Y Cyfarfod Llawn
Plenary
18/10/2023Cynnwys
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 i bawb ac fe wnawn ni gychwyn ar ein gwaith. Cyn inni symud i'r eitem gyntaf, dwi eisiau cyhoeddi canlyniad y balot ar gyfer Bil Aelod a gynhaliwyd heddiw, ac mae'n bleser gen i gyhoeddi y gall James Evans ofyn am gytundeb y Senedd ar ei gynnig ar gyfer Bil iechyd meddwl (Cymru). Felly, pob dymuniad da i James Evans yn dilyn ennill y balot yna.
Good afternoon, all, and we'll begin. Before we move to our first item, I want to announce the result of the ballot for the Member's Bill that took place today, and I'm pleased to announce that James Evans may seek the Senedd's agreement on his proposal for a mental health (Wales) Bill. So, I wish James Evans well, following that ballot result.
Yr eitem gyntaf, felly, yw'r cwestiynau i Weinidog yr Economi. Y cwestiwn cyntaf, Jayne Bryant.
The first item, therefore, is questions to the Minister for Economy. The first question is from Jayne Bryant.
1. Beth mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i gefnogi safleoedd treftadaeth yng Ngorllewin Casnewydd? OQ60122
1. What is the Welsh Government doing to support heritage sites in Newport West? OQ60122
Can I thank Jayne Bryant for that question? Newport has a rich and diverse heritage of international significance, ranging from the Caerleon Roman fortress and baths to the Newport transporter bridge. The Welsh Government will continue to invest in Newport’s heritage in the interest of the Welsh public, international visitors and, of course, future generations.
A gaf fi ddiolch i Jayne Bryant am ei chwestiwn? Mae gan Gasnewydd dreftadaeth gyfoethog ac amrywiol o arwyddocâd rhyngwladol, yn amrywio o gaer a baddondai Rhufeinig Caerllion i bont gludo Casnewydd. Bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn parhau i fuddsoddi yn nhreftadaeth Casnewydd er budd y cyhoedd yng Nghymru, ymwelwyr rhyngwladol, ac wrth gwrs, cenedlaethau’r dyfodol.
Thank you for that answer, Deputy Minister. Last month, I attended a free tour of Newport castle, organised by Cadw as part of their open-door session. This was really a fantastic opportunity and the first time it had been done for many years. The tour was done in conjunction with the Newport Market Arcade, which worked really well. Will Davies from Cadw brought the history of the castle to life, and his energy and passion for the castle shone through during his talk, and I can’t speak highly enough about that event thanks to his expertise. While only 30 people were able to join, I’ve been inundated with requests from people who would like to take part in the future, and there is really a strong appetite from people from Newport to have a look around the castle. I’d like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to you, Deputy Minister, at a future tour of Newport castle and to meet with me to discuss how the Welsh Government can support the rich, cultural offer in Newport, from the medieval ship, Chartism, Caerleon Roman fortress and the transporter bridge to Tredegar House, and there’s so much more. And with the changes proposed to the Old Green roundabout, as part of the plans by the Burns delivery unit, what opportunities are being looked at to open up the castle, because it would be a really good opportunity in the immediate area to improve that area by the castle and to deter anti-social behaviour and heritage crime?
Diolch am eich ateb, Ddirprwy Weinidog. Fis diwethaf, bûm ar daith am ddim o amgylch castell Casnewydd, a drefnwyd gan Cadw fel rhan o’u sesiwn drysau agored. Roedd hwn yn gyfle gwych, a dyma'r tro cyntaf i hyn ddigwydd ers blynyddoedd lawer. Cynhaliwyd y daith ar y cyd ag Arcêd y Farchnad, Casnewydd, a weithiodd yn dda iawn. Daeth Will Davies o Cadw â hanes y castell yn fyw, ac roedd ei egni a’i angerdd dros y castell yn amlwg drwy gydol ei gyflwyniad, ac rwy'n canmol y digwyddiad hwnnw'n fawr, diolch i’w arbenigedd ef. Er mai 30 o bobl yn unig a allai ymuno, rwyf wedi cael llu o geisiadau gan bobl a hoffai gymryd rhan yn y dyfodol, ac mae awydd cryf gan bobl Casnewydd i ddod i ymweld â'r castell. Hoffwn achub ar y cyfle hwn i estyn croeso cynnes i chi, Ddirprwy Weinidog, ar daith o amgylch castell Casnewydd yn y dyfodol ac i gyfarfod â mi i drafod sut y gall Llywodraeth Cymru gefnogi’r cynnig diwylliannol cyfoethog yng Nghasnewydd, o’r llong ganoloesol, Siartiaeth, caer Rufeinig Caerllion a’r bont gludo i Dŷ Tredegar, a chymaint mwy. A chyda'r newidiadau a gynigir i gylchfan Old Green, fel rhan o'r cynlluniau gan uned gyflawni Burns, pa gyfleoedd sy'n cael eu hystyried i agor y castell, gan y byddai'n gyfle da iawn yn yr ardal gyfagos i wella'r ardal honno ger y castell ac i atal ymddygiad gwrthgymdeithasol a throseddau treftadaeth?
Can I thank you, Jayne, for that supplementary question? And can I say that I was absolutely delighted seeing your positive experience of the open-door visit at Newport castle? I did see it on social media as well—you looked really chuffed to be there, so, I did see that. And you were with Will Davies, who is such a really passionate historian, who knows so much about that period of history. Any visit to a medieval site with Will will really, really make it come alive, as you’ve said.
What I can say is that Cadw and Newport City Council’s museum and heritage services are keen to raise the profile of Newport castle and improve the access for that particular monument. So, what they’ve done is they’ve agreed to establish a collaborative schedule of monthly guided tours now on the site, which, as you say, sadly, is otherwise inaccessible due to the concerns that there have been about anti-social behaviour, which is why the castle was closed to general access in the first place. And as the site is not staffed, as you know, it would become a bit of a health and safety hazard if we just allowed people to walk in and out without that kind of supervision. But officials from those two bodies are also in talks about approving the setting of the monument and producing a guide book for the castle as well.
The redesign of transport arrangements, which you’ve talked about, Jayne, in the centre of Newport, does give the opportunity to restore the castle to its proper prominence in the city centre. So, Cadw will be discussing that with colleagues in the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales and Newport City Council to see how we can maximise those opportunities that that new road development provides to improve the access to the castle. And, yes, of course I’d love to come and visit. It’s somewhere I’ve passed many times, but, obviously, because it’s not been accessible, I’ve not gone in, but it’ll add to my list of visits in Newport, from the transporter bridge to the Roman fort that I’ve also been to with you as well. So, yes, I’d be absolutely delighted to do that. Thank you.
A gaf fi ddiolch i chi, Jayne, am eich cwestiwn atodol? Ac a gaf fi ddweud fy mod wrth fy modd yn gweld eich profiad cadarnhaol o'r ymweliad drysau agored yng nghastell Casnewydd? Fe'i gwelais ar y cyfryngau cymdeithasol hefyd—roeddech yn edrych yn falch iawn o fod yno, felly, fe welais hynny. Ac roeddech gyda Will Davies, sy'n hanesydd mor angerddol, sy'n gwybod cymaint am y cyfnod hwnnw. Bydd unrhyw ymweliad â safle canoloesol gyda Will yn gwneud iddo ddod yn fyw, fel y dywedoch chi.
Yr hyn y gallaf ei ddweud yw bod Cadw a gwasanaeth amgueddfa a threftadaeth Cyngor Dinas Casnewydd yn awyddus i godi proffil castell Casnewydd a gwella mynediad at yr heneb benodol honno. Felly, yr hyn y maent wedi'i wneud yw cytuno i sefydlu amserlen gydweithredol o deithiau tywys misol ar y safle, sydd, fel y dywedwch, yn anhygyrch fel arall, yn anffodus, oherwydd y pryderon ynghylch ymddygiad gwrthgymdeithasol, a dyna pam y caewyd y castell i'r cyhoedd yn y lle cyntaf. A chan nad oes staff ar y safle, fel y gwyddoch, byddai caniatáu i bobl fynd a dod heb oruchwyliaeth o'r fath yn berygl iechyd a diogelwch. Ond mae swyddogion o’r ddau gorff mewn trafodaethau hefyd ynglŷn â chymeradwyo safle'r gofeb a chynhyrchu teithlyfr ar gyfer y castell yn ogystal.
Mae ailgynllunio trefniadau trafnidiaeth yng nghanol Casnewydd, sy'n rhywbeth rydych wedi sôn amdano, Jayne, yn rhoi cyfle i ailsefydlu amlygrwydd priodol y castell yng nghanol y ddinas. Felly, bydd Cadw yn trafod hynny gyda swyddogion yn Llywodraeth Cymru a Trafnidiaeth Cymru a Chyngor Dinas Casnewydd i weld sut y gallwn wneud y mwyaf o’r cyfleoedd y byddai'r datblygiad ffordd newydd yn eu darparu i wella mynediad at y castell. A buaswn wrth fy modd yn dod i ymweld wrth gwrs. Mae'n rhywle rwyf wedi bod heibio iddo lawer gwaith, ond yn amlwg, gan nad yw wedi bod yn hygyrch, nid wyf wedi mynd i mewn, ond byddaf yn ei ychwanegu at fy rhestr o ymweliadau yng Nghasnewydd, o'r bont gludo i'r gaer Rufeinig y bûm yn ei gweld gyda chi hefyd. Felly, buaswn wrth fy modd yn gwneud hynny. Diolch.
I'd like to second and concur with everything that the Member for Newport West has just said. I think Newport castle has always been overlooked and undervalued as a site and it adds to a very interesting history of Newport once you start delving into it. So, it's something that we should all be proud of and celebrate and promote better. So, I welcome what you said too, Deputy Minister.
Our region and Wales are home to a number of UNESCO world heritage sites. I'm just wondering what steps the Government is taking to encourage more residents, and tourists of course, to visit these wonderful places.
Hoffwn eilio a chytuno â phopeth a ddywedodd yr Aelod dros Orllewin Casnewydd. Credaf fod castell Casnewydd bob amser wedi cael ei anwybyddu a’i danbrisio fel safle, a phan ddechreuwch ymchwilio iddo, mae’n ychwanegu at hanes diddorol iawn Casnewydd. Felly, mae’n rhywbeth y dylai pob un ohonom fod yn falch ohono a’i ddathlu a’i hyrwyddo’n well. Felly, rwy'n croesawu'r hyn a ddywedoch chi hefyd, Ddirprwy Weinidog.
Mae ein rhanbarth ni a Chymru yn gartref i nifer o safleoedd treftadaeth y byd UNESCO. Tybed pa gamau y mae'r Llywodraeth yn eu cymryd i annog mwy o drigolion, a thwristiaid wrth gwrs, i ymweld â'r lleoedd gwych hyn.
Thank you, Laura Anne Jones, for that supplementary. Generally, the encouragement to visit sites is part of the core work of Cadw, in promoting access to the sites, promoting the sites that are in the custody of Cadw—and not just Cadw, but our historic sites more generally. But certainly through Cadw's website you will find that promotion, and it's something that is now part of the Visit Wales strategy, around attracting tourists to Wales and making heritage sites part of the significant and unique tourism offer that Wales has to offer.
Diolch am eich cwestiwn atodol, Laura Anne Jones. Yn gyffredinol, mae annog pobl i ymweld â safleoedd yn rhan o waith craidd Cadw yn hyrwyddo mynediad at y safleoedd, hyrwyddo’r safleoedd sydd yng ngofal Cadw—ac nid yn unig Cadw, ond ein safleoedd hanesyddol yn fwy cyffredinol. Ond yn sicr, drwy wefan Cadw, fe welwch y gwaith hyrwyddo hwnnw, ac mae’n rhywbeth sydd bellach yn rhan o strategaeth Croeso Cymru ar ddenu twristiaid i Gymru a gwneud safleoedd treftadaeth yn rhan o’r cynnig twristiaeth arwyddocaol ac unigryw sydd gan Gymru i’w gynnig.
2. A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am fargen twf canolbarth Cymru? OQ60109
2. Will the Minister provide an update on the mid Wales growth deal? OQ60109
Thank you. We have released the first tranche of funding to the growth deal. This is a crucial milestone and an important step forward, signalling to investors that the deal is entering its early delivery phase. This should act as a catalyst to secure further investment, which will contribute to economic prosperity in the region.
Diolch. Rydym wedi rhyddhau’r gyfran gyntaf o gyllid i’r fargen twf. Mae hon yn garreg filltir hollbwysig ac yn gam pwysig ymlaen, sy’n arwydd i fuddsoddwyr fod cyfnod cyflawni cynnar y fargen ar gychwyn. Dylai hyn fod yn gatalydd i sicrhau buddsoddiad pellach, a fydd yn cyfrannu at ffyniant economaidd yn y rhanbarth.
Thank you for your answer, First Minister. I am delighted that progress has been made on the mid Wales growth deal. It's been a long time coming, and it's taken a considerable amount of time to get to the point it has, but I very much welcome the progress that's been made. You'll be aware, Minister, of the significant funding through the UK Government's levelling-up fund that's been awarded for the restoration of the Montgomery canal project, and I certainly hope that the Montgomery canal restoration project will improve that tourism offer. Now, through the mid Wales growth deal, I hope additional funding can be levied as well, because this is a key project in the mid Wales growth deal—a project, of course, as a partnership between the Welsh and the UK Governments. But what I specifically want to ask, Minister, is, in terms of that investment into my constituency through the growth deal, how the Welsh Government can then lever in further private investment, and what it is doing to facilitate and encourage private sector support on the back of that taxpayer-funded incentive through various projects. I think, for example, of the Montgomery canal—the opportunities that that can bring to the private sector in enhancing the investment that the Welsh Government is bringing.
Diolch am eich ateb, Weinidog. Rwy’n falch iawn fod cynnydd wedi’i wneud ar fargen twf canolbarth Cymru. Mae wedi cymryd cryn dipyn o amser, ond rwy'n croesawu'r cynnydd a wnaed yn fawr. Fe fyddwch yn ymwybodol, Weinidog, o’r cyllid sylweddol drwy gronfa ffyniant bro Llywodraeth y DU a ddyfarnwyd ar gyfer prosiect adfer camlas Maldwyn, ac rwy’n sicr yn gobeithio y bydd prosiect adfer camlas Maldwyn yn gwella’r cynnig twristiaeth hwnnw. Nawr, drwy fargen twf canolbarth Cymru, rwy'n gobeithio y gellir codi arian ychwanegol hefyd, gan fod hwn yn brosiect allweddol ym margen twf canolbarth Cymru—prosiect, wrth gwrs, sy'n bartneriaeth rhwng Llywodraeth Cymru a Llywodraeth y DU. Ond yr hyn yr hoffwn ei ofyn yn benodol, Weinidog, yw, o ran y buddsoddiad hwnnw yn fy etholaeth drwy’r fargen twf, sut y gall Llywodraeth Cymru wedyn ysgogi buddsoddiad preifat pellach, a beth mae’n ei wneud i hwyluso ac annog cymorth gan y sector preifat yn dilyn y cymhelliad hwnnw a ariennir gan y trethdalwr drwy brosiectau amrywiol. Rwy’n meddwl, er enghraifft, am gamlas Maldwyn—y cyfleoedd y gall honno eu cynnig i’r sector preifat o ran gwella’r buddsoddiad y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud.
I think the Member makes two important and distinct points. The first is around the levelling-up fund. There are a range of projects that, individually, people will want to support. But the levelling-up fund, and the way it was actually delivered, does not take away from the budget reductions overall, and it's not a partnership—it was not agreed in partnership with us or, indeed, with local authorities. The growth deal, in contrast, is a partnership, where the Welsh Government and the UK Government have co-funded to put that money in, and working together with local authorities to make sure there is a plan for how to do that. And it's important, as I think you get more from that partnership, where people do sit down and work together. And I think that, when you look at what they're looking to do—. They're looking to create up to 1,400 new jobs over the next 10 years or so, but, crucially, that money, as the Member has made clear, is to secure an additional investment from the private sector, to lever in additional investment. The target that the mid Wales growth deal has is to try to secure a further £400 million over the next 10 years or so. Now, I think that, whilst they started later than other parts of Wales, despite the fact there's been an election and a change in the leadership of both local authorities, they're both committed to the growth deal, and I think everyone, regardless of party, should have some confidence that they're entering the delivery phase. And I'm optimistic that we'll be able to report not just on the release of the public funds from both the Welsh and UK Governments going into it, but I think that we can have some confidence we'll be able to report back on that investment reaching projects and helping to deliver the extra private sector investment and the jobs that we all want to see. I'd be more than happy to update the Chamber again on direct progress of the growth deal as I and the Wales Office Minister continue to work alongside the growth deal to deliver on its objectives.
Credaf fod yr Aelod yn gwneud dau bwynt pwysig a gwahanol. Mae'r cyntaf yn ymwneud â'r gronfa ffyniant bro. Ceir amrywiaeth o brosiectau y bydd pobl, yn unigol, yn awyddus i'w cefnogi. Ond nid yw’r gronfa ffyniant bro, a’r ffordd y’i darparwyd, yn tynnu oddi ar y gostyngiadau yn y gyllideb yn gyffredinol, ac nid yw’n bartneriaeth—ni chytunwyd arni mewn partneriaeth â ni, nac yn wir, gydag awdurdodau lleol. Mae’r fargen twf, mewn cyferbyniad, yn bartneriaeth, lle mae Llywodraeth Cymru a Llywodraeth y DU wedi cyd-ariannu’r cyllid hwnnw, a chydweithio ag awdurdodau lleol i sicrhau bod cynllun ar waith ar gyfer sut i wneud hynny. Ac mae'n bwysig, gan y credaf eich bod yn cael mwy allan o'r bartneriaeth honno, lle mae pobl yn eistedd i lawr ac yn gweithio gyda'i gilydd. A phan edrychwch ar yr hyn y maent yn gobeithio ei wneud—. Maent yn gobeithio creu hyd at 1,400 o swyddi newydd dros y tua 10 mlynedd nesaf, ond yn hollbwysig, diben yr arian hwnnw, fel y mae’r Aelod wedi’i nodi'n glir, yw sicrhau buddsoddiad ychwanegol gan y sector preifat, er mwyn denu buddsoddiad ychwanegol. Y targed sydd gan fargen twf canolbarth Cymru yw ceisio sicrhau £400 miliwn ychwanegol dros y 10 mlynedd nesaf. Nawr, er iddynt ddechrau yn hwyrach na rhannau eraill o Gymru, ac er bod etholiad wedi bod a newid yn arweinyddiaeth y ddau awdurdod lleol, credaf fod y ddau ohonynt wedi ymrwymo i’r fargen twf, a chredaf y dylai fod gan bawb, ni waeth o ba blaid, hyder eu bod yn dechrau ar y cyfnod cyflawni. Ac rwy'n obeithiol y byddwn yn gallu adrodd nid yn unig ar y cyllid cyhoeddus sy'n cael ei ryddhau ar gyfer hyn gan Lywodraeth Cymru a Llywodraeth y DU, ond credaf y gallwn fod â hyder y byddwn yn gallu adrodd ar y buddsoddiad hwnnw’n cyrraedd prosiectau ac yn helpu i gyflawni’r buddsoddiad ychwanegol gan y sector preifat a’r swyddi y mae pob un ohonom am ei weld. Rwy'n fwy na pharod i roi’r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i’r Siambr eto am gynnydd uniongyrchol y fargen twf wrth i mi a'r Gweinidog o Swyddfa Cymru barhau i weithio ochr yn ochr â’r fargen twf i gyflawni ei hamcanion.
Good afternoon, Minister. Thank you to Russell George for raising the issue around the mid Wales growth deal and the growth of businesses in mid Wales. One of the massive challenges we face in mid Wales is the lack of infrastructure, which means that businesses are lacking, literally, the power and the energy to be able to grow. That has an effect on them as businesses, but also on the opportunity in order to employ people as well in mid Wales. So, companies don't move in because of that particular challenge, and the projects don't develop either.
I was pleased to read in the 'Future Energy Grids for Wales' report that constructing a north-south transition link would support distribution reinforcement in mid Wales, and we should look at all the options that are before us, including the option of building a more local distributed power grid, which means that local businesses can get the energy they need. So, what we need is local power generation in mid Wales to support projects such as the one that Russell is supporting, and other mid Wales growth bids as well, but, also, we need that local power generation. So, would you be supporting that, and what would be your view on how we get more energy and more local distribution into mid Wales? Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Prynhawn da, Weinidog. Diolch i Russell George am godi’r mater ynghylch bargen twf canolbarth Cymru a thwf busnesau yng nghanolbarth Cymru. Un o’r heriau enfawr sy’n ein hwynebu yn y canolbarth yw’r diffyg seilwaith, sy’n golygu bod busnesau yn brin, yn llythrennol, o bŵer ac egni i allu tyfu. Mae hynny’n cael effaith arnynt fel busnesau, ond hefyd ar y cyfle i gyflogi pobl yn y canolbarth. Felly, nid yw cwmnïau’n symud i'r ardal oherwydd yr her benodol honno, ac nid yw’r prosiectau’n datblygu ychwaith.
Roeddwn yn falch o ddarllen yn adroddiad 'Gridiau Ynni'r Dyfodol i Gymru’ y byddai adeiladu cyswllt pontio rhwng y gogledd a’r de yn helpu i gefnogi'r gwaith o atgyfnerthu'r rhwydwaith dosbarthu yn y canolbarth, a dylem edrych ar yr holl opsiynau ger ein bron, gan gynnwys yr opsiwn o adeiladu grid dosbarthu pŵer mwy lleol, sy'n golygu y gall busnesau lleol gael yr ynni sydd ei angen arnynt. Felly, yr hyn sydd ei angen arnom yw gwaith cynhyrchu pŵer lleol yn y canolbarth i gefnogi prosiectau fel yr un y mae Russell yn ei gefnogi, a chynigion twf eraill yn y canolbarth hefyd, ond hefyd, mae angen y gwaith cynhyrchu pŵer lleol hwnnw arnom. Felly, a fyddech yn cefnogi hynny, a beth fyddai eich barn ar sut rydym yn sicrhau mwy o ynni a mwy o ddosbarthu lleol yn y canolbarth? Diolch yn fawr iawn.
I think it's a really important point, and, as with 'mid Wales', you could read 'other parts of the country' too. The current infrastructure we have for delivering energy to homes and to businesses isn't actually fit for the medium-term, never mind the longer term, future. So, we do require significant investment in that power infrastructure, and it will open up more economic development opportunities. Lots of the businesses of the future are actually quite power hungry. That's an opportunity for us here in Wales, and we expect we'll generate more electricity as we move away from fossil fuels progressively towards a net-zero future.
What we need with the work that we've done on the Wales future energy grid is to actually have a plan where a UK Government, alongside the grid, are able to invest in that future, because without that significant investment and a pipeline to do so, we won't see the confidence from businesses who want to move into the sector, as well, of course, as the opportunities in delivering grid infrastructure, where Welsh businesses can be part of delivering that infrastructure itself. I recently visited Prysmian Cables & Systems Ltd in north Wales, and they're actually delivering lots of the physical cabling to help deliver those power networks. So, there's a number of different opportunities.
What we need is a reliable partner at a UK level with some clarity of vision and a real plan to work alongside as well. And, whatever your politics, when you listen to businesses, one of their big frustrations has been the lack of a plan and the lack of certainty, and the churn in Ministers at a UK level has meant they haven't had partners to work with. We're keen that the work we have done, led by the climate change Minister, on the future grid for Wales can lead to a real plan to invest in our future in Wales, because, otherwise, we won't see the opportunities to both generate cleaner and greener power and then to be able to use it on a much more local level right across the country, including, of course, in mid Wales.
Credaf ei fod yn bwynt pwysig iawn, ac fel gyda chanolbarth Cymru, mae'r un peth yn wir am rannau eraill o’r wlad hefyd. Nid yw'r seilwaith presennol sydd gennym ar gyfer darparu ynni i gartrefi ac i fusnesau yn addas ar gyfer y dyfodol tymor canolig, heb sôn am y tymor hwy. Felly, mae angen buddsoddiad sylweddol arnom yn y seilwaith pŵer hwnnw, a bydd yn arwain at fwy o gyfleoedd datblygu economaidd. Mae llawer o fusnesau'r dyfodol yn eithaf ynni-ddwys. Mae hynny'n gyfle i ni yma yng Nghymru, a disgwyliwn y byddwn yn cynhyrchu mwy o drydan wrth inni ymbellhau oddi wrth danwydd ffosil, yn gynyddol, tuag at ddyfodol sero net.
Yr hyn sydd ei angen arnom gyda’r gwaith rydym wedi’i wneud ar grid ynni'r dyfodol yng Nghymru yw cynllun lle gall Llywodraeth y DU, ynghyd â’r grid, fuddsoddi yn y dyfodol hwnnw, oherwydd heb y buddsoddiad sylweddol hwnnw a’r llwybr i wneud hynny, ni fyddwn yn gweld hyder gan fusnesau sydd am symud i mewn i’r sector, yn ogystal, wrth gwrs, â’r cyfleoedd o ran darparu seilwaith grid, lle gall busnesau Cymru fod yn rhan o'r gwaith o ddarparu’r seilwaith hwnnw. Yn ddiweddar, ymwelais â Prysmian Cables & Systems Ltd yng ngogledd Cymru, ac maent yn darparu llawer o'r ceblau ffisegol i helpu i ddarparu'r rhwydweithiau pŵer hynny. Felly, mae yna nifer o wahanol gyfleoedd.
Yr hyn sydd ei angen arnom yw partner dibynadwy ar lefel y DU, gydag eglurder o ran gweledigaeth, a chynllun gwirioneddol i weithio ochr yn ochr ag ef hefyd. A beth bynnag y bo eich gwleidyddiaeth, pan fyddwch yn gwrando ar fusnesau, un o'u rhwystredigaethau mawr yw'r diffyg cynllun a'r diffyg sicrwydd, ac mae'r newid mynych mewn Gweinidogion ar lefel y DU wedi golygu nad ydynt wedi cael partneriaid i weithio gyda nhw. Rydym yn awyddus i’r gwaith a wnaethom ar gridiau ynni'r dyfodol i Gymru dan arweiniad y Gweinidog newid hinsawdd arwain at gynllun gwirioneddol i fuddsoddi yn ein dyfodol yng Nghymru, oherwydd, fel arall, ni fyddwn yn gweld cyfleoedd i gynhyrchu pŵer glanach a gwyrddach, ac yna i allu ei ddefnyddio ar lefel lawer mwy lleol ledled y wlad, gan gynnwys y canolbarth wrth gwrs.
Cwestiynau nawr gan lefarwyr y pleidiau. Llefarydd y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig, Natasha Asghar.
Questions now from the party spokespeople. The Conservative spokesperson, Natasha Asghar.
Thank you so much, Presiding Officer. Minister, this week is Wales Tech Week, with a hybrid international tech summit taking place at the International Convention Centre Wales in my region of south-east Wales. I know you're fully aware of this conference, as I believe you gave a speech on Monday. There's no denying that technology is advancing at a rapid speed and can bring benefits to all areas of society. This is something I saw first-hand when I attended the world's biggest tech conference earlier this year. I came back full of ideas of how we can bring this tech benefit to Wales, and our residents, particularly when it comes to health tech—something I have raised with the health Minister previously, Minister. So, Minister, I'd be interested to know what your main takeaway points were from this conference and what we can see this Welsh Government delivering as a result.
Diolch yn fawr, Lywydd. Weinidog, yr wythnos hon yw Wythnos Dechnoleg Cymru, gydag uwchgynhadledd dechnoleg ryngwladol hybrid yn cael ei chynnal yng Nghanolfan Gynadledda Ryngwladol Cymru yn fy rhanbarth i yn ne-ddwyrain Cymru. Gwn eich bod yn gwbl ymwybodol o'r gynhadledd hon, gan y credaf ichi roi araith ddydd Llun. Ni ellir gwadu bod technoleg yn datblygu'n gyflym ac yn gallu darparu manteision i bob rhan o gymdeithas. Mae hyn yn rhywbeth a welais drosof fy hun pan fynychais gynhadledd dechnoleg fwyaf y byd yn gynharach eleni. Deuthum yn ôl yn llawn syniadau ynglŷn â sut y gallwn ddod â’r budd technolegol hwn i Gymru, ac i’n trigolion, yn enwedig technoleg iechyd—rhywbeth rwyf eisoes wedi’i godi gyda’r Gweinidog iechyd, Weinidog. Felly, Weinidog, byddai gennyf ddiddordeb mewn gwybod beth oedd y prif bwyntiau a nodwyd gennych yn y gynhadledd hon, a'r hyn y gallwn weld Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei gyflawni o ganlyniad.
I think the main takeaway is that we have a vibrant tech sector covering a whole range of areas. It will be even more important in the future to stay internationally relevant, but there'll be a whole range of areas in life where we're going to need to be capable in a whole range of technologies, and we have advantages where I think Wales is internationally excellent already.
And, actually, on medtech and life science, I think we punch well above our weight as a country, and there are people who are interested in the opportunities to do more here as well. If you look at fintech, and the cyber sector as well, you've also got lots of opportunity there as well. Our challenge will be how we gather together the ambition that we have for the future, and the talent and the skills of people, so that for people who are either from Wales, or come to study in Wales, we have a home for them to actually stay here as well, and to build on the achievements that already exist as well.
When going around the opening conference event for Wales Tech Week, I was really struck by the buzz and the international interest in what we're doing, and I had the opportunity to meet the Australian ambassador, who was visiting for Wales Tech Week, and the potential synergies for us. So, I think this is an area where there's real opportunity for the future, and, again, stability at a Welsh Government level and a UK Government level will allow us to achieve even more, with really good jobs for people right across the country.
Credaf mai'r prif bwynt a nodais yw bod gennym sector technoleg bywiog sy'n cwmpasu ystod eang o feysydd. Yn y dyfodol, fe fydd yn bwysicach fyth parhau i fod yn berthnasol yn rhyngwladol, ond bydd ystod eang o feysydd mewn bywyd lle bydd angen inni fod â gallu mewn ystod gyfan o dechnolegau, ac mae gennym fanteision lle credaf fod Cymru eisoes yn rhagori yn rhyngwladol.
Ac mewn gwirionedd, ar dechnoleg feddygol a gwyddor bywyd, credaf ein bod yn cyflawni y tu hwnt i'r disgwyl fel gwlad, ac mae gan bobl ddiddordeb yn y cyfleoedd i wneud mwy yma hefyd. Os edrychwch ar dechnoleg ariannol, a'r sector seiber hefyd, mae gennych lawer o gyfleoedd yno. Yr her i ni fydd sut y byddwn yn dwyn yr uchelgais sydd gennym ar gyfer y dyfodol a thalent a sgiliau pobl ynghyd, fel bod gennym gartref i bobl sydd naill ai’n dod o Gymru, neu sy’n dod i astudio yng Nghymru, er mwyn iddynt aros yma hefyd, ac i adeiladu ar y llwyddiannau sydd eisoes yn bodoli.
Wrth fynd o gwmpas y gynhadledd agoriadol ar gyfer Wythnos Dechnoleg Cymru, roeddwn yn falch iawn o weld y bwrlwm a’r diddordeb rhyngwladol yn yr hyn rydym yn ei wneud, a chefais gyfle i gyfarfod â llysgennad Awstralia, a oedd yn ymweld ar gyfer Wythnos Dechnoleg Cymru, a'r synergedd posibl i ni. Felly, credaf fod hwn yn faes lle mae cyfle gwirioneddol ar gyfer y dyfodol, ac unwaith eto, bydd sefydlogrwydd ar lefel Llywodraeth Cymru, a lefel Llywodraeth y DU, yn caniatáu inni gyflawni mwy eto, gyda swyddi da iawn i bobl ledled y wlad.
Excellent. Thanks for that answer, Minister. Sticking with the Wales Tech Week theme for the moment, one of the big billed events was celebrating Welsh women in tech. It's absolutely right that we celebrate those women who are leading the way in this industry, which many see as a male dominated industry. A recent survey carried out of more than 500 people working in the tech sector found that 91 per cent believe that there are more men than women in tech, and a staggering 76 per cent of respondents revealed that they had experienced gender bias or discrimination in the workplace at least once. So, Minister, as I said, it's absolutely right that we do celebrate those women already in the tech industry, but I'd be interested to know what action the Welsh Government is specifically taking to attract more women to the sector in the first place.
Ardderchog. Diolch am eich ateb, Weinidog. Gan gadw at thema Wythnos Dechnoleg Cymru am y tro, un o'r prif ddigwyddiadau oedd dathlu menywod Cymru ym myd technoleg. Mae'n gwbl briodol ein bod yn dathlu'r menywod sy'n arwain y ffordd yn y diwydiant hwn, y mae llawer yn ei ystyried yn ddiwydiant sy'n cael ei ddominyddu gan ddynion. Canfu arolwg diweddar a gynhaliwyd o fwy na 500 o bobl sy’n gweithio yn y sector technoleg fod 91 y cant yn credu bod mwy o ddynion na menywod yn gweithio ym maes technoleg, a datgelodd nifer syfrdanol o 76 y cant o ymatebwyr eu bod wedi wynebu rhagfarn neu wahaniaethu ar sail rhywedd yn y gweithle o leiaf unwaith. Felly, Weinidog, fel y dywedais, mae'n gwbl briodol ein bod yn dathlu'r menywod sydd eisoes yn rhan o'r diwydiant technoleg, ond byddai gennyf ddiddordeb mewn gwybod pa gamau penodol y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i ddenu rhagor o fenywod i'r sector yn y lle cyntaf.
We do a number of things and, actually, you are right that it is still a sector where you're likely to find more men than women. That isn't how talent is distributed. It isn't how a desire to achieve is distributed either. So, there's a challenge about shifting working culture. Some parts of the tech sector are better at it than others. To make sure you continue to see that change, there's a need to both visibly promote the leadership that exists—. The chair of FinTech Wales, for example, is a woman who helped to set up Starling Bank here in Wales. So, you've got visible leadership there from different figures. What we also need to do, and what FinTech is a really good example of, is the way that they engage with people at a younger age, so not just post 16 and at university, but throughout a school career. The top end of primary school and into early high school are really important times to show that there are good careers to be had and, actually, it's a sector that often thrives on its diversity. If you look at west coast America, they are proud of the fact they're very diverse and they talk about it as a business strength.
The really good news yesterday that PwC are going to invest at least 1,000 extra jobs here, in and around Cardiff, is really good news, and that is a business that prides itself on where it falls within the diversity index of major businesses. They see diversity as a strength and we have lots of that to offer here. It's about making sure people understand there really is a career for them. That's not just young people themselves; it's often people of my age and younger—I recognise I'm getting older with every day—but, actually, a parental generation, to understand there are really good jobs to have here that they may not have recognised, certainly for people of my age and a bit older. But, actually, it's a really, really good opportunity.
Rydym yn gwneud nifer o bethau, ac mewn gwirionedd, rydych yn llygad eich lle ei fod yn dal i fod yn sector lle rydych yn debygol o ddod o hyd i fwy o ddynion na menywod. Nid felly y dosberthir talent. Nid felly y dosberthir yr awydd i lwyddo ychwaith. Felly, mae yna her ynghylch newid diwylliant gweithio. Mae rhai rhannau o'r sector technoleg yn ei wneud yn well nag eraill. I sicrhau eich bod yn parhau i weld y newid hwnnw, mae angen mynd ati mewn ffordd weladwy i hyrwyddo'r arweinyddiaeth sy'n bodoli—. Mae cadeirydd FinTech Cymru, er enghraifft, yn fenyw a helpodd i sefydlu Banc Starling yma yng Nghymru. Felly, mae gennych arweinyddiaeth weladwy yno gan wahanol bobl. Yr hyn y mae angen i ni ei wneud hefyd, a’r hyn y mae FinTech yn enghraifft dda iawn ohono, yw’r ffordd y maent yn ymgysylltu â phobl yn iau, felly nid yn unig ar ôl 16 ac yn y brifysgol, ond drwy gydol eu gyrfa yn yr ysgol. Mae diwedd yr ysgol gynradd a dechrau'r ysgol uwchradd yn adegau pwysig iawn i ddangos bod gyrfaoedd da i'w cael, ac mewn gwirionedd, mae'n sector sy'n aml yn ffynnu ar ei amrywiaeth. Os edrychwch ar arfordir gorllewinol America, maent yn falch o'r ffaith eu bod yn amrywiol iawn ac maent yn ei ystyried yn gryfder busnes.
Mae’r newyddion da iawn ddoe fod PwC yn mynd i fuddsoddi o leiaf 1,000 o swyddi ychwanegol yma, yng Nghaerdydd a’r cyffiniau, yn newyddion da iawn, ac mae hwnnw’n fusnes sy’n ymfalchïo yn ei safle ym mynegai amrywiaeth busnesau mawr. Maent yn ystyried amrywiaeth yn gryfder, ac mae gennym lawer o hynny i'w gynnig yma. Mae'n ymwneud â sicrhau bod pobl yn deall bod gyrfa go iawn ar gael iddynt. Nid pobl ifanc yn unig; mae'n aml yn cynnwys pobl fy oedran i ac iau—rwy'n cydnabod fy mod yn heneiddio bob dydd—ond mewn gwirionedd, cenhedlaeth rhieni, i ddeall bod swyddi da iawn i'w cael yma, rhywbeth nad oeddent yn ei sylweddoli efallai, yn sicr i bobl fy oed i ac ychydig yn hŷn. Ond mewn gwirionedd, mae'n gyfle gwirioneddol dda.
Thanks, Minister, for the answer. Minister, several towns up and down the country have become smart towns. These digital infrastructure projects see different types of electronic methods and sensors used to collect data, which then, in turn, help shape assets, resources and services to boost town centres. The overarching aim is to regenerate our high streets and futureproof them, something that I'm sure everyone in this Chamber will want to see. I must admit, Minister, it's a project that has really fascinated and intrigued me as shadow Minister for technology. And I'd be interested to know, Minister, in your opinion, what your thoughts are on smart towns: have they proved successful and will we be seeing more roll-out of this happening in the future across Wales?
Diolch am eich ateb, Weinidog. Weinidog, mae sawl tref ledled y wlad wedi dod yn drefi clyfar. Mae’r prosiectau seilwaith digidol hyn yn defnyddio gwahanol fathau o synwyryddion a dulliau electronig i gasglu data, sydd wedyn, yn eu tro, yn helpu i lunio asedau, adnoddau a gwasanaethau i roi hwb i ganol trefi. Y nod trosfwaol yw adfywio ein strydoedd mawr a’u diogelu at y dyfodol, rhywbeth yr hoffai pawb yn y Siambr hon ei weld, rwy’n siŵr. Mae'n rhaid imi gyfaddef, Weinidog, mae'n brosiect sydd wedi fy nghyfareddu'n fawr fel Gweinidog technoleg yr wrthblaid. A byddai gennyf ddiddordeb mewn gwybod, Weinidog, beth yw eich barn am drefi clyfar: a ydynt wedi bod yn llwyddiannus ac a fyddwn yn gweld mwy o hyn yn cael ei gyflwyno yn y dyfodol ledled Cymru?
I hope we will, because technology is going to become more and more a part of everyday life. I see it with my own son, the way he thinks about technology and answers. He's regularly bemused when I explain that things he takes for granted just didn't exist when I was his age. Every now and again, when he says, 'In the olden days when you were my age', it's a bit painful, but there we are.
When you look at what we're looking to do, transforming towns and the funding that's gone in there, a lot of that is about how you understand footfall, using technology to understand that, using technology to actually improve people's experience when they're going through a town centre as well. So, I don't think this has to be a threat to the high street and, actually, when the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership and I were meeting with the retail sector yesterday, to take forward the retail action plan, how you make better use of technology and skills is part of what will, I think, deliver us a viable future for our high streets in towns, villages and city centres as well. So, I think we're definitely going to be seeing more of this not less of it, and it's how we make sure we take advantage of the future that's coming, rather than trying to stick our finger in the dyke and thinking it isn't going to happen and that you can hold that wall back. That will, actually, I think, be a road to decline for our town centres, not the future we want for them.
Rwy'n gobeithio y byddwn, gan y bydd technoleg yn dod yn rhan fwy a mwy o fywyd bob dydd. Rwy'n ei weld gyda fy mab fy hun, y ffordd y mae'n meddwl am dechnoleg ac atebion. Mae'n rhyfeddu'n gyson pan fyddaf yn egluro nad oedd rhai pethau y mae'n eu cymryd yn ganiataol yn bodoli pan oeddwn ei oedran ef. Bob hyn a hyn, pan ddywed, 'Yn yr hen ddyddiau, pan oeddet ti fy oedran i', mae braidd yn boenus, ond dyna ni.
Pan edrychwch ar yr hyn rydym yn bwriadu ei wneud, trawsnewid trefi a'r cyllid a roddwyd tuag at hynny, mae llawer o hynny'n ymwneud â sut rydych yn deall niferoedd ymwelwyr, yn defnyddio technoleg i ddeall hynny, yn defnyddio technoleg i wella profiad pobl pan fyddant yn mynd drwy ganol y dref hefyd. Felly, ni chredaf fod yn rhaid i hyn fod yn fygythiad i’r stryd fawr, ac mewn gwirionedd, pan gyfarfu'r Dirprwy Weinidog Partneriaeth Gymdeithasol a minnau â’r sector manwerthu ddoe, i fwrw ymlaen â’r cynllun gweithredu manwerthu, credaf y bydd y ffordd rydych yn gwneud gwell defnydd o dechnoleg a sgiliau yn rhan o’r hyn a fydd yn sicrhau dyfodol hyfyw ar gyfer ein strydoedd mawr mewn trefi, pentrefi a chanol dinasoedd hefyd. Felly, credaf y byddwn yn sicr yn gweld mwy o hyn yn hytrach na llai ohono, a dyna sut rydym yn sicrhau ein bod yn manteisio ar y dyfodol sydd ar y ffordd, yn hytrach na cheisio gwthio bys i’r morglawdd a meddwl nad yw hyn yn mynd i ddigwydd ac y gallwch ei atal. Credaf y byddai hynny'n arwain at ddirywiad canol ein trefi yn hytrach na'r dyfodol rydym am ei weld ar eu cyfer.
Llefarydd Plaid Cymru, Heledd Fychan. I'w ateb gan y Dirprwy Weinidog.
Plaid Cymru spokesperson, Heledd Fychan. To be answered by the Deputy Minister.
Diolch, Llywydd. Over the past decade, both the National Library of Wales and Amgueddfa Cymru have written to Welsh Government and the culture committee to warn of the risks to national collections because of budgetary constraints. Both the committee and I have raised this with you since you became Deputy Minister on a number of occasions. What steps have you personally taken to ensure our national collections are safeguarded?
Diolch, Lywydd. Dros y degawd diwethaf, mae Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru ac Amgueddfa Cymru wedi ysgrifennu at Lywodraeth Cymru a’r pwyllgor diwylliant i rybuddio am y risgiau i gasgliadau cenedlaethol oherwydd cyfyngiadau cyllidebol. Mae’r pwyllgor a minnau wedi codi hyn gyda chi ers ichi ddod yn Ddirprwy Weinidog ar sawl achlysur. Pa gamau rydych chi’n bersonol wedi’u cymryd i sicrhau bod ein casgliadau cenedlaethol yn cael eu diogelu?
Well, thank you, Heledd, for that question. I have regular conversations with both the library and the museum, as you would expect. They are arm's-length bodies, so I meet with them on a regular basis. And the conversations that I've had with them about safeguarding the collections have primarily been around the maintenance of the buildings, and fire security in the case of the library. So, it has not been so much an issue around the security of collections from theft or the like, it's been more about being worried that if building maintenance is not done correctly, then collections can suffer from water ingress, and so on. And as I say, in the case of the library, they were particularly concerned about fire security.
Now, in the last budgetary round, we allocated nearly £5 million of capital money to the national museum specifically for the purpose of building maintenance and part of that would be helping to secure the collections. And for the library, we also allocated money for them to introduce a new fire security system, which they are now in the process of doing. And in my recent conversations with them, they've both indicated that they have no further concerns around the securities of their collections. In terms of security around collections being stolen or mislaid, and so on—I don't know whether you were talking about that—I've had various conversations with them about that as well.
Wel, diolch am eich cwestiwn, Heledd. Rwy’n cael sgyrsiau rheolaidd gyda’r llyfrgell a’r amgueddfa, fel y byddech yn ei ddisgwyl. Maent yn gyrff hyd braich, felly rwy'n cyfarfod â nhw'n rheolaidd. Ac mae'r sgyrsiau a gefais gyda nhw ynglŷn â diogelu'r casgliadau wedi ymwneud yn bennaf â chynnal a chadw'r adeiladau, a diogelwch tân yn achos y llyfrgell. Felly, nid yw wedi bod yn gymaint o broblem o ran diogelu casgliadau rhag lladrad neu rywbeth felly, mae wedi ymwneud i raddau mwy â phoeni, os na chaiff y gwaith cynnal a chadw adeiladau ei wneud yn gywir, y gallai'r casgliadau gael eu difrodi gan ddŵr, ac yn y blaen. Ac fel y dywedaf, yn achos y llyfrgell, roeddent yn arbennig o bryderus ynghylch diogelwch tân.
Nawr, yn y cylch cyllidebol diwethaf, dyrannwyd bron i £5 miliwn o arian cyfalaf gennym i’r amgueddfa genedlaethol yn benodol at ddibenion cynnal a chadw adeiladau, a byddai rhan o hynny ar gyfer helpu i ddiogelu'r casgliadau. Ac ar gyfer y llyfrgell hefyd, fe wnaethom ddyrannu arian iddynt gyflwyno system ddiogelwch tân newydd, ac maent wrthi'n gwneud hynny bellach. Ac yn fy sgyrsiau diweddar gyda nhw, mae'r ddau gorff wedi nodi nad oes ganddynt unrhyw bryderon pellach ynghylch diogelwch eu casgliadau. O ran diogelwch mewn perthynas â chasgliadau'n cael eu dwyn neu eu colli, ac ati—nid wyf yn gwybod a oeddech chi'n sôn am hynny—rwyf wedi cael amryw o sgyrsiau gyda nhw ynglŷn â hynny hefyd.
Many thanks. It would be worth perhaps having another conversation, because I've had correspondence with the national library over the past week, and if I can quote in Welsh—and it's in relation to further budgetary cuts, if there are any:
Diolch yn fawr. Byddai’n werth cael sgwrs arall efallai, gan fy mod wedi cael gohebiaeth gyda’r llyfrgell genedlaethol dros yr wythnos ddiwethaf, ac os caf ddyfynnu yn Gymraeg—ac mae'n ymwneud â thoriadau cyllidebol pellach, os oes rhai:
'Mi fydd y risg i'n hetifeddiaeth ddogfennol yn cynyddu'n sylweddol iawn a hynny'n bennaf drwy golli nifer helaeth o swyddi sy'n cynnal y casgliadau, a'n hanallu i gynnal a diogelu adeilad y llyfrgell. Ni fu erioed y fath fygythiad i'n casgliadau.'
'The risk to our documentary heritage will increase substantially, mainly through the loss of a number of jobs that maintain these collections, and our inability to safeguard the library building. There has never been such a threat to our collections.'
So, the national library are saying that there's never been a greater risk to our collections, and this is something that they have communicated as well. So, we all know, and can remember, I'm sure, the National Museum of Brazil in 2018 when there was that horrific fire, where 20 million items from collections and artefacts were lost, and that was because of a faultily installed air conditioning unit. I'm fully aware that both the national library and Amgueddfa Cymru have told the committee that they are concerned. So, can I ask again: you've said that there's no risk, on what basis do you say that there's no risk when we're told otherwise?
Felly, mae’r llyfrgell genedlaethol yn dweud na fu erioed fwy o risg i’n casgliadau, ac mae hyn yn rhywbeth y maent wedi’i gyfleu hefyd. Felly, mae pob un ohonom yn gwybod, ac yn gallu cofio, rwy’n siŵr, y tân erchyll hwnnw yn Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Brasil yn 2018, lle collwyd 20 miliwn o eitemau o gasgliadau ac arteffactau, o ganlyniad i uned aerdymheru a osodwyd yn anghywir. Rwy’n gwbl ymwybodol fod y llyfrgell genedlaethol ac Amgueddfa Cymru wedi dweud wrth y pwyllgor eu bod yn bryderus. Felly, a gaf fi ofyn eto: rydych wedi dweud nad oes risg, ar ba sail y dywedwch nad oes risg pan ddywedir wrthym fel arall?
To be absolutely clear, Heledd, what I'm saying: I'm not saying that there is no risk, I'm telling you what the museum and the library have said to me. I met with the library. I'd be interested to see the correspondence that you've had with the library, because I have my regular meetings with the library—the chair and the chief executive—and the most recent of those meetings was last week, and I specifically asked them about their concerns for the security of their collections and they told me quite explicitly that they have no current concerns for their collections. Now, I can only tell you what they tell me. If they're telling you something different, I'd like to know why that is.
I fod yn gwbl glir, Heledd, yr hyn rwy'n ei ddweud yw: nid wyf yn dweud nad oes risg, rwy’n dweud wrthych yr hyn y mae’r amgueddfa a’r llyfrgell wedi’i ddweud wrthyf innau. Cefais gyfarfod â'r llyfrgell. Byddai gennyf ddiddordeb mewn gweld yr ohebiaeth a gawsoch gyda’r llyfrgell, gan fy mod yn cael fy nghyfarfodydd rheolaidd â’r llyfrgell—y cadeirydd a’r prif weithredwr—ac roedd y diweddaraf o’r cyfarfodydd hynny yr wythnos diwethaf, a gofynnais yn benodol iddynt am eu pryderon ynglŷn â diogelwch eu casgliadau, ac roeddent yn dweud wrthyf yn gwbl glir nad oes ganddynt unrhyw bryderon ar hyn o bryd am eu casgliadau. Nawr, ni allaf ond dweud wrthych yr hyn y maent yn ei ddweud wrthyf i. Os ydynt yn dweud rhywbeth gwahanol wrthych chi, hoffwn wybod pam.
3. A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am genhadaeth Llywodraeth Cymru i gryfhau ac ailadeiladu'r economi? OQ60090
3. Will the Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's economic resilience and reconstruction mission? OQ60090
Prynhawn da. We are working across Government to deliver upon our economic mission aims of a fairer, greener and more prosperous Wales. I will be making a further statement on 28 November that will outline a renewed set of priority areas to reflect the current economic climate.
Prynhawn da. Rydym yn gweithio ar draws y Llywodraeth i gyflawni nodau ein cenhadaeth economaidd ar gyfer Cymru decach, wyrddach a mwy llewyrchus. Byddaf yn gwneud datganiad pellach ar 28 Tachwedd a fydd yn amlinellu cyfres newydd o feysydd blaenoriaeth i adlewyrchu’r hinsawdd economaidd bresennol.
Thank you very much, Minister. That's great to hear. And can I just thank you for coming to Clwyd South recently, to Kronospan, where we met with the Wrexham industrial alliance? I think we had an extremely constructive and productive discussion about the economy and about infrastructure matters as well, connected to economic growth. Minister, you've given an outline of the time frame for when you'll be updating the mission, but can you give us a flavour of what we should expect from it?
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Weinidog. Mae'n wych clywed hynny. Ac a gaf fi ddiolch i chi am ddod i Dde Clwyd yn ddiweddar, i Kronospan, lle cyfarfuom â chynghrair ddiwydiannol Wrecsam? Credaf inni gael trafodaeth hynod adeiladol a chynhyrchiol am yr economi ac am faterion seilwaith hefyd, yn gysylltiedig â thwf economaidd. Weinidog, rydych wedi rhoi amlinelliad o’r amserlen ar gyfer diweddaru’r genhadaeth, ond a allwch chi roi blas i ni o’r hyn y dylem ei ddisgwyl ganddi?
What I think you should expect from the renewed mission is a refresh that takes account of what's happened in the last few years. Now, we've had a very difficult time, both post pandemic and more than that, with 13 years of austerity and falls in living standards—they're real challenges for businesses—and there's still the long tail of Liz Truss's time in Government. The autumn statement will be delivered about a week before. So, what we're going to try to do is set out the challenges that we have—you know, 13 years of economic vandalism with the Tories, but we still, despite that, will have real opportunities for growth and progress as well. And what I want to be able to do, in refreshing the mission, is to set out what we are looking to do alongside businesses and trade unions to try to grow the economy for Wales, and what we could do if we had a reliable partner in the UK Government to work with, instead of the challenges that we continue to face. So, it'll recognise the honesty of the challenge, but also, I hope, set a renewed path for what we can do in Wales to grow the economy with the good jobs that all of us want to see for people right across the country.
Yr hyn y credaf y dylech ei ddisgwyl o'r genhadaeth ar ei newydd wedd yw diweddariad sy'n ystyried yr hyn sydd wedi digwydd dros yr ychydig flynyddoedd diwethaf. Nawr, rydym wedi cael amser anodd iawn, ar ôl y pandemig a mwy na hynny, gyda 13 mlynedd o gyni a gostyngiadau mewn safonau byw—maent yn heriau gwirioneddol i fusnesau—ac mae effaith cyfnod Liz Truss yn y Llywodraeth yn parhau. Bydd datganiad yr hydref yn cael ei gyflwyno oddeutu wythnos ynghynt. Felly, yr hyn rydym yn mynd i geisio'i wneud yw nodi'r heriau sy'n ein hwynebu—hynny yw, 13 mlynedd o fandaliaeth economaidd gyda'r Torïaid, ond er gwaethaf hynny, bydd gennym gyfleoedd gwirioneddol ar gyfer twf a chynnydd hefyd. A’r hyn yr hoffwn allu ei wneud, wrth adnewyddu’r genhadaeth, yw nodi’r hyn y bwriadwn ei wneud ochr yn ochr â busnesau ac undebau llafur i geisio tyfu’r economi i Gymru, a’r hyn y gallem ei wneud pe bai gennym bartner dibynadwy yn Llywodraeth y DU i weithio gyda nhw, yn hytrach na'r heriau rydym yn parhau i’w hwynebu. Felly, bydd yn cydnabod gonestrwydd yr her, ond hefyd, gobeithio, yn nodi llwybr newydd ar gyfer yr hyn y gallwn ei wneud yng Nghymru i dyfu’r economi gyda’r swyddi da y mae pob un ohonom am eu gweld ar gyfer pobl ledled y wlad.
The previous speaker was the previous economy Minister, and he announced an economic resilience mission from the Welsh Government and that put extra money into the Development Bank of Wales, £250 million, pushing the flexible investment fund up to £500 million. I've spoken to businesses that say they are struggling to access this fund, so what I'd like to know from you, Minister, is: can you confirm today how many businesses have accessed this scheme, and what promotion has the Welsh Government done to highlight this to businesses across the country, to make sure we have more economic resilience across our business community here in Wales?
Mae'r siaradwr blaenorol yn gyn-Weinidog yr economi, a chyhoeddodd genhadaeth gan Lywodraeth Cymru i gryfhau'r economi a roddodd arian ychwanegol i Fanc Datblygu Cymru, £250 miliwn, gan gynyddu'r gronfa buddsoddi hyblyg i £500 miliwn. Rwyf wedi siarad â busnesau sy’n dweud eu bod yn ei chael hi'n anodd cael mynediad at y gronfa hon, felly yr hyn yr hoffwn ei wybod, Weinidog, yw: a allwch gadarnhau heddiw faint o fusnesau sydd wedi cael mynediad at y cynllun hwn, a pha waith hyrwyddo y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'i wneud i dynnu sylw busnesau ledled y wlad at hyn, er mwyn sicrhau bod gennym fwy o gadernid economaidd ar draws ein cymuned fusnes yma yng Nghymru?
I think the Development Bank of Wales has been a real success story in terms of filling a gap that existed and I will happily—happily—write to the Member and publish the number of businesses that have been supported by the development bank. In every single region and every single constituency across Wales, there are people who would not have found the support that the development bank has provided. If the Member has businesses who have found it hard to access the development bank, I'd be very interested to hear the individual examples to understand what's happened. There's always a point of learning where something doesn't work, to understand how that happens, but, overall, the development bank is a definite success. You can see that from regions of England and, indeed, the Federation of Small Businesses in England who want something like the development bank in regions of England as well, to fill a gap that exists within the market.
There's always more we could do, of course, but I think we can be proud of what the development bank has done, for example, the green business loan scheme. There's a lot of demand that has gone into it, a product that has come because we have a bank to work with here that is interested in developing, interested in developing Welsh businesses and in dealing with the mission that this Government has set as well. So, I look forward to writing to the Member and setting out in great detail what the development bank has done to support businesses within his own constituency.
Credaf fod Banc Datblygu Cymru wedi bod yn llwyddiant ysgubol o ran llenwi bwlch a oedd yn bodoli, a buaswn yn falch—yn falch—o ysgrifennu at yr Aelod a chyhoeddi nifer y busnesau sydd wedi cael eu cefnogi gan y banc datblygu. Ym mhob un rhanbarth a phob un etholaeth yng Nghymru, mae pobl na fyddent wedi cael y cymorth y mae’r banc datblygu wedi’i ddarparu. Os oes gan yr Aelod fusnesau sydd wedi cael trafferth cael mynediad at y banc datblygu, byddai gennyf gryn ddiddordeb mewn clywed yr enghreifftiau unigol i ddeall beth sydd wedi digwydd. Mae gwersi i'w dysgu bob amser lle nad yw rhywbeth yn gweithio, i ddeall sut y mae hynny'n digwydd, ond ar y cyfan, mae'r banc datblygu yn llwyddiant diamheuol. Gallwch weld hynny drwy ranbarthau Lloegr, ac yn wir, y Ffederasiwn Busnesau Bach yn Lloegr sy'n dymuno cael rhywbeth tebyg i'r banc datblygu ar gyfer rhanbarthau Lloegr hefyd, i lenwi bwlch sy’n bodoli yn y farchnad.
Mae mwy y gallem ei wneud bob amser, wrth gwrs, ond credaf y gallwn fod yn falch o'r hyn y mae'r banc datblygu wedi'i wneud, er enghraifft, y cynllun benthyciad busnes gwyrdd. Mae llawer o alw wedi mynd i mewn iddo, cynnyrch sydd wedi'i greu am fod gennym fanc i weithio gydag ef yma sydd â diddordeb mewn datblygu, diddordeb mewn datblygu busnesau yng Nghymru ac mewn ymwneud â’r genhadaeth y mae’r Llywodraeth hon wedi’i nodi hefyd. Felly, edrychaf ymlaen at ysgrifennu at yr Aelod a nodi’n fanwl iawn yr hyn y mae’r banc datblygu wedi’i wneud i gefnogi busnesau yn ei etholaeth ef.
Minister, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai will soon be opening up a new building focused on developing engineering skills in Rhyl. The centre will include a section for the RWE wind turbine apprentices, and this fantastic new £30 million development has been funded by the group, supported with a 65 per cent contribution from the Welsh Government's sustainable communities for learning fund. How important is such a development for the economy of Rhyl and the surrounding area?
Weinidog, cyn bo hir, bydd Grŵp Llandrillo Menai yn agor adeilad newydd sy’n canolbwyntio ar ddatblygu sgiliau peirianneg yn y Rhyl. Bydd y ganolfan yn cynnwys adran ar gyfer prentisiaid tyrbinau gwynt RWE, ac mae’r datblygiad newydd gwych £30 miliwn hwn wedi’i ariannu gan y grŵp, gyda chymorth cyfraniad o 65 y cant gan gronfa cymunedau dysgu cynaliadwy Llywodraeth Cymru. Pa mor bwysig yw datblygiad o’r fath i economi’r Rhyl a’r cyffiniau?
I'm really delighted the Member has raised the significant investment that has taken place here. It's an investment in the future, an investment in a part of Wales where I think that you can look at what will happen in the economy of the future, you can look at the opportunities around renewable energy and the power supply we heard about earlier. But this means we're equipping those people with the skills and the facilities to do just that. It will mean working with local, national and international companies as well.
I think there's something about raising a sense of ambition as well, about demonstrating that communities in Rhyl deserve this investment, it's been delivered by this Government, and there should be good jobs for people to have as a result of that partnership we have with both the further education college and, indeed, businesses in the area. I am very optimistic about what that centre will do, and I look forward to visiting, to meet people who are actually now making use of that facility and the businesses they're going to go and work for in the future.
Rwy'n falch iawn fod yr Aelod wedi codi'r buddsoddiad sylweddol a wnaed yma. Mae’n fuddsoddiad yn y dyfodol, yn fuddsoddiad mewn rhan o Gymru lle credaf y gallwch edrych ar yr hyn a fydd yn digwydd yn economi’r dyfodol, gallwch edrych ar y cyfleoedd mewn perthynas ag ynni adnewyddadwy a’r cyflenwad pŵer y clywsom amdano’n gynharach. Ond golyga hyn ein bod yn rhoi'r sgiliau a'r cyfleusterau i'r bobl hynny wneud yn union hynny. Bydd yn golygu gweithio gyda chwmnïau lleol, cenedlaethol a rhyngwladol hefyd.
Credaf fod rhywbeth ynglŷn â chodi ymdeimlad o uchelgais hefyd, ynglŷn â dangos bod cymunedau yn y Rhyl yn haeddu’r buddsoddiad hwn, mae wedi’i ddarparu gan y Llywodraeth hon, a dylai fod swyddi da i bobl eu cael o ganlyniad i’r bartneriaeth sydd gennym gyda’r coleg addysg bellach, a chyda busnesau yn yr ardal. Rwy'n obeithiol iawn ynglŷn â'r hyn y bydd y ganolfan honno'n ei wneud, ac edrychaf ymlaen at ymweld, i gyfarfod â phobl sy'n defnyddio'r cyfleuster hwnnw nawr a'r busnesau y byddant yn gweithio iddynt yn y dyfodol.
4. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i annog twf economaidd yng Ngorllewin Caerfyrddin a De Sir Benfro? OQ60107
4. What action is the Welsh Government taking to encourage economic growth in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire? OQ60107
Thank you. Our economic mission sets out clearly the values and priorities that shape decisions that we are taking to help grow our economy across the whole of Wales. An excellent example in south-west Wales is the Swansea bay city deal, a £1.2 billion investment with the aim of creating 9,000 new jobs.
Diolch. Mae ein cenhadaeth economaidd yn nodi’n glir y gwerthoedd a’r blaenoriaethau sy’n llywio'r penderfyniadau a wnawn i helpu i dyfu ein heconomi ledled Cymru. Enghraifft wych yn ne-orllewin Cymru yw bargen ddinesig bae Abertawe, buddsoddiad o £1.2 biliwn sydd â'r nod o greu 9,000 o swyddi newydd.
Minister, you'll be well aware of my interest in free ports, namely the Celtic free port in my constituency, an economic policy that could directly improve Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales and Wales as a whole. Their benefits are well versed: an estimated 20,000 jobs and up to £4.9 billion in both public and private investments could be seen across Wales. Again, I'll take the opportunity to congratulate both the Welsh Government and the UK Government for working together to deliver this policy so far, a model that I think could be replicated, as collaboration is always better than conflict. But with reports stating that in the Chancellor's autumn statement there is likely to be an extension of English free ports to 2031, what representations has the Welsh Government made to the UK Treasury to ensure parity between Welsh and English free ports, so that the benefits, especially those benefits around tax relief, can be seen for greater and longer periods? Diolch, Llywydd.
Weinidog, fe fyddwch yn ymwybodol iawn o fy niddordeb mewn porthladdoedd rhydd, yn enwedig y porthladd rhydd Celtaidd yn fy etholaeth, polisi economaidd a allai wella sir Benfro, de-orllewin Cymru a Chymru gyfan yn uniongyrchol. Mae eu buddion yn glir iawn: amcangyfrifir y gallent sicrhau 20,000 o swyddi a hyd at £4.9 biliwn mewn buddsoddiadau cyhoeddus a phreifat ledled Cymru. Unwaith eto, rwyf am achub ar y cyfle i longyfarch Llywodraeth Cymru a Llywodraeth y DU am gydweithio i gyflawni’r polisi hwn hyd yn hyn, model y credaf y gellid ei ailadrodd, gan fod cydweithio bob amser yn well na gwrthdaro. Ond gydag adroddiadau’n nodi ei bod yn debygol y bydd porthladdoedd rhydd Lloegr yn cael eu hymestyn i 2031 yn natganiad hydref y Canghellor, pa sylwadau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi’u gwneud i Drysorlys y DU i sicrhau cydraddoldeb rhwng porthladdoedd rhydd Cymru a Lloegr, fel bod y manteision, yn enwedig y buddion mewn perthynas â rhyddhad treth, i'w gweld am gyfnodau hirach? Diolch, Lywydd.
I thank the Member for his question. Of course, we had an opportunity to talk about free ports when I was at the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee last week, and we're getting to the stage where the outline business case should be with us towards the end of next month. I’m looking forward to both those business cases—for the Celtic free port and the Ynys Môn free port as well. I think the point you make around parity is an important one, and it was part of the challenge in the difficult phase of getting to a free port where the two Governments weren’t agreeing, because part of our concern was not having parity on the investment and what would go around the free port. The agreement that we reached—and I’m pleased that we’ve reached it, because I agree with you that collaboration is better than conflict—meant that we had parity on the investment.
I have, though, raised the issue of what might happen if there was a change in reliefs for free ports in England. I had a meeting with the Secretary of State for levelling-up and the Secretary of State for Wales last week, and I raised this during that meeting—that if there were to be a change, we’d want parity for Welsh free ports. There shouldn’t be a differential offer with a less advantageous proposition for free ports in Wales for us to deliver on the potential benefits they could have. I look forward to providing a further update on our assessment of the outline business case once we receive it. That will probably be into the new year. There’ll be a joint assessment again with officials from the UK Government and I’m keen to see the real opportunities for a free port taken up with good and sustainable jobs right across south-west Wales and beyond.
Diolch i’r Aelod am ei gwestiwn. Wrth gwrs, cawsom gyfle i sôn am borthladdoedd rhydd pan oeddwn ym Mhwyllgor yr Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig yr wythnos diwethaf, ac rydym yn agosáu at y cam lle dylai’r achos busnes amlinellol fod gennym erbyn diwedd y mis nesaf. Edrychaf ymlaen at y ddau achos busnes—ar gyfer y porthladd rhydd Celtaidd a phorthladd rhydd Ynys Môn hefyd. Credaf fod y pwynt a wnewch ynghylch cydraddoldeb yn un pwysig, ac roedd yn rhan o’r her yn ystod y broses anodd o sicrhau porthladd rhydd lle nad oedd y ddwy Lywodraeth yn cytuno, gan mai rhan o’n pryder oedd na fyddem yn cael cydraddoldeb o ran y buddsoddiad a'r hyn a fyddai o amgylch y porthladd rhydd. Roedd y cytundeb y daethom iddo—ac rwy'n falch ein bod wedi cytuno arno, gan y cytunaf â chi fod cydweithio'n well na gwrthdaro—yn golygu bod gennym gydraddoldeb o ran y buddsoddiad.
Serch hynny, rwyf wedi codi’r mater ynghylch yr hyn a allai ddigwydd pe bai newid yn y rhyddhad ar gyfer porthladdoedd rhydd yn Lloegr. Cefais gyfarfod gyda’r Ysgrifennydd Gwladol dros ffyniant bro ac Ysgrifennydd Gwladol Cymru yr wythnos diwethaf, a chodais hyn yn ystod y cyfarfod hwnnw—pe bai newid, y byddai arnom eisiau cydraddoldeb ar gyfer porthladdoedd rhydd Cymru. Ni ddylai fod cynnig gwahaniaethol gyda chynnig llai buddiol ar gyfer porthladdoedd rhydd yng Nghymru inni allu cyflawni’r manteision posibl a allai fod iddynt. Edrychaf ymlaen at roi diweddariad pellach ar ein hasesiad o’r achos busnes amlinellol ar ôl iddo gael ei gyflwyno i ni. Mae'n debyg y bydd hynny yn y flwyddyn newydd. Bydd asesiad ar y cyd eto gyda swyddogion o Lywodraeth y DU, ac rwy’n awyddus i sicrhau y manteisir ar y cyfleoedd gwirioneddol ar gyfer porthladd rhydd, gyda swyddi da a chynaliadwy ar draws de-orllewin Cymru a thu hwnt.
5. A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi’r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am y gefnogaeth sydd ar gael i fusnesau bach yng Nghanol De Cymru? OQ60123
5. Will the Minister provide an update on the support available to small businesses in South Wales Central? OQ60123
Diolch am y cwestiwn.
Thank you for the question.
Our Business Wales service provides entrepreneurs and businesses with access to a wide range of information, guidance and support, both financial and non-financial, to support small businesses across Wales.
Mae ein gwasanaeth Busnes Cymru yn darparu mynediad i entrepreneuriaid a busnesau at ystod eang o wybodaeth, arweiniad a chymorth, ariannol a heb fod yn ariannol, i gefnogi busnesau bach ledled Cymru.
I’m sure you’ll be very, very aware of the huge challenges a number of our small businesses are facing as a result of inflation and also specifically energy costs as well. We know of a number of businesses that are now warning that they just cannot continue, or are closing, which will have a massive impact. Specifically, though, there are some schemes that are being funded by the Welsh Government at the moment that are impacting some small businesses in my region. I'm thinking of Ton Pentre and Treorchy businesses in particular, because of all the Transport for Wales work going on, and some roadworks and so on. It has had a massive impact on these smaller businesses, resulting in lower footfall and so on, people not able to reach appointments—the same is true in Hirwaun, with all of the roadworks currently—people taking their dogs to be groomed elsewhere et cetera, but having a massive impact on the small businesses. I understand there is no compensation scheme available for those businesses, but what support, perhaps, is available from the Welsh Government, given it is, in fact, investment in this area that is creating difficulties for these small businesses?
Rwy'n siŵr y byddwch yn ymwybodol iawn o'r heriau enfawr y mae nifer o'n busnesau bach yn eu hwynebu o ganlyniad i chwyddiant a chostau ynni yn benodol hefyd. Gwyddom am nifer o fusnesau sydd bellach yn rhybuddio na allant barhau, neu eu bod yn cau, a fydd yn cael effaith enfawr. Yn benodol, fodd bynnag, mae rhai cynlluniau sy'n cael eu hariannu gan Lywodraeth Cymru ar hyn o bryd yn effeithio ar rai busnesau bach yn fy rhanbarth. Rwy'n meddwl am fusnesau Tonpentre a Threorci yn enwedig, oherwydd yr holl waith Trafnidiaeth Cymru sy'n mynd rhagddo, a gwaith ar y ffordd ac yn y blaen. Mae wedi cael effaith enfawr ar y busnesau llai hyn, gan arwain at lai o ymwelwyr ac yn y blaen, a phobl yn methu cyrraedd apwyntiadau—mae'r un peth yn wir yn Hirwaun, gyda'r holl waith ffordd ar hyn o bryd—pobl yn mynd â'u cŵn i gael eu trin mewn mannau eraill ac yn y blaen, ond mae'n cael effaith enfawr ar y busnesau bach. Rwy'n deall nad oes cynllun iawndal ar gael i'r busnesau hynny, ond pa gefnogaeth, efallai, sydd ar gael gan Lywodraeth Cymru, o ystyried mai buddsoddiad yn yr ardal hon sy'n creu anawsterau i'r busnesau bach hyn mewn gwirionedd?
