Luke Fletcher: Diolch, Llywydd. Minister, the announcement in the draft budget relating to business rates relief has been broadly welcomed by businesses across Wales, especially so in the hospitality, retail and leisure sector. The Federation of Small Businesses said, for example, that the measures will go some way to alleviate the pressures on small firms that they are facing. However, I am sure the...
Luke Fletcher: 4. How does the Minister intend to support Welsh research and development in light of ongoing uncertainties with Horizon Europe? OQ58889
Luke Fletcher: Thank you to the Minister for his statement.
Luke Fletcher: Of course, the young person's guarantee is an important programme for Wales; I think it's fair to say that we all want to see this succeed. After all, we won't reach our targets around net zero, for example, unless we ensure that young people have the skills that they need in the future economy. Much, of course, has changed since it was first announced, however, there are always consistencies...
Luke Fletcher: Dioch, Prif Weinidog. It hasn't been that long since homelessness services were confronted by a nightmare scenario during the pandemic, and here they are again confronting another one. I'd like to highlight the case of Keith, a constituent in Maesteg, who recently got in touch for help as he and his wife are in crisis situation after recently receiving a section 21 notice, the deadline of...
Luke Fletcher: 1. How is the Welsh Government working with local authorities to tackle the pressure on homelessness prevention services over the Christmas period? OQ58891
Luke Fletcher: Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd, and thank you to the committee Chair and also, mainly, to the clerking team for all of their work.
Luke Fletcher: Leeanne's campaign was actually one of the first campaigns to get in touch with me as a newly elected Member; when I literally just scrolled back through Messenger, it was actually David who got in touch with me. Now, that was in 2021, and I'm very glad that we are now here at this point. There's not much more I can really add to the Chair's contribution, but the work we undertook as a...
Luke Fletcher: Well done.
Luke Fletcher: Diolch, Prif Weinidog. The First Minister will be aware of the most recent spate of bank closure to hit Wales after HSBC announced last week that they'd be closing 12 branches from next April. One of the branches earmarked for closure is in Port Talbot. The announcement is another blow to constituents in my region, who, from west to east, are already being cut adrift by the closures. Gower,...
Luke Fletcher: 7. What is the Welsh Government doing to ensure communities across Wales have accessible banking services? OQ58850
Luke Fletcher: Of course, I'm more than happy to join you in congratulating them. Members will also be glad to hear that I still go to the Sandwich Co, another fine business in Pencoed, and, yes, I still order the Arnie sarnie. I'm a creature of habit after all. But for those who wish to sample a wider menu and are excited for Christmas, then please do try the Christmas cracker—turkey, stuffing, sausage,...
Luke Fletcher: Llywydd, no contribution to a debate on small businesses in the run-up to Small Business Saturday would be complete without me taking the opportunity to highlight some of the fantastic local businesses in my region. Last year, I told Members about where I get my hair cut; well, different to last year, I now get my hair cut in Dappa Chaps in Pencoed by a fantastic barber called Fletch—no...
Luke Fletcher: As we approach Small Business Saturday, we have to recognise that we're in the middle of the worst cost-of-living crisis for 40 years. The impact on our small businesses will be severe. This is one of the main economic concerns facing small businesses at present, with 89 per cent of companies noting higher costs than a year ago. Small businesses won't have the reserves that bigger businesses...
Luke Fletcher: Diolch am yr ymateb, Gweinidog. I'm sure the Minister is expecting a question around greyhounds here, but not on this occasion. I would like to highlight and express that I share the concerns of RSPCA Cymru who have called on the UK Government to prioritise the completion of the Bill, so that the cruel practices it aims to address become a thing of the past. However, there are worries that...
Luke Fletcher: Could I associate myself with the comments of Jack Sargeant around pre-payment meters? They're wrong, they're immoral, and action needs to be taken on them as soon as possible. But I would be interested to know what conversations have also happened with energy companies around introducing a potential social tariff, similar to what we have with the water companies and broadband providers. I...
Luke Fletcher: 5. What progress has the Minister made regarding collaboration with the UK Government on the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill? OQ58791
Luke Fletcher: Could we have an oral or written statement on school transport, please?
Luke Fletcher: At 07:30 on Thursday morning, parents and local representatives walked from Maesteg park down to Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd, to highlight how long and unsafe the route to school is to walk. It took them roughly 45 minutes to an hour to make the journey, and that happened to be an okay day weather-wise, but the reality is that kids are walking in all weathers. I understand that budgets are...
Luke Fletcher: Thank you to Cefin for bringing this short debate forward. Cefin has made an important point already: businesses that aren't located in our communities mean that the wealth created bleeds out of those communities. Building community wealth tries to restructure the economy so that wealth is captured within the community, is shared and democratised. Social enterprises can also help to transform...
