Vikki Howells: Earlier this year, we commemorated the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918. More than 5 million mainly working-class men received the vote, and nearly 8.5 million women also became voters. But these women did not receive the franchise on an equal basis. Rather, under that Act, new women voters had to be over 30 years of age. They or their husbands also had to meet stringent...
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. Further to your written statement today, I'd just like to stress the fact that my constituency, like many across Wales, has been scarred by a series of devastating fires over the past few days. Incidents have included a forestry fire near Llwydcoed, described as hundreds of metres wide, the Maerdy mountain fire and the Hirwaun ironworks. Firstly, Cabinet...
Vikki Howells: 2. Will the Welsh Government make a statement on the recent spate of grass fires affecting communities across Wales? 196
Vikki Howells: Thank you, First Minister, and I would wholeheartedly agree with that. I recently visited Cylch Meithrin Seren Fach in Mountain Ash in my constituency, a registered childcare provider. They're supported by the Wales Co-operative Centre and achieved really positive results in their recent Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales inspections. As we are in Co-operatives Fortnight, and with improving...
Vikki Howells: 7. How is the Welsh Government supporting the co-operative and mutuals sector to improve outcomes for children and young people? OAQ52461
Vikki Howells: What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the role of co-operative principles within the Welsh education system?
Vikki Howells: With the death of Frank Vickery yesterday at the age of 67 after a short illness, Wales hasn’t just lost one of its most prolific playwrights, we've also lost one of the most perceptive observers of the characters, humour and wit of the south Wales Valleys. The son of a Rhondda miner, Frank left school at 15. He worked in various jobs, whilst acting and writing in his spare time. His first...
Vikki Howells: What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact that leaving the European Union will have on public finances in Wales?
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary; there's lots to welcome in your very important statement today. First, I'd like to seek some clarification on a number of points. On the possibility of introducing Lucy's law to ban third-party puppy sales, I welcome your comments about discussing options with officials. We know on welfare grounds that there's a growing chorus of recognition that it's a good...
Vikki Howells: Thank you, First Minister. I welcome those comments on the rail aspect of the metro, but I think it's important to note that, from its inception, the metro project has been promoted as an integrated transport solution. The geography of the Valleys means that it's often our most impoverished communities that can be furthest away from the train links on the valley floor. So, for them to...
Vikki Howells: 4. How will the south Wales metro improve access to public transport in the Cynon Valley? OAQ52384
Vikki Howells: Well, carers champions have more of an informal role of supporting young people and then, of course, there are other services that can come into play, such as social services, really. So, this is an on-the-ground, grass-roots kind of response providing that day-to-day support and care. Within my own constituency, I'm fortunate to have a really strong young carers project. Action for...
Vikki Howells: Like many colleagues here today, I too have made my pledge to do what I can to support and to promote the work of carers during Carers Week 2018. So, I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate today. As has been said, there are 370,000 carers in Wales, and that constitutes 12 per cent of the population, which is the highest proportion anywhere in the UK. We know that carers...
Vikki Howells: Diolch. Thank you, Cabinet Secretary, for your really important announcement today. I'm glad that you were able to see such good examples of best practice at two locations within the Cynon Valley, and hopefully they will enhance your ability to take that and roll it out elsewhere. Two quick questions, then. Firstly, can I welcome the recognition in the plan of the work carried out by carers...
Vikki Howells: Diolch, Llywydd. Sorry—.
Vikki Howells: What action is the Welsh Government taking to reduce the impact of poverty on citizens' lives?
Vikki Howells: Diolch, Llywydd. At the start of June, competitors from across the world gathered in the Portuguese city of Guimarães. They were there to compete in the fifteenth Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships. During the preceding age-group championships, team GB competitors included 11-year-old Seren Jones of Aberdare. This talented young gymnast was part of a team who made history by securing...
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Counsel General. As you will know, currently, the Crown is automatically exempted under laws passed in this place unless the provision is explicitly included. In the draft Legislation (Wales) Bill there is a proposal to reverse this so that the Crown and all its property will be automatically subject to Welsh law. Can you explain the rationale for this proposed change and if you...
Vikki Howells: 4. What assessment has the Counsel General made of how laws in Wales apply to the Crown? OAQ52282
Vikki Howells: Will the Welsh Government outline how it intends to increase the numbers of tourists visiting the south Wales valleys?
