwyr ar y pryd, a oedd yn rhannu'r un weledigaeth a'r un uchelgais dros blant sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Roeddem yn anghytuno ar rai pethau, ond roeddem yn cytuno ar lawer mwy. Rwy'n credu ei bod yn bwysig cydnabod y cytundeb hwnnw ar draws y Siambr o ran yr hyn rydym eisiau ei weld.
Ond rwyf eisiau sicrwydd, Weinidog, ein bod yn cyflawni'r uchelgais honno. Oherwydd yr un peth rwyf wedi'i ddysgu dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf yw bod anghysondeb yn y modd y caiff y polisi ei gyflawni. Mae fy mhrofiad yn wahanol i brofiadau pobl eraill. Fy mhrofiad i yw bod rhieni'n dal i orfod brwydro'n rhy galed i gael y gefnogaeth sydd ei hangen ar eu plentyn. Rwyf eisiau sicrwydd bod gweithredu'r polisi yn cyflawni'r weledigaeth. Rwy'n cydnabod ein bod yn diwygio'r cwricwlwm, ac mae honno'n flaenoriaeth bwysig. Rwy'n cydnabod hefyd fod y pandemig wedi cael effaith hynod aflonyddol ar ein sefyllfa bryd hynny a beth oedd ein hamserlenni cyn hynny. Rwy'n cydnabod hynny i gyd. Ond rwyf eisiau sicrwydd gan y Llywodraeth fod yr ymrwymiad i ddull gweithredu cyson yn parhau i fod mor gryf â'r hyn ydoedd pan gafodd y ddeddfwriaeth ei rhoi ar waith. Kirsty Williams oedd y Gweinidog addysg ar y pryd wrth gwrs. Rwy'n cofio ei phenderfyniad, ac rwy'n cofio'r ffordd y siaradodd am y ddeddfwriaeth hon, a'r penderfyniad fod pob plentyn yn bwysig, a bod yn rhaid diwallu anghenion pob plentyn mewn ffordd gyfannol. A dyna yw'r grym ysgogol o hyd, gobeithio—a gwn y bydd yn parhau i fod yn rym ysgogol i bolisi gyda'r Gweinidog addysg presennol.
Ond mae cysondeb yn bwysig. Mae'n gysondeb drwy'r daith, drwy'r ysgol, i'r coleg, ac wrth droi'n oedolyn. A yw'r gefnogaeth yn mynd i gael ei darparu dros amser? A yw'n gyson yn ddaearyddol? Mae'n llawer haws cael yr arbenigedd sydd ei angen mewn dinas fel Caerdydd na mewn rhannau eraill o'r wlad. A yw pob un o'n cymunedau yn cael yr un lefel o gefnogaeth sydd ei hangen arnynt i ddarparu'r un addysg gyfannol? [Torri ar draws.] Fe wnaf dderbyn ymyriad.
Thank you for taking the intervention. I agree wholeheartedly with the point that you're making, Alun, about the fact that we need a consistent approach across the whole country—that certainly isn't the case. In fact, one of the problems that I've had constituents bring to my door is that, when people relocate from one local authority area to another, they then, very often, have to unpick the support that was previously in place, and start from scratch, having a battle with the new local authority into which they have relocated. Is that something that you've experienced in your constituency?
Diolch am dderbyn yr ymyriad. Rwy'n cytuno'n llwyr â'r pwynt rydych chi'n ei wneud, Alun, am y ffaith ein bod angen dull cyson ar draws y wlad gyfan—yn sicr nid yw hynny'n wir. Mewn gwirionedd, un o'r problemau y mae etholwyr wedi'u codi gyda mi yw, pan fo pobl yn symud o un ardal awdurdod lleol i'r llall, yn aml iawn maent yn gorfod datod y gefnogaeth a oedd yn ei lle o'r blaen, dechrau o'r dechrau, a brwydro gyda'r awdurdod lleol newydd y maent wedi symud iddo. A yw hynny'n rhywbeth rydych wedi'i brofi yn eich etholaeth chi?
The IDP, of course, should be a portable document, and should be able to follow the individual through different schools and different opportunities and different places. And so, that was certainly one of the objectives of the legislation. If it isn't being delivered, then we need to understand why that is true.
And the other point about consistency is that about the Welsh language. Again, my experience is that support in the Welsh language is not available in the way that it is in the English language. And that means that there are children in school today who are missing out on the sort of educational support they need because they speak Welsh. That is not good enough, and we need to address that.
We need to ensure that teachers have the training available to them to ensure that they're able to deliver the teaching that they require. And we need to ensure that the funding is available. The opening speaker was—. I should say, Laura, you were on your sabbatical from this place when this legislation went through this place, and we did put a great deal of funding in place. Those people who were members of the Finance Committee will remember the trouble I got into when we didn't put the funding in place originally. And the funding was put in place. I want to see where that funding has gone and how it's being delivered. So, I hope that we will be able to ensure that we do have this person-centred approach and a holistic approach to education, one that's rooted in a determination to achieve equality for all young people and children, wherever and however they're being educated.
I will conclude on this point, Presiding Officer. I know the Children, Young People and Education Committee is consulting on these matters at the moment, and I think it would be a very good example of how committees in this place can review legislation after it's been passed by this place, after it's become law, to ensure the post-legislative scrutiny examines not just the ambitions of the legislation, but how that legislation is being delivered in practice.
Dylai'r cynllun datblygu unigol fod yn ddogfen gludadwy wrth gwrs, a dylai allu dilyn yr unigolyn drwy wahanol ysgolion a gwahanol gyfleoedd a gwahanol leoedd. Ac felly, dyna oedd un o amcanion y ddeddfwriaeth. Os nad yw'n cael ei gyflawni, mae angen inni ddeall pam.
A'r pwynt arall am gysondeb yw'r un am yr iaith Gymraeg. Unwaith eto, fy mhrofiad i yw nad oes cefnogaeth ar gael drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg yn y ffordd y mae ar gael drwy gyfrwng y Saesneg. Ac mae hynny'n golygu bod yna blant yn yr ysgol heddiw sy'n cael eu hamddifadu o'r math o gymorth addysgol sydd ei angen arnynt am eu bod yn siarad Cymraeg. Nid yw hynny'n ddigon da, ac mae angen inni fynd i'r afael â hynny.
Mae angen inni sicrhau bod hyfforddiant ar gael i athrawon er mwyn sicrhau eu bod yn gallu darparu'r addysgu sydd ei angen arnynt. Ac mae angen inni sicrhau bod yr arian ar gael. Y siaradwr agoriadol oedd—. Laura, dylwn ddweud eich bod chi ar eich cyfnod sabothol o'r lle hwn pan aeth y ddeddfwriaeth drwy'r lle hwn, ac fe wnaethom roi llawer iawn o gyllid ar waith. Bydd y bobl a oedd yn aelodau o'r Pwyllgor Cyllid yn cofio'r trwbl y glaniais ynddo pan na wnaethom roi'r cyllid ar waith yn wreiddiol. Ac fe roddwyd y cyllid ar waith. Rwyf eisiau gweld lle mae'r cyllid hwnnw wedi mynd a sut mae'n cael ei ddarparu. Felly, rwy'n gobeithio y byddwn yn gallu sicrhau bod gennym ddull sy'n canolbwyntio ar unigolion a dull cyfannol o ymdrin ag addysg, un sydd wedi'i wreiddio mewn penderfyniad i sicrhau cydraddoldeb i bob plentyn a pherson ifanc, lle bynnag a sut bynnag y cânt eu haddysgu.
Rwyf am gloi ar y pwynt hwn, Lywydd. Rwy'n gwybod bod y Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg yn ymgynghori ar y materion hyn ar hyn o bryd, ac rwy'n credu y byddai'n enghraifft dda iawn o sut y gall pwyllgorau yn y lle hwn adolygu deddfau ar ôl iddynt gael eu pasio gan y lle hwn, ar ôl iddynt ddod yn gyfraith, i sicrhau bod y gwaith craffu ôl-ddeddfwriaethol yn archwilio sut y gweithredir deddfau'n ymarferol yn ogystal â'u hamcanion.
I wholeheartedly agree with Alun, really. Access to learning opportunities is a fundamental right that no-one should be excluded from. Research from NAHT Cymru has suggested that 94 per cent of school leaders in Wales believe the funding they are in receipt of is insufficient for the requirements of the ALN legislation. On top of that, a third said that they had to fund additional support, as help was not available or accessible from health and social services care. These young people deserve the freedom to learn and seize the same opportunities as their peers.
It is incredibly concerning that even though approximately one in five learners in Wales have ALN, Wales has seen a drastic reduction in ALN support. This includes the reduction of staff as well as investment into schools, delays to repairs or refurbishment, and the cutting of the maintenance budget. These significant reductions saw 18,000 fewer young people being identified as requiring ALN in the last year, creating a postcode lottery for young people seeking ALN support. These figures are even more alarming in Welsh-medium schools. This continued lack of support has meant families feel that they struggle at every stage of the process of getting the required support, leading to them not knowing where to go for help and advice, leading to young people struggling at the first hurdle.
Unfortunately, behind these statistics are the very real stories of people who have been let down by the lack of support. We have all heard from constituents outlining the need for additional support, especially surrounding those with Down's syndrome on their progression through education. Constituents have highlighted the lack of specialised residential support available to students with Down's syndrome who are looking to leave home and live with their friends. This lack of support seriously limits options for students looking to access the same opportunities that many of us take for granted.
Currently, there is a Senedd petition under way on the matter with over 4,500 signatures, calling for a review of additional learning needs in schools and a substantial increase in support for the children struggling with such needs. The demand for the support is out there, and we as elected representatives must listen. It is therefore vital that the Labour Government undertakes an urgent review of this implementation of ALN reforms, take urgent action to identify and provide access to support for children with ALN, and provide additional financial support directly to Welsh schools to ensure that learners with ALN can access the support they need. Diolch yn fawr.
Rwy'n cytuno'n llwyr ag Alun. Mae mynediad at gyfleoedd dysgu yn hawl sylfaenol ac ni ddylid eithrio unrhyw un rhag yr hawl honno. Mae ymchwil gan Gymdeithas Genedlaethol Prifathrawon Cymru wedi awgrymu bod 94 y cant o arweinwyr ysgolion yng Nghymru o'r farn nad yw'r cyllid y maent yn ei gael yn ddigonol ar gyfer gofynion y ddeddfwriaeth ADY. Ar ben hynny, dywedodd traean eu bod yn gorfod ariannu cymorth ychwanegol, gan nad oedd cymorth ar gael, neu am nad oedd modd cael mynediad ato gan iechyd a gwasanaethau cymdeithasol. Mae'r bobl ifanc hyn yn haeddu'r rhyddid i ddysgu a manteisio ar yr un cyfleoedd â'u cyfoedion.
Er bod gan oddeutu un o bob pump dysgwr yng Nghymru ADY, mae'n destun pryder mawr fod Cymru wedi gweld gostyngiad aruthrol mewn cymorth ADY. Mae hyn yn cynnwys gostyngiad yn nifer y staff yn ogystal â buddsoddiad i ysgolion, oedi cyn gwneud atgyweiriadau neu waith adnewyddu, a thorri'r gyllideb gynnal a chadw. Yn sgil y gostyngiadau sylweddol hyn, nodwyd bod 18,000 yn llai o bobl ifanc angen cymorth ADY yn ystod y flwyddyn ddiwethaf, gan greu loteri cod post i bobl ifanc sydd eisiau cymorth ADY. Mae'r ffigurau hyn hyd yn oed yn fwy brawychus mewn ysgolion cyfrwng Cymraeg. Mae diffyg cefnogaeth parhaus wedi golygu bod teuluoedd yn teimlo'u bod yn brwydro ar bob cam o'r broses o gael y cymorth angenrheidiol, gan arwain at sefyllfa lle nad ydynt yn gwybod lle i droi am gymorth a chyngor, sy'n golygu bod pobl ifanc yn cael trafferth o'r rhwystr cyntaf.
Yn anffodus, y tu ôl i'r ystadegau hyn mae straeon go iawn pobl sydd wedi cael cam yn sgil y diffyg cefnogaeth. Rydym i gyd wedi clywed gan etholwyr yn disgrifio'r angen am gymorth ychwanegol ar eu taith addysgol, yn enwedig mewn perthynas â rhai sydd â syndrom Down. Mae etholwyr wedi tynnu sylw at ddiffyg cymorth preswyl arbenigol i fyfyrwyr â syndrom Down sy'n ystyried gadael cartref a byw gyda'u ffrindiau. Mae'r diffyg cymorth hwn yn cyfyngu'n ddifrifol ar opsiynau myfyrwyr sy'n ceisio manteisio ar yr un cyfleoedd ag y mae llawer ohonom yn eu cymryd yn ganiataol.
