Vikki Howells: Thank you for that answer, Llywydd. I've been looking at a study from the University of Cambridge's Centre for the Future of Democracy, and that suggests that the number of people in the UK who are dissatisfied with democracy stands at nearly three out of five. The centre has tracked views on democracy since 1995, and this is the highest recorded level ever. In a context where turnout in...
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Minister, and I welcome that update on plans for a measure that I feel could really benefit communities like mine. The Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government provided an oral statement last week on the transforming towns agenda, where she spoke about the Welsh Government's approach to tackling issues related to landbanking. Do you agree with me, Minister, that a vacant...
Vikki Howells: 6. Will the Minister provide an update on plans to introduce a vacant land tax for Wales? OAQ55033
Vikki Howells: 3. Will the Commission make a statement on efforts to promote the forthcoming Assembly election? OAQ55042
Vikki Howells: First Minister, it is a fact that there is a national shortage of A&E consultants across England and Wales, but it is my very firm belief that, in such challenging circumstances, health boards—and in particular, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board—must approach recruitment strategically if they are to be successful. For example, advertising for permanent not temporary positions, and...
Vikki Howells: Thank you for your answer, First Minister. I was really pleased to hear about the package of measures brought together under the transforming towns agenda, and they show, I believe, the Welsh Government's commitment to towns like Mountain Ash and Aberdare in my constituency. Now, with my interest in a vacant land tax, it will come as no surprise to you that I particularly welcome the...
Vikki Howells: 3. How is the Welsh Government supporting the regeneration of towns in Wales? OAQ55028
Vikki Howells: Minister, this is an issue that is of great concern to my constituents. Those who live in Cilfynydd, Glyncoch and Ynysybwl depend directly upon the A&E facilities at the Royal Glamorgan, whilst the rest of my constituents, who depend upon A&E provision at Prince Charles Hospital, are rightly concerned about the additional pressures that could be placed upon facilities there if A&E at the...
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Minister, and thank you also for your previous response to my written questions from earlier in the month. This is really important as a stepping stone towards the introduction of Lucy's law to ban the third-party sale of cats and dogs. The perception out there of a lack of progress is causing concern amongst campaigners, with fears that, after England brings in its own Lucy's law...
Vikki Howells: 3. Will the Minister outline the Welsh Government’s response to the recommendations set out in the urgent review of the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014 that was commissioned in October 2019? OAQ54980
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Deputy Minister, for your statement here today. I've got three quick questions for you. Firstly, around your comments on the town-centre-first principle, in my constituency, in the Cynon Valley, I've seen some really positive examples, where the council has enhanced the public service offers available in our town centres. And I agree with your estimate of the benefits of doing...
Vikki Howells: Will the First Minister outline the Welsh Government's priorities for decarbonising homes in Wales?
Vikki Howells: Thank you for your answer, Minister. I know that the decision of the UK Tory Government to drop proposals to protect child refugees from the EU withdrawal Bill was discussed during First Minister's questions last week, and I'm sure, like me, you've been watching the progress with regard to the Dubs amendment too. Many refugees are children, so this is a particularly cruel action, especially...
Vikki Howells: Obviously, with the climate emergency that is facing us, we all understand the need to rapidly decarbonise our travel. The white paper that Cardiff Council has produced, looking at travel around the city, is clearly part of that agenda. But I'd like to associate myself with some of the comments raised by some of my other Labour backbench colleagues from the south Wales Valleys. My concern is...
Vikki Howells: 8. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of Brexit on children's rights? OAQ54948
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Minister, for your statement today. It certainly suggests that there have been some green shoots of progress in terms of putting things right at Cwm Taf Morgannwg maternity services. I'm also really grateful that you've engaged with women and families and with staff, including families from my own constituency, who have engaged with such dignity in the process to try to ensure that...
Vikki Howells: Thank you, First Minister. I know you've been a strong supporter of this project, which has been so important to my constituents, not least in your former role as finance Minister when you put forward the mutual investment model that will ensure that this project is delivered. I know there have been some concerns about the impact of delays and increased costs in dualling earlier sections of...
Vikki Howells: 7. Will the First Minister provide an update on the projected timetable for the dualling of sections 5 and 6 of the A465 Heads of the Valleys road? OAQ54947
Vikki Howells: The second 90-second statement today is about a Welsh darts player—who would've thought it? This Friday, 17 January, would have been the eightieth birthday of Leighton Rees. Leighton was born in Ynysybwl, the village where he spent much of his life. After school, he worked for a motor spares company, and during this time, he took up darts. He was a regular for his pub and county, and then...
Vikki Howells: How is the Welsh Government supporting schools to teach the importance of healthy relationships?
