Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. We haven't been made aware or informed that park home occupiers have seen significant increases in pitch fees here in Wales, but obviously it's really important that we monitor the situation. Unlike in England, pitch fees here are based on the consumer price index and not the retail price index, so I think that is the significant difference. But, of course, we recognise the points...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I am aware the Deputy Minister for Social Justice works very closely with veterans services right across Wales on a variety of issues around health and housing, for instance. I'm not aware of anything specific about the group of people that you refer to, but I will certainly ask if there is anything specific that can be done, and, if so, there will be a statement.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I'm very aware of junior parkruns. I have one in my own constituency, which my daughter, who does parkrun, has commandeered me into volunteering on. I think it is a good way of getting young people active, and certainly the ones that I have seen in Wrexham have been very well supported. You will be aware that in our schools both the Minister for Education and Welsh Language and the...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. As I've committed the Deputy Minister for Climate Change to publish a written statement on the south Wales metro, I think it's only fair that he does one on the north Wales metro as well.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I assume the process is still the same for Members to be able to give that evidence, but I will check with the Minister for Climate Change in relation to that.
Lesley Griffiths: It is true that there have been a number of disappointing delays with bringing these new trains into service. They do include the need for Transport for Wales to rigorously ensure they're safe and they're reliable for passenger use, following some incidents during their testing. It's very unfortunate that Vivarail have entered administration, but that's obviously not the fault of Transport...
Lesley Griffiths: Absolutely, I agree with Mike Hedges. We obviously believe everyone should have access to a decent, affordable home. This is fundamental to people's mental and physical health, and of course their well-being as well. The Member will be aware that we're funding numerous programmes to increase access to those homes, including record funding for building low-carbon social houses for rent. You'll...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I was reading a very interesting article on this issue yesterday. I know the Minister for Health and Social Services is aware, obviously, of what's happened in England, and is considering further action that might be necessary here in Wales. I'm sure she will do a statement when she's done that consideration.
Lesley Griffiths: The Deputy Minister for Climate Change will be happy to do a written statement.
Lesley Griffiths: There is one change to this week's business. The Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) (Wales) Regulations 2022 will be debated immediately after the debate on the draft budget statement. Draft business for the next three weeks of the spring term is set out in the business statement and announcement, which can be found amongst the meeting papers available to Members electronically.
Lesley Griffiths: There will be a written statement issued this afternoon, but can I just—
Lesley Griffiths: There will be a written statement this afternoon, and if I could just clarify as the Member, I think, said nine children had unfortunately died in Wales; it's in the UK. I absolutely agree with you, though, these are all really tragic cases.
Lesley Griffiths: I know the Minister for Health and Social Services has been working very closely with all the health boards around winter preparedness, but we obviously recognise there are many challenges, and I know the Minister met with the ambulance service—I think it was two weeks ago, but it may have been last week—to discuss issues with the number of ambulances that aren't able to put patients into...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. You will have heard me say in my answer to Jane Dodds that we absolutely value social partnership, so the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership is certainly working with the fire service at the moment to see what more can be done to try and attract people to the roles. I wasn't aware of the significant number that you refer to, but I know the Deputy Minister is.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, we do recognise why so many ambulance workers have voted the way they did, and the anger and the disappointment amongst so many of our public sector workers at the current time. We believe our emergency services should be fairly rewarded for their important work, but you'll appreciate our current financial settlement falls far short of what's needed to meet the significant...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, obviously, this falls within my portfolio, and I am very keen to address the many concerns that have been raised with me around greyhound racing. As you will be aware, the Petitions Committee has had a significant petition, and I'm awaiting the outcome of that, as well as obviously having this as part of our animal welfare plan—that is a five-year plan that I published,...
Lesley Griffiths: Well, I'm not aware of the issue you raise around the nursery. I do think it would be better to correspond directly with Caerphilly County Borough Council on this occasion.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I think you raise a really important point. Osteoporosis affects many of us and many of our constituents, and I will certainly ask the Minister for Health and Social Services to come forward with a written statement.
Lesley Griffiths: Diolch. The Minister for Health and Social Services will be making a statement as soon as possible around the strep A situation. We are certainly seeing a higher number of cases of strep A bacterial infection this year compared to recent years, and unfortunately we have seen the tragic outcomes in recent weeks, and our thoughts and condolences go out to all the families and all those impacted...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I absolutely accept what you're saying about the phrase 'cost-of-living crisis' and how it's just become part of our language, really, over the past few months. I was speaking with the Minister for Social Justice this morning. I know she's making urgent representations to the UK Government, and I'm sure she'll be very happy to update Members when those discussions have—. Well,...