Ar hyn o bryd, mae gan y Senedd ddeiseb ar y mater, gyda dros 4,500 o lofnodion, yn galw am adolygu anghenion dysgu ychwanegol mewn ysgolion ac am gynnydd sylweddol yn y gefnogaeth i'r plant sy'n cael trafferth gydag anghenion o'r fath. Mae'r galw am y gefnogaeth yno, ac mae'n rhaid i ni fel cynrychiolwyr etholedig wrando. Felly, mae'n hanfodol fod y Llywodraeth Lafur yn cynnal adolygiad brys o'r modd y caiff diwygiadau ADY eu gweithredu, yn rhoi camau ar waith ar frys i nodi a darparu mynediad at gymorth i blant ag ADY, ac yn darparu cymorth ariannol ychwanegol yn uniongyrchol i ysgolion Cymru i sicrhau bod dysgwyr ag ADY yn gallu cael y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt. Diolch yn fawr.
I'll keep my contribution brief during this debate, knowing that the Children, Young People and Education Committee are currently in the process of evidence gathering for our inquiry into equal access to education and childcare for disabled children and young people.
During my time in education, I worked with children and young people with additional learning needs. I understand how difficult it has been in the past not only for the children and young people, but for their families and for their schools, whether it be trying to obtain a statement or a lengthy process of trying to put together the best possible package of learning and care, which, as we all know, can be extremely difficult.
I really am hoping the new ALN Act will help alleviate some of these frustrations for parents, teachers and our young people. From the ground, I’m told individual development plans are a huge step in the right direction. But we know there’s work still to do and communication still to be had for consistency.
I have close links with the schools in my constituency and I’m going to ensure I am regularly updated on the progress of the new ALN first-hand. I have a survey open for Rhondda residents who wish to share their experience to date, and I’d like to say an enormous thank you to the 60 plus parents and guardians who’ve completed the survey so far. Your voices will be heard, and your experience will help create future positive experiences. I know the Minister is prepared to listen and work with you to get this right. Diolch.
Rwyf am gadw fy nghyfraniad yn gryno yn ystod y ddadl hon, gan gofio bod y Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg wrthi'n casglu tystiolaeth ar hyn o bryd ar gyfer ein hymchwiliad i fynediad cyfartal at addysg a gofal plant i blant a phobl ifanc anabl.
Yn ystod fy nghyfnod ym myd addysg, gweithiais gyda phlant a phobl ifanc ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Rwy'n deall pa mor anodd oedd hi yn y gorffennol, nid yn unig i'r plant a'r bobl ifanc, ond i'w teuluoedd ac i'w hysgolion, boed wrth geisio cael datganiad neu'r broses hir o geisio llunio'r pecyn dysgu a gofal gorau posibl, sy'n gallu bod yn anodd iawn, fel y gwyddom i gyd.
Rwy'n gobeithio'n fawr y bydd y Ddeddf ADY newydd yn helpu i leddfu rhai o'r rhwystredigaethau hyn i rieni, athrawon a'n pobl ifanc. Rwyf wedi clywed ar lawr gwlad fod cynlluniau datblygu unigol yn gam enfawr i'r cyfeiriad cywir. Ond rydym yn gwybod bod gwaith i'w wneud o hyd ac mae angen cyfathrebu pellach er mwyn sicrhau cysondeb.
Mae gennyf gysylltiadau agos â'r ysgolion yn fy etholaeth ac rwyf am sicrhau fy mod yn derbyn diweddariadau'n uniongyrchol ar gynnydd yr ADY newydd yn rheolaidd. Mae gennyf arolwg sy'n agored i drigolion Rhondda sy'n dymuno rhannu eu profiadau hyd yma, a hoffwn ddiolch yn fawr iawn i'r 60 a mwy o rieni a gwarcheidwaid sydd wedi cwblhau'r arolwg hyd yma. Bydd eich llais yn cael ei glywed, a bydd eich profiad yn helpu i greu profiadau cadarnhaol yn y dyfodol. Rwy'n gwybod bod y Gweinidog yn barod i wrando a gweithio gyda chi i gael hyn yn iawn. Diolch.
Y Gweinidog Addysg nawr i gyfrannu i'r ddadl. Jeremy Miles.
The Minister for Education now to contribute to the debate. Jeremy Miles.
Diolch, Llywydd. Ochr yn ochr gyda'r Cwricwlwm i Gymru, bwriad ein system anghenion dysgu ychwanegol newydd ni yw sicrhau bod pob dysgwr sydd angen darpariaeth ddysgu ychwanegol yn cael cymorth sydd wedi'i gynllunio a'i ddiogelu yn briodol, a bod hyn yn gyson ar draws Cymru. Gallaf i roi'r ymrwymiad hwnnw i Alun Davies, ac rwy’n rhannu ei angerdd e i sicrhau hynny, a hefyd sicrhau bod pob plentyn a pherson ifanc yn cael mynediad at yr addysg orau posib, ac yn cael eu hysbrydoli, eu hysgogi, eu cefnogi i gyflawni eu potensial yn llawn.
Rwy’n croesawu’r cyfle heddiw, felly, i roi gwybod i chi am y cynnydd sylweddol sydd wedi cael ei wneud i weithredu’r Ddeddf anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, er gwaetha’r pwysau—dyna’r gwirionedd. Mae’r adroddiad blynyddol gan Estyn yn dangos bod darparwyr yn croesawu’r newidiadau. Mae dealltwriaeth dda o anghenion dysgu ychwanegol ymysg y staff sy’n arwain arno. Mae dysgu proffesiynol a’r gwaith o sefydlu rolau statudol newydd wedi cael eu croesawu. Mae arferion sy’n canolbwyntio ar yr unigolyn yn cael eu rhoi ar waith ar draws y byd addysg.
Mae ymchwil ddiweddar ar y Cwricwlwm i Gymru yn dangos ei fod yn caniatáu i uwch arweinwyr hyrwyddo a chanolbwyntio ar gynhwysiant i ddysgwyr gydag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, a dysgwyr agored i niwed, i raddau pellach na’r cwricwlwm blaenorol, ar adeg pan fo hynny, wrth gwrs, yn hanfodol. Er mwyn ymateb i’r pwysau gwaith sy’n wynebu ysgolion a lleoliadau, ac yn arbennig cydlynwyr anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, yn ddiweddar fe wnes i ymestyn yr amserlen ar gyfer gweithredu'r diwygiadau anghenion dysgu ychwanegol am flwyddyn er mwyn caniatáu rhagor o hyblygrwydd—[Torri ar draws.]
Thank you, Llywydd. Alongside the Curriculum for Wales, the intention of our ALN system is to ensure that every learner that needs additional learning provision has support that is planned appropriately, and that this is consistent across Wales. I can give that commitment to Alun Davies—I share his passion on the need to ensure that, and also to ensure that every child and young person has access to the best possible education, and is inspired, encouraged and supported to achieve his or her full potential.
I welcome the opportunity today to inform you about the significant progress that's been made in implementing the additional learning needs legislation despite the pressures—that is the reality of the situation. The Estyn annual report demonstrates that providers welcome the changes. There is a good understanding of additional learning needs among the staff that lead on it. Professional learning and the work of establishing new statutory roles has been welcomed. Practices that focus on the individual are put in place across education.
Recent research on the Curriculum for Wales demonstrates that it allows senior leaders to promote and to focus on inclusion for learners with additional learning needs as well as vulnerable learners to a greater extent than the previous curriculum, at a time when that, of course, is crucially important. In order to respond to the pressures of work facing schools and settings, and particularly additional learning needs co-ordinators, I recently extended the timetable for the implementation of the ALN reforms for a year in order to allow further flexibility—[Interruption.]
Yes.
Gwnaf.
Thank you. This whole journey started 20 years ago, when I was a member of the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee, and I'd just, with my wife, fought a battle to get a statement for one of my children. So I've been there, done it, and know exactly what this is about. But last week, at their request, I met a teaching union. I haven't got the authority to identify them—I'll just say it's a major teaching union. And one of the things they said—I'd ask you how you respond to this statement by them; it's only a very brief quote—was, 'It's imperative that the Welsh Government conduct an urgent review of the impact of increased workload on all educational staff. Additional learning needs co-ordinators, classroom teachers and teaching assistants are all impacted by the failure to invest appropriately in the ALN reforms'.
Diolch. Dechreuodd y daith hon 20 mlynedd yn ôl, pan oeddwn yn aelod o'r Pwyllgor Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes, ac roeddwn i a fy ngwraig newydd fod yn brwydro i gael datganiad ar gyfer un o fy mhlant. Felly rwyf wedi bod yno, wedi'i wneud, ac rwy'n gwybod yn union beth yw hyn. Ond yr wythnos diwethaf, ar eu cais, fe gyfarfûm ag undeb athrawon. Nid wyf yn cael eu henwi—ond mae'n undeb athrawon o bwys. Ac un o'r pethau a ddywedasant—hoffwn ofyn i chi sut rydych yn ymateb i'r datganiad hwn ganddynt; dim ond dyfyniad byr iawn ydyw—oedd, 'Mae'n hanfodol fod Llywodraeth Cymru yn cynnal adolygiad brys o effaith llwyth gwaith cynyddol ar yr holl staff addysgol. Mae cydlynwyr anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, athrawon dosbarth a chynorthwywyr addysgu oll yn cael eu heffeithio gan y methiant i fuddsoddi'n briodol yn y diwygiadau ADY'.
Diolch i Mark Isherwood am yr ymyrraeth honno. Rŷn ni ar hyn o bryd yn edrych ar y cwestiwn penodol hwnnw o lwyth gwaith, yn enwedig ymhlith cydlynwyr anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Dwi ddim yn gwybod pa undeb sydd yn dweud hyn wrthych chi, ond yn sicr byddan nhw ynghlwm â’r gwaith hwnnw, a bydd hwnnw’n adrodd nôl atom ni ar ddiwedd y flwyddyn hon fel ein bod ni’n gallu gweld a oes angen i ni ymateb mewn ffyrdd amgen i’r hyn rŷn ni’n ei glywed yn sgil yr adolygiad pwysig hwnnw.
Mae cynnig y Ceidwadwyr yn dyfynnu ymchwil Cymdeithas Genedlaethol y Prifathrawon, neu’r NAHT, ar gyllid. Os yw’r Torïaid wedi cael sgyrsiau diweddar gyda'r undeb honno, fe fyddan nhw'n gwybod yn iawn fod y Llywodraeth yn San Steffan, yn anffodus, yn parhau i danariannu gwasanaethau cyhoeddus yn ddifrifol, ac mae hyn, wrth gwrs, yn cael effaith andwyol ar ysgolion ym mhob rhan o'r Deyrnas Gyfunol a gwasanaethau ehangach hefyd. Mae'r cynnig yn galw am fwy o gyllid yn benodol i gefnogi diwygiadau anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Dyma'n union beth rŷn ni wedi gwneud drwy gynyddu'r cyllid grant gweithredu anghenion dysgu ychwanegol eleni o £6.6 miliwn i £12 miliwn, a, dros y tair blynedd diwethaf, dros £62 miliwn o gyllid refeniw yn unig er mwyn helpu ysgolion i greu mwy o gapasiti ac amser i gyflawni ar draws lleoliadau ysgolion cyfan. Mae dros £12 miliwn yn cael ei ddefnyddio i helpu ysgolion i gyflawni ymyriadau lles, rhoi hyfforddiant i staff—rŷn ni wedi clywed am bwysigrwydd hwnnw heddiw—a sicrhau bod gwasanaethau iechyd meddwl plant a'r glasoed, CAMHS, ar gael o fewn ysgolion. Mae £9.1 miliwn o gyllid hefyd wedi cael ei gynnal er mwyn ymateb i faterion cymdeithasol ac emosiynol sy'n wynebu dysgwyr gydag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol.
I thank Mark Isherwood for that intervention. We are currently looking at that particular issue of teacher workload, particularly among ALN co-ordinators. I don't know which union made these comments, but I'm certain that they will be involved with that work, and that will report back to us at the end of this year so that we can see whether we need to respond in alternative ways to what we hear as a result of that important review.
The Conservative motion actually quotes the NAHT, the National Association of Head Teachers Cymru, on funding. If the Conservatives have had recent discussions with that union, they will know full well that the Westminster Government, unfortunately, continue to underfund public services significantly, and this, of course, has a detrimental impact on schools in all parts of the UK and on broader services too. The motion calls for more funding specifically to support ALN reforms. This is exactly what we've delivered by increasing the ALN implementation grant this year from £6.6 million to £12 million, and, over the past three years, over £62 million of revenue funding alone has been made available to help schools to create more capacity and time to deliver across whole-school settings. Over £12 million is being used to help schools to deliver well-being interventions, to give training to staff—we've heard of the importance of that today—and to ensure that child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, are available within schools. And £9.1 million of funding has also been maintained to respond to social and emotional issues facing learners with additional learning needs.
Rwy'n hollol argyhoeddedig bod ansawdd system addysg yn dibynnu’n llwyr ar ansawdd ei gweithlu. Rwy'n hynod falch o'r gweithlu ymroddedig sydd yma yng Nghymru a'i ymrwymiad i barhau i ddysgu. Rŷn ni wedi datblygu llwybr dysgu proffesiynol ar anghenion dysgu ychwanegol er mwyn i athrawon ac ymarferwyr eraill allu datblygu eu sgiliau i gefnogi dysgwyr gydag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Mae 84 o athrawon yn datblygu eu sgiliau anghenion dysgu ychwanegol ymhellach drwy raglen gradd Meistr cenedlaethol mewn addysg. Mae arweinwyr ysgolion a chydlynwyr anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn rhannu profiadau ac arferion effeithiol drwy raglen ddiwygiadau'r Academi Genedlaethol ar gyfer Arweinyddiaeth Addysgol. Bydd cyflwyno diwrnod hyfforddiant mewn swydd ychwanegol yn creu cyfle i'r proffesiwn ddatblygu eu sgiliau ymhellach.
