Mark Drakeford: Well, let me start with the final point, because I set out very specifically in my statement the reasons why we believe that our future special relationship with Europe should include a differentiated and preferential approach to immigration for EEA and Swiss nationals. We do that because of the 40-year history that we have with the European Union. It is possible—it is possible...
Mark Drakeford: The process of producing the documents, the series of documents, is one in which we do our best to include the views and perspectives of a wide range of people who have a particular interest in this field. This document is particularly influenced by views from employers, from trade unions and from the university sector. It was discussed at the European advisory group that I chair. I know that...
Mark Drakeford: Llywydd, the Joint Ministerial Committee on European Negotiations has been established as the forum where devolved Governments can seek to influence UK-EU Brexit negotiations. I represent the Welsh Government on that JMC. Events in Catalonia, to which this question refers, have not been discussed at a meeting of the committee.
Mark Drakeford: Llywydd, the Member very passionately puts his view of the situation, as he’s absolutely entitled to do, and has drawn our attention to the concerning reports of the developing situation in Catalunya. The Welsh Government is absolutely clear: we believe in democratic principles and think that they should be respected. Democratic politics is the basis for resolving constitutional issues....
Mark Drakeford: The Member helpfully draws attention to the statements that exist within the European Union and elsewhere, and that is reflected entirely in what I said that, as a Welsh Government, we believe in the respect of democratic principles and democratic politics as the way to resolve constitutional and other disputes. But the Member is also right to say that these are responsibilities of the UK...
Mark Drakeford: I entirely agree with the Member about the long history of close relationships between Wales and Catalunya and between organisations that operate here in Wales and operate in Catalunya. The First Minister himself met representatives from Catalunya within the last couple of years. Nothing that I’ve said this afternoon should be read as detracting from our concern at the reports that are...
Mark Drakeford: Transport for Wales can help us deliver a safe, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable transport system. We are already moving forward to reshape public transport infrastructure and services across Wales through the next Wales and borders franchise, south-east metro, the A470 corridor study, and the Valleys delivery plan.
Mark Drakeford: Between 2011 and 2017, the employment rate in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney increased by 6 per cent, above both the Wales and UK increases of 5 per cent and 4 per cent respectively.
Mark Drakeford: Our prosperity for all strategy sets out actions we will take to improve our wealth and well-being, spread opportunity and tackle inequality. Later this autumn, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure will publish an economic action plan setting out further detail on how we’ll implement and deliver those commitments.
Mark Drakeford: We are making a significant investment in all housing tenures in all areas of Wales, including the north. This provides continued support for small local developers, social housing and Help to Buy—Wales, as well as through new schemes aiming to make home ownership more accessible and support innovation.
Mark Drakeford: Potentially a big one. Modular homes offer speed of construction, often in factories. They can be very affordable when produced at scale, offer excellent energy efficiency and flexibility of design. Jobs and training opportunities could be significant too. Our innovative housing programme will test different models to assess what works best.
Mark Drakeford: The Welsh Government ensures transparency through the Freedom of Information Act 2000 by complying with its provisions and only withholding information where it is legitimate to do so.
Mark Drakeford: The Welsh Government has long recognised the significant economic benefits and opportunities for Wales with the removal of the tolls. We have continuously lobbied the UK Government to abolish them and are pleased they have finally listened.
Mark Drakeford: Flying Start is central to the Welsh Government’s approach to the early years. Early years is one of the cross-cutting priorities set out in ‘Prosperity for All: The National Strategy’. We have made a clear commitment to the continuation of the Flying Start programme for this Assembly term.
Mark Drakeford: We have undertaken comprehensive research to assess the impact of the UK Government’s welfare reforms in Wales. This includes analysis at a local authority-area level, and shows Torfaen is amongst the areas hardest hit by the reforms already implemented. This is also the case for the ongoing reforms.
Mark Drakeford: A number of schemes using the private finance initiative were undertaken by Welsh local authorities and local health boards in the period between 1995 and 2008. Detailed information relating to these schemes is published periodically by the UK Infrastructure and Projects Authority.
Mark Drakeford: We are continuing to deliver EU funds in line with our objectives for growth and jobs agreed with the European Commission. We have so far invested £1.37 billion, 66 per cent, of our allocation and we are committed to investing the remaining funds within the scope of the UK Government’s guarantee.
Mark Drakeford: Financial powers to local authorities in North Wales will form part of the finance framework to accompany local government reform.
Mark Drakeford: The 2017-18 financial settlement provided local government with its first cash increase since 2013-14.
Mark Drakeford: My priority for Torfaen for the next 12 months is that the authority builds further from last year’s auditor general assessment which concluded that the council had ‘clear strategic vision driven by open and inclusive leadership and is actively developing its corporate arrangements to deliver improved outcomes
