Vikki Howells: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Thank you, Minister, for your statement. I wonder if you're able to say a little more about the definition of social care workers. It's an issue that I've had raised with me and that I have, in turn, written to you about—that some types of workers aren't included in the social care recognition scheme, for example, advocates and business support staff. Secondly, I...
Vikki Howells: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. A hundred and twenty seven years ago on 23 June 1894, a tremendous explosion occurred at the Albion colliery in Cilfynydd. The blast was heard four miles around. It and a thick volume of sulphurous smoke were the terrible omens of the devastation that had occurred. Iron structures were stripped, bent like wire and propelled significant distances by the force of the...
Vikki Howells: 4. What are the Welsh Government's priorities for supporting the retail sector in Wales over the next 12 months? OQ56717
Vikki Howells: Thank you for that response, Minister. I'm sure that you'll be aware that the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, of which I'm a member, has produced a retail recovery plan, setting out some key interventions to support the sector. Acknowledging, of course, that some of the levers are reserved and that the Welsh Government has already delivered on some key asks, such as full rates...
Vikki Howells: 7. What are the Welsh Government's priorities for improving digital systems within the Welsh NHS? OQ56716
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Minister, for that answer. I'm sure that you know that, for many years now, IT workarounds have been devised by practitioners within the NHS, such as a bespoke app that two GPs in my constituency are developing with a local company. This particular app will enable patients to access their records, better medicate their own conditions and order repeat prescriptions, whilst also...
Vikki Howells: First Minister, over recent years, my constituency of Cynon Valley has benefited hugely from the Welsh Government's investment in social housing, with many old and disused buildings being faithfully converted into high-quality accommodation, as well as new builds. One issue that frequently arises, however, is the demand for adapted and adaptable properties. It's often challenging for the...
Vikki Howells: 1. Will the Minister provide an update on Welsh Government actions to improve animal welfare in Wales over the course of this Senedd term? OQ56805
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Minister. I was really pleased to see Lucy's law, the ban on third-party sales of puppies and kittens, come into effect earlier this month. I want to pay tribute to all the campaigners who supported this law, and place on record my thanks to you for delivering this important intervention. Can you update Members on the engagement that has taken place with businesses, breeders, et...
Vikki Howells: 3. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of staycations on the economy of Wales during the 2021 tourism season? OQ56850
Vikki Howells: Thank you for that answer, First Minister, and, without doubt, Wales has benefited economically from the increase in staycations this year. We have such a wonderful country to showcase, so how can the Welsh Government encourage people to continue holidaying in Wales as the worldwide tourist market opens back up in the future?
Vikki Howells: 8. How is the Welsh Government supporting the creation of food pantry schemes in Cynon Valley? OQ56851
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Minister, for your answer. I've visited quite a few food pantry schemes in my constituency lately, including a really great scheme at Glyncoch last month, where I was really impressed by the variety of fresh and staple foodstuffs on offer, along with other advice services too. It's clear that food pantries have a significant and sustainable long-term role to play in the battle...
Vikki Howells: 5. What are the Welsh Government's priorities for supporting town centres? OQ56935
Vikki Howells: I thank the First Minister for that answer. Town centres are, of course, the beating heart of our communities, but some recent reports, such as the Audit Wales report, 'Regenerating Town Centres in Wales', sketch out the challenges that they face. I welcome the robust comments from Welsh Government on how Ministers will address many of these issues through, for example, town centres first and...
Vikki Howells: Minister, I know you recently met with the Industrial Communities Alliance to discuss their concerns about the shared prosperity and levelling-up funds, funds that are so important to the economic future of constituencies like mine, the Cynon Valley. The ICA have long argued that any funding from the schemes must be both long term and sustainable if it is to deliver transformative change....
Vikki Howells: Minister, I'm sure you'll be aware of the ambition held by the astronomy tourism specialist, Dark Sky Wales, to open a national planetarium for Wales on the site of the former Tower colliery at Hirwaun. Do you agree that this proposed astronomy facility could provide a significant boost to the tourism economy of the south Wales Valleys, building on the success of Zip World at the same site...
Vikki Howells: Will the Welsh Government provide an update on its priorities for improving the provision of social care in Cynon Valley?
Vikki Howells: First Minister, a recent letter from the Federation of Small Businesses Cymru to Members of the Senedd called for key Welsh Government interventions to support businesses such as Business Wales and the Development Bank of Wales to be protected and developed. With continuing uncertainty around post-EU funding, and the UK Government's blatant attempts to reclaim both money and powers, do you...
Vikki Howells: 8. Will the Welsh Government provide an update on its work to support childcare and play services? OQ56961