When you invest in an area, there is often some disruption, and then you will ultimately get a better environment once the investment has been delivered. If there are businesses with specific challenges, then they could and should approach Business Wales, and we may be able to help them, together with the local authority. I actually think that Rhondda Cynon Taf local authority is quite proactive in wanting to help businesses as well. Today, there’s a jobs fair that RCT are taking a lead on, together with Business Wales and the Department for Work and Pensions, looking at opportunities for jobs for people. That’s targeted in particular at those people who have been made redundant at UK Windows & Doors. But I would want to see what we can do together, working with the local authority, to understand how we can help support businesses in a practical way. So, if the Member wants to write to me with businesses that have been in touch with her, I’d be happy to try to make sure there’s a co-ordinated response.
Pan fyddwch yn buddsoddi mewn ardal, yn aml mae rhywfaint o darfu, ac yna byddwch yn cael gwell amgylchedd yn y pen draw pan fydd y buddsoddiad wedi'i gyflawni. Os oes yna fusnesau sydd â heriau penodol, fe allent ac fe ddylent gysylltu â Busnes Cymru, ac efallai y gallwn eu helpu, ynghyd â'r awdurdod lleol. Rwy'n credu mewn gwirionedd fod awdurdod lleol Rhondda Cynon Taf yn eithaf rhagweithiol yn y ffordd y maent eisiau helpu busnesau hefyd. Heddiw, mae RhCT yn cynnal ffair swyddi, gyda Busnes Cymru a'r Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau, i edrych ar gyfleoedd ar gyfer swyddi i bobl. Mae hynny wedi'i dargedu'n benodol at y bobl a ddiswyddwyd gan gwmni UK Windows & Doors. Ond hoffwn weld beth y gallwn ei wneud gyda'n gilydd, gan weithio gyda'r awdurdod lleol, i ddeall sut y gallwn helpu i gefnogi busnesau mewn ffordd ymarferol. Felly, os yw'r Aelod eisiau ysgrifennu ataf gyda'r busnesau sydd wedi bod mewn cysylltiad â hi, rwy'n hapus i geisio sicrhau ymateb cydlynol.
As the Minister will be aware, this week is Business Finance Week, hosted by the British Business Bank, of which Business Wales is a supporting member. I’m pleased to see there are a number of events being hosted in Wales, and a large proportion of these are virtual, which will mean that they’re also available to small businesses and can help them to understand financing and the options accessible to them as well. Whilst these training and financing options are available, unfortunately it doesn’t necessarily follow that Welsh small businesses are predominantly successful in applying for this funding. With this in mind, Minister, what assessment has the Welsh Government made of the success rate of small businesses in accessing funding, and what current trends have you identified as the type and amount of funding that is being accessed by small businesses in South Wales Central and the wider country? Thank you.
Fel y gŵyr y Gweinidog, yr wythnos hon yw Wythnos Cyllid Busnes, a gynhelir gan Fanc Busnes Prydain y mae Busnes Cymru yn aelod cefnogol ohono. Rwy'n falch o weld bod nifer o ddigwyddiadau'n cael eu cynnal yng Nghymru, ac mae cyfran fawr o'r rhain yn rhai rhithwir, sy'n golygu y byddant hefyd ar gael i fusnesau bach ac y gallant eu helpu i ddeall cyllid a'r opsiynau sydd ar gael iddynt hefyd. Er bod yr opsiynau hyfforddi ac ariannu hyn ar gael, yn anffodus, nid yw hynny o reidrwydd yn golygu bod busnesau bach Cymru yn llwyddiannus bob amser wrth wneud cais am y cyllid hwn. Gyda hyn mewn golwg, Weinidog, pa asesiad y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'i wneud o ba mor llwyddiannus yw busnesau bach wrth gael gafael ar gyllid, a pha dueddiadau cyfredol a nodwyd gennych o ran y math o gyllid a swm y cyllid y mae busnesau bach yng Nghanol De Cymru a'r wlad ehangach yn gallu cael mynediad ato? Diolch.
I think that's a really broad question, given the whole range of different financial institutions that are engaged, because you can gain that support from a whole range of different people, from high-street banks to challenger banks to angel investors to the British Business Bank, potentially the Development Bank of Wales, and beyond. I think it would be more helpful if there was more focus in the areas in which the Member is asking for that access to finance. We do talk, though, to all of the major financial institutions, and, indeed, to business organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses, around the challenge of access to finance.
One of the big challenges, of course, is that in the last year or so, access to finance has got more expensive. If you were looking to invest in your business more than a year ago, you would have found an interest rate of between 2 and 3-and-a-bit per cent. After the events of a year ago and the budget that was then reversed, the cost of business loans, as well as loans for home owners, has increased significantly and permanently. And the increase to more like 6 per cent plus makes a really big difference for businesses about their willingness to take on loans and debt and what that means and their ability to pay it back. So, when we talk about the permanent damage done by the Truss Government, it's there and it's real, and small businesses know it.
I should say, though, on the positive front, the Development Bank of Wales and the British Business Bank are undertaking more work together to try to make sure that their own interventions complement each other, rather than contradicting each other. And I was very pleased to see the British Business Bank having a stand at Wales Tech Week, because I think there are many opportunities to carry on investing in that sector of our economy.
Rwy'n credu bod hwnnw'n gwestiwn eang iawn, o ystyried yr ystod gyfan o wahanol sefydliadau ariannol sy'n gysylltiedig, oherwydd fe allwch gael y gefnogaeth honno gan ystod eang o wahanol bobl, o fanciau'r stryd fawr i'r banciau newydd modern sy'n cystadlu â nhw, o angylion buddsoddi i Fanc Busnes Prydain, a Banc Datblygu Cymru o bosibl, a thu hwnt. Rwy'n credu y byddai'n fwy defnyddiol pe bai mwy o ffocws ar y meysydd y mae'r Aelod yn gofyn am fynediad at gyllid ar eu cyfer. Fodd bynnag, rydym yn siarad â'r holl sefydliadau ariannol mawr, ac yn wir, â sefydliadau busnes fel Ffederasiwn y Busnesau Bach, ynglŷn â her cael mynediad at gyllid.
Un o'r heriau mawr, wrth gwrs, yw bod mynediad at gyllid wedi mynd yn ddrutach yn ystod y flwyddyn ddiwethaf. Pe byddech chi eisiau buddsoddi yn eich busnes dros flwyddyn yn ôl, byddech wedi cael cyfradd llog o rhwng 2 a 3 ac ychydig y cant. Ar ôl digwyddiadau y llynedd, ac ar ôl i'r gyllideb gael ei gwrthdroi, mae cost benthyciadau busnes, yn ogystal â benthyciadau i berchnogion tai, wedi cynyddu'n sylweddol ac yn barhaol. Ac mae'r cynnydd i oddeutu 6 y cant a mwy yn gwneud gwahaniaeth mawr iawn i fusnesau o ran eu parodrwydd i ysgwyddo benthyciadau a mynd i ddyled a'r hyn y mae hynny'n ei olygu a'u gallu i'w ad-dalu. Felly, pan fyddwn yn siarad am y niwed parhaol a wnaed gan Lywodraeth Truss, mae'n niwed go iawn, ac mae busnesau bach yn gwybod hynny.
Dylwn ddweud, fodd bynnag, ar nodyn cadarnhaol, fod Banc Datblygu Cymru a Banc Busnes Prydain yn gwneud mwy o waith gyda'i gilydd i geisio sicrhau bod eu hymyriadau eu hunain yn ategu ei gilydd, yn hytrach na gwrthddweud ei gilydd. Ac roeddwn yn falch iawn o weld bod gan Fanc Busnes Prydain stondin yn Wythnos Technoleg Cymru, oherwydd credaf fod llawer o gyfleoedd i barhau i fuddsoddi yn y sector hwnnw o'n heconomi.
6. Pa drafodaethau y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'u cael gyda Llywodraeth y DU ynghylch pontio teg tuag at economi sero net yng Nghymru? OQ60091
6. What discussions has the Minister had with the UK Government regarding a just transition to a net-zero economy in Wales? OQ60091
Thank you for the question. The Welsh Government continues to promote a just transition to net zero, including the promotion of the requisite training and infrastructure. Given the importance of the UK Government powers that they hold in the delivery of this, it is essential that they engage fully with the Welsh Government. There is no doubt that not having an inter-ministerial meeting for over 10 months, and the lack of engagement, for example, from the UK Government regarding Tata, is far from ideal. I will, however, be making these views clear when the transition board for Tata meets, which I will be taking part in.
Diolch am y cwestiwn. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn parhau i hyrwyddo pontio teg tuag at sero net, gan gynnwys hyrwyddo'r seilwaith a'r hyfforddiant gofynnol. O ystyried pwysigrwydd pwerau Llywodraeth y DU wrth gyflawni hyn, mae'n hanfodol eu bod yn ymgysylltu'n llawn â Llywodraeth Cymru. Nid oes amheuaeth nad yw'n ddelfrydol peidio â chael cyfarfod rhyngweinidogol am dros 10 mis, a'r diffyg ymgysylltiad, er enghraifft, gan Lywodraeth y DU ynghylch Tata. Fodd bynnag, byddaf yn gwneud y safbwyntiau hyn yn glir yng nghyfarfod y bwrdd pontio ar gyfer Tata y byddaf yn cymryd rhan ynddo.
I thank the Minister for that response and for mentioning Tata as well, but I want to focus on something else, because flip-flopping on a UK level on a clear trajectory to net zero has real implications for green growth and for green jobs as well, and that just transition. So, moving the goalposts on things like electrical vehicles, on heat pump regulations at short notice with no consultation, the frequent changes around energy efficiency—the green deal, the green homes grant, and so on—and the recent failure of the offshore auction with the contracts for difference shows just what this does to investor confidence.
In fact, the Government's own independent review of net zero, which is on their website, gave a firm warning against a stop-start approach to net zero policy. It said that sudden policy changes reduce investor and developer confidence, increase the cost of capital and the overall cost of decarbonisation. There isn't a single friend of the Government on this, Minister. The Institute for Public Policy Research says that it's bad for consumers, bad for the economy, it derails the UK's net zero 2050 ambition, which we play a part in, and it's likely to be unpopular with the public as well, who are actually supportive of decarbonisation. So, Minister, how on earth do we get back to a place where not only Wales, not only the devolved nations and not only the great city metropolises like Manchester and so on, but the UK Government understands that to create green jobs, you give certainty to investors and you create those foundational economy jobs in every single community across the land? Where have they gone wrong?
Diolch i'r Gweinidog am yr ymateb hwnnw ac am sôn am Tata hefyd, ond rwyf am ganolbwyntio ar rywbeth arall, oherwydd mae newid meddwl ar lefel y DU ar drywydd clir tuag at sero net yn arwain at oblygiadau gwirioneddol ar gyfer twf gwyrdd ac ar gyfer swyddi gwyrdd hefyd, a'r pontio teg hwnnw. Felly, mae symud y pyst gôl mewn perthynas â phethau fel cerbydau trydanol, a rheoliadau pympiau gwres ar fyr rybudd ac heb unrhyw ymgynghoriad, y newidiadau aml mewn perthynas ag effeithlonrwydd ynni—y fargen werdd, y grant cartrefi gwyrdd, ac yn y blaen—ac mae methiant diweddar yr arwerthiant ar gyfer ynni gwynt ar y môr, gyda'r contractau ar gyfer gwahaniaeth, yn dangos yn union beth mae hyn yn ei wneud i hyder buddsoddwyr.
Mewn gwirionedd, roedd adolygiad annibynnol y Llywodraeth ei hun o sero net, sydd ar eu gwefan, yn darparu rhybudd cadarn yn erbyn dull o weithredu anghyson ar bolisi sero net. Dywedai fod newidiadau polisi sydyn yn lleihau hyder buddsoddwyr a datblygwyr ac yn cynyddu cost cyfalaf a chost gyffredinol datgarboneiddio. Nid oes gan y Llywodraeth unrhyw gefnogwyr ar hyn, Weinidog. Mae'r Sefydliad Ymchwil Polisi Cyhoeddus yn dweud ei fod yn ddrwg i ddefnyddwyr, yn ddrwg i'r economi, ei fod yn chwalu uchelgais sero net 2050 y DU yr ydym yn rhan ohono, ac mae'n debygol o fod yn amhoblogaidd hefyd gyda'r cyhoedd, sy'n cefnogi datgarboneiddio mewn gwirionedd. Felly, Weinidog, sut ar y ddaear y gallwn ddychwelyd i sefyllfa lle mae nid yn unig Cymru a'r gwledydd datganoledig a'r dinasoedd mawr fel Manceinion ac yn y blaen, ond Llywodraeth y DU hefyd, yn deall, os ydym am greu swyddi gwyrdd, fod angen rhoi sicrwydd i fuddsoddwyr a chreu swyddi economi sylfaenol ym mhob cymuned ar draws y wlad? Beth sydd wedi mynd o'i le gyda nhw?
I think they've gone wrong by not doing what the Member said at the end: providing certainty—a plan for the future and the consistency that that allows other people to plan around it, the skills you need. A consistent target and a consistent ambition is essential to do that, and the certainty for business investors as well. If you think about Rishi Sunak's recent announcement on shifting a whole range of goalposts, it isn't just the Climate Change Committee who said, 'There is no plan to undo the damage that has been done', but actually the auto industry, and there are a range of different voices. You'll have heard very clearly Ford and others saying that, actually, they're going to carry on with their investment and it's undone all of the certainty they had. They've looked to invest in reaching something by 2030, and now they have to consider, 'Is that certain, can we believe you?' And all, of course, with only about a year or so at most for the current Government to run at a UK level.
The contracts for difference round, I think, is an even bigger problem. This is where you can actually support new renewables, essentially, as well to get into the market with demonstrator products especially. And that isn't what happened on floating offshore wind. Not a single floating offshore wind provider bid in for that round, and they had told the UK Government loud and clear that they would not do so. There are bigger incentives on offer in other parts of Europe, on our doorstep. They don't have to build things here. The danger is that we could lose the advantage we potentially have if there isn't a more grown-up, joined-up and certain approach to that investment. The UK Government do have an opportunity to put this right, actually, within this year, and I would urge them to do so. Otherwise, we risk not seeing the economic benefits that should come to us, in addition to our path to genuine net zero, where a just transition is something we could and should achieve. I fear, though, it will take a change of Government before that is possible.
Rwy'n credu mai'r hyn a wnaethant o'i le oedd peidio â gwneud yr hyn a ddywedodd yr Aelod ar y diwedd: darparu sicrwydd—cynllun ar gyfer y dyfodol a chysondeb sy'n caniatáu i bobl eraill gynllunio o'i gwmpas, y sgiliau sydd eu hangen arnoch. Mae targed cyson ac uchelgais cyson yn hanfodol i wneud hynny, a'r sicrwydd i fuddsoddwyr busnes hefyd. Os meddyliwch am gyhoeddiad diweddar Rishi Sunak ar symud ystod eang o byst gôl, nid y Pwyllgor Newid Hinsawdd yn unig a ddywedodd, 'Nid oes cynllun i ddadwneud y niwed sydd wedi'i wneud', fe ddywedodd y diwydiant ceir hynny hefyd mewn gwirionedd, a cheir amrywiaeth o wahanol leisiau. Fe fyddwch wedi clywed Ford ac eraill yn dweud yn glir iawn eu bod am barhau â'u buddsoddiad a'i fod wedi dadwneud yr holl sicrwydd a gawsant. Maent wedi ceisio buddsoddi i gyrraedd rhywbeth erbyn 2030, a nawr mae'n rhaid iddynt ystyried, 'A yw hynny'n sicr, a allwn ni eich credu?' A hyn oll, wrth gwrs, gyda dim ond blwyddyn ar y mwyaf i'r Llywodraeth bresennol barhau ar lefel y DU.
Rwy'n credu bod y cylch contractau ar gyfer gwahaniaeth yn broblem hyd yn oed yn fwy. Dyma lle gallwch gefnogi ynni adnewyddadwy newydd, yn y bôn, yn ogystal â mynd i'r farchnad gyda chynhyrchion arddangos yn enwedig. Ac nid dyna a ddigwyddodd mewn perthynas ag ynni gwynt arnofiol ar y môr. Ni wnaeth yr un darparwr gwynt arnofiol ar y môr wneud cais ar gyfer y cylch hwnnw, ac roeddent wedi dweud yn glir wrth Lywodraeth y DU na fyddent yn gwneud hynny. Mae cymhellion mwy o faint i'w cael mewn rhannau eraill o Ewrop, ar garreg ein drws. Nid oes raid iddynt adeiladu pethau yma. Y perygl yw y gallem golli'r fantais a allai fod gennym os nad oes dull mwy aeddfed, mwy cydgysylltiedig a mwy sicr o weithredu'r buddsoddiad hwnnw. Mae gan Lywodraeth y DU gyfle i unioni hyn o fewn y flwyddyn hon, a hoffwn eu hannog i wneud hynny. Fel arall, rydym mewn perygl o beidio â gweld y manteision economaidd y dylem eu cael, yn ychwanegol at ein llwybr tuag at sero net gwirioneddol, lle mae pontio teg yn rhywbeth y gallem ac y dylem ei gyflawni. Fodd bynnag, rwy'n ofni y bydd angen Llywodraeth newydd cyn y bydd hynny'n bosibl.
Last week, California was awarded up to £1.2 billion from the United States Department of Energy to build and expand projects focused on clean energy, with the ultimate goal of achieving a net-zero-carbon economy by 2045. The seven US hydrogen hubs deliver £7 billion of Government investment, £40 billion of private investment, hundreds of thousands of high-quality jobs, and 25 million tonnes of carbon dioxide savings. During the recent World Hydrogen Week, the experts were clear that the Welsh Government need to speed up and scale up support for hydrogen in Wales. So, will you follow the lead of the USA, working with the Minister for Climate Change, by driving forward a transition to a net-zero economy by working to make Wales one big hydrogen hub?
Yr wythnos diwethaf, dyfarnwyd hyd at £1.2 biliwn i Califfornia gan Adran Ynni yr Unol Daleithiau i adeiladu ac ehangu prosiectau sy'n canolbwyntio ar ynni glân, gyda'r nod yn y pen draw o sicrhau economi carbon sero net erbyn 2045. Mae saith hyb hydrogen yr Unol Daleithiau yn darparu £7 biliwn o fuddsoddiad y Llywodraeth, £40 biliwn o fuddsoddiad preifat, cannoedd o filoedd o swyddi o ansawdd uchel, a 25 miliwn tunnell o arbedion carbon deuocsid. Yn ystod Wythnos Hydrogen y Byd yn ddiweddar, roedd yr arbenigwyr yn glir fod angen i Lywodraeth Cymru gyflymu a chynyddu cefnogaeth i hydrogen yng Nghymru. Felly, a wnewch chi ddilyn arweiniad UDA, gan weithio gyda'r Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd, drwy ysgogi pontio i economi sero net a gweithio i wneud Cymru yn un hyb hydrogen mawr?
I'm very keen to see more investment in hydrogen, and actually the north Wales growth deal has indicated its support for the Holyhead hydrogen hub. We want to see that right across north Wales, and indeed in south Wales too. But for this to happen, it will require real UK Government investment. You can't create the hydrogen networks required without UK investment, and that is what is lacking. It's fascinating that the Member has pointed out to what is happening in the United States. That is happening because the US Government has actually introduced a significant and sustained investment in the future. Over $500 billion is being invested in the United States in future technologies. You won't see anything of that scale in the UK. It's the lack of ambition and the lack of awareness, and without that investment we won't deliver the sort of future we could do with all of the natural advantages we have. I want to see us being able to do that. I want a reliable partner within the UK Government for us to work with, and I want the sort of investment and the scale of it required to deliver the future we could have, the Wales we want, and the UK we could have as well, with the sort of green, high-quality jobs that would come from it.
Rwy'n awyddus iawn i weld mwy o fuddsoddiad mewn hydrogen, ac mewn gwirionedd mae bargen twf gogledd Cymru wedi nodi ei chefnogaeth i hyb hydrogen Caergybi. Rydym eisiau gweld hynny ar draws gogledd Cymru, ac yn wir yn ne Cymru hefyd. Ond er mwyn i hyn ddigwydd, bydd angen buddsoddiad gwirioneddol gan Lywodraeth y DU. Ni allwch greu'r rhwydweithiau hydrogen sydd eu hangen heb fuddsoddiad y DU, a'r buddsoddiad hwnnw sy'n brin. Mae'n hynod ddiddorol fod yr Aelod wedi tynnu sylw at yr hyn sy'n digwydd yn yr Unol Daleithiau. Mae hynny'n digwydd oherwydd bod Llywodraeth UDA wedi cyflwyno buddsoddiad sylweddol a pharhaus yn y dyfodol. Mae dros $500 biliwn yn cael ei fuddsoddi yn yr Unol Daleithiau yn nhechnolegau'r dyfodol. Ni welwch unrhyw beth ar y raddfa honno yn y DU. Mae'n ymwneud â diffyg uchelgais a diffyg ymwybyddiaeth, a heb y buddsoddiad hwnnw ni fyddwn yn sicrhau'r math o ddyfodol y gallem ei wneud gyda'r holl fanteision naturiol sydd gennym. Rwyf eisiau i ni allu gwneud hynny. Rwyf eisiau partner dibynadwy o fewn Llywodraeth y DU i weithio gyda nhw, ac rwyf eisiau'r math o fuddsoddiad ar y raddfa sydd ei hangen i wireddu'r dyfodol y gallem ei gael, y Gymru yr ydym ei heisiau, a'r DU y gallem ei chael hefyd, gyda'r math o swyddi gwyrdd o ansawdd uchel a fyddai'n deillio o hynny.
7. A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am gymorth Llywodraeth Cymru i fusnesau ym Mlaenau Gwent? OQ60103
7. Will the Minister make a statement on Welsh Government support for businesses in Blaenau Gwent? OQ60103
Thank you. There is an extensive range of support available for businesses in Blaenau Gwent through our Business Wales service. We also work with partners to support Blaenau Gwent businesses in a range of ways. The includes our business productivity enhancement programme, which is making a real difference to local companies within Blaenau Gwent.
Diolch. Mae ystod eang o gymorth ar gael i fusnesau ym Mlaenau Gwent drwy ein gwasanaeth Busnes Cymru. Rydym hefyd yn gweithio gyda phartneriaid i gefnogi busnesau Blaenau Gwent mewn amrywiaeth o ffyrdd. Mae hynny'n cynnwys ein rhaglen gwella cynhyrchiant busnes, sy'n gwneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol i gwmnïau lleol ym Mlaenau Gwent.
It's the business productivity enhancement programme that I wanted to ask you about this afternoon, Minister. Yesterday, in a statement on regional economies, I thought you were very clear in terms of how the Welsh Government wanted to invest in the economy of Blaenau Gwent and the Heads of the Valleys, to ensure that we maximise the value of the A465 dualling project. But that also means investing in people and investing in businesses. The £1.6 million that the Welsh Government has invested in 12 businesses in Blaenau Gwent—I believe you've now extended it beyond the borough, because of its success—has meant that we've got new skills, which lead to increased wages. We have new technology and new products, delivering for businesses within the borough. This provides not only the connectivity through the dualling project, but investment in the future of those businesses, and I know those businesses are very grateful to the Welsh Government for that investment. That was delivered through Tech Valleys and through European Union funding. What that was investing in was our future economy. How, now, Minister, will you be able to build on that programme to ensure that we can continue to maximise Welsh Government support for businesses within the borough and ensure that we continue to invest in the economic future of Blaenau Gwent and the rest of the Heads of the Valleys?
Y prynhawn yma, Weinidog, rwyf am ofyn i chi ynglŷn â'r rhaglen gwella cynhyrchiant busnes. Ddoe, mewn datganiad ar economïau rhanbarthol, roeddwn yn meddwl eich bod chi'n glir iawn ynglŷn â sut roedd Llywodraeth Cymru eisiau buddsoddi yn economi Blaenau Gwent a Blaenau'r Cymoedd, er mwyn sicrhau ein bod yn gwneud y gorau o werth prosiect deuoli'r A465. Ond mae hynny hefyd yn golygu buddsoddi mewn pobl a buddsoddi mewn busnesau. Mae'r £1.6 miliwn y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'i fuddsoddi mewn 12 busnes ym Mlaenau Gwent—rwy'n credu eich bod chi bellach wedi ei ymestyn y tu hwnt i'r fwrdeistref, oherwydd ei lwyddiant—wedi golygu bod gennym sgiliau newydd, sy'n arwain at gyflogau uwch. Mae gennym dechnoleg newydd a chynhyrchion newydd, sy'n darparu ar gyfer busnesau yn y fwrdeistref. Mae hyn yn darparu cysylltedd drwy'r prosiect deuoli, yn ogystal â buddsoddiad yn nyfodol y busnesau hynny, a gwn fod y busnesau hynny'n ddiolchgar iawn i Lywodraeth Cymru am y buddsoddiad hwnnw. Cafodd hynny ei gyflawni drwy'r Cymoedd Technoleg a thrwy gyllid yr Undeb Ewropeaidd. Roedd hwnnw'n fuddsoddiad yn ein heconomi yn y dyfodol. Weinidog, sut y gallwch adeiladu ar y rhaglen honno nawr i wneud yn siŵr y gallwn barhau i sicrhau bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn darparu'r gefnogaeth fwyaf sy'n bosibl i fusnesau yn y fwrdeistref a sicrhau ein bod yn parhau i fuddsoddi yn nyfodol economaidd Blaenau Gwent a gweddill Blaenau'r Cymoedd?
It's part of what we want to do, working with corporate joint committees, working with growth deals as well, to make sure we're not simply looking at growth, for example, in the capital region that takes place south of the M4. It's part of the conversation that I signalled yesterday in my written statement as well, to make sure there is significant effort on Valleys economic development, and the business productivity enhancement programme is a good example of that. Targeted investment with 12 different businesses has made a real difference to them, and 83 per cent of them have seen improvements in productivity—something that we've discussed before that is key to the future of economic development and prosperity. In all the difficult choices that we have to make and that I have to make as a Minister in the next budget round, I am keen that we continue to invest in skills and in businesses to make sure that there are good jobs with a real future, and we help those people to gain more from their world of work—not simply the time, not simply longer hours, but greater value, greater productivity. And I think we have an example of how to do that with the programme you've highlighted today.
Mae'n rhan o'r hyn rydym eisiau ei wneud, gan weithio gyda chyd-bwyllgorau corfforaethol, a gweithio gyda bargeinion twf hefyd, i sicrhau nad ydym yn edrych ar dwf yn unig, er enghraifft, yn y brifddinas-ranbarth i'r de o'r M4. Mae'n rhan o'r sgwrs a nodais ddoe yn fy natganiad ysgrifenedig hefyd, i sicrhau ein bod yn gwneud ymdrech sylweddol mewn perthynas â datblygu economaidd yn y Cymoedd, ac mae'r rhaglen gwella cynhyrchiant busnes yn enghraifft dda o hynny. Mae buddsoddiad wedi'i dargedu gyda 12 o fusnesau gwahanol wedi gwneud gwahaniaeth go iawn iddynt, ac mae 83 y cant ohonynt wedi gweld gwelliannau mewn cynhyrchiant—rhywbeth rydym wedi'i drafod o'r blaen a rhywbeth sy'n allweddol i ddyfodol datblygu economaidd a ffyniant. Yn yr holl ddewisiadau anodd y mae'n rhaid i ni eu gwneud ac y mae'n rhaid i mi eu gwneud fel Gweinidog yng nghylch nesaf y gyllideb, rwy'n awyddus ein bod yn parhau i fuddsoddi mewn sgiliau ac mewn busnesau i wneud yn siŵr fod gennym swyddi da gyda dyfodol go iawn, a'n bod yn helpu'r bobl hynny i elwa mwy o'u byd gwaith—nid dim ond amser, nid oriau hwy yn unig, ond mwy o werth, mwy o gynhyrchiant. Ac rwy'n credu bod gennym enghraifft o sut i wneud hynny gyda'r rhaglen rydych chi wedi tynnu sylw ati heddiw.
Yn olaf, cwestiwn 8—Luke Fletcher.
Finally, question 8—Luke Fletcher.
8. A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am weithrediad cronfa busnes Cymru? OQ60102
8. Will the Minister make a statement on the operation of the Wales business fund? OQ60102
The Wales business fund, managed by the Development Bank of Wales, provides loans and makes equity investments into businesses. The greater part of the capital being deployed through this fund, £186 million, was from former EU funding from the European regional development fund, which comes to an end in December of this year.
Mae cronfa fusnes Cymru, sy'n cael ei rheoli gan Fanc Datblygu Cymru, yn darparu benthyciadau ac yn gwneud buddsoddiadau ecwiti mewn busnesau. Daw'r rhan fwyaf o'r cyfalaf sy'n cael ei ddefnyddio drwy'r gronfa hon, sef £186 miliwn, o gyllid blaenorol yr UE, o gronfa datblygu rhanbarthol Ewrop, sy'n dod i ben ym mis Rhagfyr eleni.
Diolch am yr ateb, Gweinidog.
Thank you for that response, Minister.
The Wales business fund, of course, as the Minister mentioned, is coming into its final term, ending at the end of this year, and with those EU funds disappearing as well, it's of course coming to an end. I have noted that, as of September of this year, there was £19 million left in the fund. It's crucial, of course, that we spend the money within this fund. Therefore, what plans are there to spend this in full before the investment end date in December? And has the Minister given any thought to any potential successor fund as well?
Mae cronfa fusnes Cymru, wrth gwrs, fel y soniodd y Gweinidog, ar fin mynd i'w thymor olaf, gan ddod i ben ar ddiwedd y flwyddyn hon, a chyda chronfeydd yr UE yn diflannu hefyd, fe fydd yn dod i ben wrth gwrs. Rwyf wedi nodi, o fis Medi eleni, fod £19 miliwn ar ôl yn y gronfa. Mae'n hanfodol, wrth gwrs, ein bod yn gwario'r arian sydd yn y gronfa hon. Felly, pa gynlluniau sydd ar y gweill i wario'r arian i gyd cyn dyddiad terfynu'r buddsoddiad ym mis Rhagfyr? Ac a yw'r Gweinidog wedi rhoi unrhyw ystyriaeth i gronfa olynol bosibl hefyd?
Yes, I'm confident that we will be able to use all of the investment that’s been placed into the current fund. We've actually been acting to fill some of the gap, and this has been the really difficult challenge. So, it's a matter of fact, not opinion, that we're over £1 billion worse off because of the way that former EU funds have been managed. The replacements that have been provided do not fully replace what we had. That means we are at risk of not being able to deliver on all of our programmes.
I made a choice, not just to protect some services like Business Wales, like the investment we're trying to make in apprenticeships and skills, but it also meant that we've put extra funds into the Wales flexible investment fund—a different fund, but to make sure that we're able to have support for businesses through the development bank itself. Now, that means I can't spend that money somewhere else, but I'm convinced we'll carry on seeing a real return for those businesses and for the jobs that they will provide for people exactly in the way we're talking about in the previous question with Alun Davies, to make sure we're supporting a business environment and supporting really good jobs for the future. So, I hope it gives the Member some confidence, both about the fund that it's having its investment come to an end because former EU funds will come to an end, but also we're continuing to see what we can do with the development bank to make sure there is real support for jobs and businesses right across the country.
Ie, rwy'n hyderus y gallwn ddefnyddio'r holl fuddsoddiad sydd wedi'i roi yn y gronfa bresennol. Rydym wedi bod yn gweithredu i lenwi rhywfaint o'r bwlch, ac mae wedi bod yn heriol iawn. Felly, ffaith, nid barn, yw ein bod dros £1 biliwn yn waeth ein byd oherwydd y ffordd y cafodd arian blaenorol yr UE ei reoli. Nid ydym yn cael cymaint o gyllid yn lle'r hyn a gaem. Mae hynny'n golygu ein bod mewn perygl o fethu cyflawni ein holl raglenni.
Fe wneuthum ddewis, nid yn unig i ddiogelu rhai gwasanaethau fel Busnes Cymru, fel y buddsoddiad rydym yn ceisio ei wneud mewn prentisiaethau a sgiliau, ond roedd hefyd yn golygu ein bod ni'n rhoi arian ychwanegol i gronfa buddsoddi hyblyg Cymru—cronfa wahanol, ond roedd hynny er mwyn gwneud yn siŵr ein bod yn gallu cael cefnogaeth i fusnesau drwy'r banc datblygu ei hun. Nawr, mae hynny'n golygu na allaf wario'r arian hwnnw yn rhywle arall, ond rwy'n argyhoeddedig y byddwn yn parhau i weld elw go iawn i'r busnesau hynny ac ar gyfer y swyddi y byddant yn eu darparu i bobl yn yr un ffordd ag y buom yn siarad amdani yn y cwestiwn blaenorol gydag Alun Davies, i sicrhau ein bod yn cefnogi amgylchedd busnes ac yn cefnogi swyddi da iawn ar gyfer y dyfodol. Felly, rwy'n gobeithio y bydd yn rhoi rhywfaint o hyder i'r Aelod am y gronfa y mae ei buddsoddiad yn dod i ben oherwydd y bydd arian blaenorol yr UE yn dod i ben, ond hefyd rydym yn parhau i weld beth y gallwn ei wneud gyda'r banc datblygu i sicrhau bod cefnogaeth go iawn i swyddi a busnesau ledled y wlad.
Diolch yn fawr i'r Gweinidog.
Thank you, Minister.
Yr eitem nesaf, felly, fydd y cwestiynau i'r Gweinidog Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol. Mae'r cwestiwn cyntaf gan Andrew R.T. Davies.
The next item, therefore, will be the questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services. The first question is from Andrew R.T. Davies.
1. A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am y ddarpariaeth gwasanaethau dialysis arennau i drigolion Canol De Cymru? OQ60114
1. Will the Minister make a statement on the provision of kidney dialysis services for the residents of South Wales Central? OQ60114
Diolch yn fawr. The Welsh Kidney Network commission renal services in Wales, with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board providing renal services in south-east Wales. Treatment and support for people with kidney disease should be provided as close to home as possible, with home dialysis being a first choice if kidney transplant is not possible.
Diolch yn fawr. Mae Rhwydwaith Arennau Cymru yn comisiynu gwasanaethau arennol yng Nghymru, gyda Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Caerdydd a'r Fro yn darparu gwasanaethau arennol yn ne-ddwyrain Cymru. Dylid darparu triniaeth a chymorth i bobl â chlefyd yr arennau mor agos â phosibl at eu cartref, a dylid sicrhau bod dialysis cartref yn ddewis cyntaf os nad yw trawsblaniad aren yn bosibl.
Thank you, Minister, for your answer. I've been approached by some constituents because, in the western part of the Vale, many patients are referred to the Princess of Wales Hospital where kidney dialysis, as I understand it at the moment, does not happen. It is the intention, as I understand it, for the health board to commence dialysis services, either on that site or at a site to be identified within the Bridgend area. Could you update me today so I can update my constituents as progress is being made to commission these services? And do you have a start date when those services will commence in the Bridgend area, because, at the moment, constituents are having to travel to Swansea to receive the dialysis treatment that they require for their kidney complaint?
Diolch am eich ateb, Weinidog. Mae rhai etholwyr wedi cysylltu â mi oherwydd, yn rhan orllewinol y Fro, mae llawer o gleifion yn cael eu cyfeirio at Ysbyty Tywysoges Cymru lle nad oes gwasanaeth dialysis arennol ar gael, yn ôl yr hyn rwy'n ei ddeall ar hyn o bryd. Y bwriad, fel rwy'n ei ddeall, yw i'r bwrdd iechyd ddechrau rhoi gwasanaeth dialysis, naill ai ar y safle hwnnw neu ar safle arall yn ardal Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr. A allech roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i mi heddiw i mi allu dweud wrth fy etholwyr wrth i gynnydd gael ei wneud ar gomisiynu'r gwasanaethau hyn? Ac a oes gennych ddyddiad pan fydd y gwasanaethau hynny'n dechrau yn ardal Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr, oherwydd, ar hyn o bryd, mae etholwyr yn gorfod teithio i Abertawe i gael y driniaeth ddialysis y maent ei hangen ar gyfer eu anhwylderau arennol?
Thanks very much. What we know is that kidney disease affects about 6 to 8 per cent of the Welsh population. What I can tell you is that there are several examples of increased capacity in South Wales Central recently. Three new dialysis stations opened in Merthyr, in April 2023. Initial pilots in Cardiff South and Pontypool opened last week. And in summer, so summer 2024, two new dialysis units will be opened—one in Bridgend and one in Neath Porth Talbot—and they'll be providing 21 new stations in the one that you're interested in in Bridgend.
Diolch yn fawr. Yr hyn a wyddom yw bod clefyd yr arennau yn effeithio ar tua 6 i 8 y cant o boblogaeth Cymru. Yr hyn y gallaf ei ddweud wrthych yw bod sawl enghraifft o gynyddu capasiti yng Nghanol De Cymru yn ddiweddar. Agorwyd tair uned ddialysis newydd ym Merthyr ym mis Ebrill 2023. Dechreuodd cynlluniau peilot cychwynnol yn Ne Caerdydd a Phont-y-pŵl yr wythnos diwethaf. Ac yn yr haf, felly haf 2024, bydd dwy uned ddialysis newydd yn cael eu hagor—un ym Mhen-y-bont ar Ogwr ac un yng Nghastell-nedd Porth Talbot—a byddant yn darparu 21 uned newydd yn yr un y mae gennych chi ddiddordeb ynddi ym Mhen-y-bont ar Ogwr.
Thank you.
Diolch.
2. A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am y ddarpariaeth iechyd cymunedol yn Nyffryn Clwyd? OQ60106
2. Will the Minister make a statement on community health provision in the Vale of Clwyd? OQ60106
In line with 'A Healthier Wales', I expect people to have access to an increasingly wide range of health services in their communities. Services are integrated with local authority and third sector services designed to support people to stay well, and live independently at home for as long as possible.
Yn unol â 'Cymru Iachach', rwy'n disgwyl i bobl gael mynediad at ystod gynyddol eang o wasanaethau iechyd yn eu cymunedau. Mae gwasanaethau wedi'u hintegreiddio â gwasanaethau awdurdodau lleol a gwasanaethau'r trydydd sector a luniwyd i gefnogi pobl i aros yn iach, a byw'n annibynnol yn eu cartrefi cyhyd ag y bo modd.
Thank you very much for your response, Minister, but I can't help feeling a sense of profound melancholy when trying to project the need of enhanced community health provision in Denbighshire, particularly with the attitude you've previously displayed in discussions in times gone by on this matter.
As I've previously mentioned to you in this Senedd Chamber, I've been conducting a programme of care home visits in the Vale of Clwyd to look for common themes and issues affecting the most vulnerable people in my constituency, and the common theme that keeps being raised is the chronic understaffing of care homes, particularly in Rhyl and Prestatyn, due to the lack of career scope, training, and low pay, which makes the sector uninviting for prospective candidates to be recruited by respected care home owners. And the bottom line is that we have a health and social care crisis, not only in my constituency, but across Wales. So, can the Minister outline her assessment of the current health and social care crisis affecting the people of the Vale of Clwyd and across Wales, and what steps she and the Welsh Government are taking to address this issue and make careers in health and social care more attractive, to act as a remedy to the chronic waiting times and bedblocking under this Labour Government?
Diolch yn fawr iawn am eich ymateb, Weinidog, ond ni allaf beidio â theimlo ymdeimlad o dristwch dwys wrth geisio rhagweld yr angen am well darpariaeth iechyd cymunedol yn sir Ddinbych, yn enwedig gyda'r agwedd rydych chi wedi'i dangos o'r blaen mewn trafodaethau ar y mater hwn.
Fel rwyf eisoes wedi'i grybwyll wrthych yn Siambr y Senedd, rwyf wedi bod yn cynnal rhaglen o ymweliadau â chartrefi gofal yn Nyffryn Clwyd i chwilio am themâu a materion cyffredin sy'n effeithio ar y bobl fwyaf agored i niwed yn fy etholaeth, a'r thema gyffredin sy'n parhau i gael ei chodi yw problem barhaus prinder staff mewn cartrefi gofal, yn enwedig yn y Rhyl a Phrestatyn, oherwydd diffyg cyfleoedd gyrfa, hyfforddiant a chyflog isel, sy'n gwneud y sector yn anneniadol i ymgeiswyr posibl gael eu recriwtio gan berchnogion cartrefi gofal sydd ag enw da. A'r gwir amdani yw bod gennym argyfwng iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol, nid yn unig yn fy etholaeth i, ond ledled Cymru. Felly, a all y Gweinidog amlinellu ei hasesiad o'r argyfwng iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol presennol sy'n effeithio ar bobl Dyffryn Clwyd a ledled Cymru, a pha gamau y mae hi a Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i fynd i'r afael â'r mater hwn a gwneud gyrfaoedd ym maes iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol yn fwy deniadol, i weithredu fel ateb i'r amseroedd aros cronig a'r blocio gwelyau sy'n digwydd o dan y Llywodraeth Lafur hon?
Well, thanks very much. What you know is that, actually, it's one of the priorities of the Labour Government in Wales: we introduced the real living wage, and it was not an insignificant amount of money for us to invest in what we know is a very challenged sector. I'm very pleased that we were able to do that. Of course, since then, we've seen inflation have an impact on lots of people and, actually, the fact that lots of people have left from eastern Europe has also put pressure on the service because, actually, the numbers leaving, for example, from eastern Europe, have left gaps in other sectors, so lots of care workers have gone to work in those alternative sectors in relation to hospitality and other areas. So, we are very aware, and I know my colleague Julie Morgan has worked consistently on this issue. We've got a framework that's being developed, a national framework in relation to care that puts in place the need for registration and ability to progress within the care sector. And what you'll also be aware of is that, actually, we've got a fund, a £144 million fund, to integrate health and care, and that, of course, is something that we provide on an annual basis.
Diolch yn fawr iawn. Fe wyddoch ei fod yn un o flaenoriaethau'r Llywodraeth Lafur yng Nghymru: fe wnaethom gyflwyno'r cyflog byw gwirioneddol, ac nid oedd yn swm dibwys o arian i ni ei fuddsoddi mewn sector y gwyddom ei fod yn heriol iawn. Rwy'n falch iawn ein bod wedi gallu gwneud hynny. Wrth gwrs, ers hynny, rydym wedi gweld chwyddiant yn cael effaith ar lawer o bobl, ac mewn gwirionedd, mae'r ffaith bod llawer o bobl o ddwyrain Ewrop wedi gadael hefyd wedi rhoi pwysau ar y gwasanaeth oherwydd mae'r niferoedd o ddwyrain Ewrop, er enghraifft, sy'n gadael wedi gadael bylchau mewn sectorau eraill, felly mae llawer o weithwyr gofal wedi mynd i weithio yn y sectorau amgen hynny ym maes lletygarwch a meysydd eraill. Felly, rydym yn ymwybodol iawn, ac rwy'n gwybod bod fy nghyd-Aelod Julie Morgan wedi gweithio ar y mater hwn yn gyson. Mae gennym fframwaith sy'n cael ei ddatblygu, fframwaith cenedlaethol mewn perthynas â gofal sy'n sefydlu'r angen i gofrestru a'r gallu i gamu ymlaen yn y sector gofal. Ac fe fyddwch yn ymwybodol hefyd fod gennym gronfa gwerth £144 miliwn i integreiddio iechyd a gofal, ac mae'r gronfa honno, wrth gwrs, yn rhywbeth rydym yn ei ddarparu bob blwyddyn.
Cwestiynau nawr gan lefarwyr y pleidiau. Llefarydd y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig, Russell George.
Questions now from the party spokespeople. Welsh Conservative spokesperson, Russell George.
Diolch, Llywydd. Minister, I heard the exchange yesterday in First Minister's questions between the First Minister and the leader of the opposition with regard to calls from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine to publish NHS data on emergency department times without the application of breach exemptions. Now, Minister, what I want to understand is—. As I understand it, you stop the clock, as I understand it, for clinical exemptions. So, essentially, we're stopping the clock for those that are waiting in accident and emergency departments, and therefore the number of hours spent in an emergency department is misleading. Now, the royal college claims that you are the only Government in the UK to count in this way. Now, in the past, you've told me in response to questions, 'Of course, in Wales, we count very differently. I think we're more honest with the public in Wales.' So, Minister, do you think that you record data in a transparent way in terms of the length of time that people spend waiting in an A&E department, and why don't you want to know and publish the true picture of how long patients are waiting in A&E departments in Wales?
Diolch, Lywydd. Weinidog, clywais y ddadl ddoe yng nghwestiynau'r Prif Weinidog rhwng y Prif Weinidog ac arweinydd yr wrthblaid mewn perthynas â galwadau gan y Coleg Brenhinol Meddygaeth Frys i gyhoeddi data'r GIG ar amseroedd adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys heb gymhwyso'r eithriadau a ganiateir. Nawr, Weinidog, yr hyn rwyf eisiau ei ddeall yw—. Fel rwy'n ei ddeall, rydych chi'n stopio'r cloc, fel rwy'n ei ddeall, ar gyfer eithriadau clinigol. Felly, yn y bôn, rydym yn stopio'r cloc ar gyfer y rhai sy'n aros mewn adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys, ac felly mae nifer yr oriau sy'n cael eu treulio mewn adran ddamweiniau ac achosion brys yn gamarweiniol. Nawr, mae'r coleg brenhinol yn honni mai chi yw'r unig Lywodraeth yn y DU i gyfrif yn y ffordd hon. Nawr, yn y gorffennol, rydych wedi dweud wrthyf mewn ymateb i gwestiynau, 'Wrth gwrs, yng Nghymru, rydym yn cyfrif yn wahanol iawn. Rwy'n credu ein bod ni'n fwy gonest gyda'r cyhoedd yng Nghymru.' Felly, Weinidog, a ydych chi'n credu eich bod chi'n cofnodi data mewn ffordd dryloyw o ran faint o amser y mae pobl yn ei dreulio yn aros mewn adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys, a pham nad ydych chi eisiau gwybod a chyhoeddi'r darlun go iawn o ran pa mor hir mae cleifion yn aros mewn adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys yng Nghymru?
Well, you can continue to trot out something that is fundamentally wrong, if you'd like, but the fact is that we have made it absolutely clear to health boards that breach exemptions should not be excluded from published emergency department statistics, and we have had assurances from all the relevant health boards, which have assured us that that is indeed the case. Now, you can keep on banging on about this story. The fact is, there is no truth to the allegation that we miscount. It's very important, I think, that people understand that this was something that we have looked at in detail, and we have been reassured by health boards that we count and that those numbers should not be excluded from emergency department statistics. And another thing I think is important for you to note is that, in terms of the Office for National Statistics, they have said that Wales's statistics and the way we count are comparable to all major emergency departments. The way we count is very similar to the way that England counts.
Wel, gallwch barhau i ailadrodd rhywbeth sy'n sylfaenol anghywir os hoffwch, ond y gwir amdani yw ein bod wedi'i gwneud yn gwbl glir i fyrddau iechyd na ddylid eithrio eithriadau rhag tramgwydd o ystadegau cyhoeddedig adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys, ac rydym wedi cael sicrwydd gan yr holl fyrddau iechyd perthnasol, sydd wedi ein sicrhau nad ydynt yn gwneud hynny. Nawr, gallwch barhau i rygnu ymlaen ar y stori hon. Y gwir amdani yw, nid oes unrhyw wirionedd i'r honiad ein bod yn camgyfrif. Rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n bwysig iawn fod pobl yn deall bod hyn yn rhywbeth rydym wedi edrych arno'n fanwl, ac rydym wedi cael sicrwydd gan fyrddau iechyd ein bod yn cyfrif ac na ddylai'r niferoedd hynny gael eu heithrio o ystadegau adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys. A pheth arall y credaf ei bod hi'n bwysig i chi ei nodi, o ran y Swyddfa Ystadegau Gwladol, yw eu bod wedi dweud bod ystadegau Cymru a'r ffordd rydym yn cyfrif yn debyg i holl brif adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys. Mae'r ffordd rydym yn cyfrif yn debyg iawn i'r ffordd y mae Lloegr yn cyfrif.
Minister, I'm sorry, but you are not being transparent. I stand by what I said earlier on my questions to you. The royal college are calling for you, as the last Government in the UK, to change the way that you are counting. You are not counting accurately so the health service can properly plan. You need to have accurate data in terms of how long people are waiting in A&E departments, especially as we plan for the winter, and that is absolutely crucial. Now, this is the question, Minister, in response to what you've said today: can you explain the difference between performance data in responses provided by health boards to the royal college and the emergency department performance data published by the Welsh Government, because they vary greatly? Can you explain that, Minister?
Weinidog, mae'n ddrwg gennyf, ond nid ydych yn bod yn dryloyw. Rwy'n glynu wrth yr hyn a ddywedais yn gynharach yn fy nghwestiynau i chi. Mae'r coleg brenhinol yn galw arnoch chi, fel y Llywodraeth ddiwethaf yn y DU, i newid y ffordd rydych chi'n cyfrif. Nid ydych yn cyfrif yn gywir fel y gall y gwasanaeth iechyd gynllunio'n iawn. Mae angen i chi gael data cywir ynglŷn â pha mor hir mae pobl yn aros mewn adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys, yn enwedig wrth i ni gynllunio ar gyfer y gaeaf, ac mae hynny'n gwbl hanfodol. Nawr, dyma'r cwestiwn, Weinidog, mewn ymateb i'r hyn rydych chi wedi'i ddweud heddiw: a allwch chi esbonio'r gwahaniaeth rhwng data perfformiad mewn ymatebion a ddarparwyd gan fyrddau iechyd i'r coleg brenhinol a data perfformiad adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys a gyhoeddwyd gan Lywodraeth Cymru, oherwydd maent yn amrywio'n fawr? A allwch chi egluro hynny, Weinidog?
What I can tell you is that the question that was asked by the royal college, in its wording, was flawed. They made an assumption that data did not include patients who had breached the exemptions. The fact is that that is not the case. So, they made an assumption, when they got the response, they added those on top. It was incorrect in the way they did it. I am more than happy for an independent person to come in to analyse our data, because I stand by our data; we have looked at this in detail. You can keep on asking questions about it, but I am more than happy to be transparent about this. And the ONS has stood by us and said that, actually, the way we count our data is very similar to the way that they do so in England.
Yr hyn y gallaf ei ddweud wrthych yw bod y cwestiwn a ofynnwyd gan y coleg brenhinol, o ran ei eiriad, yn wallus. Roedd ganddynt ragdybiaeth nad oedd data yn cynnwys cleifion a oedd eithriadau rhag tramgwydd. Y gwir amdani yw nad yw hynny'n wir. Felly, fe wnaethant ragdybio, pan gawsant yr ymateb, ac fe wnaethant ychwanegu'r rheini atynt. Roedd yr hyn a wnaethant yn anghywir. Rwy'n fwy na pharod i berson annibynnol ddod i mewn i ddadansoddi ein data, oherwydd rwy'n glynu wrth ein data; rydym wedi edrych ar hyn yn fanwl. Gallwch barhau i ofyn cwestiynau amdano, ond rwy'n fwy na pharod i fod yn dryloyw ynglŷn â hyn. Ac mae'r Swyddfa Ystadegau Gwladol wedi ein cefnogi ac wedi dweud bod y ffordd rydym yn cyfrif ein data yn debyg iawn i'r ffordd y maent yn cyfrif eu data yn Lloegr mewn gwirionedd.
Well, thank you, Minister, for giving me permission to ask questions during spokespersons' question times. This is a fundamental question. You've not address the specific question I asked, Minister, so I will ask again. I'll ask you again—you can say I can keep asking. I want to know the answer, that's what I want to know. Can you explain the difference—it's not a difficult question—between the performance data in responses provided by health boards to the royal college and the emergency department performance data published by the Welsh Government? The two vary considerably, and it is important that we have that response to it. Now, you've said you've looked at this very accurately, with your officials, so why can you not provide an answer to my question today?
Wel, diolch i chi, Weinidog, am roi caniatâd i mi ofyn cwestiynau yn ystod cwestiynau'r llefarwyr. Mae hwn yn gwestiwn sylfaenol. Nid ydych wedi ateb y cwestiwn penodol a ofynnais, Weinidog, felly rwyf am ei ofyn eto. Rwy'n gofyn i chi eto—gallwch ddweud y gallaf barhau i ofyn. Rwyf eisiau gwybod yr ateb, dyna rwyf eisiau ei wybod. A allwch chi egluro'r gwahaniaeth—nid yw'n gwestiwn anodd—rhwng y data perfformiad mewn ymatebion a ddarparwyd gan fyrddau iechyd i'r coleg brenhinol a data perfformiad adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys a gyhoeddwyd gan Lywodraeth Cymru? Mae'r ddau'n amrywio'n sylweddol, ac mae'n bwysig ein bod yn cael yr ateb i hynny. Nawr, rydych chi wedi dweud eich bod chi wedi edrych ar hyn yn fanwl iawn, gyda'ch swyddogion, felly pam na allwch chi roi ateb i fy nghwestiwn heddiw?
I just have provided you with an answer. I told you that the question that was asked by the royal college was fundamentally flawed. That was the problem. The question they asked was fundamentally flawed. It said—. The question they asked was: the data include the patients that were removed from the published data, due to breach exemptions. They made an assumption that they were excluded. They were not.
Rwyf newydd roi ateb i chi. Dywedais wrthych fod y cwestiwn a ofynnwyd gan y coleg brenhinol yn sylfaenol wallus. Dyna oedd y broblem. Roedd y cwestiwn a ofynnwyd ganddynt yn sylfaenol wallus. Dywedai—. Y cwestiwn a ofynnwyd oedd: mae'r data'n cynnwys y cleifion a gafodd eu tynnu o'r data a gyhoeddwyd, oherwydd eithriadau rhag tramgwydd. Roeddent yn rhagdybio eu bod wedi'u heithrio. Nid oeddent wedi cael eu heithrio.
Llefarydd Plaid Cymru, Mabon ap Gwynfor.
Plaid Cymru spokesperson, Mabon ap Gwynfor.
Diolch, Llywydd. I'll follow on from Russell George's questions, if I may. And following that response from the Minister, the Minister and the Government have tried to frame the debate around A&E waiting times and breach exemptions as a matter of presentational semantics. This is intentional to distract from the real issue—the breach exemption policy itself is simply not fit for purpose. Wales, as we've been told, is the only constituent part of the UK that continues with this policy, and the policy is leading to suboptimal outcomes for NHS staff and patients. If the clock is stopped when recording the duration of patients' emergency care, for whatever reason listed in the breach exemption guidelines, the policy doesn't alter the fact that they remain in A&E, with the resourcing and capacity implications that this entails. This is compromising the ability of emergency services to plan and manage their resources. But concerns have been expressed for many years about this policy, and the Government has repeatedly refused to listen. So, to change tack a little from what Russell George was asking there: what is the Minister's rationale for continuing with this policy, against the express advice of healthcare professionals working in emergency departments?
Diolch, Lywydd. Rwyf am ddilyn cwestiynau Russell George, os caf. Ac yn dilyn yr ymateb gan y Gweinidog, mae'r Gweinidog a'r Llywodraeth wedi ceisio fframio'r ddadl ynghylch amseroedd aros adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys ac eithriadau rhag tramgwydd fel mater o semanteg gyflwyniadol. Mae hwn yn gam bwriadol i dynnu sylw oddi wrth y broblem go iawn—nid yw'r polisi eithrio rhag tramgwydd ei hun yn addas i'r diben. Cymru, fel y dywedwyd wrthym, yw'r unig ran gyfansoddol o'r DU sy'n parhau â'r polisi hwn, ac mae'r polisi yn arwain at ganlyniadau is-optimaidd i staff a chleifion y GIG. Os yw'r cloc yn cael ei stopio wrth gofnodi hyd gofal brys cleifion, am ba reswm bynnag a restrir yn y canllawiau eithrio rhag tramgwydd, nid yw'r polisi'n newid y ffaith eu bod yn parhau i fod mewn adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys, gyda goblygiadau hynny i adnoddau a chapasiti. Mae hyn yn peryglu gallu'r gwasanaethau brys i gynllunio a rheoli eu hadnoddau. Ond mynegwyd pryderon ers blynyddoedd lawer am y polisi hwn, ac mae'r Llywodraeth wedi gwrthod gwrando dro ar ôl tro. Felly, i newid cyfeiriad ychydig o'r hyn roedd Russell George yn ei ofyn: beth yw rhesymeg y Gweinidog dros barhau â'r polisi hwn, yn erbyn cyngor datganedig gweithwyr gofal iechyd proffesiynol sy'n gweithio mewn adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys?
So, it was the consultants and the clinicians themselves who asked us to introduce a mechanism through which they would not have to run against the clock. It was they themselves who wanted us to introduce that. So, we were complying with what they asked us to do back in 2011. Now, as you will see in the statement that I put out yesterday, we are actively engaging clinical leaders and service users on how we can improve the quality of care in emergency departments and this includes exploring more meaningful ways of measuring patient experience and outcomes.
Felly, y meddygon ymgynghorol a'r clinigwyr eu hunain a ofynnodd i ni gyflwyno mecanwaith fel na fyddai'n rhaid iddynt weithio yn erbyn y cloc. Nhw eu hunain oedd eisiau i ni gyflwyno hwnnw. Felly, roeddem yn cydymffurfio â'r hyn y gwnaethant ofyn i ni ei wneud yn ôl yn 2011. Nawr, fel y gwelwch yn y datganiad a gyhoeddais ddoe, rydym wrthi'n ymgysylltu ag arweinwyr clinigol a defnyddwyr gwasanaethau i weld sut y gallwn wella ansawdd y gofal mewn adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys ac mae hyn yn cynnwys archwilio ffyrdd mwy ystyrlon o fesur profiad a chanlyniadau cleifion.
The Minister says that the consultants and clinicians were asking back in 2010-11 for this to be introduced, but, since then, 82 per cent of clinicians have said that they oppose this policy of breach exemptions. The fact that the Welsh Government is sticking with the policy, in contrast with other UK nation, implies that the Government believes that the policy can actually ease A&E waiting times. But, since being introduced in 2011, this simply hasn’t materialised. In August 2011, 8.8 per cent of Welsh patients were waiting more than four hours in A&E. In August 2023, which is the latest month for which we’ve got data, that figure was 31 per cent. In August 2011, 1.7 per cent of Welsh patients were waiting longer than eight hours in A&E. In August 2023, that figure was 17.4 per cent. In April 2013, which is the earliest point for available data on the 12-hour waiting times, 2.7 per cent were waiting longer than 12 hours for emergency care. In August 2023, that figure was 10.9 per cent. On every metric, therefore, A&E waiting times have worsened since the policy was introduced over 10 years ago. So, how much will things have to get worse before you acknowledge that the breach exemption policy is not actually improving A&E waiting times, and will the Minister today agree to scrap that policy?
Dywed y Gweinidog fod y meddygon ymgynghorol a'r clinigwyr yn gofyn yn ôl yn 2010-11 i hyn gael ei gyflwyno, ond ers hynny, mae 82 y cant o glinigwyr wedi dweud eu bod yn gwrthwynebu'r polisi eithrio rhag tramgwydd. Mae'r ffaith bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn glynu wrth y polisi, mewn cyferbyniad â gwledydd eraill y DU, yn awgrymu bod y Llywodraeth yn credu y gall y polisi liniaru amseroedd aros damweiniau ac achosion brys mewn gwirionedd. Ond ers cael ei gyflwyno yn 2011, nid yw hyn wedi digwydd. Ym mis Awst 2011, roedd 8.8 y cant o gleifion Cymru yn aros mwy na phedair awr mewn adrannau brys. Ym mis Awst 2023, sef y mis diweddaraf y mae gennym ddata ar ei gyfer, roedd y ffigur yn 31 y cant. Ym mis Awst 2011, roedd 1.7 y cant o gleifion Cymru yn aros mwy nag wyth awr mewn adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys. Ym mis Awst 2023, roedd y ffigur yn 17.4 y cant. Ym mis Ebrill 2013, sef y pwynt cynharaf ar gyfer y data sydd ar gael ar yr amseroedd aros 12 awr, roedd 2.7 y cant yn aros mwy na 12 awr am ofal brys. Ym mis Awst 2023, roedd y ffigur yn 10.9 y cant. Ar bob mesur, felly, mae amseroedd aros damweiniau ac achosion brys wedi gwaethygu ers i'r polisi gael ei gyflwyno dros 10 mlynedd yn ôl. Felly, faint fydd yn rhaid i bethau waethygu cyn i chi gydnabod nad yw'r polisi eithrio rhag tramgwydd yn gwella amseroedd aros damweiniau ac achosion brys, ac a wnaiff y Gweinidog gytuno i gael gwared ar y polisi hwnnw heddiw?
I've said in the statement yesterday that we are already exploring more meaningful ways of measuring the patient experience and outcomes and we’re happy to continue with that dialogue with the Royal College on that issue. But breach exemptions are there because clinicians quite often want, for example, to keep people in for observation and they don’t want to be pushing them out of the door in order to comply with four-hour targets or 12-hour targets, which are targets that we have set for them. But what I can tell you is that we have a whole range of measures in place to take the pressure off A&E, including the six goals programme, including the fact that we’ve introduced urgent primary care centres across the whole of Wales, and including the fact that we now have same day emergency care centres. And the fact is that the pressure on A&E has increased everywhere. We have an ageing population. We’ve just been through a pandemic. This is not something that is unique to Wales. The fact is that the pressure is intense; it will continue to be intense, which is why we’ve introduced the six goals programme.
Fe ddywedais yn y datganiad ddoe ein bod eisoes yn archwilio ffyrdd mwy ystyrlon o fesur profiad a chanlyniadau cleifion ac rydym yn hapus i barhau â'r ddeialog gyda'r Coleg Brenhinol ar y mater hwnnw. Ond mae eithriadau rhag tramgwydd yno oherwydd bod clinigwyr yn aml yn dymuno cadw pobl i mewn ar gyfer arsylwi arnynt, er enghraifft, ac nid ydynt am eu gwthio allan drwy'r drws er mwyn cydymffurfio â thargedau pedair awr neu dargedau 12 awr, sef targedau rydym ni wedi'u gosod ar eu cyfer. Ond yr hyn y gallaf ei ddweud wrthych yw bod gennym ystod eang o fesurau ar waith i dynnu'r pwysau oddi ar adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys, gan gynnwys y rhaglen chwe nod, a'r ffaith ein bod wedi cyflwyno canolfannau gofal sylfaenol brys ledled Cymru gyfan, a'r ffaith bod gennym bellach ganolfannau gofal argyfwng yr un diwrnod. A'r ffaith yw bod y pwysau ar adrannau ac achosion brys wedi cynyddu ym mhobman. Mae gennym boblogaeth sy'n heneiddio. Rydym newydd ddod trwy bandemig. Nid yw hyn yn rhywbeth sy'n unigryw i Gymru. Y gwir amdani yw bod y pwysau'n ddwys; bydd yn parhau i fod yn ddwys, a dyna pam ein bod wedi cyflwyno'r rhaglen chwe nod.
3. Beth mae'r Llywodraeth yn ei wneud i leihau'r pwysau ar adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys yn Nwyrain De Cymru? OQ60126
3. What is the Government doing to ease pressure on accident and emergency departments in South Wales East? OQ60126
Mae ein rhaglen chwe nod ar gyfer gofal brys a gofal mewn argyfwng yn helpu pobl i gael y gofal iawn, yn y lle iawn, y tro cyntaf. Rŷn ni wedi darparu £25 miliwn, gan gynnwys £3 miliwn yr un i’r byrddau iechyd, i wella’r gwasanaeth 111 ar-lein, i greu llwybrau iechyd meddwl newydd, sefydlu canolfannau gofal sylfaenol brys a gwasanaethau gofal argyfwng yr un diwrnod.
Our six goals for urgent and emergency care programme is supporting people to access the right care, in the right place, first time. We have made £25 million available, including £3 million to each health board, to deliver improvements to 111 online, new mental health pathways, urgent primary care centres and same day emergency care services.
Diolch am yr ateb yna ac mi fyddwn i'n licio mynd i mewn i ychydig bach o fanylder ar hynny.
Thank you for that response and I would like to go into a little more detail on that.
We all know that A&E is under incredible pressure throughout the country and we've heard questions about that from the two spokesmen just now. This creates a miserable experience, not just for patients, but also for staff who work there. I'm surprised therefore to see that the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is proposing to reduce the opening times of two of their minor injuries units, Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny and Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr in Ystrad Mynach. In the case of Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, it's proposing making permanent what was billed as a temporary reduction of hours during COVID. Given that minor injury units are seen as a key component in a strategy to ease pressure on A&E departments, is it not a retrograde step, and will this make the Grange University Hospital an even longer and more frustrating experience for anyone visiting their A&E department and heap more pressure on the staff working there?
Rydym i gyd yn gwybod bod adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys o dan bwysau anhygoel ledled y wlad ac rydym newydd glywed cwestiynau am hynny gan y ddau lefarydd. Mae hyn yn creu profiad diflas, nid yn unig i gleifion, ond hefyd i staff sy'n gweithio yno. Rwy'n synnu felly o weld bod Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Aneurin Bevan yn cynnig lleihau amseroedd agor dwy o'u hunedau mân anafiadau, Ysbyty Nevill Hall yn y Fenni ac Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr yn Ystrad Mynach. Yn achos Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, mae'n cynnig gwneud yn barhaol yr hyn y bwriadwyd iddo fod yn drefniant dros dro i leihau oriau yn ystod COVID. O ystyried bod unedau mân anafiadau yn cael eu gweld yn elfen allweddol mewn strategaeth i leddfu'r pwysau ar adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys, onid yw'n gam yn ôl, ac a fydd hyn yn gwneud Ysbyty Athrofaol y Faenor yn brofiad hyd yn oed yn hirach ac yn fwy rhwystredig i unrhyw un sy'n ymweld â'u hadran damweiniau ac achosion brys ac yn rhoi mwy o bwysau ar y staff sy'n gweithio yno?
Well, thanks very much and it's obviously something that I know the health board has considered very seriously. But the fact is, in relation in particular to the Abergavenny minor injury unit, on average, there was one patient there overnight. Now, in these financial pressurised situations, it's very difficult to justify that on the basis of value for money. And that is one of the reasons why, certainly, they have moved to close that facility, and to move people to and encourage people to go to the new Grange hospital, where in fact we've put significant investment, and will be making significant additional investment in future years. We've put an extra £3.5 million capital funding to establish a same day emergency care centre, for example, in the Grange.
Wel, diolch yn fawr iawn ac mae'n amlwg yn rhywbeth rwy'n gwybod bod y bwrdd iechyd wedi ei ystyried o ddifrif. Ond y ffaith amdani yw, yn enwedig mewn perthynas ag uned mân anafiadau'r Fenni, ar gyfartaledd, roedd un claf yno dros nos. Nawr, yn y sefyllfaoedd hyn o bwysau ariannol, mae'n anodd iawn cyfiawnhau hynny ar sail gwerth am arian. Ac yn sicr dyna un o'r rhesymau pam eu bod wedi cau'r cyfleuster hwnnw, a symud pobl, ac annog pobl i fynd i ysbyty newydd y Faenor, lle rydym wedi buddsoddi'n sylweddol, a byddwn yn gwneud buddsoddiad ychwanegol sylweddol yn y blynyddoedd i ddod. Rydym wedi rhoi £3.5 miliwn o gyllid cyfalaf ychwanegol tuag at sefydlu canolfan gofal argyfwng yr un diwrnod, er enghraifft, yn ysbyty'r Faenor.
Minister, it's no secret, and you know better than anyone, that our health service is already under immense pressure, as was laid bare with the release of the data this week. With winter around the corner, it would appear things are set to get a lot worse. You mentioned the Grange, and I'm going to take the line as well: if we use it as an example, it just cannot cope with the demand of things as it stands, as I unfortunately found out first-hand when I visited the hospital with my mother with a serious health issue just a few weeks ago. Patients were left sitting around in any available space for hours on end, with staff who were doing their absolute best under the stressful circumstances—I must give them 10 out of 10—being pulled from pillar to post without any doctor in sight. Minister, this really isn't acceptable for any hospital, but especially not a hospital that's been hailed as the Government's flagship and has been open for less than three years. I understand that this is something that you did inherit, but, if this is what things are looking like at the moment, I hate to think what's looming as winter's going to be taking hold of all of us. I understand that the key issue for hospitals is the inability to discharge patients who require social care, going forward. So, Minister, I know you mentioned £3.5 million, but what additional moneys have been provided to health boards, particularly the Aneurin Bevan health board, to release the pressure in A&E? And what measures are the Welsh Government going to be taking to hold local authorities to account regarding the delivery of their statutory responsibilities?
Weinidog, nid yw'n gyfrinach, ac rydych chi'n gwybod yn well na neb, fod ein gwasanaeth iechyd eisoes o dan bwysau aruthrol, fel y datgelwyd wrth ryddhau'r data yr wythnos hon. Gyda'r gaeaf ar y gorwel, mae'n ymddangos y bydd pethau'n gwaethygu'n fawr. Fe wnaethoch chi grybwyll ysbyty'r Faenor, ac rwy'n mynd i ddatgan hefyd: os defnyddiwn hwnnw fel enghraifft, ni all ymdopi â'r galw fel y mae pethau, fel y gwneuthum ddarganfod drosof fy hun, yn anffodus, pan ymwelais â'r ysbyty gyda fy mam gyda phroblem iechyd ddifrifol ychydig wythnosau yn ôl. Câi cleifion eu gadael i eistedd o gwmpas mewn unrhyw ofod a oedd ar gael am oriau bwy'i gilydd, gyda staff a oedd yn gwneud eu gorau glas o dan amgylchiadau llawn straen—mae'n rhaid i mi roi 10 allan o 10 iddynt—yn cael eu tynnu i bob cyfeiriad heb unrhyw feddyg yn y golwg. Weinidog, nid yw hyn yn dderbyniol i unrhyw ysbyty, ond yn enwedig ysbyty sy'n cael ei ystyried yn un blaenllaw gan y Llywodraeth ac sydd wedi bod ar agor ers llai na thair blynedd. Rwy'n deall mai rhywbeth y gwnaethoch ei etifeddu yw hyn, ond os mai dyma sut mae pethau'n edrych ar hyn o bryd, mae'n gas gennyf feddwl beth sydd ar y gorwel wrth i'r gaeaf ddod ar ein gwarthaf. Rwy'n deall mai'r broblem allweddol i ysbytai yw'r anallu i ryddhau cleifion sy'n mynd i fod angen gofal cymdeithasol. Felly, Weinidog, gwn eich bod wedi sôn am £3.5 miliwn, ond pa arian ychwanegol sydd wedi'i ddarparu i fyrddau iechyd, yn enwedig bwrdd iechyd Aneurin Bevan, i leddfu'r pwysau mewn adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys? A pha fesurau y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i ddwyn awdurdodau lleol i gyfrif mewn perthynas â chyflawni eu cyfrifoldebau statudol?
