Tom Giffard: 6. Will the First Minister make a statement on the schools admission process in South Wales West? OQ56746
Tom Giffard: Diolch. Can I thank the Minister for that answer? The Centre for Social Justice's report, 'Universal Basic Income: An Effective Policy for Poverty Reduction', argues that UBI is unaffordable, putting at risk the provision of important services in healthcare and in education, adding that it, quote, 'Doesn’t meet the needs of low income households facing complex problems such as drug...
Tom Giffard: 1. Will the Minister provide an update on plans for a universal basic income for Wales? OQ56695
Tom Giffard: First Minister, in your written edition of your oral statement today, you referred to the flying of the union flag by some of my colleagues in this Senedd as 'vacuous symbolism'. The direct quote was: 'The United Kingdom will not be saved by the sort of vacuous symbolism which has, sadly, been evident even in our own proceedings—the tea towel Tories of 2021'— you said. First Minister,...
Tom Giffard: One of the aims of the rural development programme is to promote strong, sustainable economic growth in Wales. For many farms and rural businesses, this is something that can be achieved by diversification of their businesses. Some in my region, particularly in Gower, have looked to diversify by going into tourism, but many have told me it's quite a long, drawn-out and bureaucratic process....
Tom Giffard: What consideration does the Minister give to the provision of homelessness services by local government when allocating funding to the climate change portfolio?
Tom Giffard: Diolch yn fawr iawn, Llywydd, and it's a real pleasure for me to open this debate today, tabled in the name of Darren Millar. And what a time it is to be debating this topic, with our recent sporting successes and Wales playing in the Euros this afternoon—and I, like you, Llywydd, hope we finish in time today to catch the kick-off of the match against Turkey. The last few years have shown...
Tom Giffard: Diolch. Can I thank the Minister for her answer and congratulate her on her appointment? Because of the movement of housing and planning into the climate change portfolio, I therefore assume that this will see greater protection for green spaces and our natural environment when it comes to planning policy. But, as councils work through their local development plans across Wales, I note that...
Tom Giffard: 1. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of local authorities' plans for housing developments in Wales? OQ56606
Tom Giffard: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I just wanted to clarify for the record my interest in the question I asked the First Minister earlier. I referenced Bridgend County Borough Council in my question without making clear I’m a sitting councillor on Bridgend council, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make that clear now.
Tom Giffard: I thank the First Minister for his answer. Council tax payers in two councils in my region, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, are forced to pay some of the highest rates of council tax anywhere in the UK. In both areas, they pay in excess of £1,900 per year on average for a band D property. We know that Welsh councils generally charge more on their council tax bills than their counterparts in...
Tom Giffard: 5. Will the First Minister make a statement on council tax levels in Wales? OQ56610
Tom Giffard: I realised my mistake.
Tom Giffard: My mistake.
Tom Giffard: Thank you.
Tom Giffard: I think he's got a small idea of what it might be. I recently met with constituents in Caswell Bay to view Surfs Up, a newly built changing places facility. Changing places are larger, accessible toilets with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers. These help make tourism in Wales inclusive to everybody, as disabled toilets have proven to not be...
Tom Giffard: Can I welcome the Minister and the Deputy Minister to their new roles? I really look forward to working with them. I recently met up with constituents in Caswell Bay to view Surfs Up, a newly built changing places facility. Changing places are larger, accessible toilets with equipment such as hoists, curtains and adult-sized—[Interruption.] Oh, I'm sorry I've done that. [Laughter.] Sorry.
Tom Giffard: 5. Will the Minister make a statement on accessible tourism in Wales? OQ56552
Tom Giffard: I just wanted to thank the Minister for her statement and ask a question about GP appointments. At the moment, GP appointments are by phone or video unless there's a clinical need for a face-to-face consultation, and figures from BMA Cymru have recently shown that GPs have faced 18 per cent higher rates of appointments than the pre-COVID levels. Some of these remote consultations will take a...
Tom Giffard: Thank you very much, Llywydd. This is the first time I've spoken, and I congratulate you on your appointment to your role as Llywydd and also congratulate the First Minister on his election.
