David Lloyd: I beg to differ with the Cabinet Secretary there. There have been countless representations. That’s why we had the original historic environment Act and the Plaid Cymru amendments that have got you to the position of having the register that you have today. The fact is that there is no statutory protection for our historic place names, be they of any language—English, Anglo-Saxon, Viking,...
Carl Sargeant: ..., neither am I convinced, in the absence of a complete and reliable picture of the industry’s economics, that a case has been made to maintain the status quo. Indeed, I’ve received very strong representations suggesting that there may be good reason to reduce or even abolish the commission rate. Clearly, I must base my final decision on the best possible evidence. I would like,...
Julie James: ...research, or SBIR. Working with small and medium-sized enterprises, this spends around $2.5 billion each year, developing solutions for federal government needs, and uses procurement spend, not government grants. In the UK, SBRI contracts with companies have increased from under £15 million in 2010 to over £50 million this year. A wide range of innovative products and solutions have been...
Mick Antoniw: ...agree with the statement that was made by Marilyn Brown of UKIP on ‘Sharp End’ only a matter of weeks ago, that EU citizens living in Wales should be given full citizenship now, and should not be used as bargaining chips, so there’s obviously a division within the position that UKIP has presented. Can I also say that, in respect of children—that, in many ways, is one of the most...
David Rees: ...as the Brexit process begins in earnest. It is clear to me that our voice is in danger of being lost amongst the many voices calling for attention under the issues today. As an Assembly, we cannot let that happen. The process of leaving the EU is rapidly evolving, and we only need to highlight the announcement on Monday that article 50 will be triggered next Wednesday to demonstrate that...
Group 3: Tax Rates and Bands — Local Authority Representations (Amendment 30)
Mohammad Asghar: ...in Newport were placed at risk of redundancies in November of last year. Can I ask the First Minister if the Welsh Government was aware of these redundancies last November, and, if so, what representations were made to the company at that time to remind them of the condition attached to the award of grant funding from this Assembly?
Elin Jones: Therefore, we move on to group 3, which relates to local authority representations on tax rates and bands. The lead and only amendment in this group is amendment 30, and I call on Steffan Lewis to move and speak to his amendment.
Steffan Lewis: Thank you, Llywydd. This introduces a new subsection to section 24 relating to tax rates and bands, and the impact would be to allow local authorities to make representations and innovative proposals on land transaction bands and rates to be considered by the Welsh Government. The Bill provides a golden opportunity for us to actually implement the tax in relation to the policy objectives of...
Nick Ramsay: I’m all for creativity, but there’s a difference between creativity and destabilisation. I think that whilst the devolution of taxation does allow this Assembly and Welsh Government to do things differently here, and over time we would expect that to happen, if you’re following the maxim that in the first instance the system and the regime here should mirror as closely as possible that...
Gareth Bennett: I take on board Nick Ramsay’s reservations that he expressed. However, UKIP does support the Plaid Cymru amendment allowing local authorities to make representations to the Welsh Government regarding tax bands and tax rates. We believe that, in general, powers should be devolved to the lowest possible level of Government. This is backing the principle of localism, and we stated this...
Mark Drakeford: Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd. At Stage 2 in front of the Finance Committee, there was a discussion of an amendment tabled by Steffan Lewis that would have enabled local authorities to make representations about the higher rate of tax. I’m grateful for subsequent opportunities to discuss this matter with the Member, because I have no difficulty with the general principle that we need to engage...
Adam Price: ...looking to invest or expand their existing operations? And, finally, given the important interrelationships between our two economies, will the Welsh Government consider investing in a permanent representation in Dublin and encourage his Irish counterparts to reopen the consulate general here in Wales, so we can strengthen the economic partnership between our two countries?
Ken Skates: Yes, I’d gladly do that. And can I suggest that I visit that particular stretch of the A470 with the Member? I recently had representation from the Member’s colleague Darren Millar concerning a similar road in his constituency. I took a site visit there and, as a consequence, we are now looking at altering the signage at the road, which is often confusing. I think it’s absolutely...
Russell George: ...services are based in Shrewsbury. To date, the Welsh Government hasn’t taken a public position in this regard. Can I ask what prevents you from taking a view on this matter and making strong representations to the NHS Future Fit programme board on behalf of mid Wales’s residents? Will you take a position?
Bethan Sayed: I wanted to ask a question with regard to whether the Welsh Government are able to make representations to the UK Government with regard to the potential deportation of a family—the Rebwah family—who are currently based in Swansea. There are two families who left Iraq in tragic circumstances. Two of the fathers froze to death on their way, and the mother died. One of the families have...
Jane Hutt: ..., which are available to that family, and to those people affected—to the Rebwah family—will be available. And, of course, this has been noted and shared, and is on the record in terms of your representations.
Rebecca Evans: ..., undertaking their own area population assessments to enable them to plan tailor-made solutions based on firm evidence of what the people in that region want and need. As well as multi-agency representation, the citizen voice is increasingly present in the decision-making process, ensuring solutions are being co-produced with input from all of those involved. The population assessments...
Alun Davies: I’m very grateful to the Conservative spokesperson’s broad welcome for the appointment of Margaret Jervis and the approach that is being taken. I can certainly confirm that she will be looking not just to political parties, but stakeholders across the face of the country and across different parts of the community. So, I would certainly expect and anticipate her to welcome contributions...
Jane Hutt: ...planning authority where an appeal results in a deemed application for planning permission. Where a fee is required in relation to a deemed application, the Welsh Ministers are required to send a notice to the appellant specifying the time frame in which the fee must be paid to the local planning authority. However, the local planning authority will normally have little knowledge of the...
