The next item, therefore, will be the business statement and announcement. I call on the Trefnydd to make that statement. Jane Hutt.

Thank you very much, Llywydd. There are two changes to this week's business. Two of today's oral statements have been extended to 45 minutes and the titles have been updated. Finally, the time allocated to tomorrow’s Senedd Commission questions has been reduced to 10 minutes. Draft business for the next three weeks is set out in the business statement and announcement, which can be found amongst the meeting papers available to Members electronically.

The newly appointed NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee met this morning, Trefnydd, and, disappointingly, voted on a decision to accept the closure of Welshpool and Caernarfon air ambulance bases. I'm disappointed, therefore, that there is not a statement in this Chamber this afternoon, or scheduled for tomorrow, on such an important issue that affects tens of thousands of people across mid and north Wales.

But also, Minister, it's not just the public who are concerned with this proposal. In Powys, for example, we have no district general hospital, so we're more dependent on a critical air ambulance service, and so many clinicians based at the Welshpool and Caernarfon bases are also opposing the decision as well on clinical grounds, and clinicians and professionals across other areas as well. Also, Minister, Powys health board and Betsi Cadwaladr health board rejected these proposals as well at this morning's meeting. So, this is not just members of the public; these are professionals as well saying that this is the wrong decision. I'd therefore like the Minister to consider calling in this decision, to allow for proper scrutiny, and for this decision to be made by Welsh Ministers following debate in this Chamber.

There's also concern about the process. Originally, proposals were leaked over two years ago to close Welshpool and Caernarfon bases, and, at the time, that was based on evidence, we were told, that 583 additional scene attendances would be achieved. That has since been discredited, and it seems that, since then, evidence has tried to be found to fit the original proposals made two years ago. I'm appalled at how this process has developed over the past two years—the lack of transparency and a lack of listening to the public and professionals as well. So, can I ask, Trefnydd, that the health Minister, or the First Minister, make a statement to this Chamber, either today or tomorrow, and make themselves available to answer questions on such an important issue to the people of mid and north Wales?

Diolch yn fawr, Russell George. It is important that you have had this opportunity today in the business statement to raise this point, because the final decision, as you said, which comes after 18 months of engagement, was made earlier today by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee. Plans will now be developed to consolidate services currently provided at Welshpool and Caernarfon at a new site in north-east Wales, and this will mean that everyone who currently receives those emergency medical retrieval and transfer services will continue to receive care. 

Obviously, you've been involved, as you say, Russell—and colleagues—with the engagement. There's been much correspondence setting out concerns and questions, but the evidence is that the change will improve access to this life-saving service for people in parts of Wales who currently have no or limited access at night. So, we understand the strength of feeling expressed by people living in parts of mid and north Wales, especially in those close to the existing bases, but, ultimately, the decision will improve the care and outcomes for people in north and mid Wales if they suffer a life-threatening emergency that requires EMRTS support, especially at night. 

I would also add that the joint commissioning committee has been assured by the chief ambulance services commissioner that all concerns have been addressed through correspondence with the relevant parties. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care has received written assurances from the review team about the level of engagement undertaken and how local residents' feedback has informed the review process.

Trefnydd, I'd like to ask for two statements, if I may. The first statement that I would like is from the First Minister, responding to all of the reports around the £200,000 that he accepted as part of his leadership campaign. We have heard questions once again this week, and we don't feel that the answers are adequate. For the credibility of this Senedd, we need a full statement, an unambiguous statement, from the First Minister, so that we can get the necessary answers for us as a Senedd. 

Secondly, I'd like to ask for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for transport in terms of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008. You will be aware that we had a written statement from his predecessor, but you will also know that many Members in this Chamber are very eager to see the Government making progress in this area, including, of course, the Welsh Youth Parliament, who were determined that this should proceed. It's important that we have an opportunity to ask questions and also to understand what the Welsh Government's priorities are in ensuring that nobody misses a day's school because they can't afford the bus.

Thank you, Heledd Fychan, for your questions.

In terms of your first question, extensive discussion has already taken place on this issue. The emergency question, in fact, wasn't approved by the Llywydd today and has been fully addressed today by the First Minister. And also, just in terms of the response the First Minister gave this morning about the role and the work that's being undertaken now, which was supported by the Welsh executive committee this weekend, a review is being undertaken of our leadership contest arrangements. So, a clear process is now in place with that proposal. And also, obviously, to follow up what the First Minister said, all donations to the campaigns were legally compliant and were reported transparently. The review will report in the autumn, and the panel will begin its work shortly.

