Jack Sargeant: I extend my thanks to the culture committee for undertaking this piece of work and raising this important issue. Llywydd, I stand and contribute today in my role as chair of the Petitions Committee. One of the most popular petitions since the start of this year has focused on the impact of high energy costs on swimming pools and leisure centres. The petition titled 'Protect leisure centres...
Jack Sargeant: Of course.
Jack Sargeant: Can I thank Jenny Rathbone for that suggestion? That's certainly one we will look into further. It's a valued suggestion from the Member. Of course, any suggestions on the committee's work are always welcome. Llywydd, the challenge facing those who run swimming pools was an issue raised in the culture committee's inquiry, as we've heard today, and it's in this report that we are debating. The...
Jack Sargeant: Diolch yn fawr, Deputy Presiding Officer, and in opening today's short debate I'd like to give a minute of my time to both Sioned Williams and Jane Dodds. A 'cost-of-living crisis' is another way of saying that increasing numbers of people are being forced into poverty. It's a sign of failure of policy makers and of the way our economy is organised. It is not inevitable, and we can and we...
Jack Sargeant: In the middle of a cold winter and significant growth in poverty, with inflation rampant and wages lagging behind, we're allowing energy companies to forcibly switch people to the most expensive and precarious way of paying for energy—hundreds of thousands of people. And of the 500,000 applications for court orders to forcibly switch residents, just 72 were refused, and that's despite the...
Jack Sargeant: 5. What discussions has the Minister had with UK Government counterparts on protecting the future of the steel industry in Wales? OQ59034
Jack Sargeant: If I could continue on what is a national scandal and my campaign to end that national scandal of the forced installation of prepayment meters, Trefnydd, you'll be aware that, out of 500,000 warrants applied for through the courts, just 72 were refused. It seems to me that something is clearly wrong there and is unjust there. Over a week ago now, Grant Shapps recognised that this information...
Jack Sargeant: I'm grateful, Deputy Presiding Officer, to have the opportunity once again to raise the issue of banking provision in the Senedd. I think it's one that's well rehearsed on the floor of this Chamber. It's one that affects every corner of Wales. The Minister will be fully aware of my long-standing campaign to bring Wales's first community bank branch to Buckley in my own constituency. What is...
Jack Sargeant: I'm grateful to the Minister for his answer and, also, to the Welsh Government for their continued support for the steel industry in Wales. The Minister has joined me on many occasions at Shotton Steel in my own constituency, which proves that you understand the importance of Welsh steel and you understand the importance of Shotton having a supply of green steel. Minister, industry partners...
Jack Sargeant: What assessment has Welsh Government made of the impact of the recent increase in applications for court warrants to forcibly install prepay meters in peoples homes?
Jack Sargeant: 1. In light of the Ofgem announcement of a halt in the forced installation of prepay meters, what representations has the Minister made to the UK Government regarding support for those facing disconnection as a result of being forcibly switched already this winter? TQ722
Jack Sargeant: How is the Welsh Government working to ensure maximum take-up of its universal free school meal offer?
Jack Sargeant: Can I thank the Minister for that answer, and again thank her for her leadership on behalf of the Welsh Government in bringing these issues to the attention of the UK Government? The UK Government, Ofgem and the courts have watched this national scandal develop for over a year, seemingly simply trusting energy suppliers and debt collection agents to do the right thing. Thousands of warrants...
Jack Sargeant: 6. How is the Welsh Government protecting residents in Alyn and Deeside from falling into fuel poverty this winter? OQ59140
Jack Sargeant: Can I thank the Minister for that answer, and also welcome the support that the Welsh Government is currently providing? The Minister will know I've raised for some time now the national scandal of thousands of vulnerable people being forcibly switched to prepayment meters. The UK Government, Ofgem and energy suppliers themselves have been queuing up to say that they were going to stop this,...
Jack Sargeant: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. It will come as no surprise to the Minister, I'm sure, that I'm obviously deeply disappointed in today's announcement. It's clear from the publications and the statement you've made today that the red route in Flintshire is not going ahead. Ultimately, this project was about reducing air pollution. Minister, I'm conscious that other Members in the Chamber...
Jack Sargeant: 7. What consideration has the Welsh Government given to banning greyhound racing? OQ59110
Jack Sargeant: I'm grateful to the Minister for that answer and I'm grateful to the Minister for responding positively to the Senedd Petitions Committee on the report that called for a phased ban on greyhound racing. The reason we called for a phased ban on greyhound racing is because the majority of Members felt the evidence that we heard was overwhelmingly in favour of a phased ban. I understand the...
Jack Sargeant: 1. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of Ofgem's new price cap on residents in Wales? TQ732
Jack Sargeant: What discussions has the Minister had with Ofgem regarding its review into the forced installation of prepay meters?
