Hefin David: I'd like to take the opportunity to commend the Minister for Housing and Regeneration on the work done to minimise the leasehold contract. There is one area where leaseholders actually have more rights than freeholders and that is where leaseholders can challenge what they see as unreasonable service charges by estate management companies. Freeholders' rights in this regard are much more...
Hefin David: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the importance of technology and digital skills in the curriculum?
Hefin David: You know when an animal circus is in town because they fly-post across the community in which you live. You can't miss it. In fact, I know of a council officer who used to fill the boot of his car with the fly-posted posters that he used to tear down. But, as soon as they're torn down, they're put back up again by these animal circuses. I've noticed that that actual reference was made...
Hefin David: Diolch, Llywydd. It's an honour to be able to propose a law in this Parliament that will be of benefit to my constituents in Caerphilly, and I believe, and I will argue, that it will be of benefit to the people of Wales as a whole. This debate and proposed law comes about following two debates that have already taken place in this Chamber—one on leasehold properties and the limited rights...
Hefin David: If you want to buy the house, you've got to sign the deed, and if you sign the deed, you're tying yourself into exactly that, for the length of time you own the house, and the people who buy the house after you also have to pay the estate management charge. It's absurd, especially when the estate eventually becomes, on the whole, adopted. It's madness. There is a regulatory body—it's called...
Hefin David: Yes.
Hefin David: Yes, and this is where they grew out of, where there were blocks of flats in London. I want the Welsh Government to use this opportunity to make sure that freehold property owners do not miss out, and they're accorded the same rights as leaseholders—because actually leaseholders have more rights in this regard—when it comes to challenging the decisions of residential management companies,...
Hefin David: Can we just be clear that this is about freeholders, though? So, it's the discussion about the plight of freeholders in these circumstances.
Hefin David: I've got very little time. I just want to say a very big thank you to Suzy Davies, who used her professional expertise and knowledge to support my contribution, and it was very helpful to have a conversation with her yesterday; to Bethan Sayed as well; to Gareth Bennett, thank you for actually bringing it forward at Business Committee—that's much appreciated; to David Melding and Dai...
Hefin David: Thank you. I come from a family of teachers—my mum, my dad, my sister—I was the only one who didn't become a schoolteacher, but I was an university teacher instead, so these things are very close to my heart. I wanted to just identify a few recommendations that chimed with me from the discussions we had in committee and from the experiences that I've had myself. Recommendation 1, with...
Hefin David: Yes, it was; thank you, Chair. It was accepted in principle. One of the issues with the standards: I want them to be a key part of the successful educational landscape, but, at 106 pages, they're quite a hefty document. Now, I know exactly what the Cabinet Secretary will respond with—they're meant to be used interactively. I'm yet to see the interactive, online use of this document. I...
Hefin David: 4. Will the First Minister make a statement on Welsh Government support for adult part-time learning? OAQ51966
Hefin David: I attended a seminar with the Learning and Work Institute last week, in which those in need of returning to work, and returning to education and developing their skills, were highlighted. And one of the issues that was raised was the fact that those people returning to education may find it uncomfortable and intimidating going to formal college settings, where they may be dominated by young...
Hefin David: 7. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the role of social enterprises in the Our Valleys, Our Future delivery plan? OAQ51948
Hefin David: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on monitoring arrangements for the winding-up of Communities First?
Hefin David: One of the key aspects of the delivery plan for 'Our Valleys, Our Future' is the creation of a Valleys landscape park, which will build a sense of pride, and anyone who's travelled to the northern Valleys will see the beauty of that area. This can build on a diverse range of local initiatives, often small social enterprises, which utilise the natural landscape of the Valleys for recreation,...
Hefin David: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on business rate relief for small and medium-sized enterprises in 2018-19?
Hefin David: 2. Will the First Minister make a statement on Welsh Government support for small and medium-sized house builders? OAQ52054
Hefin David: My concern is that the house building industry is dominated by a very small number of very large firms, which effectively creates a cartel, keeps prices artificially high, and prevents the mass building of affordable homes that are needed, because it's not in the interest to meet demand in the long term because that will cause prices to fall. The answer, I think, is an expanded housing...
Hefin David: 5. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on cancer services in Wales? OAQ52027
