Vikki Howells: Thank you, First Minister. At the last meeting of the cross-party group on industrial communities, Professor Steve Fothergill presented evidence to us showing the stark association between low pay and the former industrial parts of Wales. Median pay in older industrial areas is just 90 per cent of the UK average. Women are more disadvantaged than men, and median pay in Rhondda Cynon Taf,...
Vikki Howells: 1. Will the First Minister outline what actions the Welsh Government is taking to tackle the issue of low pay in Wales? OAQ51651
Vikki Howells: As has already been stated, city deals offer a new opportunity to bring together a range of stakeholders to really boost the economies of Wales. It offers a new, joined-up way of working. Importantly, they will be backed up by an injection of capital that could help deliver major infrastructural benefits. But it is important that we get city deals right, that their governance is...
Vikki Howells: Does the leader of the house, with her responsibilities for broadband and for equality, agree with me that marriage equality actually has very little to do with the superfast broadband roll-out? Does she also concur with me that the comments from the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, quite flippantly connecting the two, are little more than just another demonstration of how crass,...
Vikki Howells: 10. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the use of structural funds to promote prosperity in the northern valleys?
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. The Industrial Communities Alliance have suggested that a new UK regional development fund should be central to any post-Brexit regional policy. However, they've also pointed out that this needs to be managed on a devolved basis, and that any moneys allocated should be above and beyond that due via the Barnett formula. Getting this right is key to the prosperity...
Vikki Howells: Will the Welsh Government provide an update on its work to promote digital inclusion in Wales?
Vikki Howells: Cabinet Secretary, I welcome your comments about people being central to the delivery of transport policy. In my constituency, there is a debate as to whether bus or train links would best serve one local community under any future metro scheme. What mechanisms will be built in for community consultation, so that services can be shaped to meet the needs and demands of local people?
Vikki Howells: Leader of the house, I'd like to request an update from the Welsh Government on the financial inclusion strategy for Wales. I've recently received a very useful report from my local citizens advice bureau on the effects of the closure of the last bank in town on the community of Mountain Ash. As Aberdare has also been affected by closures with three large banks closing in the last...
Vikki Howells: In 1994, 10 years after the miners' strike, the UK Government turned their attention to the last deep pit in south Wales. The target of their economic vandalism was Tower Colliery. Tower in Hirwaun was profitable—it had been commended by John Redwood, of all people, for its productivity. But Westminster still decided to strike its final blow against the once-mighty miners. The NUM Tower...
Vikki Howells: Cabinet Secretary, I recently met with Citizens Advice in my local area to discuss their work campaigning on pre-payment meters. I'm sure that you will be fully aware that people on pre-payment meters are some of our most vulnerable citizens, who are often disadvantaged to the tune of several hundred pounds a year. Rhondda Cynon Taf actually has the highest number of households with...
Vikki Howells: Well, what I would say in reply to that is that we're currently doing an investigation in the Public Accounts Committee, and we've taken evidence from members of the Welsh Local Government Association who say that removing this ring fence will actually allow more flexible levels of support. So, I do think it's something that we need to really keep an eye on, but I don't think there's undue...
Vikki Howells: I'm speaking today in support of the final budget as laid down by the finance Secretary last month. This budget shows the commitment of the Welsh Government to invest in the vital public services communities across Wales rely on. This achievement is rendered even more remarkable when we remember the damaging impact of the current UK Government's policies. The Tory obsession with their...
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. I'm sure you'll be aware that I've been spearheading a local campaign within Cynon Valley to improve Sunday services. And, following on from that campaign, Arriva did double the number of services from Aberdare during the month of December, and this was welcome news for many of my constituents, who were able to access employment opportunities much further afield...
Vikki Howells: 1. Beth yw blaenoriaethau Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer gwella cysylltiadau trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus i drigolion Cwm Cynon yn 2018? OAQ51518
Vikki Howells: I welcome the cross-cutting approach contained within this delivery plan. When I attended the taskforce’s evidence session in Mountain Ash, there was a breadth of ideas from local people about how we can make the Valleys an ever better place to live and work. This diversity is well captured in the delivery plan, which alongside the expected focus on economic improvement, jobs and skills,...
Vikki Howells: I welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the early part of this inquiry and commend the committee and their clerks on a really useful report. I intend to address the bulk of my comments today to recommendation 5 on the way in which woodlands can serve us as an effective tool for regeneration and for engaging with local communities. I think this is key. It also echoes an important strand of...
Vikki Howells: As this important piece of work from the climate change committee reminds us, 15 per cent of Wales is covered by forestry. Our woodlands are an important ecosystem; a vital, environmental tool, an opportunity for healthy leisure and recreation and a valuable, economic resource. How we manage them is crucial to the sort of Wales we want to create.
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. I was very interested to read both of those documents. From my own experience, the school that I taught in had very strong links with the University of South Wales, which was very beneficial to our students. I also believe the Seren network—previously mentioned—although focusing on our most able and talented students, has wider benefits to schools too. But I...
Vikki Howells: 5. How is the Welsh Government encouraging the development of strong links between universities and schools in Wales? OAQ5146