Mae'r cynnig hefyd yn galw am adolygiad i'r ffordd y mae'r Ddeddf wedi ei rhoi ar waith, a sawl Aelod wedi sôn am hyn. Rwy'n cytuno bod hyn o werth. Dyna pam mae Estyn yn cynnal adolygiad thematig o weithredu'r diwygiadau anghenion dysgu ychwanegol eleni, gydag adroddiad i ddod ym mis Medi 2023. Mae hyn yn ychwanegol at y wybodaeth sy'n codi o raglen reolaidd Estyn o arolygu ac adolygu.
Mae gwerthusiad ffurfiannol o'r system anghenion dysgu ychwanegol ar waith. Bydd yn asesu effeithlonrwydd y broses weithredu, yn nodi rhwystrau neu elfennau sy'n hwyluso, ac yn nodi unrhyw effeithiau disgwyliedig neu sy'n codi o'r system newydd. Rŷn ni'n disgwyl cyhoeddi'r canfyddiad cynnar erbyn diwedd mis Tachwedd eleni.
Rŷn ni'n gwrando ar farn rhieni dysgwyr ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol neu ddysgwyr anabl drwy ariannu digwyddiadau rhieni a gofalwyr SNAP Cymru ledled y wlad. Mae dros 300 o bobl, o bob cwr o Gymru, wedi mynd i'r digwyddiadau hyd yma, ac mae'n cynnig ffordd i godi ymwybyddiaeth am y diwygiadau a chael adborth.
Mae'r cynnig yn sôn am ostyngiad yn y nifer sy'n derbyn cefnogaeth. Dwi ddim yn derbyn hynny. Mae data'r cyfrifiad disgyblion blynyddol yn ffynhonnell bwysig o wybodaeth monitro, ac mae dadansoddiad diweddar yn dangos bod cyfanswm nifer y plant sydd ar hyn o bryd yn cael eu cydnabod fel rhai ag anghenion addysgol arbennig neu anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn gostwng. Ond dydy gostyngiad yn y niferoedd ddim yn golygu nad yw'r dysgwyr yn cael y cymorth cywir. Wedi'r cyfan, nid jest rhifau haniaethol yw'r rhain; maen nhw'n ymwneud â dysgwyr unigol ag anghenion penodol.
Yn ystod hydref y llynedd, ar ein cais ni, cynhaliodd Estyn adolygiad thematig cryno o'r broses weithredu, a nododd bod gostyngiad sylweddol yn nifer y disgyblion a nodwyd fel rhai ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Yn gyffredinol, nododd Estyn fod cynnydd parhaus dysgwyr yn cael ei fonitro'n briodol mewn llawer o ysgolion a'u bod yn parhau i dderbyn cefnogaeth addas wedi'i thargedu. Rŷn ni yn disgwyl i'r duedd hon barhau o bosib wrth i blant gydag anghenion addysgol arbennig ar lefel gweithredu gan ysgolion gael cymorth drwy addysgu gwahaniaethol ac arferion cynhwysol. Gallai nifer y dysgwyr gydag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol wedyn ddechrau codi i adlewyrchu nifer cynyddol y dysgwyr gydag anghenion cymhleth.
Mi wnaeth Heledd Fychan ac eraill sôn am system ddwyieithog, ac mae angen sicrhau bod hyn ar gael ym mhob rhan o Gymru. Rwyf wedi sicrhau bod cynllunio darpariaeth ar gyfer anghenion dysgu ychwanegol cyfrwng Cymraeg yn rhan allweddol o’r WESPs. Erbyn yr hydref, bydd gennym ein harweydd ADY ar Gymraeg cenedlaethol yn ei le, a byddwn ni'n parhau, drwy Adnodd, i greu adnoddau cyfrwng Cymraeg newydd er mwyn helpu gydag addysgu a dysgu’r cwricwlwm, ac adnabod a chomisiynu adnoddau a fydd yn rhoi gwell cefnogaeth i ddysgwyr gydag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Rwy’n hyderus, Llywydd, fod ein diwygiadau i’r cwricwlwm ac anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn parhau i ailddiffinio a chyflawni ein huchelgais am system addysg gynhwysol.
I am entirely convinced that the quality of an education system depends entirely on the quality of its workforce. I am very proud of the committed workforce that we have here in Wales and its commitment to continue to learn and improve. We've developed a professional learning pathway on additional learning needs so that teachers and other practitioners can develop their skills to support learners with additional learning needs. Eighty-four teachers are developing ALN skills further through a national Master's degree programme in education. School leaders and ALN co-ordinators share experiences and effective practice through the National Academy for Educational Leadership's reforms programme. Introducing an additional in-service education and training day will be an opportunity for the profession to develop its skills further.
The motion also calls for a review of how the Act has been implemented, and many Members have mentioned this. I agree that there is value to this. That is why Estyn is holding a thematic review of the implementation of the ALN reforms this year, with a report to come in September 2023. This is in addition to the information arising from Estyn's regular cycle of inspection and review.
A formative evaluation of the additional learning needs system is taking place, and it will assess the effectiveness of the implementation process, identify barriers or elements that are effective, and note any expected results of the new system. We expect to publish the early findings by the end of November of this year.
We are listening to the views of parents of learners with additional learning needs or disabilities by funding events for parents and carers through SNAP Cymru across the country. Over 300 people, from all parts of Wales, have attended these events to date, and it provides a means of raising awareness about the reforms and to get feedback.
The motion mentions a reduction in the numbers receiving support. I don't accept that. The annual pupil census data is an important source of monitoring information, and recent analysis shows that the total number of children who are present recognised as having additional learning needs or special educational needs is reducing. But the reduction in numbers does not mean that the learners aren't getting the right support. After all, these are not just numbers on a page; they relate to individual pupils with specific needs.
During the autumn of last year, at our request, Estyn held a brief thematic review of the implementation process, which noted a significant reduction in the number of pupils who were recorded as having additional learning needs. Generally speaking, Estyn noted that the ongoing progress of pupils was monitored appropriately in many schools and that they continue to receive targeted support that was appropriate. We expect this trend to continue, perhaps, as children with special educational needs at the operational, schools level, are supported by differentiated methods of teaching and inclusive approaches. The number of learners with ALN could then start to rise to reflect the increasing number of learners who have complex needs.
Heledd Fychan and others mentioned a bilingual system, and we do need to ensure that this is available in all parts of Wales. I have ensured that the planning provision for Welsh-medium ALN is a key part of the WESPs. By the autumn, we will have our national ALN Welsh language lead in place, and we will continue, through Adnodd, to create Welsh-medium resources to help with teaching and learning the curriculum, and to identify and commission resources that will provide better support for learners with additional learning needs. I am confident, Llywydd, that our reforms to the curriculum and additional learning needs continue to redefine and to deliver our ambition for an inclusive education system.
Tom Giffard i ymateb i'r ddadl.
Tom Giffard to reply to the debate.
Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd, and can I thank all Members of the Senedd that have participated in this debate today and for the interesting range of perspectives that we've heard from across the Chamber? I think the fact that so many individual Members wanted to speak in this debate does show that this is an issue that touches all of us, and something that a lot of us will come across either from personal experience or in terms of acting on behalf of our constituents. As somebody who has worked in this sector before—I was, as many of you will know, a one-to-one learning support assistant for a young child with ALN—I know the difference that that particular provision can make. Laura Anne Jones started by saying that ALN provision benefits everyone in the classroom, not just those that require that specific ALN support, which is all the more reason why we need to get this right. And I thank the Minister for his response, and I think there was praise from across the Chamber for the ALN provision that has been taken so far, the changes that have been made so far. And, as Hefin David reminded us, we've come a long way, I think, in our understanding of learning support needs and so on over the years. I think it was 1970 you gave the reference from, and I'm very thankful we're not there today.
Paul Davies made reference to a petition, which is live at the moment, by Clare-Anna Mitchell. Many, I think, of my Labour colleagues will know Clare-Anna Mitchell, who was a Labour candidate in the last council elections in Swansea, which shows that this is not a party political message we're trying to get across here; this is something that really matters and is very important to people, and that petition, which was gathering signatures as I was sitting here watching this debate, kind of shows, hopefully, that we've made some convincing arguments that have got more people to sign that particular petition. But a lot of what we're calling for in our motion today—reviewing those additional learning needs policies, and making understanding, in terms of our teachers and our teaching assistants, in terms of what to look for, what to spot, and how to help people with ALN—.
Alun Davies said that the purpose of the legislation was to move away from that specific need for a diagnosis, and I think that's a point he made well, but James Evans stated that that wasn't something that's uniformly the case across the country. Jenny Rathbone suggested that the onus needs to be moved onto schools, that they need to be responsible for their pupils. I agree; they are absolutely responsible, and I think that's a responsibility they take very seriously. But, obviously, these schools exist within the framework set for them by the Welsh Government, where, as James Evans said, the funding follows the diagnosis, and with thousands waiting for diagnosis—and Buffy Williams mentioned that that can take a lot of time—schools then need to find that in the interim from existing budgets, which can create tensions for schools as well.
Alun Davies, Altaf Hussain and Darren Millar all mentioned the inconsistency of approach, I think, from local authority to local authority, sometimes even from school to school, in terms of the implementation of some of these things. That will not, again, have been the intention of the legislation, hence the need for our motion today. And action needs to be taken now to ensure that no child misses out, particularly no child misses out regardless of the language that they want to be taught in, as Heledd Fychan, I think, put really well at the beginning of her contribution introducing the Plaid Cymru amendment, which we'll be supporting. Because if Welsh language is something that belongs to all of us, we need to truly mean that, and that goes for everybody, whether you require that ALN support or not. So, I really hope that what our motion today is calling for is not something, as I say, that's hugely party political; it's something that I think encompasses a lot of the concerns we've heard across the Chamber today—that there's a lot of praise for what's happened already, but it is not consistent and it needs another look at to, hopefully, get it right, because if we get this truly right, it'll make a transformational change. So, I hope you'll back our motion today.
Diolch yn fawr, Lywydd, ac a gaf fi ddiolch i holl Aelodau'r Senedd sydd wedi cymryd rhan yn y ddadl hon heddiw ac am yr ystod ddiddorol o safbwyntiau rydym wedi'u clywed ar draws y Siambr? Rwy'n credu bod y ffaith bod cymaint o Aelodau unigol eisiau siarad yn y ddadl hon yn dangos bod hwn yn fater sy'n cyffwrdd pob un ohonom, a'i fod yn rhywbeth y bydd llawer ohonom wedi dod ar ei draws naill ai o brofiad personol neu wrth weithredu ar ran ein hetholwyr. Fel rhywun sydd wedi gweithio yn y sector hwn o'r blaen—roeddwn i, fel y bydd llawer ohonoch chi'n gwybod, yn gynorthwyydd cymorth dysgu un i un i blentyn ifanc ag ADY—rwy'n gwybod y gwahaniaeth y gall y ddarpariaeth benodol honno ei wneud. Dechreuodd Laura Anne Jones drwy ddweud bod darpariaeth ADY o fudd i bawb yn yr ystafell ddosbarth, nid dim ond y rhai sydd angen y cymorth ADY penodol hwnnw, sy'n rheswm arall pam fod angen i ni gael hyn yn iawn. Ac rwy'n diolch i'r Gweinidog am ei ymateb, ac rwy'n credu bod Aelodau o bob rhan o'r Siambr yn canmol y ddarpariaeth ADY a gafwyd a'r newidiadau a wnaed hyd yma. Ac fel y gwnaeth Hefin David ein hatgoffa, rydym wedi dod yn bell, rwy'n credu, o ran ein dealltwriaeth o anghenion cymorth dysgu ac yn y blaen dros y blynyddoedd. Rwy'n credu ichi roi dyfyniad o 1970, ac rwy'n ddiolchgar iawn nad ydym yn y sefyllfa honno heddiw.
Cyfeiriodd Paul Davies at ddeiseb, sy'n fyw ar hyn o bryd, gan Clare-Anna Mitchell. Credaf y bydd llawer o fy nghyd-Aelodau Llafur yn adnabod Clare-Anna Mitchell, a oedd yn ymgeisydd Llafur yn etholiadau diwethaf y cyngor yn Abertawe, sy'n dangos nad neges wleidyddiaeth plaid rydym yn ceisio ei chyfleu yma; mae'n rhywbeth sy'n wirioneddol bwysig i bobl, ac mae'r ddeiseb honno, a oedd yn casglu llofnodion wrth imi eistedd yma'n gwylio'r ddadl hon, yn dangos mewn ffordd, gobeithio, ein bod wedi cyflwyno rhai dadleuon argyhoeddiadol sydd wedi annog mwy o bobl i lofnodi'r ddeiseb honno. Ond mae llawer o'r hyn y galwn amdano yn ein cynnig heddiw—adolygu'r polisïau anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, a gwella dealltwriaeth ein hathrawon a'n cynorthwywyr addysgu, o ran beth i chwilio amdano, beth i'w nodi, a sut i helpu pobl ag ADY—.
