Vikki Howells: First Minister, I am confident that you will agree with me when I say that an innovative use of tax competencies can have a positive effect on our public finances, as well as bringing other positive societal benefits. As you will know, I'm a keen supporter of the vacant land tax, which could not only boost public finances but, more importantly, also transform our communities. So, I was...
Vikki Howells: Minister, business improvement districts are supporting businesses in our town centres at 16 different locations across Wales, including in Aberdare in my own constituency, where a BID was established early this year. I note the statement made by the Welsh Government on 6 May that it will support BIDs in Wales with their running costs for up to three months. In Aberdare, I know this funding...
Vikki Howells: First Minister, I've been in discussion with very many businesses in Cynon Valley who are extremely grateful for the financial support that they've received from the Welsh Government under the economic resilience fund. I note that, in order to access that fund, they need to sign up to the Welsh Government's economic contract. Would you be able to give us an assessment of how you think signing...
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Deputy Minister, I have listened with interest to the questions and answers from other people on this topic, and the reason I wanted to come in was to say that I've been contacted by a number of constituents who were very angry that they'd heard the wrong messages on the UK TV show This Morning, and were very concerned to ring in or text in to put them straight about what the...
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Deputy Minister. It's been really positive to see the peaceful demonstrations of solidarity for Black Lives Matter, and I've been very, very impressed by the numbers of younger people in particular contacting me about this issue. One question they all ask is around the role of education in tackling racism and promoting equality. I know that work is ongoing with Race Council Cymru,...
Vikki Howells: 4. Will the Deputy Minister outline the Welsh Government's priorities during the remainder of this Senedd term for creating a more equal Wales? OQ55334
Vikki Howells: I'm speaking today as chair of the Labour group, and in doing so I speak on behalf of all Labour Members, many of whom who've served with Oscar for the last 13 years. Many worked closely with him in a range of settings over that time. Oscar, as everyone has alluded to, was always jovial, and although he was a robust debater inside the Senedd Chamber, he was never a partisan figure outside of...
Vikki Howells: Minister, thank you for your statement today. I have some questions relating to the Welsh language element of your portfolio. Firstly, with regard to Welsh language education, I'm just wondering what discussions you might have had with the Minister for Education around the reopening of more provision for pupils who attend Welsh-medium schools, and also, the efforts to tackle digital exclusion...
Vikki Howells: Minister, thank you for your statement today. I've just got some questions around the finer details of what you're able to extrapolate from the data that you do have. For example, are you seeing any unexpected trends or links in terms of characteristics protected under the Equality Act 2010, in terms of those who are currently homeless in Wales? Are there any regional variations that stand...
Vikki Howells: Minister, I would like to welcome the pragmatism of your decision today. This is a virus that could be with us for a year or two or even more, and we simply can't deprive our young people of face-to-face education for that length of time. But this is a staggered return, which needs to be done safely, so I'd like to ask you for a little more detail on how you're working with teachers to ensure...
Vikki Howells: Minister, I'm interested in the practical machinery of Government here, and how it is going to deliver. So, could you tell us a little more about how the advice provided from these individuals outside Government is going to get into the work of Government, and get there at speed? And, secondly, I know that lots of speakers have touched on the environmental issues, and I note that a report was...
Vikki Howells: Minister, I'd like to ask you about what will happen as we move forward, particularly in relation to the skills agenda. Now, I'm sure you're aware that parts of the south Wales Valleys not only have high rates of coronavirus, but have also been identified as being more economically at risk in terms of the fallout after the crisis as well. So, I'd like to ask you what plans there are for the...
Vikki Howells: For.
Vikki Howells: Minister, I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear I've had lots of positive feedback from Cynon Valley businesses about the speed and efficiency of Rhondda Cynon Taf's application of the rate relief element of the Welsh Government business support. But having said that, I am concerned that some businesses are being—[Inaudible.]—access that support. What dialogue has taken place with...
Vikki Howells: First Minister, I've received a great deal of positive feedback from businesses in the Cynon Valley regarding the economic resilience fund and how it's plugged the gaps in the provision from the UK Government. But I've also been contacted by several businesses that can't access the funds currently as they're below the £85,000 VAT threshold. Can I ask what work is taking place around this gap...
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Minister, for your statement today. I'd like, first of all, to ask you if you could give us an update on the number of doctors and nurses who are previously retired and have returned to the NHS and perhaps also any student nurses and how they are able to plug those gaps. My second question is around the announcement about GP online video consultations. Can you confirm that they are...
Vikki Howells: Thank you for your answer, Minister. It's my very firm belief that we have one of the best heritage sectors in the world here in Wales, both in terms of its cultural significance and the benefits that it brings to the Welsh economy as well. So, could you outline for me, please, a little further the kind of guidance that you've been giving to that sector to guide them through the coronavirus...
Vikki Howells: Thank you for your answer, Minister, and I do applaud you for making that a mandatory part of the curriculum. I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Hafan Cymru to discuss the Welsh Government-funded Spectrum project. I was very impressed by that, with the age-appropriate content around healthy relationships and domestic abuse that they offer to Welsh schools, and, crucially, free of...
Vikki Howells: 8. Will the Minister outline the way in which compulsory school age pupils within the Cynon Valley are taught the importance of healthy relationships? OAQ55240
Vikki Howells: 10. Will the Welsh Government provide an update on its work to protect and promote the historic environment in Wales? OAQ55241