Thanks very much. And thanks, first of all, for recognising the incredible work that staff at emergency departments undertake. I know that there's been a recent Public Health Wales survey that has demonstrated that 86 per cent of people agreed that emergency department staff treat them with kindness and respect, and I think we have absolutely got to pay tribute to those people, who are supporting people on the front line. We know that the whole system is under incredible pressure. That's why the health board has had an additional £6 million over the past two years. They have received, as I say, £3.5 million for that additional same day emergency care service in the Grange. And what's happened is about 600 patients a month have, effectively, been diverted from the emergency department, and around 75 per cent of them are avoiding admission. So, I think that's really important that we recognise that. We're expecting a submission from the health board in terms of expansion of the Grange emergency department; we're expecting a business justification case to be submitted by the end of this calendar year.
Diolch yn fawr. A diolch, yn gyntaf oll, am gydnabod y gwaith anhygoel y mae staff adrannau brys yn ei wneud. Rwy'n gwybod bod Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru wedi cynnal arolwg yn ddiweddar a ddangosodd fod 86 y cant o bobl yn cytuno bod staff adrannau brys yn eu trin â charedigrwydd a pharch, ac rwy'n credu bod yn rhaid i ni dalu teyrnged i'r bobl hynny, sy'n cefnogi pobl ar y rheng flaen. Rydym yn gwybod bod y system gyfan o dan bwysau anhygoel. Dyna pam mae'r bwrdd iechyd wedi cael £6 miliwn ychwanegol dros y ddwy flynedd ddiwethaf. Maent wedi derbyn £3.5 miliwn ar gyfer gwasanaeth ychwanegol gofal argyfwng yr un diwrnod yn y Faenor. A'r hyn sydd wedi digwydd yw bod tua 600 o gleifion y mis, i bob pwrpas, wedi cael eu dargyfeirio o'r adran achosion brys, ac mae tua 75 y cant ohonynt wedi llwyddo i beidio â chael eu derbyn i'r ysbyty. Felly, rwy'n credu ei bod yn bwysig iawn ein bod yn cydnabod hynny. Rydym yn disgwyl cyflwyniad gan y bwrdd iechyd ar ehangu adran frys y Faenor; rydym yn disgwyl i achos cyfiawnhau busnes gael ei gyflwyno erbyn diwedd y flwyddyn galendr hon.
Post Brexit and post COVID, health-needed demand, as the Minister knows, has rocketed across the UK and Wales. The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board covers the most dense areas of industrial ill health, a former Objective 1 area, and of course the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation scalic need. So, the health board has stated:
'Like every other Health Board in Wales, we are facing the biggest financial challenge we have ever experienced and are doing everything we can to make efficiency savings without compromising the safety of patients and communities'.
So, Minister, there is no doubt that one factor impacting on pressures on accident and emergency departments is patients using A&E as that first port of call, and the additional £6 million from Welsh Government, as has been stated, is welcomed, as is the multi-million pound new SDEC unit. So, my question is: what dialogue is the Welsh Government having with general practitioners, therefore, and our pharmacies and the health board itself, to ensure that coherent working model that is communicated consistently to patients and my constituents?
Ar ôl Brexit ac ar ôl COVID, mae galw iechyd, fel y gŵyr y Gweinidog, wedi cynyddu ledled y DU a Chymru. Mae Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Aneurin Bevan yn cynnwys yr ardaloedd mwyaf dwys o ran afiechyd diwydiannol, hen ardal Amcan 1, ac wrth gwrs angen graddfaol Mynegai Amddifadedd Lluosog Cymru. Felly, mae'r bwrdd iechyd wedi dweud:
'Fel pob Bwrdd Iechyd arall yng Nghymru, rydym yn wynebu'r her ariannol fwyaf a brofasom erioed ac rydym yn gwneud popeth yn ein gallu i wneud arbedion effeithlonrwydd heb beryglu diogelwch cleifion a chymunedau.'
Felly, Weinidog, nid oes amheuaeth mai un ffactor sy'n effeithio ar bwysau ar adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys yw cleifion sy'n defnyddio adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys fel y man galw cyntaf, ac mae'r £6 miliwn ychwanegol gan Lywodraeth Cymru i'w groesawu, fel y nodwyd, fel y mae'r uned gofal argyfwng yr un diwrnod newydd gwerth miliynau o bunnoedd. Felly, fy nghwestiwn i yw: pa ddeialog y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei chael gydag ymarferwyr cyffredinol, felly, a'n fferyllfeydd a'r bwrdd iechyd ei hun, i sicrhau bod y model gweithio cydlynol yn cael ei gyfleu'n gyson i gleifion a fy etholwyr?
Thanks very much, Rhianon. You're quite right to point out the fact that we are in a very difficult situation financially at the moment, so we've got to make absolute best use of the resources that we have, we've got to try and avoid people using the emergency departments as their first port of call. And that's why we've had a comprehensive programme now of Help Us Help You—there'll be a new communications programme that will be going out very soon—so that people are aware of those alternatives. The 111 service—it's quite incredible, I think, the numbers of people using the 111 service: about 71,000 people using that, 399,000 hits on the website. So, that's an example of where, actually, a lot of people might have been going to A&E and now they're not, but only about 15 per cent are diverted from 111 and actually sent to A&E.
We also have, of course, a very comprehensive community pharmacy system in place now, which is very different and far more advanced than it is England, and, of course, many of those now are able to prescribe. As I say, we've got the same day emergency care service, and we also have the urgent primary care services. So, all of those have come into play in the past two years, and all of that is taking pressure off the service. And I just imagine what the service might have looked like had we not put those measures in place.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Rhianon. Rydych yn llygad eich lle i dynnu sylw at y ffaith ein bod mewn sefyllfa anodd iawn yn ariannol ar hyn o bryd, felly mae'n rhaid inni wneud y defnydd gorau o'r adnoddau sydd gennym, mae'n rhaid inni geisio osgoi cael pobl yn defnyddio'r adrannau brys fel eu man galw cyntaf. A dyna pam ein bod wedi cael rhaglen gynhwysfawr Helpwch Ni i'ch Helpu Chi—bydd yna raglen gyfathrebu newydd yn mynd allan yn fuan iawn—fel bod pobl yn ymwybodol o'r dewisiadau amgen. Mae'r gwasanaeth 111—mae niferoedd y bobl sy'n defnyddio'r gwasanaeth 111 yn eithaf anhygoel yn fy marn i: mae tua 71,000 o bobl yn defnyddio hwnnw, 399,000 o ymweliadau â'r wefan. Felly, mae honno'n enghraifft o ble gallai llawer o bobl fod wedi bod yn mynd i adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys ac nad ydynt yn gwneud hynny bellach, ond dim ond tua 15 y cant sy'n cael eu dargyfeirio o 111 a'u hanfon i adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys mewn gwirionedd.
Mae gennym system fferylliaeth gymunedol gynhwysfawr iawn ar waith nawr hefyd, sy'n wahanol iawn ac yn llawer mwy datblygedig nag yn Lloegr, ac wrth gwrs, mae llawer o'r rheini bellach yn gallu presgripsiynu. Fel y dywedais, mae gennym y gwasanaeth argyfwng yr un diwrnod, ac mae gennym hefyd y gwasanaethau gofal sylfaenol brys. Felly, mae'r rheini i gyd wedi dod yn weithredol yn ystod y ddwy flynedd ddiwethaf, ac mae hynny i gyd yn tynnu pwysau oddi ar y gwasanaeth. Ac rwy'n dychmygu sut y gallai'r gwasanaeth fod wedi edrych pe na baem wedi rhoi'r mesurau hynny ar waith.
4. A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am oruchwyliaeth reoleiddiol iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol yng ngogledd Cymru? OQ60127
4. Will the Minister make a statement on the regulatory oversight of health and social care in north Wales? OQ60127
Mae Deddf Gwasanaeth Iechyd Gwladol (Cymru) 2006 yn cyfuno nifer o ofynion rheoleiddio o ran hyrwyddo a darparu’r gwasanaeth iechyd yng Nghymru. Rhaid i holl gyrff y gwasanaeth iechyd hefyd weithredu o fewn y fframwaith deddfwriaethol ehangach sy’n llywodraethu holl sefydliadau’r Deyrnas Unedig. Deddf Rheoleiddio ac Arolygu Gofal Cymdeithasol (Cymru) 2016 sy’n llywodraethu gofal cymdeithasol.
The NHS (Wales) Act 2006 consolidates a range of regulatory requirements relating to the promotion and provision of the health service in Wales. All NHS bodies must also operate within the wider legislative framework governing all UK organisations. The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 governs social care.
Diolch, Weinidog. I want to highlight to you how a family, while grieving the loss of their father, have had a further exhausting battle to understand why he deteriorated so quickly when he was in care. Colin had dementia and he was getting one-to-one care. He was happy, his family were trying to arrange for a care package to have him home, but, instead, he was transferred to another care home and that one-to-one care ceased. Now, within just eight days in the new care home, his condition deteriorated until he was found collapsed. He was given naloxone, a drug administered for opiate overdoses and he made a rapid recovery. However, none of Colin's prescribed medications were actually opiate-based. Now, this begs the question of how he got opiates in his system. And the family have tried to get answers from the health board, social services, from the care home. They've been rebuffed by Care Inspectorate Wales, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and the ombudsman, as it's not in their remit to investigate an individual case. Every door is closed for a family who just want to challenge what happened to their dad. There is no accountability and no focus on the patient. So, Minister, could you tell me where do families like Colin's go to get full accountability and answers from those involved?
Diolch, Weinidog. Rwyf am dynnu eich sylw at sut mae teulu, wrth alaru yn sgil colli eu tad, wedi cael brwydr luddedig bellach i ddeall pam y dirywiodd mor gyflym pan oedd mewn gofal. Roedd gan Colin ddementia ac roedd yn cael gofal un i un. Roedd yn hapus, roedd ei deulu'n ceisio trefnu pecyn gofal i'w gael adref, ond yn hytrach, cafodd ei drosglwyddo i gartref gofal arall a daeth y gofal un i un i ben. Nawr, o fewn wyth diwrnod yn unig i gyrraedd y cartref gofal newydd, dirywiodd ei gyflwr nes y daethpwyd o hyd iddo'n anymwybodol. Rhoddwyd naloxone iddo, cyffur sy'n cael ei ddarparu ar gyfer trin gorddosau o opiadau ac fe wellodd yn gyflym. Fodd bynnag, nid oedd yr un o feddyginiaethau presgripsiwn Colin yn cynnwys opiadau. Nawr, rhaid gofyn y cwestiwn sut yr aeth opiadau i mewn i'w system. Ac mae'r teulu wedi ceisio cael atebion gan y bwrdd iechyd, y gwasanaethau cymdeithasol, a'r cartref gofal. Maent wedi cael eu gwrthod gan Arolygiaeth Gofal Cymru, Arolygiaeth Gofal Iechyd Cymru a'r ombwdsmon, am nad yw ymchwilio i achosion unigol yn rhan o'u cylch gorchwyl. Mae pob drws ar gau i deulu sydd eisiau herio'r hyn a ddigwyddodd i'w tad. Nid oes unrhyw atebolrwydd na ffocws ar y claf. Felly, Weinidog, a allech chi ddweud wrthyf lle dylai teuluoedd fel un Colin fynd i gael atebolrwydd ac atebion gan y rhai sydd ynghlwm wrth y mater?
Thanks very much. I think—. Look, I can't comment on an individual case, of course, but, if there is a gap in the system, we obviously need to look at that. Obviously, Social Care Wales is the social care workforce regulator in Wales, but this might not fall within their remit. Audit Wales is another avenue that they could go down, but that's more, perhaps, to do with the public sector. So, if you can write to me about that, and at least we'll make sure that there's an understanding of what system they should be going down.
Diolch yn fawr. Rwy'n meddwl—. Edrychwch, ni allaf wneud sylw ar achos unigol wrth gwrs, ond os oes bwlch yn y system, mae'n amlwg fod angen inni edrych ar hynny. Yn amlwg, Gofal Cymdeithasol Cymru yw rheoleiddiwr y gweithlu gofal cymdeithasol yng Nghymru, ond efallai na fydd hyn o fewn eu cylch gwaith. Mae Archwilio Cymru yn llwybr arall y gallent ei ddilyn, ond mae hynny'n ymwneud mwy â'r sector cyhoeddus o bosibl. Felly, os gallwch ysgrifennu ataf am hynny, ac fe wnawn sicrhau o leiaf fod yna ddealltwriaeth o ba system y dylent ei dilyn.
Minister, you'll be aware that regulators are only as good as the data and reporting available to them. And you'll also be aware that one of the significant issues identified in health services in north Wales in recent times has been the accuracy and transparency of data and reporting up to the board level, certainly making decision making and certainty very challenging. A recent live example of this showed itself in the £122 million fraud investigation at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and we've even heard again today about, at the very least, a level of confusion, perhaps, when it comes to reporting of emergency department data. So, going back to that point that regulators are only as good as the data and reporting available to them, are you confident that regulators here in Wales are receiving and working with data that is accurate?
Weinidog, fe fyddwch yn ymwybodol nad yw rheoleiddwyr ond cystal â'r data a'r adroddiadau sydd ar gael iddynt. Ac fe fyddwch hefyd yn ymwybodol mai un o'r materion sylweddol a nodwyd mewn gwasanaethau iechyd yng ngogledd Cymru yn ddiweddar oedd cywirdeb a thryloywder data ac adrodd hyd at lefel y bwrdd, yn sicr roedd gwneud penderfyniadau a darparu sicrwydd yn heriol iawn. Roedd enghraifft ddiweddar o hyn i'w gweld yn yr ymchwiliad twyll gwerth £122 miliwn ym Mwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Betsi Cadwaladr, ac rydym wedi clywed eto heddiw am lefel o ddryswch, fan lleiaf, o ran adrodd data adrannau brys. Felly, gan fynd yn ôl i'r pwynt nad yw rheoleiddwyr ond cystal â'r data a'r adroddiadau sydd ar gael iddynt, a ydych chi'n hyderus fod rheoleiddwyr yma yng Nghymru yn derbyn ac yn gweithio gyda data sy'n gywir?
Thanks very much. Well, look, we've got to depend on the accuracy of the data. We get that data from the health boards; they have to follow guidelines that have been set for them. Obviously, if they don't, then there are consequences. So, what's important is that those consequences are followed through, as they are being at the moment in Betsi. So, there's a huge amount of work being done to make sure that that kind of situation doesn't arise again.
Look, I'm unhappy about, once again, the Conservatives trying to muddy the waters on the accuracy of our data that we've been given by health boards in relation to emergency departments. We are very clear that the assurances that we've been given by the health boards should be exactly those. And, as I say, independent data analysts can come in and ensure that the accuracy of that data stands up to scrutiny.
Diolch yn fawr. Wel, edrychwch, mae'n rhaid inni ddibynnu ar gywirdeb y data. Rydym yn cael y data hwnnw gan y byrddau iechyd; mae'n rhaid iddynt ddilyn canllawiau sydd wedi'u gosod ar eu cyfer. Yn amlwg, os nad ydynt yn gwneud hynny, mae yna ganlyniadau i hynny. Felly, yr hyn sy'n bwysig yw bod y canlyniadau hynny'n cael eu dilyn, fel y maent ar hyn o bryd yn Betsi Cadwaladr. Felly, mae llawer iawn o waith yn cael ei wneud i sicrhau nad oes sefyllfa o'r fath yn codi eto.
Edrychwch, unwaith eto, rwy'n anhapus ynglŷn â'r Ceidwadwyr sy'n ceisio cymylu'r dyfroedd ynghylch cywirdeb y data a roddwyd i ni gan fyrddau iechyd mewn perthynas ag adrannau brys. Rydym yn glir iawn mai dyna'r sicrwydd y dylem ei gael gan y byrddau iechyd. Ac fel y dywedais, gall dadansoddwyr data annibynnol ddod i mewn a sicrhau bod cywirdeb y data hwnnw'n gallu gwrthsefyll craffu.
5. Pa waith y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i fynd i'r afael â'r prinder parhaus o feddyginiaeth ADHD? OQ60125
5. What work is the Welsh Government doing to address the ongoing shortage of ADHD medication? OQ60125
The current supply disruption to ADHD medicines is expected to be resolved between October and December 2023. The medicines shortage letter issued on 27 September sets out recommended actions for health professionals to support patient care until the current supply issues are resolved.
Disgwylir i'r tarfu presennol ar y cyflenwad o feddyginiaethau anhwylder diffyg canolbwyntio a gorfywiogrwydd (ADHD) gael ei ddatrys rhwng mis Hydref a mis Rhagfyr 2023. Mae'r llythyr prinder meddyginiaethau a gyhoeddwyd ar 27 Medi yn nodi'r camau a argymhellir i weithwyr iechyd proffesiynol i gefnogi gofal cleifion hyd nes y caiff y problemau presennol gyda'r cyflenwad eu datrys.
Thank you very much, Minister. As you said, the shortage has impacted as well, apparently, the UK particularly hard, especially with Elvanse. Takeda holds a near market monopoly in this sector, with no generic forms of this drug available on the market, hence why this is causing such distress to many people across Wales. And, as we know, attention deficit disorder associations say that untreated ADHD makes focusing, remembering details and controlling impulses harder, and ADHD UK state that one in 10 men or boys with ADHD and one in four women or girls with ADHD will, at some point, try to take their own life. Yet, I am being told that there is not very much support for them at the moment as they're being put onto smaller doses to get them through whilst we have this shortage. But my main question is, Minister, as the patent for Takeda UK to make Elvanse ran out on 24 February of this year, would it be worth the Welsh Government exploring the possibility of finding funding to support Elvanse being produced here in Wales so that we never have to be dependent like this again and so that the people of Wales never have to go short on their ADHD medication again. Diolch.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Weinidog. Fel y dywedoch chi, mae'r prinder wedi effeithio ar y DU yn arbennig o galed hefyd mae'n debyg, yn enwedig gydag Elvanse. Mae gan Takeda fonopoli bron yn y farchnad yn y sector hwn, heb fod unrhyw ffurfiau generig ar y cyffur ar gael ar y farchnad, a dyna pam mae hyn yn achosi cymaint o ofid i lawer o bobl ledled Cymru. Ac fel y gwyddom, mae cymdeithasau anhwylder diffyg canolbwyntio yn dweud bod ADHD heb ei drin yn gwneud canolbwyntio, cofio manylion a rheoli mympwyon yn anos, ac mae ADHD UK yn datgan y bydd un o bob 10 dyn neu fachgen ag ADHD ac un o bob pedair menyw neu ferch ag ADHD, ar ryw adeg, yn ceisio cyflawni hunanladdiad. Ac eto, rwy'n deall nad oes llawer iawn o gefnogaeth iddynt ar hyn o bryd wrth iddynt gael eu rhoi ar ddosau llai i'w cynnal drwy'r prinder. Ond fy mhrif gwestiwn yw hwn, Weinidog: gan fod y patent i Takeda UK wneud Elvanse wedi dod i ben ar 24 Chwefror eleni, a fyddai'n werth i Lywodraeth Cymru archwilio'r posibilrwydd o ddod o hyd i gyllid i gefnogi Elvanse i gael ei gynhyrchu yma yng Nghymru fel nad oes raid i ni fod yn ddibynnol fel hyn eto ac fel nad oes raid i bobl Cymru fynd yn brin o'u meddyginiaeth ADHD eto? Diolch.
Well, thanks very much to Sarah Murphy for drawing the attention of everyone to the impact that this is having on people, and I know that it is an extremely serious situation for them. You will be aware that the supply of medicines is a responsibility of the UK Government, not the Welsh Government, and we won't be stepping into that space. It is their responsibility and we think it's right that it remains there. What I do know is that the Department of Health and Social Care has added all ADHD medications to the list of medicines that can't be exported, and that means that they will be prioritising available supplies for the UK market.
Wel, diolch yn fawr iawn i Sarah Murphy am dynnu sylw pawb at yr effaith y mae hyn yn ei chael ar bobl, ac rwy'n gwybod ei bod yn sefyllfa hynod ddifrifol iddynt. Fe fyddwch yn ymwybodol fod y cyflenwad o feddyginiaethau yn gyfrifoldeb i Lywodraeth y DU, nid Llywodraeth Cymru, ac ni fyddwn yn camu i'r gofod hwnnw. Eu cyfrifoldeb nhw yw hyn a chredwn ei bod yn iawn ei fod yn parhau felly. Yr hyn rwy'n ei wybod yw bod yr Adran Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol wedi ychwanegu holl feddyginiaethau ADHD at y rhestr o feddyginiaethau na ellir eu hallforio, ac mae hynny'n golygu y byddant yn blaenoriaethu cyflenwadau sydd ar gael ar gyfer marchnad y DU.
Minister, sadly medicine shortages do happen from time to time. This time it is due to increased global demand as well as manufacturing issues. Supply shortages are expected to be resolved within weeks or months, as you said. However, this is of little comfort to patients, as Sarah has said, particularly those prescribed guanfacine, which cannot be stopped suddenly. That's important in that drug. Minister, as GPs and ADHD services are being told not to start new patients on medication, how will this be managed to ensure ADHD patients receive the proper treatment as soon as possible?
Weinidog, yn anffodus mae prinder meddyginiaeth yn digwydd o bryd i'w gilydd. Y tro hwn mae'n ganlyniad i fwy o alw byd-eang yn ogystal â materion gweithgynhyrchu. Disgwylir i brinder cyflenwadau gael eu datrys o fewn wythnosau neu fisoedd, fel y dywedoch chi. Fodd bynnag, nid yw hyn o fawr o gysur i gleifion, fel y dywedodd Sarah, yn enwedig y rhai sy'n cael guanfacine ar bresgripsiwn, cyffur na ellir rhoi'r gorau i'w ddefnyddio'n sydyn. Mae hynny'n bwysig gyda'r cyffur hwnnw. Weinidog, gan fod meddygon teulu a gwasanaethau ADHD yn cael eu cyfarwyddo i beidio â dechrau cleifion newydd ar feddyginiaeth, sut y bydd hyn yn cael ei reoli i sicrhau bod cleifion ADHD yn cael y driniaeth briodol cyn gynted â phosibl?
Thanks very much. Well, I'm sure you will be pleased to hear that I've published a written statement on this matter today. You're absolutely right to say that the issue here is an increase in global demand. That is what's happening here, and the consequence is that the demand exceeds the manufacturer's capacity to produce a particular medicine. Sometimes there's a disruption to the supply of raw materials and problems encountered during the manufacturing process. I think it will be important for clinicians to make decisions in terms of when it's appropriate and how it's appropriate, but they have been given guidance in terms of what they should be prescribing from the pharmacy team in the Welsh Government.
Diolch yn fawr. Wel, rwy'n siŵr y byddwch yn falch o glywed fy mod wedi cyhoeddi datganiad ysgrifenedig ar y mater hwn heddiw. Rydych chi'n hollol gywir i ddweud mai'r hyn sy'n codi yma yw cynnydd yn y galw byd-eang. Dyna beth sy'n digwydd yma, a'r canlyniad yw bod y galw yn fwy na gallu'r gwneuthurwr i gynhyrchu meddyginiaeth benodol. Weithiau mae yna darfu ar y cyflenwad o ddeunyddiau crai a phroblemau a wynebir yn ystod y broses weithgynhyrchu. Rwy'n credu y bydd yn bwysig i glinigwyr wneud penderfyniadau ynglŷn â phryd mae'n briodol a sut mae'n briodol, ond maent wedi cael arweiniad ar yr hyn y dylent ei roi ar bresgripsiwn gan y tîm fferyllol yn Llywodraeth Cymru.
6. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i gefnogi hosbisau yng Ngorllewin De Cymru? OQ60124
6. What action is the Welsh Government taking to support hospices in South Wales West? OQ60124
Taking action to support hospices continues to be a priority for this Government and a programme for government commitment. We have delivered on phase 1 of that commitment, providing an additional £2.2 million for hospices on a recurrent basis from April 2022. We are now in the third phase of that commitment.
Mae cymryd camau i gefnogi hosbisau yn parhau i fod yn flaenoriaeth i'r Llywodraeth hon ac yn ymrwymiad yn y rhaglen lywodraethu. Rydym wedi cyflawni cam 1 yr ymrwymiad hwnnw, gan ddarparu £2.2 miliwn ychwanegol i hosbisau ar sail reolaidd o fis Ebrill 2022. Rydym bellach ar drydydd cam yr ymrwymiad hwnnw.
Thank you, Minister, for the answer. We know the incredible work that hospices do right across Wales in providing comfort, dignity and genuine quality care, and I want to place on record my thanks to those involved in the hospice sector, and to Mark Isherwood as well for his work chairing the cross-party group. They also take a huge amount of pressure off our NHS, which would otherwise be under even more pressure, allowing doctors and nurses within the health service to devote more time to caring for their patients. However, after meeting with hospice providers last week here in the Senedd, they informed me they don't receive the parity of funding with the NHS that they need to adequately recruit and retain staff within the sector. It's especially concerning as, following the pandemic, fundraising activity amongst volunteers has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, placing even greater strain on hospices to provide the services that so many people rely on. So, looking ahead with an increasing elderly population and a shrinking taxable working-age population, particularly here in Wales, these pressures are only going to get worse, and they will get worse and worse over the decades to come unless serious action is taken. So, Minister, how is the Welsh Government working collaboratively with the hospice care sector to ensure that they have the tools that they need to undertake their vital work?
Diolch yn fawr am yr ateb, Weinidog. Rydym yn gwybod am y gwaith anhygoel y mae hosbisau'n ei wneud ledled Cymru i ddarparu cysur, urddas a gofal o ansawdd gwirioneddol, ac rwyf am gofnodi fy niolch i'r rhai sy'n gysylltiedig â'r sector hosbis, ac i Mark Isherwood hefyd am ei waith yn cadeirio'r grŵp trawsbleidiol. Maent hefyd yn cymryd llawer iawn o bwysau oddi ar ein GIG, a fyddai fel arall dan fwy fyth o bwysau, gan ganiatáu i feddygon a nyrsys o fewn y gwasanaeth iechyd neilltuo mwy o amser i ofalu am eu cleifion. Fodd bynnag, ar ôl cyfarfod â darparwyr hosbis yr wythnos diwethaf yma yn y Senedd, fe wnaethant fy hysbysu nad ydynt yn derbyn yr arian cydradd â'r GIG sydd ei angen arnynt i recriwtio a chadw digon o staff yn y sector. Mae'n arbennig o bryderus oherwydd, yn dilyn y pandemig, nid yw gweithgaredd codi arian ymhlith gwirfoddolwyr wedi gwella i lefelau cyn y pandemig, gan roi hyd yn oed mwy o straen ar hosbisau i ddarparu'r gwasanaethau y mae cymaint o bobl yn dibynnu arnynt. Felly, wrth edrych ymlaen at boblogaeth oedrannus sy'n cynyddu a phoblogaeth oedran gweithio trethadwy sy'n crebachu, yn enwedig yma yng Nghymru, gwaethygu fydd y pwysau hyn, a bydd yn gwaethygu fwyfwy dros y degawdau i ddod oni bai bod gweithredu'n digwydd o ddifrif. Felly, Weinidog, sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cydweithio â'r sector gofal hosbis i sicrhau bod ganddynt yr adnoddau sydd eu hangen arnynt i gyflawni eu gwaith hanfodol?
Thanks very much. Well, you'll be very aware of the financial pressures that you heard all about yesterday, and, obviously, that's caused partly by inflation, partly by the calamity that was inflicted on us all by Liz Truss. I think it's really important that we recognise that there is a lot of pressure on palliative care and end-of-life care. We invest £10.5 million a year in palliative care, and we've provided an additional £2.2 million recently. And, obviously, we're now working towards the third phase of the commitment to review the situation. And, of course, you'll be aware that, during the pandemic, we allocated £13.8 million of emergency funding. Everyone is under pressure as a result of inflation. I spoke to some of those people who were in the Senedd last week, very aware of the pressure they're under. You'll be aware that we're not in a position at the moment to be handing additional money out; we're in a position where we're actually looking at every single penny that we spend. So, that is going to be very, very challenging for us, but I'm very pleased that what is happening is that Dr Idris Baker is leading our assessment of end-of-life care, and we'll wait to hear what he comes up with in terms of proposals.
Diolch yn fawr. Wel, fe fyddwch chi'n ymwybodol iawn o'r pwysau ariannol y clywsoch amdano ddoe, ac yn amlwg, mae hynny wedi'i achosi'n rhannol gan chwyddiant, yn rhannol gan y drychineb a achoswyd i ni i gyd gan Liz Truss. Rwy'n credu ei bod yn bwysig iawn ein bod yn cydnabod bod llawer o bwysau ar ofal lliniarol a gofal diwedd oes. Rydym yn buddsoddi £10.5 miliwn y flwyddyn mewn gofal lliniarol, ac rydym wedi darparu £2.2 miliwn ychwanegol yn ddiweddar. Ac yn amlwg, rydym bellach yn gweithio tuag at drydydd cam yr ymrwymiad i adolygu'r sefyllfa. Ac wrth gwrs, fe fyddwch yn ymwybodol ein bod wedi dyrannu £13.8 miliwn o gyllid brys yn ystod y pandemig. Mae pawb dan bwysau o ganlyniad i chwyddiant. Siaradais â rhai o'r bobl a oedd yn y Senedd yr wythnos diwethaf, yn ymwybodol iawn o'r pwysau sydd arnynt. Fe fyddwch yn gwybod nad ydym mewn sefyllfa ar hyn o bryd i ddosbarthu arian ychwanegol; rydym mewn sefyllfa lle rydym yn edrych ar bob ceiniog a wariwn. Felly, mae hynny'n mynd i fod yn heriol iawn i ni, ond rwy'n falch iawn mai'r hyn sy'n digwydd yw bod Dr Idris Baker yn arwain ein hasesiad o ofal diwedd oes, ac arhoswn i glywed beth mae'n ei ystyried o ran cynigion.
Tŷ Olwen Hospice is based in Swansea East about a mile away from where I live. The specialist palliative care team based at Tŷ Olwen provides a service to Singleton, Morriston, Neath Port Talbot and outlying community hospitals. It also provides a community service to the people of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, for which I and my constituents are very grateful. Will the Minister join with me in congratulating and thanking the volunteers who are an integral part of the work at Tŷ Olwen, and, on her next visit to Morriston Hospital, will she arrange to visit Tŷ Olwen?
Mae Hosbis Tŷ Olwen wedi'i leoli yn Nwyrain Abertawe tua milltir o ble rwy'n byw. Mae'r tîm gofal lliniarol arbenigol yn Nhŷ Olwen yn darparu gwasanaeth i ysbytai Singleton, Treforys, Castell-nedd Port Talbot ac ysbytai cymunedol mwy pellennig. Mae hefyd yn darparu gwasanaeth cymunedol i bobl Abertawe a Chastell-nedd Port Talbot, ac rwyf fi a fy etholwyr yn ddiolchgar iawn amdano. A wnaiff y Gweinidog ymuno â mi i longyfarch a diolch i'r gwirfoddolwyr sy'n rhan annatod o'r gwaith yn Nhŷ Olwen, ac ar ei hymweliad nesaf ag Ysbyty Treforys, a wnaiff hi drefnu i ymweld â Thŷ Olwen?
Thanks very much, Mike, and, certainly, I know last week was Hospice Care Week, and I think that was a really opportune time for people to thank the workforce and to celebrate the incredible work and difficult work that is done in hospice care. I know first-hand, from speaking to families and carers, about the importance of receiving the right support from hospice staff and volunteers in Wales. We know that good palliative care can make a huge difference to the quality of life of patients at the end of their days, and helping them to die with dignity is important. So, I'd be happy to consider a visit to Tŷ Olwen, of course, if my diary commitments allow that to happen.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Mike, ac yn sicr, rwy'n gwybod ei bod hi'n Wythnos Gofal Hosbis yr wythnos diwethaf, ac rwy'n credu bod hwnnw'n amser da iawn i bobl ddiolch i'r gweithlu ac i ddathlu'r gwaith anhygoel a'r gwaith anodd sy'n cael ei wneud mewn gofal hosbis. Rwy'n gwybod o lygad y ffynnon, o siarad â theuluoedd a gofalwyr, am bwysigrwydd cael y cymorth cywir gan staff a gwirfoddolwyr hosbis yng Nghymru. Gwyddom y gall gofal lliniarol da wneud gwahaniaeth enfawr i ansawdd bywyd cleifion ar ddiwedd eu hoes, ac mae eu helpu i farw gydag urddas yn bwysig. Felly, rwy'n hapus i ystyried ymweliad â Thŷ Olwen wrth gwrs, os yw fy ymrwymiadau dyddiadur yn caniatáu i hynny ddigwydd.
7. Sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cefnogi cleifion strôc? OQ60098
7. How is the Welsh Government supporting stroke patients? OQ60098
A huge amount of work is already being undertaken across Wales to improve both access to stroke services and outcomes for people following a stroke. This is being guided by the expectations set out in our stroke quality statement.
Mae llawer iawn o waith eisoes yn cael ei wneud ledled Cymru i wella mynediad at wasanaethau strôc a chanlyniadau i bobl yn dilyn strôc. Mae hyn yn cael ei arwain gan y disgwyliadau a nodir yn ein datganiad ansawdd ar strôc.
Can I thank the Minister for that answer this afternoon and also the answers to some of my written questions on stroke this week? You'll be aware, Minister, that the first few hours are critical after any patient suffers a stroke, and I recently met with a constituent of mine, Peter Hooper, who, following a stroke, had a thrombectomy within three hours. The speed of this emergency surgery made a huge difference to Peter's life. He's now gone on to run two half marathons. Without the thrombectomy in those three hours he would have been most seriously disabled. So, he's gone on to raise the money through those half marathons, indeed, but there are still so many patients out there who are missing out on this important treatment. They could be walking out of hospital and they are being disabled or, unfortunately and very sadly, they are dead because of the lack of the service and access to this life-saving procedure. Minister, can I thank you for answers in response to my written questions, which set out in detail what the Welsh Government is doing on stroke services, but what more can you do to ensure quick access to this life-saving surgery, thrombectomy?
A gaf fi ddiolch i'r Gweinidog am yr ateb hwnnw y prynhawn yma a hefyd yr atebion i rai o fy nghwestiynau ysgrifenedig ar strôc yr wythnos hon? Fe fyddwch yn gwybod, Weinidog, fod yr ychydig oriau cyntaf yn hanfodol ar ôl i glaf ddioddef strôc, ac yn ddiweddar fe wneuthum gyfarfod ag etholwr i mi, Peter Hooper, a oedd wedi cael thrombectomi o fewn tair awr yn dilyn strôc. Gwnaeth cyflymder y feddygaeth frys hon wahaniaeth enfawr i fywyd Peter. Mae bellach wedi mynd ymlaen i redeg dau hanner marathon. Heb y thrombectomi yn y tair awr hynny, byddai wedi bod ag anabledd difrifol iawn. Felly, mae wedi mynd ymlaen i godi arian drwy'r hanner marathonau hynny, ond mae cymaint o gleifion yn cael eu hamddifadu o'r driniaeth bwysig hon. Gallent fod yn cerdded allan o'r ysbyty, ond yn lle hynny cânt eu hanablu neu, yn anffodus ac yn drist iawn, maent yn marw oherwydd diffyg gwasanaeth a mynediad at y weithdrefn achub bywyd hon. Weinidog, a gaf fi ddiolch i chi am atebion mewn ymateb i fy nghwestiynau ysgrifenedig, sy'n nodi'n fanwl yr hyn y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud ar wasanaethau strôc, ond beth arall y gallwch ei wneud i sicrhau mynediad cyflym at y llawdriniaeth hon sy'n achub bywydau, thrombectomi?
Thanks very much, and it's good to hear about the incredible recovery. I had an incredible presentation last week from our leads on stroke across Wales. There is a really comprehensive programme of work that is being done. It’s not going to be switched on overnight, but there is a plan. Thrombectomy is absolutely central to that plan, and developing regional centres is important to that plan. I think we’ve got to acknowledge this is a highly specialised and skilled area. This is not going to be on every street corner in Wales. You’re going to have to have people who really know how to do this; we have to upskill people. But it is absolutely life changing, not just in terms of their quality of life, but also for the costs to their families, but also the costs to wider society, which are absolutely huge. Last week, I set out some of the projected costs for, I think, something like a 40 per cent increase in the number of people we expect to survive strokes in future. So, getting them to survive well is absolutely fundamental, and I just want to thank you for your real interest in this area.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, ac mae'n dda clywed am yr adferiad anhygoel. Cefais gyflwyniad anhygoel yr wythnos diwethaf gan ein harweinwyr strôc ar draws Cymru. Mae rhaglen waith wirioneddol gynhwysfawr yn cael ei gwneud. Nid yw'n mynd i fod yn weithredol dros nos, ond mae yna gynllun. Mae thrombectomi yn gwbl ganolog i'r cynllun hwnnw, ac mae datblygu canolfannau rhanbarthol yn bwysig i'r cynllun hwnnw. Rwy'n credu bod yn rhaid i ni gydnabod bod hwn yn faes arbenigol a medrus iawn. Nid yw'n mynd i fod ar gael ar bob cornel stryd yng Nghymru. Bydd yn rhaid i chi gael pobl sy'n gwybod yn iawn sut i wneud hyn; mae'n rhaid i ni wella sgiliau pobl. Ond mae'n newid bywyd yn llwyr, nid yn unig o ran ansawdd eu bywyd, ond hefyd o ran y costau i'w teuluoedd, a'r costau i'r gymdeithas ehangach, sy'n hollol enfawr. Yr wythnos diwethaf, nodais rai o'r costau rhagamcanol ar gyfer rhywbeth fel cynnydd o 40 y cant yn nifer y bobl y mae disgwyl iddynt oroesi strôc yn y dyfodol. Felly, mae eu cael i oroesi'n dda yn gwbl allweddol, a hoffwn ddiolch i chi am eich diddordeb gwirioneddol yn y maes hwn.
8. A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am ddyfodol meddygfa Waunfawr yn Arfon? OQ60097
8. Will the Minister make a statement on the future of Waunfawr surgery in Arfon? OQ60097
Dwi'n ymwybodol o gynigion ar gyfer meddygfa newydd yn Waunfawr, a'r trafod sy'n digwydd rhwng swyddogion Llywodraeth Cymru, y bwrdd iechyd a'r bwrdd partneriaeth rhanbarthol i sicrhau ateb integredig ar gyfer Waunfawr.
I am aware of proposals for a new surgery in Waunfawr and of the ongoing discussions between Welsh Government officials, the health board and the regional partnership board to find an integrated solution for Waunfawr.
Mi gefais i gyfarfod efo meddygon a staff meddygfa Waunfawr i drafod yr oedi efo datblygu’r feddygfa newydd. Maen nhw, fel fi, yn siomedig iawn nad oes unrhyw gynnydd efo’r cynllun hwn, sydd, fel y gwyddoch chi, ar y gweill ers blynyddoedd. Roedd o’n un o’r materion cyntaf i mi ymdrin ag o fel Aelod o’r Senedd newydd yn 2016, ac eto, mynd yn waeth yn lle gwella mae’r sefyllfa. Mae’r feddygfa bresennol, sydd â 6,000 o gleifion, mewn cyflwr gwael ac angen ei hadnewyddu. Mae’r feddygfa’n gwbl annigonol ar gyfer cynnal yr holl wasanaethau sydd ar gael, ac yn aml mae’n rhaid cynnal clinigau yn y gegin neu’r cyntedd oherwydd diffyg gofod, ac mae yna brinder gofod hefyd yn amharu ar allu’r feddygfa i dderbyn myfyrwyr meddygaeth o ysgol feddygol Bangor ar gyfer hyfforddiant. Felly, beth fedrwch chi fel Llywodraeth ei wneud i gefnogi datblygu cynllun hirdymor, ond hefyd i ymateb i sefyllfa sydd wedi gwaethygu dros dro ym meddygfa Waunfawr? Dwi wir yn pryderu am ddyfodol y practis ac, felly, am ofal cleifion ar draws ardal eang.
I had a meeting with doctors and staff at the Waunfawr surgery to discuss the delays in the development of the new surgery. They, like me, are very disappointed that there's been no progress with this plan, which, as you know, has been in the pipeline for years. It was one of the first issues that I dealt with as a Member of the new Senedd back in 2016, but things have been deteriorating rather than improving since then. The current surgery, which has 6,000 patients, is in poor condition and needs to be redeveloped. It is entirely inadequate for providing all of the services available, and often clinics have to be held in the hallway because of a lack of space. There's also a lack of space that is having an impact on the ability of the surgery to take medical students from the Bangor school of medicine for training. So, what can you as a Government do to support the development of a long-term plan, but also to respond to a situation that has deteriorated over a period of time at Waunfawr? I am truly concerned about the future of the practice and patient care across a broad area.
Wel, diolch yn fawr. Rŷch chi’n ymwybodol bod ymrwymiad yn ein rhaglen llywodraethu i fuddsoddi mewn cenhedlaeth newydd o adeiladau iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol integredig, ac mae hwn yn cael ei gefnogi gan yr integration and rebalancing capital fund, yr IRCF. Dwi’n gwybod bod y bwrdd iechyd nawr yn gweithio gyda’r bartneriaeth yna yn adolygu'r cynnig a ddaeth o'u blaen nhw, ac maen nhw'n trial ailgyflwyno hwnna i’r panel. Bydd y panel nesaf yn cwrdd ym mis Rhagfyr, felly gobeithio, trwy gydweithredu gwell gyda’r bartneriaeth leol, y bydd hi’n haws i’r bwrdd iechyd dderbyn ac i’r IRCF dderbyn yr hyn a fydd yn dod o’u blaenau nhw. Ond beth sy’n bwysig, dwi’n meddwl, yw pwysleisio elfennau integreiddio’r cynllun, a dwi’n meddwl roedd angen sicrhau bod hwnna’n cael ei gryfhau yn yr hyn ddaeth o flaen y bwrdd sydd yn penderfynu.
Thank you. You're aware that we have a commitment in our programme for government to invest in a new generation of health and care buildings, which are integrated buildings. This is supported by the integration and rebalancing capital fund, the IRCF. I know that the health board is working with that partnership to review the proposal that came before them, and they are trying to resubmit that to the panel. The next panel will meet in December, so hopefully, through better co-operation with local partners, it will be easier for the health board and the ICRF to accept what comes before them. But what's important, I think, is to emphasise the integrated elements of the scheme, and I think that we needed to ensure that that was strengthened in what came before the board making the decision.
9. Pa drafodaethau y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'u cael gydag awdurdodau lleol ynglŷn â therfynu'r arfer o godi llog ar gostau gofal perthynas, yn enwedig ar ôl marwolaeth y berthynas? OQ60095
9. What discussions has the Minister had with local authorities about ending the practice of charging interest on the care costs of a relative, especially following the relative's death? OQ60095
Local authorities may apply interest on social care charges in limited circumstances, including deferred payment agreements on properties of persons in residential care, and in relation to outstanding repayments of charges after their death. It is right that authorities, covering such payments in a person’s lifetime, may levy appropriate interest.
Gall awdurdodau lleol godi llog ar daliadau gofal cymdeithasol mewn amgylchiadau cyfyngedig, gan gynnwys cytundebau taliadau gohiriedig ar eiddo unigolion mewn gofal preswyl, ac mewn perthynas ag ad-daliadau heb eu talu wedi iddynt farw. Mae'n iawn fod awdurdodau, sy'n gwneud taliadau o'r fath yn ystod oes unigolyn, yn cael codi llog priodol.
Diolch, Dirprwy Weinidog. This issue was brought to my attention by a constituent who has been corresponding with me for a few months. Her family were assured that her grandmother's care fees would be paid through her grandmother's pension and then topped up by the local authority. The family were not allowed to care for their grandmother and she was moved from NHS care to a private care home. They're now facing care fees of over £100,000. On top of this, the council is now charging them interest on those fees. It just feels really wrong, Dirprwy Weinidog. Can you justify the reasoning for this practice, which impacts the most vulnerable, impoverished and the most bereaved in our society? Diolch yn fawr.
Diolch, Ddirprwy Weinidog. Tynnwyd fy sylw at y mater hwn gan etholwr sydd wedi bod yn gohebu â mi ers ychydig fisoedd. Sicrhawyd ei theulu y byddai ffioedd gofal ei mam-gu yn cael eu talu drwy bensiwn ei mam-gu a bod yr awdurdod lleol yn cyfrannu swm ychwanegol. Nid oedd y teulu yn cael gofalu am eu mam-gu ac fe gafodd ei symud o ofal y GIG i gartref gofal preifat. Maent yn wynebu ffioedd gofal o dros £100,000 nawr. Ar ben hynny, mae'r cyngor bellach yn codi llog ar y ffioedd hynny. Mae'n teimlo'n hollol anghywir, Ddirprwy Weinidog. A allwch chi gyfiawnhau'r rhesymeg dros yr arfer hwn, sy'n effeithio ar y rhai mwyaf agored i niwed, y bobl dlotaf a'r rhai sy'n galaru yn ein cymdeithas? Diolch yn fawr.
Well thank you, Rhys ab Owen, for that question. Under legislation local authorities have discretion to apply interest on a social care charge in some limited circumstances. The interest rate must be set in line with legal requirements and can accrue until the debt is repaid, which could be following a person's death.
Other limited circumstances where a local authority recovers a debt for outstanding care costs, and where interest can also be applied, are also set in legislation. So, it is legal to be able to do this. And the ability of local authorities to recover interest in some situations where, for example, they have covered the full amount of a person's social care charges during their lifetime is an important part of the framework for charging, and I don't have any immediate plans to change this. The code of practice is clear that the levying of interest is to be done in order to allow such things as deferred payment agreements to operate on a cost-neutral basis, including covering such things as the administration of the agreement.
So, I'm very sorry for the situation that your constituent finds herself in, but it's clear that this is a legal thing that is able to be done, and I don't think we have any plans to change it.
Wel diolch yn fawr am y cwestiwn hwnnw, Rhys ab Owen. O dan ddeddfwriaeth, mae gan awdurdodau lleol ddisgresiwn i godi llog ar dâl gofal cymdeithasol mewn rhai amgylchiadau cyfyngedig. Rhaid gosod y gyfradd llog yn unol â gofynion cyfreithiol a gall gronni tan bod y ddyled yn cael ei had-dalu, a allai fod yn dilyn marwolaeth rhywun.
Mae amgylchiadau cyfyngedig eraill lle mae awdurdod lleol yn adennill dyled am gostau gofal sy'n ddyledus, a lle gellir codi llog hefyd, wedi eu gosod mewn deddfwriaeth. Felly, mae'n gyfreithiol i wneud hyn. Ac mae gallu awdurdodau lleol i adennill llog mewn rhai sefyllfaoedd lle maent, er enghraifft, wedi talu swm llawn taliadau gofal cymdeithasol unigolyn yn ystod eu hoes yn rhan bwysig o'r fframwaith codi tâl, ac nid oes gennyf unrhyw gynlluniau ar unwaith i newid hyn. Mae'r cod ymarfer yn glir fod codi llog yn digwydd er mwyn caniatáu i bethau fel cytundebau taliadau gohiriedig weithredu ar sail niwtral o ran cost, gan gynnwys talu am bethau fel gweinyddu'r cytundeb.
Felly, mae'n ddrwg iawn gennyf am y sefyllfa y mae eich etholwr ynddi, ond mae'n amlwg fod hyn yn beth cyfreithiol y gellir ei wneud, ac nid wyf yn credu bod gennym unrhyw gynlluniau i'w newid.
Yn olaf, cwestiwn 10. Huw Irranca-Davies.
Finally, question 10. Huw Irranca-Davies.
10. A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am y ganolfan diagnosteg a thriniaeth newydd sydd wedi'i chynllunio ar gyfer parc iechyd Llantrisant? OQ60088
10. Will the Minister provide an update on the new diagnostics and treatment centre planned for Llantrisant health park? OQ60088
Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB and its regional partners are developing the business case for the Llantrisant health park. The current forecast date for construction is 2025, with all parties looking at how this can be brought forward. Alongside this, plans are being developed to provide temporary diagnostic capacity on the site by April 2024.
Mae Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Cwm Taf Morgannwg a'i bartneriaid rhanbarthol yn datblygu'r achos busnes ar gyfer parc iechyd Llantrisant. Y dyddiad cyfredol ar gyfer y gwaith adeiladu yw 2025, gyda'r holl bartïon yn edrych ar sut y gellir dod â hyn ymlaen. Ochr yn ochr â hyn, mae cynlluniau'n cael eu datblygu i ddarparu capasiti diagnostig dros dro ar y safle erbyn mis Ebrill 2024.
Minister, you'll be please to know that I and several other local and regional MSs had a sneak preview of this development in the last few weeks. I've got to say, it's very exciting because as this rolls into being over the next months and years, they're actually bringing together specialists, consultants and their wider teams in one unit to do diagnostics and treatment that will definitely have an impact on waiting times and waiting lists.
But we don't have to wait for that. I think there are other innovations going on. And could I ask the Minister whether she's seen the results of the orthopaedic surgeon Keshav Singhal and his team in the Princess of Wales Hospital, where they are doing day surgery and then getting people home much more rapidly, without taking up in-patient beds? Well patients going home where they want to be, but also getting earlier then into recuperation and literally on their feet, so avoiding other problems such as deep-vein thrombosis or loss of mobility as well.
We can do some of these things now, these innovations, in our current structure. How do we roll these out more across hospitals throughout Wales?
Weinidog, fe fyddwch yn falch o wybod fy mod i a sawl Aelod lleol a rhanbarthol arall o'r Senedd wedi cael cipolwg ar y datblygiad hwn yn ystod yr wythnosau diwethaf. Mae'n rhaid imi ddweud, mae'n gyffrous iawn oherwydd wrth i hyn ddod i fodolaeth dros y misoedd a'r blynyddoedd nesaf, maent yn dod ag arbenigwyr, ymgynghorwyr a'u timau ehangach ynghyd mewn un uned i wneud gwaith diagnostig a thriniaeth a fydd yn bendant yn cael effaith ar amseroedd aros a rhestrau aros.
Ond nid oes rhaid inni aros am hynny. Rwy'n credu bod datblygiadau arloesol eraill yn digwydd. Ac a gaf fi ofyn i'r Gweinidog a yw wedi gweld canlyniadau'r llawfeddyg orthopedig Keshav Singhal a'i dîm yn Ysbyty Tywysoges Cymru, lle maent yn gwneud llawdriniaethau dydd ac yna'n cael pobl adref yn llawer cyflymach, heb ddefnyddio gwelyau cleifion mewnol? Cleifion iach yn mynd adref lle maent eisiau bod, ond hefyd yn adfer yn gynt wedyn ac yn dod yn ôl ar eu traed yn llythrennol, ac felly'n osgoi problemau eraill fel thrombosis gwythiennau dwfn neu golli symudedd.
Gallwn wneud rhai o'r pethau hyn nawr, y datblygiadau arloesol hyn, yn ein strwythur presennol. Sut mae cyflwyno'r rhain ymhellach ar draws ysbytai ledled Cymru?
Thanks very much, Huw. And I know, I've heard that lots of you have had a little sneak preview and I'm looking forward to having a sneak preview myself. So, the great thing about this is that it's very much being led by the clinical teams and this is very much a regional approach to how we're going to deal with diagnostics in future, which is fundamental to so many things, but in particular, cancer. And I'm really worried about cancer, and how we drive forward, because the number of people whom we are referring for cancer diagnostics is increasing significantly. So, the development of the three regional hubs, the first one of which is going to be in Llantrisant, is really important and really significant.
Kesh is doing incredible work, in particular in relation to orthopaedics. We need to see a significant increase in the amount of day surgery we see, in particular in relation to orthopaedics. We know that GIRFT, which is the Getting It Right First Time approach, gives chapter and verse in terms of how we should be and could be improving productivity. There's a long way to go on improving productivity in relation to orthopaedics in particular, and if you look at the number of day cases there are real opportunities for increasing that. I think GIRFT suggests it could be up to 70 per cent; we are a long way from that in Wales at the moment. I know that things are improving. We're really pleased to see, for example, in Abergele, an absolute sea change in the way that things are happening in Abergele. But we need to see that being embedded and rolled out across the whole of Wales.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Huw. Ac rwy'n gwybod, rwyf wedi clywed bod llawer ohonoch wedi cael cipolwg bach ac rwy'n edrych ymlaen at gael cipolwg fy hun. Felly, y peth gwych am hyn yw ei fod yn cael ei arwain i raddau helaeth gan y timau clinigol ac mae hwn yn ddull rhanbarthol i raddau helaeth o ymdrin â diagnosteg yn y dyfodol, sy'n sylfaenol i gynifer o bethau, ond yn enwedig canser. Ac rwy'n poeni'n fawr am ganser, a sut rydym yn datblygu hynny, oherwydd mae nifer y bobl rydym yn eu hatgyfeirio at ddiagnosteg canser yn cynyddu'n sylweddol. Felly, mae datblygu'r tair canolfan ranbarthol, gyda'r gyntaf yn Llantrisant, yn bwysig iawn ac yn arwyddocaol iawn.
Mae Kesh yn gwneud gwaith anhygoel, yn enwedig mewn perthynas ag orthopedeg. Mae angen inni weld cynnydd sylweddol yn nifer y llawdriniaethau dydd a welwn, yn enwedig mewn perthynas ag orthopedeg. Fe wyddom mai dull 'ei wneud yn iawn y tro cyntaf' yw'r ffordd y dylem ac y gallem wella cynhyrchiant. Mae ffordd bell i fynd i wella cynhyrchiant mewn perthynas ag orthopedeg yn enwedig, ac os edrychwch ar nifer yr achosion dydd, mae cyfleoedd gwirioneddol i gynyddu hynny. Rwy'n credu bod 'ei wneud yn iawn y tro cyntaf' yn awgrymu y gallai olygu hyd at 70 y cant; rydym ymhell o hynny yng Nghymru ar hyn o bryd. Rwy'n gwybod bod pethau'n gwella. Rydym yn falch iawn o weld gweddnewidiad llwyr yn Abergele, er enghraifft, yn y ffordd y mae pethau'n digwydd yno. Ond mae angen inni weld hynny'n ymsefydlu ac yn cael ei gyflwyno ar draws Cymru gyfan.
Diolch i'r Gweinidog.
Thank you, Minister.
Yr eitem nesaf, felly, fydd y cwestiwn amserol. Mae'r cwestiwn heddiw i'w ateb gan y Gweinidog Cyllid a Llywodraeth Leol ac i'w ofyn gan Sam Rowlands.
The next item will be the topical question. The question today is going to be answered by the Minister for Finance and Local Government and is to be asked by Sam Rowlands.
1. Pa drafodaethau y mae'r Gweinidog yn eu cael gydag arweinydd Cyngor Sir Ddinbych yn dilyn ei rybudd fod y cyngor yn wynebu methdaliad oni bai bod gwasanaethau a swyddi yn cael eu torri? TQ882
1. What discussions is the Minister having with the leader of Denbighshire County Council following his warning that the council is facing bankruptcy unless services and jobs are cut? TQ882
I work closely with local authorities to understand the pressures they face. I meet regularly with leaders, individually and through relevant groups such as the partnership council and the finance sub-group. I'm meeting the leader of Denbighshire council tomorrow and the finance sub-group on 25 October.
Rwy'n gweithio'n agos gydag awdurdodau lleol i ddeall y pwysau sy'n eu hwynebu. Rwy'n cyfarfod yn rheolaidd ag arweinwyr, yn unigol a thrwy grwpiau perthnasol fel y cyngor partneriaeth a'r is-grŵp cyllid. Rwy'n cyfarfod ag arweinydd Cyngor Sir Ddinbych yfory a'r is-grŵp cyllid ar 25 Hydref.
Thank you for your initial response, Minister. You will know, Minister, that councils and the services they provide are some of the most important in our communities, from schools and social care right through to emptying bins and filling potholes. So, clearly, it's very worrying for residents, staff and locally elected councillors when their council leader says,
'The main priority for cabinet at this point is to stop the council from going bankrupt,'
because, of course, it's trying to fill a £26 million shortfall.
So, I have a number of questions I'd like you to be able to answer this afternoon, please, Minister. The first one is: is this statement a surprise to you? If not, what have you been doing to ensure that the council is properly supported? If it is a surprise, are you confident that you have the right reporting systems in place to detect these concerns?
The second question is: this position of potential bankruptcy has been revealed through a private letter, which has found itself in the press. Now, opposition members have raised concerns that there's a lack of transparency and openness with Denbighshire's budget. Do you share these same concerns?
A final question, Minister, is that I've raised in this Chamber a number of times the need for an independent review of the funding formula, because whilst we have Denbighshire County Council on the edge of bankruptcy, we know that places like Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cardiff and Carmarthenshire have hundreds of millions of pounds squirreled away in reserves. So, will you accept today, as a result of a Labour leader of a council in north Wales, that this funding formula needs to be independently reviewed to ensure councils are not in this position in the future?
Diolch am eich ymateb cychwynnol, Weinidog. Fe fyddwch yn gwybod, Weinidog, fod cynghorau a'r gwasanaethau y maent yn eu darparu ymhlith y pethau pwysicaf yn ein cymunedau, o ysgolion a gofal cymdeithasol i wagio biniau a llenwi tyllau mewn ffyrdd. Felly, yn amlwg, mae'n peri pryder mawr i drigolion, staff a chynghorwyr a etholwyd yn lleol pan fydd arweinydd eu cyngor yn dweud,
'Prif flaenoriaeth y cabinet ar hyn o bryd yw atal y cyngor rhag methdaliad,'
oherwydd, wrth gwrs, mae'n ceisio llenwi diffyg o £26 miliwn.
Felly, mae gennyf nifer o gwestiynau yr hoffwn i chi eu hateb y prynhawn yma, os gwelwch yn dda, Weinidog. Y cyntaf yw: a yw'r datganiad hwn yn syndod i chi? Os na, beth rydych chi wedi bod yn ei wneud i sicrhau bod y cyngor yn cael ei gefnogi'n briodol? Os yw'n syndod, a ydych chi'n hyderus fod gennych y systemau adrodd cywir ar waith i ganfod y pryderon hyn?
Yr ail gwestiwn yw: datgelwyd y sefyllfa hon o fethdaliad posibl trwy lythyr preifat a ddaeth i sylw'r wasg. Nawr, mae aelodau'r gwrthbleidiau wedi mynegi pryderon fod diffyg tryloywder ac agwedd agored ynghylch cyllideb sir Ddinbych. A ydych yn rhannu'r un pryderon?
Y cwestiwn terfynol, Weinidog, yw fy mod wedi cyfeirio yn y Siambr hon sawl gwaith at yr angen am adolygiad annibynnol o'r fformiwla gyllido, oherwydd er bod gennym Gyngor Sir Ddinbych ar fin wynebu methdaliad, fe wyddom fod gan leoedd fel Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerdydd a sir Gaerfyrddin gannoedd o filiynau o bunnoedd wedi'u cadw mewn cronfeydd wrth gefn. Felly, a wnewch chi dderbyn heddiw, o ganlyniad i arweinydd Llafur un o gynghorau gogledd Cymru, fod angen adolygu'r fformiwla gyllido hon yn annibynnol i sicrhau nad yw cynghorau yn y sefyllfa hon yn y dyfodol?
Well, just to reassure the Member and people living in Denbighshire, and all colleagues in the Chamber, I have been assured by the leader of the council today that Denbighshire will present a balanced budget. What the communication referred to does is, essentially, highlight the severe pressure that local government is under and the difficult decisions that they're going to have to take in order to balance the budget. That's not different in Denbighshire; that's the same pressure that is being experienced across local government.
Of course, it doesn't have to be this way. Difficult decisions, like the ones that we've heard about, do not need to be taken. All of this is avoidable. The UK Government can, on 22 November, at its autumn statement, invest in public services and provide the Welsh Government with the funding that we need to provide to local government. The UK Government is no friend of local government, we know that, whereas we work really hard with local government to understand their pressures.
So, in terms of that question about the reporting mechanisms that we have, we work constantly, and my officials are in constant contact with the treasurers right across local government here in Wales, and we understand the pressures. We have regular reports; we've got the finance sub-group meeting next week, where we'll be taking another paper that goes in detail through the pressures that local government is facing here in Wales. But it is avoidable, the UK Government can take action on 22 November, and I hope that the Member will join us in pressing the UK Government to invest in public services when it has the opportunity to do so.
We have done everything that we can to support local government. You will all be aware that the increase to the local government settlement this year was 7.9 per cent. That was a generous settlement and it was absolutely the furthest that we could go. This Government protected the revenue support grant when we undertook that very painful exercise reprioritising funding across Government—again, recognising the important services that we've heard about: schools, waste collection, social services. So, this Government will do everything that it can to protect public services, but it obviously needs the support of the UK Government to give us the funding to do so.
Wel, os caf sicrhau'r Aelod a'r bobl sy'n byw yn sir Ddinbych, a phob cyd-Aelod yn y Siambr, rwyf wedi cael sicrwydd gan arweinydd y cyngor heddiw y bydd sir Ddinbych yn cyflwyno cyllideb wedi'i mantoli. Yn y bôn, yr hyn y mae'r cyfathrebiad y cyfeirir ato yn ei wneud yw amlygu'r pwysau difrifol sydd ar lywodraeth leol a'r penderfyniadau anodd y bydd yn rhaid iddynt eu gwneud er mwyn mantoli'r gyllideb. Nid yw hynny'n wahanol yn sir Ddinbych; dyna'r pwysau sy'n cael ei brofi ar draws llywodraeth leol.
Wrth gwrs, nid oes rhaid i hyn fod felly. Nid oes angen gwneud penderfyniadau anodd, fel y rhai y clywsom amdanynt. Gellir osgoi hyn i gyd. Gall Llywodraeth y DU, ar 22 Tachwedd, yn natganiad yr hydref, fuddsoddi mewn gwasanaethau cyhoeddus a darparu'r cyllid i Lywodraeth Cymru sydd angen i ni ei ddarparu i lywodraeth leol. Nid yw Llywodraeth y DU yn gyfaill i lywodraeth leol, rydym yn gwybod hynny, ond rydym ni'n gweithio'n galed iawn gyda llywodraeth leol i ddeall y pwysau arnynt.
Felly, ar y cwestiwn am y mecanweithiau adrodd sydd gennym, rydym yn gweithio'n gyson, ac mae fy swyddogion mewn cysylltiad cyson â'r trysoryddion ar draws llywodraeth leol yma yng Nghymru, ac rydym yn deall y pwysau. Rydym yn cael adroddiadau rheolaidd; mae gennym gyfarfod is-grŵp cyllid yr wythnos nesaf, lle byddwn yn trafod papur arall sy'n edrych yn fanwl ar y pwysau y mae llywodraeth leol yn eu hwynebu yma yng Nghymru. Ond gellir osgoi hynny, gall Llywodraeth y DU weithredu ar 22 Tachwedd, ac rwy'n gobeithio y bydd yr Aelod yn ymuno â ni i bwyso ar Lywodraeth y DU i fuddsoddi mewn gwasanaethau cyhoeddus pan fydd yn cael cyfle i wneud hynny.
Rydym wedi gwneud popeth yn ein gallu i gefnogi llywodraeth leol. Fe fyddwch i gyd yn ymwybodol fod y cynnydd i'r setliad llywodraeth leol eleni yn 7.9 y cant. Roedd hwnnw'n setliad hael a dyna'n sicr oedd y pellaf y gallem fynd. Diogelodd y Llywodraeth hon y grant cynnal refeniw pan wnaethom gyflawni'r ymarfer poenus iawn ar ailflaenoriaethu cyllid ar draws y Llywodraeth—eto, gan gydnabod y gwasanaethau pwysig y clywsom amdanynt: ysgolion, casglu gwastraff, gwasanaethau cymdeithasol. Felly, bydd y Llywodraeth hon yn gwneud popeth yn ei gallu i ddiogelu gwasanaethau cyhoeddus, ond yn amlwg mae angen cefnogaeth Llywodraeth y DU arni i roi'r cyllid i ni allu gwneud hynny.
Let's be clear what the leader of Denbighshire council has said. He said,
'I just want to clarify: in no way are we saying that Denbighshire is going bankrupt,'
for the avoidance of doubt.
'What I wanted to stress was that what we've seen in England is councils going bust because they can't balance the books. But we are going to avoid that',
he says. So, let's not get ahead of ourselves and think that they're expecting to go bankrupt. But let's neither fool ourselves that it is a very challenging set of financial circumstances that all local authorities find themselves in. And I know for a fact, actually, that there are some local authorities in Wales that are in deeper waters and financial troubles than Denbighshire.
Now, that will require cuts in services and that will require increases in council tax, regrettably, because that is the only way that they can balance the books. And the Wales Governance Centre has illustrated to us the scale of challenge caused by a decade of Westminster austerity. The funding gap in local finance projected by 2027-28 is £0.75 billion. So, that's the scale of the challenge, and Denbighshire and others will have to grapple with that. But as the leader of Denbighshire says, the first priority is to make sure that they don't go bankrupt and that they do balance the books. Unlike, of course, some councils in England that have gone bankrupt.
Now, you've addressed, somewhat, what arrangements you might have in place were it to come to the worst in any local authority in Wales. So, I'll just ask, maybe, if I may, Minister, as council taxes, regrettably, are likely to go up in many councils in Wales, we know that that hits the poorest the hardest, doesn't it, because it is a regressive tax and the regressive nature of council tax means that it's those less well-off who carry a disproportionate burden when those taxes go up. So, would you not agree with me that this, again, underlines the need to reform council tax in Wales to make it fairer, so that it isn't the least well-off in society who are, once again, paying the price for Tory austerity?
Gadewch inni fod yn glir beth mae arweinydd Cyngor Sir Ddinbych wedi'i ddweud. Dywedodd
'Rwyf am egluro: nid wyf yn dweud o gwbl fod sir Ddinbych yn wynebu methdaliad,'
er mwyn osgoi amheuaeth.
'Yr hyn roeddwn am ei bwysleisio oedd mai'r hyn a welsom yn Lloegr yw cynghorau'n wynebu methdaliad oherwydd nad ydynt yn gallu mantoli'r cyfrifon. Ond rydym yn mynd i osgoi hynny,'
meddai. Felly, gadewch inni beidio â mynd o flaen gofid a meddwl eu bod yn disgwyl wynebu methdaliad. Ond gadewch inni beidio â thwyllo ein hunain nad yw pob awdurdod lleol yn wynebu cyfres heriol iawn o amgylchiadau ariannol. Ac rwy'n gwybod bod rhai awdurdodau lleol yng Nghymru mewn dyfroedd dyfnach a thrafferthion ariannol gwaeth na sir Ddinbych.
Nawr, bydd hynny'n galw am doriadau mewn gwasanaethau a bydd hynny'n galw am godi'r dreth gyngor, yn anffodus, oherwydd dyna'r unig ffordd y gallant fantoli'r cyfrifon. Ac mae Canolfan Llywodraethiant Cymru wedi dangos i ni beth yw maint yr her a achoswyd gan ddegawd o gyni ariannol yn San Steffan. Y bwlch ariannol mewn cyllid lleol a ragwelir erbyn 2027-28 yw £0.75 biliwn. Felly, dyna yw maint yr her, a bydd yn rhaid i sir Ddinbych ac eraill fynd i'r afael â hynny. Ond fel y dywed arweinydd sir Ddinbych, y flaenoriaeth gyntaf yw sicrhau nad ydynt yn wynebu methdaliad a'u bod yn mantoli'r cyfrifon. Yn annhebyg, wrth gwrs, i rai cynghorau yn Lloegr sydd wedi wynebu methdaliad.
Nawr, rydych wedi nodi pa drefniadau a allai fod gennych ar waith pe bai'r senario waethaf yn digwydd mewn unrhyw awdurdod lleol yng Nghymru. Felly, fe ofynnaf, os caf, Weinidog, gan fod trethi cynghorau yn debygol o godi mewn llawer o gynghorau yng Nghymru, yn anffodus, fe wyddom fod hynny'n taro'r tlotaf yn waeth na neb arall, onid yw, oherwydd ei bod yn dreth anflaengar ac mae natur anflaengar y dreth gyngor yn golygu mai'r rhai llai cefnog sy'n ysgwyddo baich anghymesur pan fydd y trethi hynny'n codi. Felly, oni fyddech yn cytuno bod hyn, unwaith eto, yn tanlinellu'r angen i ddiwygio'r dreth gyngor yng Nghymru i'w gwneud yn decach, fel nad y lleiaf cefnog mewn cymdeithas sydd, unwaith eto, yn talu'r pris am gyni Torïaidd?
I'm very grateful to the Member for the question. I'm very proud of the work that we've been doing in partnership with Plaid Cymru as part of our co-operation agreement on making council tax fairer. And I'd just like to put on record, really, my appreciation for the work that has been done in that space. Now, we're coming to the point when we will be having our phase 2 consultation, so I'll be saying more about that shortly, and that will help us look more closely at what the road ahead looks like. Having done phase 1 consultation and gotten broad views, it's now about narrowing down the horizon in terms of the choices that we will make. But as colleagues recognise, council tax is a regressive tax; we want to make it a fairer council tax and we are very committed to doing so.
Rwy'n ddiolchgar iawn i'r Aelod am y cwestiwn. Rwy'n falch iawn o'r gwaith y buom yn ei wneud mewn partneriaeth â Phlaid Cymru fel rhan o'n cytundeb cydweithio ar wneud y dreth gyngor yn decach. A hoffwn gofnodi fy ngwerthfawrogiad o'r gwaith sydd wedi'i wneud ar hynny. Nawr, rydym yn dod at y pwynt pan fyddwn yn cynnal ein hymgynghoriad cam 2, felly byddaf yn dweud mwy am hynny cyn bo hir, a bydd hynny'n ein helpu i edrych yn agosach ar sut fydd y ffordd sydd o'n blaenau yn edrych. Ar ôl gwneud ymgynghoriad cam 1 a chael safbwyntiau eang, mae bellach yn ymwneud â lleihau'r gorwel o ran y dewisiadau y byddwn yn eu gwneud. Ond fel y mae cyd-Aelodau'n cydnabod, mae'r dreth gyngor yn dreth anflaengar; rydym am ei gwneud yn dreth gyngor decach ac rydym yn ymrwymedig iawn i wneud hynny.