Also, in terms of the questions that have been raised in terms of the Development Bank of Wales, again, there have been extensive responses to that as well. But I think it is important, yet again, just to say, or add perhaps to responses that were given by the First Minister today, that investment decisions being taken by the Development Bank of Wales are wholly independent of the Welsh Government. And also, I'll just perhaps add that the framework document between the Welsh Government and the development bank sets out how the relationship between Government and the bank is managed and operated. And just to quote, it explicitly states that, 'Welsh Ministers and Welsh Government officials shall take no part in day-to-day operational matters, commercial matters or decision making throughout the DBW group, specifically no interference from Welsh Government on investment operations.'

Mike Hedges.

Sorry, I've got a second question from Heledd Fychan. I will raise this, in terms of an update on the learner travel Measure, with the Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, and I'm sure that that will be forthcoming.

I'm asking for two statements. The first is on housing. I've delivered over 3,000 leaflets across Swansea East in April, and between 1 per cent and 2 per cent of all properties were empty. Together with the failure of the Westminster Government to raise local housing allowance, this has led to an increased shortage of affordable properties. I'm asking for an update on local housing allowances and whether the Welsh Government could consider what further action can be taken regarding long-term empty properties.

The second statement I'm asking for is on physician associates. Physician associates are graduates who are undertaking postgraduate training and work under the supervision of a doctor. What thought was given to formally designing and evidencing the role, and how will it be evaluated? Because if it works well, it could transform primary care.

Diolch yn fawr, Mike Hedges. Your first question on housing is crucially important. As you noticed—and I think we all do as we campaign in our constituencies, our communities, and meet people on the street—we recognise that empty homes are there, and they're a blight and a nuisance on our communities. It's important just to remind colleagues that, in January last year, the Welsh Government announced an empty homes grant scheme, to bring up to 2,000 long-term empty properties back into use. Grants of up to £25,000 are available for home owners, or prospective home owners, to remove significant hazards from their properties to make them safe to live in and to improve their energy efficiency. We're also supporting local authorities to use their full range of legislative powers at their disposal to tackle empty properties. This actually includes training for councillors and officials across local government on using enforcement measures to deal with empty properties. Also, to reassure colleagues across the Chamber, the empty homes grants scheme has a budget of £25 million in this financial year, and work is being accelerated to bring empty properties back into use and complement our existing schemes.

Your second question also is a really important question around physician associates. They are graduates, they've undertaken postgraduate training and they work, as you say, under the supervision of a doctor. We're committed to developing multidisciplinary team working around the patient, and this includes the use of physician associates in primary care. There's been a lot of interest, as you've raised, Mike Hedges, in Wales and the rest of the UK, with the BMA, the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the General Medical Council. There's a lot of comment on this. BMA Cymru has raised concerns about the deployment and scope of practice of physicians within NHS Wales, but we would like to say, as a Welsh Government, that physician associates are an important and valued part of the NHS Wales workforce, and we're working closely in terms of ensuring that there's a gradual increase in the NHS Wales physician associate workforce. Obviously, there is robust evidence being gathered on the benefit that can be derived from those roles in very specific settings and contexts. 

Trefnydd, I'm getting up again in this Chamber to request an urgent statement on the situation at Withyhedge landfill site in my Constituency. As has already been raised this afternoon, there are very serious concerns over the donation that the First Minister received from the Dauson Environmental Group, which operates this landfill site. I share Members' concerns about the donation and agree that it's absolutely crucial that this matter is independently investigated. But more importantly, in the meantime, my constituents have to continue to live with the stink and the stench coming from the Withyhedge landfill site. As I've said before, this is an environmental and, indeed, a public health issue. Therefore, the Welsh Government must make a statement explaining its position in relation to this ongoing issue. Does the Welsh Government believe it's acceptable that the people of Pembrokeshire continue to suffer? My constituents and I are absolutely clear the operator should have its licence immediately revoked and the Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales should take this action with immediate effect.

Thank you very much, Paul Davies, for your question. As I responded last week, this is a really important issue in terms of the impact on your community and residents. Also, it is the responsibility of Natural Resources Wales, as you know, to monitor, inspect and review. I will take this back to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs in terms of the impacts, again, that you bring forward to us in the business statement today—the adverse impacts on your community.

May I ask for a statement on public transport in our rural communities, please? Last week, we had an understanding that Transport for Wales intends to cut the Cambrian line services, as we've heard. There will be four services fewer a day, with services extended in the summer for visitors, disenfranchising those people who live in those communities who are served by this line and who are dependent on it for their education, for employment, for shopping and other essentials. This, of course, follows cuts to the bus services—the T2, the T3 and the 32—which means that people are now dependent on cars or lifts from family and friends. In all of these cases, we haven't received any kind of valid or adequate consultation. In terms of the railway, it follows the fact that the Government has withdrawn the Llanbedr road funding, encouraging people to use public transport, and now the people of Llanbedr can't use the railway as often. So, can you ensure that this isn't going to happen, and ask the Minister for transport to give an urgent statement to us on these issues, to demonstrate how this Government is going to provide appropriate public transport for the people of Dwyfor Meirionnydd and rural areas? 

