Written Assembly Questions tabled on 2 February 2017 for answer on 9 February 2017
R - Signifies the Member has declared an interest.
W - Signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.
(Self-identifying question no. shown in brackets)
Written Questions must be tabled at least five working days before they are to be answered. In practice, Ministers aim to answer within seven/eight days but are not bound to do so. Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
To ask the First Minister
Eluned Morgan (Mid and West Wales): What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the implications of the UK leaving the EU on the need for additional departmental staff or other resources? (WAQ71993)
Answer recieved on 9 February 2017
First Minister (Carwyn Jones): We are considering the resource implications of the UK leaving the EU and will continue to do so as details become clearer in the months and years ahead.
To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure
Dai Lloyd (South Wales West): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on plans to increase the number of train services between Maesteg and Tondu? (WAQ72001)
Answer recieved on 9 February 2017
Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure (Ken Skates): The National Transport Finance Plan, published in July 2015 sets out investment for transport and infrastructure and services for 2015-2020 across all parts of Wales.We continue to invest circa £180 million in rail services annually, including many additional services above those specified in the original Wales and Borders franchise.
We also continue to fund a programme of rail infrastructures improvements, despite this area being non-devolved, to enable additional and enhanced rail services. As part of this programme we are continuing to work with the rail industry to develop proposals for increasing the frequency of services on the Maesteg line.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Cabinet Secretary advise as to the obligations of local authorities to protect and preserve local assets, with particular regard to Colwyn Bay pier? (WAQ72003)
Answer received on 14 February 2017
Ken Skates: Every effort should be made to maintain historic buildings in good condition, and to find appropriate new uses for buildings which are no longer in active use. The responsibility for addressing the condition of any listed building rests with its owner and Government expects all local authorities to deal with their own buildings in ways which provide examples of good practice to other owners.
In relation to Colwyn Bay Pier, Conwy County Borough Council has been in touch to confirm the action it has taken since the section of the balustrade at the lower end of the Pier collapsed on to the beach. An extensive exclusion zone was already in force around the Pier and the Council is increasing security around this area temporarily to ensure public safety. Officers from the Council’s Environment, Health & Safety and Regulatory Services are on site and dealing proactively with the emerging situation. One of my officials from Cadw attended a meeting with the Council on 3 February owing to the listed nature of the building and will continue to offer advice as emergency works progress.
Dai Lloyd (South Wales West): What plans does the Welsh Government have to replace the My Travel Pass scheme to ensure that young people continue to receive discounted travel? (WAQ72007)
Answer recieved on 9 February 2017
Ken Skates: I remain keen to build upon the legacy of the scheme after the current MyTravelPass ends on 31 March. My officials have had encouraging discussions with representatives of local authorities, MyTravelPass and the bus industry, and I am optimistic that I will be able to confirm the details very shortly.
Eluned Morgan (Mid and West Wales): Has the Government made any assessment of the economic contribution and impact on Welsh GDP made by EU migration? (WAQ71994)
Answer recieved on 9 February 2017
Ken Skates: The Welsh Government has published several studies examining the impact of migration on the Welsh economy. The studies can be accessed at:
http://gov.wales/statistics-and-research/impact-migration-review-economic-evidence/?lang=en
To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport
Dai Lloyd (South Wales West): What steps does the Cabinet Secretary plan to take to ensure that the occupational medicine workforce in Wales meets future demands for effective occupational health services, in light of the recent report from the all-party parliamentary group on occupational safety and health entitled 'Occupational medical workforce crisis'? (WAQ72000)
Answer received on 10 February 2017
The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport (Vaughan Gething): Our seven health boards are responsible for planning and meeting the health needs of the population of Wales, within the policy context set by the Welsh Government. They fulfil this role, working with their partners and local populations and measure progress against a common set of quality and delivery requirements, including measures for primary care services and goals and actions as set out in their overall plans on a rolling three‑year basis.
NHS occupational health services are delivered by multidisciplinary teams including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and the occupational medical workforce is integral to ensuring the health and well-being of staff.
My officials are considering the recommendations of the all-party parliamentary group on occupational safety and health and its implications for our future policy direction.
To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs
Eluned Morgan (Mid and West Wales): Does the Welsh Government intend to continue with the standards required in the Landfill Directive when the UK leaves the EU? (WAQ71995)
Answer received on 10 February 2017
The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs (Lesley Griffiths): In our recently published White Paper, “Securing Wales’ Future” we have set out the opportunities to support the transition to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. We have stated we need to be vigilant and insistent protections and standards which benefit our citizens and the well being of society as a whole are not eroded.
As part of the Welsh Government’s negotiations we will be looking to ensure continued stability in the legislative controls on waste to prevent the risk of harm to the environment and human health and to ensure continued resource efficiency and the resultant economic, social and environmental benefits. This could provide opportunities to improve and support environmental regulation.
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): What assessment has the Welsh Government made of Tesco's plans to buy out Booker and the effect that this may have on the Welsh food supply chain? (WAQ72008)
Answer received on 9 February 2017
Lesley Griffiths: The Welsh Government has not carried out an impact analysis. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is likely to scrutinise the deal.