I thank Sam Rowlands for tabling this important subject in the Senedd today. As the local Member for the vast majority of Denbighshire, I'm personally horrified to read of this news of trying to avoid bankruptcy in the council. And to me, it sums up the weak, lethargic and febrile Labour leadership of this council since the local elections in 2022, coupled with a Labour Welsh Government who can't see the wood for the trees in working up a solution to this ever-growing problem.
I was a member of Denbighshire council for five years and it's sad to see the current state of this council under this new leadership, which has been failure after failure since day 1. And quite frankly, the leadership are out of their depth and out of ideas on how to manage this council, and some have been using their senior positions to promote their own political ambitions.
For many years, politicians of all persuasions have argued the case for a fair funding formula for north Wales authorities to match that of those in south Wales and we are desperately short-changed in comparison to other areas, leaving difficult decisions to be made on the day-to-day running of services, which have an impact on people's everyday lives. So, will the Minister finally accept that a review of the Welsh Government's funding formula to councils is in need of radical reform to ensure that a fair system is in place for everyone in Wales, no matter where they live?
Diolch i Sam Rowlands am gyflwyno'r pwnc pwysig hwn yn y Senedd heddiw. Fel yr Aelod lleol dros y mwyafrif helaeth o sir Ddinbych, yn bersonol rwy'n arswydo wrth ddarllen y newyddion am y ffordd mae'r cyngor yn ceisio osgoi wynebu methdaliad. Ac i mi, mae'n crynhoi arweinyddiaeth Lafur wan, swrth a gwael y cyngor hwn ers yr etholiadau lleol yn 2022, ynghyd â Llywodraeth Lafur Cymru nad yw'n gweld yr hyn sydd o'i blaen wrth geisio dod o hyd i ateb i'r broblem gynyddol hon.
Bûm yn aelod o Gyngor Sir Ddinbych am bum mlynedd ac mae'n drist gweld ei gyflwr presennol o dan yr arweinyddiaeth newydd hon, sydd wedi cael methiant ar ôl methiant ers y diwrnod cyntaf. A dweud y gwir, mae'r arweinyddiaeth mewn dyfroedd dyfnion a heb syniad sut i reoli'r cyngor hwn, ac mae rhai wedi bod yn defnyddio eu swyddi uwch i hyrwyddo eu huchelgeisiau gwleidyddol eu hunain.
Ers blynyddoedd lawer, mae gwleidyddion o bob lliw wedi dadlau'r achos dros fformiwla gyllido deg i awdurdodau'r gogledd i gyd-fynd ag awdurdodau de Cymru ac rydym ar ein colled yn enbyd o'i gymharu ag ardaloedd eraill, gan adael penderfyniadau anodd i'w gwneud ynghylch gweithredu gwasanaethau o ddydd i ddydd, sy'n cael effaith ar fywydau pob dydd pobl. Felly, a wnaiff y Gweinidog dderbyn o'r diwedd fod angen diwygio fformiwla gyllido cynghorau Llywodraeth Cymru yn radical er mwyn sicrhau bod system deg ar waith i bawb yng Nghymru, ni waeth ble maent yn byw?
I'll begin by saying that the start of the contribution was a very lazy contribution to what is a really, really serious issue. I actually commend the leader of Denbighshire council for the work that he's done in identifying the pressures early on and working to seek a solution. There is no suggestion at all that any part of Wales on a geographic basis is disadvantaged by the funding formula. Of course, four of the six north Wales authorities received increases to their budgets that were in excess of the average across Wales in this financial year. So, we do look at the formula all of the time; we look at the data, we make changes, the distribution sub-group makes a whole range of recommendations on an annual basis. We're not looking at a whole-scale review of the funding formula at the moment; obviously, if the Welsh Local Government Association wanted to come forward with that suggestion, we would be open to that. But let's remember, the last question was in relation to council tax reform. Council tax reform has a potential—depending on which option is taken, of course—to quite drastically change the tax base of local authorities, so there would be significant churn there. That, on top of a review of the funding formula, which could take a number of years, I think would introduce a lot of uncertainty into the system. We are, therefore, concentrating at the moment on making council tax fairer and updating the funding formula to make sure that it uses the latest information.
Fe ddechreuaf drwy ddweud bod dechrau'r cyfraniad yn ymateb diog iawn i'r hyn sy'n fater hynod o ddifrifol. Rwy'n canmol arweinydd Cyngor Sir Ddinbych am y gwaith y mae wedi'i wneud yn nodi'r pwysau'n gynnar a gweithio i ddod o hyd i ateb. Nid oes awgrym o gwbl fod unrhyw ran o Gymru ar sail ddaearyddol dan anfantais yn sgil y fformiwla gyllido. Wrth gwrs, fe welodd pedwar o'r chwe awdurdod yng ngogledd Cymru gynnydd i'w cyllidebau a oedd yn fwy na'r cyfartaledd ledled Cymru yn y flwyddyn ariannol hon. Felly, rydym yn edrych ar y fformiwla trwy'r amser; rydym yn edrych ar y data, rydym yn gwneud newidiadau, mae'r is-grŵp dosbarthu yn gwneud amrywiaeth eang o argymhellion yn flynyddol. Nid ydym yn edrych ar adolygiad cyflawn o'r fformiwla gyllido ar hyn o bryd; yn amlwg, pe bai Cymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru am gyflwyno'r awgrym hwnnw, byddem yn agored i hynny. Ond gadewch inni gofio, roedd y cwestiwn olaf mewn perthynas â diwygio'r dreth gyngor. Mae gan ddiwygio'r dreth gyngor allu—yn dibynnu ar ba opsiwn a ddewisir, wrth gwrs—i newid sylfaen dreth awdurdodau lleol yn helaeth, felly byddai newidiadau sylweddol o ganlyniad i hynny. Rwy'n credu y byddai hynny, ar ben adolygiad o'r fformiwla gyllido, a allai gymryd nifer o flynyddoedd, yn cyflwyno llawer o ansicrwydd i'r system. Felly, rydym yn canolbwyntio ar hyn o bryd ar wneud y dreth gyngor yn decach a diweddaru'r fformiwla gyllido i sicrhau ei bod yn defnyddio'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf.
As a former leader of a north Wales council, my colleague Sam Rowlands knows just as well as I do, as a former deputy leader and cabinet member, the pressures local authorities are under following 13 years of Tory austerity. Councils right across the UK have been pushed to breaking point by a toxic combination of more than a decade of cuts, huge inflationary pressures, a cost-of-living crisis and a total mismanagement of the economy. There will be red lines that they are looking at now; I remember that—year upon year of facing this. You don't want to cut education; I remember that. Some councils did take the decision to cut education funding. These red lines are really difficult to cross, and this is probably why the leader has said they could be facing bankruptcy—this is how serious it is. But I know that Denbighshire will set a balanced budget, as councils always have to do, but they will be forced to make these very difficult decisions. I know I've asked for you to look at the funding formula—the pie is too small coming from here, but coming from the UK Government. And I'm sure that councils right across the UK will be faced with these really tough decisions. So, Minister, have your UK counterparts given you any reassurances that they may truly understand the chaos they have caused and are willing to take mitigation to help our front-line services—not just in Wales, but across the UK? Thank you.
Fel cyn-arweinydd cyngor yng ngogledd Cymru, mae fy nghyd-Aelod Sam Rowlands yn gwybod cystal â mi, fel cyn-ddirprwy arweinydd ac aelod cabinet, am y pwysau sydd ar awdurdodau lleol yn dilyn 13 mlynedd o gyni Torïaidd. Mae cynghorau ledled y DU wedi cael eu gwthio i'r eithaf gan gyfuniad gwenwynig o fwy na degawd o doriadau, pwysau chwyddiant enfawr, argyfwng costau byw a chamreoli'r economi yn llwyr. Bydd yna linellau coch y maent yn edrych arnynt yn awr; rwy'n cofio hynny—flwyddyn ar ôl blwyddyn o wynebu hyn. Nid ydych am dorri addysg; rwy'n cofio hynny. Fe wnaeth rhai cynghorau benderfynu cwtogi cyllid addysg. Mae'n anodd iawn croesi'r llinellau coch hyn, a dyma pam fod yr arweinydd wedi dweud y gallant fod yn wynebu methdaliad, mae'n debyg—dyma pa mor ddifrifol yw hyn. Ond rwy'n gwybod y bydd sir Ddinbych yn gosod cyllideb wedi'i mantoli, fel y mae'n rhaid i gynghorau ei wneud bob amser, ond fe fyddant yn cael eu gorfodi i wneud penderfyniadau anodd iawn. Rwy'n gwybod fy mod wedi gofyn i chi edrych ar y fformiwla gyllido—mae'r swm sy'n dod o'r fan hyn yn rhy fach, ond yr hyn sy'n dod o Lywodraeth y DU. Ac rwy'n siŵr y bydd cynghorau ledled y DU yn wynebu'r penderfyniadau anodd iawn hyn. Felly, Weinidog, a yw swyddogion cyfatebol y DU wedi rhoi unrhyw sicrwydd i chi y gallant wir ddeall yr anrhefn y maent wedi'i achosi a'u bod yn barod i roi mesurau lliniarol ar waith er mwyn helpu ein gwasanaethau rheng flaen—nid yn unig yng Nghymru, ond ledled y DU? Diolch.
Thank you very much for the question. There's no indication at all from the UK Government that it understands the struggles that local governments are facing—certainly not in England, and I know that they're not interested in the trials of local authorities here in Wales. But that said, we will continue to make the case very strongly to them. I've already written to the Chancellor ahead of the 22 November autumn statement setting out what our asks are for Wales, and right at the top of that is the investment in public services so that we are able to provide local government and the NHS with the funding that they need to be able to deliver the kind of services that we want for everybody in Wales.
Diolch yn fawr iawn am y cwestiwn. Nid oes awgrym o gwbl gan Lywodraeth y DU ei bod yn deall y trafferthion y mae llywodraeth leol yn eu hwynebu—yn sicr nid yn Lloegr, a gwn nad oes ganddynt ddiddordeb yn nhrafferthion awdurdodau lleol yma yng Nghymru. Ond wedi dweud hynny, byddwn yn parhau i gyflwyno'r achos yn gryf iawn iddynt. Rwyf eisoes wedi ysgrifennu at y Canghellor cyn datganiad yr hydref ar 22 Tachwedd yn nodi beth yw ein gofynion ar gyfer Cymru, ac ar y brig yn hynny, mae'r buddsoddiad mewn gwasanaethau cyhoeddus er mwyn inni allu darparu'r cyllid sydd ei angen ar lywodraeth leol a'r GIG i ddarparu'r math o wasanaethau rydym eisiau i bawb yng Nghymru eu cael.
Minister, it's very clear that the comments from the leader of Denbighshire council were unwise, unhelpful, alarmist and have stoked some fear amongst the local population about what their council tax might look like next year. In fact, these comments appear to me to be nothing more than paving the way for another huge and inflation-busting council tax increase for local residents. So, can I ask you: will you do the sensible thing, as is the case in England, and set a clear cap on council tax for the forthcoming new financial year—next year—so that excessive increases can be the subject of a local referendum? I think local people deserve a say on these matters, and I think it's wrong that they haven't had one in the past.
Weinidog, mae'n amlwg iawn fod sylwadau arweinydd Cyngor Sir Ddinbych yn annoeth, yn ddi-fudd, yn ceisio dychryn ac wedi ennyn rhywfaint o ofn ymhlith y boblogaeth leol ynghylch sut y gallai eu treth gyngor edrych y flwyddyn nesaf. Mewn gwirionedd, mae'n ymddangos nad yw'r sylwadau hyn yn ddim mwy na pharatoi'r ffordd ar gyfer codiad enfawr arall uwchlaw chwyddiant yn y dreth gyngor i drigolion lleol. Felly, a gaf fi ofyn i chi: a wnewch chi wneud y peth synhwyrol, fel sy'n digwydd yn Lloegr, a gosod cap clir ar y dreth gyngor ar gyfer y flwyddyn ariannol newydd sy'n dod—y flwyddyn nesaf—fel bod codiadau gormodol yn gallu bod yn destun refferendwm lleol? Rwy'n credu bod pobl leol yn haeddu cael dweud eu barn ar y materion hyn, ac rwy'n credu ei bod yn anghywir nad ydynt wedi cael un yn y gorffennol.
Daeth y Dirprwy Lywydd (David Rees) i’r Gadair.
The Deputy Presiding Officer (David Rees) took the Chair.
Just to be clear, setting a cap wouldn't lead to a referendum in any case, but a cap is a tool that Welsh Ministers do have if they feel that, in any case, a local authority is intending to introduce a council tax increase that is palpably excessive. Obviously, every year, we take a look at that afresh, so we have no idea yet what kind of increases local government is expecting to make. That's partly because we haven't yet had the autumn statement, we haven't published our Welsh Government budget, so they don't have the figures to plan on yet. Obviously, they'll be undertaking preliminary work with some assumptions, but until we have actual proposals from local government, it's impossible to take a view on whether or not we would introduce a cap.
I fod yn glir, ni fyddai gosod cap yn arwain at refferendwm beth bynnag, ond mae cap yn offeryn sydd gan Weinidogion Cymru os ydynt yn teimlo bod awdurdod lleol yn bwriadu cyflwyno codiad yn y dreth gyngor sy'n amlwg yn ormodol. Yn amlwg, bob blwyddyn, rydym yn edrych ar hynny o'r newydd, felly nid oes gennym syniad eto pa fath o gynnydd y mae llywodraeth leol yn disgwyl ei wneud. Mae hynny'n rhannol oherwydd nad ydym wedi cael datganiad yr hydref eto, nid ydym wedi cyhoeddi ein cyllideb Llywodraeth Cymru, felly nid oes ganddynt ffigurau i gynllunio arnynt eto. Yn amlwg, byddant yn gwneud gwaith rhagarweiniol gyda rhai rhagdybiaethau, ond tan y bydd gennym gynigion gwirioneddol gan lywodraeth leol, mae'n amhosibl ystyried a fyddem yn cyflwyno cap ai peidio.
Diolch i'r Gweinidog.
Thank you, Minister.
Eitem 4 yw'r datganiadau 90 eiliad, ac yn gyntaf Natasha Asghar.
Item 4 is the 90-second statements. First, Natasha Asghar.
Thank you so much, Deputy Presiding Officer. This week is Irlen Syndrome Awareness Week, a worldwide effort to make more people aware of the syndrome and its symptoms. Irlen syndrome is a problem with the brain's ability to process visual information and tends to run in families. The most common symptoms include light sensitivity, reading problems, headaches and migraines, attention and concentration issues, as well as fatigue.
I must admit I didn't know much about Irlen syndrome until I was contacted by Jennifer Owen, one of my constituents. I want to pay tribute to Jennifer, who was diagnosed with Irlen syndrome in 2012, for her tireless work in raising awareness about the condition. She has given countless presentations and talks, become an Irlen ambassador, created the Voice for People with Irlen Syndrome group and has held many events. She was also recognised by the high sheriff of Mid Glamorgan for her wonderful work.
Jennifer could not read or write properly without words disappearing or going back and forth, but since getting Irlen spectral filters, her life has been transformed, and now she's helping transform the lives of others. She is truly an inspiration, so I want to say a huge 'thank you' to Jennifer for everything that she's done and continues to do. I'd encourage everyone to visit www.irlen.com to see how they can get involved in Irlen awareness week going forward.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Yr wythnos hon yw Wythnos Ymwybyddiaeth Syndrom Irlen, ymdrech fyd-eang i wneud rhagor o bobl yn ymwybodol o'r syndrom a'i symptomau. Mae syndrom Irlen yn broblem gyda gallu'r ymennydd i brosesu gwybodaeth weledol ac mae'n tueddu i redeg yn y teulu. Mae'r symptomau mwyaf cyffredin yn cynnwys sensitifrwydd i olau, problemau gyda darllen, cur pen a meigryn, problemau canolbwyntio, yn ogystal â blinder.
Rhaid imi gyfaddef nad oeddwn yn gwybod llawer am syndrom Irlen tan i Jennifer Owen, un o fy etholwyr gysylltu â mi. Rwyf am dalu teyrnged i Jennifer, a gafodd ddiagnosis o syndrom Irlen yn 2012, am ei gwaith diflino yn codi ymwybyddiaeth o'r cyflwr. Mae hi wedi rhoi cyflwyniadau a sgyrsiau dirifedi, wedi dod yn llysgennad Irlen, wedi creu'r grŵp Llais i Bobl â Syndrom Irlen ac mae wedi cynnal llawer o ddigwyddiadau. Cafodd ei chydnabod hefyd gan uchel siryf Morgannwg Ganol am ei gwaith gwych.
Ni allai Jennifer ddarllen nac ysgrifennu'n iawn heb eiriau'n diflannu neu'n symud yn ôl ac ymlaen, ond ers cael hidlwyr sbectrol Irlen, mae ei bywyd wedi cael ei drawsnewid, a nawr, mae hi'n helpu i drawsnewid bywydau pobl eraill. Mae hi'n ysbrydoliaeth go iawn, felly hoffwn ddweud 'diolch' enfawr i Jennifer am bopeth y mae hi wedi'i wneud ac y mae hi'n parhau i'w wneud. Carwn annog pawb i ymweld â www.irlen.com i weld sut y gallant gymryd rhan yn wythnos ymwybyddiaeth Irlen yn y dyfodol.
Today is World Menopause Day, observed every year to raise awareness about the impact of the menopause on the lives of women around the world. To mark this occasion, I'm pleased to say that all further education colleges in Wales have signed the menopause workplace pledge. The pledge was created by the Wellbeing of Women charity to encourage employers to take positive action in making sure everyone going through the menopause is supported. Menopause is often not talked about in the workplace, and many people don't understand it until it happens to them or to someone close to them. While some will have no problems, others will struggle with debilitating side effects that impact on all aspects of their lives. Many will feel they have no alternative but to leave a job they love. By signing the pledge, all colleges in Wales are committed to recognise that the menopause can be an issue in the workplace and women need support; to talk openly, positively and respectfully about the menopause; and to actively support and inform employees affected by the menopause. The sector has responded to the need to put in place support and guidance for staff, and I'm pleased to acknowledge our colleges for their continued commitment to making further education a safe and inclusive sector in which to work.
Mae Diwrnod Menopos y Byd yn cael ei ddathlu bob blwyddyn i godi ymwybyddiaeth am effaith y menopos ar fywydau menywod ledled y byd. I nodi'r achlysur hwn, rwy'n falch o ddweud bod pob coleg addysg bellach yng Nghymru wedi llofnodi adduned menopos y gweithle. Crëwyd yr adduned gan elusen Wellbeing for Women i annog cyflogwyr i roi camau cadarnhaol ar waith i sicrhau bod pawb sy'n mynd trwy'r menopos yn cael eu cefnogi. Yn aml, nid oes sôn am y menopos yn y gweithle, ac mae llawer o bobl nad ydynt yn ei ddeall nes iddo ddigwydd iddyn nhw neu i rywun sy'n agos atynt. Er na fydd rhai yn cael unrhyw broblemau, bydd eraill yn cael trafferth gyda sgil-effeithiau gwanychol sy'n effeithio ar bob agwedd ar eu bywydau. Bydd llawer yn teimlo nad oes dewis arall ganddynt ond gadael swydd y maent yn ei charu. Drwy lofnodi'r adduned, mae pob coleg yng Nghymru wedi ymrwymo i gydnabod y gall y menopos fod yn broblem yn y gweithle ac mae angen cymorth ar fenywod; i siarad yn agored, yn gadarnhaol ac yn barchus am y menopos; ac i gefnogi ac addysgu gweithwyr y mae'r menopos yn effeithio arnynt. Mae'r sector wedi ymateb i'r angen i roi cymorth ac arweiniad ar waith i staff, ac rwy'n falch o gydnabod ymrwymiad parhaus ein colegau i wneud addysg bellach yn sector diogel a chynhwysol i weithio ynddo.
The Pembrokeshire Lottery was set up 30 years ago to provide a fund that Pembrokeshire businesses could access at no cost to invest in their futures, creating and retaining jobs in Pembrokeshire. It was the brainchild of the late Danny Fellows, who joined with Mike Peake and Bob Clarke to launch a local lottery that predated the National Lottery by a year. Danny asked local oil refinery managers to provide seed funding to provide the first few months of prize money and encouraged large employers to offer the option of a small monthly salary deduction of £4.34 to fund ongoing prize money, a purchase option that remains to this day. It's a true example of local people raising money to grow their local communities and economy.
The first draw was made in November 1993, and few back then would ever have believed that in 2023 we would be celebrating the Pembrokeshire Lottery's thirtieth birthday. Having grown up with the Pembrokeshire Lottery, its forces for good can be felt right across the county. Over 500 businesses have been supported with over £8.2 million in interest-free loans, creating and safeguarding over 2,500 jobs. Award-winning hospitality companies such as the Grove hotel and Cafe Môr are just two examples of businesses that have benefited from the lottery in their early years. From humble beginnings in 1993, the loan fund now stands at over £2 million, and that is mainly due to the phenomenal support the Pembrokeshire Lottery has received from local people. The lottery is one of the most successful such schemes in the UK, and one that we all should be extremely proud of. Happy thirtieth birthday to the Pembrokeshire Lottery, and here’s to the next 30 years. Diolch.
Sefydlwyd Loteri Sir Benfro 30 mlynedd yn ôl i ddarparu cronfa y gallai busnesau sir Benfro gael mynediad ati heb unrhyw gost i fuddsoddi yn eu dyfodol, gan greu a chadw swyddi yn sir Benfro. Syniad y diweddar Danny Fellows ydoedd, gŵr a ymunodd â Mike Peake a Bob Clarke i lansio loteri leol, a ffurfiwyd flwyddyn cyn y Loteri Genedlaethol. Gofynnodd Danny i reolwyr purfa olew leol i ddarparu cyllid sbarduno i ddarparu'r misoedd cyntaf o arian gwobrau ac annog cyflogwyr mawr i gynnig opsiwn o ddidyniad cyflog misol bach o £4.34 i ariannu arian gwobrau parhaus, opsiwn prynu sy'n parhau hyd heddiw. Mae'n enghraifft wirioneddol o bobl leol yn codi arian i dyfu eu cymunedau a'u heconomi leol.
Tynnwyd y raffl gyntaf ym mis Tachwedd 1993, ac ychydig o bobl bryd hynny a fyddai byth wedi credu y byddem yn dathlu pen-blwydd Loteri Sir Benfro yn 30 oed yn 2023. Ar ôl tyfu i fyny gyda Loteri Sir Benfro, gellir teimlo ei grym er daioni ar draws y sir. Mae dros 500 o fusnesau wedi cael eu cefnogi gan dros £8.2 miliwn o fenthyciadau di-log, gan greu a diogelu dros 2,500 o swyddi. Mae cwmnïau lletygarwch arobryn fel gwesty'r Grove a Cafe Môr yn ddwy enghraifft yn unig o fusnesau sydd wedi elwa o'r loteri yn eu blynyddoedd cynnar. O ddechreuadau diymhongar ym 1993, mae'r gronfa fenthyciadau bellach dros £2 filiwn, ac mae hynny yn bennaf oherwydd y gefnogaeth aruthrol y mae Loteri Sir Benfro wedi'i chael gan bobl leol. Mae'r loteri yn un o'r cynlluniau mwyaf llwyddiannus o'i fath yn y DU, ac yn un y dylem i gyd fod yn hynod falch ohono. Pen-blwydd hapus yn 30 oed i Loteri Sir Benfro, ac ymlaen i'r 30 mlynedd nesaf. Diolch.
Symudwn ymlaen yn awr at eitem 5, dadl ar adroddiad y Pwyllgor Llywodraeth Leol a Thai, 'Gwasanaethau Hamdden a Llyfrgelloedd Awdurdodau Lleol’, a galwaf ar Gadeirydd y pwyllgor i wneud y cynnig—John Griffiths.
We move on now to item 5, a debate on the Local Government and Housing Committee report, 'Local Authority Library and Leisure Services', and I call on the Chair of the committee to move the motion—John Griffiths.
Cynnig NDM8379 John Griffiths
Cynnig bod y Senedd:
Yn nodi adroddiad y Pwyllgor Llywodraeth Leol a Thai, ‘Gwasanaethau Hamdden a Llyfrgelloedd Awdurdodau Lleol’, a osodwyd yn y Swyddfa Gyflwyno ar 20 Gorffennaf 2023.
Motion NDM8379 John Griffiths
To propose that the Senedd:
Notes the report of the Local Government and Housing Committee, ‘Local Authority Library and Leisure Services’, which was laid in the Table Office on 20 July 2023.
Cynigiwyd y cynnig.
Motion moved.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I’m pleased to open this debate on the Local Government and Housing Committee’s report on local authority leisure and library services. I’d like to start by thanking all those who contributed to our inquiry, and to those who facilitated visits to libraries and leisure sites across Wales.
Leisure centres and libraries enrich people’s lives and their communities. They provide a place to meet, to expand knowledge and support health and well-being. But councils have found it increasingly challenging to maintain these services due to budget cuts and global financial and health crises. As a result, many councils have sought to deliver services differently by establishing local authority trading companies, or transferring them to social enterprises or community groups.
We firstly considered whether there is a need to strengthen statutory and policy frameworks to protect these vital services from further cuts and closures. There is already a statutory duty on councils under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service, but we heard that this has not prevented the erosion of funding, or indeed prevented library closures. Stakeholders told us that the Act doesn’t do an awful lot, and that the provisions are too broadly defined. We called on the Welsh Government to explore whether it should strengthen the Act to protect libraries. The Welsh Government hasn’t committed to a full review of the provisions in the Act, but rather emphasised the role of the Welsh public library standards in delivering on the duties within the legislation. The Welsh Government has committed to exploring our recommendation further, however, and I would be grateful if the Deputy Minister could explain how this recommendation will be taken forward.
The Welsh public library standards set out how the Welsh Government’s expectations on local authorities in terms of their library provision will be met. We heard the current standards expired in 2020, and are concerned about the lack of progress on developing new standards to support the library sector. Some stakeholders called for a complete revamp of the standards given recent developments in how services are used and new innovations to deliver them. We recommended that work on the new standards should be progressed as a matter of urgency. We are pleased that this recommendation has been accepted, but note that the new Welsh public library framework will not be implemented until 2025, five years after the standards expired.
We are concerned that library services are often overlooked or undervalued within the wider context of public service provision. We were therefore pleased to hear that the new library standards are being developed in tandem with the new culture strategy. However, there are questions around how that will work in practice, and I would be grateful if the Deputy Minister could provide more detail on how that culture strategy will dovetail with the new standards, and how she is working with the Minister for Finance and Local Government and respective officials on this.
Unlike library services, leisure services are provided on a discretionary basis. While we were not convinced of the need for legislation, we would like to see a policy framework for public leisure provision, which links to health and well-being services. We believe this would support better joined-up policies focused on prevention and positive health outcomes and go with the grain of much current development, where lots of leisure providers are increasingly becoming health and well-being services. We are therefore pleased that the Welsh Government accepted this recommendation.
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Rwy'n falch o agor y ddadl hon ar adroddiad y Pwyllgor Llywodraeth Leol a Thai ar wasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd awdurdodau lleol. Hoffwn ddechrau drwy ddiolch i bawb a gyfrannodd at ein hymchwiliad, ac i'r rhai a hwylusodd ymweliadau â llyfrgelloedd a safleoedd hamdden ledled Cymru.
Mae canolfannau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd yn cyfoethogi bywydau pobl a'u cymunedau. Maent yn darparu lle i gyfarfod, i ehangu gwybodaeth a chefnogi iechyd a lles. Ond mae cynghorau wedi ei chael hi'n fwyfwy heriol i gynnal y gwasanaethau hyn oherwydd toriadau cyllidebol ac argyfyngau ariannol ac iechyd byd-eang. O ganlyniad, mae llawer o gynghorau wedi ceisio darparu gwasanaethau'n wahanol drwy sefydlu cwmnïau masnachu awdurdodau lleol, neu eu trosglwyddo i fentrau cymdeithasol neu grwpiau cymunedol.
Yn gyntaf, fe wnaethom ystyried a oes angen cryfhau fframweithiau statudol a pholisi i ddiogelu'r gwasanaethau hanfodol hyn rhag toriadau a chau pellach. Mae dyletswydd statudol eisoes ar gynghorau o dan Ddeddf Llyfrgelloedd Cyhoeddus ac Amgueddfeydd 1964 i ddarparu gwasanaeth llyfrgell cynhwysfawr ac effeithlon, ond clywsom nad yw hyn wedi atal erydu cyllid, nac yn wir wedi atal cau llyfrgelloedd. Dywedodd rhanddeiliaid wrthym nad yw'r Ddeddf yn gwneud llawer iawn, a bod y darpariaethau wedi'u diffinio'n rhy eang. Galwasom ar Lywodraeth Cymru i archwilio a ddylai gryfhau'r Ddeddf i ddiogelu llyfrgelloedd. Nid yw Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ymrwymo i adolygiad llawn o'r darpariaethau yn y Ddeddf, ond yn hytrach, pwysleisiodd rôl safonau llyfrgelloedd cyhoeddus Cymru yn cyflawni'r dyletswyddau o fewn y ddeddfwriaeth. Fodd bynnag, mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ymrwymo i archwilio ein hargymhelliad ymhellach, a buaswn yn ddiolchgar pe gallai'r Dirprwy Weinidog egluro sut y bydd yr argymhelliad hwn yn cael ei ddatblygu.
Mae safonau llyfrgelloedd cyhoeddus Cymru yn nodi sut y bydd disgwyliadau Llywodraeth Cymru ar awdurdodau lleol o ran eu darpariaeth llyfrgelloedd yn cael eu bodloni. Clywsom fod y safonau presennol wedi dod i ben yn 2020, ac rydym yn pryderu am y diffyg cynnydd ar ddatblygu safonau newydd i gefnogi'r sector llyfrgelloedd. Galwodd rhai rhanddeiliaid am ailwampio'r safonau'n llwyr o ystyried datblygiadau diweddar yn y modd y caiff gwasanaethau eu defnyddio a datblygiadau arloesol newydd i'w cyflawni. Argymhellwyd y dylid symud y gwaith ar y safonau newydd yn ei flaen ar frys. Rydym yn falch fod yr argymhelliad hwn wedi'i dderbyn, ond nodwn na fydd fframwaith llyfrgelloedd cyhoeddus newydd Cymru yn cael ei weithredu tan 2025, bum mlynedd ar ôl i'r safonau ddod i ben.
Rydym yn pryderu bod gwasanaethau llyfrgell yn aml yn cael eu hanwybyddu neu eu tanbrisio o fewn cyd-destun ehangach y ddarpariaeth o wasanaethau cyhoeddus. Roeddem yn falch felly o glywed bod y safonau llyfrgelloedd newydd yn cael eu datblygu ochr yn ochr â'r strategaeth ddiwylliant newydd. Fodd bynnag, mae cwestiynau'n codi ynghylch y modd y bydd hynny'n gweithio'n ymarferol, a byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe gallai'r Dirprwy Weinidog roi rhagor o fanylion ynglŷn â sut y bydd y strategaeth ddiwylliant honno'n cydblethu â'r safonau newydd, a sut mae hi'n gweithio gyda'r Gweinidog Cyllid a Llywodraeth Leol a swyddogion perthnasol ar hyn.
Yn wahanol i wasanaethau llyfrgelloedd, darperir gwasanaethau hamdden ar sail disgresiwn. Er nad oeddem yn argyhoeddedig o'r angen am ddeddfwriaeth, hoffem weld fframwaith polisi ar gyfer darpariaeth hamdden gyhoeddus, sy'n cysylltu â gwasanaethau iechyd a lles. Credwn y byddai hyn yn cefnogi polisïau wedi'u cydgysylltu'n well sy'n canolbwyntio ar atal a chanlyniadau iechyd cadarnhaol ac sy'n cyd-fynd â llawer o ddatblygiadau cyfredol, lle mae llawer o ddarparwyr hamdden yn dod yn wasanaethau iechyd a lles yn gynyddol. Rydym yn falch felly fod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi derbyn yr argymhelliad hwn.
We explored the various models of service delivery in use and their advantages and disadvantages. There was a clear message that there should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Different models will suit different local authorities, depending on geography, needs of the community, resources and many other factors. We agree it should be up to local authorities to decide what delivery model suits them. However, we would like to see more sharing of good practice and experiences. So, we called for the Welsh Government to work with local authorities to support this, and I welcome the Welsh Government’s acceptance of this recommendation.
We heard of the significant social value of leisure and library services. Sport Wales told us that for every £1 spent on sport, there was a social return of £2.88. And according to Community Leisure UK Wales, leisure trusts create £101 of social value per person using their facilities and services, which is measured through savings to the NHS, reduced crime levels and improved mental and physical health of communities.
However, we heard that insufficient emphasis is placed on social value when local authorities determine how best to deliver leisure and library services. We want to see Welsh Government working with councils to consider what social value outcomes they want to achieve through public leisure and library services, and design and deliver services accordingly. Having up-to-date, Wales-specific data on social value that is shared with local authorities would help them make informed decisions about service delivery. We are therefore grateful that Welsh Government accepted our calls for collating and analysing social value and return on investment of library and leisure services.
Dirprwy Lywydd, we also looked at the increased use of community hubs, whereby local authorities are co-locating some of their services to save on costs and to improve accessibility. We heard that, to date, evidence suggests that co-location may have increased the use of services, reduced costs and contributed to the resilience of services. However, we also heard of challenges in co-locating services in rural areas due to transport issues. Those issues, including community transport, should be a key consideration in any decision to co-locate. As hubs are a relatively new innovation, we recommend that the Welsh Government continues to monitor and evaluate their success, and that findings are shared with local authorities in order to inform their decision making. We believe that local authorities must adopt an intelligent approach to decision making on co-location, particularly in relation to library services.
And as is so important in the current context, we looked at the financial and operational challenges currently facing local authorities and delivery partners to maintain these vital services. Rising energy costs have had a significant impact on leisure facilities in particular, especially those with swimming pools. Leisure and library services are in need of immediate support to help them navigate the current crisis. We recommended that the Welsh Government allocates the £3.5 million it will receive in consequential funding to swimming pools, especially those that may be unviable without additional support.
We also endorsed the recommendation made by the culture committee in its November 2022 report on increasing costs and the impact on culture and sport. That committee recommended that the Welsh Government should provide additional targeted funding to the sports and cultural sectors to help venues and organisations that face closure, but have a sustainable future beyond the immediate crisis. We are disappointed with the Welsh Government’s response in relation to additional financial support to help leisure and library services deal with the current cost pressures.
We were also concerned to hear that the cost-of-living crisis is having an impact on participation levels in sport. The cost of swimming lessons has doubled since the pandemic, making it unaffordable for some families, particularly those on lower incomes. We were surprised and disappointed to hear that only 50 per cent of primary schools in Wales take part in school swimming, and that some schools with pools may not even deliver those lessons. Given the increased costs, it is more important than ever that children have free lessons in school time, especially as swimming and water safety are life skills. We asked the Welsh Government to update us on how it is addressing these issues and how it is working with leisure providers on strategy. Welsh Government refers to statutory guidance within the curriculum for Wales that schools must consider. And this includes learners engaging in physical activity, including within water. I also note that Welsh Government officials are working with Swim Wales to support schools and local authorities with their swimming offer.
While there are immediate financial hurdles for councils and delivery partners to navigate, there are also longer term challenges, particularly in relation to decarbonisation. A clear need for substantial investment in the decarbonisation and modernisation of leisure and library facilities exists, and current funding simply does not go far enough. We are concerned that decarbonisation appears to be less of a priority compared to other local authority services, such as the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme. And we do believe that all sectors deserve this support. Dirprwy Lywydd, while we were pleased with the Welsh Government accepting our recommendation that it should invest in supporting the decarbonisation and refurbishment of leisure and library services across Wales, there does need to be significant scale and urgency to that programme.
In conclusion, Dirprwy Lywydd, the importance of library and leisure services to our communities, and the wider social benefits they provide, cannot be underestimated and cannot be overstated. They deserve meaningful investment as a matter of urgency.
Fe wnaethom archwilio'r modelau cyflenwi gwasanaeth amrywiol a ddefnyddir a'u manteision a'u hanfanteision. Roedd neges glir na ddylai fod un ateb sy'n addas i bawb. Bydd modelau gwahanol yn addas ar gyfer gwahanol awdurdodau lleol, yn dibynnu ar ddaearyddiaeth, anghenion y gymuned, adnoddau a llawer o ffactorau eraill. Rydym yn cytuno mai mater i awdurdodau lleol yw penderfynu pa fodel cyflenwi sy’n addas iddyn nhw. Fodd bynnag, hoffem weld mwy o rannu arferion da a phrofiadau. Felly, fe wnaethom alw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i weithio gydag awdurdodau lleol i gefnogi hyn, ac rwy'n croesawu'r ffaith bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi derbyn yr argymhelliad hwn.
Clywsom am werth cymdeithasol sylweddol gwasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd. Dywedodd Chwaraeon Cymru wrthym fod elw cymdeithasol o £2.88 am bob £1 a werir ar chwaraeon. Ac yn ôl Community Leisure UK Cymru, mae ymddiriedolaethau hamdden yn creu £101 o werth cymdeithasol am bob unigolyn sy'n defnyddio eu cyfleusterau a’u gwasanaethau, sy’n cael ei fesur drwy arbedion i’r GIG, lefelau troseddu is a gwell iechyd meddyliol a chorfforol cymunedau.
Fodd bynnag, clywsom na roddir digon o bwyslais ar werth cymdeithasol pan fydd awdurdodau lleol yn penderfynu ar y ffordd orau o ddarparu gwasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd. Rydym am weld Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithio gyda chynghorau i ystyried pa ganlyniadau gwerth cymdeithasol y maent am eu cyflawni drwy wasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd cyhoeddus, a llunio a darparu gwasanaethau yn unol â hynny. Byddai cael data cyfredol, penodol i Gymru ar werth cymdeithasol i'w rannu ag awdurdodau lleol yn eu helpu i wneud penderfyniadau gwybodus am ddarparu gwasanaethau. Rydym yn ddiolchgar, felly, fod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi derbyn ein galwadau i goladu a dadansoddi gwerth cymdeithasol ac elw ar fuddsoddiad mewn gwasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd.
Ddirprwy Lywydd, buom hefyd yn edrych ar y defnydd cynyddol o hybiau cymunedol, lle mae awdurdodau lleol yn cydleoli rhai o'u gwasanaethau er mwyn arbed costau a gwella hygyrchedd. Hyd yma, clywsom fod tystiolaeth yn awgrymu y gallai cydleoli fod wedi cynyddu’r defnydd o wasanaethau, lleihau costau a chyfrannu at gadernid gwasanaethau. Fodd bynnag, clywsom hefyd am heriau o ran cydleoli gwasanaethau mewn ardaloedd gwledig oherwydd problemau trafnidiaeth. Dylai’r materion hynny, gan gynnwys trafnidiaeth gymunedol, fod yn ystyriaeth allweddol mewn unrhyw benderfyniad i gydleoli. Gan fod hybiau'n ddatblygiad cymharol newydd, rydym yn argymell bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn parhau i fonitro a gwerthuso eu llwyddiant, a bod y canfyddiadau’n cael eu rhannu ag awdurdodau lleol er mwyn llywio eu penderfyniadau. Credwn fod yn rhaid i awdurdodau lleol fabwysiadu dull deallus o wneud penderfyniadau ar gydleoli, yn enwedig mewn perthynas â gwasanaethau llyfrgell.
Ac fel sydd mor bwysig yn y cyd-destun presennol, fe wnaethom edrych ar yr heriau ariannol a gweithredol sy’n wynebu awdurdodau lleol a phartneriaid cyflawni ar hyn o bryd i gynnal y gwasanaethau hanfodol hyn. Mae costau ynni cynyddol wedi cael effaith sylweddol ar gyfleusterau hamdden yn arbennig, yn enwedig y rheini â phyllau nofio. Mae angen cymorth ar unwaith ar wasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd i'w helpu i ymdopi â'r argyfwng presennol. Fe wnaethom argymell bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn dyrannu’r £3.5 miliwn y bydd yn ei gael mewn cyllid canlyniadol i byllau nofio, yn enwedig y rheini a allai fod yn anhyfyw heb gymorth ychwanegol.
Hefyd, fe wnaethom gymeradwyo’r argymhelliad a wnaed gan y pwyllgor diwylliant yn ei adroddiad ym mis Tachwedd 2022 ar gostau cynyddol a’r effaith ar ddiwylliant a chwaraeon. Argymhellodd y pwyllgor hwnnw y dylai Llywodraeth Cymru ddarparu cyllid ychwanegol wedi’i dargedu at y sectorau chwaraeon a diwylliannol i helpu lleoliadau a sefydliadau sy’n wynebu gorfod cau, ond sydd â dyfodol cynaliadwy y tu hwnt i’r argyfwng uniongyrchol. Rydym yn siomedig ynghylch ymateb Llywodraeth Cymru mewn perthynas â chymorth ariannol ychwanegol i helpu gwasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd i ymdopi â’r pwysau ariannol presennol.
Roedd hi hefyd yn flin gennym glywed bod yr argyfwng costau byw yn cael effaith ar lefelau cyfranogiad mewn chwaraeon. Mae cost gwersi nofio wedi dyblu ers y pandemig, sy'n eu gwneud yn anfforddiadwy i rai teuluoedd, yn enwedig y rheini ar incwm is. Roeddem yn synnu ac yn siomedig o glywed mai dim ond 50 y cant o ysgolion cynradd Cymru sy’n darparu gwersi nofio, ac nad yw rhai ysgolion a chanddynt byllau nofio hyd yn oed yn darparu'r gwersi hynny. O ystyried y costau cynyddol, mae'n bwysicach nag erioed fod plant yn cael gwersi am ddim yn ystod amser ysgol, yn enwedig gan fod nofio a diogelwch dŵr yn sgiliau bywyd. Fe wnaethom ofyn i Lywodraeth Cymru roi’r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i ni ynglŷn â sut mae’n mynd i’r afael â’r materion hyn a sut mae’n gweithio gyda darparwyr hamdden ar strategaeth. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cyfeirio at ganllawiau statudol o fewn y cwricwlwm i Gymru y mae'n rhaid i ysgolion eu hystyried. Ac mae hyn yn cynnwys dysgwyr yn cymryd rhan mewn gweithgarwch corfforol, gan gynnwys yn y dŵr. Nodaf hefyd fod swyddogion Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithio gyda Nofio Cymru i gefnogi ysgolion ac awdurdodau lleol gyda’u cynnig nofio.
Er bod cynghorau a phartneriaid cyflawni yn wynebu rhwystrau ariannol uniongyrchol, ceir heriau mwy hirdymor hefyd, yn enwedig mewn perthynas â datgarboneiddio. Mae angen amlwg am fuddsoddiad sylweddol yn y gwaith o ddatgarboneiddio a moderneiddio cyfleusterau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd, ac nid yw’r cyllid presennol yn mynd yn ddigon pell. Rydym yn pryderu bod datgarboneiddio, yn ôl pob golwg, yn llai o flaenoriaeth o gymharu â gwasanaethau eraill awdurdodau lleol, megis rhaglen Cymunedau Dysgu Cynaliadwy. Ac rydym yn credu bod pob sector yn haeddu'r cymorth hwn. Ddirprwy Lywydd, er ein bod yn falch fod Llywodraeth Cymru yn derbyn ein hargymhelliad y dylai fuddsoddi mewn cefnogi datgarboneiddio ac adnewyddu gwasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd ledled Cymru, mae angen i'r rhaglen honno fod ar raddfa fawr ac mae angen ei rhoi ar waith ar frys.
I gloi, Ddirprwy Lywydd, ni ellir tanbrisio na gorbwysleisio pwysigrwydd gwasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd i'n cymunedau, a'r manteision cymdeithasol ehangach y maent yn eu darparu. Maent yn haeddu buddsoddiad ystyrlon fel mater o frys.
Can I begin by thanking my colleague and committee Chair, John Griffiths, for opening this debate, and all those who have been responsible for producing this report on local authority library and leisure services? I'm pleased to see that a large number of recommendations have been accepted, or accepted in principle, by the Minister. In my remarks today, I want to pick up on two that have been rejected.
The first is recommendation 13, that the Welsh Government should provide targeted funding for those venues and organisations that face closure but have a sustainable future. I understand that the Welsh Government will not commit to providing additional funding. However, I would like to raise that there is an element of false economy here. If we let venues and organisations close, not only will it take even more funding later on to reopen them, we will also lose trained staff, who often have valuable and considerable experience. Replacing these would not only be very hard, but would more often than not come at a considerable expense, especially when you take into account retraining costs. Moreover, losing venues such as libraries and leisure centres has an immeasurable impact on the community, both in the short term and long term, on their health and well-being and their sense of identity, and we should be very aware that there's a wider economic fallout when venues close. People are less likely to travel to an area when there are fewer amenities on offer, and the fallout can be directly felt by local businesses, who consequently see a drop in footfall.
The war in Ukraine will eventually come to an end, and market forces will correct the higher energy costs, food prices and fuel prices we are currently experiencing. We have seen inflation fall considerably in recent months, and there's very good reason to believe that we will soon see inflation return to target levels. It therefore seems rather shortsighted to allow venues to close that have a long-term future, simply because short-term financing will not be provided by the Welsh Government. The obvious counter-argument is where does the Welsh Government get this money from, but I would argue that the Welsh Government needs to think creatively about how it can possibly use its position to act as a guarantor for public venues to raise investment by themselves.
The second recommendation I'm disappointed to see rejected is No. 15. I think the Welsh Government should develop and work with leisure providers on a strategy to encourage primary schools to provide free swimming lessons. It is not enough to say that you agree with the intention but are mindful of the current financial position of schools. I'm sure it is clear to everyone here that if you cannot be bothered even to start thinking about how every primary school could provide swimming lessons, then free swimming lessons are never, ever going to be available to all primary school children. Learning to swim is more that just being able to do a specific physical activity; it has been shown that swimming is a life skill that directly influences people's confidence and self-esteem. The provision for swimming is patchy at best, and whilst I can see that school finances are under pressure, it isn't right to say that you're not even going to start planning a future strategy. Swimming facilities that are owned and operated by the council should have a duty to make available time for schools, at either reduced rates or free, and this doesn't necessarily have to be during the school day. To save on bus travel, schools could ask parents to take their children directly to leisure centres at the beginning of the day, or have lessons after school, whereby parents could collect their children directly from the leisure centres. I honestly believe that there needs to be more creative thinking on how to solve some of these problems, rather than just saying that more money is needed.
Dirprwy Lywydd, I don't feel the need to expand on the accepted recommendations in this report, because I feel that they speak for themselves. I'm glad that the Welsh Government has accepted such a large number of them, and I look forward to them being actioned. But the Welsh Government can do much, much more. Thank you.
A gaf fi ddechrau drwy ddiolch i fy nghyd-Aelod a Chadeirydd y pwyllgor, John Griffiths, am agor y ddadl hon, a phawb a fu'n gyfrifol am gynhyrchu’r adroddiad hwn ar wasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd awdurdodau lleol? Rwy’n falch o weld bod nifer fawr o argymhellion wedi’u derbyn, neu eu derbyn mewn egwyddor, gan y Gweinidog. Yn fy sylwadau heddiw, hoffwn drafod dau sydd wedi cael eu gwrthod.
Y cyntaf yw argymhelliad 13, sef y dylai Llywodraeth Cymru roi cyllid ychwanegol wedi’i dargedu i’r lleoliadau a'r sefydliadau sy’n wynebu’r posibilrwydd o orfod cau ond sydd â dyfodol cynaliadwy. Deallaf na fydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn ymrwymo i ddarparu cyllid ychwanegol. Fodd bynnag, hoffwn nodi bod elfen o economi ffug yma. Os byddwn yn gadael i leoliadau a sefydliadau gau, nid yn unig bydd galw am fwy byth o gyllid i’w hailagor yn nes ymlaen, ond byddwn hefyd yn colli staff hyfforddedig, sydd â phrofiad gwerthfawr a sylweddol yn aml. Byddai cyflogi staff newydd yn eu lle nid yn unig yn anodd iawn, ond yn amlach na pheidio, byddai’n ddrud iawn, yn enwedig pan ystyriwch gostau ailhyfforddi. Ar ben hynny, mae colli lleoliadau fel llyfrgelloedd a chanolfannau hamdden yn cael effaith anfesuradwy ar y gymuned, yn y tymor byr a’r tymor hir, ar eu hiechyd a’u lles a’u hymdeimlad o hunaniaeth, a dylem fod yn ymwybodol iawn fod effaith economaidd ehangach pan fydd lleoliadau'n cau. Mae pobl yn llai tebygol o deithio i ardal lle mae llai o amwynderau ar gael, a gall hynny arwain at effaith uniongyrchol ar fusnesau lleol, sy'n dioddef gostyngiad yn nifer yr ymwelwyr o ganlyniad.
Bydd y rhyfel yn Wcráin yn dod i ben yn y pen draw, a bydd grymoedd y farchnad yn unioni'r costau ynni, bwyd a thanwydd uwch rydym yn eu hwynebu ar hyn o bryd. Rydym wedi gweld chwyddiant yn gostwng yn sylweddol dros y misoedd diwethaf, ac mae rheswm da iawn i gredu y byddwn yn gweld chwyddiant yn dychwelyd i lefelau targed cyn bo hir. Ymddengys braidd yn fyrbwyll, felly, i ganiatáu i leoliadau sydd â dyfodol hirdymor gau, ddim ond am na fydd cyllid tymor byr yn cael ei ddarparu gan Lywodraeth Cymru. Yr wrthddadl amlwg yw o ble fydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn cael yr arian hwn, ond buaswn yn dadlau bod angen i Lywodraeth Cymru feddwl yn greadigol ynghylch sut y gall ddefnyddio ei statws o bosibl i weithredu fel gwarantwr i leoliadau cyhoeddus godi buddsoddiad drostynt eu hunain.
Yr ail argymhelliad rwy’n siomedig o'i weld yn cael ei wrthod yw Rhif 15. Credaf y dylai Llywodraeth Cymru ddatblygu a gweithio gyda darparwyr hamdden ar strategaeth i annog ysgolion cynradd i ddarparu gwersi nofio am ddim. Nid yw’n ddigon dweud eich bod yn cytuno â’r bwriad ond eich bod yn ymwybodol o sefyllfa ariannol bresennol ysgolion. Rwy'n siŵr ei bod yn amlwg i bawb yma, os na allwch drafferthu dechrau meddwl sut y gallai pob ysgol gynradd ddarparu gwersi nofio, ni fydd gwersi nofio am ddim byth ar gael i bob plentyn ysgol gynradd. Mae dysgu nofio yn fwy na gallu gwneud gweithgarwch corfforol penodol yn unig; dangoswyd bod nofio'n sgìl bywyd sy'n dylanwadu'n uniongyrchol ar hyder a hunan-barch pobl. Mae’r ddarpariaeth ar gyfer nofio yn dameidiog ar y gorau, ac er y gallaf weld bod cyllid ysgolion dan bwysau, nid yw’n iawn dweud nad ydych hyd yn oed yn mynd i ddechrau cynllunio strategaeth ar gyfer y dyfodol. Dylai fod dyletswydd ar gyfleusterau nofio y mae'r cyngor yn berchen arnynt ac yn eu gweithredu i sicrhau bod amser ar gael i ysgolion, naill ai am bris gostyngol neu am ddim, ac nid oes rhaid i hyn fod yn ystod y diwrnod ysgol o reidrwydd. Er mwyn arbed ar deithio ar fysiau, gallai ysgolion ofyn i rieni fynd â’u plant yn syth i ganolfannau hamdden ar ddechrau’r dydd, neu gael gwersi ar ôl ysgol, lle gallai rhieni gasglu eu plant yn uniongyrchol o’r canolfannau hamdden. Rwy'n credu'n wirioneddol fod angen meddwl yn fwy creadigol ynglŷn â sut i ddatrys rhai o’r problemau hyn, yn hytrach na dim ond dweud bod angen mwy o arian.
Ddirprwy Lywydd, nid wyf yn teimlo bod angen ymhelaethu ar yr argymhellion a gafodd eu derbyn yn yr adroddiad hwn, gan y teimlaf eu bod yn siarad drostynt eu hunain. Rwy’n falch fod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi derbyn nifer mor fawr ohonynt, ac edrychaf ymlaen at eu gweld yn cael eu gweithredu. Ond gall Llywodraeth Cymru wneud llawer iawn mwy. Diolch.
The importance of libraries and leisure services to communities right across Wales cannot be overstated. They're often used as warm hubs, well-being centres, to access information about services, and links to online information. They've become more vibrant community facilities and hubs of activity over recent years, and librarians are being asked to be multiskilled advisers, delivering a variety of services. We discussed if this is acceptable for a librarian who is highly skilled and that that skill may be lost.
Leisure centres provide vital services. Learning to swim is a life skill, and it is a concern, according to Swim Wales, that only 52 per cent of children moving to high school have this life-saving skill. Aura Wales explained that one of the main challenges is
'trying to explain to people who have other budgetary demands that we can save you money. So, we do save...the public health service, the police, in terms of anti-social behaviour, and local authorities in terms of some of their social services'.
Access can be an issue. North Wales and rural areas are particularly affected because of lag and the cost of public transport to access services. Schools are struggling to take children for swimming lessons because of the cost of public transport, and Councillor Carwyn Jones of Anglesey council said it would be difficult to set up an alternative delivery model in such areas. And it's often those from disadvantaged backgrounds who are impacted the most regarding affordability, which is a huge concern to both committees I'm a member of.
I know the Welsh Government set out in its response to recommendations that it will continue to work with community transport partners to improve accessibility. A decade of austerity, with cuts in local authority budgets, and rising energy costs, has caused leisure centres and libraries to be fragile. Many pools, leisure centres and libraries were changed to alternative operating models during this time, as councils restructured and reorganised to try to save money. But many of them are still receiving core funding from councils, as they are not self-sustainable. It's enabled them to apply for grants and receive rebates depending on their status. Councillor Rob Stewart from Swansea noted that the local government settlement, despite being more than was expected, is still well below inflation, and the inflation has caused huge pressures. He said that in most councils education and social care will take the majority of the budget, so you've got to try and cover all of your other services with what's left. Employment can be difficult, as the jobs are not well paid and volunteers are in short supply. Aura Wales in Flintshire also noted that there are costs associated with bringing people into the sector in terms of paying for qualifications, such as national pool lifeguard, and swimming teachers. The cost-of-living crisis has also impacted on people returning to use leisure centres post COVID, and rising energy costs have had a big impact on leisure facilities, as swimming pools are expensive to heat and were left out of the UK Government's energy discount scheme last year.
Among the statutory requirements on councils is a duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for everyone wishing to make use of the facility. It also requires councils to ensure adequate stock and availability of books and encourage full use of the library service. However, the Act does not define what a comprehensive and efficient library is, leaving some scope for interpretation by councils. There were discussions about strengthening the Act, but it also has to be flexible for library services still to be delivered. I am pleased that the Welsh Government has agreed to explore this recommendation further and update the committee in due course.
The Welsh Government is facing a very challenging financial situation in the context of economic chaos caused by the Conservative UK Government, as well as councils delivering these important services. I would like to see additional support coming through from the UK Government to support these fragile but vital services through this most difficult period. Thank you.
Ni ellir gorbwysleisio pwysigrwydd gwasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd i gymunedau ledled Cymru. Maent yn aml yn cael eu defnyddio fel canolfannau clyd, canolfannau lles, i gael mynediad at wybodaeth am wasanaethau, a dolenni i wybodaeth ar-lein. Maent wedi dod yn gyfleusterau cymunedol mwy bywiog ac yn hybiau gweithgarwch dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf, a gofynnir i lyfrgellwyr fod yn gynghorwyr amlsgiliau, gan ddarparu amrywiaeth o wasanaethau. Buom yn trafod a yw hyn yn dderbyniol i lyfrgellydd medrus iawn, ac y gallai’r sgìl hwnnw gael ei golli.
Mae canolfannau hamdden yn darparu gwasanaethau hanfodol. Mae dysgu nofio'n sgìl bywyd, ac mae’n destun pryder, yn ôl Nofio Cymru, mai dim ond 52 y cant o blant sy’n dechrau yn yr ysgol uwchradd sydd â’r sgìl hwn a allai achub eu bywyd. Eglurodd Aura Cymru mai un o'r prif heriau yw
'ceisio esbonio i bobl sydd â gofynion cyllidebol eraill y gallwn arbed arian i chi. Felly, rydym yn arbed arian… i'r gwasanaeth iechyd cyhoeddus, i'r heddlu, o ran ymddygiad gwrthgymdeithasol, ac awdurdodau lleol o ran rhai o'u gwasanaethau cymdeithasol'.
Gall mynediad fod yn broblem. Effeithir yn arbennig ar ogledd Cymru ac ardaloedd gwledig oherwydd oedi a chost trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus i gael mynediad at wasanaethau. Mae ysgolion yn ei chael hi'n anodd mynd â phlant am wersi nofio oherwydd diffyg trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus a'i chost, a dywedodd y Cynghorydd Carwyn Jones o gyngor Ynys Môn y byddai’n anodd sefydlu model darparu amgen mewn ardaloedd o’r fath. Ac yn aml, y rheini o gefndiroedd difreintiedig sy'n cael eu heffeithio fwyaf o ran fforddiadwyedd, sy'n destun pryder enfawr i'r ddau bwyllgor rwy'n aelod ohonynt.
Gwn fod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi nodi yn ei hymateb i'r argymhellion y bydd yn parhau i weithio gyda phartneriaid trafnidiaeth gymunedol i wella hygyrchedd. Mae degawd o gyni, gyda thoriadau yng nghyllidebau awdurdodau lleol, a chostau ynni cynyddol, wedi peri i ganolfannau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd fod yn fregus. Newidiwyd llawer o byllau nofio, canolfannau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd i fodelau gweithredu amgen yn ystod y cyfnod hwn, wrth i gynghorau ailstrwythuro ac ad-drefnu i geisio arbed arian. Ond mae llawer ohonynt yn dal i gael cyllid craidd gan gynghorau, gan nad ydynt yn hunangynhaliol. Mae wedi eu galluogi i wneud cais am grantiau a derbyn ad-daliadau yn dibynnu ar eu statws. Nododd y Cynghorydd Rob Stewart o Abertawe fod y setliad llywodraeth leol, er ei fod yn fwy na’r disgwyl, yn dal yn llawer is na chwyddiant, a bod chwyddiant wedi achosi pwysau aruthrol. Dywedodd y bydd y rhan fwyaf o'r gyllideb yn mynd ar addysg a gofal cymdeithasol yn y rhan fwyaf o gynghorau, felly mae'n rhaid ichi geisio ariannu eich holl wasanaethau eraill â'r hyn sydd ar ôl. Gall cyflogaeth fod yn anodd, gan nad yw'r swyddi'n talu'n dda ac mae gwirfoddolwyr yn brin. Nododd Aura Cymru yn sir y Fflint hefyd fod costau ynghlwm wrth ddod â phobl i mewn i’r sector o ran talu am gymwysterau, megis cymhwyster cenedlaethol achubwr bywydau pwll nofio, ac athrawon nofio. Mae’r argyfwng costau byw hefyd wedi cael effaith ar y niferoedd sy'n dod yn ôl i ddefnyddio canolfannau hamdden ar ôl COVID, ac mae costau ynni cynyddol wedi cael effaith fawr ar gyfleusterau hamdden, gan fod pyllau nofio'n ddrud i’w gwresogi a chawsant eu gadael allan o gynllun gostyngiad mewn biliau ynni Llywodraeth y DU y llynedd.
Ymhlith y gofynion statudol ar gynghorau mae dyletswydd o dan Ddeddf Llyfrgelloedd Cyhoeddus ac Amgueddfeydd 1964 i ddarparu gwasanaeth llyfrgell cynhwysfawr ac effeithlon i bawb sy'n dymuno defnyddio'r cyfleuster. Mae hefyd yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i gynghorau sicrhau stoc ddigonol ac argaeledd llyfrau ac i annog defnydd llawn o'r gwasanaeth llyfrgell. Fodd bynnag, nid yw'r Ddeddf yn diffinio beth yw llyfrgell gynhwysfawr ac effeithlon, gan adael rhywfaint o le i gynghorau ddehongli. Cafwyd trafodaethau ynglŷn â chryfhau’r Ddeddf, ond rhaid iddi fod yn hyblyg hefyd er mwyn gallu parhau i ddarparu gwasanaethau llyfrgell. Rwy’n falch fod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cytuno i archwilio’r argymhelliad hwn ymhellach ac i roi’r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i’r pwyllgor maes o law.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn wynebu sefyllfa ariannol heriol iawn yng nghyd-destun yr anhrefn economaidd a achoswyd gan Lywodraeth Geidwadol y DU, fel y mae'r cynghorau sy’n darparu’r gwasanaethau pwysig hyn. Hoffwn weld cymorth ychwanegol gan Lywodraeth y DU i gefnogi’r gwasanaethau bregus ond hanfodol hyn drwy’r cyfnod hynod anodd hwn. Diolch.
Can I begin by thanking the committee for its important work on this issue? I don't think we will find any disagreement here about the importance and value of both libraries and community facilities and leisure services, in particular. They are the heart of many of our communities and people value them so, so much. It's become evident in your evidence, and we know that from our own regions and constituencies that we represent and from our personal experiences. I'm sure may of us learnt to swim in leisure centres et cetera, and have so much to thank both libraries and leisure services for for the contribution they make.
We know that they're not just a luxury or nice to have. They're absolutely essential. That's why we saw miners' institutes and welfare halls become so, so important, and acknowledging that role of both books, but also fun and enjoyment. And what we're talking about here is actually supporting people's health and well-being, mental health, as well as core skills, and we're talking about the prevention agenda in terms of health as well. Leisure services are absolutely essential. And, for many people, whom we know struggle at home with homework for a whole variety of different reasons—it may be that you don't have a quiet space at home or you're not supported—libraries are really valuable for children and young people, and, in terms of tackling poverty, so, so important. So, I don't think there's a debate here about why we need them and how important they are. The issue, I think, comes down to money, simply. But it's an issue we've been aware of with austerity and so on, and it's become increasingly more difficult for local authorities to provide these services.
One of the things I was reflecting on when reading your report was what consideration was given to the expert review of public libraries that was undertaken nine years ago. And then I revisited 'Scoping a New Future for Welsh Public Libraries' from eight years ago, and many of the recommendations were similar then. Specifically, point 13 mentions
'some of the drawbacks of the 1964 Act'
and, as you rightly saw in the evidence here, there are pluses and minuses in terms of progressing that. But it did recommend then that
'discussion should continue on the perceived benefits of replacing the current Act',
with the acknowledgement that it would take at least three years to resolve. But also the emphasis very much was on ensuring that we provide a future for these community service hubs and so on, and really think about what they are. So, we're going back nine and eight years here, and I think what's perhaps concerning to me is that we haven't perhaps seen that progress. So, I wonder if one of the things that we should be pressing is also what work has happened in the meantime between the publication of these. Are there any plans by Welsh Government to once again commission an expert review of public libraries? Because I just see that we haven't really progressed from that time, and many of the documents relating to public libraries are quite outdated on the Welsh Government's website by now, and there's a lot of work from about a decade ago, rather than now. And I'm glad that you're filling that void through the committee's work, but I do think that we need some specific work here to really understand what's going on. If I may as well, I think that's where I do support the committee, in terms of that 1964 Act, that we need to see really what's going to change and how that's going to be progressed, if it hasn't been to date.
I would also be grateful if the Minister, in her response, could confirm on the record that the seventh Welsh public library framework will be implemented by April 2025, as was indicated in her response to the committee report. But I think we do need that reassurance. We do have difficult decisions coming up, but I think once we lose these we know that they're lost forever, and I think we need to look at the bigger picture. I was disappointed to see the response in terms of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, because I do think this is absolutely crucial and I think the committee was right in that regard. We know that we need to secure these, because they play such a crucial role in meeting those goals. So, I would ask Welsh Government to perhaps reconsider the response to the committee in terms of the future generations Act, because these are crucial and, if we are serious about tackling child poverty, health inequality and so on, then we must find solutions—not just reiterate how important they are but find a way to safeguard them.
A gaf fi ddechrau drwy ddiolch i’r pwyllgor am ei waith pwysig ar y mater hwn? Ni chredaf y deuwn o hyd i unrhyw anghytundeb yma ynghylch pwysigrwydd a gwerth llyfrgelloedd a chyfleusterau cymunedol a gwasanaethau hamdden, yn enwedig. Nhw yw calon llawer o’n cymunedau ac mae pobl yn eu gwerthfawrogi gymaint. Mae hynny wedi dod yn amlwg yn eich tystiolaeth, a gwyddom hynny o'r rhanbarthau a'r etholaethau rydym yn eu cynrychioli ac o'n profiadau personol. Rwy'n siŵr efallai fod lawer ohonom wedi dysgu nofio mewn canolfannau hamdden ac ati, a bod gennym gymaint o le i ddiolch i wasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd am y cyfraniad a wnânt.
Gwyddom nad moethau neu bethau braf i'w cael yn unig mohonynt. Maent yn gwbl hanfodol. Dyna pam y gwelsom sefydliadau glowyr a neuaddau lles yn dod mor bwysig, a chydnabod rôl llyfrau, ond hefyd, hwyl a mwynhad. A'r hyn rydym yn sôn amdano yma yw cefnogi iechyd a lles pobl, iechyd meddwl, yn ogystal â sgiliau craidd, ac rydym yn sôn am yr agenda atal mewn perthynas ag iechyd hefyd. Mae gwasanaethau hamdden yn gwbl hanfodol. Ac i lawer o bobl, y gwyddom eu bod yn cael trafferth gartref gyda gwaith cartref am amrywiaeth eang o wahanol resymau—efallai nad oes gennych le tawel gartref neu efallai nad ydych yn cael cefnogaeth—mae llyfrgelloedd yn werthfawr iawn i blant a phobl ifanc, ac o ran trechu tlodi, maent mor bwysig. Felly, ni chredaf fod dadl yma ynglŷn â pham fod eu hangen arnom a pha mor bwysig ydynt. Credaf fod y broblem, yn syml iawn, yn ymwneud ag arian. Ond mae'n broblem rydym wedi bod yn ymwybodol ohoni gyda chyni ac yn y blaen, ac mae wedi dod yn gynyddol anodd i awdurdodau lleol ddarparu'r gwasanaethau hyn.
Un o’r pethau y bûm yn myfyrio arnynt wrth ddarllen eich adroddiad oedd pa ystyriaeth a roddwyd i’r adolygiad arbenigol o lyfrgelloedd cyhoeddus a gynhaliwyd naw mlynedd yn ôl. Ac wedyn, fe wneuthum ailedrych ar 'Pennu Cwmpas Gwasanaeth Llyfrgelloedd Cyhoeddus Newydd i Gymru' wyth mlynedd yn ôl, ac roedd llawer o'r argymhellion yn debyg bryd hynny. Yn benodol, mae pwynt 13 yn crybwyll
'rhai o anfanteision Deddf 1964'
ac fel y gwelsoch yn gywir ddigon yn y dystiolaeth yma, mae manteision ac anfanteision i fwrw ymlaen â hynny. Ond roedd yn argymell wedyn y
'dylai'r drafodaeth barhau ar fanteision tybiedig disodli'r Ddeddf bresennol',
gan gydnabod y byddai'n cymryd o leiaf dair blynedd i'w wneud. Ond hefyd, roedd y pwyslais ar sicrhau ein bod yn darparu dyfodol i'r hybiau gwasanaethau cymunedol hyn ac yn y blaen, a meddwl o ddifrif ynglŷn â beth ydynt. Felly, rydym yn mynd yn ôl naw ac wyth mlynedd yma, a chredaf mai'r hyn sy'n peri pryder i mi yw nad ydym wedi gweld y cynnydd hwnnw efallai. Felly, tybed ai un o’r pethau y dylem fod yn eu pwysleisio hefyd yw pa waith sydd wedi digwydd yn y cyfamser ers cyhoeddi’r rhain. A oes unrhyw gynlluniau gan Lywodraeth Cymru i gomisiynu adolygiad arbenigol arall o lyfrgelloedd cyhoeddus? Oherwydd rwy'n gweld nad ydym wedi symud ymlaen mewn gwirionedd ers yr adeg honno, ac mae llawer o'r dogfennau sy'n ymwneud â llyfrgelloedd cyhoeddus ar wefan Llywodraeth Cymru wedi dyddio erbyn hyn, ac mae llawer o waith o oddeutu degawd yn ôl, yn hytrach na nawr. Ac rwy'n falch eich bod yn llenwi'r bwlch hwnnw drwy waith y pwyllgor, ond credaf fod angen rhywfaint o waith penodol arnom yma i ddeall yn iawn beth sy'n digwydd. Os caf, hefyd, credaf mai dyna ble rwy’n cefnogi’r pwyllgor, mewn perthynas â Deddf 1964, fod angen inni weld yn iawn beth sy’n mynd i newid a sut y bydd hynny’n cael ei symud ymlaen, os nad yw wedi digwydd hyd yma.
Buaswn hefyd yn ddiolchgar pe gallai’r Gweinidog, yn ei hymateb, gadarnhau y bydd seithfed fframwaith llyfrgelloedd cyhoeddus Cymru yn cael ei roi ar waith erbyn mis Ebrill 2025, fel y nodwyd yn ei hymateb i adroddiad y pwyllgor. Ond credaf fod angen y sicrwydd hwnnw arnom. Mae gennym benderfyniadau anodd i'w gwneud cyn bo hir, ond pan fyddwn yn colli'r rhain, fe wyddom eu bod wedi'u colli am byth, a chredaf fod angen inni edrych ar y darlun ehangach. Roeddwn yn siomedig o weld yr ymateb o ran Deddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau’r Dyfodol (Cymru) 2015, gan y credaf fod hyn yn gwbl hanfodol, a chredaf fod y pwyllgor yn iawn yn hynny o beth. Gwyddom fod angen inni ddiogelu’r rhain, gan eu bod yn chwarae rhan mor hanfodol yn y gwaith o gyflawni'r nodau hynny. Felly, hoffwn ofyn i Lywodraeth Cymru ailystyried yr ymateb i’r pwyllgor o ran Deddf cenedlaethau’r dyfodol efallai, gan fod y rhain yn hollbwysig, ac os ydym o ddifrif ynglŷn â mynd i’r afael â thlodi plant, anghydraddoldeb iechyd ac ati, mae'n rhaid inni ddod o hyd i atebion—nid ailadrodd pa mor bwysig ydynt yn unig, ond dod o hyd i ffordd o'u diogelu.
I just want to start by also thanking those involved in bringing this report together: colleagues on the committee, in particular the Chairman, John Griffiths, for leading us through another committee report process, but of course also those members of staff on the committee who provided us with such useful information.
