Carolyn Thomas: I'd like to say that universal credit has never been fit for purpose. It costs more than the previous legacy benefits to deliver because of the bureaucracy of it and helps even fewer people. I think that the proposed cut of the £20 uplift is a kick in the teeth for many of my constituents across north Wales. Forty per cent of those on universal credit are in low-paid jobs, as has previously...
Carolyn Thomas: No I won't—and they've carried out essential work throughout the pandemic in sectors such as the NHS and social care. Rather than being thanked for this incredible job that they've done during the pandemic, they're about to be hit with £1,000 a year universal credit cut as well as a tax hike. In-work poverty and poor working conditions should be resigned to history. Instead, this cut...
Carolyn Thomas: —and terrible shifts that don't fit in with families. It's not just universal credit that's to be blamed for this either. It's the combined impact of Tory austerity policies, including the bedroom tax and the two-child policy as well. So, now you can only get funding for two children. In Rhyl alone, 4,000 people will be impacted. This has a knock-on effect on local communities at a time...
Carolyn Thomas: Give working class people money in their pockets. Give working class people money in their pockets and they will spend it because they need to spend it. Grow the economy that way. Put money in people's pockets. Rich people conserve it, put it in the banks. Money is supposed to be spent, it's supposed to be part of the economy, to keep the economy going. The Welsh Labour Government has taken...
Carolyn Thomas: May I declare that I'm still a Flintshire county councillor? Thank you.
Carolyn Thomas: 4. What are the Welsh Government's priorities for the funding of local authorities in Wales? OQ56878
Carolyn Thomas: Diolch. I thank the First Minister for the really positive relationship that has been built between Welsh Government and councils, especially during the pandemic. The relationship has ensured that local services have continued to be provided to communities throughout Wales with financial support from Welsh Government. But, as a Flintshire councillor, I have seen the impact of 10 years of...
Carolyn Thomas: I believe that increasing productivity and efficiency as a measure is just going too far now. The rate of work-related stress, depression and anxiety continues to rise across the UK. A quarter of all sick days last year were the result of workload, costing businesses and the public sector billions of pounds. We are facing a mental health crisis, and Members on all sides know that we simply...
Carolyn Thomas: What support has the Welsh Government put in place for voluntary organisations in North Wales?
Carolyn Thomas: Will the First Minister provide an update on Welsh Government plans to designate the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley as a national park?
Carolyn Thomas: Over the last 10 years, I have seen developers landbanking and abandoning brownfield sites that have previous industrial uses for easier-to-develop green land. The brownfield sites cause issues then for the local community. Some have dangerous buildings, unkept trees and fencing adjacent to the highways and private properties. Run-off of water and contamination to highway drains make a...
Carolyn Thomas: As a Flintshire councillor, and previous streetscene and highways cabinet member, and also a member of the committee you mentioned earlier, I'm aware of the significant funding across the region—metro funding. However, to raise awareness and increase engagement across north Wales, we need to have delivery of the distinctive metro branding linking the stations, bus transport, cycle routes...
Carolyn Thomas: 3. Will the Minister provide an update on Welsh Government plans to designate the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley as a national park? OQ56955
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you for that answer, Minister. I know many people in the local area are excited at the prospect of this designation, which will provide recognition of the park's unique natural beauty and heritage. It will provide a boost to manage tourism and help to create sustainable jobs. In 2000, the Scottish Labour Government introduced a National Parks (Scotland) Act of just 41 pages, which was a...
Carolyn Thomas: 2. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to deliver a fair deal for social care staff? OQ57009
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. I welcome the Welsh Labour Government's commitment to creating a stronger and better-paid workforce, and in particular the decision that care workers should be paid the real living wage and that this will be delivered during the current Senedd. I have been contacted by residents working in the sector who love their job, but the last few years have...
Carolyn Thomas: I really welcome today's funding announcement. Across the UK, we've seen a 44 per cent decline of 770 species as a result of habitat loss and environmental challenges. The nature networks fund demonstrates quite clearly that the Welsh Government is leading the way in tackling the biodiversity and nature crisis we face. The climate emergency and nature crisis need to be treated with the same...
Carolyn Thomas: —is leading the way in tackling biodiversity loss. But I was concerned to hear that two of the three scientists I met would see their funding cut, one in March and one in June next year, because it comes from the European agricultural fund, which comes to an end. Does the Minister agree with me that the funding announced today shows Welsh Government's commitment, which is great, but concern...
Carolyn Thomas: 2. Will the Counsel General outline how the Welsh Government has been working with the legal sector to establish a Law Council of Wales? OQ57055
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you for your answer, Counsel General. I believe it is vital that legal education in Wales is firmly placed within the Welsh context and focuses on building an awareness of Welsh law. Ahead of the forthcoming meeting of the proposed members of its executive committee, can you outline your priorities for the remit of the law council?