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the Focus on Forestry First project? (WAQ72009)
Answer received on 10 February 2017
Lesley Griffiths: Focus on Forestry First was a project delivered by MWMAC Ltd which received a grant of £1,623,295.61 through the Rural Development Plan 2007-13 – Knowledge Transfer Measure to deliver activities over a four year period between 2010 and 2013. The project worked with small businesses and sole traders to identify skills gaps that were then met through bespoke training programmes and other support.
The project has received a grant of £104,266.00 through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014 – 20 for an initial investigation of current knowledge transfer and skills requirements of the forestry and timber sectors. A second phase application is expected by end of March.
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary make an assessment of the Agri Academy scheme? (WAQ72010)
Answer received on 10 February 2017
Lesley Griffiths: Now in its fifth year of operation, the Agri Academy has 125 alumni, many of whom directly credit the Agri Academy for their personal development, career progression and professional successes, with approximately 50% of all Alumni now holding positions within leading agriculture related organisations or have received notable awards, scholarships or other accolades.
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Further to WAQ71470, will the Cabinet Secretary confirm when she will be publishing a renewed events programme, based on the recommendations from the review of export support for Welsh food and drink businesses? (WAQ72011)
Answer received on 9 February 2017
Lesley Griffiths: I refer to my previous response in November 2016 that I will be publishing a renewed events programme before the end of the financial year.
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the review of charges for services delivered by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)? (WAQ72012)
Answer received on 9 February 2017
Lesley Griffiths: APHA aim to publish the response to the GB consultation on charging early in 2017, with implementation of the new and revised fees by the end of the summer.
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary outline what action has been taken in response to the publication of the biosecurity survey report? (WAQ72013)
Answer received on 9 February 2017
Lesley Griffiths: The results from the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Biosecurity Survey were published in February 2016. Biosecurity continues to be a priority within the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Implementation Plan 2016/17. Officials within the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales have been taking forward these recommendations in partnership with the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group. Actions include, regular communications on biosecurity advice; agreement on Biosecurity being a key animal health and welfare priority within the Farming Connect Service; progressing work on the implementation of quarantine units in Wales; publication of an on-line training package by Farming Connect and LANTRA; working with the Royal Welsh Show Agricultural Society to develop biosecurity advice and protocols for all livestock species including equines. This has been shared with the Animal and Plant Health Agency for their use and sharing of best practice across Great Britain. An exercise was also held to test the Contingency Planning arrangements in the event of a notifiable disease incident occurring during the Royal Welsh Show.
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary outline what new priorities are being considered by the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group? (WAQ72014)
Answer received on 9 February 2017
Lesley Griffiths: The Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group recently held workshops with industry partners and stakeholders to discuss planning for 2017/18 and the longer term in the context of EU Exit. The Group are currently considering the evidence gathered. I shall be meeting with the Chair of the Group at the end of March to discuss priorities. The Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Implementation Plan for 2017/18 will be published in the summer.
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the work of the Welsh Beaver Project? (WAQ72015)
Answer received on 9 February 2017
Lesley Griffiths: I understand the Welsh Beaver Project is working with an organisation who has submitted a licence application for the release of beaver into the wild in Wales. NRW has requested additional information from the applicant.
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary confirm whether she intends to make any changes to cross-compliance rules during the fifth Assembly? (WAQ72016)
Answer received on 10 February 2017
Lesley Griffiths: I will consult stakeholders on the opportunities following our departure from the European Union to look afresh at the rules governing support payments to land managers. This will include consideration of how to replace the current Cross Compliance regime with our own arrangements.
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): What is the Welsh Government's position on GM crops, following the UK's recent vote in favour of all three GM maize crops at an EU level? (WAQ72017)
Answer received on 10 February 2017
Lesley Griffiths: The Welsh Government maintains its restrictive and precautionary approach to GM crop cultivation. Should the European Commission approve these three GM maize crops for cultivation, the Welsh Government has in place a provision which will ensure the territory of Wales is excluded from the subsequent approval licence for each of these varieties.
I, therefore, wrote to the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food asking him to abstain from the vote on these GM varieties. He declined and voted for the UK Member State in favour of the approval of all three GM varieties.
To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children
Dai Lloyd (South Wales West): How is the Welsh Government continuing to help local authorities adjust to the changes brought in by the Housing (Wales) Act? (WAQ71996)
Dai Lloyd (South Wales West): What steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that staff working in local authorities' Housing Options teams are fully trained on the Housing (Wales) Act? (WAQ71997)
Answer received on 10 February 2017
The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children (Carl Sargeant): The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 is a significant piece of legislation which, amongst other things, introduced the licensing and registering of private landlords, and duties to help to prevent homelessness and to meet the accommodation needs of gypsy and traveller communities.
The Welsh Government has worked closely with local authorities and the Welsh Local Government Association to ensure a smooth transition to new ways of working. This has included additional funding to assist the transition to the new homelessness legislation and to set up and operate Rent Smart Wales, and support to local authorities to fund new gypsy and traveller sites.
