– in the Senedd at 2:21 pm on 8 October 2024.
The next item will be the business statement and announcement, and I call on the Trefnydd to make the statement—Jane Hutt.
Thank you very much, Llywydd. There are no changes to this week's business. Draft business for the next three weeks is set out on the business statement and announcement, which can be found among Members' papers electronically.
Trefnydd, can I call for two statements this week: one from you in your capacity as the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice in order that we can have an update for Members of the Senedd in relation to the action being taken by the Welsh Government to address antisemitism in Wales? Yesterday, of course, marked the anniversary of the terrible atrocities of 7 October 2023, when Hamas terrorists attacked innocent civilians in Israel, and we've seen some horrible events unfold from that date. And it was pleasing to see that the First Minister did issue a written statement to mark that anniversary, but I think it is important that we understand the further action that the Welsh Government is taking to address antisemitism in Wales. It does exist; it is a problem that we all need to work together to crack down on.
Secondly, can I call for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for homelessness in relation to the problems that we're seeing with homelessness amongst the veteran community across Wales? I was in touch with a homelessness support organisation in north Wales, and with Alabare UK, who both, of course, work on veteran housing issues. But it is very clear to me that more work needs to be done. There are homeless veterans, unfortunately, in north Wales at the moment, who are living in tents, in Airbnbs, short-term accommodation, and, clearly, it's outrageous that people who've served our country in the military do not have the dignity of a proper home. I was pleased to see the UK Prime Minister, in his conference speech to the Labour Party conference, make specific reference about ending veteran homelessness. Now, clearly, that ought to have consequences here in Wales as well, and I would like to know what action the Welsh Government is going to now take in order to address homelessness amongst the veteran community here in Wales, given that that's a devolved responsibility, and given the commitment that the UK Prime Minister has made.
Thank you very much, Darren Millar, and I think it is very important that we recognise today the written statement, of course, from the First Minister about—. It's tragic to say it's an anniversary of those events this time last year, and I have to say, not just the written statement from the First Minister, I've also written to both our Jewish colleagues in Wales and also to the Muslim Council for Wales. I'm intending to make visits to the places of worship and to meet people again, as I did on many occasions last year. We're extremely concerned by reports of increases of hate crime targeted towards Jewish and Muslim communities in Wales, and I think the main message I want to give today is that we're encouraging members of these communities to report any hate incidents. The Wales hate support centre, which we fund, is run by Victim Support, and we've asked our Wales hate support centre to monitor for any spikes in reporting of antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crime, and to ensure that service users are receiving the support they need. So, I'd be very happy to again report back on those engagements in which I'm taking part with those communities affected in the coming days and weeks.
So, on your second question, yes, important in terms of actually a very robust statement made by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government last week about ways in which we're reaching out to meet those housing needs in our communities, which we recognise, of course, can include vulnerable veterans as well. I think it's really important to recognise that across Wales we have really important, robust partnership covenants with our local authorities and with our veterans and armed forces as well in terms of those arrangements. So, again, the Cabinet Secretary will, I'm sure, be acknowledging that in terms of the way we're responding with homelessness and the White Papers that are due shortly.
Yesterday, a report was published by the Cwm Taf Morgannwg safeguarding board setting out grave failings in the care of a patient with paranoid schizophrenia who killed June Fox-Roberts, a 65-year-old grandmother, in November 2021. What is appalling for June's family is the confirmation that June could still be alive today if Luke had received the care that he should have. This is the fourth such case in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg area between 2018 and 2021, and the final recommendation of the report suggests that the Welsh Government should commission a thematic review. I would like to ask for an oral statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care on this issue so that we as Senedd Members representing the region and the Cwm Taf Morgannwg area can get answers in terms of what lessons not only have been noted but also have been acted upon. Because I don't want to see another report making the same recommendations again, or also to hear about a family being told that a member of their family could still be alive if a patient had received the care that they should.
Thank you very much for your very important question.