There is a risk here, as Heledd Fychan just mentioned, that we could break out into unholy agreement on the broader importance of library and leisure services to our communities. I'm certainly grateful to those libraries and leisure services that opened their doors to us as committee members to understand some of the opportunities and challenges in front of them. And they were certainly keen to reiterate the point that has already been mentioned here today, which is the role that those facilities and those people supporting those facilities play in the preventative agenda, especially in terms of both physical and mental health. It's spaces and services like these that clearly have a huge impact on preventing these issues becoming a bigger problem in our communities.
And this became very clear as we heard and saw evidence from those providers during our committee sessions to support this, and it has again been backed up by further information, as the Chairman, John Griffiths, mentioned, from Swim Wales, Community Leisure UK and the Welsh Sports Association. So, the point is on this, and it has already been made, I do understand, that these services must not be seen in isolation. And that's why I think that recommendation 6 within our report is so important. And, Deputy Minister, I'm really pleased that the Government was able to accept this recommendation, alongside others, which reflects that broader point of the importance of libraries and leisure services in supporting the preventative agenda.
I do want to take a moment just to highlight a couple of specific recommendations that I want to bring our attention to. The first is recommendation 12. That recommendation seeks to support the allocation of £3.5 million in consequential funding from the UK Government to support swimming pools in particular, particularly those ones that could be unviable without this much-needed support. That's exactly the point that my colleague Carolyn Thomas made in her contribution, that UK Government funding being passported over to ensure that these facilities can remain sustainable. And I must say I was disappointed that the Welsh Government rejected this recommendation. So, I'd like to be able to hear, perhaps, from the Deputy Minister today an expansion on her reasoning for that, because, as we've already just discussed and people have already highlighted, it's that physical fitness and mental well-being that is vital for people, and swimming is key to that, not only on an individual level, but on a social level for people of all ages as well. That's the beauty of something like swimming. It's accessible right from the very youngest right through to those who are oldest in our communities. Others have already mentioned the importance of developing those essential survival skills as well. So, the sustainability of swimming pools in particular, I think, is really important, and I'd like to hear the Deputy Minister's reasoning for that £3.5 million not being passported over to them.
This general issue of funding, which Heledd Fychan has already mentioned as well, dovetails with recommendation 14. That recommendation states that the Welsh Government updates the committee on what additional financial support it'll provide leisure and library services to support with the energy challenges that they are facing. I think that clarity on that is going to be hugely welcomed by people who use those services and also work in those centres and I'm pleased the Government was able to accept that recommendation, because we need to see some urgency around those energy costs.
I will end by just saying generally I was disappointed the Welsh Government rejected a number of the recommendations. At one level, it makes me slightly proud that as a committee we were able to put enough challenging recommendations to Government that they felt they couldn't meet them all, but I genuinely thought that the recommendations we put forward were fair-minded and evidence-based recommendations, which, after extensive investigation and evidence being received, I thought were recommendations that Welsh Government could agree to. So, I would strongly urge Welsh Government again today to think on the recommendations we've put forward—those that have been rejected—to understand areas that they could support those, perhaps, in the future. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Hoffwn ddechrau drwy ddiolch hefyd i’r rheini a fu’n ymwneud â'r gwaith o lunio'r adroddiad hwn: cyd-aelodau o'r pwyllgor, yn enwedig y Cadeirydd, John Griffiths, am ein harwain drwy broses adroddiad pwyllgor arall, ond wrth gwrs, yr aelodau o staff ar y pwyllgor hefyd a ddarparodd wybodaeth mor ddefnyddiol i ni.
Mae risg yma, fel y soniodd Heledd Fychan nawr, y gallem ddod i ryw fath o gytundeb anfad ynglŷn â phwysigrwydd ehangach gwasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd i’n cymunedau. Rwy'n sicr yn ddiolchgar i'r llyfrgelloedd a'r gwasanaethau hamdden a agorodd eu drysau i ni fel aelodau'r pwyllgor i ddeall rhai o'r cyfleoedd a'r heriau y maent yn eu hwynebu. Ac roeddent yn sicr yn awyddus i ailadrodd y pwynt sydd eisoes wedi'i grybwyll yma heddiw, sef y rhan y mae'r cyfleusterau hynny a'r bobl sy'n cefnogi'r cyfleusterau hynny yn ei chwarae yn yr agenda ataliol, yn enwedig iechyd corfforol a meddyliol fel ei gilydd. Mae lleoedd a gwasanaethau fel y rhain yn amlwg yn cael effaith enfawr ar atal y pethau hyn rhag dod yn fwy o broblem yn ein cymunedau.
A daeth hyn yn glir iawn wrth inni glywed a gweld tystiolaeth gan y darparwyr hynny yn ystod ein sesiynau pwyllgor i gefnogi hyn, ac mae wedi'i ategu eto gan ragor o wybodaeth, fel y soniodd y Cadeirydd, John Griffiths, gan Nofio Cymru, Community Leisure UK a Chymdeithas Chwaraeon Cymru. Felly, y pwynt yw, ac fe'i gwnaed eisoes, rwy'n deall, na ddylid ystyried y gwasanaethau hyn ar eu pen eu hunain. A dyna pam y credaf fod argymhelliad 6 yn ein hadroddiad mor bwysig. A Ddirprwy Weinidog, rwy'n falch iawn fod y Llywodraeth wedi gallu derbyn yr argymhelliad hwn, ynghyd ag eraill sy'n adlewyrchu'r pwynt ehangach ynghylch pwysigrwydd gwasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd i gefnogi'r agenda ataliol.
Hoffwn roi eiliad i dynnu ein sylw at un neu ddau o argymhellion penodol. Y cyntaf yw argymhelliad 12. Mae’r argymhelliad hwnnw’n cefnogi'r dyraniad o £3.5 miliwn mewn cyllid canlyniadol gan Lywodraeth y DU i gefnogi pyllau nofio yn arbennig, yn enwedig y rhai a allai fod yn anhyfyw heb y cymorth mawr ei angen hwn. Dyna’n union y pwynt a wnaeth fy nghyd-Aelod, Carolyn Thomas, yn ei chyfraniad, sef bod cyllid Llywodraeth y DU yn cael ei basbortio i sicrhau y gall y cyfleusterau hyn barhau i fod yn gynaliadwy. Ac mae'n rhaid imi ddweud fy mod yn siomedig fod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi gwrthod yr argymhelliad hwn. Felly, hoffwn eglurhad, efallai, gan y Dirprwy Weinidog heddiw ynglŷn â'i rhesymeg dros hynny, oherwydd, fel rydym newydd ei drafod ac fel y mae pobl eisoes wedi tynnu sylw ato, mae ffitrwydd corfforol a lles meddyliol yn hanfodol i bobl, ac mae nofio'n allweddol i hynny, nid yn unig ar lefel unigol, ond ar lefel gymdeithasol i bobl o bob oed hefyd. Dyna wychder rhywbeth fel nofio. Mae'n hygyrch i'r rhai ieuengaf a'r rhai hynaf yn ein cymunedau. Mae eraill eisoes wedi sôn am bwysigrwydd datblygu sgiliau goroesi hanfodol hefyd. Felly, rwy'n credu bod cynaliadwyedd pyllau nofio, yn enwedig, yn wirioneddol bwysig, a hoffwn glywed rhesymeg y Dirprwy Weinidog dros beidio â phasbortio'r £3.5 miliwn hwnnw iddynt.
Mae mater cyffredinol cyllid, y mae Heledd Fychan eisoes wedi’i grybwyll hefyd, yn berthnasol iawn i argymhelliad 14. Mae’r argymhelliad hwnnw’n nodi bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn diweddaru’r pwyllgor ar ba gymorth ariannol ychwanegol y bydd yn ei ddarparu i wasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd i ymdrin â’r heriau ynni y maent yn eu hwynebu. Credaf y caiff eglurder ar hynny ei groesawu’n fawr gan y bobl sy’n defnyddio’r gwasanaethau hynny ac sy'n gweithio yn y canolfannau hynny, ac rwy’n falch fod y Llywodraeth wedi gallu derbyn yr argymhelliad hwnnw, gan fod angen inni weld mwy o frys ynghylch costau ynni.
Rwyf am gloi drwy ddweud, yn gyffredinol, fy mod yn siomedig fod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi gwrthod nifer o’r argymhellion. Ar un lefel, mae’n fy ngwneud ychydig yn falch ein bod ni fel pwyllgor wedi gallu cyflwyno digon o argymhellion heriol i’r Llywodraeth fel eu bod yn teimlo na allent dderbyn pob un ohonynt, ond roeddwn yn credu o ddifrif fod yr argymhellion a gyflwynwyd gennym yn deg ac yn seiliedig ar dystiolaeth, ac yn argymhellion, yn dilyn cryn dipyn o ymchwil a thystiolaeth, y gallai Llywodraeth Cymru eu derbyn, yn fy marn i. Felly, hoffwn annog Llywodraeth Cymru yn gryf unwaith eto heddiw i feddwl am yr argymhellion rydym wedi'u cyflwyno—y rhai sydd wedi'u gwrthod—i ddeall meysydd y gallent eu cefnogi, efallai, yn y dyfodol. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Firstly, I'd like to put on record my thanks to the Chair, the clerking and research team, and my fellow committee members for their work on this important area. We're really grateful to all those who took time to give evidence to us all around Wales.
The earlier young people have the opportunity to visit a leisure provider or provision or a library, the better. With the public health challenges ahead, it's crucial that all communities have access to good-quality affordable leisure facilities. They really do have a major role to play. Newport Live have been doing excellent work in my constituency, constantly innovating and making use of the space in the city, most recently, with the opening of the new affordable tennis courts at Tredegar Park and the introduction of tennis sessions for all ages. However, I'm going to concentrate most of my contribution this afternoon on libraries.
The first library that I went to as a child was Maindee library. I cannot emphasise enough the impact going to those public facilities had when I was growing up. I spent a lot of my childhood at the Maindee Baths swimming pool, and my love of books and reading is very much part of my life today, thanks to Maindee and central libraries. Through the dedication and commitment and perseverance of volunteers, Maindee library was transferred from the local authority to the community, keeping it alive, and it remains very much at the heart of that community in my good friend John Griffiths's constituency. In my constituency of Newport West, we've seen the excellent example of Cwtsh, which again was transferred from the local authority to a community group, who run it as a community space with a fantastic children's library section. Remaining in local authority control in my constituency, we have Malpas, Rogerstone and Bettws libraries. These are really important in making sure these services are close to people—something that's important in terms of being able to access all of those services.
I'm also proud to have Newport Museum and Art Gallery and the central library in my constituency, and this is an example where we have recently seen council services move into the building in order to pool their costs. The challenge here, however, will be how to attract more people up those stairs to visit the library. I think that will be important, and that's why I think recommendation 10 will be useful in terms of monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of co-locations in Wales, and sharing the findings with local authorities. Libraries are a warm, safe space for people of all ages, from reading groups to providing support with curricula vitae, and much, much more. As Unison Cymru said in their evidence, it's access to books that you don't have to pay for, so it provides that equal platform for communities.
I'd also like to put on record my thanks to the librarian workforce, who work tirelessly to share their passion for books with those who visit. Although they're being asked to do more and more, they often know people by name, sometimes see people who are struggling at difficult times in their lives and, of course, enjoy recommending books. As we've heard from the Chair, leisure and library services have often had some of the steepest cuts to budgets. We know that these are really difficult financial times, but there is a need to strengthen statutory and policy frameworks to protect what I believe are vital services. That's why recommendation 8 is so important, recommending that the Welsh Government, in collaboration with local government partners, undertake regular analysis and publication of Wales-specific data on the social-value return on investment and delivery of both leisure and library services.
Nicky Wire from the Manic Street Preachers took inspiration from the former Pill library in my constituency, which still has above its door, 'Knowledge is power'. Libraries certainly do give us power, and long may that continue.
Yn gyntaf, hoffwn gofnodi fy niolch i'r Cadeirydd, y tîm clercio ac ymchwil, a fy nghyd-aelodau ar y pwyllgor am eu gwaith ar y maes pwysig hwn. Rydym yn wirioneddol ddiolchgar i bawb a roddodd eu hamser i roi tystiolaeth i ni ledled Cymru.
Gorau po gyntaf y caiff pobl ifanc gyfle i ymweld â darparwr neu ddarpariaeth hamdden neu lyfrgell. Gyda'r heriau iechyd cyhoeddus sy'n ein hwynebu, mae'n hanfodol fod pob cymuned yn gallu manteisio ar gyfleusterau hamdden fforddiadwy o ansawdd da. Mae ganddynt ran bwysig i'w chwarae. Mae Casnewydd Fyw wedi bod yn gwneud gwaith rhagorol yn fy etholaeth, yn arloesi’n gyson a gwneud defnydd o’r mannau sydd ar gael yn y ddinas, yn fwyaf diweddar gydag agor y cyrtiau tenis fforddiadwy newydd ym Mharc Tredegar a chyflwyno sesiynau tennis i bob oed. Fodd bynnag, bydd y rhan fwyaf o fy nghyfraniad y prynhawn yma'n canolbwyntio ar lyfrgelloedd.
Y llyfrgell gyntaf imi fynd iddi yn blentyn oedd llyfrgell Maendy. Ni allaf bwysleisio digon yr effaith a gafodd mynd i’r cyfleusterau cyhoeddus hynny arnaf pan oeddwn yn tyfu i fyny. Treuliais lawer o fy mhlentyndod ym mhwll nofio Maendy, ac mae fy nghariad at lyfrau a darllen yn rhan fawr iawn o fy mywyd heddiw, diolch i lyfrgell Maendy a'r llyfrgell ganolog. Drwy ymroddiad ac ymrwymiad a dyfalbarhad gwirfoddolwyr, trosglwyddwyd llyfrgell Maendy o ddwylo’r awdurdod lleol i’r gymuned, gan ei chadw’n fyw, ac mae’n parhau i fod wrth galon y gymuned honno yn etholaeth fy nghyfaill, John Griffiths. Yn fy etholaeth i, Gorllewin Casnewydd, rydym wedi gweld enghraifft wych Cwtsh, a drosglwyddwyd, unwaith eto, o ddwylo’r awdurdod lleol i grŵp cymunedol, sy’n ei redeg fel gofod cymunedol gydag adran lyfrgell plant wych. Yn dal i fod dan reolaeth yr awdurdod lleol yn fy etholaeth, mae gennym lyfrgelloedd Malpas, Tŷ-du a Betws. Mae'r rhain yn bwysig iawn yn sicrhau bod y gwasanaethau hyn yn agos at bobl—rhywbeth sy'n bwysig i allu cael mynediad at bob un o'r gwasanaethau hynny.
Rwyf hefyd yn falch o gael Amgueddfa ac Oriel Gelf Casnewydd a’r llyfrgell ganolog yn fy etholaeth, a dyma enghraifft lle rydym wedi gweld gwasanaethau’r cyngor yn symud i mewn i’r adeilad yn ddiweddar er mwyn rhannu costau. Yr her yma, fodd bynnag, fydd sut i ddenu mwy o bobl i fyny’r grisiau hynny i ymweld â’r llyfrgell. Credaf y bydd hynny’n bwysig, a dyna pam y credaf y bydd argymhelliad 10 yn ddefnyddiol i fonitro a gwerthuso effeithlonrwydd ac effeithiolrwydd cydleoliadau yng Nghymru, a rhannu’r canfyddiadau gydag awdurdodau lleol. Mae llyfrgelloedd yn fannau cynnes, diogel i bobl o bob oed, o grwpiau darllen i ddarparu cymorth gyda curricula vitae, a llawer iawn mwy. Fel y dywedodd Unsain Cymru yn eu tystiolaeth, maent yn darparu mynediad at lyfrau nad oes yn rhaid i chi dalu amdanynt, felly maent yn darparu chwarae teg i gymunedau.
Hoffwn gofnodi fy niolch hefyd i'r gweithlu llyfrgellwyr, sy’n gweithio’n ddiflino i rannu eu hangerdd am lyfrau gyda’r bobl sy’n ymweld. Er y gofynnir iddynt wneud mwy a mwy, maent yn aml yn adnabod pobl wrth eu henwau, weithiau'n gweld pobl sy'n ei chael hi'n anodd ar adegau anodd yn eu bywydau, ac wrth gwrs, yn mwynhau argymell llyfrau. Fel y clywsom gan y Cadeirydd, mae gwasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd yn aml wedi wynebu rhai o’r toriadau mwyaf i'w cyllidebau. Gwyddom fod hon yn adeg ariannol anodd iawn, ond mae angen cryfhau fframweithiau statudol a pholisi i ddiogelu’r gwasanaethau hyn y credaf eu bod yn hanfodol. Dyna pam fod argymhelliad 8 mor bwysig, gan ei fod yn argymell bod Llywodraeth Cymru, mewn cydweithrediad â phartneriaid llywodraeth leol, yn dadansoddi ac yn cyhoeddi data penodol i Gymru yn rheolaidd ar yr enillion gwerth cymdeithasol ar fuddsoddiad wrth ddarparu gwasanaethau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd.
Ysbrydolwyd Nicky Wire o’r Manic Street Preachers gan hen lyfrgell Pilgwenlli yn fy etholaeth, sy'n dal i nodi 'Knowledge is power’ uwchben y drws. Mae llyfrgelloedd yn sicr yn rhoi pŵer i ni, a hir y parhaed hynny.
Diolch yn fawr i'r pwyllgor am yr adroddiad pwysig yma.
Thank you very much to the committee for this important report.
The Welsh Government's 'A Healthier Wales' strategy is based on a vision that everyone in Wales should have longer, healthier and happier lives and be able to remain active and independent. This is echoed by one of the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which aims to build a society in which people's physical and mental well-being is maximised, and in which choices and behaviours that benefit future health are understood.
The health Minister has also spoken recently about the need to encourage people to assume greater responsibility for looking after their own health and well-being, but it's becoming increasingly difficult to square these ambitions against the reality that the provision of leisure services across Wales is being stretched to breaking point, which will naturally have a devastating impact on the health and well-being agenda of this Government. Let's be clear: ensuring that Welsh communities have access to leisure facilities is a public health necessity. My colleague Mabon ap Gwynfor has spoken often in this Chamber about the critical importance of embedding the preventative agenda in every facet of our approach to healthcare policy in Wales. Quite simply, the future of our NHS depends on it. The robust provision of leisure facilities across Wales must be a key plank of this approach, especially given the urgent need to ease the pressure on our beleaguered NHS. For example, Obesity Alliance Cymru has calculated that without urgent action to combat rates of obesity in Wales, it's likely that the NHS will be facing additional costs of £465 million in 2050.
As is the case with the closure of library services, it is the most deprived elements of our society that are disproportionately penalised by shortcomings in the provision of public leisure facilities, a state of affairs that, as noted by a recent report by Public Health Wales, has been exacerbated by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The most recent child measurement programme for Wales has shown that children living in the most deprived areas of Wales are almost twice as likely to be obese as those in the least deprived areas.
There is a clear appetite among Welsh adults and children alike to be afforded more opportunities for exercise. For example, the Sport Wales school sports survey in 2022 found that 61 per cent of Welsh primary school children want to swim more, while the national survey for Wales in 2021 found that 234,000 Welsh adults want to swim more. But this aspiration is being stifled by the cutbacks being made by local authorities to their provision of public leisure facilities after over a decade of austerity and underinvestment from Westminster.
The fight to save Pontllanfraith leisure centre from closure at the hand of Labour-controlled Caerphilly County Borough Council is a great example. My Plaid Cymru colleague Councillor Rhys Mills has done a great job of galvanising support throughout the town and surrounding area to save the prized leisure facility and community asset, and that fight goes on, and I want to support him and the committee in that work.
Recent research by the UK Active campaign group has shown that 74 per cent of council areas across the UK are currently classified as insecure, which means there is a risk of closure of leisure centres or reduced services before 31 March 2024. This is underlined by the committee's evidence from Swim Wales that local authorities will have to confront a funding gap of at least £10 million to £12 million over the next 12 months as a result of escalating energy bills for leisure centres.
Without urgent action to address the issue, we risk condemning the people of Wales to a vicious circle of poor health outcomes and a resultant over-reliance on our already overstretched front-line healthcare services. It is for this reason that I concur with the committee that the Welsh Government should seek to allocate the £1.2 million in revenue funding that was received as a consequential from the UK Government's spring budget towards supporting leisure facilities in Wales. Such an investment would show that the Government is indeed serious about living up to its ambition to build a healthier Wales for present and for future generations. Diolch yn fawr.
Mae strategaeth 'Cymru Iachach' Llywodraeth Cymru yn seiliedig ar weledigaeth y dylai pawb yng Nghymru gael bywydau hirach, iachach a hapusach a gallu parhau i fod yn egnïol ac yn annibynnol. Caiff hyn ei ategu gan un o nodau Deddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau'r Dyfodol (Cymru) 2015, sy'n anelu at adeiladu cymdeithas lle caiff llesiant corfforol a meddyliol pobl ei flaenoriaethu, a lle ceir dealltwriaeth o ddewisiadau ac ymddygiadau sydd o fudd i iechyd yn y dyfodol.
Mae'r Gweinidog Iechyd hefyd wedi siarad yn ddiweddar am yr angen i annog pobl i gymryd mwy o gyfrifoldeb dros ofalu am eu hiechyd a'u lles eu hunain, ond mae'n dod yn fwyfwy anodd cysoni'r uchelgeisiau hyn â'r realiti fod darpariaeth gwasanaethau hamdden ledled Cymru yn cael ei hymestyn i'r eithaf, a fydd yn naturiol yn cael effaith ddinistriol ar agenda iechyd a llesiant y Llywodraeth hon. Gadewch inni fod yn glir: mae sicrhau bod gan gymunedau Cymru fynediad at gyfleusterau hamdden yn anghenraid iechyd cyhoeddus. Mae fy nghyd-Aelod Mabon ap Gwynfor wedi siarad yn aml yn y Siambr hon am bwysigrwydd hanfodol ymgorffori'r agenda ataliol ym mhob agwedd ar ein dull o ymdrin â pholisi gofal iechyd yng Nghymru. Yn syml, mae dyfodol ein GIG yn dibynnu arni. Mae'n rhaid i'r ddarpariaeth gadarn o gyfleusterau hamdden ledled Cymru fod yn elfen allweddol o'r dull hwn, yn enwedig o ystyried yr angen difrifol i leddfu'r pwysau ar ein GIG sydd dan straen. Er enghraifft, mae Cynghrair Gordewdra Cymru wedi cyfrifo ei bod yn debygol y bydd y GIG yn wynebu costau ychwanegol o £465 miliwn yn 2050 os na weithredir ar frys i frwydro yn erbyn cyfraddau gordewdra yng Nghymru.
Fel sy'n wir gyda chau gwasanaethau llyfrgell, elfennau mwyaf difreintiedig ein cymdeithas sy'n cael eu cosbi'n anghymesur gan ddiffygion yn y ddarpariaeth o gyfleusterau hamdden cyhoeddus, sefyllfa sydd, fel y nodwyd mewn adroddiad diweddar gan Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru, wedi'i gwaethygu gan yr argyfwng costau byw parhaus. Mae'r rhaglen mesur plant Cymru ddiweddaraf wedi dangos bod plant sy'n byw yn ardaloedd mwyaf difreintiedig Cymru bron ddwywaith yn fwy tebygol o fod yn ordew na'r rhai yn yr ardaloedd lleiaf difreintiedig.
Mae awydd clir ymhlith oedolion a phlant Cymru fel ei gilydd i gael mwy o gyfleoedd i wneud ymarfer corff. Er enghraifft, canfu arolwg chwaraeon ysgolion Chwaraeon Cymru yn 2022 fod 61 y cant o blant ysgolion cynradd Cymru eisiau nofio mwy, tra bod arolwg cenedlaethol Cymru yn 2021 wedi canfod bod 234,000 o oedolion Cymru eisiau nofio mwy. Ond mae'r dyhead hwn yn cael ei lesteirio gan y toriadau a wneir gan awdurdodau lleol i'w darpariaeth o gyfleusterau hamdden cyhoeddus ar ôl dros ddegawd o gyni a thanfuddsoddi o San Steffan.
Mae'r frwydr i achub canolfan hamdden Pontllan-fraith rhag gorfod cau dan law Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili dan reolaeth Lafur yn enghraifft wych. Mae fy nghyd-aelod o Blaid Cymru, y Cynghorydd Rhys Mills, wedi gwneud gwaith gwych yn denu cefnogaeth ledled y dref a'r ardal gyfagos i achub y cyfleuster hamdden gwerthfawr a'r ased cymunedol hwn, ac mae'r frwydr honno'n parhau, ac rwyf am ei gefnogi ef a'r pwyllgor yn y gwaith hwnnw.
Mae ymchwil ddiweddar gan grŵp ymgyrchu UK Active wedi dangos bod 74 y cant o ardaloedd cynghorau ledled y DU yn cael eu hystyried yn anniogel ar hyn o bryd, sy'n golygu bod risg y bydd canolfannau hamdden yn cau neu wasanaethau'n crebachu cyn 31 Mawrth 2024. Tanlinellir hyn gan y dystiolaeth a gafodd y pwyllgor gan Nofio Cymru y bydd yn rhaid i awdurdodau lleol wynebu bwlch cyllido o £10 miliwn i £12 miliwn fan lleiaf dros y 12 mis nesaf o ganlyniad i gynnydd ym miliau ynni canolfannau hamdden.
Heb weithredu ar frys i fynd i'r afael â'r mater, rydym mewn perygl o gondemnio pobl Cymru i gylch dieflig o ganlyniadau iechyd gwael a gorddibyniaeth ganlyniadol ar ein gwasanaethau gofal iechyd rheng flaen sydd eisoes dan bwysau. Am y rheswm hwn rwy'n cytuno â'r pwyllgor y dylai Llywodraeth Cymru geisio dyrannu'r £1.2 miliwn mewn cyllid refeniw a dderbyniwyd fel swm canlyniadol o gyllideb wanwyn Llywodraeth y DU tuag at gefnogi cyfleusterau hamdden yng Nghymru. Byddai buddsoddiad o'r fath yn dangos bod y Llywodraeth o ddifrif ynglŷn â chyflawni ei huchelgais i adeiladu Cymru iachach ar gyfer cenedlaethau'r presennol ac ar gyfer cenedlaethau'r dyfodol. Diolch yn fawr.
Jest cyfraniad byr gen i, os caf i. Mae yna ymgynghoriad yn fyw ar hyn o bryd yng Nghyngor Sir Ddinbych ar leihau oriau llyfrgelloedd y sir. Mi drafodon ni'n gynharach y prynhawn yma'r pwysau ariannol sy'n wynebu awdurdodau lleol, ac, wrth gwrs, pan ŷch chi'n edrych arno fe, mae tebygrwydd neu'r posibilrwydd yw y bydd rhai o'r gwasanaethau yma'n cael eu colli dros y misoedd a'r ychydig flynyddoedd i ddod.
Dau ddewis sydd yna yn aml iawn, byddech chi'n tybio: un, cau ambell i lyfrgell er mwyn gwarchod y lleill, neu, wrth gwrs, leihau oriau pob un ohonyn nhw ar draws y sir. Dyw e ddim yn ddewis, mewn gwirionedd, y byddai unrhyw un yn dymuno gorfod ei wneud, ond mi fyddwn i'n annog pobl i ymateb i'r ymgynghoriad yna, oherwydd fel rŷn ni wedi clywed, mae llyfrgelloedd yn adnodd llawer mwy pwysig na dim ond rhywle sydd yn cadw llyfrau.
Mi fyddwn i eisiau, serch hynny, amlygu yr hyn sy'n digwydd yng Nghyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy, lle mae yna gyfle i'r gymuned chwarae rôl fwy blaenllaw pan fo'n dod i redeg llyfrgelloedd. Mae yna bum llyfrgell gymunedol wledig yng Nghonwy ac mae'r cynghorau cymuned lleol yn cyfrannu tuag at gyflogi aelod o staff ar gyfer y gwasanaeth. Mae cyngor sir Conwy, y cyngor sir, wrth gwrs, yn dal i ddarparu'r llyfrau ac yn sortio'r ochr HR ac yn y blaen, ac wedyn mae yna elusen yn cymryd drosodd yr adeilad, ac maen nhw, felly, wrth gwrs, yn gallu cael mynediad at gyllidebau a ffynonellau ariannu amgen ar gyfer talu costau'r adeilad, gwres, golau ac yn y blaen. Nawr, mae'n ddyddiau cynnar, ond roeddwn i'n edrych ar y seithfed argymhelliad yn yr adroddiad pan fo'n dod i rannu arfer da a rhannu modelau gwahanol o ddarparu gwasanaethau, a dwi'n meddwl bod yna gyfle yn fan hyn, efallai, i edrych ar gyfrwng amgen o fod yn darparu gwasanaeth.
Hefyd, wrth gwrs, mae gwasanaethau arlein yn realiti, onid ydynt, er efallai bod y niferoedd sy'n eu defnyddio nhw'n amrywio o adeg i adeg, o ardal i ardal. Mae'r trajectory tymor hir yn ddigon clir: dwi'n aelod o lyfrgelloedd sir Ddinbych, a drwy hynny dwi wedi ymaelodi â phlatfformau Libby a BorrowBox sydd yn caniatáu i fi fenthyg e-lyfrau, e-gylchgronau ac yn y blaen. Felly, mae'r sifft arlein yna'n rhan bwysig o'r drafodaeth hefyd, wrth i ni edrych ar ddyfodol gwasanaethau.
Ond, roeddwn i jest eisiau diolch i'r pwyllgor am y gwaith sydd wedi cael ei wneud. Mae'n amserol iawn, wrth gwrs, ac mi fyddwn i'n pwyso ar y Dirprwy Weinidog a'r Llywodraeth i weithredu ar fyrder ar yr argymhellion yma, oherwydd mae gwasanaethau'n cael eu torri nawr, ac unwaith maen nhw wedi mynd, fel y dywedwyd gynnau, maen nhw wedi mynd, ac mi fyddai'n resyn petaem ni mewn blwyddyn neu ddwy yn gweithredu ar rai o'r materion yma ond, erbyn hynny, mae'n debyg y bydd hi'n rhy hwyr i nifer.
Just a brief contribution from me, if I may. There is a consultation that is live at the moment in Denbighshire County Council on reducing the hours of the county's libraries. We discussed earlier this afternoon the financial pressures facing local authorities, and, of course, when you look at it, the likelihood or the possibility is that some of these services will be lost over the next months and years.
There are often only two choices, you would assume: one, closing a few libraries to protect the others, or reducing the hours of all of the libraries across the county. It isn't a choice that anyone would want to make, if truth be told, but I would encourage people to respond to that consultation because, as we've heard, libraries are a far more important resource than just a repository for books.
However, I would like to highlight what's happening in Conwy County Borough Council, where there's an opportunity for the community to play a more prominent role when it comes to running libraries. There are five rural community libraries in Conwy and the local community councils contribute towards employing a member of staff to provide that service. Conwy council, the county council, of course, still provides the books and sorts the HR side of things, but then there's a charity that takes over the building, and they then can access alternative sources of funding to pay the building costs and for the heating, lighting and so on. Now, it's early days, but I was looking at the seventh recommendation in the report when it comes to sharing best practice and different models of service provision, and I do think that there's an opportunity here, perhaps, to look at alternative ways of providing services.
There are also online services, of course; they are a reality now, aren't they, although the numbers using them vary from time to time and from area to area. The long-term trajectory is quite clear: I'm a member of Denbighshire libraries, and through that I have become a member of Libby and BorrowBox, which allows me to borrow e-magazines, e-books and so on, so that online shift is an important part of the debate as well, as we look at the future of services.
But I just wanted to thank the committee for the work that has been done. It's very timely, of course, and I would urge the Deputy Minister and the Government to urgently implement these recommendations, because services are being cut now, and once they're gone, they're gone forever, as was said earlier, and it would be regrettable if we, in a year or two, were taking action on some of these recommendations, when by that time, it may be too late for several of our libraries.
A galwaf ar Ddirprwy Weinidog y Celfyddydau, Chwaraeon a Thwristiaeth, Dawn Bowden.
I call on the Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Thanks to Members for an interesting and very wide-ranging debate this afternoon. I'm very grateful to the committee for their time and effort spent in producing this report, and to those who provided evidence.
Now, the wide-ranging nature of the recommendations and the debate itself highlight the continuing importance of local government in delivering these key services and the importance of leisure centres and libraries to local communities. This has been reinforced by the contributions to today's debate, and I agree with all that has been said in support of these important services.
Many areas that have been raised during the debate are the responsibility of other ministerial colleagues, particularly the Minister for Finance and Local Government, because of the funding calls in particular for local government services, so I'm sure that they will all be listening to this and will be interested to hear what has been said this afternoon. So, while I will focus my response on the areas that sit directly within my portfolio, I will, as I did in committee, also attempt to address a few of the points on behalf of my Cabinet colleagues. But if those are not dealt with, I will ensure that further information is provided to you as Chair of the committee, as necessary.
Obviously, there has been concern raised today on funding for our swimming pools and library services, and the fact is that, prior to the specific support scheme for pools announced by the UK Government, as a Welsh Government, despite our own budgetary pressures, we did prioritise front-line public services by providing an improved £5.5 billion settlement for local government this year—a settlement that was welcomed by the Welsh Local Government Association. No authority received less then a 6.5 per cent increase and so, for each authority, it is down to them to determine how they use that funding to respond to local needs and priorities. But I do, of course, recognise the tough choices that remain, due to challenging economic circumstances. We heard that earlier today in the topical question discussion, and which we all recognise has been caused by the inflationary pressures, resulting from Tory mismanagement of the economy of the UK.
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Diolch i'r Aelodau am ddadl ddiddorol ac eang iawn y prynhawn yma. Rwy'n ddiolchgar iawn i'r pwyllgor am eu hamser a'u hymdrech yn llunio'r adroddiad hwn, ac i'r rhai a roddodd dystiolaeth.
Nawr, mae natur eang yr argymhellion a'r ddadl ei hun yn dangos pwysigrwydd parhaus llywodraeth leol yn y gwaith o ddarparu'r gwasanaethau allweddol hyn a phwysigrwydd canolfannau hamdden a llyfrgelloedd i gymunedau lleol. Atgyfnerthwyd hyn gan y cyfraniadau i'r ddadl heddiw, ac rwy'n cytuno â phopeth a ddywedwyd i gefnogi'r gwasanaethau pwysig hyn.
Cyfrifoldeb cyd-Weinidogion eraill yw nifer o'r meysydd a godwyd yn ystod y ddadl, yn enwedig y Gweinidog Cyllid a Llywodraeth Leol, oherwydd y galwadau cyllido yn enwedig am wasanaethau llywodraeth leol, felly rwy'n siŵr y byddant i gyd yn gwrando ar hyn ac y bydd ganddynt ddiddordeb mewn clywed yr hyn a ddywedwyd y prynhawn yma. Felly, er y byddaf yn canolbwyntio fy ymateb ar y meysydd sy'n uniongyrchol o fewn fy mhortffolio, fel y gwneuthum yn y pwyllgor, byddaf hefyd yn ceisio mynd i'r afael ag ychydig o'r pwyntiau ar ran fy nghyd-Weinidogion Cabinet. Ond os nad ymdrinnir â'r rheini, byddaf yn sicrhau bod rhagor o wybodaeth yn cael ei darparu i chi fel Cadeirydd y pwyllgor, yn ôl yr angen.
Yn amlwg, mynegwyd pryder heddiw ynglŷn â chyllid ar gyfer ein pyllau nofio a'n gwasanaethau llyfrgell, a'r gwir amdani yw, cyn y cynllun cymorth penodol ar gyfer pyllau nofio a gyhoeddwyd gan Lywodraeth y DU, fel Llywodraeth Cymru, er gwaethaf ein pwysau cyllidebol ein hunain, fe wnaethom flaenoriaethu gwasanaethau cyhoeddus rheng flaen drwy ddarparu setliad gwell o £5.5 biliwn i lywodraeth leol eleni—setliad a groesawyd gan Gymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru. Ni chafodd yr un awdurdod gynnydd o lai na 6.5 y cant ac felly, mater i bob awdurdod unigol yw penderfynu sut maent yn defnyddio'r cyllid hwnnw i ymateb i anghenion a blaenoriaethau lleol. Ond wrth gwrs, rwy'n cydnabod y dewisiadau anodd sy'n parhau, oherwydd amgylchiadau economaidd heriol. Clywsom hynny yn gynharach heddiw yn y drafodaeth ar y cwestiwn amserol, ac rydym i gyd yn cydnabod ei fod wedi'i achosi gan bwysau chwyddiant, o ganlyniad i gamreolaeth Dorïaidd ar economi'r DU.
But to deal specifically with the UK Government swimming pools support, and the use of consequentials in Wales, as I said in committee, this £3.5 million was split—£1.2 million revenue and £2.3 million capital—and that would amount to no more than approximately £10,000 for each swimming pool in Wales to deal with their immediate energy costs. That is actually less than what is needed for many, for one month's fuel bills. Now, an important principle of devolution is that consequential funding is not necessarily ring-fenced for the same purpose for which it was allocated by the UK Government. So, we took a strategic decision that this would not be effective and our efforts would be better spent on supporting pools and leisure centres to manage energy efficiency in the longer term, through schemes like the Welsh Government energy service, which is a key enabler in providing technical and financial help to the public sector, to deliver on the collective ambition of a net-zero public sector by 2030, and which would supplement anything that the local authorities were doing to support leisure services through their budget settlement.
If I move on to recommendation 3, we are in the process of developing a new culture strategy for Wales. The culture strategy is a co-operation agreement commitment between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, and I've worked collaboratively with the designated Member from the outset, to provide the direction and steer, so that the strategy reflects Wales in all its diversity. Given the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 goal of a Wales of vibrant culture, and the Act's focus on sustainable approaches to cultural well-being in Wales, this strategy will be one for the whole of Government, but it has a clear focus on our libraries, archives, museums, heritage and arts sector. Our approach to developing the strategy included working with an external partner to engage with sector representatives and community groups earlier this year, and this process included conversations with representatives of the public library sector. We've developed a first draft of the strategy, and it fully acknowledges the importance of the library sector and recognises library services as an integral part of our cultural offer in Wales—and that was set out very powerfully by the contributions from Heledd Fychan and Jayne Bryant.
Now, I carefully considered the committee's recommendation 9 for a libraries task force, but for the moment, I feel that it's more appropriate to concentrate our efforts on strengthening the existing programme of promotional work rather than setting up a new body now, in advance of the culture strategy, which would basically be duplicating existing work. The draft culture strategy and the renewed framework for Welsh public library standards are being developed simultaneously, and I can confirm that culture officials are working together to ensure that they are aligned, and I will give further updates to the committee as this work progresses.
The work on the WPLS also links to recommendation 8 of the report, and the development of framework 7 provides an opportunity to consider how we can collect more robust evidence of the impact and the social value of libraries. And it will also support delivery of recommendation 10 on gathering information on the effectiveness of co-location of libraries with other services.
So, turning to leisure services, and in particular recommendation 5, we have agreed with the chief leisure officers of Wales group that we will undertake a rapid review of the provision of leisure, the state of the leisure estate, and how it interacts with other public services via a small group of representatives across Wales. We will then report that back to the committee.
Regarding recommendations 16 and 17 on decarbonisation, the draft culture strategy stresses the importance of collective responsibility in terms of responding to the climate emergency. The culture division is exploring offering decarbonisation support across all culture sectors, and I referenced some of that earlier in relation to the Welsh Government energy service. Officials have gathered case studies to support this work, which illustrates the excellent work already being undertaken across the cultural sectors. The Welsh Government invests in supporting decarbonisation of libraries and leisure facilities, and the transformation capital grants programme for museums, archives and libraries has sustainable development as one of its priority criteria. Sport Wales is also working with partners to support the sector in reducing its carbon impact, extending the reach of decarbonisation and environmental sustainability. The draft culture strategy also recognises the importance of long-term strategic capital investment to ensure that future funding is allocated in a prioritised manner. But I want to re-emphasise, as I did in the response to the committee's report, that in the context of a very challenging situation, the Welsh Government is unlikely to be able to provide additional funding support in 2023-24. So, I think we need to be clear about that.
To conclude, Dirprwy Lywydd, I would like to thank the committee again for their hard work in producing this wide-ranging report, and I do look forward to working with them on the recommendations that fall within my portfolio. Diolch yn fawr.
Ond er mwyn ymdrin yn benodol â chymorth pyllau nofio Llywodraeth y DU, a'r defnydd o symiau canlyniadol yng Nghymru, fel y dywedais yn y pwyllgor, rhannwyd y £3.5 miliwn hwn—£1.2 miliwn o refeniw a £2.3 miliwn o arian cyfalaf—a byddai hynny'n cyfateb i ddim mwy na thua £10,000 ar gyfer pob pwll nofio yng Nghymru i dalu eu costau ynni uniongyrchol. Mae hynny'n llai na'r hyn sydd ei angen am filiau tanwydd un mis yn unig i lawer. Nawr, egwyddor bwysig o ddatganoli yw nad yw cyllid canlyniadol o reidrwydd wedi'i glustnodi at yr un diben ag y cafodd ei ddyrannu ar ei gyfer gan Lywodraeth y DU. Felly, fe wnaethom benderfyniad strategol na fyddai hyn yn effeithiol ac y byddai'n well cyfeirio ein hymdrechion tuag at gynorthwyo pyllau nofio a chanolfannau hamdden i reoli effeithlonrwydd ynni yn fwy hirdymor, drwy gynlluniau fel gwasanaeth ynni Llywodraeth Cymru, sy'n alluogwr allweddol wrth ddarparu cymorth technegol ac ariannol i'r sector cyhoeddus, i gyflawni uchelgais ar y cyd ar gyfer sector cyhoeddus sero net erbyn 2030, a fyddai'n ategu unrhyw beth roedd yr awdurdodau lleol yn ei wneud i gefnogi gwasanaethau hamdden drwy eu setliad cyllidebol.
Os caf symud ymlaen at argymhelliad 3, rydym wrthi'n datblygu strategaeth ddiwylliant newydd i Gymru. Mae'r strategaeth ddiwylliant yn ymrwymiad yn y cytundeb cydweithio rhwng Llywodraeth Cymru a Phlaid Cymru, ac rwyf wedi gweithio ar y cyd â'r Aelod dynodedig o'r cychwyn cyntaf i ddarparu'r cyfeiriad a'r arweiniad fel bod y strategaeth yn adlewyrchu Cymru yn ei holl amrywiaeth. O ystyried nod Deddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau'r Dyfodol (Cymru) 2015 o weld Cymru o ddiwylliant bywiog, a ffocws y Ddeddf ar ddulliau cynaliadwy o ymdrin â llesiant diwylliannol yng Nghymru, bydd y strategaeth hon yn un i'r Llywodraeth gyfan, ond mae ganddi ffocws clir ar ein sector llyfrgelloedd, archifau, amgueddfeydd, treftadaeth a chelfyddydau. Roedd ein dull o ddatblygu'r strategaeth yn cynnwys gweithio gyda phartner allanol i ymgysylltu â chynrychiolwyr sector a grwpiau cymunedol yn gynharach eleni, ac roedd y broses hon yn cynnwys sgyrsiau gyda chynrychiolwyr y sector llyfrgelloedd cyhoeddus. Rydym wedi datblygu drafft cyntaf o'r strategaeth, ac mae'n cydnabod pwysigrwydd y sector llyfrgelloedd yn llawn ac yn cydnabod gwasanaethau llyfrgelloedd fel rhan annatod o'n cynnig diwylliannol yng Nghymru—a nodwyd hynny'n rymus iawn yng nghyfraniadau Heledd Fychan a Jayne Bryant.
Nawr, ystyriais argymhelliad 9 y pwyllgor yn ofalus ar gyfer tasglu llyfrgelloedd, ond am y tro, rwy'n teimlo ei bod yn fwy priodol canolbwyntio ein hymdrechion ar gryfhau'r rhaglen bresennol o waith hyrwyddo yn hytrach na sefydlu corff newydd nawr, cyn y strategaeth ddiwylliant, a fyddai yn y bôn yn dyblygu gwaith presennol. Mae'r strategaeth ddiwylliant ddrafft a'r fframwaith newydd ar gyfer safonau llyfrgelloedd cyhoeddus Cymru yn cael eu datblygu ar yr un pryd, a gallaf gadarnhau bod swyddogion diwylliant yn gweithio gyda'i gilydd i sicrhau eu bod yn cyd-fynd â'i gilydd, a byddaf yn rhoi diweddariadau pellach i'r pwyllgor wrth i'r gwaith hwn fynd rhagddo.
Mae'r gwaith ar safonau llyfrgelloedd cyhoeddus Cymru hefyd yn cysylltu ag argymhelliad 8 yr adroddiad, ac mae datblygu fframwaith 7 yn rhoi cyfle i ystyried sut y gallwn gasglu tystiolaeth fwy cadarn o effaith a gwerth cymdeithasol llyfrgelloedd. A bydd hefyd yn cefnogi cyflwyno argymhelliad 10 ar gasglu gwybodaeth am effeithiolrwydd cydleoli llyfrgelloedd gyda gwasanaethau eraill.
Felly, gan droi at wasanaethau hamdden, ac argymhelliad 5 yn arbennig, rydym wedi cytuno â phrif swyddogion hamdden Cymru y byddwn yn cynnal adolygiad cyflym o'r ddarpariaeth hamdden, cyflwr yr ystad hamdden, a sut mae'n rhyngweithio â gwasanaethau cyhoeddus eraill drwy grŵp bach o gynrychiolwyr ledled Cymru. Byddwn yn adrodd hynny yn ôl i'r pwyllgor wedyn.
Mewn perthynas ag argymhellion 16 a 17 ar ddatgarboneiddio, mae'r strategaeth ddiwylliant ddrafft yn pwysleisio pwysigrwydd cydgyfrifoldeb wrth ymateb i'r argyfwng hinsawdd. Mae'r is-adran ddiwylliant yn archwilio cynnig cymorth datgarboneiddio ar draws pob sector diwylliant, a chyfeiriais at rywfaint o hynny yn gynharach mewn perthynas â gwasanaeth ynni Llywodraeth Cymru. Mae swyddogion wedi casglu astudiaethau achos i gefnogi'r gwaith hwn, sy'n dangos y gwaith rhagorol sydd eisoes yn cael ei wneud ar draws y sectorau diwylliannol. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn buddsoddi mewn cefnogi datgarboneiddio llyfrgelloedd a chyfleusterau hamdden, ac mae gan y rhaglen grant cyfalaf trawsnewid ar gyfer amgueddfeydd, archifau a llyfrgelloedd ddatblygiad cynaliadwy fel un o'i meini prawf blaenoriaeth. Mae Chwaraeon Cymru hefyd yn gweithio gyda phartneriaid i gefnogi'r sector i leihau ei effaith ar garbon, gan ymestyn cyrhaeddiad datgarboneiddio a chynaliadwyedd amgylcheddol. Mae'r strategaeth ddiwylliant ddrafft hefyd yn cydnabod pwysigrwydd buddsoddiad cyfalaf strategol hirdymor i sicrhau bod cyllid yn y dyfodol yn cael ei ddyrannu mewn modd blaenoriaethol. Ond rwyf am ailbwysleisio, fel y gwneuthum yn yr ymateb i adroddiad y pwyllgor, nad yw Llywodraeth Cymru, yng nghyd-destun sefyllfa heriol iawn, yn debygol o allu darparu cymorth ariannol ychwanegol yn 2023-24. Felly, rwy'n credu bod angen i ni fod yn glir ynglŷn â hynny.
I gloi, Ddirprwy Lywydd, hoffwn ddiolch eto i'r pwyllgor am eu gwaith caled yn llunio'r adroddiad eang hwn, ac edrychaf ymlaen at weithio gyda nhw ar yr argymhellion sy'n dod o fewn fy mhortffolio. Diolch yn fawr.
Galwaf ar Gadeirydd y pwyllgor i ymateb i'r ddadl.
I call on the Chair of the committee to reply to the debate.
Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd. May I thank all Members who took part in the debate? It's always nice to have Members not on the committee taking part as well, so I particularly welcome those contributions, and also local examples of the challenges we face but also potential ways of overcoming those challenges, protecting services and taking them forward.
I think there were some strong common themes in contributions, Dirprwy Lywydd, around the importance of leisure for health and making those links, and I'm really pleased that, as a committee, we brought to the fore, I think, some of the issues and made that recommendation about a policy framework that takes both forward effectively. Jayne Bryant mentioned Newport Live, and I know they very much see themselves as a health and well-being service increasingly now. They really want to fulfil that role and do all they can on the preventative health agenda, and making sure that the health service isn't just reactive but forward thinking and preventative as well. I'm sure that's the case right across Wales, whatever model of service provision is in place. So, a policy framework that supports that, encourages that and strengthens that I think would be really, really valuable.
Also, many Members emphasised the importance of swimming, and I think that's something that all of us would understand. It is a life skill, as was said, and, indeed, it can be a life-saving skill. Jayne Bryant mentioned Maindee library and also Maindee swimming pool. In terms of the swimming pool, I was once a lifeguard there, actually, many moons ago, and I well remember the local programme of primary school swimming lessons that so many children learnt to swim through—children from the more deprived families that possibly wouldn't have learned to swim otherwise. So, I really do think that these services and the primary school involvement are absolutely important in Wales, and deserve all the support we can give them.
On the power of libraries, knowledge is power, and that is on the keystone of what was the Pill library. I well remember it, having been brought up in Pill in Newport. I'm sorry to give so many mentions to my colleague Jayne Bryant, Dirprwy Lywydd, but there is a lot of overlap, as you would imagine, between both of us in terms of our upbringing and our current representation. But yes, libraries are a really powerful instrument for social advancement. Knowledge really is power, and they do so much more besides. I'm really pleased that this report I think has enabled us to give a little bit more limelight and focus to our libraries, because again, I know every Member here, and Members who aren't here at the moment, would understand the importance of their local libraries and want to support them and enhance the role that they have.
I can see, Dirprwy Lywydd, that time is pressing. Let me just welcome the way that the Deputy Minister has engaged with the committee, not just today, but during the inquiry. I’m sure that will continue in the future. We welcome the reassurances you’ve given today, Deputy Minister, and we look forward to working with you as these recommendations are taken forward. Diolch yn fawr.
Diolch yn fawr, Ddirprwy Lywydd. A gaf fi ddiolch i'r holl Aelodau a gymerodd ran yn y ddadl? Mae bob amser yn braf cael Aelodau nad ydynt ar y pwyllgor yn cymryd rhan hefyd, felly rwy'n croesawu'r cyfraniadau hynny'n arbennig, ac enghreifftiau lleol o'r heriau sy'n ein hwynebu ond hefyd, ffyrdd posibl o oresgyn yr heriau hynny, ac o ddiogelu a datblygu gwasanaethau.
Rwy'n credu bod rhai themâu cyffredin cryf yn y cyfraniadau, Ddirprwy Lywydd, ynghylch pwysigrwydd hamdden ar gyfer iechyd a gwneud y cysylltiadau hynny, ac rwy'n falch iawn ein bod ni, fel pwyllgor, wedi tynnu sylw at rai o'r materion ac wedi gwneud yr argymhelliad ynghylch fframwaith polisi sy'n datblygu'r rheini yn effeithiol. Soniodd Jayne Bryant am Casnewydd Fyw, ac rwy'n gwybod eu bod yn gweld eu hunain yn gynyddol fel gwasanaeth iechyd a lles erbyn hyn. Maent yn awyddus iawn i gyflawni'r rôl honno a gwneud popeth yn eu gallu ar yr agenda iechyd ataliol, a sicrhau nad grym adweithiol yn unig yw'r gwasanaeth iechyd, ond ei fod yn flaengar ac yn ataliol hefyd. Rwy'n siŵr fod hynny'n wir ledled Cymru, pa fodel bynnag sydd ar waith ar gyfer darparu gwasanaeth. Felly, rwy'n credu y byddai fframwaith polisi sy'n cefnogi hynny, ac yn ei annog a'i gryfhau yn werthfawr tu hwnt.
Hefyd, pwysleisiodd llawer o'r Aelodau bwysigrwydd nofio, ac rwy'n credu bod hynny'n rhywbeth y byddai pob un ohonom yn ei ddeall. Mae'n sgìl bywyd, fel y dywedwyd, ac yn wir, gall fod yn sgìl achub bywyd. Soniodd Jayne Bryant am lyfrgell Maendy a phwll nofio Maendy hefyd. O ran y pwll nofio, roeddwn yn achubwr bywyd yno ar un adeg, amser maith yn ôl, ac rwy'n cofio'n dda y rhaglen leol o wersi nofio ysgolion cynradd y dysgodd cymaint o blant nofio drwyddynt—plant o'r teuluoedd mwy difreintiedig na fyddent wedi dysgu nofio fel arall o bosibl. Felly, rwy'n credu'n gryf fod y gwasanaethau hyn ac ymwneud ysgolion cynradd yn gwbl bwysig yng Nghymru, ac yn haeddu'r holl gefnogaeth y gallwn ei rhoi iddynt.
Ar bŵer llyfrgelloedd, mae gwybodaeth yn bŵer, ac mae hynny ar faen clo hen lyfrgell Pillgwenlli. Rwy'n ei chofio'n dda, ar ôl cael fy magu ym Mhillgwenlli yng Nghasnewydd. Mae'n ddrwg gennyf gyfeirio mor fynych at fy nghyd-Aelod Jayne Bryant, Ddirprwy Lywydd, ond fel y byddech yn ei ddychmygu, mae llawer o orgyffwrdd rhwng y ddau ohonom o ran ein magwraeth a'r lle rydym yn ei gynrychioli. Ond mae llyfrgelloedd yn arf pwerus iawn ar gyfer datblygiad cymdeithasol. Mae gwybodaeth yn bendant yn bŵer, ac maent yn gwneud cymaint mwy hefyd. Rwy'n falch iawn fod yr adroddiad hwn wedi ein galluogi i roi ychydig mwy o sylw a ffocws i'n llyfrgelloedd, oherwydd unwaith eto, rwy'n gwybod y byddai pob Aelod yma, ac Aelodau nad ydynt yma ar hyn o bryd, yn deall pwysigrwydd eu llyfrgelloedd lleol ac eisiau eu cefnogi a gwella'r rôl sydd ganddynt.
Ddirprwy Lywydd, gallaf weld bod yr amser yn brin. Gadewch imi groesawu'r ffordd y mae'r Dirprwy Weinidog wedi ymgysylltu â'r pwyllgor, nid yn unig heddiw, ond yn ystod yr ymchwiliad. Rwy'n siŵr y bydd hynny'n parhau yn y dyfodol. Rydym yn croesawu'r sicrwydd a roddwyd gennych heddiw, Ddirprwy Weinidog, ac edrychwn ymlaen at weithio gyda chi wrth i'r argymhellion hyn gael eu datblygu. 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. 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 heddiw yw'r ddadl ar ddeiseb P-06-1345, 'Dylid gwneud cynlluniau rheoli cadwraeth yn orfodol ar gyfer henebion cofrestredig sydd mewn perygl fel Castell Rhiw'r Perrai'. Galwaf ar Gadeirydd y pwyllgor i wneud y cynnig—Jack Sargeant.
Item 6 is the debate on petition P-06-1345, 'Make conservation management plans compulsory for scheduled monuments at risk such as Ruperra Castle'. I call on the Chair of the committee to move the motion—Jack Sargeant.
Cynnig NDM8380 Jack Sargeant
Cynnig bod y Senedd:
Yn nodi’r ddeiseb P-06-1345 'Dylid gwneud cynlluniau rheoli cadwraeth yn orfodol ar gyfer henebion cofrestredig sydd mewn perygl fel Castell Rhiw'r Perrai’ a gasglodd 10,580 o lofnodion.
Motion NDM8380 Jack Sargeant
To propose that the Senedd:
Notes the petition P-06-1345 'Make conservation management plans compulsory for scheduled monuments at risk such as Ruperra Castle’ which received 10,580 signatures.
Cynigiwyd y cynnig.
Motion moved.
Diolch yn fawr, Deputy Presiding Officer.
Diolch yn fawr, Ddirprwy Lywydd.
Ar ran y Pwyllgor Deisebau, diolch am y cyfle i gyflwyno'r ddadl bwysig hon.
On behalf of the Petitions Committee, thank you for the opportunity to present this important debate.
Presiding Officer, this is the second petition debate in a matter of weeks in relation to one of Cymru's historic monuments, and a further testament to the love people in Cymru have for our history and the buildings that were instrumental to it. Today’s debate relates to petition P-06-1345, 'Make conservation management plans compulsory for scheduled monuments at risk such as Ruperra Castle'.
Built in Caerphilly in 1626, Ruperra castle is significant in Welsh history, one of only a handful of pageant castles left in the United Kingdom. It was home to the Morgan family and played host to Charles I and the military in world war two. In 1941 it was gutted by fire and it is still a ruin at risk. It's a scheduled monument and grade II* listed building, yet it has deteriorated through private ownership. One of the towers has fallen and without considered intervention it will deteriorate further and soon be lost.
The petition received 10,580 signatures, 7,500 online and another 3,000 with pen and paper. The Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust have been active champions of the building, telling its story on their website, and campaigning to improve understanding and appreciation of the castle. Presiding Officer, I must say I've had the privilege of meeting supporters of the trust on a number of occasions, and I certainly would like to welcome them back to the Senedd today, as they are here in the public gallery for this debate.
The preservation trust says, and I quote:
'The Castle has a colourful history; it has played host to Charles 1st and the military in WWII, been a family home and hunting lodge, and provided employment for local families. The derelict gardens still retain echoes of the past including the remains of a magnificent MacKenzie and Moncur glass house, one of the largest and finest in Wales.
'The Castle was gutted by fire in 1941 and now stands as a romantic ruin and a building at risk of collapse. The unique surrounding listed buildings include Stables, Bothy and Generator House, which is home to a rare Greater Horseshoe bat maternity colony.'
Ruperra castle is a grade II* listed building. It is a scheduled ancient monument. Its grounds are listed on the Cadw register of parks and gardens of special historic interest in Wales. The castle has been in private ownership since 1998, with the current owner—[Interruption.] I certainly will.
Lywydd, dyma'r ail ddadl ddeiseb mewn mater o wythnosau mewn perthynas ag un o henebion hanesyddol Cymru, ac mae'n dyst pellach i'r cariad sydd gan bobl Cymru tuag at ein hanes a'r adeiladau a oedd yn allweddol iddo. Mae'r ddadl heddiw yn ymwneud â deiseb P-06-1345, 'Dylid gwneud cynlluniau rheoli cadwraeth yn orfodol ar gyfer henebion cofrestredig sydd mewn perygl fel Castell Rhiw'r Perrai'.
Wedi'i adeiladu yng Nghaerffili ym 1626, mae castell Rhiw'r Perrai yn arwyddocaol yn hanes Cymru, un o ddim ond llond dwrn o gestyll pasiant sydd ar ôl yn y Deyrnas Unedig. Roedd yn gartref i deulu Morgan a bu'n llety i Siarl I, a'r fyddin yn yr ail ryfel byd. Ym 1941 cafodd ei ddinistrio gan dân ac mae'n dal i fod yn adfail mewn perygl. Mae'n heneb gofrestredig ac adeilad rhestredig gradd II*, ond mae wedi dirywio drwy berchnogaeth breifat. Mae un o'r tyrau wedi cwympo a heb ymyrraeth ystyriol bydd yn dirywio ymhellach ac yn fuan, fe gaiff ei golli.
Denodd y ddeiseb 10,580 o lofnodion, 7,500 ar-lein a 3,000 arall drwy feiro a phapur. Mae Ymddiriedolaeth Cadwraeth Castell Rhiw'r Perrai wedi bod yn hyrwyddwyr gweithredol ar ran yr adeilad, gan adrodd ei stori ar eu gwefan, ac ymgyrchu i wella dealltwriaeth a gwerthfawrogiad o'r castell. Lywydd, rhaid imi ddweud fy mod wedi cael y fraint o gyfarfod â chefnogwyr yr ymddiriedolaeth ar sawl achlysur, ac yn sicr rwyf am eu croesawu yn ôl i'r Senedd heddiw, gan eu bod yma yn yr oriel gyhoeddus ar gyfer y ddadl hon.
Mae'r ymddiriedolaeth cadwraeth yn dweud, ac rwy'n dyfynnu:
'Mae gan y Castell hanes lliwgar; croesawodd Charles 1af ac hefyd y fyddin yn yr Ail Ryfel Byd, mae wedi bod yn gartref teuluol ac yn borthdy hela, ac mae wedi darparu cyflogaeth i deuluoedd lleol. Mae'r gerddi sydd wedi mynd yn wyllt yn dal i gadw adleisiau o'r gorffennol, gan gynnwys gweddillion tŷ gwydr gwych MacKenzie a Moncur, un o'r mwyaf a’r gorau yng Nghymru.'
'Cafodd tu mewn y Castell ei losgi’n ulw gan dân yn 1941 ac erbyn hyn mae'n adfail rhamantus ac yn adeilad sydd mewn perygl o gwympo. Mae'r adeiladau rhestredig unigryw o'i amgylch yn cynnwys Stablau, Bwthyn a Thŷ Generadur, sy'n gartref i nythfa famolaeth brin o ystlumod Pedol Mwyaf.'
Mae Castell Rhiw'r Perrai yn adeilad rhestredig gradd II*. Mae'n heneb gofrestredig. Rhestrir ei diroedd ar gofrestr Cadw o barciau a gerddi o ddiddordeb hanesyddol arbennig yng Nghymru. Mae'r castell wedi bod mewn dwylo preifat ers 1998, gyda'r perchennog presennol—[Torri ar draws.] Wrth gwrs.
As you know, the Enbarr Foundation made huge progress rescuing for community benefit the great grade II listed John Summers clock tower site at the old steelworks in Deeside, with its gardens included in Cadw's statutory register of historic parks and gardens in Wales. Will you join me in agreeing that the proposal in this petition could be extended to benefit sites such as that where, despite concerns being raised with the county council, the Welsh Government and Cadw, the landlord has been allowed to rip the site apart, replacing its nature with car parks?
Fel y gwyddoch, fe wnaeth Sefydliad Enbarr gynnydd enfawr yn achub safle tŵr cloc hyfryd John Summers er budd y gymuned, sef adeilad rhestredig gradd II yn yr hen waith dur yng Nglannau Dyfrdwy, gyda'i erddi wedi'u cynnwys yng nghofrestr statudol Cadw o barciau a gerddi hanesyddol yng Nghymru. A wnewch chi gytuno â mi y gellid ymestyn y cynnig yn y ddeiseb hon er budd safleoedd fel hynny lle caniatawyd i'r landlord chwalu'r safle, a gosod meysydd parcio yn lle ei fannau natur, er gwaethaf pryderon a gafodd eu dwyn i sylw'r cyngor sir, Llywodraeth Cymru a Cadw?
Can I thank Mark Isherwood for his intervention? He's right; I know well the John Summers building, with the Enbarr Foundation. I've supported their work on many occasions. As I said in my opening, this is the second debate in a number of weeks about the buildings of Wales, like the John Summers clock tower. So, I do think it goes wider than just the Ruperra castle that we're talking about today, and I'm happy to support his calls there.
Returning to where I was, Deputy Presiding Officer, the current ownership at Ruperra castle in Caerphilly has been in place since 2014. It is one of around 4,200 scheduled monuments and around 30,000 listed buildings in Cymru. Of these, only about 130 monuments are owned and looked after by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment division.
The petition refers to a conservation management plan. In Cadw’s own words, this is
'a document which explains why a historic monument or place is significant'
and how it is possible to
'sustain that significance in any new use, alteration, repair or management.'
A conservation management plan aims to identify the risks, explore the opportunities for improvement and highlight the significance of a monument. Conservation management plans are often a prerequisite for funding from bodies such as Cadw or the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Whilst Cadw suggests that the owners of scheduled monuments may find it useful to draw up these plans, it is not a requirement. The petitioners argue, Deputy Presiding Officer, that the Welsh Government should make compulsory conservation management plans for scheduled monuments at risk, to avoid neglect and subsequent loss. The Minister, in her response to the petition in a letter considered by the committee, argued that this is
'disproportionate in scale and cost, and in many cases unachievable.'
I wonder if, perhaps, the Minister can explain in further detail in her response to the committee her thinking behind that response.
Dirprwy Lywydd, we owe a great debt of gratitude to the campaigners who have done such an amazing job with Ruperra castle. I extend that gratitude to those campaigners for monuments across Wales. But on this particular petition, I wonder if the Minister will agree to meet with campaigners and local representatives about how we can make sure that their work really does make a difference for the future.
Deputy Presiding Officer, I hope today’s debate gives us an opportunity to think about Ruperra castle once again, and other buildings—as Mark Isherwood has mentioned in his contribution earlier, like the John Summers clock tower—across Cymru. I’m sure we'll hear much more about its role in our collective history, and what it says about our nation. Diolch.
A gaf fi ddiolch i Mark Isherwood am ei ymyriad? Mae'n llygad ei le; rwy'n gyfarwydd ag adeilad John Summers, gyda Sefydliad Enbarr. Rwyf wedi cefnogi eu gwaith ar sawl achlysur. Fel y dywedais wrth agor, dyma'r ail ddadl mewn rhai wythnosau am adeiladau Cymru, fel tŵr cloc John Summers. Felly, rwy'n credu ei fod yn ymestyn yn ehangach na chastell Rhiw'r Perrai sef testun ein dadl heddiw, ac rwy'n hapus i gefnogi ei alwadau yn hynny o beth.
Gan ddychwelyd at yr hyn roeddwn yn ei ddweud, Ddirprwy Lywydd, mae castell Rhiw'r Perrai yng Nghaerffili wedi bod yn nwylo'r perchnogion presennol ers 2014. Mae'n un o tua 4,200 o henebion cofrestredig a thua 30,000 o adeiladau rhestredig yng Nghymru. O'r rhain, dim ond tua 130 o henebion sy'n eiddo i Cadw, is-adran amgylchedd hanesyddol Llywodraeth Cymru, ac sy'n cael eu cynnal ganddynt.
Mae'r ddeiseb yn cyfeirio at gynllun rheoli cadwraethol. Yng ngeiriau Cadw ei hun, dyma
'ddogfen sy'n esbonio pam mae heneb neu le hanesyddol yn arwyddocaol'
a sut mae modd
'cynnal yr arwyddocâd hwnnw mewn unrhyw ddefnydd newydd, newid, gwaith atgyweirio neu reoli.'
Nod cynllun rheoli cadwraethol yw nodi'r risgiau, archwilio'r cyfleoedd i wella a thynnu sylw at arwyddocâd heneb. Mae cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol yn aml yn rhagofyniad ar gyfer cyllid gan gyrff fel Cadw neu Gronfa Treftadaeth y Loteri Genedlaethol.
Er bod Cadw yn awgrymu y gallai perchnogion henebion cofrestredig ei chael hi'n ddefnyddiol llunio'r cynlluniau hyn, nid yw'n ofyniad. Mae'r deisebwyr yn dadlau, Ddirprwy Lywydd, y dylai Llywodraeth Cymru wneud cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol gorfodol ar gyfer henebion cofrestredig mewn perygl, er mwyn osgoi esgeulustod a'u colli yn sgil hynny. Yn ei hymateb i'r ddeiseb mewn llythyr a ystyriwyd gan y pwyllgor, dadleuodd y Gweinidog fod hyn
'yn anghymesur o ran maint a chost, ac mewn sawl achos yn anghyflawnadwy.'
Tybed a allai'r Gweinidog esbonio'n fanylach yn ei hymateb i'r pwyllgor ei meddwl y tu ôl i'r ymateb hwnnw.
Ddirprwy Lywydd, rydym yn ddiolchgar i'r ymgyrchwyr sydd wedi gwneud gwaith mor anhygoel gyda chastell Rhiw'r Perrai. Rwy'n ymestyn y diolch hwnnw i ymgyrchwyr dros henebion ledled Cymru. Ond ar y ddeiseb benodol hon, tybed a wnaiff y Gweinidog gytuno i gyfarfod ag ymgyrchwyr a chynrychiolwyr lleol i drafod sut y gallwn sicrhau bod eu gwaith yn gwneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol ar gyfer y dyfodol.
Ddirprwy Lywydd, rwy'n gobeithio bod y ddadl heddiw yn rhoi cyfle i ni feddwl am gastell Rhiw'r PerraI unwaith eto, ac adeiladau eraill—fel y nododd Mark Isherwood yn ei gyfraniad yn gynharach, fel tŵr cloc John Summers—ar draws Cymru. Rwy'n siŵr y byddwn yn clywed llawer mwy am ei rôl yn ein hanes cyfunol, a'r hyn y mae'n ei ddweud am ein cenedl. Diolch.
Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. Can I start by thanking my colleague and committee Chair, Jack Sargeant, for opening this debate, and the petitioners for submitting this important petition?
Maintaining and preserving our heritage for future generations is an issue very close to my heart, and one I personally feel is not given sufficient attention. As you know, Dirprwy Lywydd, I've spoken numerous times in this Chamber, as have many others, about the need to protect our nation's heritage. It provides a tangible link to our nation's history and our past and is a vital component in passing on our culture. Conserving heritage means looking after it. This does not mean freezing it in time but does mean caring for it, using it, enjoying it and making it accessible to others in a way that does not damage or diminish what is important about it. If done right, with proper support and promotion, it is also financially beneficial to us as a nation, generating almost £1 billion annually for the Welsh economy.
This petition is specifically asking for the Welsh Government to legislate to make conservation management plans for scheduled monuments a compulsory undertaking by their owners. From speaking with Cadw, I am conscious of the difficulties of this and the cost implications that could arise, but nonetheless I support this and would urge the Welsh Government to take seriously this petition. We have had numerous debates in this Chamber recently regarding how our heritage is being lost, and therefore I feel that making conservation management plans compulsory in Wales is a sensible and effective way of ensuring that every effort is made to conserve those buildings and monuments. People often think that conservation management plans should deal only with the physical conservation of the heritage. And, of course, this is important, however conservation also involves managing and maintaining a site in the long term—in other words, looking after it to hand it on to future generations. It helps owners think about the long-term sustainability of the site and the social and economic benefits of it.
Whilst most owners of scheduled monuments and historic buildings do look after them well, there are, of course, a few who are not engaged with or care about the cultural or community significance of them that seem to resist the most. And I think this largely comes down to the fact that they do not fully appreciate their value nor the sense of identity that these monuments and buildings bring, and the benefits that can be had to an individual's sense of well-being. In most cases, they are seen as a financial drain, but having a conservation management plan will ultimately help towards applications for external funding, they will help generate positive relationships with local planning and statutory agencies, with partnership funding organisations and with the local community. Finally, management plans can help identify activities that might cause damage, help generate active governance procedures that can slow or avoid the effects of natural deterioration, and can help to identify all the different ways in which the community values the asset.
