Leanne Wood: It's always been the case that the private sector is more expensive to the taxpayer than social housing, even after benefit cuts, and it remains the case that, in the long run, we need more social housing and this will be cheaper. However, your statement acknowledges that social security payments themselves limit the choice that people have within the private rented sector so, to me, it's...
Leanne Wood: This might seem like a trivial issue about a data entry error, but behind it lies consistent poor performance of even basic administrative functions. Without proper and accurate data on waiting times, we can't judge whether or not things are getting better or worse. We can't pinpoint the areas that need investment and the areas where patient safety may be at risk because of lengthening...
Leanne Wood: 3. What discussions has the First Minister had with the UK Government on the implications for Wales following the resignation of the Secretary of State for Wales? 361
Leanne Wood: I've been disgusted by the events of the last week involving Ross England. His attempt to obstruct the justice system should have prompted widespread condemnation and immediate disciplinary action by the leadership of the Welsh Tories. Instead, it was followed by the promotion of Ross England as a candidate in a target Assembly seat. We should not forget that at the heart of this story is a...
Leanne Wood: As we heard earlier, First Minister, after 31 December, we could lose the Pacer trains from the Valleys lines. Now, losing the Pacers would normally be a cause for celebration, because they're so old and so awful, but, because of the lack of planning from yourselves, we face an unprecedented reduction in rail services overnight. Earlier on, you blamed private companies, yet you were warned...
Leanne Wood: 10. Will the Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's energy policy? OAQ54685
Leanne Wood: Diolch. I welcome the Welsh Government's policy on fracking; I think that's a good development. Do you know how much of our natural gas imported through Pembrokeshire comes from fracked sources?
Leanne Wood: Minister, you'll be aware that the National Housing Federation has joined the lengthy list of organisations who are critical of the behaviour of Europe's most vindictive and incompetent department, the Department for Work and Pensions. In this case, they are referring to the problems caused by universal credit for those who pay their rent on a weekly basis. The regulations for universal...
Leanne Wood: Okay. Well, Community Housing Cymru have suggested using discretionary housing payments to help those people affected. Now, my preferred option is for Wales to have administrative control over social security so we could solve this problem overnight, and it wouldn't cost us any money either. There's no point in asking you if you agree with that, Minister—we've been round the houses on this...
Leanne Wood: Minister, if your Government did carry out an assessment, as I've just suggested, I think it would finally put to bed the notion that there's a financial benefit to Westminster controlling these matters. The truth is, we can't afford not to take over control over welfare administration. It's clear from international evidence that one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty is to give...
Leanne Wood: 6. Will the Minister provide an update on Welsh Government attempts to reduce levels of homelessness? OAQ54684
Leanne Wood: I've received casework regarding homeless people in a desperate situation after presenting themselves to Rhondda Cynon Taf council, only to be fobbed off. I know of a local charity helping homeless people that are having similar experiences. Now, the council usually say that they have no legal obligation to house people if they aren't a priority. They add that the only way to be treated as a...
Leanne Wood: I'd like our Senedd to acknowledge the singing talents that we have in the Rhondda. We are famed for world-class male voice choirs, whose talents are more than well-known. But it's great to see that we have some new kids on the block. The school choir at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn has been forging a formidable reputation over recent years. They've won first prize at the Urdd National...
Leanne Wood: Congratulations, Llwyncelyn, and thank you very much.
Leanne Wood: Plaid Cymru believes that everyone who lives in Wales has a stake in our nation's future and has the right to help shape it. That's why we support the Government's amendments to extend the right to vote. We do, however, have some questions about the Government's interpretation of its own amendments on extending the franchise to foreign citizens living in Wales. Specifically, we would like...
Leanne Wood: Today is International Men's Day, and there are a number of events on the Senedd estate today, including the Men's Sheds initiative. These projects are helping people to open up about their own mental health, which reduces stigma, which is vital when we know that suicide rates among men have been described as a national emergency. Suicide has been cited as the biggest killer of men under 45....
Leanne Wood: How is the Welsh Government planning to strengthen hospital services in the Rhondda?
Leanne Wood: Given that you want to create better jobs, closer to home, and most people in my constituency are agreed that there's a desperate need to provide well-paid jobs in the Rhondda, it's one of the things that most often comes up on my street surgeries, but people are not convinced that you're going to deliver on that. So, bearing that in mind, can you tell us what is the budget for the Valleys...
Leanne Wood: There is amazing potential for the Rhondda, especially when it comes to cycling, from a tourism perspective. We have some of the finest and most picturesque climbs in the UK. For example, the Bwlch-Rhigos loop is often used by Tour de France winner, Geraint Thomas, and his team mate, Luke Rowe, when training. I produced this document earlier this year, in conjunction with Sustrans, and it...
Leanne Wood: Strengthening the human rights of Welsh citizens in a post-Brexit scenario is, of course, essential. But I'm wondering if you've given further thought to the human rights of the minority of Welsh citizens who will be regarded as neurodivergent? Do you think the time has come for equalities legislation to regard neurodiversity as a protected characteristic in its own right?
