Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
13/11/2024Answers 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 farmers in Preseli Pembrokeshire?
Welsh Government provides a wide range of direct and indirect support. Our grants for investment in on-farm improvements, equipment and technology, the learning and development on offer from Farming Connect, the advice from our own farm liaison service all demonstrate our commitment to supporting a sustainable future for Welsh agriculture.
What impact assessment has the Welsh Government undertaken on the effects on family farms of the UK Government's recent reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief?
Inheritance tax is a reserved tax controlled by the UK Government and applies across the UK. His Majesty's Treasury figures suggest that most farms will be unaffected by the changes announced by the UK Government.
Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the designation of a national park in north-east Wales?
The designation of a national park in north-east Wales is a programme for government commitment. Natural Resources Wales are currently seeking the public’s views on refined proposals for the boundary as part of the necessary assessment and engagement work to establish a national park. I encourage all with an interest to participate.
Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on Wales's progress in becoming a world recycling nation?
The hard work by the people of Wales, local authorities and the sector has meant that we have again increased our recycling, which has climbed to 66.6 per cent in the latest figures for 2023-24. We are already second in the world for municipal recycling and our aim is to be No. 1.
Questions For - Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language
What is the Welsh Government doing to increase the number of Welsh speakers in Preseli Pembrokeshire?
The recent announcement that the Eisteddfod will be held in Pembrokeshire in 2026 is a great opportunity to work with communities to drive further growth in Welsh language education and to reinforce and build on the work of our Cymraeg partners locally.
What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government about the current financial pressures facing councils in South Wales East?
In addition to Cabinet-wide discussion, I meet regularly with all Cabinet colleagues individually during the draft budget-setting process. I have heard directly from local authority leaders individually and collectively about their pressures and priorities.
What consideration has the Cabinet Secretary given to ensuring that Barnett consequentials from the UK Government's autumn budget are used to support social care services in Wales?
Fourteen years of austerity have adversely affected social care as all other public services in Wales. Now, following last month’s budget we can begin to repair that damage. Specific spending decisions will be set out in the draft budget to be published on 10 December.
What is the Cabinet Secretary's assessment of the impact of the UK Government's recent budget on public services in Mid and West Wales?
The UK budget offers welcome investment in Welsh communities and local businesses, including through progressing the next stage of the Celtic Freeport and providing funding for green hydrogen in Milford Haven. The budget will set the public finances on a more stable footing and enable reinvestment in our public services.