In the case of Ruperra castle, which has sadly been very poorly maintained and is in dire need of conservation work just to make it safe, we see an asset of national and historic significance being lost before our eyes. The local community have actively tried to engage with the owner and to encourage its preservation, but have had no success. It is only right that they bring their concerns to the Welsh Government in the hope that the situation can change. With this in mind, Dirprwy Lywydd, I would urge every Member here to support this petition, and for the Government to take seriously its recommendations. We need much stronger legislation in Wales to protect our heritage and this would make a very good start. Thank you.
Diolch yn fawr, Lywydd. A gaf fi ddechrau drwy ddiolch i fy nghyd-Aelod a Chadeirydd y pwyllgor, Jack Sargeant, am agor y ddadl, a'r deisebwyr am gyflwyno'r ddeiseb bwysig hon?
Mae cynnal a chadw ein treftadaeth ar gyfer cenedlaethau'r dyfodol yn fater sy'n agos iawn at fy nghalon, ac nid yw'n un y teimlaf i'n bersonol ei fod yn cael digon o sylw. Fel y gwyddoch, Ddirprwy Lywydd, rwyf wedi siarad sawl gwaith yn y Siambr, fel llawer o bobl eraill, am yr angen i ddiogelu treftadaeth ein cenedl. Mae'n darparu cyswllt pendant â hanes ein cenedl a'n gorffennol ac mae'n elfen hanfodol wrth drosglwyddo ein diwylliant ymlaen. Mae gwarchod treftadaeth yn golygu gofalu amdani. Nid yw'n golygu ei rhewi mewn amser, ond mae'n golygu gofalu amdani, ei defnyddio, ei mwynhau a'i gwneud yn hygyrch i eraill mewn ffordd nad yw'n niweidio neu'n lleihau'r hyn sy'n bwysig amdani. Os caiff ei wneud yn iawn, gyda chefnogaeth a hyrwyddo priodol, mae hefyd o fudd ariannol i ni fel cenedl, gan gynhyrchu bron i £1 biliwn yn flynyddol i economi Cymru.
Mae'r ddeiseb hon yn gofyn yn benodol i Lywodraeth Cymru ddeddfu i wneud cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol ar gyfer henebion cofrestredig yn ymgymeriad gorfodol gan eu perchnogion. O siarad â Cadw, rwy'n ymwybodol o anawsterau hyn a'r goblygiadau costau a allai godi, ond serch hynny rwy'n cefnogi hyn a hoffwn annog Llywodraeth Cymru i fod o ddifrif ynglŷn â'r ddeiseb hon. Rydym wedi cael nifer o ddadleuon yn y Siambr yn ddiweddar ynghylch y ffordd y caiff ein treftadaeth ei cholli, ac felly rwy'n teimlo bod gwneud cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol yn orfodol yng Nghymru yn ffordd synhwyrol ac effeithiol o sicrhau bod pob ymdrech yn cael ei gwneud i ddiogelu'r adeiladau a'r henebion hynny. Mae pobl yn aml yn meddwl y dylai cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol ymdrin â chadwraeth ffisegol y dreftadaeth yn unig. Ac wrth gwrs, mae hynny'n bwysig, ond mae cadwraeth hefyd yn golygu rheoli a chynnal safle yn hirdymor—mewn geiriau eraill, gofalu amdano i'w drosglwyddo i genedlaethau'r dyfodol. Mae'n helpu perchnogion i feddwl am gynaliadwyedd hirdymor y safle a'i fanteision cymdeithasol ac economaidd.
Er bod y rhan fwyaf o berchnogion henebion cofrestredig ac adeiladau hanesyddol yn gofalu amdanynt yn dda, mae yna rai, wrth gwrs, nad ydynt yn poeni ynghylch eu harwyddocâd diwylliannol neu gymunedol. Ac rwy'n credu bod hyn i raddau helaeth yn deillio o'r ffaith nad ydynt yn gwerthfawrogi eu gwerth na'r ymdeimlad o hunaniaeth a ddaw yn sgil yr henebion a'r adeiladau hyn, a'r manteision posibl i ymdeimlad unigolyn o lesiant. Yn y rhan fwyaf o achosion, fe'u hystyrir yn faich ariannol, ond yn y pen draw bydd cael cynllun rheoli cadwraethol yn helpu tuag at geisiadau am gyllid allanol, byddant yn helpu i greu perthynas gadarnhaol gydag adrannau cynllunio lleol ac asiantaethau statudol, gyda sefydliadau cyllido partneriaeth a chyda'r gymuned leol. Yn olaf, gall cynlluniau rheoli helpu i nodi gweithgareddau a allai achosi niwed, helpu i gynhyrchu gweithdrefnau llywodraethu gweithredol a all arafu neu osgoi effeithiau dirywiad naturiol, a gallant helpu i nodi'r holl wahanol ffyrdd y mae'r gymuned yn gwerthfawrogi'r ased.
Yn achos castell Rhiw'r Perrai, sydd, yn anffodus, wedi cael ei gynnal yn wael iawn ac sydd angen gwaith cadwraethol yn enbyd ddim ond i'w wneud yn ddiogel, gwelwn ased o arwyddocâd cenedlaethol a hanesyddol yn cael ei golli o flaen ein llygaid. Mae'r gymuned leol wedi mynd ati i geisio ymgysylltu â'r perchennog ac annog ei gadwraeth, ond nid ydynt wedi cael unrhyw lwyddiant. Nid yw ond yn iawn eu bod yn dod â'u pryderon at Lywodraeth Cymru yn y gobaith y gall y sefyllfa newid. Gyda hyn mewn golwg, Ddirprwy Lywydd, hoffwn annog pob Aelod yma i gefnogi'r ddeiseb hon, ac i'r Llywodraeth fod o ddifrif ynghylch ei hargymhellion. Mae angen deddfwriaeth lawer cryfach arnom yng Nghymru i ddiogelu ein treftadaeth a byddai hyn yn ddechrau da iawn. Diolch.
Can I echo the thanks to the petitioner for bringing this important issue again to the Senedd? As the Chair and Joel James have already mentioned, we spoke about the importance of preserving Sycharth, the former home of Owain Glyndŵr, only a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, Ruperra castle is falling into a similar state of ruin, as are so many other historical monuments in Wales, as Mark Isherwood highlighted, and every day without action is a day we risk this beautiful structure being lost forever. I still remember visiting Ruperra castle as a six or seven-year-old, and I can vividly recollect being amazed by its beauty. And even as a young boy, I couldn't realise why the castle was being left in such a state.
Cadw estimates that around 14 per cent of scheduled monuments in Wales are at risk. We must be proactive in protecting these parts of Welsh history. Many castles, forts, churches, chapels and, in some cases, whole villages, like Cwmorthin, have been left in ruin. Ruperra castle is one of the very few exceptions where we haven't just got the remnants of the castle, but the castle itself is still standing and in good condition. Not only is the castle a wonderful addition to the countryside around it, but, as the Chair mentioned, it's an invaluable educational tool that could be used, if made safe and stable again, to teach future generations of Welsh children about the history of Wales and the type of social structure we used to have in this country.
As the Chair mentioned, the castle itself poses a wealth of history—indeed, a political history—as the castle was passed through the bloodline of the famous Morgan family; a family of MPs, of lords, a Charge of the Light Brigade survivor, and the famous pirate Harri Morgan. It's such a pity that this fantastic castle is being neglected, while only 20 minutes up the road, Tredegar House, another Morgan property, is looked after and being enjoyed by thousands upon thousands every year.
As the Chair mentioned, Charles I visited the castle and spent four days there during the English civil war. Ironically, it also later hosted the Dutch ambassador to Oliver Cromwell, who described the area like this:
'one would never guessed how charming the view is towards the Severn across this very beautiful and fertile valley.'
The castle obviously made an impact on the Dutch ambassador.
In 1941 the castle was burnt down while under the care of the British army, and, ever since, it's been slowly declining. Its owner from 1998 until 2010 wanted to build flats in the castle, then he wanted permission to demolish the castle and then, finally, he gave up and sold it. It's clear that whether under military rule or private ownership, Ruperra castle is not being looked after properly. I would urge the Deputy Minister, I would urge the Welsh Government, to take action on this and so many other at-risk monuments in Wales, so we can protect these fascinating and important parts of our heritage for many, many generations to come. Diolch yn fawr.
A gaf fi hefyd ddiolch i'r deisebydd am gyflwyno'r mater pwysig hwn i'r Senedd eto? Fel y mae'r Cadeirydd a Joel James eisoes wedi'i grybwyll, buom yn sôn am bwysigrwydd cadw Sycharth, hen gartref Owain Glyndŵr, ychydig wythnosau yn ôl. Yn anffodus, mae castell Rhiw'r Perrai yn dadfeilio yn yr un modd, fel y mae cymaint o henebion hanesyddol eraill yng Nghymru, fel y dywedodd Mark Isherwood, a chyda phob diwrnod sy'n mynd heibio heb weithredu rydym yn mentro colli'r strwythur hardd hwn am byth. Rwy'n dal i gofio ymweld â chastell Rhiw'r Perrai fel plentyn chwech neu saith oed, a gallaf gofio rhyfeddu at ei harddwch. A hyd yn oed fel bachgen ifanc, nid oeddwn yn deall pam fod y castell yn cael ei adael mewn cyflwr o'r fath.
Mae Cadw yn amcangyfrif bod tua 14 y cant o henebion cofrestredig yng Nghymru mewn perygl. Mae'n rhaid i ni fod yn rhagweithiol wrth ddiogelu'r rhannau hyn o hanes Cymru. Mae llawer o gestyll, caerau, eglwysi, capeli, ac mewn rhai achosion, pentrefi cyfan, fel Cwmorthin, wedi cael eu gadael i ddadfeilio. Castell Rhiw'r Perrai yw un o'r ychydig eithriadau lle mae'r castell ei hun yn dal i sefyll ac mewn cyflwr da, yn hytrach na bod dim ond gweddillion y castell i'w gweld. Mae'r castell nid yn unig yn ychwanegiad gwych i'r ardal wledig o'i gwmpas, fel y crybwyllodd y Cadeirydd, mae hefyd yn offeryn addysgol amhrisiadwy y gellid ei ddefnyddio, os caiff ei wneud yn ddiogel ac yn sefydlog eto, i addysgu cenedlaethau'r dyfodol o blant Cymru am hanes Cymru a'r math o strwythur cymdeithasol a arferai fod gennym yn y wlad hon.
Fel y soniodd y Cadeirydd, mae'r castell ei hun yn corffori cyfoeth o hanes—hanes gwleidyddol, yn wir—gan i'r castell gael ei drosglwyddo drwy linach y teulu Morgan enwog; teulu o ASau, o arglwyddi, goroeswr Cyrch y Frigâd Ysgafn, a'r môr-leidr enwog Harri Morgan. Mae'n drueni bod y castell gwych hwn yn cael ei esgeuluso, tra bo Tŷ Tredegar, a oedd hefyd yn eiddo i'r teulu Morgan, nad yw ond 20 munud i fyny'r ffordd, yn cael gofal ac yn cael ei fwynhau gan filoedd ar filoedd o bobl bob blwyddyn.
Fel y soniodd y Cadeirydd, ymwelodd Siarl I â'r castell a threuliodd bedwar diwrnod yno yn ystod rhyfel cartref Lloegr. Yn eironig, arhosodd llysgennad yr Iseldiroedd i Oliver Cromwell yno yn ddiweddarach, a disgrifiodd yr ardal fel hyn:
'ni fyddai rhywun byth yn dyfalu pa mor swynol yw'r olygfa tuag at afon Hafren ar draws y dyffryn hardd a ffrwythlon iawn hwn.'
Mae'n amlwg i'r castell gael effaith ar lysgennad yr Iseldiroedd.
Ym 1941, llosgwyd y castell tra oedd dan ofal byddin Prydain, a byth ers hynny, mae wedi bod yn dirywio'n araf. Roedd ei berchennog rhwng 1998 a 2010 eisiau adeiladu fflatiau yn y castell, yna roedd eisiau caniatâd i ddymchwel y castell ac yna, yn olaf, rhoddodd y gorau iddi a'i werthu. Boed ei fod o dan reolaeth filwrol neu berchnogaeth breifat, mae'n amlwg nad yw castell Rhiw'r Perrai yn cael gofal priodol. Rwy'n annog y Dirprwy Weinidog, rwy'n annog Llywodraeth Cymru, i weithredu ar hyn a chymaint o henebion eraill sydd mewn perygl yng Nghymru, fel y gallwn ddiogelu'r rhannau diddorol a phwysig hyn o'n treftadaeth ar gyfer llawer o genedlaethau i ddod. Diolch yn fawr.
Well, as we just heard from Rhys ab Owen, Ruperra castle is the second most famous castle in my constituency, but from Rhys's history lesson we can hear that, actually, it has a significant historical impact and has a great historical importance for a variety of reasons. Actually, the castle itself borders Newport, which John Griffiths and Jayne Bryant represent, and also Cardiff North, I think I'm right in saying, which Julie Morgan represents, and I know that the three in front of me—the four of us—care deeply about the future of Ruperra castle.
I would also pay tribute to the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust. Very many of them are up in the gallery today, and they did ask whether we can wave, so I am going to wave, Dirprwy Lywydd, if you don't mind. They are doing sterling work in keeping that castle in the public imagination, but also being used as a destination to visit and look at, at least from afar. They hold historical walks; they hold annual open-doors events, which I've attended—one when it was particularly badly raining, and I declined, actually, to do the walk, but I was there in the barn. They also have educational events about how the castle can be preserved and maintained. That's pretty much what it has been about. The trust team have been here yesterday in one of the dining rooms in Tŷ Hywel to show Members a model of what the castle looked like before its disrepair. They've met with many Members across the Chamber, and I'm really grateful to Members for dropping in to see them. Today, they're here to hear this debate.
So, what are they doing, practically? Well, I've met with them and with the deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council to talk about how we can build links with the community; that's one of the most important things that we can do. They've worked with Caerphilly County Borough Council, Natural Resources Wales and other local landowners to talk about how that castle can be preserved. They've petitioned and pressurised Mr Alkhafaji, who owns the castle at the moment, to get engaged, and we did have some success, didn't we, in 2017, I think it was, when Dafydd Elis-Thomas was in your position, Dirprwy Weinidog, and he met, then, with the owner. Unfortunately, though some hope was held, it didn't actually lead to anything, so we call upon the owner to come back to the table. Caerphilly council is calling on the owner to come back to the table and have this dialogue about the future of the castle.
That is why we come to this point, Deputy Minister; this is why I'm so grateful to Jack Sargeant, who has turned the Petitions Committee into a real campaigning force. This is why I've come to you, Deputy Minister, because we have nowhere else to turn at this point in time. We are working with everyone we can find, everyone we can—across parties, as well, because Delyth Jewell and Natasha Asghar have been involved—to try and find a way through this.
Deputy Minister, you've responded in a letter to the Petitions Committee that I've seen that you don't believe that a compulsory management plan is necessary for buildings of this nature, but in this case, at the very least, we need a structural survey to understand what needs to happen there. We need to look at the boundaries of that castle and understand what is needed to be done. At the moment, there is no prospect, without this management plan, of that happening, and I'm very grateful to you, Deputy Minister, for agreeing to meet with us to discuss in November how we can proceed and how we may be able to find a way through to get that, at the very least, structural survey done. Any pressure that you can put to get that achieved—we would be very grateful.
I just wanted to mention, as this is about legislation as well, that the previous Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee produced a report that recommended that what would become, then, the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016 should be kept under review. I know that the Act was superseded by the 2023 Act, which received Royal Assent this year, but the committee and ourselves would argue that that was a consolidation Act, it wasn't a review. So, we really need to see a thorough review, as that Act did not make provision for compulsory conservation management plans. At the very least, we'd like to look at how just this site can be serviced if you cannot agree to compulsory management plans. But we still hold out hope.
What I'd like to say is that the fight will go on with Ruperra castle. The committee will not give up, and we will continue to work with everyone involved, but preferably—preferably—with the landowner, to find a way to preserve this majestic monument.
Wel, fel y clywsom gan Rhys ab Owen, castell Rhiw'r Perrai yw'r ail gastell enwocaf yn fy etholaeth i, ond o wers hanes Rhys gallwn glywed bod iddo werth hanesyddol sylweddol a bod ganddo bwysigrwydd hanesyddol mawr am amryw resymau. A dweud y gwir, mae'r castell ei hun yn ffinio â Chasnewydd, y mae John Griffiths a Jayne Bryant yn ei gynrychioli, a Gogledd Caerdydd hefyd, rwy'n credu fy mod yn iawn i ddweud, lle mae Julie Morgan yn ei gynrychioli, a gwn fod y tri o fy mlaen—y pedwar ohonom—yn poeni'n fawr am ddyfodol castell Rhiw'r Perrai.
Hoffwn dalu teyrnged hefyd i Ymddiriedolaeth Cadwraeth Castell Rhiw'r Perrai. Mae llawer iawn ohonynt yn yr oriel heddiw, ac fe wnaethant ofyn a gawn ni godi llaw, felly rwyf am godi llaw, Ddirprwy Lywydd, os nad oes ots gennych. Maent yn gwneud gwaith rhagorol i gadw'r castell hwnnw yn fyw yn nychymyg y cyhoedd, ond mae hefyd yn cael ei ddefnyddio fel cyrchfan i ymweld ag ef ac edrych arno, o bell o leiaf. Maent yn cynnal teithiau cerdded hanesyddol; maent yn cynnal digwyddiadau drysau agored blynyddol, ac rwyf wedi mynychu'r rheini—unwaith pan oedd hi'n bwrw glaw yn ofnadwy, ac fe wneuthum wrthod cymryd rhan yn y daith gerdded, ond roeddwn yno yn yr ysgubor. Maent hefyd yn cynnal digwyddiadau addysgol ynghylch sut y gellir diogelu a chynnal y castell. Dyna mae'n ymwneud ag ef yn y bôn. Mae tîm yr ymddiriedolaeth wedi bod yma ddoe yn un o'r ystafelloedd bwyta yn Nhŷ Hywel i ddangos model i'r Aelodau o sut olwg oedd ar y castell cyn iddo ddadfeilio. Maent wedi cyfarfod â llawer o Aelodau ar draws y Siambr, ac rwy'n ddiolchgar iawn i'r Aelodau am alw heibio i'w gweld. Heddiw, maent yma i glywed y ddadl hon.
Felly, beth maent yn ei wneud yn ymarferol? Wel, rwyf wedi eu cyfarfod gyda dirprwy arweinydd Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili i siarad ynglŷn â sut y gallwn adeiladu cysylltiadau â'r gymuned; dyna un o'r pethau pwysicaf y gallwn ei wneud. Maent wedi gweithio gyda Chyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili, Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru a thirfeddianwyr lleol eraill i siarad ynglŷn â sut y gellir diogelu'r castell. Maent wedi deisebu ac wedi rhoi pwysau ar Mr Alkhafaji, sy'n berchen ar y castell ar hyn o bryd, i gymryd rhan, a chawsom beth llwyddiant, oni chawsom, yn 2017, rwy'n credu, pan oedd Dafydd Elis-Thomas yn eich swydd chi, Ddirprwy Weinidog, ac fe wnaeth gyfarfod gyda'r perchennog bryd hynny. Yn anffodus, er eu bod yn eithaf gobeithiol, ni arweiniodd at ddim mewn gwirionedd, felly rydym yn galw ar y perchennog i ddod yn ôl at y bwrdd. Mae cyngor Caerffili yn galw ar y perchennog i ddod yn ôl at y bwrdd a chael y drafodaeth hon am ddyfodol y castell.
Dyna pam y deuwn at y pwynt hwn, Ddirprwy Weinidog; dyna pam fy mod mor ddiolchgar i Jack Sargeant, sydd wedi troi'r Pwyllgor Deisebau yn rym ymgyrchu go iawn. Dyna pam rwyf wedi troi atoch chi, Ddirprwy Weinidog, oherwydd nid oes gennym unman arall i droi ar hyn o bryd. Rydym yn gweithio gyda phawb y gallwn ddod o hyd iddynt, pawb y gallwn ni—ar draws pleidiau hefyd oherwydd mae Delyth Jewell a Natasha Asghar wedi bod yn rhan o hyn—i geisio dod o hyd i ffordd drwy hyn.
Ddirprwy Weinidog, fe wnaethoch chi ymateb mewn llythyr a welais at y Pwyllgor Deisebau yn dweud nad ydych chi'n credu bod angen cynllun rheoli gorfodol ar gyfer adeiladau tebyg i hyn, ond yn yr achos hwn, mae angen arolwg strwythurol arnom fan lleiaf i ddeall beth sydd angen digwydd yno. Mae angen i ni edrych ar ffiniau'r castell a deall beth sydd angen ei wneud yno. Ar hyn o bryd, nid oes unrhyw obaith, heb y cynllun rheoli hwn, y bydd hynny'n digwydd, ac rwy'n ddiolchgar iawn i chi, Ddirprwy Weinidog, am gytuno i gyfarfod â ni ym mis Tachwedd i drafod sut y gallwn fwrw ymlaen a sut y gallwn ddod o hyd i ffordd o gael arolwg strwythurol wedi'i wneud, o leiaf. Unrhyw bwysau y gallwch ei roi i gael hynny wedi'i gyflawni—byddem yn ddiolchgar iawn.
Roeddwn eisiau sôn, gan fod hyn yn ymwneud â deddfwriaeth hefyd, fod y Pwyllgor Diwylliant, y Gymraeg a Chyfathrebu blaenorol wedi cynhyrchu adroddiad a oedd yn argymell y dylid parhau i adolygu'r hyn a fyddai'n dod, ar y pryd, yn Ddeddf Amgylchedd Hanesyddol (Cymru) 2016. Rwy'n gwybod bod y Ddeddf wedi cael ei disodli gan Ddeddf 2023, a gafodd Gydsyniad Brenhinol eleni, ond byddai'r pwyllgor a ninnau'n dadlau mai Deddf gydgrynhoi oedd honno, ac nid adolygiad. Felly, mae gwir angen i ni weld adolygiad trylwyr, gan na wnaeth y Ddeddf honno ddarpariaeth ar gyfer cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol gorfodol. Hoffem edrych fan lleiaf ar sut y gellir gwasanaethu'r safle hwn os na allwch gytuno i gynlluniau rheoli gorfodol. Ond rydym yn dal i fyw mewn gobaith.
Yr hyn yr hoffwn ei ddweud yw y bydd y frwydr yn parhau mewn perthynas â chastell Rhiw'r Perrai. Ni fydd y pwyllgor yn rhoi'r ffidil yn y to, a byddwn yn parhau i weithio gyda phawb sy'n gysylltiedig, ond yn ddelfrydol—yn ddelfrydol—gyda'r tirfeddiannwr, i ddod o hyd i ffordd o ddiogelu'r heneb wych hon.
I speak for myself in this debate a well as my colleague Peredur Owen Griffiths. We should cherish our ancient monuments, because they carry our local stories in their stones. I've had the privilege of seeing Ruperra castle through gaps in hedges and holes in fences, and even from those brief glimpses, I can see the showcase of Welsh history it provides. But Ruperra castle has been deteriorating slowly ever since a fire enveloped it in 1941. And as we've heard, in 1981 it lost a tower and the entire site is at risk of crumbling and falling into further disrepair. So much history would be lost if that happened.
And this risk isn't one that's only posed to this one monument. It's estimated, as we've heard, that 14 per cent of all our nationally important scheduled monuments are at risk, and that risk is too often a result of neglect. The last time that the condition of Ruperra castle was recorded was in June of this year, and Cadw found, at that time, that its current condition is unfavourable, that it has high vulnerability and that it has worsened severely. I know Cadw have been encouraging the owner to record the structure, to commission a structural survey, but I agree with the trust—and I would pay tribute to the fantastic campaigning work that they do—that the current system needs urgent reform if all Cadw can do is encourage owners to prevent a monument in their care from falling to dust.
There's a suggestion that conservation management plans should be made compulsory. I would support that. If the Government isn't minded to take that action, I'd welcome hearing more about what the Government feels should be done to prevent us from losing sites and buildings of such significance. Because buildings are more than bricks; they bring our history to life. I think about the living history we get from place like Llancaiach Fawr near where I live, which allows children and people of all ages to walk in the footsteps of people from our past, to learn and see our world through their eyes if only for a moment, and those glimpses, again, are powerful. And there are other reasons why Ruperra itself should be protected—for the woodlands, the grasslands, the native species that make their homes there, like the greater horseshoe bat. The residents of Ruperra today and from her past deserve that dignity and that protection.
Now, earlier in this Senedd term, Peredur and I accompanied members of the trust to see Ruperra in all its splendour, through those gaps in hedges, and even in its current state, it is so impressive. It holds those stories, and we should help those stories to be shared. Now, Ruperra's story today is a sad one, but its ending need not be tragic. We can help to turn it around, to write a new chapter in that building's majestic history, and that's something we can embark on together—cross-party and with all of the fantastic campaigners who work so tirelessly to help preserve that site. Diolch.
Rwy'n siarad drosof fy hun yn y ddadl hon yn ogystal â fy nghyd-Aelod Peredur Owen Griffiths. Dylem goleddu ein henebion oherwydd maent yn cario ein straeon lleol yn eu cerrig. Cefais y fraint o weld castell Rhiw'r Perrai drwy fylchau mewn gwrychoedd a thyllau mewn ffensys, a hyd yn oed o'r cipolwg byr hwnnw, gallaf weld ei fod yn arddangosiad o hanes Cymru. Ond mae castell Rhiw'r Perrai wedi bod yn dirywio'n araf ers iddo fynd ar dân ym 1941. Ac fel y clywsom, collodd dwr ym 1981 ac mae'r safle cyfan mewn perygl o gwympo a dadfeilio ymhellach. Byddai cymaint o hanes yn cael ei golli pe bai hynny'n digwydd.
Ac nid yr heneb hon yn unig sy'n wynebu'r risg hon. Amcangyfrifir, fel y clywsom, fod 14 y cant o'n henebion cofrestredig sydd o bwys cenedlaethol mewn perygl, a bod y perygl hwnnw, yn rhy aml, yn deillio o esgeulustod. Y tro diwethaf i gyflwr castell Rhiw'r Perrai gael ei gofnodi oedd ym mis Mehefin eleni, a chanfu Cadw, bryd hynny, fod ei gyflwr yn anffafriol, ei fod yn fregus iawn a'i fod wedi gwaethygu'n ddifrifol. Gwn fod Cadw wedi bod yn annog y perchennog i gofnodi'r strwythur, i gomisiynu arolwg strwythurol, ond rwy'n cytuno â'r ymddiriedolaeth—a hoffwn dalu teyrnged i'r gwaith ymgyrchu gwych y maent yn ei wneud—fod angen diwygio'r system bresennol ar frys os mai'r cyfan y gall Cadw ei wneud yw annog perchnogion i atal heneb yn eu gofal rhag dadfeilio'n ddim.
Mae yna awgrym y dylid gwneud cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol yn orfodol. Buaswn yn cefnogi hynny. Os nad yw'r Llywodraeth yn bwriadu cymryd y camau hynny, buaswn yn croesawu clywed mwy am yr hyn y mae'r Llywodraeth yn teimlo y dylid ei wneud i'n hatal rhag colli safleoedd ac adeiladau mor arwyddocaol. Oherwydd mae adeiladau'n fwy na brics; maent yn dod â'n hanes yn fyw. Rwy'n meddwl am yr hanes byw rydym yn ei gael o rywle fel Llancaiach Fawr ger lle rwy'n byw, sy'n caniatáu i blant a phobl o bob oed gerdded yn ôl traed pobl o'n gorffennol, i ddysgu a gweld ein byd drwy eu llygaid nhw, os am eiliad yn unig, ac mae'r cipolwg hwnnw, eto, yn bwerus. Ac mae rhesymau eraill pam y dylid gwarchod Rhiw'r Perrai ei hun—am y coetiroedd, y glaswelltir, y rhywogaethau brodorol sy'n ymgartrefu yno, fel yr ystlum pedol mwyaf. Mae trigolion Rhiw'r Perrai heddiw ac o'i orffennol yn haeddu'r urddas a'r amddiffyniad hwnnw.
Nawr, yn gynharach yn nhymor y Senedd hon, aeth Peredur a minnau gydag aelodau o'r ymddiriedolaeth i weld Rhiw'r Perrai yn ei holl ysblander, drwy'r bylchau hynny yn y gwrychoedd, a hyd yn oed yn ei gyflwr presennol, mae mor drawiadol. Mae'n dal y straeon hynny, a dylem helpu i'w rhannu. Nawr, mae stori Rhiw'r Perrai heddiw yn un drist, ond nid oes angen i'w diweddglo fod yn drasig. Gallwn helpu i newid y sefyllfa, ysgrifennu pennod newydd yn hanes mawreddog yr adeilad hwnnw, ac mae hwnnw'n rhywbeth y gallwn ddechrau ei wneud gyda'n gilydd—ar draws y pleidiau a chyda'r holl ymgyrchwyr gwych sy'n gweithio mor ddiflino i helpu i ddiogelu'r safle hwnnw. Diolch.
Natasha Asghar.
Natasha Asghar.
Thank you so much, Deputy Presiding Officer. You've made my day. I'd like to say a big 'thank you' to the Petitions Committee for considering this petition and bringing it to the Chamber today for debate. And I'd like to say an even bigger 'thank you' to the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust for starting the petition in the first place, and, indeed, everybody across the board who signed it.
This summer I was fortunate enough to spend an afternoon with Charlotte and Kay from the trust on a visit to Ruperra castle. To say it broke my heart to see the beautiful, historic and important monument in such a state of disrepair would be an understatement. It's clear that the castle has been and continues to be neglected and is facing the real risk of collapse, which I'm sure that many Members have already said and will continue to state as well. In fact, recent information from Cadw deemed the castle's condition to have worsened severely and that the current condition was, I quote, unfavourable, with high vulnerability and the monument risk level was, in fact, 'high immediate'. We do need to be doing all that we can to protect this castle, and I would've thought that making conservation management plans compulsory would be a good place to start, and will help save other important sites, not just Ruperra castle.
I was incredibly disappointed in the Minister's response to this petition, rejecting the trust's calls. In her letter, the Minister says there were no calls for compulsory conservation management plans during a consultation period on the Historic Environment (Wales) Act. Well, I'd argue that's simply not the case, with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings saying, and I quote for all of you here today:
'Ideally we would have hoped to see even greater change, including a duty of care placed upon the owners of designated structures.'
National Trust Wales also said, and I quote again:
'We are pleased to see the Bill’s provisions to lend greater protection to Listed Buildings, however, we would have wished to see far greater emphasis on Buildings at Risk.... We wish to see greater monitoring, greater intervention, greater reporting, and far more emphasis on reducing the buildings at risk in Wales.'
If the Deputy Minister is still of the mind that conservation management plans aren't necessary, and I hope she does rethink her stance, then perhaps she can look at Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust's alternative suggestion of issuing a policy statement to strengthen that policy for all scheduled monuments at risk on large, complex and sensitive sites such as Ruperra. Perhaps a visit to Ruperra castle, which I know a few Members have mentioned, would give the Deputy Minister a better understanding of the issue. I'm sure the trust would welcome the opportunity to show you around and talk to you about the site, Minister, and, having been myself, I would highly recommend you don't wear heels—wear some flat shoes when you do take the trip.
Deputy Minister, something really does need to be done. We can't just stand by and do nothing, and let another tower at Ruperra fall to the ground. Deputy Minister, I really hope that, following today's debate, you will reconsider the Government's position on making a conservation management plan compulsory, so we can help preserve sites like Ruperra, one of the only pageant castles here in the UK, for future generations to come. Thank you.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Rydych chi wedi gwneud fy niwrnod. Hoffwn ddiolch yn fawr i'r Pwyllgor Deisebau am ystyried y ddeiseb hon a'i chyflwyno i'r Siambr heddiw i'w thrafod. A hoffwn ddiolch yn fwy byth i Ymddiriedolaeth Cadwraeth Castell Rhiw'r Perrai am ddechrau'r ddeiseb yn y lle cyntaf, ac yn wir, i bawb o'r rhai a'i llofnododd.
Yr haf hwn roeddwn yn ddigon ffodus i dreulio prynhawn gyda Charlotte a Kay o'r ymddiriedolaeth ar ymweliad â chastell Rhiw'r Perrai. Fe dorrodd fy nghalon i weld yr heneb hardd, hanesyddol a phwysig mewn cyflwr mor adfeiliedig. Mae'n amlwg fod y castell wedi cael ei esgeuluso a'i fod yn parhau i gael ei esgeuluso a'i fod mewn perygl gwirioneddol o gwympo, ac rwy'n siŵr fod llawer o Aelodau eisoes wedi dweud hynny ac y byddant yn parhau i'w ddatgan hefyd. Yn wir, roedd gwybodaeth ddiweddar gan Cadw yn ystyried bod cyflwr y castell wedi gwaethygu'n ddifrifol a bod y cyflwr presennol, ac rwy'n dyfynnu, yn anffafriol, yn fregus iawn a bod yr heneb, mewn gwirionedd, ar lefel risg 'uchel - ar unwaith'. Mae angen i ni wneud popeth yn ein gallu i ddiogelu'r castell hwn, a buaswn wedi meddwl y byddai gwneud cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol yn orfodol yn lle da i ddechrau, ac y bydd yn helpu i achub safleoedd pwysig eraill, nid castell Rhiw'r Perrai yn unig.
Roeddwn yn hynod siomedig ynghylch ymateb y Gweinidog i'r ddeiseb hon, yn gwrthod galwadau'r ymddiriedolaeth. Yn ei llythyr, mae'r Gweinidog yn dweud nad oedd galwadau am gynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol gorfodol yn ystod y cyfnod ymgynghori ar Ddeddf yr Amgylchedd Hanesyddol (Cymru). Wel, buaswn yn dadlau nad yw hynny'n wir, gyda'r Gymdeithas Gwarchod Adeiladau Hynafol yn dweud, a dyfynnaf ar eich cyfer chi i gyd yma heddiw:
'Yn ddelfrydol, byddem wedi gobeithio gweld hyd yn oed mwy o newid, gan gynnwys dyletswydd gofal yn cael ei gosod ar berchnogion strwythurau dynodedig.'
Dywedodd yr Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol yng Nghymru hefyd, ac rwy'n dyfynnu eto:
'Rydym yn falch o weld darpariaethau'r Bil i roi mwy o ddiogelwch i Adeiladau Rhestredig, fodd bynnag, byddem wedi dymuno gweld llawer mwy o bwyslais ar Adeiladau mewn Perygl... Rydym eisiau gweld mwy o fonitro, mwy o ymyrraeth, mwy o adrodd, a llawer mwy o bwyslais ar leihau nifer yr adeiladau mewn perygl yng Nghymru.'
Os yw'r Dirprwy Weinidog yn dal i feddwl nad oes angen cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol, ac rwy'n gobeithio y bydd yn ailystyried ei safbwynt, efallai y gall edrych ar awgrym amgen Ymddiriedolaeth Cadwraeth Castell Rhiw'r Perrai o gyhoeddi datganiad polisi i gryfhau'r polisi hwnnw ar gyfer yr holl henebion cofrestredig sydd mewn perygl ar safleoedd mawr, cymhleth a sensitif fel Rhiw'r Perrai. Efallai y byddai ymweliad â chastell Rhiw'r Perrai, y gwn fod ambell Aelod wedi'i grybwyll, yn rhoi gwell dealltwriaeth i'r Dirprwy Weinidog o'r mater. Rwy'n siŵr y byddai'r ymddiriedolaeth yn croesawu'r cyfle i ddangos y safle i chi a siarad gyda chi am y safle, Weinidog, ac ar ôl bod yno fy hun, buaswn yn argymell yn gryf nad ydych chi'n gwisgo sodlau uchel—gwisgwch esgidiau sodlau isel pan fyddwch chi'n ymweld â'r lle.
Ddirprwy Weinidog, mae gwir angen gwneud rhywbeth. Ni allwn gamu'n ôl a gwneud dim, a gadael i dŵr arall yn Rhiw'r Perrai syrthio i'r llawr. Ddirprwy Weinidog, rwy'n gobeithio, yn dilyn y ddadl heddiw, y byddwch yn ailystyried safbwynt y Llywodraeth ar wneud cynllun rheoli cadwraethol yn orfodol, fel y gallwn helpu i warchod safleoedd fel Rhiw'r Perrai, un o'r unig gestyll pasiant yma yn y DU, ar gyfer cenedlaethau'r dyfodol. Diolch.
To inform the petitioner, who's here, and others who might be watching, there were many others who wished to speak today, but, unfortunately, the time allocation does not allow me to call them.
Er gwybodaeth i'r deisebydd, sydd yn bresennol, ac eraill a allai fod yn gwylio, roedd llawer o Aelodau eraill yn dymuno siarad heddiw, ond yn anffodus, nid yw'r dyraniad amser yn caniatáu imi eu galw.
Galwaf ar Ddirprwy Weinidog y Celfyddydau, Chwaraeon a Thwristiaeth, Dawn Bowden.
I call on the Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and thank you for providing me with the opportunity to contribute and comment on this petition. Can I also thank the petitioners for highlighting the value of conservation management plans as an important tool to help managers care for historic assets? While I understand that this petition was inspired by Ruperra castle, which I will come on to deal with a little bit later, my comments are going to be much wider in relation to how we're working to protect historic assets and the environment.
But I have to say at the outset that to make conservation management plans compulsory for all monuments at risk would not be proportionate or effective. But, before I explain my reasoning, can I first reflect on the legislative protections that we already have in place? In Wales, thanks to the legislation passed by this Senedd in 2016, we will benefit from some of the strongest historic protection in the UK, and, as Hefin David said, last March, this Senedd did pass that Bill to consolidate all of our historic environment legislation into one Act, the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023. That Act is the first consolidated legislation in the Welsh Government's programme to improve the accessibility of Welsh law. That historic legislation provides a fully bilingual, clear and accessible legal framework for designation, protection and management of historic assets in Wales that will protect our unique historic environment so that it can continue to contribute to the well-being of Wales and its people. The importance that this Senedd places on that objective has been made evidently clear by the passion and the interest of all those who've contributed to the debate today.
Now, our legislation reflects the variety of our historic environment. The two core forms of protection, listing and scheduling, recognise that an occupied historic building requires different protection and management to an archaeological site or historic ruin. But common to both is the requirement to provide strong legal protections against heritage crime—that's malicious, deliberate or reckless damage. Thanks to the provision of our 2016 legislation, such as interim protections and enforcement powers, we have made considerable progress in that regard. Key to this is partnership. Earlier this year, I signed a memorandum of understanding for Cadw to join the Alliance to Reduce Crime against Heritage partnership, along with the National Police Chiefs Council, the Crown Prosecution Service and Historic England.
However, the threats facing our heritage assets take many forms. Cadw undertakes heritage at risk surveys to investigate threats to our scheduled monuments and listed buildings and uses them to inform policy, prioritise guidance and focus its grant programmes. But, currently, many of the most concerning threats are actually linked to the effects of climate change—so, the increased rainfall, longer growing seasons and stormier conditions are all threats to our historic places. And Cadw’s surveys are used to identify historical assets that are in need of positive interventions. These can range from altering basic management to large-scale conservation interventions, or even, in severe cases, such as monuments affected by the extreme impacts of climate change, excavation and recording.
Now, last year, I visited Porth y Rhaw iron age promontory fort, a scheduled monument at risk near St Davids, where the incremental impact of decades of coastal erosion has now reached a critical point. For the past three years, Cadw has funded the Dyfed Archaeological Trust to carry out excavations to fully record the remaining prehistoric features before they are inevitably lost to the sea. But, again, it’s important to note that there is no legal requirement for owners of scheduled monuments to maintain their assets in good condition, and the example of Porth y Rhaw illustrates why such a requirement would be unworkable. But most owners are proud of their monuments, and they take great care to look after them to the best of their ability. Each owner is a custodian of our past and has a vital role to play in helping to protect our heritage for future generations.
So, turning now to the use of and value of conservation management plans, it is important to recognise that, even when in place, these are not formal legal documents, so they are operational tools the owners create for themselves, usually working with heritage consultants and conservation architects to help them understand the significance of their assets and plan how to manage and conserve them. Increasingly, however, as Jack Sargeant noted, they are a requirement to support applications for grant funding from bodies such as Cadw and from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, but it is important to say that they are not the only way to manage monuments, and, of course, their effectiveness is dependent upon their implementation.
Now I understand that while Ruperra castle does not have a conservation management plan, the owner has now informed Cadw that he is working on the preparation of a master plan for all the historic assets in his ownership, including the castle, and I am pleased to report that he is also in discussion with Cadw about a grant towards the structural assessment of the historic building and recording of the castle, information from which can inform decisions about its conservation requirements and the management of the adjacent footpath. [Interruption.] Sorry.
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd, a diolch i chi am roi cyfle i mi gyfrannu a rhoi sylwadau ar y ddeiseb hon. A gaf fi ddiolch hefyd i'r deisebwyr am dynnu sylw at werth cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol fel offeryn pwysig i helpu rheolwyr i ofalu am asedau hanesyddol? Er fy mod yn deall bod y ddeiseb hon wedi'i hysbrydoli gan gastell Rhiw'r Perrai, y byddaf yn ymdrin ag ef ychydig yn nes ymlaen, bydd fy sylwadau yn llawer ehangach o ran sut rydym yn gweithio i ddiogelu asedau hanesyddol a'r amgylchedd.
Ond mae'n rhaid imi ddweud ar y dechrau na fyddai gwneud cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol yn orfodol ar gyfer pob heneb sydd mewn perygl yn gymesur nac yn effeithiol. Ond cyn i mi egluro fy rhesymau, a gaf fi ystyried yn gyntaf yr amddiffyniadau deddfwriaethol sydd gennym eisoes ar waith? Yng Nghymru, diolch i'r ddeddfwriaeth a basiwyd gan y Senedd hon yn 2016, byddwn yn elwa o rai o'r amddiffyniadau hanesyddol cryfaf yn y DU, ac fel y dywedodd Hefin David, fis Mawrth diwethaf, pasiodd y Senedd y Bil hwnnw i gyfuno ein holl ddeddfwriaeth amgylchedd hanesyddol mewn un Ddeddf, Deddf yr Amgylchedd Hanesyddol (Cymru) 2023. Y Ddeddf honno yw'r ddeddfwriaeth gydgrynhoi gyntaf yn rhaglen Llywodraeth Cymru i wella hygyrchedd cyfraith Cymru. Mae'r ddeddfwriaeth hanesyddol honno'n darparu fframwaith cyfreithiol cwbl ddwyieithog, clir a hygyrch ar gyfer dynodi, diogelu a rheoli asedau hanesyddol yng Nghymru a bydd yn diogelu ein hamgylchedd hanesyddol unigryw fel y gall barhau i gyfrannu at lesiant Cymru a'i phobl. Mae angerdd a diddordeb pawb sydd wedi cyfrannu at y ddadl heddiw yn dangos yn glir pa mor bwysig yw'r amcan hwnnw i'r Senedd hon.
Nawr, mae ein deddfwriaeth yn adlewyrchu amrywiaeth ein hamgylchedd hanesyddol. Mae'r ddwy ffurf graidd ar ddiogelu, rhestru ac amserlennu, yn cydnabod bod adeilad hanesyddol dan feddiant angen amddiffyniad a rheolaeth wahanol i safle archeolegol neu adfail hanesyddol. Ond yr hyn sy'n gyffredin i'r ddau yw'r gofyniad i ddarparu amddiffyniadau cyfreithiol cryf yn erbyn troseddau treftadaeth—hynny yw, difrod maleisus, bwriadol neu ddifeddwl. Diolch i ddarpariaeth deddfwriaeth 2016, megis amddiffyniadau interim a phwerau gorfodi, rydym wedi gwneud cynnydd sylweddol yn hynny o beth. Yr allwedd i hyn yw partneriaeth. Yn gynharach eleni, llofnodais femorandwm cyd-ddealltwriaeth i Cadw ymuno â phartneriaeth y Gynghrair i Leihau Troseddau yn erbyn Treftadaeth, ynghyd â Chyngor Cenedlaethol Penaethiaid yr Heddlu, Gwasanaeth Erlyn y Goron a Historic England.
Fodd bynnag, mae sawl ffurf ar y bygythiad sy'n wynebu ein hasedau treftadaeth. Mae Cadw yn cynnal arolygon treftadaeth mewn perygl i ymchwilio i fygythiadau i'n henebion cofrestredig a'n hadeiladau rhestredig ac yn eu defnyddio i lywio polisi, blaenoriaethu canllawiau a chanolbwyntio ei raglenni grant. Ond ar hyn o bryd, mae llawer o'r bygythiadau mwyaf pryderus mewn gwirionedd yn gysylltiedig ag effeithiau newid hinsawdd—felly, mae'r cynnydd mewn glawiad, tymhorau tyfu hwy a thywydd mwy stormus oll yn fygythiadau i'n lleoedd hanesyddol. Ac mae arolygon Cadw yn cael eu defnyddio i nodi asedau hanesyddol sydd angen ymyriadau cadarnhaol. Gall y rhain amrywio o newid rheolaeth sylfaenol i ymyriadau cadwraeth ar raddfa fawr, neu hyd yn oed, mewn achosion difrifol, megis henebion sy'n cael eu heffeithio gan effeithiau eithafol newid hinsawdd, datgloddio a chofnodi.
Nawr, y llynedd, ymwelais â Phorth y Rhaw, caer bentir o'r oes haearn a heneb gofrestredig sydd mewn perygl ger Tyddewi, lle mae effaith gynyddol degawdau o erydu arfordirol bellach wedi cyrraedd pwynt critigol. Am y tair blynedd diwethaf, mae Cadw wedi ariannu Ymddiriedolaeth Archeolegol Dyfed i wneud gwaith datgloddio i gofnodi'r nodweddion cynhanesyddol sy'n weddill yn llawn cyn iddynt gael eu colli'n anochel i'r môr. Ond unwaith eto, mae'n bwysig nodi nad oes gofyniad cyfreithiol ar berchnogion henebion cofrestredig i gadw eu hasedau mewn cyflwr da, ac mae enghraifft Porth y Rhaw yn dangos pam y byddai gofyniad o'r fath yn anymarferol. Ond mae'r rhan fwyaf o berchnogion yn falch o'u henebion, ac maent yn gofalu amdanynt hyd eithaf eu gallu. Mae pob perchennog yn geidwad ein gorffennol ac mae ganddynt rôl hanfodol i'w chwarae yn helpu i ddiogelu ein treftadaeth ar gyfer cenedlaethau'r dyfodol.
Felly, gan droi nawr at ddefnydd a gwerth cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol, hyd yn oed pan fyddant ar waith, mae'n bwysig cydnabod nad yw'r rhain yn ddogfennau cyfreithiol ffurfiol, felly offer gweithredol y mae'r perchnogion yn eu creu drostynt eu hunain ydynt, gan weithio fel arfer gydag ymgynghorwyr treftadaeth a phenseiri cadwraeth i'w helpu i ddeall arwyddocâd eu hasedau a chynllunio sut i'w rheoli a'u gwarchod. Yn gynyddol, fodd bynnag, fel y nododd Jack Sargeant, maent yn ofynnol i gefnogi ceisiadau am arian grant gan gyrff fel Cadw a Chronfa Treftadaeth y Loteri Genedlaethol, ond mae'n bwysig dweud nad dyma'r unig ffordd o reoli henebion, ac wrth gwrs, mae eu heffeithiolrwydd yn ddibynnol ar eu gweithredu.
Nawr, er nad oes gan Gastell Rhiw'r Perrai gynllun rheoli cadwraethol, rwy'n deall bod y perchennog bellach wedi hysbysu Cadw ei fod yn gweithio ar baratoi prif gynllun ar gyfer yr holl asedau hanesyddol yn ei feddiant, gan gynnwys y castell, ac rwy'n falch o ddweud ei fod hefyd mewn trafodaethau gyda Cadw ynghylch grant tuag at asesiad strwythurol o'r adeilad hanesyddol a chofnodi'r castell, a gall gwybodaeth o'r asesiad lywio penderfyniadau am ei ofynion cadwraeth a chynnal y llwybr cerdded cyfagos. [Torri ar draws.] Mae'n ddrwg gennyf.
No, she's gone over the time. [Interruption.] No, Hefin. No intervention; she's gone over the time.
Na, mae ei hamser wedi dod i ben. [Torri ar draws.] Na, Hefin. Dim ymyriad; mae ei hamser wedi dod i ben.
Okay, so to conclude—[Interruption.] I know. To conclude, Deputy Dirprwy Lywydd, I would like to thank the Ruperra Castle Conservation Trust for raising awareness of the value of conservation management plans, and to assure Jack Sargeant and Hefin David that I will be meeting with the trust—I think you’re aware of that now—and I do look forward to hearing more about Ruperra, because it is always a pleasure to meet people with a passion for our heritage, something that is clearly shared by so many of us in this Senedd today.
Iawn, felly i gloi—[Torri ar draws.] Rwy'n gwybod. I gloi, Ddirprwy Lywydd, hoffwn ddiolch i Ymddiriedolaeth Cadwraeth Castell Rhiw'r Perrai am godi ymwybyddiaeth o werth cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol, a hoffwn roi sicrwydd i Jack Sargeant a Hefin David y byddaf yn cyfarfod â'r ymddiriedolaeth—rwy'n credu eich bod yn ymwybodol o hynny nawr—ac rwy'n edrych ymlaen at glywed mwy am gastell Rhiw'r Perrai, oherwydd mae bob amser yn bleser cyfarfod â phobl sy'n teimlo'n angerddol am ein treftadaeth, rhywbeth sy'n amlwg yn cael ei rannu gan gymaint ohonom yn y Senedd hon heddiw.
Galwaf ar Jack Sargeant i ymateb i'r ddadl.
I call on Jack Sargeant to reply to the debate.
I’m grateful, Presiding Officer. I’ll try and round up quickly, if I can, but thank all Members who took part in today’s debate, and those who couldn’t as well, as the Presiding Officer referred to there. The Minister went on to explain why she didn’t fully agree that the operational tools, as I think you called them, of conservation management plans were not the only way to manage monuments and went on to set out the steps already taken to protect historic environments in Cymru.
My committee colleague Joel James always speaks with a fond interest when it comes to such matters; I know he’s mentioned a number of times the Cowbridge girls’ school in his area. And it always interests me, Presiding Officer, when committee member Rhys ab Owen speaks about such items of interest. He usually has a story where he’s visited the site. I remember having a conversation with him about Sycharth castle, which he visited with his father growing up—his personal memories there.
Delyth Jewell called for reform of the current system. I think Joel James and Natasha Asghar spoke about a good place to start being the management plans, a sensible and effective way of protecting heritage. Hefin David, the Member for Caerphilly, reflected on other Members' interest in the castle—John Griffiths, Julie Morgan and Jayne Bryant too—who border the constituency that they share. He also called on the owner to come back to the table, Presiding Officer. And the Minister shared some news to enlighten the Chamber with, that the owner is in discussions with Cadw about a master plan. Can I echo the calls from Hefin David, where perhaps the owner does meet with the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust and others to inform such a master plan, going forward? I'm sure that would be welcome on all sides.
I can see the glare and the grinning smile of the Presiding Officer. Just to say, Presiding Officer, this is our second debate in a number of weeks on such matters, and I'm sure we will see more—as James Evans shouts in here—as we know these issues keep coming back about how we preserve our history, our fine history, in Cymru. So, on behalf of the committee, I thank everybody today, including the members of the public in the gallery. We wish them every success for the future, and I look forward to Hefin David joining them on their walk, with no excuses, come rain, sun or snow, next time. Diolch.
Rwy'n ddiolchgar, Lywydd. Rwyf am geisio crynhoi'n gyflym, os gallaf, ond diolch i'r holl Aelodau a gymerodd ran yn y ddadl heddiw, a'r rhai na allent wneud hynny hefyd, fel y nododd y Llywydd. Aeth y Gweinidog ymlaen i egluro pam nad oedd hi'n cytuno gant y cant mai cynlluniau rheoli cadwraethol, fel offer gweithredol, fel y gwnaethoch eu galw, rwy'n credu, oedd yr unig ffordd o reoli henebion ac aeth ati i nodi'r camau a gymerwyd eisoes i ddiogelu amgylcheddau hanesyddol yng Nghymru.
Mae fy nghyd-aelod o'r pwyllgor Joel James bob amser yn siarad â diddordeb hoffus am faterion o'r fath; gwn ei fod wedi sôn sawl gwaith am ysgol i ferched y Bont-faen yn ei ardal. Ac mae o ddiddordeb i mi bob amser, Lywydd, pan fo'r aelod o'r pwyllgor Rhys ab Owen yn siarad am ddiddordebau o'r fath. Fel arfer mae ganddo stori lle mae wedi ymweld â'r safle. Rwy'n cofio cael sgwrs gydag ef am gastell Sycharth, yr ymwelodd ag ef gyda'i dad pan oedd yn tyfu i fyny—ei atgofion personol yno.
Galwodd Delyth Jewell am ddiwygio'r system bresennol. Rwy'n credu bod Joel James a Natasha Asghar wedi dweud y byddai cynlluniau rheoli yn fan cychwyn da ac yn ffordd synhwyrol ac effeithiol o amddiffyn treftadaeth. Fe wnaeth Hefin David, yr Aelod dros Gaerffili, siarad am ddiddordeb Aelodau eraill yn y castell—John Griffiths, Julie Morgan a Jayne Bryant hefyd—sy'n ffinio â'r etholaeth y maent yn ei rhannu. Galwodd hefyd ar y perchennog i ddod yn ôl at y bwrdd, Lywydd. Ac fe rannodd y Gweinidog ychydig o newyddion i oleuo'r Siambr, sef bod y perchennog mewn trafodaethau gyda Cadw ynglŷn â phrif gynllun. A gaf fi adleisio'r galwadau gan Hefin David, lle gallai'r perchennog gyfarfod ag Ymddiriedolaeth Cadwraeth Castell Rhiw'r Perrai ac eraill efallai i lywio prif gynllun o'r fath wrth symud ymlaen? Rwy'n siŵr y byddai'r ddwy ochr yn croesawu hynny.
Gallaf weld y Llywydd yn syllu ac yn gwenu arnaf. A gaf fi ddweud, Lywydd, mai dyma ein hail ddadl mewn rhai wythnosau ar faterion o'r fath, ac rwy'n siŵr y byddwn yn gweld mwy—fel y mae James Evans yn ei weiddi yma—oherwydd rydym yn gwybod bod y materion hyn yn dal i ddod yn ôl o ran sut rydym yn diogelu ein hanes, ein hanes gwych, yng Nghymru. Felly, ar ran y pwyllgor, diolch i bawb heddiw, gan gynnwys aelodau'r cyhoedd yn yr oriel. Rydym yn dymuno pob llwyddiant iddynt ar gyfer y dyfodol, ac edrychaf ymlaen at weld Hefin David yn ymuno â nhw ar eu taith gerdded, heb unrhyw esgusodion, boed law, haul neu eira, y tro nesaf. Diolch.
Y cwestiwn yw: a ddylid nodi'r ddeiseb? 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 petition. 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 gwelliant canlynol: gwelliant 1 yn enw Lesley Griffiths.
The following amendment has been selected: amendment 1 in the name of Lesley Griffiths.
Eitem 7 heddiw yw dadl y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig, digartrefedd. Galwaf ar Janet Finch-Saunders i wneud y cynnig.
Item 7 today is the Welsh Conservatives' debate on homelessness. I call on Janet Finch-Saunders to move the motion.
Cynnig NDM8384 Darren Millar
Cynnig bod y Senedd:
1. Yn gresynu at fethiant Llywodraeth Cymru i fynd i'r afael â digartrefedd yng Nghymru.
2. Yn credu na fydd Papur Gwyn Llywodraeth Cymru ar roi diwedd ar ddigartrefedd yng Nghymru yn cyflawni'r canlyniadau a ddymunir.
3. Yn nodi gyda phryder fod nifer yr unigolion sy'n cysgu ar y stryd wedi cyrraedd ei lefel uchaf ers 2020.
4. Yn cydnabod nad yw saith awdurdod lleol yn cofnodi gwybodaeth am farwolaethau digartrefedd.
5. Yn galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i sefydlu rhwydwaith ar gyfer Cymru sy'n cyfateb i'r Combined Homelessness and Information Network, i sicrhau bod digon o ddata ar gael i fynd i'r afael â digartrefedd yng Nghymru a'i effaith.
Motion NDM8384 Darren Millar
To propose that the Senedd:
1. Regrets the failure of the Welsh Government to get to grips with homelessness in Wales.
2. Believes that the Welsh Government’s White Paper on ending homelessness in Wales will not deliver the desired outcomes.
3. Notes with concern that the number of individuals rough sleeping has hit its highest level since 2020.
4. Recognises that seven local authorities do not record information on homelessness deaths.
5. Calls on the Welsh Government to establish a Wales equivalent of the Combined Homelessness and Information Network to ensure that sufficient data is available to address homelessness in Wales and its impact.
Cynigiwyd y cynnig.
Motion moved.
Diolch, Llywydd—Dirprwy Lywydd. I refer Members to my declaration of interest form in terms of property ownership.
It is regrettable that we have to bring forward a motion today to highlight to all Senedd Members the absolute homelessness crisis facing us here in Wales. However, we simply cannot carry on. Let me give you my vision:
'A man’s right to work as he will, to spend what he earns, to own property, to have the state as servant and not as master—these are the British inheritance. They are the essence of a free country and on that freedom all our other freedoms depend.'
Margaret Thatcher, that was. So many in Wales, though, are now being deprived of the freedom to own property, to have a home.
Let's have a look at the evidence, shall we: 10,931 individuals living in temporary accommodation, the highest level since the Welsh Government began its own current monitoring programme. Cardiff Council said that, in August, 110 households moved into temporary accommodation. There are more moving into such accommodation than leaving. Gwynedd saw spending on this, temporary accommodation, jump from just below £500,000 in 2018 to £5.6 million in 2022, a more than 1,000 per cent rise over the past five years; Caerphilly from £173,000 in 2018-19 to £2.7 million in 2021-22; Bridgend from £80,000 in 2018-19 to over £3 million; and in my council, Conwy, 19 hotels are being used to house individuals and families, with more supply required on a weekly basis. Across Wales, there are 3,350 dependent children under the age of 16 in temporary accommodation, 30 per cent in hotels or B&Bs. This is not a home.
In fact, the use of the word 'temporary' is hardly an accurate description, when many are literally stuck in a hotel room, a B&B, even above pubs, for months. [Interruption.] A bit later I will, yes. In fact, 174 fellow human beings do not even have a roof over their head—rough-sleeping. The number of rough-sleepers in Wales has hit the highest number ever. Since July 2021, there have been massive increases in rough-sleeping: Pembrokeshire, 100 per cent; Cardiff, 120 per cent; and Gwynedd, 366 per cent. That is morally wrong, as is the fact that local authorities are not even required to monitor the deaths of homeless individuals. Only 31 per cent of local authorities record the deaths of homeless individuals. The evidence is categorical.
There has been a major failure by the Welsh Government to get to grips with homelessness in Wales. In comparison, the Welsh Conservatives are championing the freedom of residents who have a home, be it their own home or rental accommodation of all types, be it private rental or through an RSL. At the core of that mission is housing supply. The core of that supply is house building. The Senedd has had the pleasures of listening to me refer, time after time, to the house building and private let sector crisis that Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru have caused in Wales. Only 50 per cent of the 12,000 new homes required annually are delivered, and the fact remains that even if 14,000 houses were built annually, it would take us 10 years—. Oh sorry, go on. I forgot.
Diolch, Lywydd—Ddirprwy Lywydd. Rwy'n cyfeirio'r Aelodau at fy ffurflen datgan buddiant mewn perthynas â pherchnogaeth ar eiddo.
Mae'n destun gofid fod yn rhaid i ni gyflwyno cynnig heddiw i dynnu sylw holl Aelodau'r Senedd at yr argyfwng digartrefedd sy'n ein hwynebu yma yng Nghymru. Ond ni allwn barhau fel hyn. Gadewch i mi rannu fy ngweledigaeth gyda chi:
'Hawl dyn i weithio fel y mynn, gwario'r arian y mae'n ei ennill, i fod yn berchen ar eiddo, i gael y wladwriaeth fel gwas ac nid fel meistr—dyma'r etifeddiaeth Brydeinig. Dyma yw hanfod gwlad rydd ac mae pob rhyddid arall yn dibynnu ar y rhyddid hwn.'
Margaret Thatcher a ddywedodd hynny. Mae cynifer o bobl yng Nghymru, serch hynny, yn cael eu hamddifadu o'r rhyddid i fod yn berchen ar eiddo, i gael cartref.
Gadewch i ni edrych ar y dystiolaeth: mae 10,931 o unigolion yn byw mewn llety dros dro, y lefel uchaf ers i Lywodraeth Cymru ddechrau ei rhaglen monitro cyfredol ei hun. Dywedodd Cyngor Caerdydd, ym mis Awst, fod 110 o aelwydydd wedi symud i lety dros dro. Mae mwy yn symud i lety o'r fath nag sy'n ei adael. Dywedodd Gwynedd fod gwariant ar lety dros dro wedi cynyddu o ychydig dan £500,000 yn 2018 i £5.6 miliwn yn 2022, cynnydd o fwy na 1,000 y cant dros y pum mlynedd diwethaf; Caerffili o £173,000 yn 2018-19 i £2.7 miliwn yn 2021-22; Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr o £80,000 yn 2018-19 i dros £3 miliwn; ac yn fy nghyngor i, Conwy, mae 19 o westai'n cael eu defnyddio i gartrefu unigolion a theuluoedd, ac mae angen mwy o gyflenwad yn wythnosol. Ledled Cymru, mae 3,350 o blant dibynnol o dan 16 oed mewn llety dros dro, 30 y cant mewn gwestai neu lety gwely a brecwast. Nid cartrefi yw'r rhain.
Mewn gwirionedd, prin fod y defnydd o'r term 'dros dro' yn ddisgrifiad cywir, pan fo llawer yn llythrennol yn gaeth mewn ystafell westy, llety gwely a brecwast, neu hyd yn oed uwchben tafarndai, am fisoedd. [Torri ar draws.] Ychydig yn nes ymlaen, gwnaf. Mewn gwirionedd, nid oes gan 174 o'n cyd-fodau dynol do uwch eu pen hyd yn oed—maent yn cysgu allan. Mae nifer y bobl sy'n cysgu allan yng Nghymru wedi cyrraedd y nifer uchaf erioed. Ers mis Gorffennaf 2021, mae cynnydd enfawr wedi bod yn nifer y bobl sy'n cysgu allan: sir Benfro, 100 y cant; Caerdydd, 120 y cant; a Gwynedd, 366 y cant. Mae hynny'n foesol anghywir, fel y mae'r ffaith nad yw hyd yn oed yn ofynnol i awdurdodau lleol fonitro marwolaethau unigolion digartref. Dim ond 31 y cant o awdurdodau lleol sy'n cofnodi marwolaethau unigolion digartref. Mae'r dystiolaeth yn ddigamsyniol.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi methu'n gyfan gwbl â mynd i'r afael â digartrefedd yng Nghymru. Mewn cymhariaeth, mae'r Ceidwadwyr Cymreig yn hyrwyddo rhyddid trigolion i gael cartref, boed yn gartref eu hunain neu'n lety rhent o bob math, yn rhentu preifat neu drwy landlordiaid cymdeithasol cofrestredig. Yn greiddiol i'r genhadaeth honno, mae'r cyflenwad tai. Yn greiddiol i'r cyflenwad hwnnw, mae adeiladu tai. Mae'r Senedd wedi cael y pleser o wrando arnaf fi'n cyfeirio, dro ar ôl tro, at yr argyfwng adeiladu tai a sector rhentu preifat y mae Llafur Cymru a Phlaid Cymru wedi'i achosi yng Nghymru. Dim ond 50 y cant o'r 12,000 o gartrefi newydd sydd eu hangen yn flynyddol sy'n cael eu darparu, a'r gwir amdani yw, hyd yn oed pe byddai 14,000 o dai yn cael eu hadeiladu'n flynyddol, byddai'n cymryd 10 mlynedd—. Mae'n ddrwg gennyf, ewch amdani. Fe anghofiais.
I was waiting for you to let me in there, Janet. Do you see any synergy or culpability in terms of UK welfare benefit cuts—for instance, the single bedroom tax, the depletion in housing benefits—for being in any way responsible for some of that change?
Roeddwn yn aros i chi fy ngadael i mewn yno, Janet. A ydych yn gweld unrhyw synergedd neu fai yn sgil toriadau i fudd-daliadau lles y DU—er enghraifft, y dreth ystafell wely, y lleihad mewn budd-daliadau tai—sy'n gyfrifol mewn unrhyw ffordd am rywfaint o'r newid hwnnw?
Rhianon, this isn't about money now. This is about there are no homes. There are no houses. There is no accommodation for people other than temporary accommodation for those who, where we are now today, are sat homeless. And the fact remains that if 14,000 were built annually, it would take 10 years to bring our housing stock to the required level. If the homes do not exist, we cannot end homelessness.
To build more homes, we would streamline the planning process. Two to three years from application to laying the first brick is too long. We would address the gridlock caused by stringent NRW regulations on phosphates. We would address the huge shortage of planning officers—120 are needed now—by incentivising our officers to stay in the public sector rather than leaving to join the more lucrative private sector. We would encourage local authorities to allocate land for housing on the edge of crisis communities, such as Nefyn, Abersoch and Rhosneigr. We would take measures to encourage public bodies to free up land for housing development. And we would do much more.
The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, rent controls, the socialist and nationalist agenda, is now causing a tsunami of landlords to leave the private rental sector and increasing homelessness levels once again. So, we would revisit the burdensome requirements of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act. We would scrap any proposals for rent controls and reform Rent Smart Wales. This would encourage more landlords to stay in the PRS and make homes available for those who currently have none, as would a rent guarantee in the form of a written document from the local authority, confirming that they will cover late or unpaid rent, and a cash equivalent of a month's rent to be set aside to cover any costs a landlord may incur trying to sustain the actual tenancy.
Last week, we saw the introduction of a White Paper, and that in itself is an admittance that the Welsh Labour legislation—the Housing (Wales) Act 2014—has not been successful. Street homelessness increased between the introduction of the HWA 2014 and the onset of the corona pandemic in 2020. Outcomes for single people, particularly those under 35, remain unsatisfactory despite further changes to the law since the HWA 2014. And your own evaluation in 2018 found that while local authorities would continue to react to homelessness and the problems it causes, the structural causes of homelessness remain unaddressed by your legislation. So, I welcome the opportunity for major legislative reform, and we want to work with you on that.
That should include establishing a joined-up information network. Like London, Wales should have the UK's most detailed and comprehensive source of information about rough-sleeping. A number of services are able to record information on the database, and that's it, co-operation right across the sector, to best enable rough-sleepers and the homeless to have a home.
The Welsh Conservatives are 100 per cent committed to delivering homes and tackling homelessness. We can't afford the cost of inaction, because this includes homelessness worsening health-related issues, with 70 per cent reporting having a physical health condition; 82 per cent having a mental health diagnosis; 45 per cent self-medicating with drugs or alcohol; 28 per cent of hospital admissions due to mental health conditions or suicide attempts; and the cost to our children's health, education, and indeed their entitled enjoyment of life. It is heartbreaking.
I thank the Minister for listening, in anticipation of a positive response on where we can work together to bring an end to this homelessness crisis. So, I invite all colleagues in this Chamber to join us in the mission of ensuring that the people of Wales enjoy the freedom and stability of having a home, and that never again will we see homelessness at the shocking rates that it is currently. Diolch yn fawr.
Rhianon, nid yw hyn yn ymwneud ag arian nawr. Mae'n ymwneud â'r ffaith nad oes cartrefi ar gael. Nid oes tai ar gael. Nid oes unrhyw lety i bobl heblaw llety dros dro i’r rhai sydd, fel y mae pethau heddiw, yn ddigartref. A phe bai 14,000 o dai'n cael eu hadeiladu’n flynyddol, erys y ffaith y byddai’n cymryd 10 mlynedd i ddod â’n stoc dai i’r lefel ofynnol. Os nad yw’r cartrefi’n bodoli, ni allwn roi diwedd ar ddigartrefedd.
Er mwyn adeiladu mwy o gartrefi, byddem yn symleiddio'r broses gynllunio. Mae dwy i dair blynedd rhwng cyflwyno cais a gosod y fricsen gyntaf yn rhy hir. Byddem yn mynd i'r afael â'r tagfeydd a achosir gan reoliadau llym CNC ar ffosffadau. Byddem yn mynd i’r afael â’r prinder enfawr o swyddogion cynllunio—mae angen 120 nawr—drwy gymell ein swyddogion i aros yn y sector cyhoeddus yn hytrach na gadael i ymuno â’r sector preifat mwy proffidiol. Byddem yn annog awdurdodau lleol i ddyrannu tir ar gyfer tai ar gyrion cymunedau sydd mewn argyfwng, megis Nefyn, Abersoch a Rhosneigr. Byddem yn cymryd camau i annog cyrff cyhoeddus i ryddhau tir ar gyfer datblygu tai. A byddem yn gwneud llawer mwy.
Mae Deddf Rhentu Cartrefi (Cymru) 2016, rheoli rhenti, yr agenda sosialaidd a chenedlaetholgar, bellach yn peri i dswnami o landlordiaid adael y sector rhentu preifat, gan gynyddu lefelau digartrefedd unwaith eto. Felly, byddem yn ailedrych ar ofynion beichus Deddf Rhentu Cartrefi (Cymru). Byddem yn cael gwared ag unrhyw gynigion ar gyfer rheoli rhenti ac yn diwygio Rhentu Doeth Cymru. Byddai hyn yn annog mwy o landlordiaid i aros yn y sector rhentu preifat ac yn sicrhau bod cartrefi ar gael i’r bobl nad oes cartrefi ganddynt ar hyn o bryd, yn yr un modd ag y byddai gwarant rent ar ffurf dogfen ysgrifenedig gan yr awdurdod lleol, yn cadarnhau y byddant yn talu am rent hwyr neu rent heb ei dalu, ac yn neilltuo swm sy'n cyfateb i fis o rent mewn arian parod i dalu am unrhyw gostau y gallai landlord eu hwynebu wrth geisio cynnal y denantiaeth ei hun.
Yr wythnos diwethaf, gwelsom Bapur Gwyn yn cael ei gyflwyno, ac mae hynny ynddo’i hun yn gyfaddefiad nad yw deddfwriaeth Llafur Cymru—Deddf Tai (Cymru) 2014—wedi llwyddo. Cynyddodd nifer y bobl sy'n ddigartref ac ar y stryd rhwng cyflwyno Deddf Tai (Cymru) 2014 a chychwyn pandemig y coronafeirws yn 2020. Mae'r canlyniadau i bobl sengl, yn enwedig pobl o dan 35 oed, yn parhau i fod yn anfoddhaol er gwaethaf newidiadau pellach i'r gyfraith ers Deddf Tai (Cymru) 2014. A chanfu eich gwerthusiad eich hun yn 2018, er y byddai awdurdodau lleol yn parhau i ymateb i ddigartrefedd a’r problemau y mae’n eu hachosi, nad yw eich deddfwriaeth yn mynd i’r afael ag achosion strwythurol digartrefedd o hyd. Felly, rwy'n croesawu'r cyfle ar gyfer diwygio deddfwriaethol sylweddol, ac rydym am fod yn awyddus i weithio gyda chi ar hynny.
