Vikki Howells: 3. How is the Welsh Government supporting the regeneration of towns in Wales? OAQ55028
Vikki Howells: Thank you for your answer, First Minister. I was really pleased to hear about the package of measures brought together under the transforming towns agenda, and they show, I believe, the Welsh Government's commitment to towns like Mountain Ash and Aberdare in my constituency. Now, with my interest in a vacant land tax, it will come as no surprise to you that I particularly welcome the...
Vikki Howells: First Minister, it is a fact that there is a national shortage of A&E consultants across England and Wales, but it is my very firm belief that, in such challenging circumstances, health boards—and in particular, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board—must approach recruitment strategically if they are to be successful. For example, advertising for permanent not temporary positions, and...
Vikki Howells: 6. Will the Minister provide an update on plans to introduce a vacant land tax for Wales? OAQ55033
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Minister, and I welcome that update on plans for a measure that I feel could really benefit communities like mine. The Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government provided an oral statement last week on the transforming towns agenda, where she spoke about the Welsh Government's approach to tackling issues related to landbanking. Do you agree with me, Minister, that a vacant...
Vikki Howells: 3. Will the Commission make a statement on efforts to promote the forthcoming Assembly election? OAQ55042
Vikki Howells: Thank you for that answer, Llywydd. I've been looking at a study from the University of Cambridge's Centre for the Future of Democracy, and that suggests that the number of people in the UK who are dissatisfied with democracy stands at nearly three out of five. The centre has tracked views on democracy since 1995, and this is the highest recorded level ever. In a context where turnout in...
Vikki Howells: First Minister, work is now well underway on the new £4 million Mountain Ash primary healthcare centre, and this is great news for the local community, bringing a range of services together and replacing existing GP facilities that were outdated and, frankly, not fit for purpose. In what other ways is the Welsh Government supporting to help deliver improvements to primary healthcare in the...
Vikki Howells: Today's debate is the chance to send a strong message of support in favour of retaining A&E at Royal Glamorgan Hospital; to show just how many people will be affected by these health board proposals; to show just how important it is that the health board thinks again and instead brings to the table strong, safe and sustainable solutions. I have co-submitted amendment 4 to put on the record my...
Vikki Howells: Diolch, Llywydd. February is LGBT+ history month. It's an opportunity to commemorate the past of the LGBT+ community, to celebrate its diversity and achievements and to offer hope for the future, whilst also serving as a reminder of the struggle for equal rights for all. It was first celebrated in the UK in 2005. Founded by Sue Sanders and the late Paul Patrick, its focus was on educating...
Vikki Howells: 4. Will the Welsh Government outline what support they are providing to communities that have been affected by storm Dennis? OAQ55117
Vikki Howells: First Minister, I'd like to place on record my thanks to yourself, to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, and to all of Welsh Government for your efforts to support those whose homes and businesses have been ruined by storm Dennis. The financial support that you are putting in place is much appreciated by constituents that I have spoken with, and, alongside support from...
Vikki Howells: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Thank you, Minister. I'd like to repeat again the thanks made by many Members across this Chamber for the effort made by countless heroes to help those affected by recent flooding, and to repeat also my thanks to you for visiting businesses and residents in Mountain Ash with me last week. The visible leadership from yourself and the First Minister was welcome. My...
Vikki Howells: I'm pleased to be able to support this final budget today, a budget that rightly prioritises our NHS and also offers a sustained programme of funding to ensure the future of our country. In setting out the budget today, Ministers have met their promises to the people of Wales and ensured the alignment of governmental priorities with those of our citizens. Services are protected and enhanced,...
Vikki Howells: 6. Will the Minister outline what the Welsh Government is doing to support people affected by the recent flooding in Cynon Valley? OAQ55152
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Minister. I welcome the Welsh Government's statement that was published today announcing £2.5 million support for businesses affected by flooding. That will certainly be of some comfort to the estimated 450 businesses that have been affected throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf. Now, I know that you are aware, Minister, of the statistics that have been published by the Royal...
Vikki Howells: 6. Will the First Minister provide an update on how the Welsh Government is supporting communities in dealing with the cost of recent flooding? OAQ55190
Vikki Howells: Thank you for your response, First Minister, and thank you, more importantly, for the proactive work that you and your Government has carried out. The scale of the damage caused to infrastructure by the recent flooding is becoming all too clear, with, for example, in Rhondda Cynon Taf alone, nine bridges having to be replaced, in addition to damage to roads, culverts and river walls, with an...
Vikki Howells: On 8 March 1955, Dai Dower faced off in a boxing ring in the Earls Court arena against Nazzareno Gianelli. Dower beat his opponent, taking the European flyweight title. He was described as 'Boxing at his brilliant best'. He dazzled the watching crowd. This was the high point of the professional career of 'the fighting phenomenon of the south Wales Valleys’. He claimed his third title,...
Vikki Howells: I'd like to place on record again my support for full 24-hour A&E at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. This is such an important topic, so I'm a bit mystified, really, as to why Plaid Cymru have only used 30 minutes for this debate. I hope it's not an attempt to stifle the voices of Labour backbenchers, who represent areas affected by this. I'd have thought that they would have wanted to give...