It is important that any recommendations that emerge from situations and circumstances such as you describe, that they're not just implemented but also that they're monitored as well. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care will look particularly at the case— the issue—and indeed the circumstance that you raised today. Diolch.
I'd like to ask for a statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Education regarding the announcement by Qualifications Wales last week that the British Sign Language GCSE is now suspended. I know that the GCSE was originally going to be available from 2026, and then it was put back to 2027, and now it has been suspended, so I'd like a statement explaining why this decision has been made. I've been contacted by constituents who are very concerned about this decision and feel that the deaf community is being let down. They did understand there was a commitment to this GCSE. I understand that, instead of the GCSE, BSL units would be available in the new Skills for Life qualifications, but this isn't the same as the commitment for people to have a full GCSE in British Sign Language; it doesn't carry the same weight or recognition. So, I'm asking for a statement to try and explain this very detrimental step.
Thank you very much, Julie Morgan. Of course, as colleagues know across the Chamber, Welsh Government recognised BSL as a language in 2004, and we're committed to the BSL signing community in Wales, and of course the first country in the UK to include British Sign Language in its curriculum, which, of course, is a really good, important step forward. So, this has been worked through with BSL practitioners and other experts, including members of the deaf community, to develop guidance on designing a curriculum that includes progression in BSL for deaf BSL users. So, of course, there is disappointment; there's disappointment about the decision by Qualifications Wales to suspend the development of a BSL GCSE, but I welcome, and as you commented on, that they have confirmed that they will continue to develop BSL units as part of the new skill suite qualification to be available from 2027, and, through that route, learners will have the opportunity to develop their practical BSL communication skills. And of course, the units will be easier for schools to manage, will be suitable for peripatetic learning, and also make good use of the existing teacher workforce. So, Qualifications Wales, I understand, will continue to monitor the development of BSL GCSE in England, and will seek to make this qualification available to schools in Wales.
Business Minister, please can I request a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning about the future of Cardiff Airport? Last week, the Competition and Markets Authority published its report into the Welsh Government's planned taxpayer-bankrolled £206 million investment into the airport. The report effectively punched a large number of holes in the Welsh Government's submission and justification for the eye-watering subsidy, and essentially advised Ministers to go back to the drawing board and rewrite the package. Some of the major criticisms of the report included: a lack of evidence to support the Government's claims that the subsidy is indeed needed; a lack of scrutiny of the figures presented by the airport; a failure to understand the impact the subsidy would have on competition; and, again, a lack of evidence showing that this subsidy would change the airport's strategic focus from survival and recovery to, ultimately, growth. Fears were also noted in the report that this cash injection appears to be for the purpose of rescuing or restructuring an ailing or insolvent enterprise. That is a particularly important element, because, as I understand it, if that is the case and the airport is on the verge of going bust, then the subsidy cannot go ahead as per the Subsidy Control Act 2022. I ask for a statement setting out whether the Government will significantly alter the proposed subsidy in light of the Subsidy Advice Unit's criticisms, whether Ministers will consult with the wider aviation sector prior to reaching a decision, as, indeed, recommended by the SAU, and I'd also like to know what timescales the Government is working to. It would be very much appreciated by me and many others out there. So, thank you.
Well, thank you for your question. I'm very much aware that Cardiff Airport has only recently met with the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee, as they do, because it is important that they are engaging with us in the Senedd, as well as Welsh Government. But can I put the record straight? The Competition and Markets Authority assessment of our proposed long-term investment—this is about investment in Cardiff Airport—was published on 2 October. The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, as you know, has issued a written statement in response. We're not going to comment, as is said in the written statement, on the detail of the CMA report, but we do need to take the time needed to give full consideration to their assessment. Of course, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning will update the Senedd in due course, once the best way forward has been decided. But, again, can we not just recognise the importance of our airport, and go back to the point that this is about investment in an airport for Wales, which also employs over 200 people? And you know that, because I know you've visited, Natasha, and have seen the great work that they do.
