Julie James: Yes, so we had various farmers groups involved in the deep-dive and in the stake—. So, there's a kind of hub-and-spoke thing; that's how we did it. We decided we couldn't have a constructive discussion with more than about 12 people in the core group, so we had a sort of hub-and-spoke model, so members of the core group also sat on the round-tables and stakeholder groups and fed that in. We...
Julie James: Thank you, Darren. I was really delighted that we were able to listen to that and look at the way that the forestry licences are granted, so I really hope that that comes forward ASAP, myself, as well. In terms of connectivity, this was the topic of a long discussion at the deep-dive, because, you're absolutely right, for some protected species, for endangered species or whatever iconic...
Julie James: Absolutely, Joyce. So, on the peatland programme, I was delighted to be able to announce, alongside Lesley, the acceleration of the peatland restoration project. The projects that I've visited already in Wales have been heart-warming, really, amazing in the dedication of the people doing them and actually in the transformation of the landscape. So, I was very, very delighted to do that. I am...
Julie James: Thanks, Jenny. I don't know the answer to the swift boxes, but I will ask now that you've asked a question. We did that, I can't quite remember, at least one season ago, so we should have some information about the effect. I will certainly ask. On the end-of-life fishing gear—you went to visit it as well, didn't you, in Swansea, Mike—we've done some trials, and I was really interested...
Julie James: Diolch, Llywydd. I would like to start by recording, also, my thanks to the Local Government and Housing Committee, particularly the Chair, for their in-depth and considered inquiry into the complex issue of second homes. On behalf of my Cabinet colleagues, I responded to the committee's report and recommendations, all of which we have accepted. We are, and were in many cases, putting those...
Julie James: Of course, we'd already introduced a range of measures, including changes to the upper limit for discretionary council tax premiums and second and long-term empty homes. The changes will have effect from 1 April next year and local authorities are able to consult now and then act on their decisions—I know that Gwynedd is already doing this—to make balanced choices about an appropriate...
Julie James: Diolch, Llywydd. I move the motion. I'm very pleased to be here today to open this debate on the general principles of the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Bill and to move the motion and the financial resolution. This Bill is an important first, necessary step in our journey to supporting global action to tackle plastic pollution. From reviewing the...
Julie James: Turning first to the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee report, I note recommendation 1 from the committee to in due course publish a strategy for the reduction of plastic pollution in Wales. Our strategic direction for tackling plastics is already set out in our circular economy strategy, and our draft litter and fly-tipping prevention plan. A separate strategy is...
Julie James: Diolch, Llywydd. I very much welcome all of the comments that have been made by Members today, and the spirit in which they've been made. Given time restraints, unfortunately I just do not have time to go through all of them. As I said in my opening remarks, I don't have time to go through every recommendation, but we will write back to the committees and I will make sure that a comprehensive...
Julie James: I just wanted to, very specifically, cover off the point from the Chair of the legislation and justice committee on the case study that they included, however. Very respectfully, Huw, I'm very sorry to say that we just don't agree that the legislation and justice committee's case study is an accurate representation of the position. Our position is very much that the provisions of the Bill are...
Julie James: Formally. Formally.
Julie James: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. People across Wales are facing an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis, fuelled by soaring energy, fuel and food costs. But, Dirprwy Lywydd, let's be clear: this is entirely a Tory-made crisis, from a decade of austerity to cruel cuts to benefits and broken promises on taxes. Mortgage bills are rising as a result of the fallout from the mini budget, or fiscal event, or...
Julie James: Our commitment is absolutely demonstrated in the investments that we are making: over £197 million of housing support and homeless prevention services, and a record £310 million in social housing this year alone. We do not underestimate, however, the scale of the challenge facing households across Wales, who are, understandably, extremely worried about the impact of the cost-of-living...
Julie James: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Members will be aware of the tremendous work undertaken since the start of the pandemic, which continues today, to ensure no-one is left out in our approach to homelessness. Through statutory guidance, we, along with local authorities, ensured that those experiencing homelessness were provided support and accommodation, ensuring a holistic response to the public health...
Julie James: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and thank you for that contribution, Mabon. This isn't a statement, just to say—we’re introducing the regulations today—so, obviously, it doesn’t cover off a large number of the other surrounding items that you've asked questions on. Nevertheless, I will just cover them off. So, if we don't do this today, then, in advance of transforming homelessness law in its...
Julie James: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I move the motion. I'm pleased to be able to bring forward the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2022, which makes minor amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Order 2020. The effect of these amendments is to include flights from Great Britain to Switzerland in the scope of the UK emissions trading scheme from January...
Julie James: No.
Julie James: Local accountability is intrinsic to governance of our national parks. Two thirds of members are selected by local authorities, guaranteeing accountability back to local people and communities. We are improving accountability and governance, including a support package for Brecon Beacons National Park and a new strategic, pan-Wales post focused on diversity and governance.
Julie James: Yes, so, national parks absolutely do need to respond to local people and their concerns and they must, of course, be representative of the communities they serve, but national parks also serve all of the people of Wales—they are, obviously, our 'national' parks, and it's very important that the national park authorities respond to both local and national needs. And so, we must make sure...
Julie James: Well, I wholeheartedly agree with you, Mike. I really would like to stress that we have no intention of following the UK Government in considering opening up development near national parks in our areas of outstanding natural beauty or our sites of special scientific interest. 'Future Wales' and 'Planning Policy Wales' provide a comprehensive framework of protection for our national parks and...
