Julie James: Thank you very much for that question, Sarah. It's lovely to actually see you in person here in the Senedd. Yes, Bridgend council have been, as I said, an early adopter of reviewing the LDP process, and sustainable development is very much at the heart of that development plan process. All the development plans must comply with the requirements of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, and they...
Julie James: Thank you for your congratulations, and welcome, also, to you to the Senedd and to your new role. So, we're encouraging—. As I just said in answer to the first question, we're encouraging local authorities across Wales to do a review of their LDP, depending on the age and extent of it. Many of them have already started that process. We also now have a process in place that allows them to...
Julie James: So, I'm very committed to a plan-led approach to development across Wales. Maintaining an up-to-date LDP is essential to deliver certainty in the decision making and the delivery of homes, jobs and infrastructure for local communities. An adopted plan well-consulted on means that local planning authorities and communities can positively steer and influence the future, and that's exactly the...
Julie James: The scale and location of new housing is a matter for local planning authorities to determine as part of their local development plan, reflecting the issues they have identified in line with the requirements of national planning policy and 'Future Wales'.
Julie James: AONBs play an important role in protecting and enhancing our environment in Wales. Welsh Government has provided significant extra funding and resources to AONBs in recent years to enable them to play a greater role in the delivery of priorities, such as nature recovery and addressing the climate emergency.
Julie James: Responsible private sector landlords will be registered and licenced with Rent Smart Wales. This provides access to a range of training opportunities, guidance and information on support available to both landlords and their tenants.
Julie James: We work closely with communities, business and young people to provide opportunities to engage in the climate change agenda. Through grant programmes like Renew, Business Wales and our economic contract, we offer support to both raise awareness of climate change and help people take real, practical action.
Julie James: Welsh Government supports the development of a post-2020 global biodiversity framework, enabling bold action to drive transformative change to halt biodiversity loss. Our priorities include mainstreaming biodiversity consideration in all decision making, strengthening capacity and capability to implement nature based solutions, and sharing best practice in Wales and internationally.
Julie James: Communities like Islwyn are leading the drive to make the circular economy a reality in Wales, with innovative local businesses using recycled materials and eco-schools taking action on plastic. These important contributions are a key part of our drive for a zero-waste, net-zero-carbon Wales.
Julie James: We have committed to investing a record £250 million to support social housing during 2021-22, which is more than double the level of funding in 2020-21. This will support our commitment to deliver 20,000 new low-carbon homes for rent in the social sector during this Government term.
Julie James: We are exploring all potential options on holiday accommodation, including short-term lets, with the intention of introducing a clear plan to support communities.
Julie James: I move the motions. The Plant Health etc. (Fees) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 amend the Plant Health etc. (Fees) (Wales) Regulations 2018 in consequence of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. The 2018 regulations specify fees payable to the Welsh Ministers in relation to plant health services, and, in particular, certain fees payable to the Welsh Ministers in...
Julie James: But we have it demonstrated in front of us that active travel, the ability to use our streets as more than just a place to put your car, really does improve physical and mental health. Increasing woodlands, biodiversity and access to the natural environment absolutely has a beneficial effect on mental health, and if you feel that you are able to improve your natural environment, it has an...
Julie James: The biggest thing they said to us was that they wanted decision makers to listen to them, and so I'm really pleased to say that one of the first things we are doing here in Wales is listening, with a determination to act. So, the First Minister has been really clear that our focus now must be on recovery from the pandemic, but also recovery from the devastation of climate change, building a...
Julie James: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I’d like to thank Delyth Jewell for highlighting such an important issue so early on in the Senedd term. I'm obviously really delighted; it's the first time I've spoken in this Senedd, and certainly the first time I've spoken as the new Minister for Climate Change, and I’d certainly like to thank her for giving us this early opportunity to have a decent first stab...
Julie James: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and can I add my voice to those who are saying how grateful they are to you for your firm and determined leadership in your position as Deputy Presiding Officer? I have been very grateful, during your term of office, for your guidance and support, and, in fact, ever since I joined the Assembly, back in 2011, I've been grateful for your friendship,...
Julie James: Formally.
Julie James: No, thank you, Llywydd.
Julie James: Diolch, Llywydd. In my written statement of 17 March, I informed Members that I had laid the Public Health (Protection from Eviction) (No. 2) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021—the subject of today's debate. I also indicated that I would be laying today, under the negative procedure, the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Residential Tenancies: Extension of Period of Protection from Eviction)...
Julie James: No. No, thank you.
