Peredur Owen Griffiths: Thank you to the Minister for this afternoon's statement. May I begin by saying that it's not just an excellent day for the Urdd for celebrating its centenary today, and the fact that we are celebrating Santes Dwynwen's Day, but relevant to this statement, I also wish a very happy birthday to Tŷ Hafan, which is celebrating its twenty-third birthday today? And the statement is an excellent...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: To compound matters, we have a Tory Government in Westminster that is beyond parody. While millions of people worry about how they will be able to afford their utility bills over the next 12 months, the lack of a cohesive answer from the UK Government over the looming cost-of-living crisis is unacceptable. If they devoted as much time and effort into tackling the cost-of-living crisis as they...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: I agree entirely with Rhun there. Forcing people to choose between heating and eating a hot meal is dreadful, and the damage to people who can't access food regularly is unforgivable and frightening.
Peredur Owen Griffiths: We face a perfect storm: inequality and poverty, which were at unprecedented levels before coronavirus, have been amplified in the last two years. Life is already a struggle for so many, yet things are set to get worse—much worse. The energy price cap is expected to surge in April. If that was not bad enough, utility prices are set to rise once again six months later. Predictions are that...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this debate.
Peredur Owen Griffiths: There exist huge inequalities in wealth and health in our society. I don't believe that anyone taking part in this debate could claim otherwise, but I would be delighted to show them around some of the communities in my region of South Wales East if they need further convincing. The pandemic over the last two years has amplified these differences that already existed, exacerbated by more than...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: Diolch, Minister, for this budget update this afternoon. I'm speaking this afternoon as one of the regional Members for South Wales East. I welcome the extra clarity your statement brings, because it allows the Senedd to provide the rigorous and focused scrutiny that is required for each and every Welsh Government budget. I'd appreciate further detail on a couple of important matters. Since...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: What financial support has the Welsh Government provided to local authorities in South Wales East to enable them to deliver services during the pandemic?
Peredur Owen Griffiths: To return to foodbanks, one of the most upsetting aspects of this operation are the food parcels that are ready to eat straight away. Why, you might ask, is this upsetting or even necessary? It’s because some people do not have access to cooking facilities, or are unable to afford to turn the electric or gas on to cook the food. How many pensioners will be facing this problem this winter...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: It's no surprise, therefore, that those entering hospital with undernutrition more than doubled in the seven years to 2017, with high rates among older people between 60 and 69 years of age. Since the publication of those figures, we've had another four years of a Tory Government in Westminster. Their reforms in the welfare state have led to significant cuts in public expenditure, social care...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: As we approach Christmas, this debate is particularly timely, and we've heard those words a lot this evening. But it reminds us of those who will go with nothing over the festive period. For these people, there will be no gifts, no feasting—there won't even be hidden parties that they can deny they attended. The best that most can hope for is a roof over their heads, enough heat to keep...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: The grim and meteoric rise of foodbanks has a Dickensian feel about it. It pains me that so many people in Wales are in poverty, and so many are unable to do anything about it. This is true of older people who are on a fixed income and have no opportunity to increase it. Foodbanks have been an important safety net for people on or under the breadline, but older people find it harder to access...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: What consideration has the Government given to introducing control mechanisms to regulate the area of Welsh land that can be used for carbon offsetting?
Peredur Owen Griffiths: Trefnydd, at the beginning of this month, correspondence was issued by the Deputy Minister for Climate Change to the planner for Persimmon Homes east Wales. The letter concerned a controversial plan to build 300 homes on fields around Heol y Cefn, Cefn Fforest, Bedwellty—controversial because this green space is much appreciated locally, and there are brownfield sites within close proximity...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: Diolch yn fawr. Last week, we saw the release of some disturbing figures for the Gwent area when it comes to domestic violence. The South Wales Argus reported that domestic abuse crimes have more than doubled in Gwent during the last six years. Despite legislation like the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 and high-profile campaigns like the recent...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: 6. What is the Government doing to eliminate violence against women? OQ57336
Peredur Owen Griffiths: I'd like to thank Rhianon for granting me a minute of her time in this important debate this evening. I was reminded of the power of music during a concert and dinner to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Abertillery town band just a few weeks ago. The concert was superb and moved many people to tears. The dinner afterwards featured many powerful testimonies of how the band had brought...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: Whilst the pandemic has been difficult for many sections of society, older people have suffered more than most. The increased threat of coronavirus to their health has increased isolation and loneliness, taking a heavy toll on the mental and physical health of older people. The economic fallout has also had a big impact on older people. Since the start of the pandemic, 24 per cent of workers...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I broadly welcome the statement from the Government today. People in Wales are generally living longer; it is estimated that in 20 years, a quarter of the population may be over 65. With an ageing population, publishing a strategy that makes life easier for older people is something that any responsible government should be doing, from the practical side of things....
Peredur Owen Griffiths: Trefnydd, I would like to raise the issue of drug addiction services in Wales. Following on from last week's short debate by Jayne Bryant and from the short debate I held on substance misuse earlier this term, this Government committed itself to making a compassionate approach to tackling addiction. It was heartening to hear the Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Well-being say, 'In Wales,...
