Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
09/10/2024Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
How is the Welsh Government supporting nature recovery?
Welsh Government funds a range of initiatives to support nature recovery including the Nature Networks, National Peatlands Action Programmes and Natur am Byth. Curlew Connections is one such project close to your heart that has been allocated circa £1m to help reverse the decline of this iconic species.
When will the Government publish its timber industrial strategy?
Work is progressing well to create a timber-based industrial strategy that can develop and sustain the high-value production and processing of Welsh wood. There will be a public written consultation, opening early in 2025. The Timber Industrial Strategy will be published in the summer, following analysis of the consultation responses.
Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on what action the Welsh Government is taking to help restore seagrass in Wales?
Since 2021 Welsh Government has awarded nearly £300,000 of funding to seagrass restoration projects through schemes such as the Nature Networks Programme and the Coastal Capacity Building scheme. I will be consulting shortly on a proposal to exempt seagrass restoration from requiring a marine licence.
Questions For - Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language
How does the Welsh Government's non-domestic rates policy support town centres in Mid and West Wales?
We are providing additional non-domestic rates support worth £134m this year, on top of our permanent reliefs worth over £250m. All ratepayers across Wales benefit from this support, including thousands of businesses in town centres across Mid and West Wales. Ratepayers for almost half of all properties receive full relief.
What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the UK Government about ensuring that north Wales is represented in the autumn budget?
I wrote to the Chancellor last month setting out the key priorities for Wales. I was able to discuss these in more detail when I met with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury at the Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee last week, and separately in a bilateral meeting.
What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care about financial allocations for NHS Wales to deal with winter pressures?
Planning for winter is a year-long task in the Welsh NHS. I regularly work with Cabinet colleagues to explore options to strengthen the capacity of health and social care services in all communities within Wales ahead of the winter.
What is the Cabinet Secretary's assessment of progress in developing Welsh language policies in Newport?
Newport is delivering on policies to support and promote access to Welsh-medum Education and use of the Welsh language more broadly. This is all captured in its Welsh in Education Strategic Plan which is in its second year of implementation. Assessment of their annual report is currently being undertaken.