Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
08/12/2021Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Minister for Climate Change
Will the Minister make a statement on the development of guidance to support local authorities in assessing planning applications for intensive poultry units?
Our priority is to support local planning authorities who have river catchments affected by high phosphorus levels and work with stakeholders to develop guidance where appropriate. This would include consideration of intensive poultry units.
What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the role housing plays in addressing health and care needs?
I meet regularly with the Minister for Health and Social Services to discuss housing, health and social care. Joint working between housing and health is essential to delivering our Programme for Government commitment to invest in housing to meet care needs.
What consideration has the Government given to introducing control mechanisms to regulate the area of Welsh land that can be used for carbon offsetting?
As part of our response to the climate emergency, it is vital we create 180,000 hectares of woodland by 2050. This will require land use change. We are not considering regulating the area of land used for offsetting, but are keen to avoid outside interests buying up land for afforestation.
Questions For - Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
What action is the Welsh Government taking to reduce the attainment gap in Wales?
We are reviewing this area and plan to publish a Strategy for Educational Equity early next year. Also the Curriculum for Wales is central to our aspirations for learners’ attainment. Through the Renew and Reform plan, we have committed £160m, with a clear focus on support for disadvantaged learners.
Will the Minister make a statement on the choices available to parents when it comes to settings for their children's education?
Children may receive education through school settings or other means for example elective home education. Most learners receive their education in mainstream school. Local authorities are able to make arrangements for Education Other Than at School for learners who require tailored support away from mainstream settings.
Will the Minister make a statement on the pay and conditions of those working in higher education?
Universities are autonomous bodies, independent of government, and are responsible for their own administrative affairs. The Welsh Government has no authority to intervene on administrative matters such as pay and remuneration, which are the responsibility of institutional governing bodies.