Dylai hynny gynnwys sefydlu rhwydwaith gwybodaeth cydgysylltiedig. Fel Llundain, dylai fod gan Gymru ffynhonnell wybodaeth fwyaf manwl a chynhwysfawr y DU ar gysgu allan. Mae nifer o wasanaethau’n gallu cofnodi gwybodaeth ar y gronfa ddata, a dyna ni, cydweithredu ar draws y sector, er mwyn rhoi'r cyfle gorau i'r rheini sy’n cysgu allan a phobl ddigartref i gael cartref.
Mae’r Ceidwadwyr Cymreig wedi ymrwymo'n llwyr i ddarparu cartrefi a mynd i’r afael â digartrefedd. Ni allwn fforddio cost peidio â gweithredu, gan fod hyn yn cynnwys digartrefedd yn gwaethygu materion sy’n ymwneud ag iechyd, gyda 70 y cant yn nodi bod ganddynt gyflwr iechyd corfforol; 82 y cant wedi cael diagnosis iechyd meddwl; 45 y cant yn hunanfeddyginiaethu gyda chyffuriau neu alcohol; 28 y cant o dderbyniadau i'r ysbyty oherwydd cyflyrau iechyd meddwl neu ymdrechion i gyflawni hunanladdiad; a'r gost i iechyd, addysg, ein plant, ac yn wir, y mwynhad y maent yn haeddu ei gael o fywyd. Mae’n dorcalonnus.
Diolch i’r Gweinidog am wrando, ac rwy'n gobeithio cael ymateb cadarnhaol ynghylch ble gallwn gydweithio i roi diwedd ar yr argyfwng digartrefedd hwn. Felly, rwy’n gwahodd pob un o fy nghyd-Aelodau yn y Siambr i ymuno â ni gyda'n cenhadaeth i sicrhau bod pobl Cymru yn mwynhau’r rhyddid a’r sefydlogrwydd o gael cartref, ac na fyddwn byth eto’n gweld digartrefedd ar y cyfraddau brawychus a welwn ar hyn o bryd. Diolch yn fawr.
Daeth y Llywydd i’r Gadair.
The Llywydd took the Chair.
Rwyf wedi dethol y gwelliant i'r cynnig a dwi'n galw ar y Gweinidog i gynnig yn ffurfiol welliant 1.
I have selected the amendment to the motion, and I call on the Minister to formally move amendment 1.
Gwelliant 1—Lesley Griffiths
Dileu’r cyfan a rhoi yn ei le:
Yn cynnig bod y Senedd:
1. Yn croesawu’r diwygio dewr, uchelgeisiol a radical ar gyfer y dyfodol a nodir yn y Papur Gwyn ar Roi Diwedd ar Ddigartrefedd a ddatblygwyd fel rhan o’r Cytundeb Cydweithio gyda Phlaid Cymru.
2. Yn nodi cyfraniad hanfodol y rhai sydd â phrofiad bywyd o ddigartrefedd wrth baratoi’r Papur Gwyn a barn Prif Weithredwr Crisis bod yr uchelgais a welir ynddo yn arwain y byd.
3. Yn annog ymatebion i’r ymgynghoriad a fydd yn helpu i lunio’r dull o fynd i’r afael â digartrefedd yng Nghymru yn y dyfodol.
Amendment 1—Lesley Griffiths
Delete all and replace with:
To propose that the Senedd:
1. Welcomes the bold, ambitious and radical reform for the future set out in the White Paper on Ending Homelessness developed as part of the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru.
2. Notes the essential contribution of those with lived experience of homelessness in the preparation of the White Paper and the view of the Chief Executive of Crisis that the ambition shown in it is world leading.
3. Encourages responses to the consultation which will help shape the future approach to homelessness in Wales.
Cynigiwyd gwelliant 1.
Amendment 1 moved.
Formally.
Yn ffurfiol.
Formally. Mike Hedges.
Yn ffurfiol. Mike Hedges.
Thank you, Presiding Officer. Homelessness is an affront to any civilised society. I welcome the acceptance—we had it last week from the Minister—that homelessness is not just rough-sleeping. It's people sofa surfing, sleeping on floors, who have no fixed abode, or living in massively overcrowded accommodation. We need more social housing, including council housing. We need to build council housing back at the level we were building in the 1950s and 1960s. We also need to support the private rented sector, which is now the second largest housing sector.
A large number of those who are homeless need supported accommodation. An empty building, remote from friends and family, with no support, will lead to homelessness again for many. They need support. They don't just need a building.
We've had people inadequately housed who are living in temporary accommodation in Wales and, as the Senedd Member for Swansea East, most weeks I'm contacted by people who desperately need suitable, affordable rented accommodation. To summarise, housing is one of the key issues facing Wales. After food and water, it's the next need that people have.
Far too many houses are empty and not enough council housing is being built. Now the second most common housing tenure after owner-occupation is privately renting. I know from family that there is a shortage of privately rented accommodation at an affordable price or, in some cases, at any price at all. We need councils, housing associations and the private landlord properties to meet the demand for rented accommodation.
Empty houses are a wasted resource at a time of substantial housing demand. They can also cause nuisance and environmental problems. They also represent a potential housing resource that is currently massively underutilised. Bringing empty homes back into use can help to address housing issues by increasing the supply in areas where there are housing shortages. If all efforts to persuade owners to bring their properties back into to use fail, and such properties continue to prove to be a nuisance or be in poor condition, councils need to consider their enforcement powers. What we really need though are compulsory purchase powers for councils. When a house or flat has been empty for over five years, they should be able to compulsorily purchase those buildings, and then make the houses available in whatever form they want to. Once a compulsory purchase has taken place, the property could then be sold on to housing associations, owner-occupiers or private landlords, bringing the accommodation back into use. The Welsh Government introduced Houses into Homes loans that are available to renovate empty properties and make them fit to live in.
But between 1945 and 1959—six years of Labour, eight years of Conservative Government—120,000 council houses were built in Wales. This was a Conservative Party that was very different to the Conservative Party of today—a Conservative Party of Anthony Eden and Harold Macmillan, who really accepted the social democrat way forward. Building council houses was seen as a challenge by both political parties and, by the mid 1970s, there was an equilibrium between demand and supply for rented housing. The equilibrium was broken by the discounted sale of council housing and the near complete ending of council house building.
With thousands homeless or inadequately housed, the best means of providing quality, affordable housing is via the building of council houses. Whilst housing association developments and renovations provide accommodation, they are not set up to build at the scale required to meet the growing housing need. And I’m also somebody who really believes in developing co-operative housing, and I will put that to the Minister at another time, but I'm going to run out of time very rapidly if I talk about co-operative housing.
After the 1945-70 period, the only way of providing these large numbers of social housing properties is by councils starting to build in large numbers. This should not cost the Government money, as councils could borrow prudently against their reserves and the value of their properties. One of the problems is the arbitrary way that UK Treasury looks at borrowing, with borrowing to build council housing counting against the public sector borrowing requirement, which it never used to do, but housing association borrowing does not. This is not true in other countries. The Welsh Government needs to set a target of increasing the number of council houses they build each year, aiming to reach 5,000 houses a year in 2030-31.
We also need to work on our private rented landlords to make sure that their housing is brought into use. And I've mentioned this before: I have a concern about Airbnb, which is taking out the private housing availability, and people are making substantial money—I've got no problem with that—but people are being left without housing because of it. I commend the scheme where the Government allows private rented sector landlords to give their houses over to the Welsh Government to rent so that they can rent those properties to social tenants and the private landlords get a guaranteed income.
We need to increase the quantity of properties available for rent on every type of tenure, because everyone deserves a suitable home. Finally, I want to raise my concern about the number of houses and flats, again, becoming Airbnbs. This is something somebody is going to have to address at some time, because it's causing a distortion in the market.
Diolch, Lywydd. Mae digartrefedd yn sarhad ar unrhyw gymdeithas wâr. Croesawaf y gydnabyddiaeth—fe'i cawsom yr wythnos diwethaf gan y Gweinidog—nad yw digartrefedd ond yn golygu cysgu allan yn unig. Mae'n cynnwys pobl sy'n mynd o soffa i soffa, yn cysgu ar loriau, heb gartref sefydlog, neu'n byw mewn llety gorlawn iawn. Mae angen mwy o dai cymdeithasol arnom, gan gynnwys tai cyngor. Mae angen inni adeiladu tai cyngor ar yr un lefel ag y buom yn eu hadeiladu yn y 1950au a’r 1960au. Mae angen i ni hefyd gefnogi’r sector rhentu preifat, sef y sector tai mwyaf ond un bellach.
Mae angen llety â chymorth ar nifer fawr o'r rheini sy'n ddigartref. Bydd adeilad gwag, ymhell oddi wrth ffrindiau a theulu, heb unrhyw gymorth, yn arwain at ddigartrefedd eto i lawer. Mae angen cymorth arnynt. Nid adeilad yn unig sydd ei angen arnynt.
Rydym wedi cael pobl yn byw mewn llety dros dro annigonol yng Nghymru, ac fel yr Aelod o'r Senedd dros Ddwyrain Abertawe, y rhan fwyaf o wythnosau, mae pobl y mae taer angen llety rhent addas a fforddiadwy arnynt yn cysylltu â mi. I grynhoi, tai yw un o’r materion allweddol sy’n wynebu Cymru. Ar ôl bwyd a dŵr, dyma'r angen nesaf sydd gan bobl.
Mae gormod lawer o dai yn wag ac nid oes digon o dai cyngor yn cael eu hadeiladu. Bellach, yr ail fath mwyaf cyffredin o ddeiliadaeth tai ar ôl perchen-feddiannaeth yw rhentu preifat. Gwn gan deulu fod yna brinder llety rhent preifat am bris fforddiadwy, neu am unrhyw bris o gwbl mewn rhai achosion. Mae angen i gynghorau, cymdeithasau tai a landlordiaid eiddo preifat ateb y galw am lety rhent.
Mae tai gwag yn adnodd sy’n cael ei wastraffu ar adeg o alw sylweddol am dai. Gallant hefyd achosi niwsans a phroblemau amgylcheddol. Maent hefyd yn adnodd tai posibl nad yw'n cael ei ddefnyddio'n ddigonol ar hyn o bryd. Gall dod â thai gwag yn ôl i ddefnydd helpu i fynd i’r afael â phroblemau tai drwy gynyddu’r cyflenwad mewn ardaloedd lle mae prinder tai. Os bydd pob ymdrech i berswadio perchnogion i ddod â’u heiddo yn ôl i ddefnydd yn methu, a bod eiddo o’r fath yn parhau i fod yn niwsans neu mewn cyflwr gwael, mae angen i gynghorau ystyried eu pwerau gorfodi. Ond yr hyn y mae ei wir angen arnom yw pwerau prynu gorfodol i gynghorau. Pan fo tŷ neu fflat wedi bod yn wag ers dros bum mlynedd, dylent allu prynu’r adeiladau hynny’n orfodol, a sicrhau bod y tai ar gael wedyn ar ba bynnag ffurf y dymunant. Pan fydd pryniant gorfodol wedi'i wneud, gallai'r eiddo gael ei werthu wedyn i gymdeithasau tai, perchen-feddianwyr neu landlordiaid preifat, gan ddod â'r llety yn ôl i ddefnydd. Cyflwynodd Llywodraeth Cymru fenthyciadau Troi Tai’n Gartrefi sydd ar gael i adnewyddu eiddo gwag a’u gwneud yn addas i fyw ynddynt.
Ond rhwng 1945 a 1959—chwe blynedd o Lafur, wyth mlynedd o Lywodraeth Geidwadol—adeiladwyd 120,000 o dai cyngor yng Nghymru. Roedd hon yn Blaid Geidwadol a oedd yn wahanol iawn i’r Blaid Geidwadol heddiw—Plaid Geidwadol Anthony Eden a Harold Macmillan, a oedd yn derbyn y ffordd ddemocrataidd gymdeithasol ymlaen. Roedd adeiladu tai cyngor yn cael ei ystyried yn her gan y ddwy blaid wleidyddol, ac erbyn canol y 1970au, roedd cydbwysedd rhwng y galw a’r cyflenwad o dai rhent. Chwalwyd y cydbwysedd wrth i dai cyngor gael eu gwerthu am bris gostyngol a rhoi diwedd bron yn llwyr ar adeiladu tai cyngor.
Gyda miloedd yn ddigartref neu heb gartref digonol, y ffordd orau o ddarparu tai fforddiadwy o safon yw drwy adeiladu tai cyngor. Er bod datblygiadau ac adnewyddiadau cymdeithasau tai yn darparu llety, nid ydynt wedi'u llunio i adeiladu ar y raddfa sy'n ofynnol i ddiwallu'r angen cynyddol am dai. Ac rwyf hefyd yn rhywun sy'n credu'n wirioneddol mewn datblygu tai cydweithredol, a byddaf yn trafod hynny gyda'r Gweinidog ar adeg arall, ond fe ddaw fy amser i ben yn gyflym os siaradaf am dai cydweithredol.
Ar ôl cyfnod 1945-70, yr unig ffordd o ddarparu’r niferoedd mawr hyn o dai cymdeithasol yw i gynghorau ddechrau adeiladu ar raddfa fawr. Ni ddylai hyn gostio arian i’r Llywodraeth, gan y gallai cynghorau fenthyca’n ddarbodus yn erbyn eu cronfeydd wrth gefn a gwerth eu heiddo. Un o’r problemau yw’r ffordd fympwyol y mae Trysorlys y DU yn edrych ar fenthyca, gyda benthyca i adeiladu tai cyngor yn cyfrif yn erbyn gofyniad benthyca’r sector cyhoeddus, nad oedd yn arfer digwydd, ond nid yw hynny'n wir gyda benthyca cymdeithasau tai. Nid yw hyn yn digwydd mewn gwledydd eraill. Mae angen i Lywodraeth Cymru osod targed o gynyddu nifer y tai cyngor y maent yn eu hadeiladu bob blwyddyn, gan anelu at gyrraedd 5,000 o dai y flwyddyn yn 2030-31.
Hefyd, mae angen i ni weithio ar ein landlordiaid rhentu preifat i sicrhau bod eu tai yn cael eu defnyddio. Ac rwyf wedi crybwyll hyn o'r blaen: mae gennyf bryder am Airbnb, sy'n lleihau'r nifer o dai preifat sydd ar gael, ac mae pobl yn gwneud arian sylweddol—nid oes gennyf unrhyw broblem ynghylch hynny—ond mae pobl yn cael eu gadael heb dai o'r herwydd. Rwy'n cymeradwyo'r cynllun lle mae’r Llywodraeth yn caniatáu i landlordiaid yn y sector rhentu preifat roi eu heiddo i Lywodraeth Cymru eu gosod ar rent i denantiaid cymdeithasol, ac mae'r landlordiaid preifat yn cael incwm gwarantedig.
Mae angen inni gynyddu faint o eiddo sydd ar gael i’w rhentu ar gyfer pob math o ddaliadaeth, gan fod pawb yn haeddu cartref addas. Yn olaf, rwyf am fynegi fy mhryder ynghylch nifer y tai a’r fflatiau, unwaith eto, sy'n dod yn ddarpariaeth Airbnb. Mae hyn yn rhywbeth y bydd yn rhaid i rywun fynd i'r afael ag ef ar ryw bwynt, gan ei fod yn aflunio'r farchnad.
Homelessness is a big issue facing many people in Wales. While this issue may not always be visible to all of us, it's a harsh reality for far too many people living in Wales. Today, I want to shed a light on this pressing matter, to raise awareness and emphasise the importance of addressing homelessness. Many people don't have the privilege of a stable roof over their head. Homelessness affects people from all walks of life; it's not confined to any one age group, gender or background. It can happen to anyone.
Currently, as has been said, we have over 174 rough-sleepers in Wales, plus 10,931 people in temporary accommodation. That figure is rising, and something needs to be done to address it. One of the primary drivers of homelessness in Wales, as in many parts of the world, is a lack of affordable housing, and factors that are out of the individual's control. The demand for housing often outpaces the supply, leading to skyrocketing prices and rents. This can make it difficult for individuals and families with limited financial resources to secure stable housing. That's why it's imperative on all governments to deliver more house building, more social house building, to make sure that everybody has got a home over their head.
Another element is also addiction. Drug and alcohol problems have a massive effect on homelessness, so governments must do all they can to reduce addiction and also reduce people going back through the cycle time and time again. That will help us address homelessness.
As we discuss this, let us remember that homelessness is not a personal failure of somebody, but a systemic problem that we must all work together to solve. Fortunately, across Wales, there are dedicated organisations and individuals who go above and beyond and work tirelessly to provide support for those experiencing homelessness, such as Shelter Cymru, the Wallich, Crisis, and also Helping the Homeless, and other great charities and individuals that we have across Wales. The dedication of these individuals is truly commendable; they work on the front line, providing shelter, food, and essential services for those in need, and they also help provide advice to those people as well as to how they can get accommodation or how they can come off addiction.
There has been progress in addressing homelessness in Wales, such as Housing First initiatives and the increase in funding for homelessness prevention programmes. However, to address homelessness, the road ahead is a long one, and there's much more work that needs to be done. So, it's crucial for us here to hold the Government to account and to make sure that we do more to help people come out of homelessness and into that stable home that most people would like to have. So, we must do all we can to address homelessness. We cannot go on as we are. I would urge all Members across this Chamber to support the Welsh Conservative motion this evening. Diolch, Llywydd.
Mae digartrefedd yn broblem fawr sy’n wynebu llawer o bobl yng Nghymru. Er efallai nad yw’r broblem hon bob amser yn weladwy i bob un ohonom, mae’n realiti llwm i ormod lawer o bobl sy’n byw yng Nghymru. Heddiw, rwyf am daflu goleuni ar y mater dybryd hwn, i godi ymwybyddiaeth a phwysleisio pwysigrwydd mynd i’r afael â digartrefedd. Mae llawer o bobl wedi'u hamddifadu o'r fraint o gael to sefydlog dros eu pennau. Mae digartrefedd yn effeithio ar bobl o bob cefndir; nid yw wedi'i gyfyngu i grŵp oedran, rhywedd neu gefndir unigol. Gall ddigwydd i unrhyw un.
Ar hyn o bryd, fel y dywedwyd, mae gennym dros 174 o bobl yn cysgu allan yng Nghymru, ynghyd â 10,931 o bobl mewn llety dros dro. Mae’r ffigur hwnnw’n codi, ac mae angen gwneud rhywbeth i fynd i’r afael ag ef. Un o brif achosion digartrefedd yng Nghymru, fel mewn sawl rhan o’r byd, yw diffyg tai fforddiadwy, a ffactorau sydd allan o reolaeth yr unigolyn. Mae'r galw am dai yn aml yn fwy na'r cyflenwad, sy'n arwain at gynnydd mewn prisiau a rhenti. Gall hyn ei gwneud yn anodd i unigolion a theuluoedd ag adnoddau ariannol cyfyngedig sicrhau tai sefydlog. Dyna pam ei bod yn hollbwysig i bob llywodraeth adeiladu mwy o dai, mwy o dai cymdeithasol, i sicrhau bod gan bawb gartref.
Elfen arall hefyd yw caethiwed. Mae problemau cyffuriau ac alcohol yn cael effaith aruthrol ar ddigartrefedd, felly mae'n rhaid i lywodraethau wneud popeth a allant i leihau caethiwed a lleihau nifer y bobl sy'n mynd yn ôl drwy'r cylch dro ar ôl tro. Bydd hynny’n ein helpu i fynd i’r afael â digartrefedd.
Wrth inni drafod hyn, gadewch inni gofio nad methiant personol unigolyn yw digartrefedd, ond problem systemig y mae'n rhaid i bob un ohonom gydweithio i’w datrys. Yn ffodus, ledled Cymru, mae sefydliadau ac unigolion ymroddedig sy’n mynd y tu hwnt i’r galw ac yn gweithio’n ddiflino i ddarparu cymorth i bobl ddigartref, megis Shelter Cymru, y Wallich, Crisis, a hefyd Helping the Homeless, ac elusennau ac unigolion gwych eraill sydd gennym ledled Cymru. Mae ymroddiad yr unigolion hyn yn ganmoladwy iawn; maent yn gweithio ar y rheng flaen, yn darparu lloches, bwyd, a gwasanaethau hanfodol i’r rheini sydd mewn angen, ac maent hefyd yn helpu i roi cyngor i’r bobl hynny hefyd ar sut y gallant gael llety neu sut y gallant gefnu ar eu caethiwed.
Mae cynnydd wedi'i wneud ar fynd i'r afael â digartrefedd yng Nghymru, megis mentrau Tai yn Gyntaf a'r cynnydd mewn cyllid ar gyfer rhaglenni atal digartrefedd. Fodd bynnag, i fynd i’r afael â digartrefedd, mae’r ffordd o’n blaenau'n un hir, ac mae angen gwneud llawer mwy o waith. Felly, mae'n hollbwysig ein bod ni yma yn dwyn y Llywodraeth i gyfrif ac yn sicrhau ein bod yn gwneud mwy i helpu pobl allan o ddigartrefedd ac i mewn i'r cartref sefydlog hwnnw y byddai'r rhan fwyaf o bobl yn hoffi ei gael. Felly, mae'n rhaid inni wneud popeth a allwn i fynd i’r afael â digartrefedd. Ni allwn barhau fel hyn. Rwyf am annog pob Aelod ar draws y Siambr i gefnogi cynnig y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig heno. Diolch, Lywydd.
Well, we had this discussion last week, didn't we, and the Conservatives decided to use the discussion to display an embarrassing and fundamental misunderstanding of the housing crisis to ignore the suffering of the many suffering homeless across this country, and to act as mascots for private enterprise. Today, we have heard the call just to 'build new houses'. Simply building new houses won't answer the demand. In Ireland, in 2008, just before the crash, they built 94,000 new houses. The price of houses didn't fall; it just kept on increasing. So, building houses alone won't answer the problem. We need to build quality homes according to need, in the communities where people need them.
We've also heard today a rent guarantee for landlords as one of the big ideas. The UK is already spending £17.5 billion on housing benefit. That's largely transferring public funds to private bank accounts. What we're hearing now is the need to transfer even more funds from the public purse to private bank accounts. So, it's just not going to wash. Let's not forget—[Interruption.]
Wel, cawsom y drafodaeth hon yr wythnos diwethaf, oni chawsom, a phenderfynodd y Ceidwadwyr ddefnyddio’r drafodaeth i ddangos camddealltwriaeth gywilyddus a sylfaenol o’r argyfwng tai i anwybyddu dioddefaint y nifer helaeth o bobl ddigartref ledled y wlad hon, ac i ymddwyn fel masgotiaid ar gyfer mentrau preifat. Heddiw, rydym wedi clywed yr alwad i 'adeiladu tai newydd'. Ni fydd adeiladu tai newydd ynddo'i hun yn ateb y galw. Yn Iwerddon, yn 2008, ychydig cyn y cwymp ariannol, fe wnaethant adeiladu 94,000 o dai newydd. Ni ostyngodd prisiau tai; fe wnaethant barhau i godi. Felly, nid yw adeiladu tai ynddo'i hun yn mynd i ateb y broblem. Mae angen inni adeiladu cartrefi o safon yn unol â'r angen, yn y cymunedau lle mae pobl eu hangen.
Rydym hefyd wedi clywed am warant rent i landlordiaid fel un o'r syniadau mawr heddiw. Mae’r DU eisoes yn gwario £17.5 biliwn ar fudd-dal tai. Mae hynny at ei gilydd yn arian cyhoeddus sy'n cael ei drosglwyddo i gyfrifon banc preifat. Yr hyn rydym yn ei glywed bellach yw'r angen i drosglwyddo hyd yn oed mwy o arian o bwrs y wlad i gyfrifon banc preifat. Felly, ni wnaiff hynny mo'r tro. Gadewch inni beidio ag anghofio—[Torri ar draws.]
Ie, amdani.
Yes, go ahead.
If Plaid Cymru take this issue so seriously, where are all your colleagues today?
Os yw Plaid Cymru o ddifrif ynghylch y mater hwn, ble mae eich holl Aelodau heddiw?
I'll get on to that in a minute, so thanks for the intervention.
Let's not forget that the homelessness crisis in the UK has been largely driven by policies from successive Conservative Governments. It's the commodification of housing, Thatcherite privatisation, the bedroom tax, austerity—you name it, the Tories manufactured this suffering. [Interruption.] Yes, go ahead.
Deuaf at hynny mewn munud, felly diolch am yr ymyriad.
Gadewch inni beidio ag anghofio bod yr argyfwng digartrefedd yn y DU wedi’i achosi i raddau helaeth gan bolisïau Llywodraethau Ceidwadol olynol. Defnyddio tai fel nwyddau, preifateiddio Thatcheraidd, y dreth ystafell wely, cyni—beth bynnag y bo, y Torïaid a greodd y dioddefaint hwn. [Torri ar draws.] Iawn, ewch amdani.
Do you not agree with me that it's unsustainable to have the amount of temporary accommodation spend in our local authorities, dragging them to their knees with the increase in temporary accommodation spend? It's unsustainable. You wouldn't run a business like that.
Onid ydych yn cytuno â mi ei bod yn anghynaliadwy cael gymaint o wariant ar lety dros dro yn ein hawdurdodau lleol, sydd ar eu pengliniau gyda'r cynnydd yn y gwariant ar lety dros dro? Mae'n anghynaliadwy. Ni fyddech yn rhedeg busnes fel hynny.
Yes, it's completely unsustainable. You're right, there's no disagreement. I don't think the Government or ourselves would disagree with that. So, that's why we need to tackle it, and that's why we had last week's homelessness plan, which we will get on to in a minute.
Conservative policies have made housing more expensive, housing services are more fragile, and people are poorer, more vulnerable and more susceptible to homelessness. I'd like to thank the Tories here for wasting parliamentary time today by offering no real solutions and going over a debate we've had last week. We had this debate last week and you're coming back and asking us to rescind what we've already passed last week. That's why I've actually suggested to my colleagues not to turn up here today, because we're having the exact same discussion as we had last week. We can't absolve the Welsh Labour—[Interruption.] Yes, she's interested in what I've got to say. [Interruption.] She'll be contributing later on, I've no doubt.
We can't absolve Welsh Labour of the responsibility here either. There have been failings, there's no denying this, whether we're talking about the slow pace of social housing construction, the opposition to embedding the right to adequate housing in Welsh law, or the failure to ban no-fault evictions. But there's no denying things are moving in the right direction, with the combined work of the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, through our co-operation agreement, paving the way for some really progressive legislation that will go a long way in helping to end homelessness. This would not have been possible without Plaid Cymru and the essential contribution of those with lived experience of homelessness in the preparation of the White Paper.
There are areas for improvement, of course, and we'll work on these together, to ensure the legislation is fit for purpose. As we discussed last week, we need to ensure that upstreaming efforts to identify and support individuals and families at risk of homelessness prior to its occurrence are a core component of our strategy. This needs to happen early, with risks identified in the education system, for example, as is common practice in countries like Finland. The education system is a contact point for so many people, and the sector must be supported to play its part in cross-sector work to end homelessness. In this vein, there needs to be a 'no wrong door' approach to homelessness, ensuring that different sectors work in collaboration to identify the risks of homelessness, rather than ping-ponging homeless individuals, or those at risk of homelessness, between different services. In this regard, many in the sector argue that individuals need to be embedded across the public sector, whether in health and social care or the education system, to act as key points of contact on homelessness prevention.
Rather than lazily shooting down progressive policies, as the Conservatives have done here today, we are encouraging people to engage with the process of building policy and to respond to the consultation, which will help shape the future approach to homelessness in Wales. This is an important chance to build a better future for everyone in Wales, and an important step towards ending homelessness. Diolch.
Ydy, mae'n gwbl anghynaliadwy. Rydych yn llygad eich lle, nid oes unrhyw anghytundeb ynghylch hynny. Ni chredaf y byddai’r Llywodraeth na ninnau'n anghytuno â hynny. Felly, dyna pam fod angen inni fynd i’r afael â'r mater, a dyna pam y cawsom gynllun digartrefedd yr wythnos diwethaf, y byddwn yn ei drafod yn y man.
Mae polisïau’r Ceidwadwyr wedi gwneud tai yn ddrytach, mae gwasanaethau tai yn fwy bregus, ac mae pobl yn dlotach, yn fwy agored i niwed ac yn fwy agored i ddigartrefedd. Hoffwn ddiolch i'r Torïaid yma am wastraffu amser seneddol heddiw drwy beidio â chynnig unrhyw atebion gwirioneddol ac ailadrodd y ddadl a gawsom yr wythnos diwethaf. Cawsom y ddadl hon yr wythnos diwethaf, ac rydych yn dod yn ôl ac yn gofyn inni ddiddymu'r hyn rydym eisoes wedi'i basio yr wythnos diwethaf. Dyna pam fy mod wedi awgrymu wrth fy nghyd-Aelodau i beidio â dod yma heddiw, gan ein bod yn cael yr un drafodaeth yn union ag a gawsom yr wythnos diwethaf. Ni allwn ryddhau Llafur Cymru—[Torri ar draws.] Mae ganddi ddiddordeb yn yr hyn sydd gennyf i'w ddweud. [Torri ar draws.] Bydd yn cyfrannu yn nes ymlaen, rwy'n siŵr.
Ni allwn ryddhau Llafur Cymru o gyfrifoldeb yma ychwaith. Bu methiannau, nid oes modd gwadu hynny, boed mewn perthynas ag arafwch y gwaith o adeiladu tai cymdeithasol, y gwrthwynebiad i ymgorffori’r hawl i dai digonol yng nghyfraith Cymru, neu’r methiant i wahardd troi allan heb fai. Ond nid oes modd gwadu bod pethau’n symud i’r cyfeiriad cywir, gyda gwaith Llywodraeth Cymru ar y cyd â Phlaid Cymru, drwy ein cytundeb cydweithio, yn paratoi’r ffordd ar gyfer deddfwriaeth wirioneddol flaengar a fydd yn mynd ymhell i helpu i roi diwedd ar ddigartrefedd. Ni fyddai hyn wedi bod yn bosibl heb Blaid Cymru a chyfraniad hanfodol y rhai a chanddynt brofiad bywyd o ddigartrefedd wrth baratoi’r Papur Gwyn.
Mae yna agweddau i’w gwella wrth gwrs, a byddwn yn gweithio ar y rhain gyda’n gilydd, i sicrhau bod y ddeddfwriaeth yn addas i'r diben. Fel y trafodwyd gennym yr wythnos diwethaf, mae angen inni sicrhau bod gwella ymdrechion i nodi a chefnogi unigolion a theuluoedd sydd mewn perygl o fynd yn ddigartref cyn i hynny ddigwydd yn elfen graidd o’n strategaeth. Mae angen i hyn ddigwydd yn gynnar, gyda risgiau'n cael eu nodi yn y system addysg, er enghraifft, fel sy’n arfer cyffredin mewn gwledydd fel y Ffindir. Mae’r system addysg yn bwynt cyswllt i gynifer o bobl, ac mae'n rhaid cefnogi’r sector i chwarae ei ran mewn gwaith traws-sector i roi diwedd ar ddigartrefedd. I’r perwyl hwn, mae angen dull ‘dim drws anghywir’ o ymdrin â digartrefedd, gan sicrhau bod gwahanol sectorau’n cydweithio i nodi risgiau digartrefedd, yn hytrach na phasio unigolion digartref, neu rai sydd mewn perygl o fynd yn ddigartref, yn ôl ac ymlaen rhwng gwahanol wasanaethau. Yn hyn o beth, mae llawer yn y sector yn dadlau bod angen gwreiddio unigolion ar draws y sector cyhoeddus, boed ym maes iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol neu’r system addysg, i weithredu fel pwyntiau cyswllt allweddol ar atal digartrefedd.
Yn hytrach na rhoi beirniadaeth ddiog o bolisïau blaengar, fel y mae’r Ceidwadwyr wedi’i wneud yma heddiw, rydym yn annog pobl i ymgysylltu â’r broses o adeiladu polisi ac i ymateb i’r ymgynghoriad, a fydd yn helpu i lunio’r dull gweithredu ar gyfer digartrefedd yng Nghymru yn y dyfodol. Mae hwn yn gyfle pwysig i adeiladu dyfodol gwell i bawb yng Nghymru, ac yn gam pwysig tuag at roi diwedd ar ddigartrefedd. Diolch.
I think it is an important debate here this evening, to talk about homelessness, because it's an issue that afflicts far too many modern developed societies, and Wales is no exception. In particular, as Janet Finch-Saunders articulated right at the start, the number of individuals rough-sleeping in Wales is a matter of absolute shame. It's at its highest level since 2020, and it's even more noticeable at this time when the cold is starting to bite, and it must be even more intolerable for those people who are rough-sleeping on our streets across Wales.
It is, of course, important to draw a distinction between those who are identified as homeless—around 11,000, as we've already heard, currently in Wales, many of whom are in temporary accommodation such as B&Bs—and those, as I've mentioned, who are currently rough-sleeping—around 200 that we are aware of. In particular, for those rough-sleeping, there is a huge amount more that we must do to tackle this issue. Specifically identifying those issues needs to take place, and I'm concerned to understand that there is a significant level of inconsistency in the way in which councils across Wales seem to gather data on those who are rough-sleeping. Indeed, local authorities have a duty of care in this area, and collecting this data will give important insights into where and how efforts at protecting and supporting street homeless people should be directed. So, I'd be keen to hear from the Minister in her response as to how she's directing those local authorities to gather that data most effectively.
On the broader issue of homelessness, as we've already heard, often people live in that temporary accommodation. We know that homelessness increases the worsening of health-related issues, certainly areas of mental health, but also with physical health deterioration. Of course, I know Mabon ap Gwynfor seems to think that building more houses isn't going to help solve housing problems, and perhaps that's part of the reason why, in Plaid Cymru constituencies such as Arfon, it's got some of the lowest house building numbers across Wales. But, in my mind, we certainly need to make sure enough houses are being built. It's fundamental to dealing with homelessness. I do sometimes get concerned that we hear all sorts of initiatives, programmes, projects, schemes that are either in train or bounced around some blue-sky-thinking room, when actually, if all that energy, time, effort and resource was put into ensuring enough houses were getting built, we'd actually see much more significant progress.
And there are also concerns. We know that the Labour Government here have pledged to build 20,000 new low-carbon social homes for rent, but we know that that is going to be very, very difficult to achieve. There are likely to be more problems at the end of this Senedd term than at the start of it.
All of this combined seems to show a lack of short, medium and long-term planning. The number of people on the streets has increased. The quality of monitoring seems to be poor. There simply aren't the properties for people to go into on a long-term basis, which has a significant knock-on effect. Homelessness, rather than not being debated in this Chamber, needs to be discussed more. We need to see it being gripped and solutions found quickly so that the thousands of people currently living in limbo with temporary accommodation, and the hundreds of people sadly rough-sleeping, can see their circumstances change, and change quickly. I call on the Senedd to vote for the Welsh Conservative motion. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Credaf ei bod yn ddadl bwysig yma heno, i sôn am ddigartrefedd, gan ei fod yn fater sy’n effeithio ar ormod lawer o gymdeithasau datblygedig modern, ac nid yw Cymru'n eithriad. Yn fwyaf arbennig, fel y dywedodd Janet Finch-Saunders ar y dechrau, mae nifer yr unigolion sy’n cysgu allan yng Nghymru yn gwbl warthus. Mae ar ei lefel uchaf ers 2020, ac mae hyd yn oed yn fwy amlwg ar yr adeg hon pan fo’r tywydd oer yn dechrau brathu, ac mae'n rhaid ei fod hyd yn oed yn fwy annioddefol i’r bobl hynny sy’n cysgu allan ar ein strydoedd ledled Cymru.
Mae'n bwysig gwahaniaethu rhwng y rheini y nodir eu bod yn ddigartref—oddeutu 11,000, fel y clywsom eisoes, yng Nghymru ar hyn o bryd, gyda llawer ohonynt mewn llety dros dro fel gwely a brecwast—a'r rheini, fel y soniais, sy'n cysgu allan ar hyn o bryd—yr oddeutu 200 y gwyddom amdanynt. Yn fwyaf arbennig, i’r rheini sy’n cysgu allan, mae llawer iawn mwy y mae’n rhaid inni ei wneud i fynd i’r afael â’r mater hwn. Mae angen nodi'r materion hynny'n benodol, ac rwy'n bryderus o ddeall bod lefel sylweddol o anghysondeb yn y ffordd y mae cynghorau ledled Cymru i'w gweld yn casglu data ar bobl sy'n cysgu allan. Yn wir, mae gan awdurdodau lleol ddyletswydd gofal yn y maes hwn, a bydd casglu data yn rhoi mewnwelediad pwysig i ble a sut y dylid cyfeirio ymdrechion i ddiogelu a chefnogi pobl ddigartref sy'n cysgu allan. Felly, rwy'n awyddus i glywed gan y Gweinidog yn ei hymateb sut mae'n cyfarwyddo'r awdurdodau lleol hynny i gasglu data yn y ffordd fwyaf effeithiol.
Ar ddigartrefedd yn ehangach, fel y clywsom eisoes, yn aml, mae pobl yn byw mewn llety dros dro. Gwyddom fod digartrefedd yn gwaethygu problemau iechyd, ac iechyd meddwl yn sicr, ond hefyd y dirywiad mewn iechyd corfforol. Wrth gwrs, gwn fod Mabon ap Gwynfor fel pe bai’n meddwl nad yw adeiladu mwy o dai yn mynd i helpu i ddatrys problemau tai, ac efallai mai dyna ran o’r rheswm pam, yn etholaethau Plaid Cymru fel Arfon, fod ganddynt rywfaint o’r cyfraddau adeiladau tai isaf yng Nghymru. Ond yn fy marn i yn sicr, mae angen inni sicrhau bod digon o dai yn cael eu hadeiladu. Mae hynny'n hanfodol er mwyn mynd i'r afael â digartrefedd. Rwy’n pryderu weithiau ein bod yn clywed am bob math o fentrau, rhaglenni, prosiectau, cynlluniau sydd naill ai ar y gweill neu’n cael eu taflu o gwmpas mewn rhyw ystafell neu'i gilydd, pan fyddem yn gweld cynnydd llawer mwy ystyrlon mewn gwirionedd pe bai’r holl egni, amser, ymdrech ac adnoddau’n cael eu rhoi i sicrhau bod digon o dai yn cael eu hadeiladu.
Ac mae yna bryderon hefyd. Gwyddom fod y Llywodraeth Lafur hon wedi addo adeiladu 20,000 o gartrefi cymdeithasol carbon isel newydd i’w gosod ar rent, ond fe wyddom fod hynny’n mynd i fod yn anodd iawn i’w gyflawni. Mae’n debygol y bydd mwy o broblemau ar ddiwedd tymor y Senedd hon nag ar ei ddechrau.
Ymddengys bod hyn oll gyda'i gilydd yn dangos diffyg cynllunio tymor byr, tymor canolig a hirdymor. Mae nifer y bobl sy'n cysgu allan wedi cynyddu. Ymddengys bod ansawdd y gwaith monitro'n wael. Yn syml, nid oes eiddo ar gael i bobl fynd iddynt yn hirdymor, sy'n cael effaith ganlyniadol sylweddol. Mae angen trafod mwy ar ddigartrefedd, yn hytrach na pheidio â'i drafod yn y Siambr hon. Mae angen inni ei weld yn cael sylw ac atebion yn cael eu canfod yn gyflym fel bod y miloedd o bobl sy’n byw mewn limbo mewn llety dros dro ar hyn o bryd, a’r cannoedd o bobl sy’n cysgu allan, yn gweld eu hamgylchiadau’n newid, ac yn newid yn gyflym. Galwaf ar y Senedd i bleidleisio dros gynnig y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Across the UK, housing represents one of our great domestic challenges. The idea that a home is a human right and that everybody is entitled to a roof over their head, like so many other areas of our economy, is now subordinated to the whims of market forces, privatisation and the pursuit of profit. Decades of underinvestment and an increasing imbalance between supply and demand has fuelled the housing crisis, which now affects millions of people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Council houses were sold off at below market rate under the right to buy. Many ended up in the private letting market, where profits were retained and no longer reinvested in more social housing. It represented a mass sell-off of state assets into the private sector. The Welsh Government rightly ended the right to buy and set a target of 20,000 new, quality, low-carbon social houses, but this has now been hindered by the Tory mishandling of the UK economy. Supplies and costs of materials were impacted by the Tory mishandling of Brexit, and the cost of each dwelling increased further following the disastrous Liz Truss budget, now 40 per cent more, meaning less money and fewer houses. Where house building does takes place, it's now largely left to private property developers whose prime motive is to make profit for their shareholders.
We must use our powers to protect those at the sharp end of this crisis. In the private rented sector we need an increase in legislative protection for tenants, including rent controls, the right to secure tenancies, a ban on the use of no-fault evictions, an end to no-pets clauses, and I would also like to see banks and building societies take historical rent payments into account when assessing mortgage applications. More funding needs to come from the UK Government Treasury into the provision of social housing, as it did under the Clement Attlee Government. The UK Government has been starving public service funding, wanting a smaller public state, which impacts on so many areas at the heart of our communities—building decent homes, planning, housing officers and homelessness prevention.
I recently met with a group of residential social landlords in north Wales. The complexity of support to prevent homelessness has increased. The cost of delivery has increased by 10.9 per cent, 75 per cent are running a deficit, and it’s hard to retain staff and maintain service delivery. There has been a 77 per cent increase in the number of people receiving domestic abuse support. The impact is on all ages, children and young people with nowhere to go. There is this presumption from the UK Government that young people can stay with parents, but this is not the case. Many residents under the service need help with managing money, accommodation, improving relationships, improving learning and education, access to employment and volunteering, access to mental health and well-being initiatives—all these have been impacted by cuts in public services funding.
Benefits have not been increased by the UK Government. The local housing allowance has not been increased in line with the cost of renting. At the Local Government and Housing Committee we heard that a three-bedroomed house in Swansea now costs £1,000 a month to rent. The local housing allowance element is worth only £500. And let’s not forget the bedroom tax, which still exists and impacts. And it’s not just housing support. There are other elements that have had a profound impact on people’s lives. The cost of transport has risen by 40 per cent, meaning that accessing employment and schools is difficult. Students are struggling to find decent accommodation and the council tax rebate scheme is heavily subscribed.
Despite the squeeze to funding that the Welsh Government is left with due to inflationary pressures and the increase in demand, it has ensured that helping those experiencing homelessness is our priority. The Welsh Government has made significant investment of over £210 million in 2023-24 in homelessness prevention and housing support services, including a £15 million increase for homelessness prevention. We now need the UK Government to take responsibility for the economic chaos and resulting cost-of-living crisis they have caused and act now, making additional funding available for public services to address the shortfall. Thank you.
Ledled y DU, tai yw un o’n heriau domestig mawr. Mae’r syniad fod cartref yn hawl ddynol a bod gan bawb hawl i do uwch eu pennau, fel cymaint o agweddau eraill ar ein heconomi, bellach wedi’i ddarostwng i fympwyon grymoedd y farchnad, preifateiddio a mynd ar drywydd elw. Mae degawdau o danfuddsoddi ac anghydbwysedd cynyddol rhwng cyflenwad a galw wedi gwaethygu'r argyfwng tai, sydd bellach yn effeithio ar filiynau o bobl o bob cefndir economaidd-gymdeithasol.
Gwerthwyd tai cyngor am bris llai na chyfradd y farchnad o dan yr hawl i brynu. Yn y pen draw, aeth llawer i'r farchnad gosod tai preifat, lle cafodd yr elw ei gadw yn hytrach na'i ailfuddsoddi mewn rhagor o dai cymdeithasol. Gwerthwyd asedau'r wladwriaeth i'r sector preifat ar raddfa enfawr. Daeth Llywodraeth Cymru â’r hawl i brynu i ben, yn gwbl briodol, a gosodwyd targed o 20,000 o dai cymdeithasol carbon isel newydd o safon, ond mae hyn bellach wedi’i lesteirio gan y ffordd y gwnaeth y Torïaid gamdrafod economi’r DU. Effeithiodd y ffordd y gwnaeth y Torïaid gamdrafod Brexit ar gyflenwadau a chost deunyddiau, a chynyddodd cost pob annedd 40 y cant ymhellach yn dilyn cyllideb drychinebus Liz Truss, sy’n golygu llai o arian a llai o dai. Lle mae tai'n cael eu hadeiladu, mae hynny bellach yn digwydd gan ddatblygwyr eiddo preifat gan amlaf, a'u prif gymhelliad nhw yw gwneud elw i'w cyfranddalwyr.
Mae'n rhaid inni ddefnyddio ein pwerau i ddiogelu'r rheini sy'n dioddef effeithiau gwaethaf yr argyfwng hwn. Yn y sector rhentu preifat, mae arnom angen cynnydd mewn amddiffyniadau deddfwriaethol i denantiaid, gan gynnwys rheoli rhenti, yr hawl i denantiaethau diogel, gwaharddiad ar y defnydd o droi allan heb fai, diwedd ar gymalau dim anifeiliaid anwes, a hoffwn weld banciau a chymdeithasau adeiladu yn ystyried taliadau rhent hanesyddol wrth asesu ceisiadau am forgeisi. Mae angen i Drysorlys Llywodraeth y DU roi mwy o gyllid tuag at ddarparu tai cymdeithasol, fel a ddigwyddodd o dan Lywodraeth Clement Attlee. Mae Llywodraeth y DU wedi bod yn atal cyllid i wasanaethau cyhoeddus, yn enw gwladwriaeth gyhoeddus lai, gan effeithio ar gynifer o'r meysydd sy'n hollbwysig i'n cymunedau—adeiladu cartrefi addas, cynllunio, swyddogion tai ac atal digartrefedd.
Cyfarfûm yn ddiweddar â grŵp o landlordiaid cymdeithasol cofrestredig yng ngogledd Cymru. Mae cymhlethdod cymorth i atal digartrefedd wedi cynyddu. Mae cost cyflawni wedi cynyddu 10.9 y cant, mae 75 y cant yn gweithredu ar ddiffyg, ac mae'n anodd cadw staff a pharhau i ddarparu gwasanaethau. Mae cynnydd o 77 y cant wedi bod yn nifer y bobl sy’n cael cymorth gyda cham-drin domestig. Mae'r effaith ar bobl o bob oed, gyda phlant a phobl ifanc heb unman i fynd. Mae Llywodraeth y DU yn rhagdybied y gall pobl ifanc aros gyda'u rhieni, ond nid yw hyn yn wir. Mae angen cymorth ar lawer o drigolion o dan y gwasanaeth i reoli arian, llety, gwella perthnasoedd, gwella dysgu ac addysg, mynediad at gyflogaeth a gwirfoddoli, mynediad at gynlluniau iechyd meddwl a llesiant—mae'r rhain oll wedi eu heffeithio gan doriadau i gyllid gwasanaethau cyhoeddus.
Nid yw budd-daliadau wedi'u cynyddu gan Lywodraeth y DU. Nid yw'r lwfans tai lleol wedi'i gynyddu yn unol â chost rhentu. Yn y Pwyllgor Llywodraeth Leol a Thai, clywsom fod tŷ tair ystafell wely yn Abertawe bellach yn costio £1,000 y mis i'w rentu. Dim ond £500 yw'r elfen lwfans tai lleol. A gadewch inni beidio ag anghofio'r dreth ystafell wely, sy'n dal i fodoli ac sy'n cael effaith ar bobl. Ac mae a wnelo hyn â mwy na chymorth tai yn unig. Mae yna elfennau eraill sydd wedi cael effaith sylweddol ar fywydau pobl. Mae cost trafnidiaeth wedi codi 40 y cant, sy’n golygu ei bod yn anodd cyrraedd gwaith ac ysgolion. Mae myfyrwyr yn ei chael hi'n anodd dod o hyd i lety gweddus ac mae nifer fawr o bobl yn dibynnu ar gynllun ad-daliad y dreth gyngor.
Er gwaethaf y wasgfa ar gyllid y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei hwynebu oherwydd pwysau chwyddiant a’r cynnydd yn y galw, mae wedi sicrhau mai helpu’r rheini sy’n ddigartref yw ein blaenoriaeth. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi gwneud buddsoddiad sylweddol o dros £210 miliwn yn 2023-24 mewn gwasanaethau atal digartrefedd a chymorth tai, gan gynnwys cynnydd o £15 miliwn ar gyfer atal digartrefedd. Mae angen i Lywodraeth y DU ysgwyddo'r cyfrifoldeb nawr am yr anhrefn economaidd a’r argyfwng costau byw dilynol y maent wedi’i achosi a gweithredu ar unwaith, gan sicrhau bod cyllid ychwanegol ar gael i wasanaethau cyhoeddus i fynd i’r afael â’r diffyg. Diolch.
I think this is a really important topic and I think it does deserve for us to debate it regularly. Over the course of the pandemic, action was taken by the Welsh Government—and I commend the Minister for all she was doing—to make sure homeless people were housed, and I give credit where credit's due. At the time, the Minister herself stressed the importance of this action, saying:
'Let me be clear: we cannot go back.'
But unfortunately we have gone back.
The Welsh Government's high-level action plan commits to ending homelessness by 2026, but this plan does not set out interim targets to measure progression, nor does it set legally binding goals. It's all well and good saying how committed we are to ending homelessness, but this does need decisive and increased action.
It's a sad fact that homelessness in Wales is on the rise, and we've had those stats here several times already this afternoon. A record number of people in Wales are in temporary accommodation—we know that—as well as a shocking 3,000 dependent children. It's clear that things aren't working here as they ought to be.
I'm also concerned by the fact that the housing support grant is facing a real-terms cut of 8 per cent by the Government. I fail to see how the Government can claim to be increasing its focus on homelessness if they are not providing the financial support it needs. The point of this grant is to help vulnerable people with issues that they face that could exacerbate the risk of homelessness, including violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
I also want to take this time, Llywydd, to raise the very pressing issue of rural homelessness. We know one significant cause of homelessness is clearly—as we've talked about here—the housing crisis. It's come about as a direct failure of Labour to build sufficient houses, of whatever description—certainly, affordable housing. For years, successive Labour Governments here have failed to build anywhere near the number of homes needed, resulting in excessive pressures on housing services. This has led to a drastic increase in housing costs, leading to a further driver to homelessness.
The cost of homelessness in rural counties has increased massively. By example, then, the cost of homelessness to Monmouthshire County Council has increased threefold from just under £1 million in 2021 to £3.1 million in 2022-23. This is a fact and it's creating huge pressures on councils all over, and I know they're absolutely struggling to meet demand. They want to meet demand but they can't—they haven't got the money to do it.
To make matters worse, many communities across the country are struggling to support increased development. We see that through local development plans and that's frustrating. And often that's due to a lack of infrastructure within those communities to support the additional housing. It's getting the chicken and egg in the right order. For example, in Monmouthshire the Welsh Government has not been supportive of the creation of new settlements, which is the only real way we can expand our housing supply if our current infrastructures are massively constrained, and there's no—I don't know what word I want for it, really—there's no capacity in them.
I also want to highlight the fact that the Welsh Government's 'Ending Homelessness in Wales' plan does not mention rural homelessness once. I want to conclude today by saying that the Welsh Government needs to get to grips with the state of homelessness in Wales, and whilst I'm pleased to see the White Paper, and it provides some steps to alleviating homelessness, it does not go far enough. We need better data gathering in order to provide better support for homeless people across Wales, and we need to see Ministers take control of the crisis here in Wales, and take crucial steps to amend it. Thank you, Llywydd.
Credaf fod hwn yn bwnc pwysig iawn a chredaf ei fod yn haeddu dadl reolaidd gennym yn ei gylch. Yn ystod y pandemig, rhoddwyd camau ar waith gan Lywodraeth Cymru—ac rwy'n cymeradwyo'r Gweinidog am bopeth a wnaeth—i sicrhau bod pobl ddigartref yn cael eu cartrefu, ac rwy'n rhoi clod lle mae'n ddyledus. Ar y pryd, pwysleisiodd y Gweinidog ei hun bwysigrwydd y camau hyn, gan ddweud:
'Gadewch i mi fod yn glir: ni allwn ni fynd yn ôl.'
Ond yn anffodus, rydym wedi mynd yn ôl.
Mae cynllun gweithredu lefel uchel Llywodraeth Cymru yn ymrwymo i roi diwedd ar ddigartrefedd erbyn 2026, ond nid yw’r cynllun hwn yn nodi targedau interim i fesur cynnydd, ac nid yw ychwaith yn pennu nodau cyfreithiol rwymol. Un peth yw dweud pa mor ymroddedig rydym ni i roi diwedd ar ddigartrefedd, ond mae angen mwy o weithredu pendant i wneud hynny.
Mae'n ffaith drist fod digartrefedd yng Nghymru ar gynnydd, ac rydym wedi clywed yr ystadegau hynny yma sawl gwaith yn barod y prynhawn yma. Mae’r nifer uchaf erioed o bobl yng Nghymru mewn llety dros dro—fe wyddom hynny—yn ogystal â'r nifer syfrdanol o 3,000 o blant dibynnol. Mae'n amlwg nad yw pethau'n gweithio fel y dylent yma.
Rwyf hefyd yn bryderus ynghylch y ffaith bod y grant cymorth tai yn wynebu toriad mewn termau real o 8 y cant gan y Llywodraeth. Ni allaf weld sut y gall y Llywodraeth honni ei bod yn cynyddu ei ffocws ar ddigartrefedd os nad ydynt yn darparu’r cymorth ariannol sydd ei angen. Diben y grant hwn yw helpu pobl agored i niwed gyda phroblemau y maent yn eu hwynebu a allai waethygu’r risg o ddigartrefedd, gan gynnwys trais yn erbyn menywod, cam-drin domestig a thrais rhywiol.
Hoffwn ddefnyddio'r cyfle hwn hefyd, Lywydd, i godi mater dybryd iawn digartrefedd gwledig. Gwyddom mai un o brif achosion digartrefedd, yn amlwg—fel rydym wedi'i drafod yma—yw'r argyfwng tai. Mae'n ganlyniad uniongyrchol i fethiant Llafur i adeiladu digon o dai o unrhyw fath—tai fforddiadwy, yn sicr. Ers blynyddoedd, mae Llywodraethau Llafur olynol yma wedi methu adeiladu yn agos at nifer y cartrefi sydd eu hangen, gan arwain at bwysau gormodol ar wasanaethau tai. Mae hyn wedi arwain at gynnydd eithafol mewn costau tai, gan achosi mwy o ddigartrefedd.
Mae cost digartrefedd mewn siroedd gwledig wedi cynyddu'n aruthrol. Er enghraifft, mae cost digartrefedd i Gyngor Sir Fynwy wedi cynyddu deirgwaith o ychydig dan £1 filiwn yn 2021 i £3.1 miliwn yn 2022-23. Mae hyn yn ffaith, ac mae'n creu pwysau aruthrol ar yr holl gynghorau, a gwn eu bod yn ei chael hi'n anodd iawn ateb y galw. Mae arnynt eisiau ateb y galw, ond ni allant—nid oes ganddynt arian i wneud hynny.
I wneud pethau'n waeth, mae llawer o gymunedau ledled y wlad yn ei chael hi'n anodd cefnogi mwy o ddatblygu. Rydym yn gweld hynny drwy gynlluniau datblygu lleol, ac mae hynny’n rhwystredig. Ac yn aml, mae hynny oherwydd diffyg seilwaith yn y cymunedau hynny i gefnogi'r tai ychwanegol. Mae'n ymwneud â chael yr iâr a'r wy yn y drefn gywir. Er enghraifft, yn sir Fynwy, nid yw Llywodraeth Cymru wedi bod yn gefnogol i greu aneddiadau newydd, sef yr unig ffordd go iawn y gallwn ehangu ein cyflenwad tai os yw ein seilweithiau presennol wedi’u cyfyngu’n aruthrol, ac nid oes—nid wyf yn gwybod pa air rwy'n chwilio amdano a dweud y gwir—nid oes capasiti ynddynt.
Hoffwn dynnu sylw hefyd at y ffaith nad yw cynllun 'Rhoi diwedd ar Ddigartrefedd yng Nghymru’ Llywodraeth Cymru yn sôn am ddigartrefedd gwledig o gwbl. Hoffwn gloi heddiw drwy ddweud bod angen i Lywodraeth Cymru fynd i’r afael â chyflwr digartrefedd yng Nghymru, ac er fy mod yn falch o weld y Papur Gwyn, ac mae'n darparu rhai camau i liniaru digartrefedd, nid yw’n mynd yn ddigon pell. Mae angen gwell prosesau casglu data er mwyn darparu gwell cymorth i bobl ddigartref ledled Cymru, ac mae angen inni weld Gweinidogion yn mynd i'r afael â’r argyfwng yma yng Nghymru, ac yn rhoi camau hollbwysig ar waith i’w wella. Diolch, Lywydd.
Y Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd nawr i gyfrannu i'r ddadl. Julie James.
The Minister for Climate Change to contribute to the debate. Julie James.
Diolch, Llywydd. I'm grateful for the opportunity to respond to the motion today. I will start, though, by observing that this debate has really highlighted once again just how very out of touch the Tories really are. Let me give you an actual glimpse of how the homelessness sector has responded to the publication of our White Paper. Stakeholders who work day in, day out in the homelessness sector in Wales, and those who stand beside clients every day working to tackle homelessness and its impact.
So, Llywydd, Crisis Cymru said that in delivering this White Paper, we are showing real vision by taking such bold action. Shelter Cymru said there was no better way to mark World Homelessness Day. Llamau strongly support the emphasis we've placed on young people and early intervention. And Katie Dalton, director of Cymorth Cymru, said it was fantastic to see how much our proposals have been shaped by experts, by experience. And I can tell you, from direct and personal experience, that people in Wales who have been homeless, who have slept on our streets for years, welcome these proposals and believe they will make a real difference. These proposals have, after all, been shaped by the lived experience of over 350 people. People who have actually experienced the trauma of homelessness, who know what it truly means to be homeless. We really should not be so quick to dismiss their experience and their lived expertise.
Llywydd, I said last week and I will say again today, the landscape in which homelessness services are working has irreversibly changed in recent years. The impact of the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, record levels of inflation and the war in Ukraine have all placed significant pressure on the Welsh housing system. This pressure has been exacerbated by a complete failure of the Conservative Government in Westminster to take any meaningful action. And there is plenty of action they could take on a welfare system in urgent need of reform, as Mabon ap Gwynfor mentioned, for example all the ongoing impact of the bedroom tax that they've conveniently forgotten about, or, Llywydd, on a stagnant local housing allowance. Or they could accept responsibility for the complete and utter mess the thankfully brief Truss premiership made of the economy, including soaring mortgage rates in particular.
Research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation shows that 90 per cent of low-income households on universal credit are regularly going without food, utilities and vital household goods. We are aware people are presenting to homelessness teams who have never presented before, and are only doing so because rent levels now make LHA meaningless. I have repeatedly called—[Interruption.]—on the UK Government to uplift the LHA rates and asked for a—
Diolch, Lywydd. Rwy’n ddiolchgar am y cyfle i ymateb i’r cynnig heddiw. Dechreuaf, fodd bynnag, drwy nodi bod y ddadl hon wedi tynnu sylw unwaith eto at ba mor allan ohoni yw’r Torïaid mewn gwirionedd. Gadewch imi roi cipolwg go iawn i chi ar sut y mae’r sector digartrefedd wedi ymateb i'n Papur Gwyn. Rhanddeiliaid sy'n gweithio o ddydd i ddydd yn y sector digartrefedd yng Nghymru, a'r rhai sy'n sefyll gyda chleientiaid bob dydd, yn gweithio i fynd i'r afael â digartrefedd a'i effaith.
Felly, Lywydd, dywedodd Crisis Cymru ein bod, wrth gyflwyno’r Papur Gwyn hwn, yn dangos gweledigaeth wirioneddol drwy gymryd camau mor feiddgar. Dywedodd Shelter Cymru nad oedd ffordd well o nodi Diwrnod Digartrefedd y Byd. Mae Llamau yn cefnogi'n gryf y pwyslais rydym wedi'i roi ar bobl ifanc ac ymyrraeth gynnar. A dywedodd Katie Dalton, cyfarwyddwr Cymorth Cymru, ei bod yn wych gweld cymaint y mae ein cynigion wedi'u llunio gan arbenigwyr, gan brofiad. A gallaf ddweud wrthych, o brofiad uniongyrchol a phersonol, fod pobl yng Nghymru sydd wedi bod yn ddigartref, sydd wedi bod yn cysgu allan ers blynyddoedd, yn croesawu'r cynigion hyn ac yn credu y byddant yn gwneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol. Wedi'r cyfan, mae'r cynigion hyn wedi'u llywio gan brofiad dros 350 o bobl. Pobl sydd wedi profi trawma digartrefedd, sy'n gwybod beth mae bod yn ddigartref yn ei olygu mewn gwirionedd. Ni ddylem ruthro i ddiystyru eu profiad bywyd a'u harbenigedd.
Lywydd, dywedais yr wythnos diwethaf a dywedaf eto heddiw fod y cyd-destun y mae gwasanaethau digartrefedd yn gweithio ynddo wedi newid yn ddiwrthdro dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf. Mae effaith y pandemig, yr argyfwng costau byw, y lefelau uchaf erioed o chwyddiant a’r rhyfel yn Wcráin oll wedi rhoi pwysau sylweddol ar system dai Cymru. Mae’r pwysau wedi’i waethygu gan fethiant llwyr y Llywodraeth Geidwadol yn San Steffan i roi unrhyw gamau ystyrlon ar waith. Ac mae digon o gamau y gallent eu cymryd ar system les sydd angen ei diwygio ar fyrder, fel y dywedodd Mabon ap Gwynfor, er enghraifft, effaith barhaus y dreth ystafell wely y maent wedi anghofio amdani, yn gyfleus ddigon, Lywydd, neu lwfans tai lleol disymud. Neu gallent dderbyn cyfrifoldeb am y llanast llwyr a wnaeth Truss o'r economi yn ei chyfnod byr, diolch byth, fel Prif Weinidog y DU, yn enwedig cyfraddau morgeisi eithriadol o uchel.
Dengys ymchwil gan Sefydliad Joseph Rowntree fod 90 y cant o aelwydydd incwm isel ar gredyd cynhwysol yn mynd heb fwyd, cyfleustodau a nwyddau cartref hanfodol yn rheolaidd. Gwyddom fod timau digartrefedd yn gweld pobl nad ydynt erioed wedi bod yn ddigartref o'r blaen, a hynny'n unig am fod lefelau rhent bellach yn gwneud y lwfans tai lleol yn ddiwerth. Rwyf wedi galw dro ar ôl tro—[Torri ar draws.]—ar Lywodraeth y DU i godi cyfraddau’r lwfans tai lleol ac wedi gofyn am—
Is the Minister taking the intervention?
A yw’r Gweinidog yn derbyn yr ymyriad?
Yes, go on.
Ydw, ewch amdani.
I'm grateful to you for taking the intervention. On two counts from Labour contributions today we've heard about the bedroom tax. It's my understanding that Labour at a UK level are keeping the bedroom tax; isn't it your understanding as well? So, if it's such a draconian measure—
Rwy’n ddiolchgar i chi am dderbyn yr ymyriad. Mewn dau o gyfraniadau Llafur heddiw, clywsom am y dreth ystafell wely. Yn ôl yr hyn rwy'n ei ddeall, mae Llafur ar lefel y DU yn cadw'r dreth ystafell wely; onid dyna eich dealltwriaeth chi hefyd? Felly, os yw'n fesur mor llym—
No, it is not my understanding.
Na, nid dyna rwy'n ei ddeall.
Well, that's what your leader in Westminster has said—that they're keeping it.
Wel, dyna mae eich arweinydd yn San Steffan wedi'i ddweud—eu bod yn ei gadw.
No, it is not my understanding, and the bedroom tax is still driving some of this issue. But the biggest issue of all is the local housing allowance. The Tory Government last uplifted the local housing allowance in April 2020. The Rent Officers Wales evidence to the Department for Work and Pensions shows that that has gone up by 16.56 per cent since then, which means that people simply cannot afford their rent if they're on any part of universal credit housing allowance. It's pretty straightforward: there is nowhere in Wales where the LHA covers the rent. You put it down to the thirtieth percentile from 50, and now it doesn't even cover it. How can it possibly be justified that that does not go up from April 2020? What's happening is that these mounting challenges have exposed a homelessness need we have never seen before—a need higher than anyone expected and a need that grows as the Tory Government-driven inflationary pressures continue to have a devastating impact on people across Wales.
On the contrary, I am proud that in Wales we are taking action to ensure we have a system that supports everyone and is fit for the future. I'm also proud that in Wales we continue to do what all civilised societies should do and ensure that no-one is forced to sleep rough. Our 'no-one left out' approach has been continuously in place since March 2020, and I introduced transitional legislation last year to add street homelessness as an eleventh category of priority need to ensure continuation of this approach. The same just cannot be said for the situation across the border. In England the 'everyone in' COVID response approach was rolled back as early as May 2020, when local authorities were told to exercise their own judgment.
So, contrary to the simplistic mantra from the benches opposite, we must remember that street homelessness is a complex issue. It isn't always easy to bring people in from the streets; it takes active and assertive outreach delivered by dedicated and trusted professionals. In Wales exceptional people in exceptional services do this work. And despite the challenges they face, these services continue to step up and assist people into accommodation. We shouldn't view rough-sleeping in isolation, but as one element of a wider homelessness issue. In Wales we have assisted nearly 40,000 people experiencing homelessness with temporary accommodation in the past three years. We could have ignored the need, we could have rolled back the response we provided in the pandemic and cast people back onto the streets, as they did in England. We could have shied away from this problem, but we haven't, we won't—we will not go back.
No going back means finding the way to sustain this change and to achieve our long-term goal of ending homelessness. The White Paper sets this out. It is a long-term vision and one that requires radical, systemic and cultural change. It will not be easy to achieve, but it is a change that must happen and we must begin the process now.
So, let me tell you what the proposals really mean and the real difference they will make. Homelessness will be prevented in the vast majority of cases. People will stay in their homes and we will address emerging risk much earlier. Homelessness services will be easier to access, easier to navigate and easier to understand. If you have a particular need around communication, this will be met. If you find the system difficult to engage with, we will make it work for you. We will remove barriers to getting a service and your past will not determine what help you get today.
Responsibility for identifying people at risk of homelessness will be placed on the entire public service. Health, social services and others will all play their part in recognising and preventing homelessness. We will maximise the use of social housing and utilise a range of other options to end homelessness. We will address the links between homelessness and other experiences. Homelessness will no longer be an acceptable route out of care, and no-one will leave our hospitals to sleep on the streets. It is the biggest reform of the homelessness system in decades. It is a brave and bold action that creates a service fit for the future.
The alternative, Llywydd, is to accept homelessness, to accept poor standards in accommodation and to accept people sleeping on our streets. This is not something we should accept in a civil society, and I am utterly unapologetic about our level of ambition for Wales. I therefore ask Members to support the amended motion, which recognises the ambition in the White Paper and the extremely important input of those with lived experience of homelessness, and I encourage responses to the consultation to help shape the future approach of ending homelessness in Wales. Diolch.
Na, nid dyna fy nealltwriaeth i, ac mae’r dreth ystafell wely yn dal i achosi rhywfaint o’r broblem hon. Ond y broblem fwyaf oll yw’r lwfans tai lleol. Mis Ebrill 2020 oedd y tro diwethaf i'r Llywodraeth Dorïaidd gynyddu'r lwfans tai lleol. Mae tystiolaeth Swyddogion Rhenti Cymru i’r Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau yn dangos bod hynny wedi codi 16.56 y cant ers hynny, sy’n golygu na all pobl fforddio eu rhent os ydynt ar unrhyw ran o lwfans tai credyd cynhwysol. Mae'n eithaf syml: nid oes unman yng Nghymru lle mae'r lwfans tai lleol yn talu'r rhent. Fe wnaethoch ei ostwng i'r ddegfed ganradd ar hugain o 50, a nawr nid yw hyd yn oed yn ddigon i'w dalu. Sut y gellir cyfiawnhau nad yw wedi cynyddu ers mis Ebrill 2020? Yr hyn sy'n digwydd yw bod yr heriau cynyddol hyn wedi amlygu angen digartrefedd nad ydym erioed wedi'i weld o'r blaen—angen uwch nag oedd neb yn ei ddisgwyl, ac angen sy'n tyfu wrth i bwysau chwyddiant a achosir gan y Llywodraeth Dorïaidd barhau i gael effaith ddinistriol ar bobl ledled Cymru.
Mewn cyferbyniad, rwy’n falch ein bod ni yng Nghymru yn cymryd camau i sicrhau bod gennym system sy’n cefnogi pawb ac sy’n addas ar gyfer y dyfodol. Rwyf hefyd yn falch ein bod ni yng Nghymru yn parhau i wneud yr hyn y dylai pob cymdeithas wâr ei wneud a sicrhau nad oes unrhyw un yn cael eu gorfodi i gysgu allan. Mae ein hymagwedd 'neb heb help' wedi bod ar waith yn barhaus ers mis Mawrth 2020, a chyflwynais ddeddfwriaeth drosiannol y llynedd i ychwanegu digartrefedd ar y stryd fel unfed categori ar ddeg o angen blaenoriaethol er mwyn sicrhau parhad y dull hwn. Ni ellir dweud yr un peth am y sefyllfa dros y ffin. Yn Lloegr, cafodd y dull ‘cynnwys pawb’ o ymateb i COVID ei anghofio mor gynnar â mis Mai 2020, pan ddywedwyd wrth awdurdodau lleol i benderfynu drostynt eu hunain.
Felly, yn groes i’r mantra gor-syml oddi ar y meinciau gyferbyn, mae'n rhaid inni gofio bod digartrefedd ar y stryd yn fater cymhleth. Nid yw bob amser yn hawdd dod â phobl i mewn oddi ar y stryd; mae angen allgymorth gweithredol a phendant gan weithwyr proffesiynol ymroddedig y gellir ymddiried ynddynt. Yng Nghymru, mae pobl anhygoel mewn gwasanaethau anhygoel yn gwneud y gwaith hwn. Ac er gwaethaf yr heriau a wynebant, mae'r gwasanaethau hyn yn parhau i gamu i'r adwy a chynorthwyo pobl i gael llety. Ni ddylem feddwl am gysgu allan ar ei ben ei hun, ond fel un elfen o broblem ehangach digartrefedd. Yng Nghymru, rydym wedi cynorthwyo bron i 40,000 o bobl ddigartref gyda llety dros dro dros y tair blynedd diwethaf. Gallem fod wedi anwybyddu’r angen, gallem fod wedi rhoi'r gorau i'r ymateb a ddarparwyd gennym yn ystod y pandemig a thaflu pobl yn ôl ar y strydoedd, fel y gwnaethant yn Lloegr. Gallem fod wedi cefnu ar y broblem hon, ond nid ydym wedi gwneud hynny, ni wnawn hynny—ni wnawn fynd yn ôl.
