23/05/2017 - Written Assembly Questions and Answers

Published 17/05/2017   |   Last Updated 02/06/2017

​Written Assembly Questions tabled on 16 May 2017 for answer on 23 May 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 Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary release the Business Plan for the Development Bank of Wales, as submitted to the Cabinet by Finance Wales in 2016, to Assembly Members and, if he is unable to, explain why? (WAQ73504)
 
Answer received on 24 May 2017

Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure (Ken Skates): This question has been raised in the past and I would reaffirm my position that I will commit to publish the business plan once it is ready. At the moment, it is still in draft but will be submitted in its final form very shortly for approval by Welsh Government
 
Russell George (Montgomeryshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary outline how the Development Bank of Wales will be able to sufficiently publicise funding cycles, as well as provide co-ordination to align them with business needs and to shorten the length of processing, so that businesses will be able to receive them when needed? (WAQ73505)
 
Answer received on 24 May 2017

Ken Skates: The Development Bank of Wales will predominantly receive its funding through Welsh Government sources which is subject to annual budgetary funding cycles. In creating a dedicated Intelligence Unit the Development Bank of Wales will research and monitor both micro and macro economic trends to ensure that it aligns its supply side provision with demand from Welsh businesses in a proactive and timely manner. 
 
Russell George (Montgomeryshire): What specific steps is the Cabinet Secretary taking to provide cheaper and less restrictive lending conditions to small and medium-sized businesses through the Development Bank of Wales? (WAQ73506)
 
Answer received on 24 May 2017

Ken Skates: The Development Bank of Wales will continue to charge interest rates within the ranges of 4% and 12% as is currently provided by Finance Wales.  These charges will remain subject to review to ensure compliance with European Commission guidelines. 


 
Russell George (Montgomeryshire): What steps is the Cabinet Secretary taking to ensure that the Development Bank of Wales has reliable access to commercial expertise in order to develop its future operations? (WAQ73507)
 
Answer received on 24 May 2017

Ken Skates: I am in regular contact with both the Chair and Chief Executive of Finance Wales both of whom have been recruited on the basis of their formidable commercial experience and expertise within the Financial and Professional Services sector.      


 
Russell George (Montgomeryshire): What consideration has the Cabinet Secretary given to locally tailored and responsive delivery of financial support to small businesses through the Development Bank of Wales? (WAQ73508)
 
Answer received on 24 May

Ken Skates: In preparation for the launch of The Development Bank of Wales a location strategy is being developed which will ensure the bank delivers for the whole of Wales. In addition work is underway to develop a new marketing and communications strategy including the launch of a new website that will be more responsive to the needs of businesses. This represents a significant piece of work that will create a new brand and identity for the launch of Development Bank of Wales.

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary outline his plans to streamline the administrative processes for funding applications through the Development Bank of Wales? (WAQ73509)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017

Ken Skates: Enhancing customer experience, operational and cost effectiveness through the use of online technology will be important for the Development Bank of Wales. Enhancements have already been made in this area, including a live streamlined online application and decision process for micro loans of up to £10k. A review of all investment processes is currently being undertaken to identifying areas where Information Technology can be used to further streamline the administrative process. 
 
Russell George (Montgomeryshire): What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of assertions by some Welsh business owners in the FSB's Reformed Business Funding that "[m]any of the inefficiencies in the [funding] process come from Wales rather than the EU" and that members were concerned about the gold-plating of EU requirements? (WAQ73510)

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the FSB's findings in its 2017 report "Reformed Business Funding" that 67 per cent of UK small businesses find out about possible EU funding opportunities through personal networks or through previously applying for these funds? (WAQ73511)

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of reports by the FSB that Axis 3 of the European Regional Development Fund on competitiveness and performance of small businesses will only support an estimated 90,702 of UK businesses by 2023? (WAQ73512)

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): How does the Cabinet Secretary intend to increase co-ordination between public bodies to help small businesses find match funding partners? (WAQ73513)

Answer received on 26 May 2017

The Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure (Ken Skates): I have noted the FSB's UK wide report on Reformed Business Funding for those recommendations applicable to Wales and asked officials and the Business Wales Board to consider the issues identified and make recommendations for my consideration. I also understand the European Structural and Investment Funds Programme Monitoring Committee 2014-2020 will be considering the findings and recommendations.
 
We have adopted a strategic approach to support businesses in Wales where businesses benefit mainly from EU funds indirectly through tailored and easier to access schemes led by the Welsh Government, other public and Higher Education, including, for example, Business Wales, the Wales Business Fund, SMART Cymru, Innovation, and Expertise, and Superfast Broadband. 

Business Wales was launched in January 2013 and refreshed in January 2016 to make it easier for Welsh businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to access the information, advice and support they require to start and grow their businesses. Business Wales offers a single point of contact for businesses, social enterprises and entrepreneurs to benefit from advice and support, through the service, wider public, third and private sector.

In Wales, the European Structural Fund Programmes 2014–2020 has a target to support around 48,000 businesses. Our project investments and their forecasts show that we are on track to achieve this.
 
Russell George (Montgomeryshire): What assessments has the Cabinet Secretary made of the UK Government's Industrial Strategy and its implications for Wales? (WAQ73514)
 
Answer recieved on 18 May 2017

Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure (Ken Skates): We are currently exploring the opportunities which may arise from the Industrial Strategy with the UK Government at both Ministerial and official level.  I will provide Members with a full up-date at the appropriate time. 

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport

Angela Burns (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire): Following the decision in late 2015 by the Department of Health, and the consequent procurement of a paediatric hexavalent vaccine that includes hepatitis B, what plans does NHS Wales have for the introduction of universal infant vaccination for hepatitis B? (WAQ73516)
 
Answer received on 24 May 2017

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport (Vaughan Gething): The Chief Medical Officer has written to NHS Wales to advise that the hexavalent vaccine, which includes protection against hepatitis B, will be introduced into the routine infant immunisation programme for Wales in autumn 2017. The precise timing, which is yet to be confirmed as it is dependent on vaccine supply, will be in line with the other UK countries. 

Further information can be found at:

http://gov.wales/docs/dhss/publications/170515whc022en.pdf

 
Angela Burns (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary outline whether NHS Wales has any plans to ensure that everyone that is assessed to be at risk of and then tested for Hepatitis B and test negative are offered vaccination for Hepatitis B? (WAQ73517)
 
Answer received on 24 May 2017

Vaughan Gething:  UK guidance on matters relating to vaccination and immunisation is contained in "Immunisation against infectious disease".  The guidance is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, the UK's independent expert panel. It identifies individuals and groups considered to be at higher risk of hepatitis B and recommends appropriate vaccination schedules. NHS Wales is expected to offer hepatitis B vaccination in line with the published guidance.
 

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children

Steffan Lewis (South Wales East): What is the Welsh Government definition of an 'affordable home'? (WAQ73515)
 
Answer received on 24 May 2017

Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children (Carl Sargeant): Our 20,000 homes target includes affordable homes as defined by Technical Advice Note 2: planning and affordable housing, and other government funded schemes designed to improve the affordability of housing, including Help to Buy Wales.