Ken Skates: Yes, I'd very much agree with the Member, and the issue of proper consultation is something that I've raised with Transport for Wales as we approach the May timetable change. I think it's essential that stakeholder groups, that communities, are informed well in advance of proposed changes so that they can have some input into whether those changes are beneficial or otherwise. There is a...
Ken Skates: The December timetable change was the biggest change to services for over three decades. This has benefited some rail users, whilst other services have unfortunately been affected. Transport for Wales has sought to introduce alternative measures where services have been affected, and are reviewing further timetable amendment possibilities as part of the May timetable change.
Ken Skates: Well, can I thank the Member for her question? The Member is absolutely right—the performance of the local economy in Islwyn is something to be celebrated. A Member earlier mentioned weekly earnings as a concern in Wales. Well, I'm pleased to say that, as a result of our hard work, average gross full-time weekly earnings in Islwyn stand at around about £598. That's significantly above the...
Ken Skates: We continue to support a number of businesses in the Islwyn constituency, backed by the launch of our economic action plan. We continue to assist Welsh businesses to start, grow and thrive through Business Wales and the Development Bank of Wales alongside the establishment of a dedicated regional office.
Ken Skates: Can I thank Mike Hedges for his suggestion? I will certainly relay the suggestion of better signage at junction 45 to officials. As I've already said, the WelTAG stage 2 study between junctions 43 and 47 will determine the best solutions to tackle congestion, to tackle safety and poor journey times. Clearly, if for safety reasons or improved journey times it's deemed that better signage...
Ken Skates: Yes. Alongside considering improving connectivity across the region, a Welsh Government transport appraisal guidance stage 1 study has identified improvement options between junctions 43 and 47 of the M4. Solutions will be progressed through a stage 2 study, aiming to tackle congestion, safety, poor journey times and also poor air quality.
Ken Skates: I think I've made it very clear not just through the letter but also in my answers today that any such proposal—and at the moment, it is only an idea—is applied in a fair way; that a proposal such as this does not lead to communities feeling that they are being pitched against one another; that they're interests are in some way being prioritised below or above another community; that...
Ken Skates: Can I thank Leanne Wood for her question? I do share her concerns over a lack of opportunity for many people in many remote areas to be able to access work and services, because of the lack of available bus services or because they're too expensive for people to use. It's true to say that the buses Bill will make a significant difference in terms of allowing local authorities greater power to...
Ken Skates: In light of the fact that we have declared a climate emergency, of course, in future years, when we consider whether to continue this service, we'll be paying more attention to the emissions that are caused as a consequence of operating the service. But, in the meantime, I am pleased that the Member has recognised improvements in that service. It provides a valuable service for many people in...
Ken Skates: Can I thank Vikki for her question? I very much agree that, in terms of the proposals that have been made, it's absolutely essential that we need to undertake detailed consideration and examine all equality and fairness issues, not just in terms of how a congestion charge may apply, but also how any revenue raised from it may be spent. In regard to the vision of improved bus services, not...
Ken Skates: The Member very much sounds like an advocate for the fair work agenda, actually. What we are doing through the economic contract is encouraging employers to behave more responsibly, not just for the environment and for future generations, but for their existing workforce. As a result of the economic contract, we expect businesses to be able to demonstrate how they're improving the well-being...
Ken Skates: Thank you. We continue to work with Transport for Wales and with local authorities to transform our transport network not only in South Wales Central, but across the whole of Wales, so that it truly does become sustainable and fit for future generations.
Ken Skates: Yes, of course. As the Member is aware, Transport for Wales have undertaken an outline business case study of the Ebbw Vale line on behalf of the Welsh Government, and we are now reviewing its findings in order to set out next steps. I can confirm also that the outline business case has identified an estimate of the total capital cost to achieve four trains per hour on the Ebbw Vale line....
Ken Skates: Three things in response to Dai Rees's question. First of all, you're right: the Bill will achieve much in terms of giving local authorities a range of tools that they've been deprived of for several decades. But the Bill alone will not solve the problems that we face with bus services across Wales. The bus services support grant is vitally important. We've been able to maintain it through a...
Ken Skates: Can I thank the Member for his question? It gives me an opportunity to update him and others on how much we are spending on road improvements and pinch points in north Wales. Our list of improvements amounts to £600 million, and it stretches from the far west of north Wales, right across to the border with England—hugely important programmes of work on the A55 that will improve...
Ken Skates: My Deputy Minister has just reminded me that we are funding the social entrepreneurs academy. We are also funding Business Wales, of course, to take care of the needs of social businesses in Wales. And we also support the Wales Co-operative Centre, where magnificent work is done in supporting co-operatives across the country. My view of co-operatives is that they are absolutely vital in...
Ken Skates: Well, a vast amount, including the £5 billion rail franchise agreement and hundreds of millions of pounds for improved roads; specifically, £600 million for improved roads in the Member's region of north Wales.
Ken Skates: Yes, very much so, and this is something that I know the Deputy Minister is looking at very keenly, as well as my Deputy Minister, with specific regard to growing the foundational economy—those areas of, if you like, mundane economic activity that contribute so much to employment in Wales.
Ken Skates: Look, we have heard it now. Plaid Cymru would not have supported an investment in Aston Martin Lagonda. We've heard it here. It's very, very clear: Plaid Cymru would not have invested in 1,000 jobs in a flagship company for the Welsh economy. I think it's important now that the people of Wales recognise that that is Plaid Cymru's position. You would have spent the money elsewhere. We have...
Ken Skates: It's a superfluous question, because the future of Aston Martin is incredibly bright. I still haven't heard any Plaid Cymru spokesperson welcome the fact that we have Aston Martin in Wales. This was a huge success story for the Welsh Government. It was a historic moment when we were able to announce the fact that Aston Martin were coming to Wales, because it's the first time in over 50 years...