Trefnydd, you will be aware of an investigation by the BBC that includes new allegations about the paedophile Neil Foden, who was a school headteacher in my constituency. It's possible that he had abused pupils for more than 40 years. I'd like to put on record my sincere thanks to the BBC investigators and, more importantly, to the girls who have shared their terrible experiences—some of them for the first time. My heart bleeds for them and for the four young girls who were part of the recent court case. The television programme raises more concerns and even more questions. So, I ask the Welsh Government again to undertake a public inquiry. I also ask for an independent review of the processes of the council. We have to understand what else went wrong, in order to learn lessons, and we have to do that urgently. I understand the worries and the concerns that are being felt, and it is the victims that are important in all of this.
Diolch yn fawr, Siân Gwenllian. I'm glad that this has come up again from yourself, Siân Gwenllian.
Thank you very much for your very important question once again.
You've asked those questions before, and it was important that we had a question to the Prif Weinidog as well. To repeat, as you have and the First Minister, our thoughts, and the courage of those victims who came forward.
I agree with you.
It’s really important that we do look at the lessons learned, as the First Minister has said. You’ll be aware, of course, that the north Wales safeguarding board commissioned a child practice review and appointed an independent reviewer, but the child practice review isn’t due to conclude for several months. At this stage, our position remains that the child practice review should be allowed to conclude before any wider decisions are made. But, just to say, of course we’ll consider the findings of the review. We need to understand the full extent of any failings in current safeguarding arrangements, again ensuring that appropriate measures are put in place without delay to prevent such occurrences in the future. Actually, education officials are now reviewing the safeguarding of children in education, handling allegations of abuse against teachers and other staff, and consulting on statutory guidance currently planned to commence after the child practice review has been published.
I was very disappointed to read that Dŵr Cymru is considered to be a laggard in the water industry, along with two other companies. How we transition from a Victorian waste management system to one fit for the twenty-first century, in an era of climate change and extremes of flooding and drought, it seems to me is one that would merit a debate in Government time on how we manage both our rainwater as well as our sewage system, so that we’re not dumping our sewage into the rivers and seas, and we also have enough water when it doesn’t rain.
Diolch yn fawr, Jenny Rathbone. I have to say that I’m pleased that the Cabinet Secretary is here today, the Deputy First Minister, in terms of his responsibilities in relation to this, in terms of now understanding what this means in terms of the Office of Water Services and the response today. I think the relatively poor performance of Welsh Water and its failure—as you say, such a disappointing failure—to meet all of its current targets is disappointing. We’ve been clear that we expect water companies in Wales to deliver effectively for customers and for the environment, which is critically important. So, this is really where our strategic priorities statement to Ofwat and our steers to water companies have to set out our expectations for significant improvements in water company performance for the period 2025-30, as well as monitoring what’s happening now.
I'd like to request a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for finance regarding the planned protests against the cuts to business rates relief next Wednesday in Prestatyn. I met with Prestatyn business forum in August, and to say that the morale was low would be an understatement, Trefnydd. Footfall is considerably down, exacerbated by 20 mph and the closure of Pontins, costs have increased, and now they have had their business rates relief slashed from 75 per cent to 40 per cent, creating a huge disparity with England. What many business owners are telling me is that this could be the final straw and many of them may not survive. We could see the permanent closure of large swathes of our high street, turning Prestatyn into a dismal ghost town, a situation that I’m sure is similar to other towns across Wales.
A collection of businesses on the Prestatyn high street, therefore, are staging a demonstration on 16 October, in which they will either close their shops or paper over their shop frontages in protest at the cut to business rates relief and to demand parity with England. I think this will be quite a poignant spectacle and send a strong message to the Welsh Government regarding the damage that their budgetary decisions are causing.
So, could I receive a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for finance on whether he will listen to the demands of the protestors and take note of the severe impact the cut to rates relief is having on businesses in my constituency and across Wales? And will he join me in meeting with protestors to listen to their concerns and discuss ways in which he could help those affected businesses on Prestatyn high street? Thank you very much.