Dywedodd Alun Davies mai pwrpas y ddeddfwriaeth oedd symud i ffwrdd o'r angen penodol am ddiagnosis, a chredaf fod hwnnw'n bwynt a wnaeth yn dda, ond dywedodd James Evans nad oedd hynny'n wir yn yr un ffordd ledled y wlad. Awgrymodd Jenny Rathbone fod angen symud y cyfrifoldeb ar ysgolion, fod angen iddynt hwy fod yn gyfrifol am eu disgyblion. Rwy'n cytuno; maent yn sicr yn gyfrifol, ac rwy'n credu ei fod yn gyfrifoldeb y maent o ddifrif yn ei gylch. Ond yn amlwg, mae'r ysgolion hyn yn bodoli o fewn y fframwaith a osodir ar eu cyfer gan Lywodraeth Cymru, lle mae'r cyllid yn dilyn y diagnosis, fel y dywedodd James Evans, a chyda miloedd yn aros am ddiagnosis—a soniodd Buffy Williams y gall hynny gymryd llawer o amser—mae angen i ysgolion ddod o hyd i gyllid o gyllidebau sy'n bodoli'n barod yn y cyfamser, sy'n gallu creu tensiynau i ysgolion hefyd.
Soniodd Alun Davies, Altaf Hussain a Darren Millar am anghysondeb y dull o weithredu rhwng un awdurdod lleol a'r llall, weithiau hyd yn oed rhwng un ysgol a'r llall, o ran gweithredu rhai o'r pethau hyn. Unwaith eto, nid dyna oedd bwriad y ddeddfwriaeth, a dyna pam fod angen ein cynnig ni heddiw. Ac mae angen gweithredu nawr i sicrhau nad oes unrhyw blentyn ar eu colled, ac yn enwedig, nad oes unrhyw blentyn ar eu colled ni waeth pa iaith y maent am gael eu dysgu ynddi, fel y gwnaeth Heledd Fychan, rwy'n credu, ei nodi'n dda iawn ar ddechrau ei chyfraniad yn cyflwyno gwelliant Plaid Cymru, gwelliant y byddwn yn ei gefnogi. Oherwydd os yw'r Gymraeg yn rhywbeth sy'n perthyn i bob un ohonom, mae gwir angen inni olygu hynny, ac mae hynny'n wir am bawb, p'un a ydych chi angen cymorth ADY ai peidio. Felly, fel rwy'n dweud, rwy'n gobeithio'n fawr nad yw'r hyn y mae ein cynnig heddiw'n galw amdano yn hynod o ddadleuol yn wleidyddol; mae'n rhywbeth y credaf ei fod yn cwmpasu llawer o'r pryderon a glywsom ar draws y Siambr heddiw—sef bod llawer o ganmoliaeth i'r hyn sydd wedi digwydd eisoes, ond nid yw'n gyson ac mae angen golwg arall arno er mwyn ei gael yn iawn, gobeithio, oherwydd os cawn hyn yn iawn mewn gwirionedd, fe fydd yn newid trawsnewidiol. Felly, rwy'n gobeithio y gwnewch chi gefnogi ein cynnig heddiw.
Y cwestiwn yw: a ddylid derbyn y cynnig heb ei ddiwygio? A oes unrhyw Aelod yn gwrthwynebu? [Gwrthwynebiad.] Oes, mae yna wrthwynebiad, felly fe wnawn ni ohirio'r bleidlais tan y cyfnod pleidleisio, ac oni bai fod tri Aelod yn dymuno i fi ganu'r gloch, fe awn ni yn syth i'r cyfnod pleidleisio.
The proposal is to agree the motion without amendment. Does any Member object? [Objection.] Yes, there is an objection, therefore, we'll defer the vote until voting time. Unless three Members wish for the bell to be rung, we will proceed directly to voting time.
Gohiriwyd y pleidleisio tan y cyfnod pleidleisio.
Voting deferred until voting time.
Felly, mae'r bleidlais y prynhawn yma ar eitem 7, sef yr union ddadl rŷn ni newydd ei chlywed—[Torri ar draws.] Ie, ocê, mi ddof i at hynna nawr. Eitem 7 yw dadl y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig ar anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Fe fyddwn ni'n galw am bleidlais ar y cynnig heb ei ddiwygio yn gyntaf. Felly, dwi'n agor y bleidlais ar y cynnig heb ei ddiwygio, yn enw Darren Millar.
Fe wnaf i gymryd pleidlais lafar oddi wrth Mabon ap Gwynfor. Sut wyt ti'n pleidleisio, Mabon, ar y cynnig heb ei ddiwygio? Mae pleidlais Mabon ap Gwynfor wedi ei gyflwyno, felly. Fe wnaf i gau'r bleidlais. O blaid 15, neb yn ymatal, 34 yn erbyn. Felly, mae'r cynnig heb ei ddiwygio wedi ei wrthod.
The vote this afternoon is on item 7, which is the debate that we've just had—[Interruption.] Yes, okay, I'll come to that in a moment. Item 7 is the Welsh Conservative debate on additional learning needs. We will call for a vote on the motion without amendment first of all. So, I open the vote on the motion without amendment, in the name of Darren Millar.
I'll take an oral vote from Mabon ap Gwynfor. How do you vote, Mabon, on the motion without amendment? Mabon ap Gwynfor's vote has been submitted. I'll close the vote. In favour 15, no abstentions, 34 against. Therefore, the motion without amendment is not agreed.
Eitem 7: Dadl y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig—Anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Cynnig heb ei ddiwygio, cyflwynwyd yn enw Darren Millar: O blaid: 15, Yn erbyn: 34, Ymatal: 0
Gwrthodwyd y cynnig
Item 7: Welsh Conservatives' Debate—Additional learning needs. Motion without amendment, tabled in the name of Darren Millar: For: 15, Against: 34, Abstain: 0
Motion has been rejected
Gwelliant 1 fydd nesaf, ac os bydd gwelliant 1 yn cael ei dderbyn, bydd gwelliant 2 yn cael ei ddad-ddethol. Felly, pleidlais ar welliant 1, a gyflwynwyd yn enw Lesley Griffiths. Agor y bleidlais. Cau'r bleidlais. O blaid 26, neb yn ymatal, 23 yn erbyn. Felly, mae gwelliant 1 wedi ei dderbyn, a gwelliant 2 yn cael ei ddad-ddethol.
Amendment 1 is next, and if amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be deselected. So, a vote on amendment 1, tabled in the name of Lesley Griffiths. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 26, no abstentions, 23 against. Therefore, amendment 1 is agreed, and amendment 2 is deselected.
Eitem 7: Dadl y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig—Anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Gwelliant 1, cyflwynwyd yn enw Lesley Griffiths: O blaid: 26, Yn erbyn: 23, Ymatal: 0
Derbyniwyd y gwelliant
Item 7: Welsh Conservatives' Debate—Additional learning needs. Amendment 1, tabled in the name of Lesley Griffiths: For: 26, Against: 23, Abstain: 0
Amendment has been agreed
Cafodd gwelliant 2 ei ddad-ddethol.
Amendment 2 deselected.
Felly, pleidlais yn olaf ar y cynnig—. Na, mae'n ddrwg gen i, mae yna welliant 3. Mae'r bleidlais nesaf ar welliant 3. Agor y bleidlais, felly, ar welliant 3, yn enw Siân Gwenllian. Cau'r bleidlais. O blaid 49, neb yn ymatal, neb yn erbyn. Felly, mae gwelliant 3 wedi ei dderbyn.
So, a vote finally on the motion—. No, I apologise, there is an amendment 3. The next vote is on amendment 3. Open the vote on amendment 3, tabled in the name of Siân Gwenllian. Close the vote. In favour 49, no abstentions, none against. Therefore, amendment 3 is agreed.
Eitem 7: Dadl y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig—Anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Gwelliant 3, cyflwynwyd yn enw Siân Gwenllian: O blaid: 49, Yn erbyn: 0, Ymatal: 0
Derbyniwyd y gwelliant
Item 7: Welsh Conservatives' Debate—Additional learning needs. Amendment 3, tabled in the name of Siân Gwenllian: For: 49, Against: 0, Abstain: 0
Amendment has been agreed
Mae'r bleidlais olaf, felly, ar y cynnig wedi ei ddiwygio.
The final vote, therefore, is on the motion as amended.
Cynnig NDM8294 fel y'i diwygiwyd
Cynnig bod y Senedd:
1. Yn nodi:
a) Estyn wedi canfod bod cynnydd cyson tuag at roi’r diwygiadau ADY ar waith a bod y newidiadau yn cael eu croesawu'n gyffredinol.
b) ymchwil yn canfod bod y Cwricwlwm i Gymru a’r cod ADY yn hyrwyddo ffocws ar degwch a chynwysoldeb i bob dysgwr.
c) cyfnod gweithredu’r diwygiadau ADY wedi'i ymestyn er mwyn sicrhau bod teuluoedd yn cael y cymorth gorau posibl, a’r cyllid gweithredu wedi cynyddu er mwyn helpu i gynllunio ar gyfer diwallu anghenion dysgwyr unigol.
2. Yn galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i:
a) cynnal adolygiad brys o weithredu diwygiadau ADY;
b) cymryd camau brys i sicrhau bod plant ag ADY yn cael eu hadnabod a'u bod yn cael mynediad at gymorth yn gynt;
c) darparu cymorth ariannol ychwanegol yn uniongyrchol i ysgolion Cymru i sicrhau bod dysgwyr ag ADY yn gallu cael gafael ar y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt; a
d) cymryd camau ar unwaith i leddfu pryderon gan ddarparwyr cyfrwng Cymraeg ynghylch argaeledd adnoddau Cymraeg i gefnogi gwaith ADY, a sicrhau bod yr holl adnoddau'n cael eu cyhoeddi'n ddwyieithog.
Motion NDM8294 as amended
To propose that the Senedd:
1. Notes that:
a) Estyn finds that ALN implementation is making steady progress and changes are generally welcomed.
b) research finds that the Curriculum for Wales and ALN code are promoting a focus on equity and inclusivity for all learners.
c) the ALN implementation period has been extended to ensure that families receive the best support possible, and implementation funding increased to help plan for meeting individual learner need.
2. Calls on the Welsh Government to:
a) undertake an urgent review of the implementation of ALN reforms;
b) take urgent action to ensure that children with ALN are identified and provided with access to support sooner;
c) provide additional financial support directly to Welsh schools to ensure that learners with ALN are able to access the support they need; and
d) take immediate action to alleviate concerns from Welsh-medium providers regarding the availability of Welsh language resources to support ALN work, and ensure all resources are published bilingually.
Agor y bleidlais. Cau'r bleidlais. O blaid 49, neb yn ymatal, neb yn erbyn. Mae'r cynnig wedi ei ddiwygio wedi ei dderbyn. Dyna ddiwedd ar y pleidleisio.
Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 49, no abstentions, none against. The motion as amended is therefore agreed. That brings us to the end of voting time.
Eitem 7: Dadl y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig—Anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Cynnig wedi'i ddiwygio: O blaid: 49, Yn erbyn: 0, Ymatal: 0
Derbyniwyd y cynnig fel y'i diwygiwyd
Item 7: Welsh Conservatives' Debate—Additional learning needs. Motion as amended: For: 49, Against: 0, Abstain: 0
Motion as amended has been agreed
Fe fyddwn ni'n symud ymlaen i'r ddadl fer. Mae'r ddadl fer heddiw gan Delyth Jewell a gofynnaf iddi gyflwyno'r pwnc ar gyfer y ddadl fer.
We will move on to the short debate. Today's short debate is from Delyth Jewell and I call on Delyth Jewell to speak on the topic she has chosen for the short debate.
And if Members who are leaving could do so quietly.
Ac os gallai'r Aelodau sy'n gadael wneud hynny'n dawel.
Diolch, Llywydd. My debate this evening is about the inequalities relating to cancer diagnoses, treatment and outcomes in Wales. And I'm pleased to be giving John Griffiths, Joel James, Heledd Fychan, Mark Isherwood, Rhun ap Iorwerth and Jack Sargeant a minute each of my time.
I'm indebted to Cancer Research UK and the cross-party group on cancer, and their 'All Things Being Equal?' report.
Diolch, Lywydd. Mae fy nadl heno yn ymwneud â'r anghydraddoldebau sy'n gysylltiedig â diagnosis, triniaeth a chanlyniadau canser yng Nghymru. Ac rwy'n falch o roi munud yr un o fy amser i John Griffiths, Joel James, Heledd Fychan, Mark Isherwood, Rhun ap Iorwerth a Jack Sargeant.
Rwy'n ddyledus i Cancer Research UK a'r grŵp trawsbleidiol ar ganser, a'u hadroddiad 'Pob Peth yn Gyfartal?'
Daeth y Dirprwy Lywydd i’r Gadair.
