Carolyn Thomas: 5. What outcomes is the Welsh Government hoping to achieve from the universal basic income pilot for care leavers in North Wales? OQ58318
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you. Can I begin by welcoming this trial and thanking my colleague Jack Sargeant for the groundwork that he's put in to make it a reality? Anxiety and money troubles can be all-consuming and prevent people from thriving or living healthy, happy lives. Financial stability could mean the difference between care leavers learning new skills, being able to afford to network and socialise...
Carolyn Thomas: One crucial way to ensure that budgeting delivers for women is through making strategic investments in the care sector. We know that these investments would not just deliver for women, they would also boost our economy and increase overall employment. Research has shown that investing 2 per cent of GDP in care would create almost as many jobs for men as investing in construction industries,...
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you to Luke for bringing this proposal forward. It's one I've long supported, indeed the Senedd petition for 'no pet' clauses to be banned, which was signed by more than 850 people, originated in my constituency of North Wales by Sam Swash. On a principle level, it's completely unfair that being able to own a pet is currently reliant on whether you own a house or not. The lack of...
Carolyn Thomas: Around 75 per cent of households are expected to be supported in some way by the Welsh Government's cost-of-living interventions, with increased support targeted at households in the bottom half of the income distribution. We know the winter fuel support payment is valued by people who received it and one recipient in my region of North Wales said, 'the £100 alleviated my poverty for this...
Carolyn Thomas: What discussions has the Counsel General had with other UK law officers regarding the implications for Wales of potential changes to the application of the Northern Ireland protocol?
Carolyn Thomas: The benefits of a land value tax are quite clear—it could replace a regressive council tax system, which has no relation to household income, with a system that creates a far greater equality in the distribution of wealth, lowering housing costs for many households across Wales. A land value tax would also help to end land speculation, encourage more efficient allocation of land and provide...
Carolyn Thomas: On reading the report, I saw that initially 80 per cent of people were in favour of 20 mph, but last year's consultation indicated that there were mixed results with 47 per cent in favour then. Desktop exceptions became an issue when delivered in reality, following the pilots conducted in Buckley in Flintshire, and officers were not permitted to do local exceptions to remove key arterial...
Carolyn Thomas: What steps is the Welsh Government taking to protect residents in North Wales from the cost-of-living crisis?
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you to Jane for bringing this incredibly important debate, which I'm very pleased to co-submit to the Senedd. The roll-out of the Welsh Government's basic income trial is a most welcome step towards a more progressive welfare system. I look forward to seeing the results and hope that they will lead to a wider expansion of a basic income across Wales. The path to a zero-carbon economy is...
Carolyn Thomas: As we come today to what I know as the debating Chamber, it's really good that we're coming together today, putting aside politics for once, and I'd like to recall the words of the late Jo Cox, where she said that 'There's more that unites us than divides us.' We're here as sons, daughters, some of us parents and grandparents, just as the Queen was a granny as well, and we talk about how we...
Carolyn Thomas: I really value these measures coming forward, but to deliver them, we need public services, and I'm really concerned; I've heard from the Prime Minister about funding for businesses and also for households, but nothing for public services, and they're facing the rising energy costs as well, and the cost-of-living crisis. They've had 10 years of austerity, so they're already cut to the bone...
Carolyn Thomas: 7. Will the Welsh Government commit to freezing rents and suspending evictions to help tenants through the cost-of-living crisis? OQ58395
Carolyn Thomas: Okay, thank you. Earlier this month, the Scottish Government committed that they would be freezing rents and suspending evictions to help tenants through the cost-of-living crisis. This year, Wales has seen the highest increase in the cost of renting outside London, with rents up to an eye-watering 13.9 per cent increase, on average. This comes alongside rising fuel, energy and food prices,...
Carolyn Thomas: 9. How is the Welsh Government ensuring schools teach children about the importance of nature and biodiversity? OQ58396
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you for the answer, Minister. According to research by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, only one in five children has a connection to nature, and time spent playing outdoors has halved in just one generation. Exploring the natural environment is incredibly beneficial for young children, particularly for their sensory and emotional development. It's important that these...
Carolyn Thomas: When I visited Plas Menai with the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee with Heledd, I was struck by what a great facility it is, in a stunning setting, but also what further potential it could have to incorporate more activities as well. The offer did seem a little limited compared to other outdoor activity centres. I was concerned about the...
Carolyn Thomas: During my time as county councillor, I gained first-hand experience of people struggling with fuel poverty and trying to cope with the additional burden of faulty heating systems, especially off grid. I was asked to visit an elderly resident who was having problems with her oil central heating. The lady had her doors and windows wide open to release the terrible fumes, and the house was...
Carolyn Thomas: I'll struggle to follow that, Delyth. It was very good. I strongly believe that fossil fuel companies and shareholders should not be profiting from the high price of fossil fuel, while households, businesses and public services are suffering such severe hardship. Councils and community groups are looking at setting up warm homes and soup kitchens. How has this been allowed to happen in...
Carolyn Thomas: Minister, I was very grateful to hear that the First Minister reaffirmed the Welsh Government's commitment to the moratorium on fracking here in Wales. It shows the Welsh Labour Government's commitment and dedication to building a sustainable future, whilst protecting the health and properties of people in Wales. Unfortunately, border communities, like the ones I represent in north Wales,...
