Lesley Griffiths: Well, the Member will have heard me say in my answer to Carolyn Thomas that I think it's really important that we don't have unintended consequences. And one of the things I think that could happen is that you could see landlords exiting the market in large numbers, and that, therefore, would reduce the supply of property, which could lead to significantly increased homelessness. There are...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I am aware that the Minister completely understands the calls for urgent action on rent control. But I think it's absolutely vital that any steps that the Welsh Government takes to address the issues don't lead to a reduction in the private rented sector or a potential rise in homelessness. I think unintended consequences must be obviously avoided. The Minister has asked for some...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Since November 2021, we have announced £380 million of funding to help Welsh households manage the cost-of-living crisis. On 1 December this year, the law will change to provide better protection and clearer rights for tenants in Wales.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. The Member is right; we are in drought status right across Wales, and certainly we've seen some prolonged dry weather this year. I think, again, it reflects the challenges that we do face in tackling climate change. I think one of the first things I would say is it's really important that we all, every single one of us—every member of the public, every business—use water...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Our natural resources are under pressure from climate change, extreme weather and population growth. A more integrated and sustainable approach to the way we manage our water resources will enable us to maximise economic and social benefits in an equitable way, whilst protecting vital ecosystems and the environment.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I'm not aware that the Minister is looking at anything. I would suggest that you write to her. But I think the point you raise is really important. If you look at the local development plan process, for instance, it's very transparent, and it needs to have that community involvement. I would think that the Minister would be very keen to increase community involvement. Going back to...
Lesley Griffiths: I share the disbelief I think you're expressing, and frustration, in the announcements that came from UK Government, and, clearly, their obsession with fossil fuels. It is deeply depressing, I think, to see how far back they want to go. As you heard the First Minister say very clearly yesterday, there will be no fracking here in Wales, and I think that will be shared by the Plaid Cymru bench,...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I share your concerns about the fire in Victoria Wharf. I'm sure the Minister will certainly consider your request. Certainly, from the information I have here, I think we're awaiting confirmation from one more developer around medium or high-rise buildings. I know the Minister is aware of some instances—I think a number of instances—where the responsible person and the...
Lesley Griffiths: I don't recognise the scenario the Member describes; 163 buildings have been identified for intrusive survey work already. Whilst I appreciate that work was hoped to be completed by the end of the summer, as I say, it is extended into the autumn. That's largely due to the need to secure permission from responsible owners to access buildings. The Minister continues to work very closely with...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. As a Government, we were very concerned to hear of the recent fire you refer to at Victoria Wharf. I understand it may have been a result of the sun shining through an open balcony door and igniting some loose flakes of wood on a balcony and that led to the fire. I'm very relieved no one was hurt and the fire was put out quickly. The Minister is continuing to work closely with UK...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Our Welsh building safety fund is open for responsible persons to submit an expression of interest for residential buildings 11m or more. To date, 261 expressions of interest have been received and 163 require an intrusive survey. This survey work is ongoing and scheduled for completion early autumn.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, no proposals have been published at the current time—they will be in due course—but I know the Minister for education is talking to the relevant organisations and partners.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. In relation to your second question, the Minister for Education and Welsh Language has already published a written statement on 26 August regarding the very factually incorrect information that unfortunately was being discussed in a public domain from a certain group of people. I think the Minister for education was very clear in his written statement—I do hope you've had the...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Both the questions you asked, I think it shows the importance of having awareness days or weeks or months. I wasn't aware actually that it is deaf awareness month. I normally have a long list ahead of the business statement, but I wasn't aware of that, so thank you very much for highlighting that. Both of the conditions that you refer to are very debilitating, and I think the...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, as you said, the First Minister addressed this during his question and answer session, and I certainly don't disagree, and I don't think the First Minister would, that the air ambulance is part of a jigsaw. However, it is fiercely independent. I remember, when I was health Minister, 11 years ago, they were fiercely independent then also. They don't receive any direct funding...
Lesley Griffiths: I will certainly have a discussion with the appropriate Minister and report back to you.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, if there is a fiscal statement coming forward from the UK Government, I'm sure the Minister for Finance and Local Government will update Members. You're absolutely right about the past few months. As a Government, we have £600 million less spending power since the comprehensive spending review brought forward by the UK Government last year, so we are very well aware of the...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. In respect of your first question, you're quite right, the lack of communication is unacceptable if it was as you outlined, particularly in the case that you identified this morning. I am aware that the Deputy Minister for Climate Change meets regularly with the chief executive and other officers of Transport for Wales, and I will certainly ask him to update Members if there is...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. As the mother of a daughter who is a coder, I absolutely appreciate what you're saying about it being a very male-dominated sector. I don't know if you're aware—I'm sure you are—that it's National Coding Week this week. That was begun a few years ago now in recognition of the need to fill that growing skills gap that was there. The Minister brought forward the digital...
Lesley Griffiths: Diolch, Llywydd. Plenary business this week is as set out on the Plenary agendas published this morning. Draft business for the next three weeks is set out on the business statement and announcement, which can be found amongst the meeting papers available to Members electronically.