A national training programme was delivered to more than 600 front line staff to ensure a good understanding of the homelessness legislation, and an awareness programme for social services staff has just been piloted. Training sessions have been held on the requirements for undertaking gypsy and traveller needs assessments and we have also worked with Rent Smart Wales to deliver a series of training events for local authority staff. Training provision has been supplemented by a range of new guidance or the updating of previous guidance; for example, the Code of Guidance for Local Authorities on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness 2016.
We are continuing to support housing teams and are working with local authorities to support and monitor the implementation of legislation. This and the findings of the independent evaluations which have been commissioned for parts of the Act will inform the need for further support.
Dai Lloyd (South Wales West): Has the Welsh Government considered how the Housing First concept could work for Wales? (WAQ71998)
Dai Lloyd (South Wales West): What thoughts has the Welsh Government given to Housing First solutions for those experiencing homelessness? (WAQ71999)
Answer received on 10 February 2017
Carl Sargeant: Projects funded through the Supporting People Programme Grant, which plays a significant role in preventing people from becoming homeless and helping those who are homeless, already reflect Housing First principles in some parts of Wales.
Given the growing body of evidence to support the Housing First approach, we are actively exploring opportunities to extend its use.
The supply of housing is vital to the successful use of Housing First. We have an ambitious target to deliver 20,000 affordable homes this term of Government and we will also introduce a Bill to end the Right to Buy in order to protect our existing social housing stock from further reductions.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the discrepancy in the number of people noted as sleeping rough in Wales, and the number of available emergency beds within each authority? (WAQ72004)
Answer received on 10 February 2017
Carl Sargeant: This count took place early in winter to provide a picture of rough sleeping before seasonal facilities were up and running. We now have a more detailed understanding of rough sleeping.
The numbers give me cause for concern. I will be writing to local authorities to highlight my expectations on the use of the information to identify gaps in local provision and to inform the deployment of resources to focus support where it is needed.
I am pleased our new homelessness legislation has helped around 3,500 single homeless people to secure accommodation since commencement. They would not necessarily have received help and support under the previous legislation.
To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on what he foresees to be the financial impact to amend other legislation should the Trade Union (Wales) Bill pass – to include, for example, the cost to put through secondary legislation to amend current legislation, such as the Nurse Staffing Levels (Wales) Act? (WAQ72005)
Answer received on 14 February 2017
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government (Mark Drakeford): The only legislation that will be amended by the Bill is the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and the financial impact of this is set out in the Regulatory Impact Assessment. The Bill does not include powers to make secondary legislation so there will be no amendments to the Nurse Staffing Levels (Wales) Act 2016 or other legislation.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Cabinet Secretary confirm the current number of outstanding equal pay claims held against local authorities in Wales? (WAQ72006)
Answer recieved on 9 February 2017
Mark Drakeford: The Welsh Government does not hold this information.
To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Education
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Cabinet Secretary outline how the Welsh Government is working to reduce the number of students studying in pupil referral units in Wales, and enabling such children to be taught alongside their peers in mainstream schools? (WAQ72002)
Answer recieved on 9 February 2017
Cabinet Secretary for Education (Kirsty Williams): The Welsh Government is committed to the principles of inclusive education and ensuring as many learners stay in mainstream education as possible. To support this principle the Welsh Government revised its Inclusion and Pupil Support guidance in March 2016. The guidance provides advice and support for practitioners in meeting the extra support needs that all learners could experience from time to time and to prevent them becoming disengaged from education.
We know that children with higher levels of emotional, behavioural, social and school wellbeing have, on average, higher levels of academic achievement and are more engaged in school, both concurrently and in later years. So the wellbeing of a child must be at the heart of our inclusive education system. We will be adding wellbeing as a fifth objective in the next iteration of Qualified for Life, our education improvement plan. It was implicit before, but now it will be made explicit.
It’s not just a question of intervening when problems emerge, although that is, of course, essential. It’s also about promoting positive wellbeing and helping children to develop into happy, confident individuals, who are able to cope with life’s challenges.
When children are struggling, it can sometimes be resolved with low level interventions at school, and there is a lot of good practice taking place in schools across Wales to support vulnerable pupils. We have made materials available on our Learning Wales website to support practitioners manage poor behaviour. These include our behaviour management handbooks, guidance on nurture groups, and our behaviour management e-learning pack, all of which are designed to help practitioners understand why children or young people might be disengaged or exhibit poor behaviour, and to tailor their response accordingly.
http://learning.gov.wales/resources/improvementareas/behaviourandattendance/?lang=en
For those extremely vulnerable learners who, for whatever reason, cannot remain in mainstream education, education other than at school (EOTAS) provision remains a vital service. The Welsh Government established the EOTAS Task and Finish Group in September 2015 with the purpose of developing practical measures aimed at improving outcomes for learners accessing EOTAS provision. This includes referral into services and reintegration into mainstream education, when appropriate.
The Task and Finish Group is currently finalising its ‘Framework for Action’ which I expect to be submitted for my consideration later this year.