Mark Drakeford: Well, Llywydd, first of all, I thank Peter Fox for his kind opening remarks, and I recognise, as I try always to do, the experience that he has as a former leader of a council having to make actual decisions when there are really difficult choices to be made. Can I say, Llywydd, that I welcome the Prime Minister's decision to attend the British-Irish Council? He's the first Prime Minister to...
Mark Drakeford: I thank Jane Dodds for that question, Llywydd.
Mark Drakeford: I think that this week is gearing up to be a very bad week for social care services across the United Kingdom. We await to see what happens on Thursday, but any piece of informed leaking from the Treasury is suggesting that the Conservatives are going to abandon their commitment to introduce their version of the Dilnot review. You will have seen the absolutely scathing comments of Sir Andrew...
Mark Drakeford: I thank Jack Sargeant, Llywydd. We encourage the Wales pension partnership to more and faster action in moving towards net zero. The Minister for Finance and Local Government has invited pension fund leads to address the partnership council for Wales during Wales Climate Week later this month, setting out their contribution to achieving net zero.
Mark Drakeford: Llywydd, I congratulate Jack Sargeant on all the work that he carries out in this area. He led a very successful debate on the floor of the Senedd here back in May and he's right, of course, to draw our attention to the fact that it is the lives of our young people that will be most profoundly affected by these decisions. It was a pleasure to meet a series of students from Hawarden High...
Mark Drakeford: Llywydd, that objective is secured through the sustainable farming scheme, as established in the Bill.
Mark Drakeford: I know that it is being given further consideration by the Minister, and that she remains in discussions over a fifth goal of economic resilience. I think there is a strong argument to be made that the four goals we have already identified have economic resilience running through them all, because the four goals are all designed to make sure that farmers can go on being paid for the...
Mark Drakeford: Good afternoon as well, Llywydd, to Dr Hussain. Last year, we set out our ambition of net-zero emissions by 2050. The ambitious actions required are contained in 'Net Zero Wales'. Last month, the Minister for Climate Change informed Members of plans to create a public sector renewables developer—just one of the steps needed to achieve net zero.
Mark Drakeford: That's a very important question near the end of today's questions, because it goes to the heart of the dilemma that the Welsh Government will face after Thursday's autumn statement. If the Chancellor decides to solve his dilemmas by taking an axe to our capital budgets, then inevitably that will have an impact on our ability to invest the £1.8 billion that Dr Hussain mentioned. It's a...
Mark Drakeford: Storm overflow discharges take place when the drainage system is under strain, typically during peak flows, to protect properties from flooding. A growing population, land development, increase in impermeable surfaces and more intense rainfall have increased pressure on pressures on our drainage infrastructure.
Mark Drakeford: A vibrant horticulture sector is high on the Welsh Government's agenda for developing a sustainable agricultural industry as it delivers a range of environmental, social, and economic benefits. Through the Agriculture (Wales) Bill we can continue to support farmers to create and sustain a thriving Horticultural sector.
Mark Drakeford: I expect the UK Government’s 17 November statement to have a detrimental impact on public services in Blaenau Gwent and across Wales. While we will face difficult choices, we will do everything we can to protect people from the financial hardship that is coming our way.
Mark Drakeford: With the retreat of banks from our high streets we recognise the importance post offices now play in providing access to cash in all communities. We are also working with Monmouthshire Building Society to establish a Community Bank.
Mark Drakeford: Our strategy, 'Welcome to Wales: Priorities for the Visitor Economy 2020-25', sets out our vision and ambition for tourism. Visit Wales promotes destinations equally across Wales, and South Wales West is integral to that activity.
Mark Drakeford: We are clear that e-cigarettes should not be used by children and young people, and are looking at what we can do to prevent their use by this group as part of our new tobacco strategy. We are also looking at messaging around young people and e-cigarettes as part of the JustB programme aimed at secondary school pupils in areas with the highest smoking prevalence rates.
Mark Drakeford: The autumn statement was a response to the very challenging economic conditions facing Wales and the UK. Those conditions have been made worse by the failure of successive UK Governments to invest adequately in infrastructure and public services and by the catastrophic September mini-budget.
Mark Drakeford: Llywydd, the general medical standards, agreed with GPs in Wales, are improving access and ensuring consistency across the nation. Achievement has increased year on year, with 89 per cent of all practices now achieving all the standards. Agreement for next year’s contract will see further improvements in access to the whole of the primary care team.
Mark Drakeford: Well, Llywydd, on the latter point, there are 200 places available in Wales for GP trainees. We don't always get to 200, but we consistently attract more than the 160, which is the baseline figure for GP training. The long-term answer, however, is to move away from the single focus on GPs themselves. GPs are leaders of a wider clinical team that works alongside them. And the history over the...
Mark Drakeford: I have seen evidence over the recent months, Llywydd, about the situation in Holyhead, and I know that the health board is working with local people on the island to try and accelerate the recruitment of new people, and to make what's going on and what's available in Holyhead a part of the service that's available across the whole island. There are some problems, we know, in terms of staff...
Mark Drakeford: I thank Mike Hedges for that question, Llywydd. He draws attention to one of the fundamental facts of primary care, which is that GPs are independent contractors. They have a contract with the board, and they are not directly managed by the Welsh Government or the local health service. However, the good news for constituents of Mike Hedges is that, because of the successful conclusion of the...
