Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
11/12/2024Answers 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 people and businesses whose properties have been damaged by recent flooding?
Following storm Bert, the Welsh Government is funding eligible local authorities to provide grants of £1,000 for flooded households without insurance cover, or £500 to households with existing insurance cover. Meanwhile, Business Wales can provide post-flood recovery support to affected businesses.
Is the Welsh Government on track to deliver the manifesto commitment of a new national park for Wales?
NRW is taking forward a designation programme that includes detailed assessment, consideration of the evidence, engagement and consultation. This will inform a final decision on any new designation. That designation programme is on track, and NRW’s findings will be presented to the Welsh Government by the end of 2025.
What steps has the Cabinet Secretary taken to enhance early warning sensors along the River Conwy, ensuring more advanced flood warnings for the Conwy Valley and surrounding areas?
The Welsh Government has provided approximately £6 million to Natural Resources Wales to support the development of their new flood warning information service for Wales, which launched in July. The service includes faster flood warning and has already sent 343,000 warnings to 40,000 people, including those at risk from River Conwy flooding.
What action is the Welsh Government taking to reduce the impact of flooding in Conwy and Denbighshire?
Since 2021, Welsh Government has already invested almost £31 million in Conwy and more than £21.5 million in Denbighshire to support completed flood and coastal defence schemes. We have also committed further funding of almost £105 million for the continued development of other schemes in these areas under our flood programme.
Questions For - Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language
Will the Welsh Government undertake an assessment of the cost of providing free car parking for staff across the public sector?
I recognise the importance of considering climate change and social justice when discussing subsidised car parking. Practical decisions regarding car parking are matters for individual public sector organisations, who we require to consider factors like financial constraints, operational needs, alignment with net-zero goals, and alignment to sustainable transport priorities.
How is the Government ensuring that it increases the number of Welsh speakers?
'Cymraeg 2050: A million Welsh speakers' includes various steps to increase the number of Welsh speakers from the early years to the post-16 sector and beyond. The Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Bill will ensure that every child in Wales has the opportunity to become a Welsh speaker.
What discussions has the Government had with the UK Government regarding how any money from the shared prosperity fund will be distributed in future?
The UK Government has confirmed a further year of the SPF in 2025-26 worth £900 million UK-wide. This is intended to provide continuity for local authorities and beneficiaries ahead of a new approach to regional investment in 2026, when we expect decision making to return to Wales in line with our devolution settlement.
Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the service received by Welsh speakers in the health service?
Our Welsh language plan, 'More than just words', demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the use of the Welsh language in health and social care. The aim is to embed the active offer in services so that Welsh-speaking patients and individuals can easily access the care they deserve and require.