Vikki Howells: 8. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the roll-out of universal credit in the Cynon Valley? OAQ52939
Vikki Howells: Thank you, First Minister. I share all of your concerns and also the concerns raised by my colleague Jane Hutt in relation to victims of domestic violence and the impact of universal credit upon them. But so many vulnerable groups are set to suffer as a result of this roll-out, and Citizens Advice have published new research showing that some single, working disabled people will be more...
Vikki Howells: What action is the Welsh Government taking in relation to supply teaching?
Vikki Howells: Cabinet Secretary, I share the concerns that have been raised by my colleagues Angela Burns and Caroline Jones, and I continue to deal with casework from disgruntled supply teachers in my own constituency. Indeed, just last week, I met with a supply teacher who told me of an alarming case where a supply agency offers alleged inducements, such as tickets to rugby internationals, to...
Vikki Howells: Welsh further education colleges are critical players in the economy of Wales. As ColegauCymru have reminded us, their annual economic impact on the local business community is no less than £4 billion. And in addition to this contribution, they undoubtedly have a crucial strategic role to play in futureproofing the economy in Wales. In 'Prosperity for All', the Welsh Government sets out how...
Vikki Howells: What assessment has the First Minister made of the impact of the gig economy in Wales?
Vikki Howells: Leader of the house, I'd like to ask for two statements today. I continue to deal with a large volume of casework relating to problems caused by unadopted housing estates. In fact, I would say it's the largest single element in my postbag, and I know that other Assembly Members see similar issues. Some time ago, during a debate on unadopted roads, the economy and transport Secretary announced...
Vikki Howells: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and thank you, Cabinet Secretary. I welcome your comments about using the Heads of the Valley corridor as a tool for economic development. The former Tower colliery site in Hirwaun is ideally situated for these purposes and is, as you will know, currently undergoing restoration. What discussions have you had with the team at Tower Regeneration about how the Valleys...
Vikki Howells: I'm grateful to get the opportunity to speak in support of this report into selling Wales to the world. It's a crucial area for our country's prosperity and one that is all the more vital as we face the uncertainty of the post-Brexit world. Giving small businesses in my constituency of Cynon Valley, and across Wales, the skills, confidence and opportunity to engage is really, really...
Vikki Howells: 6. Will the First Minister outline how the Fair Work Commission will contribute to enhanced employment opportunities in Wales? OAQ53028
Vikki Howells: Thank you. The Bevan Foundation has described the gig economy in Wales as a triple rip-off that hurts workers, drives up the benefit bill and deprives the state of tax revenues. I know that good-quality work is a key aim within the Welsh Government's economic strategy, and in particular I welcome the establishment of the Fair Work Commission. How will the work of the commission contribute to...
Vikki Howells: 4. What are the Welsh Government’s priorities for capital investment in Cynon Valley? OAQ53029
Vikki Howells: What consideration has the Welsh Government given to banning no-fault evictions?
Vikki Howells: Thank you very much, Cabinet Secretary. In fact, there's an exhibition on for that primary care centre in Mountain Ash today. But, in particular, I am keen for work on sections 5 and 6 of the dualling of the Heads of the Valleys road to be completed, which will be so important for my constituency. I noted the local government Secretary's comments last week about maximising the benefits of...
Vikki Howells: Diolch, Llywydd. Wednesday, 7 December 1938—thousands of people gathered at the pavilion at Mountain Ash, including my very own grandmother, who would regale the family for many years afterwards about the amazing and talented superstar that she saw there. They came to attend a Welsh national memorial meeting and concert in honour of 33 members of the International Brigade from Wales—men...
Vikki Howells: 3. Will the First Minister outline action taken by the Welsh Government to support families? OAQ53110
Vikki Howells: Thank you, First Minister. Your administration has been characterised by a commitment to improve the life chances of children across Wales, and that's something that I'd like to place on record my thanks and appreciation for. The announcement last month of £15 million to expand services to support families and help reduce the need for children to enter care is part of that commitment. I've...
Vikki Howells: It's an honour to speak today on behalf of the Labour group, to pay tribute to the man who has led our party and our country for the past nine years. The challenges have at times been considerable. As I know you've previously said yourself, Carwyn, you took office in the wake of the global financial crash, constrained by the political commitment to austerity from Westminster, and the past few...
Vikki Howells: Mark Drakeford.
Vikki Howells: 7. What plans does the First Minister have to promote free public access to drinking water over the next 12 months? OAQ53147
