Jane Hutt: The UK Government introduced the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Relief from Non-Domestic Rates) Bill on 4 July following an announcement in the Chancellor’s autumn statement 2016. The Bill contains provisions to introduce a five-year non-domestic rates relief scheme for new full-fibre infrastructure, and this is to incentivise the roll-out of new full-fibre broadband infrastructure and...
Jane Hutt: Well, those are important questions, which I’m sure that the committee will have considered in looking at this proposed LCM. It is important to recognise that these proposals would introduce a five-year non-domestic rates relief scheme for new full-fibre infrastructure from April of this year, and it can be back-dated, of course, to 1 April 2017 for eligible infrastructure. I’ve made the...
Jane Hutt: Llywydd, I have three changes to report to this week’s business. I’ve extended this afternoon’s statement on teacher recruitment, and later this afternoon the First Minister will make an oral statement on an update on Brexit negotiations. Additionally, the Business Committee has agreed to reduce tomorrow’s questions to the Assembly Commission to 15 minutes. Business for the next three...
Jane Hutt: Thank you, Andrew R.T. Davies. In answer to your first question, just to clarify and update, the construction of section 2 on the dualling of A465 Heads of the Valleys road started in early 2015. As has been said before, the challenging nature of the scheme has meant that the programme for completion has been impacted, and in light of this—and I’m sure you will welcome this—the Cabinet...
Jane Hutt: Well, the Cabinet Secretary, I’m sure, via his officials, will be aware of the difficulties relating to the construction of this roundabout. But, of course, there are probably examples across Wales where there is disruption as a result of investment in infrastructure, which will, ultimately, make a huge improvement, I’m sure, in terms of connectivity and access, not just for business but...
Jane Hutt: I thank Hannah Blythyn for both those questions. In response to your first question on the agricultural advisory panel and the implementation of an Order, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs has referred the draft Agriculture Wages (Wales) Order 2017 back to the Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales. That’s in accordance with section 4(1)(b) of the Agricultural Sector...
Jane Hutt: Well, Mohammad Asghar, you will be, I’m sure, staying for the duration of the afternoon to hear the statement from the Cabinet Secretary on teacher recruitment.
Jane Hutt: This is an important issue affecting constituents, including some of my own constituents, and the Cabinet Secretary for health will make a statement on this matter.
Jane Hutt: The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government is addressing this issue and will be updating Members accordingly.
Jane Hutt: I thank Jenny Rathbone for that question. We are developing a new clean air plan for Wales, including a clean air zone framework, which we will be consulting on. All options will be considered, and the Cabinet Secretary will be making a full statement to Plenary about the ongoing air quality work programme before the end of the year. And also Welsh Government is working very closely with...
Jane Hutt: Well, of course, the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children responded to this last week, and indeed I did in questions on the business statement, in terms of the action that the Welsh Government is taking. It does have the anti-human trafficking co-ordinator—the first in the UK—but is working very closely with the UK Government, because many of the issues you raise are, of course,...
Jane Hutt: You’re obviously, clearly, revving up for tomorrow’s opposition debate, it seems to me. I don’t think there is much more—apart from possible fake or false information coming forward. But we look forward to hearing you again, I’m sure, Darren Millar, tomorrow afternoon.
Jane Hutt: Thank you, Suzy Davies. I will certainly enquire as to the progress and timelines.
Jane Hutt: In answer to your first question, Nick Ramsay, of course, we welcome the findings of the WAO report. Janet Finch-Saunders raised this earlier, as you said. We are pleased it identifies the leadership we’ve shown in providing direction on public procurement and support for public bodies in Wales on procurement, but we do see this as a further opportunity to build on the progress that’s...
Jane Hutt: In my tribute, I want to share my memories of Carl as a man who was witty, loving, lovable, deeply principled and a good friend, comrade and ministerial colleague. The impact he had as a Minister and Cabinet Secretary is on record and is shared here this afternoon, and I want to add my tribute from my experience. Carl was appointed Minister for Social Justice and Local Government just before...
Jane Hutt: Can I start by congratulating Julie James on her appointment as Leader of the House and Chief Whip? And can I say how delighted I am to have had the first opportunity since I was elected to this Assembly in 1999 to actually ask a question? So, I was determined I was going to get straight off the mark. Can I ask you, leader of the house, if you could respond to the latest Trussell Trust...
Jane Hutt: Can I second Mick Antoniw for Chair?
Jane Hutt: 1. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the warning from Aston Martin yesterday that its investment in St Athan could be at risk as a result of a Brexit no-deal? 65
Jane Hutt: I'm very encouraged by that response. I recently visited Aston Martin in St Athan to view progress on turning the super hangar into a production plant with Welsh Government support for the company's new luxury DBX model, creating 750 highly skilled jobs as well as £60 million-worth of contracts benefiting Wales, but I still say I'm concerned that this significant investment could now be at...
Jane Hutt: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and thank you for calling me to speak. I’d also like to thank Julie Morgan and other Members for initiating this important debate. I think this is a policy issue that requires a cross-government approach, with the equality and social justice goals of the Welsh Government at the forefront of the action required. So, alongside Julie Morgan, I welcomed the...
