Jane Hutt: I work with Cabinet colleagues on action to tackle poverty. The new winter fuel support scheme, the proposed increase in Welsh Government funding for the Warm Homes programme from 2022-23, and the consultation on the next iteration of the Warm Homes programme demonstrate our commitment in this area.
Jane Hutt: Thank you, Jenny Rathbone, for this crucially important question this afternoon. You have summarised the dire situation that many private renters are finding themselves in. As you know and are aware, local authorities are responsible for the enforcement of minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector, so it's Rent Smart Wales, working with local authorities and landlords,...
Jane Hutt: Social inequality has deepened as a result of the pandemic. The socioeconomic duty will provide a framework for action and the new equality, race and disability units will provide robust evidence to inform policy and plans.
Jane Hutt: Diolch yn fawr, Siân Gwenllian. I think many of the questions and responses this afternoon show the importance of us focusing on this issue and the cost-of-living catastrophe that is emerging, made worse by an increase in wholesale gas prices, resulting in many households in Wales falling into fuel poverty. But you've also mentioned housing and the impact of the pandemic for those who are in...
Jane Hutt: We are currently consulting on a draft strategy and expect to publish the 2022-26 violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence strategy in April 2022. Implementation of the strategy will be based on collaborative working with relevant agencies, and guided by the voices of survivors.
Jane Hutt: Diolch yn fawr, Buffy Williams. Can I pay tribute to all of those who provide specialist services in your constituency and, indeed, across Wales? I also thank those who attended the cross-party group yesterday on violence against women and children, chaired by Sioned Williams, which addressed these issues relating to the importance of this new strategy, the consultation that's taking place,...
Jane Hutt: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this important debate on the 'Debt and the pandemic' report, published by the Equality and Social Justice Committee, with such a strong debate this afternoon, which adds such weight to your report and recommendations. I welcome the report, with its insightful recommendations. I thank the Chair and members of the committee for...
Jane Hutt: And thank you for acknowledging the role and increasing workload, Sarah Murphy, that Citizens Advice and Shelter have experienced in Bridgend. That will be reflected across all constituencies here today across Wales. But it is important to see, and as Sioned Williams said, that this is an exacerbation of inequalities that we've seen as a result of the pandemic. And it's good to see a credit...
Jane Hutt: Diolch, Llywydd. Can I start by thanking Mark Isherwood for tabling this debate today and for ensuring this important matter is brought forward as part of this Senedd's evident commitment to advancing equality and human rights in Wales? And can I also thank Joel James for your contribution this evening? Joel, you've given such a powerful account of your personal lived experience as a result...
Jane Hutt: Last December we marked the international day of disabled people's rights, and I made a statement then, highlighting how the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on disabled people, which has exasperated existing inequalities. This debate goes beyond that, and before the pandemic, in terms of policy actions that we want to take together. I will say, in terms of the pandemic, there's...
Jane Hutt: The Welsh Government is committed to keeping our communities safe. We work closely with the police and other agencies responsible for community safety in north Wales.
Jane Hutt: Under legislation made by the Welsh Ministers, it is a requirement that local authorities assess and meet the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers. To support this work, we invested £3.5 million in Gypsy and Traveller sites across Wales in 2021-22.
Jane Hutt: This government is proud to support children and young people seeking sanctuary. I am pleased to say we have provided £1.5 million in support to local authorities to develop their services. We have also published guidance for local authorities to support trafficked children and facilitate the independent child trafficking guardian service.
Jane Hutt: Diolch, Llywydd. I am bringing forward today two legislative consent motions for the UK's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill for your consideration. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill is a complex and controversial piece of legislation. The UK Government's decision to amalgamate what were three separate Bills has resulted in a document containing over 179 clauses, 20...
Jane Hutt: Diolch, Llywydd, and can I thank all Members for their very powerful contributions to this debate? Can I start, though, by thanking the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for your reports and your members' consideration of this complex piece of legislation, and your contribution this afternoon? I have, as the Chair has said—Huw Irranca-Davies—responded to...
Jane Hutt: But today we are considering those clauses that have been assessed by the Welsh Government as impacting upon devolved matters, and it is an impact on devolved matters that are, we believe, within the competence of the Senedd. We do recognise that with many of them, the majority of these clauses, I am recommending that the Senedd gives consent, as they align with our priorities, and that's the...
Jane Hutt: Diolch, Llywydd. I'd like to thank Plaid Cymru for bringing this important debate today. It's absolutely topical currently and a really important debate as we take action as a Government to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, which is so seriously adversely affecting the people we all represent and serve in Wales, which has come over so strongly in the debate. We are, as a Government, drawing...
Jane Hutt: I thank Members for identifying the role local authorities can and do play. They are crucial to help us in these action plans that we can take here in Wales, not just the Welsh Government, but working with local government and the third sector as well. Further announcements are coming forward from the Welsh Government on our household support grant. It's crucial that we look to our...
Jane Hutt: Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd. As National Energy Action has clearly stated, the UK Government has the powers and fiscal resources to address these issues, but we will do what we can with our powers and policies here in Wales to support this motion and take this forward. Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd.
Jane Hutt: This Thursday will mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2022, and, on this day, we remember those who lost their lives during the Holocaust and in the genocides that have followed. The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is 'One Day'. The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has highlighted the different ways we can interpret this theme, such as: learning from past events to build a better future,...