We do go back now to the Conservatives’ very short memories of the reasons why we are in such a dire position: the way you left us after 14 years of austerity and in a £22 billion black hole, which of course we have been attempting to address with, I think, a very important strategic approach, particularly to the way we are transforming towns with investment and also our business rates policy. But, clearly, this is something where, in terms of economic growth—and we've got a statement this afternoon—it is important for us to recognise the opportunities we have now in Wales, in terms of our position, our policies and the way forward, in terms of how we can support our towns and businesses, and, indeed, that includes retail. So, there are many opportunities for you to pursue that as well as with the shops that you're going to be meeting—the retail sector you'll be meeting—in Prestatyn.
May I ask for a statement from the Government, just so that the Government can explain whether you believe that it's fair that councils in Wales are paying significant fees to the Crown Estate in order to access beaches, sites and facilities within their own counties? I ask, of course, because there is a proposal by Councillor Dewi Jones from Plaid Cymru in Gwynedd, which was agreed recently, to try and tackle that issue in the Gwynedd context, which has to pay over £160,000 per annum in fees. Now, Gwynedd is just one county. You could multiply that manifold, and that, of course, is at a time when there is serious hardship facing local authorities, while simultaneously, by the way, the Crown Estate has seen its profits more than double, from £443 million to over £1.1 billion last year. So, a statement from the relevant Minister would be very beneficial, in the first instance to give us a picture of where you are in terms of the general devolution of the Crown Estate, but certainly to explain how the Government will respond urgently to a situation that is unfair, unjust and immoral?
Diolch yn fawr, Llyr Gruffydd. Well, this is something where there are regular meetings with the Crown Estate. Of course, this is something where we have engaged over issues, particularly like the raising of fees, because that has a real impact on our economy, and it's important that you've put that on the record today.
Could I just draw your attention, please, to a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for health with regard to the situation in Powys Teaching Health Board and, indeed, I'm sure other health boards as well? We're facing cuts to our services and the potential closure of our minor injury units in Brecon and in Llandrindod as well. The concern that residents have is that this is the beginning of cuts that will be delivered further down the line, and I just seek reassurance that the budget constraints on the health board currently will not mean that further cuts will be requested further down the line. Thank you very much. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
I think it is important that we look at what Powys Teaching Health Board is considering, whether this relates to budgets. I'm not sure if they're not related to budgets, and I think that needs to be clarified. Are they related to other policy changes? And, of course, that's something, I think, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care will be very mindful of and willing to consider these issues, but it does have to be, 'What's driving this?' and also, 'Where is the patient voice in this?' Obviously, you've raised this today, Jane Dodds, and it is important then that we see what are the impacts, what are the reasons, what's behind this, in terms of what is perceived to be budget developments.
I wish to ask for a clear statement today regarding the future funding model of Welsh culture. The Wales music showcase at the Senedd last week demonstrated fully the sparkling quality and excellence of our publicly funded organisations—BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Welsh National Opera, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, National Music Service for Wales, Creative Wales, Anthem—and it also recognised the amazing economic contribution of the music stakeholders present to Wales. Today in 2024, the Welsh National Opera is defunded, withering and facing strike action—and it's not an organisation known for that militancy—and staring into the abyss of mediocrity from its position of excellence. Today in 2024, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama has no substitute for a national talent pipeline and is the only conservatoire in the world without such. And despite great steps forward with the national music service, Wales is playing a dangerous game of roulette with our cultural future. And it is wrong-headed to say that all such decisions are determined by arm's-length bodies; every body needs a head and a strategic direction.
So, I ask for a statement to this Senedd, outlining the timescale of the anticipated review of the Welsh cultural strategy. We cannot cancel out the age-old concept of excellence, the cornerstone and primary aim of artistic pursuit for all millennia, or else we ban, close and shut all museums, theatres and art galleries and cancel forever the Olympic Games and all artistic pursuit. Music is no different. It's a serious omission within this current strategy, and it has misdirected and steered very scarce funding to national detriment. And finally, what is the plan for saving Welsh National Opera and what is the plan for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama junior talent pathway and its aligned external review? I await that response. Diolch yn fawr.