The Deputy Presiding Officer took the Chair.
Poverty is a driving force in determining whether you get cancer, how quickly you'll receive treatment, and your chances around survival. I wanted to bring this debate to the Senedd because of the brutal inequalities that so many of the areas I represent in the Valleys have always had to grapple with. These are inequalities visited on people, which are the legacy of a lack of investment in our communities over decades, which have complex, often unpredictable effects. When the mines closed, they left behind a trail of injustice, which can be traced right through to the increased prevalence of respiratory disease affecting people today, the mental health burdens and lack of faith in public systems that can deter people from seeking help, and an absence of investment in jobs and support services, which leave residents more likely to fall through the gaps. So, let's start with the incidence of cancer in these areas.
As the CPG report makes clear, if you live in an area that is more deprived of economic and social resources, you are more likely to get cancer. Some of the reasons for this are social, including higher rates of smoking and obesity. Then there are barriers that stand in between residents and support services. Research suggests that people who live in the areas I've mentioned will be less likely to get time off to go to medical appointments. They will be less likely to have private transport, leaving them at the mercy of often unreliable bus services. Where someone is from shouldn't limit their life in such a literal way as this. I am so proud, Dirprwy Lywydd, to be from the Valleys, and it makes me deeply angry that so many unfairnesses are faced by the communities I'm from through no fault of their own.
Data gleaned by Cancer Research UK from 2020-21 shows a deprivation gap in the uptake for cancer screening, a 19 percentage point gap for breast screening, a 15 percentage point gap for bowel screening, a 12 percentage point gap for cervical screening—and again, that is the gap between the most and least deprived groups in Wales. Now, that word 'deprived', I know that it has a very specific socio-scientific meaning. It has connotations I don't like very much, but I'm using it because it's the word that the data relates to, and I would remind anyone who has a similar discomfort about those connotations to reflect with me on the fact that 'deprivation' means taking something away from a person. People living in our areas have been prevented from living safer lives, and I find that monstrously unfair.
I know from Cancer Research UK about the variation in performance between health boards, and I want to make clear here that my remarks are not meant as a criticism of members of staff, who I know care deeply and work incredibly hard to look after people when they're at their most vulnerable. But for all the reasons that we will be discussing in this debate, people living in some communities in Wales face these increased risks. For Cwm Taf, the incidence rate for all cancers combined is 8 per cent higher than the rest of Wales. Lung cancer rates are 20 per cent higher than the Wales average. So many factors will feed into why this picture is so stark. Again, this isn't a question of laying blame at anyone's door. It's about understanding why the different pieces come together to make up that picture.
Barriers to services, like whether people can get to appointments, can be affected by travel and work issues, as I've already talked about. And some cancer treatment regimes are demanding. The Welsh cancer patient experience survey found that people living in some areas are more concerned about the distance they need to travel to get to a hospital. And what about when you've had the diagnosis? Waiting times for treatment can also be worse if you happen to live in one of these areas. In March 2023, NHS cancer waiting times showed that only 55.3 per cent of patients started their first treatment within 62 days of first being suspected of having cancer. That is the highest performance since the beginning of 2023. It is still far below the performance target for suspected cancer pathways, which aims for 75 per cent. It's a target that hasn't been met.
NHS diagnostic and therapy service waiting times show that, again in March this year, roughly 91,400 patients were waiting for one of seven key diagnostic tests in Wales. Nearly 40 per cent of those patients had been waiting for more than eight weeks. With cancer, possibly more than almost any other diagnosis, I think it's important for us to remember what those waiting times will mean. We're brought up to dread that diagnosis—a lot of the time because we don't understand enough about survival rates, and things are improving with research all the time. But the shorthand we have is that cancer is something that will get you, which is why so many people are too scared to ask for help. And if people, after making that leap and asking for help, which is so important—and people, please, should always ask for help if they've got any symptoms that they're not sure about; it's always best to ask for help—but, if after making that leap, if they have to wait for eight weeks to get an answer, then, they're in this kind of hellish limbo where they'll be expecting the worst, because that's human nature, before they can get any answers, before they can start on the journey to start to get better. Now, these waiting times prolong people's pain. The human cost of waiting times is, I think, incalculable, because you can't quantify the hurt that's made.
None of what I'm saying is meant as a criticism of either front-line staff or Government; it's meant as a plea, because I've lost people I love through cancer; everyone who sits in this Chamber will have done. This is a subject that nobody will look on coldly—I know that.
Some of the questions I'd like to ask the Minister, please, to consider are whether the Government can commit to an annual report to the Senedd on the Welsh Government's efforts to tackle cancer inequalities in Wales. I'd ask whether, in implementing the cancer improvement plan, the Wales Cancer Network can set out how new initiatives can either help reduce these inequalities, or set out what needs to happen to make sure that these inequalities certainly don't get worse. I'd ask whether the Government and Public Health Wales will commit to awareness-raising campaigns, perhaps particularly targeted at these groups that need that exposure most of all, which would seek to tackle the risk factors that make people more exposed to risk of cancer, and campaigns that also address the barriers that prevent so many people from making that leap, either to go into a screening or go into an appointment.
When it comes to the transport issues I've raised, I'd be grateful to know if an urgent review into patient transport options for cancer tests and treatment could be conducted. There are wonderful initiatives already like that, run by Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil Ltd, that provide a free, door-to-door transport service to attend cancer appointments. It's a long way from Merthyr Tydfil to Velindre, for example, and they provide this service, which is a godsend. Could a review look into how initiatives like that could be enhanced or supported, please, and would you commit to expanding existing targets for cancer screening, so that they include targets for improving uptake in the groups that are less likely to take part?
I'm grateful to the Minister, I'm grateful to everyone who's going to be speaking, and indeed, everyone who's going to be part of this debate. And, in my remaining few minutes, before I wait to hear what everyone else says in this debate, I would just emphasise again that I know that this is an issue that affects—. Each one of us will have at least one story that will have affected us deeply. Some of us will have had personal experience of this. I know that it is something that everyone wants to get right. So, this is, really, a plea, in a very cross-party way, and I welcome hearing more in the debate. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Mae tlodi'n rym ysgogol sy'n pennu a fyddwch chi'n cael canser, pa mor gyflym y byddwch chi'n cael triniaeth, a'ch gobaith o oroesi. Roeddwn eisiau dod â'r ddadl hon i'r Senedd oherwydd yr anghydraddoldebau creulon y mae cynifer o'r ardaloedd rwy'n eu cynrychioli yn y Cymoedd bob amser wedi gorfod ymgiprys â nhw. Anghydraddoldebau yw'r rhain a achoswyd i bobl, sef gwaddol y diffyg buddsoddiad yn ein cymunedau dros ddegawdau, sydd ag effeithiau cymhleth, anrhagweladwy yn aml. Pan gaeodd y pyllau glo, gadawsant lwybr o anghyfiawnder ar eu holau, anghyfiawnder y gellir ei olrhain drwodd i'r achosion cynyddol o glefydau anadlol sy'n effeithio ar bobl heddiw, y beichiau iechyd meddwl a'r diffyg ymddiriedaeth mewn systemau cyhoeddus sy'n gallu atal pobl rhag ceisio cymorth, a diffyg buddsoddiad mewn swyddi a gwasanaethau cymorth, sy'n golygu bod trigolion yn fwy tebygol o syrthio drwy'r bylchau. Felly, gadewch inni ddechrau gyda nifer yr achosion o ganser yn yr ardaloedd hyn.
Fel y mae adroddiad y grŵp trawsbleidiol yn dangos yn glir, os ydych chi'n byw mewn ardal sy'n fwy amddifad o adnoddau economaidd a chymdeithasol, rydych chi'n fwy tebygol o gael canser. Mae rhai o'r rhesymau dros hyn yn gymdeithasol, gan gynnwys cyfraddau uwch o ysmygu a gordewdra. Yna ceir rhwystrau sy'n sefyll rhwng trigolion a gwasanaethau cymorth. Mae ymchwil yn awgrymu y bydd pobl sy'n byw yn yr ardaloedd a nodais yn llai tebygol o gael amser i ffwrdd o'u gwaith i fynd i apwyntiadau meddygol. Byddant yn llai tebygol o fod â thrafnidiaeth breifat at eu defnydd, gan eu gadael ar drugaredd gwasanaethau bysiau sy'n aml yn annibynadwy. Ni ddylai lle mae rhywun yn dod ohono gyfyngu ar eu bywydau mewn ffordd mor llythrennol â hyn. Ddirprwy Lywydd, rwy'n hynod o falch fy mod yn dod o'r Cymoedd, ac mae'n fy nghorddi fod cymaint o annhegwch yn wynebu'r cymunedau rwy'n hanu ohonynt heb unrhyw fai arnynt hwy.
Mae data a gasglwyd gan Cancer Research UK ar gyfer 2020-21 yn dangos bwlch amddifadedd yn y nifer sy'n manteisio ar sgriniadau canser, bwlch o 19 pwynt canran ar gyfer sgrinio'r fron, bwlch o 15 pwynt canran ar gyfer sgrinio'r coluddyn, bwlch o 12 pwynt canran ar gyfer sgrinio serfigol—ac unwaith eto, dyna'r bwlch rhwng y grwpiau mwyaf a lleiaf difreintiedig yng Nghymru. Nawr, y gair 'amddifadedd', gwn fod iddo ystyr cymdeithasol-wyddonol benodol iawn. Mae iddo arwyddocâd nad wyf yn eu hoffi'n fawr iawn, ond rwy'n ei ddefnyddio am mai dyma'r gair y mae'r data'n ymwneud ag ef, a hoffwn atgoffa unrhyw un sydd yr un mor anghysurus ynglŷn â'r cysylltiadau hynny i ystyried y ffaith bod 'amddifadedd' yn golygu mynd â rhywbeth oddi wrth rhywun. Mae pobl sy'n byw yn ein hardaloedd wedi cael eu hatal rhag byw bywydau mwy diogel, ac rwy'n gweld hynny'n annheg iawn.
Rwy'n gwybod gan Cancer Research UK am yr amrywio rhwng perfformiad byrddau iechyd, ac rwyf am ei gwneud yn glir yma na fwriedir i fy sylwadau fod yn feirniadaeth o aelodau staff, y gwn eu bod yn malio'n fawr ac yn gweithio'n anhygoel o galed i ofalu am bobl pan fyddant ar eu mwyaf bregus. Ond am yr holl resymau y byddwn yn eu trafod yn y ddadl hon, mae pobl sy'n byw mewn rhai cymunedau yng Nghymru yn wynebu'r risgiau cynyddol hyn. Ar gyfer Cwm Taf, mae'r gyfradd achosion o bob canser yn gyfunol 8 y cant yn uwch na gweddill Cymru. Mae cyfraddau canser yr ysgyfaint 20 y cant yn uwch na chyfartaledd Cymru. Bydd cymaint o ffactorau'n bwydo i mewn i pam mae'r darlun hwn mor llwm. Unwaith eto, nid mater o feio unrhyw un yw hyn. Mae'n ymwneud â deall pam mae'r gwahanol ddarnau'n dod at ei gilydd i greu'r darlun hwnnw.
Gall rhwystrau i wasanaethau, fel gallu pobl i gyrraedd apwyntiadau, gael eu heffeithio gan broblemau teithio a gwaith, fel rwyf eisoes wedi sôn. Ac mae trefniadau rhai triniaethau canser yn heriol. Canfu arolwg profiad cleifion canser Cymru fod pobl sy'n byw mewn rhai ardaloedd yn poeni mwy am y pellter sydd angen iddynt ei deithio i gyrraedd ysbyty. A beth am ar ôl ichi gael y diagnosis? Gall amseroedd aros am driniaeth hefyd fod yn waeth os ydych chi'n digwydd byw yn un o'r ardaloedd hyn. Ym mis Mawrth 2023, dangosodd amseroedd aros canser y GIG mai dim ond 55.3 y cant o gleifion a ddechreuodd eu triniaeth gyntaf o fewn 62 diwrnod i'r amheuaeth gyntaf fod ganddynt ganser. Dyma'r perfformiad gorau ers dechrau 2023. Mae'n dal i fod ymhell islaw'r targed perfformiad ar gyfer llwybrau lle'r amheuir canser, sy'n anelu at 75 y cant. Mae'n darged nad yw wedi'i gyrraedd.
