Buffy Williams: How will the Welsh Government support the social care system's recovery from COVID-19?
Buffy Williams: Diolch, Llywydd. I'd also like to congratulate the Minister on her new appointment.
Buffy Williams: 8. Will the Minister provide an update on COVID-19 vaccine uptake rates? OQ56542
Buffy Williams: Thank you, Minister. In my constituency, Rhondda, the majority of residents are attending their vaccine appointments, which is amazing news, but we have a higher than average number of no-shows, for a variety of reasons. I know Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board are working with residents across our communities to delve into these reasons, trying to find them solutions. So, working...
Buffy Williams: How will the Welsh Government support businesses in the Rhondda post-COVID?
Buffy Williams: I'd also like to congratulate both Ministers on their new appointments. Minister, the NRW report following the floods of 2020 matters a great deal to the Rhondda residents, in particular, residents of Pentre, where 169 homes and 12 businesses flooded internally. The NRW duty manager at the time said, on record, and I quote: 'From the photographs and pictures available it is evident that...
Buffy Williams: Minister, I agree wholeheartedly with pupils receiving teacher-based assessments throughout this difficult time. But having met with teachers in Rhondda, the new system has put tremendous strain on the profession. How will the Minister support teachers through the next academic year? Also, what support will be made available for students who do not receive the grades they were expecting?
Buffy Williams: Minister, with an increase in the number of people walking, running and cycling closer to home throughout the pandemic, and with the difficulties for parents in keeping a social distance outside school gates, I was really pleased to see funding to introduce more 20 mph zones in my constituency, Rhondda, to keep residents safe. I think it's really important that we build on this work, as well...
Buffy Williams: 4. What assessment has the Minister made of the financial effect of COVID-19 on local authorities in Wales? OQ56630
Buffy Williams: Thank you, Minister. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank local council workers for going above and beyond during the pandemic. Rhondda Cynon Taf's budget hasn't only been hit by the costs of COVID—we also have a bill of £12 million for the landslide remedial works in Tylorstown, and let's not forget millions to enhance culverts and drainage systems following the dreadful floods. Our...
Buffy Williams: 5. How will the Welsh Government improve animal health and welfare over this Senedd term? OQ56647
Buffy Williams: I'm sure I'm not the only Member with four-legged friends. I have a Jack Russell named Poppy and a cat named Binx. I couldn't imagine my life without them. They're not just pets, they're part of the family. That isn't to say they always behave, and, as difficult as they can be at times, I would be horrified if they were ever harmed or stolen. In my Rhondda constituency, we've sadly seen a...
Buffy Williams: Yes, I second that.
Buffy Williams: I second Vikki Howells.
Buffy Williams: First Minister, I recently met with Transport for Wales to discuss the Treherbert line service. I know how difficult it's been for commuters and Transport for Wales staff with reduced services and the need to keep a social distance. I left the meeting feeling optimistic. There are plans to increase the number of carriages and services from September. So, last weekend, I was really...
Buffy Williams: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Minister, having worked and volunteered in education and communities for the last 20 years, I have always said that if you give young people a chance, either through employment or volunteering, it's amazing what they can achieve. I was proud to stand on a manifesto that included a young person's guarantee, either of work, education, training or...
Buffy Williams: I welcome the statement from the Deputy Minister today. Some of my best memories come from Pride events in Wales. A Pride co-ordinator and specific Pride fund will only enhance the celebrations. I cannot believe conversion therapy is still being discussed. I absolutely support today's promise to ban all aspects of conversion therapy in Wales. I recently attended the official opening of...
Buffy Williams: Minister, working and volunteering throughout the pandemic in a third sector capacity, I experienced first-hand the detrimental effects COVID has had on Rhondda families. Loss of income and increasing living costs have sadly seen families and individuals struggling to make ends meet. I'm grateful for the provisions put in place by Welsh Government to support these families, but there is still...
Buffy Williams: Minister, I know that residents in Rhondda, especially our young people and young families, will be grateful to hear that the Government are building on the work of the previous Senedd, taking action to combat the very real housing crisis. I’ve been contacted by graduates who left Rhondda to attend university and now wish to return to their home town to buy a home of their own, but face a...
Buffy Williams: I need to declare an interest in this issue, as I live in the community of Pentre, and was personally affected by the 2020 floods. Minister, as you're aware, I have my own anxieties and frustrations with NRW. Over 200 properties and businesses flooded in the Rhondda last year. Immediate action was taken by Welsh Government, Welsh Water and RCT council to put right the culvert and drainage...
