Vikki Howells: Cabinet Secretary, for my question today I’d like to ask you about how you will assess the role of the foundational economy in reducing poverty. For example, do you agree that jobs created in the foundational sector could mark one measure of success in reducing poverty? In addition, will you join with me in congratulating Welsh Hills Bakery, in my constituency, for their success in winning...
Vikki Howells: Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Getting outdoors is so good for us, not just physically, but also mentally. It takes us away from the stresses of the fast-paced, technology-driven world that we live in and gets us back to simplicity and nature to give our brains that much needed rest. Those are the words of my constituent, Tracy Purnell of Newtown, Mountain Ash, who beat almost 500 hopefuls to...
Vikki Howells: First Minister, there is a strong evidence base suggesting that medical students are more likely to want to practise in the long term where they have trained. Therefore, I welcome Cwm Taf health board’s initiative, whereby in partnership with Cardiff University School of Medicine, 60 medical students each year have experienced the early part of their training in GP surgeries in the south...
Vikki Howells: 9. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on how the Welsh Government is supporting the renewable energy sector in Wales? OAQ(5)0109(ERA)
Vikki Howells: What action is the Welsh Government taking to promote equality for older women in Cynon Valley?
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. We know that the renewable energy sector has enormous potential to boost the economy and through efficient supply networks, any benefits can be spread throughout Wales. How is the Welsh Government ensuring that finance is available so that these projects can be taken forward? I’m thinking in terms, here, of direct support for community generation, as mentioned...
Vikki Howells: Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Thank you to all the Members who have contributed to today’s debate. For my closing remarks, I want to start by outlining a few reasons why the foundational economy is so different. In contrast to what has been described as ‘the monoculture of mainstream economics’, where growth and innovation have been constrained within a one-size-fits-all policy, a refreshed...
Vikki Howells: Leader of the house, as a result of revaluation, the average rateable value in Rhondda Cynon Taff has decreased by 6.1 per cent. With this being a fairly common pattern across the area, what impact could this have on the Welsh Government’s policies towards promoting economic prosperity across the south Wales Valleys?
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary, for your statement here today. This is an important announcement and, moreover, one that was endorsed by voters in Wales during last year’s Assembly election. As you’ve pointed out, for every 20 social housing properties in existence in 1981, nine have since been sold off, and whilst the right to buy did help many families onto the housing ladder, the policy...
Vikki Howells: I’m pleased to speak in support of this motion today, and as a member of the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee, I’d like to thank the Chair, the clerking team, other Members and witnesses for what’s been a really interesting inquiry. For my contribution today, I’d like to focus on the first recommendation in the report. The evidence we took reinforced how important it is...
Vikki Howells: 2. What discussions has the Counsel General had with other law officers regarding criminal penalties for anti-social behaviour offences? OAQ(5)0029(CG)
Vikki Howells: Thank you. The Counsel General will be aware that issues such as fly-tipping, dog fouling and littering are a real concern for many people. Would the Counsel General agree with me that the penalties applied in respect of anti-social behaviour should be commensurate with the importance that the public places on the need to curb these behaviours?
Vikki Howells: I’m delighted to speak in support of this motion today. Indeed, I can do so from a unique position, being the only Assembly Member who sits on both the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee, and the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee. Together, the work of these committees gives me a cross-cutting overview of the significance of Wales’s blue economy. During the...
Vikki Howells: Yes.
Vikki Howells: Yes, I fully agree with what the Member said there. And I think that that’s what the marine plan really needs to encompass. And also, linked to that is my call for better data collection as well. I think that all those things need to work together. Going back to the supply chain, then, Tidal Lagoon Power have referred to there being a Welsh core within their planned supply chain, and I’ve...
Vikki Howells: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the Welsh Government’s response to the large number of grass fires over the weekend? EAQ(5)0126(CC)
Vikki Howells: Last Thursday morning, the excellent leaders of RCT and Bridgend councils, Councillors Andrew Morgan and Huw David, gave evidence on the south Wales metro to the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee. They argued that the metro needs to connect across the northern Valleys and not just strengthen links to and from Cardiff. Would the First Minister agree and commit to ensuring that this...
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. Crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have attended 62 grass fires since Friday, with many in Rhondda Cynon Taf, and the suggestion is that many were deliberately lit. The challenge for fire services was also in the ferocity of the blazes, which posed a danger to the safety of service personnel, and to our communities. Recent figures show that deliberate...
Vikki Howells: 1. What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the benefits of locating the headquarters of Transport for Wales within Rhondda Cynon Taf? OAQ(5)0144(EI)
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. The news that the Transport for Wales hub, along with the Cardiff capital region city deal programme offices, will be located within RCT is excellent news for my local authority. Together, both could see the location of hundreds of good-quality jobs into the Valleys, and serve as powerful boosters to economic regeneration. How will the Welsh Government build on...
