David Melding: Second: 'I am curious why she'—meaning the Minister—'doesn't appear to be interested in the 450 households in the neighbourhood of the Senedd'. I understand that. It is a little harsh, but I do understand that sentiment. Third quote: 'It is almost certain that all leaseholders will not be able to afford to pay for the necessary repairs, especially as the apartments are unmortgageable'. My...
David Melding: Now we turn to Wales. The Chancellor's announcement for England created a consequential for Wales of around about £58 million. However, the Welsh Government has decided, as is its right, to use this consequential funding for other purposes. Replying to my written question of 12 August, the Minister said this: 'The Welsh Government has made a clear commitment to delivering reforms to protect...
David Melding: What measures have been implemented to ensure social distancing in schools?
David Melding: Minister, this is one of the most significant consequentials that the Welsh Government has received in the fifth Senedd, and whilst I can accept that you may not have needed the whole £58 million, because we have a different pattern to England, a substantial amount of that is required. As you dither and, frankly, deflect the concerns of the leaseholders into some sort of long-term plan to...
David Melding: Minister, second homes can be an important part of sustaining the local economy, but there is a very delicate balance to be struck, and I do think that part of the solution is building more—both social housing, which doesn't create this problem, but also it is open to councils, in developing land, to covenant it to a local market. For new build, it does seem to me that that might be an...
David Melding: Deputy Presiding Officer, I'm delighted to follow that speech from Jenny Rathbone, because I'm proud to say I'm a graduate of Cardiff University. I derived great pleasure and some learning from my time there, between 1981 and 1984, and I'm pleased to say that, since I left, the university has flourished—continued to flourish is what I meant to say. As Jenny has outlined, it is now a Russell...
David Melding: Order. Order. The Senedd is back in session.
David Melding: Item 7 is a statement by the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales: the economic resilience fund—phase 3. And I call the Minister, Ken Skates.
David Melding: Now, I've got five Labour Members and one more opposition Member who wants to contribute, so just a minute, please. I do intend to call you all, this is an important statement, but we are pressed for time also this afternoon. Dawn Bowden.
David Melding: Jenny Rathbone.
David Melding: Minister, I do realise the Member didn't hear me stop her after 1 minute and 30 seconds—
David Melding: —so I do apologise to the other Members, but I was trying to indicate that that contribution was too long, especially the final point that was made. But, Minister, please answer as crisply as possible.
David Melding: And to finish this statement, a final question—Mick Antoniw.
David Melding: Thank you very much, Minister.
David Melding: We now move to item 8, which is a statement by the Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government on town centres—securing their future. Hannah Blythyn.
David Melding: Thank you, Alun. We are running out of time. Minister.
David Melding: And for the concluding question, once again, Mick Antoniw.
David Melding: Thank you, Deputy Minister.
David Melding: Item 9, the statement on maternity services in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, is postponed until 13 October.
David Melding: Item 10, the legislative consent motion on the Fisheries Bill, is postponed until 6 October.