Diolch yn fawr, Mabon ap Gwynfor—crucial points that I'm sure you will be raising with the Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport this afternoon as he gives a statement on his transport priorities. But also, to recognise—and I think a question came to the First Minister from your colleague—it's really important that we look at this from a rural perspective as well. This is very much cross-Government in terms of the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs. Clearly, there are pressures, but, actually, Transport for Wales challenges over the last year have turned a corner, consistently seeing improvements, but also looking at what can be afforded and where the travel habits of passengers post COVID are clearer. Again, I'm sure those questions will be for the Cabinet Secretary later on this afternoon.

I'd like a statement on what the Welsh Government continues to do to protect children's rights. I'm sure the Trefnydd is aware that, last week, the Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health published a report with wide publicity calling for the UK Government and Northern Ireland Assembly to follow the lead shown by Wales and Scotland and get rid of the defence of reasonable punishment, making it illegal for parents to use physical punishment against their children. The report also brought forward evidence showing that children are 2.6 times more likely to experience mental health problems if physically punished and are much more likely to behave in a more violent manner later on in life if physically punished. So, would she agree that, in Wales, we've made a very positive move when we did change the law and that similar legislation should be brought in as quickly as possible in England and Northern Ireland so that all children living there, including Welsh children, of course, living in those countries or visiting those countries, have the same protection against physical punishment as children do here in Wales?

Diolch yn fawr, Julie Morgan. Can I just also acknowledge and recognise the powerful role that you've played? You indeed delivered the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Act 2020, which came into force in March 2022. Can we recognise again today across this Chamber that this was a historic step in protecting children's rights and welfare, which you took forward in your former ministerial role, but, indeed, campaigned for for many years before that, and, indeed, sought to make that change in England when you were an MP for Cardiff North as well? I remember those times when you were calling for that.

I think what is important about this—and we take enormous pride as the Welsh Government in having removed the defence of reasonable punishment in Wales—is that this law is giving children equal protection from assault as adults have. It shows how we value our children and respect and support their right to be protected from violence. Also, you were giving that further evidence that came forth from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health about protecting children's rights and evidence of the impact in terms of mental health. I'm very pleased to say that the latest survey results, which I'm sure you're aware of, on ending the physical punishment of children, continue to show high levels of awareness of the law. We've worked hard before and after implementation, which you drove forward, to make sure people were fully informed of the change and what it would mean for them. Over two thirds of those with caring responsibilities for children under seven don't see any justification for physically punishing a child and they support the law, a clear indication that we in Wales have turned a corner and are determined to show how we value our children and respect and support their right to be protected from violence. Thank you for your leadership on this matter.

Can I call for two statements today, please, Trefnydd, with, first, an urgent statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Health on the prevention of future death reports in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board? As you may know, the health board recorded 28 of these reports in a 16-month period. This is more than all of the other Welsh health boards combined, and it's a statistic that, of course, is very troubling for patients and their loved ones across the whole of north Wales. Quite rightly, they've been calling for an independent inquiry into why that health board doesn't appear to be learning from its mistakes, and I agree with them. I think we need an opportunity to question the Minister about this, given that, in reports over the weekend, it's suggested that she didn't feel that an independent inquiry into these deaths and why there was such a volume of them in north Wales was appropriate.

Secondly, I'd like to receive an update from the Cabinet Secretary for transport on the issue of unadopted roads. Sandy Cove in Kinmel Bay, which has around 250 properties on unadopted roads, experienced flooding during storm Pierrick just over 10 days ago. Part of the consequence of that flooding was made worse because of the lack of drainage on that estate. It clearly needs an improvement to the drainage infrastructure. Those roads need to be up to an adoptable standard, and the poor condition of them is making life a misery for local residents. So, we do need some updates from the Cabinet Secretary on the work that the Welsh Government is taking forward to address this issue of unadopted roads. I know that there has been an unadopted roads fund that has been established in Wales in recent years, but I don't think it's making sufficient progress on this matter, and we need to move it forward.

Diolch yn fawr, and thank you very much for those two questions. In fact, that point about Betsi Cadwaladr came up last week as well—I'm not sure if you were in the Chamber at that time—but it was an important issue that was raised, particularly to feed back on that point that the health board, Betsi Cadwaladr, has established an investigations and learning programme, and the medical director is the nominated senior responsible officer. That's got direct oversight from the chief executive and the wider executive team. It's important that that's also linked closely to the quality, safety and experience committee so that it can escalate issues and make sure the process is robust in place. Clearly, the Cabinet Secretary is keeping a close watch on what is happening in terms of these issues and you will have the opportunity to question her when she comes forward for her oral questions shortly.

