Carolyn Thomas: I would like also to thank the Chair and committee staff who put together this report and organised visits across Wales, and to all those who contributed. Community facilities can empower communities and ensure that nobody gets left behind. They can help with sustainability and well-being. Community halls, pubs, playing fields and other areas should be protected for people and nature, such as...
Carolyn Thomas: I've also been meeting with the leader of Denbighshire and officers and I was shocked now at the cost—due to inflationary pressures, it could be an £82 million capital build. I understand that capital funding has been cut by 11 per cent over the next few years, and that the borrowing limit for Wales has been restricted as well by the UK Government. We do need to do something, as Darren...
Carolyn Thomas: Diolch. I welcome this statement, and also the investment in coastal defence in north Wales, which is significant. Flooding, like rainfall, impacts on our highway infrastructure, roads, bridges and pavements, and we’ve seen what’s happened in north Wales, with landslides in Flintshire, Newbridge and Llanerch Bridge that have cost millions to put right. Heavy rainfall also power washes...
Carolyn Thomas: I talked to nurses on the picket line, because I wanted to hear their views as well, and they did say to me that it's not just about money, but it's also about work-life pressures as well. Many are doing 12-hour shifts. And there's a lack of flexibility as well, with childcare et cetera. They did also mention agency costs, and it upsets them if they know they're working with somebody who's...
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you. I welcome the committee report. Public transport is a lifeline for many, ensuring that nobody is left behind. It's a social issue, as well as maintaining access to work. I know in rural areas the bus journey for regular passengers is where they enjoy a social chat with each other and the driver, and we've heard at the culture and sports committee that public transport is essential...
Carolyn Thomas: Diolch. The impact of climate change is all too evident, and Wales is at the forefront of addressing the challenges of decarbonising energy generation, with policies and support for renewable energy. Plans for a publicly owned renewable energy developer ensure profits created in Wales will develop greater benefit for residents with profits reinvested in improving energy efficiency in homes in...
Carolyn Thomas: There is a health crisis right across the UK, not just in Wales, and all evidence shows this has worsened over the last 12 years since the start of austerity and cuts to public services, and will get worse under this UK Tory Government and their cost-of-living crisis. We can't look at the NHS in isolation. Adequate housing, food, education and fair work all contribute to good physical and...
Carolyn Thomas: Yes, okay.
Carolyn Thomas: Actually, most of the nurses realised that colleagues across the border in England as well were on picket lines and they knew that it was an issue right across the UK. And that's what they're fighting for—for colleagues right across the UK. Sorry, I've forgotten where I was after taking the intervention. There is more advancing technology, more medicines available to help people, and this...
Carolyn Thomas: What consideration did the Minister give to highway maintenance when deciding this year’s local authority settlement?
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you very much. I recently visited the fantastic state-of-the-art facility at Wrexham Glyndŵr—its multi-million pound facility. I believe there's an open day a week on Friday there where they're offering courses on allied health and nursing courses, which is fantastic. I already know a couple of people that have had a change of career to do nursing and paramedics, including my niece,...
Carolyn Thomas: 2. Will the Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's discussions regarding the pay and conditions of Royal Mail workers in Wales? OQ59003
Carolyn Thomas: Okay. Thank you. Deputy Minister, I have been increasingly concerned about the misinformation being given by Royal Mail to MSs, MPs and the public. I've made it my mission to make sure that the truth is out there. I was pleased to talk to Darren Jones MP, who's the chair of the Westminster select committee, and was able to have that conversation with him prior to interviewing the chief...
Carolyn Thomas: 1. What advice has the Counsel General provided to the Welsh Government regarding the impact of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill on devolved competencies? OQ59008
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you. Important legislation, ranging from workers' rights to environmental protections, could all be about to go up in smoke in the bonfire of Brexit, if the retained EU law Bill continues to proceed in the current form. I'm grateful to you, Counsel General, for highlighting the serious implications of this Bill and the implications that it will have for us here in Wales and this Senedd,...
Carolyn Thomas: I was devastated to have a phone call at 9 o'clock as well from residents in Anglesey. I've been talking, obviously, with you, Minister, and I've also been talking with Unite the Union, who've been having talks as well with the workforce. I need to declare also that I am a member of Unite the Union. I should have declared that earlier as well when I had questions to the Minister for Social...
Carolyn Thomas: I'd also like to thank committee staff and all the organisations that took part in giving evidence for the report. One of the key messages here is that, with inflation reaching its highest level in more than 40 years, many people are cutting back on extra spending. For some, this includes spending on sport and cultural activities. In 2019-20, 23 per cent of all people and 31 per cent of...
Carolyn Thomas: Okay. It's just regarding Flint hospital. I believe that it's going to be a state-of-the-art, fit-for-purpose modern care home, which will not only have long and short-term placements but will also be able to rehabilitate people after a stay in hospital to regain their confidence and independence in their own homes. So, it's a modern facility. Some of the old hospitals, like Flint previously,...
Carolyn Thomas: 6. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact the UK Government's budget will have on the ability of Welsh local authorities to deliver public services? OQ59337
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. Local authorities are dependent on the dedicated staff who manage and provide front-line services, day in, day out. But they are not immune to the cost-of-living crisis we all face. The Resolution Foundation has said that wage stagnation over the last 15 years means that an average household in the UK is now £11,000 worse off thanks to successive...