Diolch yn fawr, Rhianon Passmore, once again for your clear statement of support for our vitally important cultural sector in Wales. When I was holding the portfolio in the summer months, I was very pleased to be able to announce that £5 million, which of course was really important, and that went directly to some of those key funded bodies, but also to the Arts Council of Wales. And now the Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership is addressing the very issues that you have raised. And, of course, it is for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, again, to consider their priorities, but I know that what is forthcoming, as a result of extensive consultation, are the priorities for culture statement and strategy, which, of course, I know the committee is also engaging with as a key plank of their policy development.
Can I please ask the Trefnydd for two statements today, both concerning child hearing issues? Firstly, Trefnydd, I would like to support calls for an oral statement on the reasons why the GCSE in sign language in Wales has been dropped and what proposals the Welsh Government now have to improve the number of sign language users in Wales, because the shortage of British Sign Language users in Wales is having a detrimental impact on the deaf community and their ability to access the same services as everyone else.
Secondly, Trefnydd, as you may be aware, in England, since 2019, over 1,500 children have had their hearing misdiagnosed, with some even being given the all clear when, in fact, they had significant hearing problems. This has led to just under 500 children suffering moderate or severe harm in their speech and language development. There are, ultimately, concerns about two thirds of the hearing units in England, and I believe that it would be very prudent for the health of the children in Wales that a review of hearing services should take place here so that patients can be recalled if necessary. With this in mind, can I ask for an oral statement on the assessment that the Welsh Government has made or is intending to make of any potential misdiagnosis of hearing loss in Welsh NHS hearing units? Thank you.
Diolch yn fawr. I have answered the question about the suspension of the development of a GCSE in British Sign Language. It is a decision by Qualifications Wales, and I've given the reasons why that has been suspended. And also it is important that Qualifications Wales themselves are monitoring the development of BSL GCSE in England, and that we, importantly, go back to the fact that we are the first country in the UK to include BSL in the curriculum.
Yes, I will also share with the Cabinet Secretary your concerns about whether the misdiagnosis also has to be looked at in terms of the situation in Wales.
Trefnydd, I'd like an urgent Government statement on any progress made to introduce measures and perhaps even legislation around responsible dog ownership in Wales. I've previously raised this matter in the Senedd on a number of occasions, including with a Member's legislative proposal, in the wake of a number of serious and fatal dog attacks in my region. Yesterday, there was yet another very serious attack in my region, this time in Nantyglo, on a 12-year-old girl by what appeared to be an XL bully-type dog. The injuries are horrific and life changing, but they could have been much worse were it not for the swift action of the girl’s father, who held the dog down until the police arrived. We need a Government statement updating the Senedd on what is happening with regard to promoting responsible dog ownership. I'd also request that the work on this matter is expedited in the interests of keeping our communities and civilians safe. Diolch yn fawr.
Diolch yn fawr, Peredur, and I think it's very important that you've raised this today and, in fact, we have questions to the Deputy First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary tomorrow. It is appalling that we have these tragic incidents that are occurring, because there is so much responsible dog ownership in Wales, isn't there? We know that, and we know of the work of the Dogs Trust and many others to drive that forward. And where we can play a role, we certainly will. And I'm sure that, in questions to the Deputy First Minister tomorrow, he may be able to then say more about ways in which the Welsh Government is responding.
I call for an urgent oral statement from the health Secretary on NHS dental care in north Wales. On 18 September, an angry and disappointed constituent e-mailed after reading on social media that, as of December 2024, the Valley dental practice on Ynys Môn will no longer offer NHS services. Replicating the experience of many constituents who'd contacted me even before this, they had telephoned many dentists on the island but could not find one offering NHS services. The social media post from the Valley dental practice team stated,
'recent changes in NHS contracts and the way we're required to provide treatment have made it impossible to continue offering the standard of care that we believe our NHS patients deserve.'
