Natasha Asghar: Minister, as we approach winter, the subject of fuel poverty is on our minds and on the minds of many of my constituents in south-east Wales. The Equality and Social Justice Committee recently called on the Welsh Government to publish revised plans to tackle fuel poverty to ensure that they are indeed in place by April 2022. What discussions have you had with the Minister for Social Justice...
Natasha Asghar: Thank you to my colleague Jack Sargeant for bringing this topical question to our attention today. Deputy Minister, the current strike action by drivers employed by Arriva Buses Wales is, without a doubt, causing considerable disruption to the lives of people across north Wales, particularly the elderly and vulnerable who do not have access to other forms of transportation. I agree with my...
Natasha Asghar: First Minister, in the summer it was announced that more than £3 million-worth of improvements were set to be made on the road network of Blaenau Gwent. Local government funding was to be combined with an additional sum of Welsh Government funding to bring the total investment to over £3 million to improve the conditions of the roads in Blaenau Gwent, improvements that were described, and I...
Natasha Asghar: 5. What action is the Welsh Government taking to improve financial inclusion in south-east Wales? OQ57225
Natasha Asghar: Minister, I'm sure you'll be aware that there has been a dramatic fall in the number of bank branches across south-east Wales. Merthyr Tydfil and Blaenau Gwent have the smallest number of bank branches, with around five each, whilst Newport has seen the biggest drop in the number of branches since 2010, which started at 90, to around about 10. From February next year, Barclays is closing...
Natasha Asghar: I welcome this report, which represents a constructive and positive approach to making the well-being of future generations Act work better for the people of Wales. And like my colleague, who just spoke earlier about the people who took their time and effort—previous Members who participated in making the report—I appreciate their hard work and dedication, and also that of the clerks as...
Natasha Asghar: I'd like to thank my colleague Sam Kurtz for bringing this debate to the Chamber; it's very important for all the hard work he does for animals outside of this Chamber as well. Now, for years, I've always wanted to have a pet cat or dog. I remember at the age of nine going on a religious pilgrimage with my mother, who said to me in the most holy place considered to many on earth, 'Natasha,...
Natasha Asghar: On Monday, a memorial service was held for the late Dame Cheryl Gillan at Westminster. For those of you who may not be aware, Cheryl was born in Llandaff, Cardiff, and raised in south Wales. Indeed, her family still runs a farm in Usk. She was educated at Elm Tree House, a former alma mater of mine, and Norfolk House primary school in Cardiff, before attending Cheltenham Ladies' College and...
Natasha Asghar: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'd like to thank my colleague Paul Davies for bringing this important debate to the Senedd today. It's been refreshing to hear all of your love and respect for small businesses, and finding out where you have your hair cut, Luke Fletcher, and where you buy your baps, Huw Irranca-Davies, as well as where you go for a pint, Gareth Davies. I'd like to echo...
Natasha Asghar: First Minister, having met with some of the colleagues that we have in the Westminster Parliament, the UK Government does recognise, in improving transport connections, as do you, that they are an important part of helping people access job opportunities and supporting business growth all across Wales. And I completely agree with you—levelling up is very important to them, as much as it is...
Natasha Asghar: Minister, may I ask for a statement from the Deputy Minister for Climate Change on the current weight restrictions for vehicles in operation on the M4 between junction 24 and junction 28? I know that's very specific, and the reason why I ask is because a constituent—. I know you don't like to answer on a specific case, but the reason why I'm asking is because it's slightly confusing as to...
Natasha Asghar: 8. What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Economy about supporting businesses to become environmentally sustainable? OQ57310
Natasha Asghar: Thank you, Deputy Minister. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants recently surveyed small and medium enterprises in Wales on their plans to make themselves more environmentally sustainable. Small business owners said that the No. 1 issue holding businesses back from making their operations more sustainable was the lack of time and resources to implement environmental strategies....
Natasha Asghar: Minister, may I ask for a statement from the education Minister on the Government's proposed changes for teaching science in schools in Wales? From 2025, it's been said that physics, chemistry and biology will no longer be offered as separate subjects. Instead, pupils will study for one integrated science award that combines all three subjects together. This has led to concerns being...
Natasha Asghar: 6. What consideration did the Minister give to the provision of personal protective equipment when allocating funding to the health and social services portfolio? OQ57381
Natasha Asghar: Will the Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's TB eradication programme?
Natasha Asghar: Thank you very much, Minister. Minister, the reason why I'm asking this question is because, according to infection protection and control guidance, staff on general wards do not have access to FFP3 masks. Given the evolution of the COVID variants, including what we've all heard of recently more so than ever, the omicron variant, it may be necessary to review IPC guidance as a precaution....
Natasha Asghar: First Minister, with the new work-from-home requirement in place, I'm sure we can all appreciate a lot of people who use buses to commute to and from work will naturally no longer be passengers on the bus network. I'm sure we're all aware that the Welsh Government will probably underwrite Transport for Wales's losses, but what action will you take to support bus operators across Wales who...
Natasha Asghar: First Minister, there is great concern amongst residents in south-east Wales at the decision by the Aneurin Bevan health board to cut its services to the public due to staff shortages. Cuts include reducing hours at the minor injuries unit at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, in spite of your Government encouraging patients to use these services instead of heading straight to the accident and emergency...
Natasha Asghar: Minister, may I ask for a statement from the health Minister specifically on adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism assessments by the NHS in Wales? I'm genuinely grateful to the Deputy Minister for mental health for her prompt written response when asked about ADHD provisions, and I'm sincerely pleased to hear about the plans for a new time framework to improve children's...
