Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
29/06/2022Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Minister for Finance and Local Government
What resources does the Welsh Government provide to enable local authorities to fulfil their statutory responsibilities?
This year, the Government is providing unhypothecated revenue funding of over £5.1 billion and over £1 billion in specific grant funding to support local authorities in the delivery of their statutory and non statutory services.
Will the Minister give an update on how the Welsh Government's discretionary cost-of-living support scheme is supporting local authorities to tackle the cost-of-living crisis?
As part of our £380m cost-of-living support package, we have provided £25m to local authorities to enable them to provide discretionary support to households. Authorities can decide how to use this funding to best meet the needs of people in their areas.
What action is the Welsh Government taking to improve local government performance in delivering services?
The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 put in place a new performance regime to drive improvement in local authorities across Wales. Alongside this I have agreed £800,000 funding for the WLGA Improvement Programme to support corporate improvement within councils.
Will the Minister provide an update on the rollout of the cost-of-living support scheme via local authorities?
Following our announcement in February of a £152m cost-of-living support scheme, I am pleased to say that, as at 26 June, £116.4m has already reached the pockets of the eligible households.
Questions For - Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
What are the Welsh Government's priorities for improving animal welfare in Wales?
Our Animal Welfare Plan for Wales sets out the Welsh Government’s priorities and how we will deliver our Programme for Government commitments in this area. During this Government’s term, we will introduce a broad range of policies building on our high welfare standards for farmed, companion and other kept animals.
How is the Welsh Government supporting agricultural businesses in Carmarthen East and Dinefwr in the face of rising costs for essential supplies like fuel and fertiliser?
The UK Agriculture Market Monitoring Group meets regularly to assess inflation rates of input costs. On 1 April, I announced a package of support for farmers, foresters, land managers and food businesses worth over £227 million over the next three years, supporting the resilience of agriculture and the rural economy.
What discussions has the Minister had with other Ministers regarding plans to improve Bangor city centre?
Ensuring the vibrancy of our town centres is a priority within our Programme for Government and has therefore been discussed at Cabinet. Both myself and the Deputy Minister for Climate Change have visited Bangor in recent months to meet key stakeholders to discuss regeneration plans for the city.
What action is the Welsh Government taking to support farmers in the Vale of Clwyd?
I recently announced a package of support worth over £227 million, including for schemes ranging from nutrient management, various small grants and organic conversion. These schemes are available to farmers across Wales, and including the Vale of Clwyd.
My officials will also consider derogation requests from farmers experiencing hardship due to the current economic situation.