Mae amseroedd aros gwasanaeth diagnosteg a therapi'r GIG yn dangos, unwaith eto ym mis Mawrth eleni, fod tua 91,400 o gleifion yn aros am un o saith prawf diagnostig allweddol yng Nghymru. Roedd bron i 40 y cant o'r cleifion hynny wedi bod yn aros am fwy nag wyth wythnos. Gyda chanser, yn fwy nag unrhyw ddiagnosis arall o bosibl, rwy'n credu ei bod yn bwysig inni gofio beth fydd yr amseroedd aros hynny'n golygu. Cawn ein magu i ofni'r diagnosis hwnnw—a hynny'n aml iawn am nad ydym yn deall digon am gyfraddau goroesi, ac mae pethau'n gwella gydag ymchwil drwy'r amser. Ond y llaw fer sydd gennym yw bod canser yn rhywbeth a fydd yn eich cael chi, a dyna pam mae cymaint o bobl yn rhy ofnus i ofyn am help. Ac os yw pobl, ar ôl gwneud y naid honno a gofyn am help, sydd mor bwysig—a dylai pobl bob amser ofyn am help os oes ganddynt unrhyw symptomau nad ydynt yn siŵr amdanynt; mae hi bob amser yn well gofyn am help—ond ar ôl gwneud y naid honno, os oes rhaid iddynt aros am wyth wythnos i gael ateb, maent mewn limbo uffernol lle byddant yn disgwyl y gwaethaf, sy'n nodwedd o'r natur ddynol, cyn iddynt allu cael unrhyw atebion, cyn y gallant ddechrau ar y daith i ddechrau gwella. Nawr, mae'r amseroedd aros hyn yn ymestyn poen pobl. Mae cost ddynol amseroedd aros yn anfesuradwy yn fy marn i, oherwydd ni allwch fesur y niwed a wneir.
Nid wyf yn bwriadu i ddim o'r hyn rwy'n ei ddweud gael ei weld fel beirniadaeth o staff rheng flaen na'r Llywodraeth; ple ydyw, oherwydd collais bobl rwy'n eu caru oherwydd canser; bydd pawb sy'n eistedd yn y Siambr hon wedi profi hynny. Mae hwn yn bwnc na fydd neb yn edrych arno'n ddi-hid—rwy'n gwybod hynny.
Rhai o'r cwestiynau yr hoffwn eu gofyn i'r Gweinidog eu hystyried, os gwelwch yn dda, yw a all y Llywodraeth ymrwymo i adroddiad blynyddol i'r Senedd ar ymdrechion Llywodraeth Cymru i fynd i'r afael ag anghydraddoldebau canser yng Nghymru. Wrth weithredu'r cynllun gwella gwasanaethau canser, hoffwn ofyn a all Rhwydwaith Canser Cymru nodi sut y gall mentrau newydd naill ai helpu i leihau'r anghydraddoldebau hyn, neu nodi'r hyn sy'n rhaid digwydd er mwyn sicrhau nad yw'r anghydraddoldebau'n gwaethygu. Hoffwn ofyn i'r Llywodraeth ac Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru ymrwymo i ymgyrchoedd codi ymwybyddiaeth, wedi'u targedu'n arbennig efallai at y grwpiau sydd angen y cysylltiad hwnnw'n fwy na neb, i geisio mynd i'r afael â'r ffactorau risg sy'n gwneud pobl yn fwy agored i risg o ganser, ac ymgyrchoedd sydd hefyd yn mynd i'r afael â'r rhwystrau sy'n atal cymaint o bobl rhag gwneud y naid, naill ai i gael eu sgrinio neu i fynd i apwyntiad.
Ar y materion trafnidiaeth a nodais, hoffwn wybod a ellid cynnal adolygiad brys o opsiynau trafnidiaeth cleifion i gyrraedd profion a thriniaethau canser. Mae yna fentrau gwych o'r fath eisoes yn cael eu rhedeg gan Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil Ltd, sy'n darparu gwasanaeth trafnidiaeth o ddrws i ddrws am ddim i fynychu apwyntiadau canser. Mae'n ffordd bell o Ferthyr Tudful i Felindre, er enghraifft, ac maent yn darparu'r gwasanaeth hwn, sy'n achubiaeth. A allai adolygiad edrych ar sut y gellid gwella neu gefnogi mentrau o'r fath, os gwelwch yn dda, ac a wnewch chi ymrwymo i ehangu targedau presennol ar gyfer sgriniadau canser, fel eu bod yn cynnwys targedau ar gyfer cynyddu'r nifer sy'n manteisio arnynt yn y grwpiau sy'n llai tebygol o wneud hynny?
Rwy'n ddiolchgar i'r Gweinidog, rwy'n ddiolchgar i bawb sy'n mynd i fod yn siarad, ac yn wir, i bawb sy'n mynd i fod yn rhan o'r ddadl hon. Ac yn yr ychydig amser sy'n weddill gennyf, cyn aros i glywed yr hyn sydd gan bawb arall i'w ddweud yn y ddadl hon, rwyf am bwysleisio eto fy mod yn gwybod bod hwn yn fater sy'n effeithio—. Bydd gan bob un ohonom o leiaf un stori a fydd wedi effeithio arnom yn ddwfn. Bydd rhai ohonom wedi cael profiad personol o hyn. Rwy'n gwybod ei fod yn rhywbeth y mae pawb eisiau ei gael yn iawn. Felly, ple yw hyn mewn gwirionedd, mewn ffordd drawsbleidiol iawn, ac rwy'n croesawu clywed mwy yn y ddadl. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
I'd like to thank Delyth Jewell very much for allowing me to contribute to this very important short debate today, and to congratulate Delyth on the way that she presented the case so effectively and powerfully. I'd like, as Chair of the cross-party group on smoking and health, Dirprwy Lywydd, to concentrate on smoking, which Delyth mentioned, because we know it's a very significant factor in terms of more deprived communities smoking at a greater rate. In fact, I think the last statistics show that smoking rates are four times higher in the most deprived communities compared to the least deprived. And over 2,000 cancer cases annually in Wales are attributed to deprivation, with almost half of them being linked to lung cancer. So, it's pretty clear just how important smoking, lung cancer and other diseases from smoking are to health inequalities.
And what we need to do, I think, as well as addressing the multidimensional factors that Delyth mentioned, which are very complex—and, obviously, anything that is done across Welsh Government to tackle deprivation will help tackle these health inequalities, including lung cancer—we also need to improve services and target them more effectively at our more deprived communities. Anything that drives down smoking rates, generally, will help, but anything that particularly targets our more deprived communities and smoking rates will be particularly helpful. And I think we all know about that inverse law that means that, in general—as Delyth again touched upon—those communities with the greatest health needs tend to receive lesser services, and that's something that we must tackle, if we're going to make the sort of progress that we must in tackling these matters.
Hoffwn ddiolch yn fawr iawn i Delyth Jewell am ganiatáu imi gyfrannu at y ddadl fer bwysig hon heddiw, a llongyfarch Delyth ar y ffordd y cyflwynodd yr achos mor effeithiol a phwerus. Fel Cadeirydd y grŵp trawsbleidiol ar ysmygu ac iechyd, Ddirprwy Lywydd, hoffwn ganolbwyntio ar ysmygu, y soniodd Delyth amdano, gan ein bod yn gwybod ei fod yn ffactor arwyddocaol iawn am fod cyfraddau uwch yn ysmygu mewn cymunedau mwy difreintiedig. Mewn gwirionedd, rwy'n credu bod yr ystadegau diwethaf yn dangos bod cyfraddau ysmygu bedair gwaith yn uwch yn y cymunedau mwyaf difreintiedig o gymharu â'r rhai lleiaf difreintiedig. Ac mae dros 2,000 o achosion canser y flwyddyn yng Nghymru yn cael eu priodoli i amddifadedd, gyda bron eu hanner yn gysylltiedig â chanser yr ysgyfaint. Felly, mae'n eithaf clir pa mor bwysig yw ysmygu, canser yr ysgyfaint a chlefydau eraill sy'n deillio o ysmygu o ran anghydraddoldebau iechyd.
A'r hyn sydd angen inni ei wneud, rwy'n credu, yn ogystal â mynd i'r afael â'r ffactorau amlddimensiwn a grybwyllodd Delyth, sy'n gymhleth iawn—ac yn amlwg, bydd unrhyw beth sy'n cael ei wneud ar draws Llywodraeth Cymru i fynd i'r afael ag amddifadedd yn helpu i fynd i'r afael â'r anghydraddoldebau iechyd hyn, gan gynnwys canser yr ysgyfaint—mae angen inni wella gwasanaethau hefyd a'u targedu'n fwy effeithiol yn ein cymunedau mwy difreintiedig. Bydd unrhyw beth sy'n lleihau cyfraddau ysmygu'n gyffredinol yn helpu, ond bydd unrhyw beth sy'n targedu ein cymunedau mwy difreintiedig a'n cyfraddau ysmygu yn benodol yn arbennig o ddefnyddiol. Ac rwy'n credu ein bod i gyd yn gwybod am y ddeddf wrthgyfartal sy'n golygu, at ei gilydd—fel y crybwyllodd Delyth unwaith eto—fod y cymunedau sydd â'r anghenion iechyd mwyaf yn tueddu i dderbyn llai o wasanaethau, ac mae hynny'n rhywbeth y mae'n rhaid inni fynd i'r afael ag ef os ydym yn mynd i wneud y math o gynnydd sy'n rhaid inni ei wneud wrth fynd i'r afael â'r materion hyn.
I'd like to start by thanking my colleague Delyth Jewell for giving me a minute of her time to talk about such a vital topic. In the few moments that I have, I would like to address one specific recommendation of the CPG report, and that is the increasing need for Welsh Government to work with Public Health Wales and the Wales Cancer Network, to commit to the collection and publication of data on cancer inequalities, including ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation and disability.
The CPG's report was limited to socioeconomic deprivation, because this was the only data available. This is not good enough. We need more thorough data collection, because it is the only way we can really improve the understanding of the needs of cancer sufferers and the impact it has on their lives. Moreover, we need to improve our understanding of the factors that influence cancer outcomes. I truly believe that relatively small interventions can be made at key points on a cancer sufferer's journey that will have significant improvements in their outcomes and welfare. But these will remain out of reach until we properly understand all aspects of cancer sufferers' lives. As such, for the Welsh Government, the NHS Wales Executive, Wales Cancer Network and health boards to continue tackling cancer inequalities, I ask that the Welsh Government takes seriously this recommendation and commits to working with Public Health Wales and the Wales Cancer Network on better collection of data on cancer inequalities in Wales. It is only with more comprehensive data that we'll be able to properly address cancer inequalities and ensure that the experiences of the most marginalised groups are equal. Thank you.
Hoffwn ddechrau drwy ddiolch i fy nghyd-Aelod Delyth Jewell am roi munud o'i hamser i mi siarad am bwnc mor bwysig. Yn yr ychydig amser sydd gennyf, hoffwn fynd i'r afael ag un argymhelliad penodol yn adroddiad y grŵp trawsbleidiol, sef yr angen cynyddol i Lywodraeth Cymru weithio gydag Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru a Rhwydwaith Canser Cymru, i ymrwymo i gasglu a chyhoeddi data ar anghydraddoldebau canser, gan gynnwys ethnigrwydd, oedran, rhywedd, cyfeiriadedd rhywiol ac anabledd.
Roedd adroddiad y grŵp trawsbleidiol wedi'i gyfyngu i amddifadedd economaidd-gymdeithasol, oherwydd dyma'r unig ddata oedd ar gael. Nid yw hyn yn ddigon da. Mae angen casglu data'n fwy trylwyr, oherwydd dyma'r unig ffordd y gallwn wella dealltwriaeth o anghenion dioddefwyr canser a'r effaith y mae'n ei chael ar eu bywydau. Ar ben hynny, mae angen inni wella ein dealltwriaeth o'r ffactorau sy'n dylanwadu ar ganlyniadau canser. Credaf o ddifrif y gellir gwneud ymyriadau cymharol fach ar adegau allweddol ar daith dioddefwr canser a fydd yn sicrhau gwelliannau sylweddol i'w canlyniadau a'u lles. Ond bydd y rhain yn parhau i fod allan o'u cyrraedd hyd nes ein bod yn deall pob agwedd ar fywydau dioddefwyr canser yn iawn. Felly, er mwyn i Lywodraeth Cymru, Gweithrediaeth GIG Cymru, Rhwydwaith Canser Cymru a byrddau iechyd barhau i fynd i'r afael ag anghydraddoldebau canser, gofynnaf i Lywodraeth Cymru fod o ddifrif ynghylch yr argymhelliad hwn ac ymrwymo i weithio gydag Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru a Rhwydwaith Canser Cymru ar gasglu data ar anghydraddoldebau canser yng Nghymru yn well. Heb ddata mwy cynhwysfawr, ni allwn fynd i'r afael ag anghydraddoldebau canser yn briodol a sicrhau bod profiadau'r grwpiau mwyaf ymylol yn gyfartal. Diolch.