You also raise an important point about the impact of flooding and, of course, this is particularly relating to unadopted roads. I think it's important that this is very much a cross-Government issue as well in terms of the Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, who will be giving his statement this afternoon on transport priorities, in terms of an opportunity there for you to raise these issues. But it's also, in terms of the infrastructure, an issue for the Minister for climate change and rural affairs in terms of the impact of the storm and flooding. So, again, thank you for raising that this afternoon.

Good afternoon, Minister. I would like to request a statement, if I may, from the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice on the state of disability employment support here in Wales, following the shameful announcement by the UK Government on the scrapping of the Work and Health Programme. This decision, coupled with plans to cut disability benefits for 420,000 people, raises grave concern over the job prospects for disabled individuals here in Wales. Department for Work and Pensions research this year showed that the Work and Health Programme helped participants find paid work 27 per cent more often, with over 80 per cent satisfied with the personalised support. Many charities and disabled people now fear that, without this tailored employment support, employers may revert to discriminatory hiring practices against disabled job applicants. So, I would like the Minister, please, to raise this issue with her equivalent in the UK Parliament to express our severe concern and to ask for that decision to be reversed. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Diolch yn fawr, Jane Dodds. I'm particularly glad that you've raised this issue because, amongst the announcements that came at the end of last week and over the weekend, which were announcements made by the Prime Minister—announcements that were about the fact that he wants to cut benefits for 420,000 sick and disabled people; that was the headline—underneath the headline, there was this cut of £100 million to the Work and Health Programme, which is operating in England and Wales, and we understand that it's going to end in the autumn, providers have been told. It has been an important programme. It was launched back in November 2017 and it had some EU funding. It was primarily a voluntary scheme, aimed at helping disabled people into work. This, as I said, was in the context of a much wider policy coming from the Prime Minister, from Rishi Sunak, who wants to cut benefits, and, as you say, charities have described this as a full-time assault on disabled people.

There will be a consultation, I understand, as well, on personal independence payments, which help disabled people cover extra costs of living with an impairment or ill health. So, just to reassure Jane Dodds and the Senedd, this is something that the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice will be raising with the UK Government. We actually do have bilateral arrangements there, as part of the inter-ministerial Government procedures, to meet directly with the UK Government Ministers on social security, and we will be reminding them that these reforms don't align with our vision for a compassionate, equitable and fair benefits system. We very clearly set that out in our Welsh Government Welsh benefits charter, and we are very concerned that these changes have the potential to widen inequalities in society and to push more people into poverty.

Finally, Laura Anne Jones.

Diolch, Llywydd. Business Secretary, I'm asking again, for the second week running, for an urgent statement from the Welsh Government on the Cass review and, of course, what it means for future Welsh gender services in Wales.

May I say that I was glad to see Welsh Labour finally ban puberty blockers? But, this was through no policy change of your own but as a result of England doing so and therefore resulting, of course, in there being no pathway for under-18s to received prescribed puberty blockers. This Senedd needs clarity, Cabinet Secretary. It would be preferable in an oral statement—either that or a written statement, but we need clarity. People are calling for it from all corners of Wales now. The Government needs to be clear on this. England, last week, had a statement and questions on the important Cass review report, and even Scotland, this week, will have a statement and questions on the report. Yet, here in Wales, we are still waiting for a statement, still waiting for this Welsh Government to admit that they've got it wrong and still waiting for clarity over what this means for gender services for people, going forward. It is wrong that a statement hasn't yet been forthcoming. We need answers. Wales needs answers and we need a statement, please, Cabinet Secretary, and we need it urgently.

Thank you for the question, which I did respond to last week, and I will repeat what I said last week in response to your question, Laura Anne Jones. The Cass review, we know and we understand, aims to ensure that children and young people who are questioning their gender identity or are experiencing gender dysphoria and require support from the NHS receive a high standard of care that meets their needs and is safe, holistic and effective. We're committed to improving the gender identity development pathway and the support available for young people in Wales in line with the commitments in our LGBTQ+ action plan. We will consider the report findings. We will continue to be driven by evidence that best supports the needs of the young people of Wales who are questioning their gender. We commission gender identity services for young people from NHS England, and NHS Wales is represented on the gender dysphoria services transformation programme board in England. And the work of that programme has already been shaped by the findings in the interim Cass report. But I do want to also add the point this afternoon that the transformation programme has made good progress following the interim Cass review, and this includes two new children and young people gender services, which opened this month. Up to eight regional centres will be commissioned and the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee will be working with NHS England to consider a regional centre in Wales. Progress also includes the establishment of the national Children and Young People's Gender Dysphoria Research Oversight Board, chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely. And the joint commissioning committee will now work with the transformation programme as they develop an implementation plan following consideration of the final Cass report. But I think, also, we must recognise that our young people in Wales must and do have the opportunity to express their views and to influence the way forward in Wales.

I thank the Trefnydd.