The health board only notified MSs the following day. It is now two decades since dentists in north Wales warned the then Assembly's North Wales Regional Committee that an NHS dental crisis would result if the Welsh Government did not listen, and we need to know if the Welsh Government will now ask the dental profession what the Welsh Government needs to do in order to start putting things right. I call for an oral statement accordingly.
Thank you very much, Mark Isherwood, and I know that you would welcome the fact that there are 93,000 new NHS patients in north Wales. Nevertheless, it is disappointing when a dentist decides to reduce or end their NHS commitment, and we remember the fact that they're independent, self-employed practitioners. They can choose whether they want to provide NHS treatment or want to provide private care. I think it is really important just to recognise that, for example, £1.5 million-worth of funding has been awarded recently to a practice, including to a practice in Amlwch, and there are further funding awards Betsi Cadwaladr is making later in this year. I think the new academy in north Wales is really important, and that's helping as well in terms of the provision of NHS dentistry in Wales. But I am very pleased to report that the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care is going to do a statement on dentistry across Wales, across the whole picture of where we are, and it will be focusing on where we can intervene, where we can fund, and, indeed, the positive impact of the new dental contract as well.
Trefnydd, can I request a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, outlining the latest position on the Raglan junction of the A40 in my constituency of Monmouth? As you are no doubt aware, there have been many, many accidents over the years, and recorded by Gwent Police, and even the latest statistics as well, which add to that. I would therefore welcome a statement from the Cabinet Secretary outlining the up-to-date position on the safety improvements at the junction, and if the statement could include a commitment to publishing the long-awaited road safety study. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Peter Fox. I will make sure that the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales responds to that specific enquiry in relation to that Raglan roundabout.
Trefnydd, I'm grateful for your response to my colleague Mark Isherwood's request for a statement a few moments ago, because dental services and access to NHS dentists is important across all of Wales. I would be grateful if, in the statement that the Minister makes on dental services, we could see some inclusion there about how he intends to monitor progress against his ambitions for NHS dental care in Wales. But I am grateful, first of all, for the statement coming forward in due course. Thank you very much.
Diolch yn fawr. I think, Sam, I have said my piece, and we hand over now to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to follow that up.
Finally, Samuel Kurtz.
Diolch, Llywydd. Trefnydd, can I call for a statement from the First Minister, following the pretty remarkable news of the Welsh Government's expenditure in America? Some of the eye-watering costs in the US include a food bill for Zou Zou's, an exclusive New York restaurant, which totalled nearly £16,000 for a St David's Day event. And what was on the menu? Salads at $29, lobster kebab at $51, and French fries for $12—far from a celebration of Welsh food and culture on St David's Day. Over £2,300 was also spent in a New York Irish bar called Donnelly's, when there is quite literally a Welsh bar in New York, operated and owned by Welsh people. Could the First Minister outline what checks and balances are there on their spending, what, if any, cost-benefit analysis has been done, and how is this spending helping drive inward investment into Wales or, indeed, strengthening the Welsh diaspora network if key overseas businesses and networks of Welsh descent aren't even involved?
I think it would be really important to get the feedback, and I'm sure the First Minister can provide it, about the impact of those events that were held in New York. You can't underestimate that across the whole world on St David's Day events take place, and I think some of us have been—. I went to one in Dublin last year, where businesses come and celebrate St David's Day. Businesses who are doing business in Wales come to these events—and they are across the world, these events—and praise the investment that they are making in Wales, and they want to celebrate it. [Interruption.] But can I just say that it's important—
I would like to hear the answer from the Trefnydd, so I hope that Members on all sides, including Ministers, will make sure that I can hear the response, please.
I just think you need to—. Instead of digging around, as you seem to, and your staff team seem to want to do, in collaboration with The Daily Telegraph an awful lot of the time, I think we really do need to recognise it, and perhaps I will ask the First Minister to do a statement on St David's Day and the outcome from the events that were held earlier on this year.
I thank the Trefnydd.