Gaf i ddiolch o galon i Delyth Jewell? Mi ydym ni, fel roedd Delyth wedi sôn, i gyd wedi adnabod pobl oedd yn rhy hwyr, yn anffodus, yn cael y diagnosis hwnnw. Mae'r anghyfartaledd—cymaint o bobl rŵan ddim eisiau bod yn niwsans, yn anwybyddu'r symptomau hefyd. Ac mae hi'n anodd eithriadol os does gennych chi ddim, fel gwnest ti amlinellu, fynediad at drafnidiaeth gyhoeddus, yn ddibynnol ar aelod o deulu i fynd â chi oherwydd dydy rhywbeth ddim cweit yn teimlo'n iawn. Neu, i'r rheini sydd—nifer ohonyn nhw yn ein hetholaethau ni—yn byw ar eu pennau eu hunain, lle does ganddyn nhw ddim arian ar gyfer y tacsi hwnnw lle does yna ddim trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus ac ati. Ac mae hwn yn fater o gydraddoldeb—y cydraddoldeb hwnnw, eich bod chi'n gallu cael y mynediad at y meddyg—os ydych chi'n gallu cael trwodd at y meddyg—wedyn, eich bod chi yn cael y diagnosis hwnnw. Mae'n rhaid inni sicrhau—. Yn amlwg, yr ardal dwi'n ei gynrychioli—gwnest ti grybwyll Cwm Taf Morgannwg—mae yna gymaint o anghydraddoldebau yn y fan yna; pobl yn marw'n ddiangen ar y funud. Mae'r wyddoniaeth yn parhau i wella, ond mae'n rhaid inni gael y neges yn glir: dydy pobl ddim yn bod yn niwsans os ydyn nhw'n mynd at y meddyg; peidiwch ag anwybyddu'r symptomau; ac mae gan bawb yr hawl i fynd at y meddyg. Gobeithio medrwn ni rhoi y neges yna'n glir, eich bod chi angen mynd, os ydych chi'n cael symptomau.
May I sincerely thank Delyth Jewell? As Delyth mentioned, we have all known people who were too late in getting their diagnosis, unfortunately. The inequality—there are so many people who don't want to be a nuisance, they ignore the symptoms. And it can be very difficult, as you outlined, if you don't have access to public transport— you're reliant on a family member to take you just because something doesn't feel quite right. Or, many of those people in our communities who live alone, they don't have money to pay for a taxi where there is no public transport available. This is an equalities issue—that equality of access to medical services, if you can get through to the surgery, and then that you do get that necessary diagnosis. In the area that I represent—you mentioned Cwm Taf Morgannwg—there are so many inequalities in that area; people dying needlessly at the moment. The science continues to improve, but we must send a clear message: people aren't being a nuisance if they go to their GP; don't ignore the symptoms; and everyone has a right to go to their GP. Hopefully, we can make it clear that you do need to go to your GP, if you have symptoms.
I also thank Delyth Jewell for allowing me to contribute to this short debate. It was concerning to learn further about the barriers that those from deprived communities may face during their cancer journey, most importantly, when identifying the signs and symptoms of cancer. Recognising these is critical to seeking help from a GP, getting an early diagnosis and starting treatment, where any delays can have a detrimental impact on health outcomes. In light of this, I urge the health Minister to consider the report's recommendation to expand existing cancer awareness campaigns, specifically target the most deprived communities in Wales. Can Welsh Government commit to investing in regular cancer awareness campaigns to address the barriers to diagnosis that those from most deprived communities face? And will Welsh Government work with Public Health Wales to ensure a roll-out of targeted symptom awareness campaigns, to ensure that those from the most deprived communities in Wales are not left behind?
Rwyf innau hefyd yn diolch i Delyth Jewell am ganiatáu imi gyfrannu at y ddadl fer hon. Roedd yn ofid dysgu ymhellach am y rhwystrau y gallai pobl o gymunedau difreintiedig fod yn eu hwynebu yn ystod eu taith ganser, yn bwysicaf oll wrth nodi arwyddion a symptomau canser. Mae adnabod y rhain yn hanfodol i geisio cymorth gan feddyg teulu, cael diagnosis cynnar a dechrau triniaeth, lle gall unrhyw oedi gael effaith niweidiol ar ganlyniadau iechyd. Yng ngoleuni hyn, rwy'n annog y Gweinidog iechyd i ystyried argymhelliad yr adroddiad i ehangu ymgyrchoedd ymwybyddiaeth canser presennol, gan dargedu'n benodol y cymunedau mwyaf difreintiedig yng Nghymru. A wnaiff Llywodraeth Cymru ymrwymo i fuddsoddi mewn ymgyrchoedd codi ymwybyddiaeth canser rheolaidd i fynd i'r afael â'r rhwystrau i ddiagnosis y mae pobl o'r cymunedau mwyaf difreintiedig yn eu hwynebu? Ac a wnaiff Llywodraeth Cymru weithio gydag Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru i sicrhau bod ymgyrchoedd codi ymwybyddiaeth o symptomau wedi'u targedu yn cael eu cyflwyno, er mwyn sicrhau nad yw pobl o'r cymunedau mwyaf difreintiedig yng Nghymru'n cael eu gadael ar ôl?
A gaf i ddiolch Delyth am ychydig o'i hamser hi yn y ddadl fer bwysig yma? Ychydig eiliadau cymraf i, a dwi eisiau diolch i'r grŵp trawsbleidiol ar ganser am ei adroddiad ar yr anghydraddoldebau o fewn diagnosis a thriniaeth canser.
Mae darllen yr adroddiad yn dod â'r sgandal yn fyw, onid ydy—yr anghydraddoldeb dwfn yna sy'n bodoli rhwng cyfleon bywyd a chyfleon byw pobl mewn cymunedau ac o gefndiroedd breintiedig o'i gymharu â phobl o gefndiroedd difreintiedig. Mae'r raddfa farwolaeth mewn ardaloedd difreintiedig 55 y cant yn fwy o'i gymharu ag ardaloedd mwy cyfoethog—55 y cant yn fwy. Mae'n rhaid i ni siarad am hyn. Mae'n rhaid i ni weiddi am hyn. Mae'n rhaid i ni weithredu polisi sy'n sicrhau bod y gwirionedd erchyll yma'n dod yn rhan o'n hanes ni, yn hytrach na phresennol Cymru'r unfed ganrif ar hugain.
May I thank Delyth for giving a little of her time in this short debate? I'll take just a few seconds, and I want to thank the cross-party group on cancer for their report on the inequalities within diagnosis and cancer treatment.
Reading the report brings the scandal alive, doesn't it—that profound inequality that exists between life chances and the chances of survival of people from privileged communities and backgrounds as opposed to those from deprived backgrounds. The mortality rate in deprived areas is 55 per cent higher than in wealthier areas—55 per cent higher. We need to talk about this. We need to shout about this. We need to implement a policy that ensures that that awful truth becomes part of our history, rather than our present in Wales in the twenty-first century.
I'm extremely grateful to Delyth for allowing me to do this. I just wanted to take the time to raise the gynaecological cancers inquiry the Health and Social Care Committee are currently undertaking, in particular, the evidence we heard from cancer patient Claire O'Shea—so brave, so powerful, so inspirational. And I keep coming back—and Rhun will be aware of this—to this word of 'medical gaslighting', and it's an issue that we have to address. I would urge Members to go and look at Claire's Instagram—she's documenting her journey. And we as a committee must listen to those patients' experiences, make recommendations on the back of them, and I do hope—. I know the Minister can't answer this now, but, when we do report our committee report, and lay that down to the Government, I hope they listen and implement those actions and experiences, because the experience of Claire O'Shea and patients like her is simply incredible, and it's so brave of her to come forward like that.
Rwy'n hynod ddiolchgar i Delyth am ganiatáu imi wneud hyn. Roeddwn eisiau rhoi amser i nodi'r ymchwiliad i ganser gynaecolegol y mae'r Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol yn ei gyflawni ar hyn o bryd, yn enwedig y dystiolaeth a glywsom gan y claf canser Claire O'Shea—mor ddewr, mor bwerus, mor ysbrydoledig. Ac rwy'n dal i ddod yn ôl—a bydd Rhun yn ymwybodol o hyn—at y term 'dibwyllo meddygol', ac mae'n fater y mae'n rhaid inni fynd i'r afael ag ef. Hoffwn annog yr Aelodau i fynd i edrych ar Instagram Claire—mae hi'n dogfennu ei thaith. Ac mae'n rhaid i ni fel pwyllgor wrando ar brofiadau'r cleifion hynny, gwneud argymhellion yn eu sgil, ac rwy'n gobeithio—. Rwy'n gwybod na all y Gweinidog ateb hyn nawr, ond pan fyddwn yn cyflwyno adroddiad ein pwyllgor, ac yn ei osod ger bron y Llywodraeth, rwy'n gobeithio y byddant yn gwrando ac yn gweithredu'r camau a'r profiadau hynny, oherwydd mae profiad Claire O'Shea a chleifion tebyg iddi yn anhygoel, ac mae hi mor ddewr yn camu ymlaen fel y gwnaeth.
Nawr, galwaf ar y Gweinidog Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol i ymateb i'r ddadl—Eluned Morgan.
I now call on the Health and Social Services Minister to respond to the debate—Eluned Morgan.
Diolch yn fawr. I'd like to thank Delyth Jewell for tabling this short debate on cancer and inequality, and, in particular, thanks to the cross-party group for its work on the 'All Things Being Equal?' report. I know that the deputy chief medical officer attended the launch of the report on 8 June, and we're really giving careful considerations to its recommendations.
I think it's really important that we focus on the issue, and it doesn't sit comfortably with me that where people live, their circumstances, their age, their race, their gender, that that can all have a significant impact on their chances of getting cancer and surviving cancer. Now, in 2015, the chief medical officer wrote extensively in his annual report, 'Rebalancing Healthcare', about how we must work in partnership to reduce social inequality and, in particular, its effect on health outcomes. I've spent a lot of time talking to Sir Michael Marmot about his views on health inequalities. I think we also recognise the importance of this in our policy that already has been developed, in terms of the quality statement for cancer, which includes as its first domain the issue of equity in cancer care and, importantly, outcome.
So, we expect NHS services to be planned and delivered in a way that mitigates these inequalities. The NHS response to the quality statement, the cancer improvement plan, is framed throughout by a focus on inequality. Now, a newly established NHS health inequalities group will focus on a small number of areas that aim to maximise the contribution of the NHS and seek to make the NHS an exemplar. The group is tasked to oversee, co-ordinate and drive work at the national level to tackle health inequalities. It will include identifying and scaling up best practice to maximise impact. Priority areas include reviewing data sets and taking action to respond to gaps, along with mainstreaming. So, the point that was brought up by Joel James about data, I absolutely concur with—data, data, data. We need to know what's going on, and I'm very much of the view that data is absolutely crucial in this space.
Health boards have also got a responsibility for their populations, and, under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, have duties to address the determinants of health over the long term. So, lots of people talked about smoking. Obesity, actually, is also a real issue when it comes to increasing the risks of cancer. Health boards work with local authorities through regional partnership boards to tackle these cross-sectoral issues. Now, the socioeconomic duty also requires specified public bodies to consider how their decisions might help to reduce the inequalities associated with socioeconomic disadvantage when making strategic decisions, such as deciding priorities and setting objectives. The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 also embeds health in all policy approach across Welsh Government, and there is work already under way to develop regulations under the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017, which will require specified public bodies to carry out a health impact assessment in certain circumstances. This is truly innovative. It's something I know that the World Health Organization is really interested in, in seeing how that changes things in Wales, how that focus that we're anxious to see across Government and outside of Government actually works in practice.
Diolch yn fawr. Hoffwn ddiolch i Delyth Jewell am gyflwyno'r ddadl fer hon ar ganser ac anghydraddoldeb, ac yn arbennig, diolch i'r grŵp trawsbleidiol am ei waith ar yr adroddiad 'Pob Peth yn Gyfartal?'. Gwn fod y dirprwy brif swyddog meddygol wedi bod yn rhan o lansio'r adroddiad ar 8 Mehefin, ac rydym yn rhoi ystyriaeth ofalus i'w argymhellion.
Rwy'n credu ei bod yn bwysig iawn ein bod yn canolbwyntio ar y mater, ac rwy'n anghyfforddus iawn fod lle mae pobl yn byw, eu hamgylchiadau, eu hoedran, eu hil, eu rhywedd, y gall hynny i gyd gael effaith sylweddol ar eu tebygolrwydd o gael canser a'u gobaith o oroesi canser. Nawr, yn 2015, ysgrifennodd y prif swyddog meddygol yn helaeth yn ei adroddiad blynyddol, 'Adfer Cydbwysedd i Ofal Iechyd', ynglŷn â sut mae'n rhaid inni weithio mewn partneriaeth i leihau anghydraddoldeb cymdeithasol, a'i effaith ar ganlyniadau iechyd yn benodol. Rwyf wedi treulio llawer o amser yn siarad â Syr Michael Marmot am ei safbwyntiau ar anghydraddoldebau iechyd. Rwy'n credu ein bod hefyd yn cydnabod pwysigrwydd hyn yn ein polisi sydd eisoes wedi'i ddatblygu, gyda'r datganiad ansawdd ar gyfer canser, sy'n cynnwys tegwch mewn gofal canser, ac yn bwysig, canlyniadau canser, fel ei adran gyntaf.
