Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. Now, as of 3 September, the Welsh Government has 56 call-in planning applications without any final decision. Examples: live application case 1236, commenced in 2017; case 1069, 2016; and, shockingly, two open cases, of 319 and 320, commenced on 2 August 2012. Now, in reviewing the situation, 'awaiting site of LPA officers' report' seems a reason for delay on at least 18 cases....
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you for that question. The Senedd Commission agreed its carbon neutral strategy in March 2021. This strategy details our commitment to becoming net carbon neutral by 2030. The strategy is available on our website. Within this strategy, we will detail the actions to take to reduce our carbon emissions, including on electricity consumption, heating, cooling, travel and cultural change....
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. Again, a really good question. Our strategy does include a mixture of behavioural change and efficiency savings, as I've mentioned. Whilst some offsetting is required at the end of this strategy to ensure, for example, that we can still travel across the country, we see this as a last resort, and we will seek to cut our current footprint by more than half by that point. I notice...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Of course this is a very important issue for people across the whole of the UK, and I welcome the action that the UK Government is now taking. Crucially, I very much welcome that the UK Government's energy cap will remain in place, continuing to provide protection to those that need it most. I also welcome that the UK Government has said it is considering offering emergency state-backed loans...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Will the Member take an intervention?
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you, Mike. Would you not agree with me that there's also a crisis in our social care, whereby there aren't the number of social care beds, so beds are being occupied by people really now who are desperately wanting to either get home or actually facilitate appropriate social care, and that's making the condition worse?
Janet Finch-Saunders: I stand and wish to place on record my formal and utmost thanks and gratitude to our ambulance staff and crew, our switchboard operators, and those nursing staff waiting at the other side of the A&E doors who are collectively attempting to combat the handover waiting times. We all know that handovers from ambulance to our A&E staff are crucial to ensuring that patients receive the emergency...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Yes.
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you, Laura Anne Jones, for making those very valid points. Lack of bed capacity, staff shortages and an increase in the number of patients turning to the ambulance service due to trouble accessing a face-to-face appointment with a GP are all contributing to this issue. Welsh Labour's guidance for GP surgeries to continue using online or telephone services is placing further pressure on...
Janet Finch-Saunders: With the Plaid Cymru co-operation deal that you're seeking to work with Plaid Cymru, will this be one of the agenda items that you intend to work collectively on? [Members of the Senedd: 'Oh.']
Janet Finch-Saunders: 6. Will the First Minister make a statement on access to GP services in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board region? OQ56936
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. First Minister, an increasing number of constituents have raised concerns about their ability to secure a face-to-face appointment with locals GPs, with some being repeatedly told that all appointments at their practice are frequently booked—numerous phone calls on a daily basis and yet unable to secure any appointments. Of course, the use of online and telephone appointments...
Janet Finch-Saunders: As climate change spokesperson, I am a passionate supporter of the renewable energy sector. Indeed, my constituency is home to many offshore easily visible wind turbines—one of the largest—so I'm looking for a statement from the Minister for Climate Change and energy regarding Awel y Môr offshore wind farm. This proposal will see 91 new massive turbines off the coast if permissions are...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Minister, the UK Government's Environment Bill looks to certainly address the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, all the while seeking to protect and improve the natural environment and its species for future generations. By establishing the office for environmental protection, which will have scrutiny, advice and enforcement functions in relation to environmental...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I stand to move the amendment, tabled in the name of Darren Millar. And, as has been said, it was only after the shocking disaster of Aberfan in 1966 that the Mines And Quarries (Tips) Act 1969 was enacted. Half a century on, it is only after storm Dennis in February 2020 and the slippage of a coal tip in Tylorstown that the Law Commission have been formally invited...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Yes. I understand that that answer is one coal tip. So, we agree that the safety of our communities is paramount, so whilst I cannot support the original motion, I can assure you and anyone sitting in this Senedd, that the Welsh Conservatives wish to see all levels of Government continue to co-operate to protect Wales from any further potential catastrophes. Thank you.
Janet Finch-Saunders: I would like to place on record my thanks to Luke Fletcher for going around seeking support for this debate today, and I was really proud to co-submit.
Janet Finch-Saunders: Now, there is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive detrimental impact on people living with and affected by some form of dementia. Ninety-five per cent of carers, in a survey conducted by the Alzheimer's Society, reported a negative impact on their mental or physical health. And really sadly—you know, it's hard to read these statistics out, but over a quarter of people...
Janet Finch-Saunders: At least he travelled here.
Janet Finch-Saunders: First Minister, according to the community health council, people in parts of Wales are facing a crisis of access to GPs. The Betsi health board estimates that in the local practices it manages demand for appointments has increased by up to 20 per cent, so of course this is exerting real pressure now on our front-line GPs, with them consulting more than ever whilst also using the phone to...