Mae peidio â mynd yn ôl yn golygu dod o hyd i ffordd o gynnal y newid hwn a chyflawni ein nod hirdymor o roi diwedd ar ddigartrefedd. Mae'r Papur Gwyn yn nodi hyn. Mae’n weledigaeth hirdymor ac yn un sy’n gofyn am newid radical, systemig a diwylliannol. Ni fydd yn hawdd ei gwireddu, ond mae’n newid y mae’n rhaid iddo ddigwydd, ac mae'n rhaid inni ddechrau’r broses nawr.
Felly, gadewch imi ddweud wrthych beth mae'r cynigion yn ei olygu mewn gwirionedd, a'r gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol y byddant yn ei wneud. Bydd digartrefedd yn cael ei atal yn y mwyafrif helaeth o achosion. Bydd pobl yn aros yn eu cartrefi, a byddwn yn mynd i'r afael â'r risgiau sy'n codi yn llawer cynharach. Bydd yn haws cael mynediad at wasanaethau digartrefedd, bydd yn haws eu llywio ac yn haws eu deall. Os oes gennych anghenion arbennig o ran cyfathrebu, byddwn yn darparu ar gyfer hynny. Os yw'r system yn anodd i chi ei defnyddio, byddwn yn gwneud iddi weithio i chi. Byddwn yn cael gwared â rhwystrau i gael gwasanaeth, ac ni fydd eich gorffennol yn pennu pa gymorth a gewch heddiw.
Bydd y gwasanaeth cyhoeddus cyfan yn gyfrifol am nodi pobl sydd mewn perygl o fynd yn ddigartref. Bydd iechyd, gwasanaethau cymdeithasol ac eraill oll yn chwarae eu rhan i nodi ac atal digartrefedd. Byddwn yn gwneud y defnydd gorau o dai cymdeithasol ac yn defnyddio ystod o opsiynau eraill i roi diwedd ar ddigartrefedd. Byddwn yn mynd i'r afael â'r cysylltiadau rhwng digartrefedd a phrofiadau eraill. Ni fydd digartrefedd bellach yn llwybr derbyniol allan o ofal, ac ni fydd unrhyw un yn gadael ein hysbytai i gysgu allan. Dyma'r diwygio mwyaf i'r system ddigartrefedd ers degawdau. Mae’n weithred ddewr a beiddgar sy’n creu gwasanaeth sy’n addas ar gyfer y dyfodol.
Y dewis arall, Lywydd, yw derbyn digartrefedd, derbyn safonau gwael mewn darpariaethau llety a derbyn pobl yn cysgu allan. Nid yw hyn yn rhywbeth y dylem ei dderbyn mewn cymdeithas wâr, ac nid wyf yn ymddiheuro o gwbl am lefel ein huchelgais ar gyfer Cymru. Gofynnaf felly i’r Aelodau gefnogi’r cynnig diwygiedig, sy’n cydnabod yr uchelgais yn y Papur Gwyn a mewnbwn hynod bwysig y rheini sydd â phrofiad bywyd o ddigartrefedd, ac rwy’n annog ymatebion i’r ymgynghoriad i helpu i lunio’r dull o roi diwedd ar ddigartrefedd yng Nghymru yn y dyfodol. Diolch.
Mark Isherwood i ymateb i'r ddadl.
Mark Isherwood to reply to the debate.
Diolch, Llywydd, and thanks to all contributors. Janet Finch-Saunders opened by telling us, rightly, that a homelessness crisis is facing us in Wales. It is morally wrong that nearly 11,000 individuals are in temporary accommodation—the highest level since records began—including over 3,350 children. The number of rough-sleepers has also reached the highest level since records began. As she pointed out, Wales is building less than half the number of new homes that it needs annually, and then she detailed some of the housing recovery programme the Welsh Conservatives would introduce.
Diolch, Lywydd, a diolch i'r holl gyfranwyr. Agorodd Janet Finch-Saunders drwy ddweud wrthym, yn gwbl briodol, fod argyfwng digartrefedd yn ein hwynebu yng Nghymru. Mae’n foesol anghywir fod bron i 11,000 o unigolion mewn llety dros dro—y lefel uchaf ers dechrau cadw cofnodion—gan gynnwys dros 3,350 o blant. Mae nifer y bobl sy'n cysgu allan hefyd wedi cyrraedd y lefel uchaf ers dechrau cadw cofnodion. Fel y nododd, mae Cymru’n adeiladu llai na hanner y cartrefi newydd sydd eu hangen arnom yn flynyddol, ac yna, manylodd ar rywfaint o’r rhaglen adfer tai y byddai’r Ceidwadwyr Cymreig yn ei chyflwyno.
Mike Hedges rightly said that homelessness is an affront to any civilised society and that we need more social housing, including council housing, and to support the private rented sector. He said there are far too many homes empty—absolutely right—and discussed the potential of compulsory purchase powers. He referred to the UK Government's public sector borrowing requirement, although, of course, it was UK Conservative Governments that allowed councils to retain funding for investment in new social housing, and Labour Welsh Government delayed introducing this, years behind England.
James Evans said that homelessness is not confined to any age group, gender or background and that it can happen to anyone, and the numbers are rising. He highlighted the lack of affordable housing and the need for all Governments to build more social housing. He also highlighted the impact of addiction on homelessness and emphasised that homelessness is not a personal failure, but a systemic issue we must work together to solve.
Mabon ap Gwynfor again displayed an embarrassing and fundamental misunderstanding of the housing crisis, but he was right to say that building houses alone won't answer the problem. Sam Rowlands pointed out the inconsistency in the way that councils collect the data on homelessness, and that building homes is fundamental to tackling homelessness, and highlighted the lack of short, medium and long-term planning. Carolyn Thomas rightly said that housing is one of our greatest domestic challenges, but she then illustrated why Labour's failure to embrace a whole-housing-sector solution has left us in the mess we are in. She referred to the cost of material supplies, avoiding mentioning the real internationally recognised causes of the global cost-of-living crisis. She also exhibited a basic failure to understand the fiscal straitjacket that UK Government have been operating within since 2010.
Peter Fox pointed out that things were not working here as they ought to be. He highlighted the housing support grant cuts—a grant supposed to help people with the problems they face, including domestic violence. He also highlighted the need for rural affordable housing, where the cost of homelessness to rural counties has risen massively. And he said that the Welsh Government's White Paper does not go far enough.
The Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, displayed, once again, just how out of touch this Labour Welsh Government really is—more dodging accountability and passing the buck and more tired old party soundbites. She was right to say, however, that street homelessness is a complex issue, but therefore wrong for her Government and predecessor Governments to have cut the housing support grant and housing supply.
So, let me be clear, I've been here long enough to know, first-hand, that responsibility for record levels of rough-sleepers and those in temporary accommodation and for the affordable housing supply crisis lies directly at the door of successive Labour Welsh Governments. The housing support grant is intended to prevent homelessness and support people to access and maintain a suitable home. However, ignoring the sector's warnings, the Welsh Government cut it by almost 10 per cent in real terms this year. In fact, cuts or freezes in the housing support grant and its predecessors have been offered almost as a sacrificial offering in successive Welsh Government budgets, despite consequential added cost pressures on NHS accident and emergency departments and blue-light services.
As Cymorth Cymru stated this year, homelessness and housing support providers and local authority commissioners have been left devastated by the lack of an increase in the housing support grant. Ninety-three per cent are extremely or very concerned about their ability to continue delivering services and that services will need to be cut if there is no increase. Housing associations in north Wales recently told us that the Welsh Government's 10 per cent real cut in housing support grant means a mismatch between the goal to end homelessness and the availability of services to support this, with much-valued services at risk of being decommissioned. This is dumb budgeting, damaging lives, piling greater costs on statutory providers and perpetuating a revolving door of homelessness. But even if this wasn't the case, Labour's housing supply crisis means that the homes just aren't there, with almost 200,000 people on social housing waiting lists.
Labour seeks to blame post-2010 austerity—itself the legacy of Labour economic mismanagement—but I campaigned with the sector from 2003, warning the Welsh Government that Wales faced an affordable housing supply crisis unless urgent action was taken. Instead, Labour Welsh Government cut the number of new social homes by over 70 per cent from the levels previously delivered by the outgoing Conservative Government during their first three Assembly terms as waiting lists mushroomed—fact.
The 2012 UK housing review stated it was the Welsh Government itself that gave housing lower priority in its overall budgets, so that, by 2010, it had by far the lowest proportional level of housing expenditure of any of the four UK countries—fact. In fact, although the UK Government could still meet its goal to build 1 million homes in England during this UK Parliament—equivalent to 50,000 homes in Wales—only 4,556 new dwellings were started in Wales last year, down 19 per cent. And although the Welsh Government's only housing target is 20,000 social homes for rent, averaging just 4,000 annually, fewer than 1,200 new dwellings were completed by social landlords in Wales last year. We therefore not only regret the failure of the Welsh Government to get to grips with homelessness in Wales, we condemn it.
Dywedodd Mike Hedges, yn gwbl briodol, fod digartrefedd yn sarhad ar unrhyw gymdeithas wâr, a bod angen mwy o dai cymdeithasol arnom, gan gynnwys tai cyngor, a chefnogi’r sector rhentu preifat. Dywedodd fod llawer gormod o gartrefi’n wag—yn gwbl gywir—a thrafododd botensial pwerau prynu gorfodol. Cyfeiriodd at ofyniad benthyca sector cyhoeddus Llywodraeth y DU, er mai Llywodraethau Ceidwadol y DU, wrth gwrs, a ganiataodd i gynghorau gadw cyllid ar gyfer buddsoddi mewn tai cymdeithasol newydd, a bu oedi cyn i Lywodraeth Lafur Cymru gyflwyno hyn, flynyddoedd ar ôl Lloegr.
Dywedodd James Evans nad yw digartrefedd yn gyfyngedig i un grŵp oedran, rhywedd na chefndir, ac y gall ddigwydd i unrhyw un, a bod y niferoedd yn codi. Tynnodd sylw at y diffyg tai fforddiadwy a’r angen i bob Llywodraeth adeiladu mwy o dai cymdeithasol. Tynnodd sylw hefyd at effaith caethiwed ar ddigartrefedd a phwysleisiodd nad yw digartrefedd yn fethiant personol, ond yn broblem systemig y mae'n rhaid inni weithio gyda’n gilydd i’w datrys.
Unwaith eto, dangosodd Mabon ap Gwynfor gamddealltwriaeth gywilyddus a sylfaenol o'r argyfwng tai, ond roedd yn llygad ei le pan ddywedodd na fyddai adeiladu tai yn unig yn ateb y broblem. Tynnodd Sam Rowlands sylw at yr anghysondeb yn y ffordd y mae cynghorau’n casglu data ar ddigartrefedd, a bod adeiladu cartrefi yn hollbwysig er mwyn mynd i’r afael â digartrefedd, a thynnodd sylw at y diffyg cynllunio tymor byr, tymor canolig a hirdymor. Dywedodd Carolyn Thomas, yn gwbl gywir, mai tai yw un o’n heriau domestig mwyaf, ond dangosodd wedyn pam fod methiant Llafur i archwilio ateb sy'n cynnwys y sector tai cyfan wedi ein gadael yn y llanast rydym ynddo. Cyfeiriodd at gost deunyddiau, gan osgoi sôn am wir achosion yr argyfwng costau byw byd-eang, a gydnabyddir yn rhyngwladol. Dangosodd hefyd fethiant sylfaenol i ddeall y wasgfa ariannol y mae Llywodraeth y DU wedi bod yn gweithredu ynddi ers 2010.
Tynnodd Peter Fox sylw at y ffaith nad oedd pethau'n gweithio fel y dylent yma. Tynnodd sylw at y toriadau i'r grant cymorth tai—grant sydd i fod i helpu pobl gyda’r problemau y maent yn eu hwynebu, gan gynnwys trais domestig. Tynnodd sylw hefyd at yr angen am dai fforddiadwy gwledig, lle mae cost digartrefedd i siroedd gwledig wedi codi'n aruthrol. A dywedodd nad yw Papur Gwyn Llywodraeth Cymru yn mynd yn ddigon pell.
Dangosodd y Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd, Julie James, unwaith eto, pa mor allan ohoni yw Llywodraeth Lafur Cymru mewn gwirionedd—mwy o osgoi atebolrwydd a thaflu'r baich a mwy o hen ystrydebau pleidiol. Roedd yn iawn i ddweud, fodd bynnag, fod digartrefedd ar y stryd yn fater cymhleth, ond felly, nid oedd ei Llywodraeth hi a’r Llywodraethau rhagflaenol yn iawn i dorri’r grant cymorth tai a’r cyflenwad tai.
Felly, gadewch imi ddweud yn glir, rwyf wedi bod yma'n ddigon hir i wybod, o lygad y ffynnon, mai Llywodraethau Llafur olynol yng Nghymru sy'n uniongyrchol gyfrifol am y lefelau uchaf erioed o bobl yn cysgu allan a phobl mewn llety dros dro ac am yr argyfwng yn y cyflenwad o dai fforddiadwy. Bwriad y grant cymorth tai yw atal digartrefedd a chefnogi pobl i gael cartref addas a’i gadw. Fodd bynnag, gan anwybyddu rhybuddion y sector, fe'i torrwyd bron 10 y cant mewn termau real eleni gan Lywodraeth Cymru. Mewn gwirionedd, mae rhewi, neu doriadau i'r grant cymorth tai a grantiau blaenorol wedi’u cynnig bron fel aberth yng nghyllidebau olynol Llywodraeth Cymru, er gwaethaf pwysau costau canlyniadol ychwanegol ar adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys y GIG a gwasanaethau golau glas.
Fel y dywedodd Cymorth Cymru eleni, mae darparwyr cymorth tai a digartrefedd a chomisiynwyr awdurdodau lleol wedi eu digalonni gan y diffyg cynnydd yn y grant cymorth tai. Mae 93 y cant yn bryderus iawn neu’n eithriadol o bryderus am eu gallu i barhau i ddarparu gwasanaethau, ac y bydd angen torri gwasanaethau os na cheir cynnydd. Dywedodd cymdeithasau tai yng ngogledd Cymru wrthym yn ddiweddar fod toriad Llywodraeth Cymru o 10 y cant mewn termau real i'r grant cymorth tai yn golygu bod anghysondeb rhwng y nod o roi diwedd ar ddigartrefedd ac argaeledd gwasanaethau i gefnogi hyn, gyda gwasanaethau gwerthfawr iawn mewn perygl o gael eu datgomisiynu. Mae hyn yn gyllidebu hurt, yn niweidio bywydau, yn pentyrru costau uwch ar ddarparwyr statudol ac yn creu mwy a mwy o ddigartrefedd. Ond hyd yn oed pe na bai hyn yn wir, mae argyfwng cyflenwad tai Llafur yn golygu nad yw'r cartrefi yno, gyda bron i 200,000 o bobl ar restrau aros am dai cymdeithasol.
Mae Llafur yn ceisio rhoi’r bai ar gyni ar ôl 2010—sydd ei hun yn etifeddiaeth camreolaeth economaidd Llafur—ond rwyf wedi bod yn ymgyrchu gyda’r sector ers 2003, gan rybuddio Llywodraeth Cymru fod Cymru’n wynebu argyfwng o ran y cyflenwad o dai fforddiadwy oni bai fod camau brys yn cael eu cymryd. Yn hytrach, yn ystod eu tri thymor cyntaf yn y Cynulliad wrth i restrau aros gynyddu, torrodd Llywodraeth Lafur Cymru nifer y cartrefi cymdeithasol newydd dros 70 y cant o’r lefelau a gyflawnwyd yn flaenorol gan y Llywodraeth Geidwadol—ffaith.
Nododd adolygiad tai y DU yn 2012 mai Llywodraeth Cymru ei hun a roddodd flaenoriaeth is i dai yn ei chyllidebau cyffredinol, ac felly erbyn 2010, ganddi hi roedd y lefel gyfrannol isaf o bell ffordd o wariant ar dai ym mhedair gwlad y DU—ffaith. Mewn gwirionedd, er y gallai Llywodraeth y DU ddal i gyrraedd ei nod o adeiladu 1 filiwn o gartrefi yn Lloegr yn ystod y tymor seneddol hwn yn y DU—sy’n cyfateb i 50,000 o gartrefi yng Nghymru—dim ond 4,556 o anheddau newydd a gychwynnwyd yng Nghymru y llynedd, gostyngiad o 19 y cant. Ac er mai unig darged tai Llywodraeth Cymru yw 20,000 o gartrefi cymdeithasol i’w gosod ar rent, sef 4,000 yn unig ar gyfartaledd bob blwyddyn, cwblhawyd llai na 1,200 o anheddau newydd gan landlordiaid cymdeithasol yng Nghymru y llynedd. O'r herwydd, rydym nid yn unig yn gresynu at fethiant Llywodraeth Cymru i fynd i’r afael â digartrefedd yng Nghymru, rydym yn ei gondemnio.
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 cynnig tan y cyfnod pleidleisio.
The proposal is to agree the motion without amendment. Does any Member object? [Objection.] Yes, there are objections. And therefore, we will defer voting until voting time.
Gohiriwyd y pleidleisio tan y cyfnod pleidleisio.
Voting deferred until voting time.
Rydyn ni'n cyrraedd y cyfnod pleidleisio nawr. Oni bai fod tri Aelod yn dymuno i fi ganu'r gloch, yna fe wnawn ni symud yn syth at y bleidlais gyntaf. Mae'r bleidlais gyntaf ar eitem 7, sef y ddadl rydyn ni newydd ei chlywed gan y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig ar ddigartrefedd. Felly, dwi'n galw am bleidlais ar y cynnig heb ei ddiwygio, a gyflwynwyd yn enw Darren Millar. Agor y bleidlais. Cau'r bleidlais. O blaid 15, neb yn ymatal, 39 yn erbyn. Ac felly, mae'r cynnig wedi ei wrthod.
That brings us to voting time. Unless three Members wish for the bell to be rung, we will move directly to the first vote. The first vote is on item 7, the debate that's just taken place, the Welsh Conservatives debate on homelessness. I call for a vote on the motion without amendment, tabled in the name of Darren Miller. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 15, no abstentions, 39 against. And therefore, the motion is not agreed.
Eitem 7. Dadl y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig - Digartrefedd. Cynnig heb ei ddiwygio, cyflwynwyd yn enw Darren Millar: O blaid: 15, Yn erbyn: 39, Ymatal: 0
Gwrthodwyd y cynnig
Item 7. Welsh Conservatives Debate - Homelessness. Motion without amendment, tabled in the name of Darren Millar: For: 15, Against: 39, Abstain: 0
Motion has been rejected
Gwelliant 1 fydd nesaf, felly, galwaf am bleidlais nawr ar welliant 1, yn enw Lesley Griffiths. Agor y bleidlais. Cau'r bleidlais. O blaid 39, neb yn ymatal, 15 yn erbyn. Mae gwelliant 1 wedi ei gymeradwyo.
I now call for a vote on amendment 1; amendment 1 was tabled in the name of Lesley Griffiths. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 39, no abstentions, 15 against. Therefore, amendment 1 is agreed.
Eitem 7. Dadl y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig - Digartrefedd. Gwelliant 1, cyflwynwyd yn enw Lesley Griffiths: O blaid: 39, Yn erbyn: 15, Ymatal: 0
Derbyniwyd y gwelliant
Item 7. Welsh Conservatives Debate - Homelessness. Amendment 1, tabled in the name of Lesley Griffiths: For: 39, Against: 15, Abstain: 0
Amendment has been agreed
Ac felly, fe gawn ni'r bleidlais olaf ar y cynnig wedi ei ddiwygio.
And we will now move to the final vote, which is our vote on the motion as amended.
Cynnig NDM8384 fel y'i diwygiwyd:
Cynnig bod y Senedd:
1. Yn croesawu’r diwygio dewr, uchelgeisiol a radical ar gyfer y dyfodol a nodir yn y Papur Gwyn ar Roi Diwedd ar Ddigartrefedd a ddatblygwyd fel rhan o’r Cytundeb Cydweithio gyda Phlaid Cymru.
2. Yn nodi cyfraniad hanfodol y rhai sydd â phrofiad bywyd o ddigartrefedd wrth baratoi’r Papur Gwyn a barn Prif Weithredwr Crisis bod yr uchelgais a welir ynddo yn arwain y byd.
3. Yn annog ymatebion i’r ymgynghoriad a fydd yn helpu i lunio’r dull o fynd i’r afael â digartrefedd yng Nghymru yn y dyfodol.
Motion NDM8384 as amended:
To propose that the Senedd:
1. Welcomes the bold, ambitious and radical reform for the future set out in the White Paper on Ending Homelessness developed as part of the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru.
2. Notes the essential contribution of those with lived experience of homelessness in the preparation of the White Paper and the view of the Chief Executive of Crisis that the ambition shown in it is world leading.
3. Encourages responses to the consultation which will help shape the future approach to homelessness in Wales.
Agor y bleidlais. Cau'r bleidlais. O blaid 39, neb yn ymatal, 15 yn erbyn, ac felly, mae'r cynnig wedi'i ddiwygio wedi'i dderbyn.
Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 39, no abstentions, 15 against. And therefore, the motion as amended is agreed.
Eitem 7. Dadl y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig - Digartrefedd. Cynnig wedi'i ddiwygio: O blaid: 39, Yn erbyn: 15, Ymatal: 0
Derbyniwyd y cynnig fel y'i diwygiwyd
Item 7. Welsh Conservatives Debate - Homelessness. Motion as amended: For: 39, Against: 15, Abstain: 0
Motion as amended has been agreed
A dyna ni ddiwedd ar ein pleidleisiau ni am y prynhawn yma.
And that concludes voting for this afternoon.
Fe fyddwn ni yn symud ymlaen nawr i'r ddadl fer.
We will now move on to the short debate.
If Members could leave the Chamber quietly, as I ask Rhianon Passmore to introduce the short debate.
Os gall yr Aelodau adael y Siambr yn dawel, wrth imi ofyn i Rhianon Passmore gyflwyno’r ddadl fer.
Diolch, Llywydd. I'm very deeply honoured to represent Islwyn. The constituency that I represent is a proud collection of working-class Gwent valleys towns and villages that were historically known for coal mining, with the very largest council estates in the region built for the steelworkers of Newport. Our industrial heritage is both long and strong; and I stand as the elected representative in our Welsh Parliament as a granddaughter of a miner whose families have worked the black gold of Wales for generations and contributed to our iconic miner halls and culture, and, sadly, with the emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma in my family to show for it.
Diolch, Lywydd. Mae’n fraint fawr cael cynrychioli Islwyn. Mae’r etholaeth rwy'n ei chynrychioli yn gasgliad balch o drefi a phentrefi dosbarth gweithiol yng nghymoedd Gwent a oedd yn hanesyddol adnabyddus am ei gwaith glo, gyda’r ystadau tai cyngor mwyaf yn y rhanbarth wedi’u hadeiladu ar gyfer gweithwyr dur Casnewydd. Mae ein treftadaeth ddiwydiannol yn hen ac yn gryf; ac rwy’n sefyll fel y cynrychiolydd etholedig yn Senedd Cymru fel wyres i löwr y mae ei theuluoedd wedi gweithio aur du Cymru ers cenedlaethau ac wedi cyfrannu at ein neuaddau glowyr a’n diwylliant eiconig, gyda'r emffysema, clefyd rhwystrol cronig yr ysgyfaint ac asthma yn fy nheulu yn dystiolaeth o hynny, yn anffodus.
Daeth y Dirprwy Lywydd i’r Gadair.
The Deputy Presiding Officer took the Chair.
When the leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, addressed the recent Labour Party conference in Liverpool, he confronted head-on the concern that for too long the voice of the working class has felt undervalued, dialects unheard, and 200 years on from the charter of our Chartists in representational politics, in 2023, the Westminster Cabinet of Etonian millionaires has not changed either. Keir Starmer stated
'many people here will have heard a nagging voice inside, saying no this isn’t for you. You don’t belong here. You can’t do that. Working class people certainly hear that voice.... In some ways—it’s the hardest class ceiling, of all.'
And he was spot on.
So, today, I bring this short debate to look through a Welsh perspective on how devolution impacts on the working class and how a socialist Welsh Labour Government has sought, with the levers it has, to aid people breaking through that class ceiling. Once I've finished my contribution, I'm going to cede a minute each to my following colleagues: Carolyn Thomas MS, Mike Hedges MS, Joyce Watson MS, and Hefin David MS.
As the Member of the Senedd, then, for Islwyn, one of my greatest pleasures and privileges is to regularly visit schools across the communities that comprise my constituency. And to break the class ceiling and to create an egalitarian Wales, we must first look to the youngest in our society. Cefn Fforest is a village that sits on the western fringes of the large Gwent town of Blackwood. It is one of the smallest communities in Wales, with a population of approximately 4,000 people, and I recently visited its primary school. It is a strongly working-class community, where affluence is conspicuous by its absence, but the sheer warmth and constructive co-operation of the community spirit is unrivalled. The primary school age children here have lived all their lives under successive Tory Prime Ministers: David Cameron, privately educated at Eton and Oxford University; Theresa May, privately educated and at Oxford University; Boris Johnson, privately educated in Eton and then Oxford; Liz Truss, Oxford; Rishi Sunak, a private education at Winchester College and Oxford University; and on and on. Our present multimillionaire Prime Minster famously once stated in a BBC TV documentary that, 'I have friends who are, you know, working class' and then he stopped, and he actually said, 'er, perhaps not working class.' He's famously known for never having used a cashpoint machine, so perhaps that's what he means.
Let none of us, then—let none of us—be under any illusions that all of the children of Wales have an equal start or have the same chances in life. Very few of my young people are dropped off to school in a Rolls-Royce, wear £800 school uniforms or take global school trips or play silver flutes. What they do have, though, is communities, and teachers who care and a Government that wants them to realise their potential. The staff, children and community of Cefn Fforest Primary School can be so very rightly proud of the glowing Estyn report that they received. The inspectors stated the school is a school where:
'Every individual is made to feel important and shown that they belong'.
But, at the root, even the fabric of that school building that those children are educated within is a symptom of a wider societal malaise. In this case, it's a post-war building that contains asbestos, as do so many of our education and wider public buildings, which has to be very carefully managed. Stickers denote where asbestos can be found. In some classrooms, no new drawing pins can be inserted into the walls to display the children's work, and, instead, a carefully agreed way of displaying their work has to be signed off. The school caretaker begins his day with a 6 a.m. inspection of the areas where asbestos is located to log any sign of deterioration. And it's utterly impossible to believe that the same thing happens at Eton or Winchester, with influential overseas and private donors and fees as high as a Welsh mortgage.
So, it's because of our ethos in Wales and our principles and belief in response and recognition of such inadequacies that this Welsh Labour Government instigated the largest ever investment programme, twenty-first century schools, the largest strategic investment in education infrastructure in Wales since the 1960s. And so, despite Wales only receiving this year £1 million in capital investment for our needs, our twenty-first century schools programme has continued at pace, because it is the right thing to do. Band A has delivered £1.4 billion and 170 education projects; band B, 200 schools and colleges, £2.3 billion of investment; and I can go on. This is a strong socialist statement that Wales will give its children the tools they need, and we will grow our nation from a proud industrial heritage into a more equal and equitable society. Education Minister for Wales Jeremy Miles is building further on this work with the Government’s community-focused schools programme—that all schools are to build a strong partnership with families, respond to the needs of the community and collaborate effectively with other services, that all children and young people should be well-prepared for their future lives. And it is also the aspiration of our education, Curriculum for Wales enabling them to become ambitious, enterprising, ethical, healthy, supporting their careers, relationships, health and well-being. There must be equity in education and all children and young people should be supported to overcome barriers and fulfil their potential—from the Welsh Government 2022 ‘Children and young people's plan’. This means supporting children and young people to deliver a wide range and develop a wide range of skills, experiences and dispositions that enable them to thrive. The commitment of the Welsh Labour Government to aid working-class communities to break the class ceiling can be further witnessed in the fact that, from April this year, the education maintenance allowance increased from £30 per week to £40 for eligible further education students in sixth form or college, and that’s obviously paid every two weeks.
Deputy Llywydd, you will know that I have spoken many times in our Senedd Cymru about the need to ensure that access to musical education remains open to all Welsh children, and I believe this as a socialist, as an educator, as a musician, as a representative in my community. So, I was determined that we as parliamentarians would do all that we could to influence Government policy to ensure music for all, irrespective of wealth; it is not just for the elite. And so I place on record my thanks to Labour Ministers and the First Minister of Wales, who enthusiastically committed to the will of this Senedd, and, from September 2022, school access to music teaching and our new national music service has meant that funding in music education has trebled by the Welsh Government in a bid to ensure no child misses out due to financial reasons, and to deliver equitable access to music and musical opportunities and, overall, the culture and economic development of Wales. The Minister for education has confirmed £13.5 million will be invested over the next three years.
And so these are all real, practical examples and real actions that are aimed at building our egalitarian Wales, and breaking the class ceiling. And to conclude, I began looking at Wales’s youngest citizens, so let me end my contribution by looking at Wales’s eldest citizens. Welsh Government data, entitled the ‘Wellbeing of Wales, 2023', by Dr William Perks, says:
'Analysis (based on 2018 to 2020) shows that the gap in healthy life expectancy between the most and least deprived has remained wide but relatively stable, closing slightly amongst males.'
And this is after all of the effort and the endeavour and the co-operation and the co-construction. It is a simple, mundane sentence, but it still has the power to shock, and so it should: the gap in healthy life expectancy between the most and least deprived has remained wide, despite everything that we are doing. It is our mission for an egalitarian Wales where there is no class ceiling, and it is a mission that I will continue to devote my entire life of public service to, to narrow those gaps.
And finally, to conclude, Deputy Llywydd, I want to urge all Members of the Senedd Cymru Welsh Parliament to stick with it, to stick with the journey, and help make a better Wales, and let’s do all that we can to crack that class ceiling, so that maybe one day we can see one of my pupils from Cefn Fforest Primary School in this Chamber, or as the First Minister of Wales. Diolch yn fawr.
Pan anerchodd arweinydd y Blaid Lafur, Keir Starmer, gynhadledd ddiweddar y Blaid Lafur yn Lerpwl, aeth i'r afael yn uniongyrchol â’r pryder nad yw llais y dosbarth gweithiol wedi cael ei werthfawrogi ers gormod lawer o amser, nad yw eu lleisiau wedi'u clywed, a 200 mlynedd ar ôl siarter ein Siartwyr mewn gwleidyddiaeth gynrychioliadol, yn 2023, nid yw Cabinet San Steffan o filiwnyddion Etonaidd wedi newid ychwaith. Dywedodd Keir Starmer
'bydd llawer o bobl yma wedi clywed llais cyson yn eu pen yn dweud na, nid yw hyn i ti. Nid wyt ti i fod yma. Ni alli wneud hynny. Mae pobl ddosbarth gweithiol yn sicr yn clywed y llais hwnnw.... Mewn rhai ffyrdd—dyma'r nenfwd caletaf oll.'
Ac roedd yn llygad ei le.
Felly, heddiw, rwy'n cyflwyno'r ddadl fer hon i edrych â phersbectif Cymreig ar sut mae datganoli'n effeithio ar y dosbarth gweithiol a sut mae Llywodraeth Lafur sosialaidd Cymru, gyda’r dulliau sydd ganddi, wedi ceisio cynorthwyo pobl i dorri drwy’r nenfwd dosbarth hwnnw. Pan fyddaf wedi gorffen fy nghyfraniad, rwy'n mynd i ildio munud yr un i fy nghyd-Aelodau fel a ganlyn: Carolyn Thomas AS, Mike Hedges AS, Joyce Watson AS, a Hefin David AS.
Fel yr Aelod o’r Senedd dros Islwyn felly, un o fy mhleserau a fy mreintiau mwyaf yw ymweld ag ysgolion ar draws cymunedau fy etholaeth yn rheolaidd. Ac i dorri'r nenfwd dosbarth a chreu Cymru egalitaraidd, mae'n rhaid edrych yn gyntaf tuag at yr ieuengaf yn ein cymdeithas. Pentref ar gyrion gorllewinol tref fawr Coed Duon yng Ngwent yw Cefn Fforest. Mae’n un o’r cymunedau lleiaf yng Nghymru, gyda phoblogaeth o oddeutu 4,000 o bobl, ac ymwelais â’i hysgol gynradd yn ddiweddar. Mae’n gymuned ddosbarth gweithiol gref, lle mae cyfoeth yn amlwg drwy ei absenoldeb, ond lle mae cynhesrwydd pur a chydweithredu adeiladol yr ysbryd cymunedol heb ei ail. Mae’r plant oedran ysgol gynradd yma wedi byw ar hyd eu hoes o dan Brif Weinidogion Torïaidd olynol: David Cameron, a addysgwyd yn breifat yn Eton a Phrifysgol Rhydychen; Theresa May, a addysgwyd yn breifat ac ym Mhrifysgol Rhydychen; Boris Johnson, a addysgwyd yn breifat yn Eton ac yna Rhydychen; Liz Truss, Rhydychen; Rishi Sunak, addysg breifat yng Ngholeg Winchester a Phrifysgol Rhydychen; ac yn y blaen. Dywedodd yr amlfiliwnydd a Phrif Weinidog presennol y DU unwaith mewn rhaglen ddogfen ar deledu'r BBC, 'Mae gennyf ffrindiau sydd, wyddoch chi, yn ddosbarth gweithiol,' ac yna fe stopiodd, a dywedodd, 'er, efallai ddim yn ddosbarth gweithiol.' Mae'n enwog fel rhywun nad yw erioed wedi defnyddio peiriant arian parod, felly efallai mai dyna mae'n ei olygu.
Peidied unrhyw un ohonom, felly—peidied unrhyw un ohonom—â bod o dan unrhyw gamargraff fod holl blant Cymru yn cael dechrau cyfartal neu'n cael yr un cyfleoedd mewn bywyd. Ychydig iawn o fy mhobl ifanc i sy'n cael eu cludo i'r ysgol mewn Rolls-Royce, sy'n gwisgo gwisg ysgol £800 neu sy'n mynd ar dripiau ysgol o amgylch y byd neu'n chwarae ffliwtiau arian. Yr hyn sydd ganddynt, serch hynny, yw cymunedau, ac athrawon sy’n malio a Llywodraeth sydd am iddynt wireddu eu potensial. Gall staff, plant a chymuned Ysgol Gynradd Cefn Fforest fod mor falch, a hynny’n gwbl briodol, o'r adroddiad clodwiw a gawsant gan Estyn. Dywedodd yr arolygwyr fod yr ysgol yn ysgol lle:
'Caiff pob unigolyn eu gwneud i deimlo'n bwysig a dangosir iddynt eu bod yn perthyn'.
Ond wrth wraidd y cyfan, mae hyd yn oed adeiladwaith yr ysgol lle caiff y plant hynny eu haddysgu yn symptom o broblem gymdeithasol ehangach. Yn yr achos hwn, mae'n adeilad a adeiladwyd ar ôl y rhyfel ac sy'n cynnwys asbestos, fel cymaint o'n hadeiladau addysg a'n hadeiladau cyhoeddus ehangach, ac mae'n rhaid ei reoli'n ofalus iawn. Mae sticeri'n dynodi lle mae'r asbestos. Mewn rhai ystafelloedd dosbarth, ni ellir rhoi pinnau bawd newydd yn y waliau i arddangos gwaith y plant, ac yn hytrach, mae'n rhaid cymeradwyo ffordd y cytunwyd arni'n ofalus o arddangos eu gwaith. Mae gofalwr yr ysgol yn dechrau ei ddiwrnod am 6 a.m. drwy archwilio'r mannau sy'n cynnwys asbestos er mwyn nodi unrhyw arwydd o ddirywiad. Ac mae'n gwbl amhosibl credu bod yr un peth yn digwydd yn Eton neu Winchester, gyda'u rhoddwyr tramor a phreifat dylanwadol a ffioedd sydd mor uchel â morgais yng Nghymru.
Felly, oherwydd ein hethos yng Nghymru a’n hegwyddorion a’n cred mewn ymateb a chydnabod y fath annigonolrwydd y sefydlodd Llywodraeth Lafur Cymru y rhaglen fuddsoddi fwyaf erioed, sef ysgolion yr unfed ganrif ar hugain, y buddsoddiad strategol mwyaf yn seilwaith addysg Cymru ers y 1960au. Ac felly, er mai dim ond £1 filiwn y mae Cymru wedi'i gael eleni mewn buddsoddiad cyfalaf ar gyfer ein hanghenion, mae rhaglen ysgolion yr unfed ganrif ar hugain wedi parhau'n gadarn, gan mai dyna'r peth iawn i'w wneud. Mae Band A wedi darparu £1.4 biliwn a 170 o brosiectau addysg; band B, 200 o ysgolion a cholegau, £2.3 biliwn o fuddsoddiad; a gallwn barhau. Dyma ddatganiad sosialaidd cryf y bydd Cymru’n rhoi’r offer sydd eu hangen ar ei phlant, a byddwn yn tyfu ein cenedl o fod yn dreftadaeth ddiwydiannol falch i fod yn gymdeithas fwy cyfartal a theg. Mae Gweinidog Addysg Cymru, Jeremy Miles, yn adeiladu ymhellach ar y gwaith hwn gyda rhaglen ysgolion bro’r Llywodraeth—y dylai pob ysgol adeiladu partneriaeth gref gyda theuluoedd, ymateb i anghenion y gymuned a chydweithio’n effeithiol â gwasanaethau eraill, y dylai pob plentyn ac unigolyn ifanc gael eu paratoi'n dda ar gyfer eu bywydau yn y dyfodol. Ac mae'n ymwneud hefyd â dyhead ein haddysg, gyda'r Cwricwlwm i Gymru yn eu galluogi i ddod yn uchelgeisiol, yn fentrus, yn foesegol, ac yn iach, gan gefnogi eu gyrfaoedd, eu perthynas ag eraill, eu hiechyd a'u lles. Mae'n rhaid cael tegwch mewn addysg, a dylai pob plentyn ac unigolyn ifanc gael cymorth i oresgyn rhwystrau a chyflawni eu potensial—o 'Cynllun Plant a Phobl Ifanc' 2022 Llywodraeth Cymru. Mae hyn yn golygu cefnogi plant a phobl ifanc i gaffael a datblygu ystod eang o sgiliau, profiadau a thueddiadau sy'n eu galluogi i ffynnu. Gellir gweld ymrwymiad Llywodraeth Lafur Cymru i helpu cymunedau dosbarth gweithiol i chwalu’r nenfwd dosbarth ymhellach yn sgil y ffaith bod y lwfans cynhaliaeth addysg, o fis Ebrill eleni, wedi cynyddu o £30 yr wythnos i £40 ar gyfer myfyrwyr addysg bellach cymwys yn y chweched dosbarth neu'r coleg, ac mae hwnnw'n amlwg yn cael ei dalu bob pythefnos.
Ddirprwy Lywydd, fe fyddwch yn gwybod fy mod wedi siarad droeon yn Senedd Cymru am yr angen i sicrhau bod mynediad at addysg gerddorol yn parhau i fod yn agored i holl blant Cymru, a chredaf hyn fel sosialydd, fel addysgwr, fel cerddor, fel cynrychiolydd yn fy nghymuned. Felly, roeddwn yn benderfynol y byddem ni fel seneddwyr yn gwneud popeth yn ein gallu i ddylanwadu ar bolisi’r Llywodraeth i sicrhau cerddoriaeth i bawb, ni waeth beth fo’u cyfoeth; nid rhywbeth ar gyfer yr elît yn unig yw cerddoriaeth. Ac felly, rwy’n cofnodi fy niolch i Weinidogion Llafur a Phrif Weinidog Cymru, a ymrwymodd yn frwd i ewyllys y Senedd hon, ac o fis Medi 2022 ymlaen, mae mynediad ysgolion at addysg cerddoriaeth a’n gwasanaeth cerddoriaeth cenedlaethol newydd wedi golygu bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi treblu cyllid i addysg cerddoriaeth mewn ymgais i sicrhau nad oes unrhyw blentyn yn cael ei amddifadu o gyfle oherwydd rhesymau ariannol, ac i sicrhau mynediad teg at gerddoriaeth a chyfleoedd cerddorol, ac yn gyffredinol, at ddiwylliant a datblygiad economaidd Cymru. Mae’r Gweinidog addysg wedi cadarnhau y bydd £13.5 miliwn yn cael ei fuddsoddi dros y tair blynedd nesaf.
Ac felly mae’r rhain oll yn enghreifftiau ac yn weithredoedd diriaethol ac ymarferol sydd wedi’u hanelu at adeiladu ein Cymru egalitaraidd, a thorri'r nenfwd dosbarth. Ac i gloi, dechreuais drwy edrych ar ddinasyddion ieuengaf Cymru, felly gadewch imi gloi fy nghyfraniad drwy edrych ar ddinasyddion hynaf Cymru. Mae data Llywodraeth Cymru, o’r enw ‘Llesiant Cymru, 2023’, gan Dr William Perks, yn nodi:
'Mae dadansoddiad (yn seiliedig ar y cyfnod rhwng 2018 a 2020) yn dangos bod y bwlch mewn disgwyliad oes iach rhwng y mwyaf a’r lleiaf difreintiedig wedi aros yn eang ond yn gymharol sefydlog, gan gulhau ychydig ymysg dynion.'
A hyn ar ôl pob ymdrech ac ymgais a'r holl gydweithredu a chydadeiladu. Mae’n frawddeg syml, ddi-nod, ond mae ganddi bŵer i beri syndod er hynny, ac fe ddylai: mae’r bwlch mewn disgwyliad oes iach rhwng y mwyaf a’r lleiaf difreintiedig wedi aros yn llydan, er gwaethaf popeth a wnawn. Ein cenhadaeth yw Cymru egalitaraidd lle nad oes nenfwd dosbarth, ac mae’n genhadaeth y byddaf yn parhau i gysegru fy mywyd mewn gwasanaeth cyhoeddus iddi, er mwyn cau’r bylchau hynny.
Ac yn olaf, i gloi, Ddirprwy Lywydd, hoffwn annog yr holl Aelodau o Senedd Cymru i ddal ati, i aros ar y daith, ac i helpu i greu Cymru well, a gadewch inni wneud popeth a allwn i chwalu'r nenfwd dosbarth, fel y gallwn, un diwrnod efallai, weld un o fy nisgyblion yn Ysgol Gynradd Cefn Fforest yn y Siambr hon, neu'n Brif Weinidog Cymru. Diolch yn fawr.
I would like to thank Rhianon Passmore for a minute of her time. To create a fairer, more equal Wales, we need to have more equal representation of people in all levels of government making decisions, including the introduction of gender quotas and people from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences. To do this, we need to ensure those willing to stand are financially able to do so, addressing caring responsibilities, ensure equal access to information, meetings and training. We need representatives who want to make a difference to improve the lives of others, improve our environment, bringing their own personal experiences, not just because they have personal ambition and funding. I am glad that, in Wales, we continue with hybrid meetings, e-petitions, Jack, and are looking at introducing gender quotas.
Hoffwn ddiolch i Rhianon Passmore am funud o’i hamser. Er mwyn creu Cymru decach, fwy cyfartal, mae angen inni gael cynrychiolaeth fwy cyfartal o bobl yn gwneud penderfyniadau ar bob lefel o lywodraeth, gan gynnwys cyflwyno cwotâu rhywedd a phobl o amrywiaeth o gefndiroedd a phrofiadau economaidd-gymdeithasol. I wneud hyn, mae angen inni sicrhau bod y rheini sy'n barod i sefyll yn gallu gwneud hynny'n ariannol, gan ystyried cyfrifoldebau gofalu, i sicrhau mynediad cyfartal at wybodaeth, cyfarfodydd a hyfforddiant. Mae arnom angen cynrychiolwyr sydd am wneud gwahaniaeth i wella bywydau pobl eraill, gwella ein hamgylchedd, gan gyfrannu eu profiadau personol eu hunain, nid am fod ganddynt uchelgais bersonol a chyllid yn unig. Rwy'n falch ein bod ni yng Nghymru yn parhau â chyfarfodydd hybrid, e-ddeisebau, Jack, ac yn edrych ar gyflwyno cwotâu rhywedd.
Can I thank Rhianon Passmore for giving me a minute in this debate? I want to make two very quick points. When I was in school, I could access the local library and not be disadvantaged compared to my more affluent classmates. I had the same books as them, even if it meant a mile walk. Today, with online access, those children without online access at home are seriously disadvantaged, with libraries capping the number of hours pupils can use library computers, making less-affluent pupils less able to complete school work, thus less able to succeed in school.
In the 1960s and 1970s, approximately a third of people lived in council houses. As far as I can find, we have never had a Prime Minister or a Welsh First Minister from a council house background. When we talk about diversity—carrying on from Carolyn Thomas—we need to talk about class as well. There are those of us who come from a working-class background who often feel we're massively disadvantaged. Finally, no child should be disadvantaged by where their family lives or their family's income.
A gaf fi ddiolch i Rhianon Passmore am roi munud i mi yn y ddadl hon? Rwyf am wneud dau bwynt cyflym iawn. Pan oeddwn yn yr ysgol, roeddwn i'n gallu cael mynediad i'r llyfrgell leol a pheidio â bod dan anfantais o'i gymharu â fy nghyd-ddisgyblion mwy cefnog. Roedd gennyf yr un llyfrau â nhw, hyd yn oed os oedd hynny'n golygu cerdded milltir. Heddiw, gyda mynediad ar-lein, mae'r plant sydd heb fynediad ar-lein gartref dan anfantais ddifrifol, gyda llyfrgelloedd yn capio nifer yr oriau y gall disgyblion ddefnyddio cyfrifiaduron llyfrgell, gan wneud disgyblion llai cefnog yn llai abl i gwblhau gwaith ysgol, ac felly'n llai abl i lwyddo yn yr ysgol.
Yn y 1960au a'r 1970au, roedd tua thraean o bobl yn byw mewn tai cyngor. Cyn belled ag y gallaf weld, nid ydym erioed wedi cael Prif Weinidog na Phrif Weinidog Cymru o gefndir tŷ cyngor. Pan fyddwn yn sôn am amrywiaeth—gan ddilyn ymlaen o'r hyn a ddywedodd Carolyn Thomas—mae angen i ni siarad am ddosbarth hefyd. Mae yna rai ohonom sy'n dod o gefndir dosbarth gweithiol yn aml yn teimlo ein bod dan anfantais enfawr. Yn olaf, ni ddylai unrhyw blentyn fod dan anfantais oherwydd lle mae ei deulu'n byw neu incwm ei deulu.
I'd like to thank you, Rhianon, for bringing forward this interesting debate and allowing me a minute in it. You've talked about the class ceiling, but there's also the class feeling. The latest British social attitudes survey records that more people feel working-class now than they did 40 years ago—46 per cent now, and it was 32 per cent in 1983. And we could discuss the cultural and economic context late into the night, I'm sure, but it is an interesting shift.
In terms of the ceiling, the survey also reports that the large majority of British people, 77 per cent, say class significantly affects their opportunities in this country, up from 66 per cent in 1985. And younger people, far more than older people, believe that it's very difficult to move classes. In other words, young people are more stuck and less optimistic than their parents, and the system is rigged. Surely, that's the definition of political failure, the epitaph for 13 years of Tory rule. Going forward, Labour Governments here and at Westminster must deliver equality of life chances. By the time they start school, for example, children eligible for free school meals are already five months behind their peers. So, early years are crucial. Only 6 per cent of young people are educated privately, yet they make up 55 per cent of students at the Russell Group universities, who go on to earn more in the workplace. So, expanding educational opportunity is crucial.
And work is crucial—strengthening workers' rights, making work pay, no more zero-hour contracts, no more fire and rehire, and a living wage. Class is about where we come from, but it should never decide where or how far we go.
Hoffwn ddiolch i chi, Rhianon, am gyflwyno'r ddadl ddiddorol hon a chaniatáu munud i mi ynddi. Rydych chi wedi siarad am y nenfwd dosbarth, ond mae yna deimlad dosbarth hefyd. Mae'r arolwg diweddaraf o agweddau cymdeithasol Prydain yn cofnodi bod mwy o bobl yn teimlo eu bod yn perthyn i'r dosbarth gweithiol nawr na'r hyn a welid 40 mlynedd yn ôl—46 y cant erbyn hyn, ac roedd yn 32 y cant ym 1983. Ac fe allem drafod y cyd-destun diwylliannol ac economaidd yn hwyr i mewn i'r nos, rwy'n siŵr, ond mae'n newid diddorol.
O ran y nenfwd, mae'r arolwg hefyd yn nodi bod y mwyafrif helaeth o bobl Prydain, 77 y cant, yn dweud bod dosbarth yn effeithio'n sylweddol ar eu cyfleoedd yn y wlad hon, i fyny o 66 y cant ym 1985. Ac mae pobl iau, i raddau llawer mwy na phobl hŷn, yn credu ei bod hi'n anodd iawn newid dosbarth. Hynny yw, mae pobl ifanc yn fwy caeth ac yn llai optimistaidd na'u rhieni, ac mae'r system wedi ei rigio. Yn sicr, dyna'r diffiniad o fethiant gwleidyddol, beddargraff 13 mlynedd o reolaeth Dorïaidd. Wrth symud ymlaen, rhaid i Lywodraethau Llafur yma ac yn San Steffan sicrhau cyfleoedd cyfartal mewn bywyd. Erbyn iddynt ddechrau yn yr ysgol, er enghraifft, mae plant sy'n gymwys i gael prydau ysgol am ddim eisoes bum mis ar ôl eu cyfoedion. Felly, mae'r blynyddoedd cynnar yn allweddol. Dim ond 6 y cant o bobl ifanc sy'n cael eu haddysgu'n breifat, ond mae 55 y cant o fyfyrwyr prifysgolion Grŵp Russell wedi cael addysg breifat, ac maent yn mynd yn eu blaenau i ennill mwy o arian yn y gweithle. Felly, mae ehangu cyfleoedd addysgol yn allweddol.
Ac mae gwaith yn hollbwysig—cryfhau hawliau gweithwyr, gwneud i waith dalu, dim mwy o gontractau dim oriau, dim mwy o ddiswyddo ac ailgyflogi, a chyflog byw. Mae dosbarth yn ymwneud ag o ble rydym ni'n dod, ond ni ddylai benderfynu i ble na pha mor bell rydym ni'n mynd.
I owe Glyn-Gaer Primary School and Heolddu Comprehensive School, Bargoed for every chance I've had, and the fact that I can stand up here and do this today is because of that education I had in those communities. And I was terrified before that, before I had that opportunity. But, one thing we wouldn't have had in Heolddu in those days was encouragement to go to Oxford. I wouldn't even have considered it when I was in school. I had decent—good—A-level results, but I would not have considered it. I think the Welsh Government's Seren programme has made a difference there—I think it makes a huge difference—but in my report to the Welsh Government, what I've said also is we need to look at vocational qualifications for those people who may be considered for A-levels, and put them on a pathway that could lead them into vocational qualifications through to degree level. I think we've got a huge opportunity there, and, therefore, levelling out that landscape across vocational and academic qualifications would further add to that breaking of the class ceiling. And what an excellent speech, Rhianon.
Mae arnaf ddyled i Ysgol Gynradd Glyn-Gaer ac Ysgol Gyfun Heolddu, Bargod am bob cyfle a gefais, ac mae'r ffaith fy mod yn gallu codi ar fy nhraed yma a gwneud hyn heddiw yn deillio o'r addysg honno a gefais yn y cymunedau hynny. Cyn hynny, roedd arnaf ofn mawr, cyn i mi gael y cyfle hwnnw. Ond un peth na fyddem wedi ei gael yn Heolddu yn y dyddiau hynny oedd anogaeth i fynd i Rydychen. Ni fyddwn wedi ystyried hynny hyd yn oed pan oeddwn yn yr ysgol. Cefais ganlyniadau safon uwch gweddus—da—ond ni fyddwn wedi ei ystyried. Rwy'n credu bod rhaglen Seren Llywodraeth Cymru wedi gwneud gwahaniaeth o ran hynny—rwy'n credu ei bod yn gwneud gwahaniaeth enfawr—ond yn fy adroddiad i Lywodraeth Cymru, rwyf wedi dweud hefyd fod angen edrych ar gymwysterau galwedigaethol i'r bobl a allai gael eu hystyried ar gyfer safon uwch, a'u rhoi ar lwybr a allai eu harwain at gymwysterau galwedigaethol hyd at lefel gradd. Rwy'n credu bod gennym gyfle enfawr yno, ac felly byddai codi'r gwastad yn y dirwedd honno ar draws cymwysterau galwedigaethol ac academaidd yn ychwanegu ymhellach at chwalu'r nenfwd dosbarth. Ac am araith ardderchog, Rhianon.
Galwaf ar y Gweinidog Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol i ymateb i'r ddadl—Jane Hutt.
I call on the Minister for Social Justice to reply to the debate—Jane Hutt.
Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'd like to thank the Member for Islwyn, Rhianon Passmore, for raising this important matter and welcome the debate on breaking the class ceiling and building a fairer and egalitarian Wales for all, but especially today, as we focus on her constituency, the great constituency of Islwyn, which she serves with such diligence, competence and commitment.
Diolch yn fawr, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Hoffwn ddiolch i'r Aelod dros Islwyn, Rhianon Passmore, am godi'r mater pwysig hwn a chroesawu'r ddadl ar chwalu'r nenfwd dosbarth ac adeiladu Cymru decach ac egalitaraidd i bawb, ond yn enwedig heddiw, wrth inni ganolbwyntio ar ei hetholaeth hi, etholaeth wych Islwyn, y mae'n ei gwasanaethu gyda'r fath ddiwydrwydd, gallu ac ymrwymiad.
We've long recognised that, alongside other factors, social and economic circumstances are significant contributions to inequality, and we are committed to creating that fairer and more prosperous Wales where everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential. This is all the more important in the context of the cost-of-living crisis and the 13 years of austerity, which have blighted the lives of so many and restricted our opportunities to address this. But I think your reference to your constituency and the young people, teachers, carers, parents at Cefn Fforest Primary School puts into perspective the will and determination of our communities and the communities that you represent, in that we don't often hear about those young people who we would hope and welcome seeing making progress in life, removing the barriers that prevent them from achieving what we know they can achieve.
I just want to quickly mention some of the ways in which we're helping to build that more egalitarian Wales. What are our levers and powers and responsibilities? Well, one of them, very importantly, and we haven't mentioned it much recently in the Senedd, is the socioeconomic duty. Now, we did bring that into force, if you recall. It's in the Equality Act 2010. Certainly, it's not been brought into force in England. It came into force on 31 March 2021, and it does require public bodies, including Welsh Ministers, to give due regard to the need to reduce inequalities experienced as a result of socioeconomic disadvantage when taking strategic decisions. This is a key tool and lever in terms of making and building a fairer, more egalitarian Wales. So, we have a report on implementing the socioeconomic duty. It can sound a bit like jargon, but it is basically about these key factors that you've raised today, and recognising those key factors that, actually, can hold people back, like the classism that still pervades, and in fact is embedded, I'm afraid, in the representation, as you've described, of Government at Westminster, not just in terms of privilege but just life experience.
I think, also, we have got an opportunity with our integrated impact assessment tool. We're enhancing that over the coming months to improve and strengthen the components specifically designed to enhance our thinking around socioeconomic impacts—vital if we are to consider how effective we are as a Government in terms of policy and interventions that would have a positive impact on the people of Wales. And we have to move away from all those siloed interventions to a more joined-up approach. So, we are understanding much more about how protected characteristics can intersect with one another and how they come together in an individual, and looking at multiple forms of discrimination—racism, sexism, homophobia and classism. This very much comments on some of the points that Carolyn and Joyce have made. They all combine, overlap, intersect, and they will be experienced by our constituents in every constituency. But I think what we are today debating is how we can particularly look at that aspect of classism and socioeconomic disadvantage, because we know that deprivation does intersect with protected characteristics, and certain people, communities and geographies experience worse outcomes as a consequence of the interplay of those characteristics.
It is very important that we look at this in our new strategic equality plan. That's going to embrace all our equalities plans, but also very clearly embedding the socioeconomic duty into Welsh Government decision making. And of course, it is very much influencing our child poverty strategy, in which we've outlined those principles and priorities to guide our work and our decision making for creating a more equal Wales. And of course, our long-term approach is vital to have a lasting impact on child poverty in Wales.
I'm so glad that you've also mentioned the children and young people's plan, Rhianon, and the focus on tackling education inequality, Hefin David, in your contribution as well. Clearly, this is about how we can make sure our education policies are creating an equitable and excellent education system in Wales.
You referred to the twenty-first century schools programme. I recall being education Minister when we initiated that, and the fact, in these years of austerity, those buildings, those new schools have gone up. The latest one I visited, just down the road, Cardiff West High School, is absolutely tremendous—Fitzalan, sorry, Fitzalan High School. Cardiff West is also a great new school. There are such beneficial impacts on the pupils and young people—that £1.4 billion that we are protecting. We have shielded and protected and been determined in our policies, and I'm really glad you've said these are socialist policies. We don't use that word enough in this Chamber. That's what we're interested in delivering.
The pupil deprivation grant—the pupil development grant, of course, now—is supporting our most economically vulnerable learners. I'm also pleased we have the school essentials grant. Also, it's crucial, and it's linked to the vocational qualifications route and the pioneering work that, Hefin, you have undertaken as well, that we look at the vocational routes. But also, for those low-income households, the fact that we've kept the educational maintenance allowance and increased it this year to £40 a week is crucial for those families where those young people are going to progress.
I think, Deputy Llywydd, I want to take the opportunity in this important debate to congratulate Rhianon on, specifically, her achievements with developing the national music service. We just don't acknowledge some of the achievements and some of the good things that are happening in Wales enough. It was established back in 2022, and we all know in this Chamber how hard Rhianon Passmore worked for this achievement. To get it in a manifesto, well, political parties will know that's no mean thing to do—to get it in the manifesto. So many of us have got children and grandchildren who benefited from past services that have been slashed by austerity, and we've got it back. We've got back a national music service for every young child and young person from the age of three to 16, giving them the opportunities to play a musical instrument, to sing, to engage in music-making activities in schools and communities with our national plan for music education, getting the funding in there and holding on to that funding. But the particular focus is supporting learners from low-income households.
Now, Joyce, you make a really important point about poorly paid, insecure and precarious work, and few opportunities for progression. So, again, our Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act is addressing this, and also our plan for employability and skills. So, this is a cross-Government commitment to building a more egalitarian Wales and society for Wales. And, of course, we've taken action to protect disadvantaged households in terms of, again, the shielding, the protecting, within our powers, of the £3.3 billion that has helped to protect disadvantaged households. So, all generations have been affected by inequality, discrimination and austerity. We have to close those gaps. We have to make sure that our policies are making a difference. We must make every effort to affirm and demonstrate our commitment to equality, a more egalitarian society. I think, as Mike Hedges has said, this debate is long overdue and welcome, and diolch yn fawr to the estimable, wonderful Rhianon Passmore, Senedd Member for the Islwyn constituency.
Rydym wedi cydnabod ers tro, ochr yn ochr â ffactorau eraill, fod amgylchiadau cymdeithasol ac economaidd yn cyfrannu'n sylweddol at anghydraddoldeb, ac rydym wedi ymrwymo i greu Cymru decach a mwy ffyniannus lle mae pawb yn cael cyfle i gyrraedd eu potensial. Mae hyn yn bwysicach fyth yng nghyd-destun yr argyfwng costau byw a'r 13 mlynedd o gyni sydd wedi difetha bywydau cynifer o bobl ac wedi cyfyngu ar ein cyfleoedd i fynd i'r afael â hyn. Ond rwy'n credu bod eich cyfeiriad at eich etholaeth chi a'r bobl ifanc, athrawon, gofalwyr, rhieni yn Ysgol Gynradd Cefn Fforest yn rhoi ewyllys a phenderfyniad ein cymunedau a'r cymunedau rydych chi'n eu cynrychioli mewn persbectif, gan nad ydym yn clywed yn aml am y bobl ifanc y byddem yn gobeithio y byddent yn gwneud cynnydd mewn bywyd, ac y byddem yn croesawu eu gweld yn gwneud cynnydd mewn bywyd, a chael gwared ar y rhwystrau sy'n eu hatal rhag cyflawni'r hyn y gwyddom y gallant ei gyflawni.
Rwyf am sôn yn gyflym am rai o'r ffyrdd rydym yn helpu i adeiladu'r Gymru fwy egalitaraidd honno. Beth yw ein dulliau a'n pwerau a'n cyfrifoldebau? Wel, un ohonynt, yn bwysig iawn, ac nid ydym wedi sôn llawer amdano yn ddiweddar yn y Senedd, yw'r ddyletswydd economaidd-gymdeithasol. Nawr, fe wnaethom ni roi honno ar waith, os cofiwch. Mae wedi'i chynnwys yn Neddf Cydraddoldeb 2010. Yn sicr, ni ddaeth i rym yn Lloegr. Daeth yn weithredol ar 31 Mawrth 2021, ac mae'n ei gwneud yn ofynnol i gyrff cyhoeddus, gan gynnwys Gweinidogion Cymru, roi sylw dyledus i'r angen i leihau anghydraddoldebau a brofir o ganlyniad i anfantais economaidd-gymdeithasol wrth wneud penderfyniadau strategol. Mae hwn yn offeryn allweddol ac yn ddull o lunio ac adeiladu Cymru decach, fwy egalitaraidd. Felly, mae gennym adroddiad ar weithredu'r ddyletswydd economaidd-gymdeithasol. Gall swnio ychydig yn debyg i jargon, ond yn y bôn mae'n ymwneud â'r ffactorau allweddol rydych chi wedi'u codi heddiw, a chydnabod y ffactorau allweddol a all ddal pobl yn ôl, fel y rhagfarn dosbarth sy'n dal i fodoli, ac mewn gwirionedd mae arnaf ofn ei fod wedi ei ymgorffori yng nghynrychiolaeth Llywodraeth San Steffan, fel rydych chi wedi'i ddisgrifio, nid yn unig o ran braint, ond profiad bywyd, yn syml iawn.
Rwy'n credu, hefyd, ein bod wedi cael cyfle gyda'n hofferyn asesu effaith integredig. Rydym yn gwella hwnnw dros y misoedd nesaf i wella a chryfhau'r cydrannau sydd wedi'u cynllunio'n benodol i wella ein syniadau am effeithiau economaidd-gymdeithasol—sy'n hanfodol os ydym am ystyried pa mor effeithiol rydym ni fel Llywodraeth yn gweithredu polisi ac ymyriadau a fyddai'n cael effaith gadarnhaol ar bobl Cymru. Ac mae'n rhaid inni symud oddi wrth yr holl ymyriadau silo tuag at ddull mwy cydgysylltiedig. Felly, rydym yn deall llawer mwy ynglŷn â sut y gall nodweddion gwarchodedig groestorri â'i gilydd a sut y deuant at ei gilydd mewn unigolyn, ac yn edrych ar sawl math o wahaniaethu—hiliaeth, rhywiaeth, homoffobia a rhagfarn dosbarth. Mae hyn yn ategu rhai o'r pwyntiau a wnaeth Carolyn a Joyce. Maent i gyd yn cyfuno, yn gorgyffwrdd, yn croestorri, a bydd ein hetholwyr ym mhob etholaeth yn eu profi. Ond rwy'n credu mai'r hyn rydym yn ei drafod heddiw yw sut y gallwn edrych yn benodol ar yr agwedd ragfarn dosbarth ac anfantais economaidd-gymdeithasol, oherwydd fe wyddom fod amddifadedd yn croestorri â nodweddion gwarchodedig, ac mae rhai pobl, cymunedau a mannau daearyddol yn profi canlyniadau gwaeth o ganlyniad i ryngweithio rhwng y nodweddion hynny.
Mae'n bwysig iawn ein bod yn edrych ar hyn yn ein cynllun cydraddoldeb strategol newydd. Mae hwnnw'n mynd i gynnwys ein holl gynlluniau cydraddoldeb, ond hefyd yn amlwg iawn bydd yn ymgorffori'r ddyletswydd economaidd-gymdeithasol ym mhroses wneud penderfyniadau Llywodraeth Cymru. Ac wrth gwrs, mae'n dylanwadu'n fawr iawn ar ein strategaeth tlodi plant, lle rydym wedi amlinellu egwyddorion a'r blaenoriaethau i lywio ein gwaith a'n penderfyniadau ar gyfer creu Cymru fwy cyfartal. Ac wrth gwrs, mae ein dull gweithredu hirdymor yn hanfodol er mwyn cael effaith barhaol ar dlodi plant yng Nghymru.
Rwyf fi mor falch eich bod chi hefyd wedi sôn am y cynllun plant a phobl ifanc, Rhianon, a'r ffocws ar fynd i'r afael ag anghydraddoldeb addysg, Hefin David, yn eich cyfraniad chi hefyd. Yn amlwg, mae hyn yn ymwneud â sut y gallwn sicrhau bod ein polisïau addysg yn creu system addysg deg a rhagorol yng Nghymru.
Fe wnaethoch chi gyfeirio at raglen ysgolion yr unfed ganrif ar hugain. Rwy'n cofio bod yn Weinidog addysg pan wnaethom ddechrau hynny, a'r ffaith, yn y blynyddoedd hyn o gyni, fod yr adeiladau hynny, yr ysgolion newydd hynny wedi'u codi. Mae'r un ddiweddaraf yr ymwelais â hi, ychydig i lawr y ffordd, Ysgol Uwchradd Gorllewin Caerdydd, yn hollol aruthrol—Fitzalan, mae'n ddrwg gennyf, Ysgol Uwchradd Fitzalan. Mae Gorllewin Caerdydd hefyd yn ysgol newydd wych. Mae yna effeithiau mor fuddiol ar y disgyblion a'r bobl ifanc—y £1.4 biliwn rydym yn ei warchod. Rydym wedi gwarchod a diogelu hwnnw ac mae wedi ei bennu yn ein polisïau, ac rwy'n falch iawn eich bod wedi dweud mai polisïau sosialaidd yw'r rhain. Nid ydym yn defnyddio'r gair hwnnw ddigon yn y Siambr hon. Dyna rydym â diddordeb yn ei gyflawni.
Mae'r grant amddifadedd disgyblion—y grant datblygu disgyblion nawr wrth gwrs—yn cefnogi ein dysgwyr mwyaf bregus yn economaidd. Rwyf hefyd yn falch fod gennym y grant hanfodion ysgol. Hefyd, mae'n allweddol, ac mae'n gysylltiedig â'r llwybr cymwysterau galwedigaethol a'r gwaith arloesol rydych chi, Hefin, wedi'i wneud hefyd, sef ein bod yn edrych ar y llwybrau galwedigaethol. Ond hefyd, i aelwydydd incwm isel, mae'r ffaith ein bod wedi cadw'r lwfans cynhaliaeth addysg a'i gynyddu eleni i £40 yr wythnos yn hanfodol i deuluoedd lle mae'r bobl ifanc hynny'n mynd i barhau â'u haddysg.
Rwy'n credu, Ddirprwy Lywydd, fy mod am achub ar y cyfle yn y ddadl bwysig hon i longyfarch Rhianon, yn benodol, ar ei chyflawniadau'n datblygu'r gwasanaeth cerddoriaeth genedlaethol. Nid ydym yn rhoi digon o gydnabyddiaeth i rai o'r cyflawniadau a rhai o'r pethau da sy'n digwydd yng Nghymru. Fe'i sefydlwyd yn ôl yn 2022, ac rydym i gyd yn gwybod yn y Siambr hon pa mor galed y bu Rhianon Passmore yn gweithio tuag at gyflawni hyn. Er mwyn ei gael mewn maniffesto, wel, bydd pleidiau gwleidyddol yn gwybod nad yw hynny'n beth hawdd i'w wneud—ei gael yn y maniffesto. Mae gan gymaint ohonom blant ac wyrion a elwodd ar wasanaethau'r gorffennol sydd wedi'u torri oherwydd cyni, ac rydym wedi ei adfer. Mae gennym wasanaeth cerddoriaeth cenedlaethol ar gyfer pob plentyn a pherson ifanc rhwng tair ac 16 oed, gan roi cyfleoedd iddynt chwarae offeryn cerdd, canu, cymryd rhan mewn gweithgareddau creu cerddoriaeth mewn ysgolion a chymunedau gyda'n cynllun cenedlaethol ar gyfer addysg cerddoriaeth, a chael yr arian i mewn yno a dal gafael ar y cyllid hwnnw. Ond y ffocws penodol yw cefnogi dysgwyr o aelwydydd incwm isel.
Nawr, Joyce, rydych chi'n gwneud pwynt pwysig iawn am waith ansicr ac ansefydlog ar gyflog isel, a fawr o gyfleoedd ar gyfer camu ymlaen. Felly, unwaith eto, mae ein Deddf Partneriaeth Gymdeithasol a Chaffael Cyhoeddus (Cymru) yn mynd i'r afael â hyn, a hefyd ein cynllun ar gyfer cyflogadwyedd a sgiliau. Felly, mae hwn yn ymrwymiad trawslywodraethol i adeiladu Cymru a chymdeithas fwy egalitaraidd i Gymru. Ac wrth gwrs, rydym wedi cymryd camau i ddiogelu aelwydydd difreintiedig mewn perthynas, unwaith eto, â gwarchod, diogelu, o fewn ein pwerau, y £3.3 biliwn sydd wedi helpu i ddiogelu aelwydydd difreintiedig. Felly, mae anghydraddoldeb, gwahaniaethu a chyni wedi effeithio ar bob cenhedlaeth. Mae'n rhaid inni gau'r bylchau hynny. Mae'n rhaid inni sicrhau bod ein polisïau yn gwneud gwahaniaeth. Rhaid inni wneud pob ymdrech i gadarnhau a dangos ein hymrwymiad i gydraddoldeb, cymdeithas fwy egalitaraidd. Fel y dywedodd Mike Hedges, rwy'n credu ei bod yn hen bryd cael y ddadl hon ac rydym yn ei chroesawu, a diolch yn fawr i Rhianon Passmore, yr Aelod o'r Senedd ardderchog dros etholaeth Islwyn.
Diolch i chi i gyd am ddadl ddiddorol, a daw hynny â thrafodion heddiw i ben.
Thank you all for a very interesting debate, and that brings today's proceedings to a close.
Daeth y cyfarfod i ben am 18:14.
The meeting ended at 18:14.