Felly, rydym yn disgwyl i wasanaethau'r GIG gael eu cynllunio a'u darparu mewn ffordd sy'n lliniaru'r anghydraddoldebau hyn. Mae ymateb y GIG i'r datganiad ansawdd, y cynllun gwella gwasanaethau canser, wedi ei fframio drwyddo draw gan ffocws ar anghydraddoldeb. Nawr, bydd grŵp anghydraddoldebau iechyd newydd y GIG yn canolbwyntio ar nifer fach o feysydd sy'n anelu at wneud cymaint â phosibl o gyfraniad y GIG a cheisio gwneud y GIG yn batrwm enghreifftiol. Mae'r grŵp yn gyfrifol am oruchwylio, cydlynu a sbarduno gwaith ar y lefel genedlaethol i fynd i'r afael ag anghydraddoldebau iechyd. Bydd yn cynnwys nodi a chynyddu arferion gorau er mwyn sicrhau'r effaith fwyaf. Mae meysydd blaenoriaeth yn cynnwys adolygu setiau data a gweithredu i ymateb i fylchau, ynghyd â phrif ffrydio. Felly, y pwynt a nodwyd gan Joel James am ddata, rwy'n cytuno'n llwyr—data, data, data. Mae angen inni wybod beth sy'n digwydd, ac rwy'n credu'n gryf iawn fod data'n gwbl hanfodol yn hynny o beth.
Mae gan fyrddau iechyd gyfrifoldeb am eu poblogaethau hefyd, ac o dan Ddeddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau'r Dyfodol (Cymru) 2015, mae ganddynt ddyletswyddau i fynd i'r afael â phenderfynyddion iechyd yn hirdymor. Felly, fe siaradodd llawer o bobl am ysmygu. Mae gordewdra hefyd yn broblem go iawn o ran cynyddu risgiau canser. Mae byrddau iechyd yn gweithio gydag awdurdodau lleol drwy fyrddau partneriaeth rhanbarthol i fynd i'r afael â'r materion traws-sectoraidd hyn. Nawr, mae'r ddyletswydd economaidd-gymdeithasol hefyd yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i gyrff cyhoeddus penodol ystyried sut y gallai eu penderfyniadau helpu i leihau'r anghydraddoldebau sy'n gysylltiedig ag anfantais economaidd-gymdeithasol wrth wneud penderfyniadau strategol, megis penderfynu ar flaenoriaethau a gosod amcanion. Mae Deddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau'r Dyfodol (Cymru) 2015 hefyd yn ymgorffori iechyd ym mhob gwaith polisi ar draws Llywodraeth Cymru, ac mae gwaith eisoes ar y gweill ar ddatblygu rheoliadau o dan Ddeddf Iechyd y Cyhoedd (Cymru) 2017, a fydd yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i gyrff cyhoeddus penodedig gynnal asesiad o'r effaith ar iechyd mewn amgylchiadau penodol. Mae hyn yn wirioneddol arloesol. Mae'n rhywbeth rwy'n gwybod bod gan Sefydliad Iechyd y Byd ddiddordeb mawr ynddo, a gweld sut mae hynny'n newid pethau yng Nghymru, sut mae'r ffocws rydym yn awyddus i'w weld ar draws y Llywodraeth a thu allan i'r Llywodraeth yn gweithio yn ymarferol.
Rŷn ni'n cymryd nifer o gamau cenedlaethol i roi sylw i'r ffactorau sy'n dylanwadu ar iechyd: er enghraifft, y rhaglen Dechrau'n Deg; y camau i fynd i'r afael â thai gwael a llygredd aer; ein cynllun cyflogadwyedd; a hefyd ein cynlluniau i daclo gordewdra a tybaco. Rŷn ni wedi cyhoeddi cynllun gwrth-hiliaeth a'r cynllun gweithredu LGBTQ+, sydd â'r nod o fynd i'r afael â'r annhegwch mae'r grwpiau hyn yn ei wynebu. Mae hon yn gyfres gynhwysfawr o ofynion sydd ar waith ar draws ein gwasanaethau cyhoeddus, a hynny dros y tymor hir, i roi sylw i'r ffactorau a allai achosi afiechydon, gan gynnwys canser. Mae'n hanfodol ein bod ni'n gwneud popeth o fewn ein gallu i atal canser ymysg ein cymunedau mwyaf difreintiedig, a dyna fydd yn cael yr effaith fwyaf o ran taclo'r diffyg cydraddoldeb mewn iechyd.
Ysmygu a gordewdra, fel mae nifer wedi sôn amdano, yw'r prif ffactorau sy'n achosi canser ac sy'n bosib i atal. Felly, yn amlwg, mae nifer o bobl yn datblygu canser a dŷn nhw ddim yn ysmygu a dŷn nhw ddim yn ordew, felly mae yna amryw o resymau pam mae pobl yn cael canser, ond dŷn ni'n gwybod bod y gyfradd yn cynyddu os yw'r rheini yn ffactorau.
Y rheswm rhannol pam rŷn ni'n gweld mwy o achosion o ganser a llai o bobl yn goroesi mewn rhannau o'n cymunedau difreintiedig yw'r cysylltiad rhwng bod yn ddifreintiedig ac ymddygiad sy'n niweidiol, fel ysmygu. Felly, rhoi'r gorau i ysmygu yw'r cam mwyaf positif y gall pobl ei gymryd i wella iechyd, ac dŷn ni wedi gweld cynnydd sylweddol o ran lleihau cyfraddau ysmygu ledled Cymru. Ond dŷn ni'n gwybod bod angen gwneud mwy os ydym ni am gyflawni ein uchelgais yng Nghymru. Rŷn ni wedi cymryd camau i wneud bod yn ddi-fwg yn norm ym mhob rhan o'n cymdeithas, ac rŷn ni'n canolbwyntio ar leihau ysmygu ymhlith mamau, oherwydd ein bod ni eisiau gweld mwy o blant a phobl ifanc yn mwynhau plentyndod di-fwg. Rŷn ni hefyd yn targedu'r grwpiau hynny lle mae'r nifer uchaf o bobl yn ysmygu er mwyn eu hannog nhw i gefnogi a manteisio ar y gwasanaethau NHS sydd yna i'w helpu nhw.
Bydd angen hefyd i ni gefnogi pobl i gyrraedd pwysau iach. Bydd taclo diffyg cydraddoldeb mewn iechyd yn parhau i fod yn ffocws hollbwysig i ni. A jest i gyffwrdd ar rai o'r pwyntiau mae pobl wedi cyffwrdd arnynt yn y ddadl—
We are taking a number of steps at a national level to cover the factors that have an influence on people's health: for example, Flying Start; the steps to tackle poor housing and air pollution; our employability programme; and our plans to tackle tobacco use and obesity. We've published an anti-racism and an LGBTQ+ action plan, which aim to tackle the inequalities faced by these groups. This is a comprehensive set of programmes across our public services and health services, and that is over the long term, to give attention to the factors that can cause disease and illness such as cancer. It's important that we do everything we can to prevent cancer among our most deprived communities, and that is what will have the greatest impact in tackling the inequalities within health.
Smoking and obesity, as many have mentioned, are the main factors that cause cancer and are preventable. So, clearly, many people develop cancer and they don't smoke and they're not obese, so there are a range of reasons as to why people are affected by cancer, but we know that rates increase where those are factors.
Part of the reason that we're seeing more cases of cancer and fewer people surviving in some of our deprived communities is the link between being deprived and harmful behaviour, such as smoking. So, smoking cessation is the most positive step that people can take to improve their health, and we have seen significant progress in reducing smoking rates across Wales. But we know that more needs to be done if we are to deliver our ambitions here in Wales. We have taken steps to make being smoke-free the norm in all parts of society, and we are focused on reducing smoking among mothers, because we do want to see more children and young people enjoying a smoke-free childhood. We're also targeting groups where the highest numbers of people are smokers in order to encourage them to take advantage of the NHS services that are there to support and help them.
There will also be a need for us to support people to reach a healthy weight. Tackling inequalities in health will continue to be a crucial focus for us. And just to touch upon some of the points that people have raised during the debate—
Delyth, thank you for being so passionate and so powerful in your presentation. I think this report is something that we're going to have to take very seriously, and I'm very aware that it is important to have awareness-raising campaigns. Very interesting, the work that organisations like the Moondance Cancer Initiative is doing, targeting those deprived areas. I hear what you're saying in terms of transport. So, what we're going to see is a concentration. Because of the issues around things like workforce and the fact that kit is expensive, we're going to see a concentration in particular areas, and people will have to travel to those areas. But what I do recognise is that we have to make sure, in particular for those people from poorer areas, that they've got a means of getting there. As you say, there are some really good initiatives; we just need to make sure that those initiatives are available across the country.
John, I know you're very passionate about the issue of smoking, and thank you for your points that you've put forward in relation to that. Lung cancer—interestingly, we've started on this project targeting lung cancer, because lung cancer, the problem with it is that very often you don't see it until quite late, and, when you see it, it's very difficult to tackle. Now we've got this liquid biopsy approach that we're trying to look at, and I'm just really interested to see what that pilot is going to come up with, to see if there's more we can do in that space.
Heledd, you talked also about the trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus. I just think we've got to be absolutely aware that this is something, as I tried to set out, that is very much on our agenda. And Jack, thank you very much for your reference, again, to Claire O'Shea. I recognise that it's really important for us to really focus on this area. There is a real issue with women's cancer. I've asked my officials to really focus on that. I'm aware you're doing a report on it, I'm looking forward to seeing the recommendations of that report, but I'm not waiting for the report, because, for every day that people wait, that is a problem for somebody who's suffering. So, we're on it, we're trying to work with it. We are challenged at the moment; there's no question that the NHS in Wales is massively challenged, but there is a particular problem with women's cancer, and I'm very, very keen to make sure that we do something to address that. Diolch.
Delyth, diolch i chi am fod mor angerddol ac mor bwerus yn eich cyflwyniad. Rwy'n credu bod yr adroddiad hwn yn rhywbeth y bydd yn rhaid inni fod o ddifrif yn ei gylch, ac rwy'n ymwybodol iawn ei bod hi'n bwysig cael ymgyrchoedd codi ymwybyddiaeth. Mae'r gwaith y mae sefydliadau fel Menter Canser Moondance yn ei wneud ar dargedu'r ardaloedd difreintiedig hynny'n ddiddorol iawn. Rwy'n clywed yr hyn rydych chi'n ei ddweud am drafnidiaeth. Felly, yr hyn rydym yn mynd i'w weld yw crynodiad. Oherwydd y problemau sy'n ymwneud â phethau fel gweithlu a'r ffaith bod cyfarpar yn ddrud, rydym yn mynd i weld crynodiad mewn ardaloedd penodol, a bydd yn rhaid i bobl deithio i'r ardaloedd hynny. Ond rwy'n cydnabod bod yn rhaid inni sicrhau, yn enwedig i bobl o ardaloedd tlotach, fod ganddynt ffordd o gyrraedd yno. Fel y dywedwch, mae yna rai mentrau da iawn yn bodoli; mae angen inni wneud yn siŵr fod y mentrau hynny ar gael ledled y wlad.
John, rwy'n gwybod eich bod chi'n teimlo'n angerddol iawn ynghylch ysmygu, a diolch i chi am y pwyntiau a gyflwynwyd gennych mewn perthynas â hynny. Canser yr ysgyfaint—yn ddiddorol, rydym wedi dechrau ar brosiect sy'n targedu canser yr ysgyfaint, oherwydd y broblem gyda canser yr ysgyfaint yn aml iawn yw nad ydych yn ei weld tan yn eithaf diweddar, a phan fyddwch yn ei weld, mae'n anodd iawn mynd i'r afael ag ef. Nawr mae gennym ddull biopsi hylifol rydym yn ceisio edrych arno, ac mae gennyf ddiddordeb mawr mewn gweld beth fydd canlyniadau'r peilot hwnnw, i weld a oes mwy y gallwn ei wneud yn y gofod hwnnw.
Heledd, roeddech chi'n siarad hefyd am drafnidiaeth gyhoeddus. Rwy'n credu bod yn rhaid inni fod yn gwbl ymwybodol fod hyn yn rhywbeth sydd ar ein hagenda, fel y ceisiais ei nodi. A Jack, diolch yn fawr iawn am gyfeirio at Claire O'Shea unwaith eto. Rwy'n cydnabod ei bod yn bwysig iawn inni ganolbwyntio ar y maes hwn. Mae problem wirioneddol gyda chanser menywod. Rwyf wedi gofyn i fy swyddogion ganolbwyntio ar hynny. Rwy'n ymwybodol eich bod chi'n gwneud adroddiad arno, rwy'n edrych ymlaen at weld argymhellion yr adroddiad hwnnw, ond nid wyf yn aros am yr adroddiad, oherwydd, am bob diwrnod y bydd pobl yn aros, mae hynny'n broblem i rywun sy'n dioddef. Felly, rydym wrthi, rydym yn ceisio gweithio gydag ef. Cawn ein herio ar hyn o bryd; nid oes amheuaeth fod yna her aruthrol i'r GIG yng Nghymru, ond mae problem benodol gyda chanser menywod, ac rwy'n awyddus iawn i sicrhau ein bod yn gwneud rhywbeth i fynd i'r afael â hynny. Diolch.
Diolch i'r Gweinidog. A Delyth, fel cadeirydd y grŵp trawsbleidiol ar ganser, hoffwn ddiolch i chi am siarad ar yr adroddiad pwysig hwn.
A daw hynny â thrafodion heddiw i ben.
I thank the Minister. And, as the chair of the cross-party group on cancer, I'd like to thank you, Delyth, for sharing this very important report and debate.
And that brings today's proceedings to a close.
Daeth y cyfarfod i ben am 18:56.
The meeting ended at 18:56.