Nick Ramsay: 4. Will the First Minister make a statement on levels of business rates in Wales? OAQ(5)0231(FM)
Nick Ramsay: The question of a youth parliament, or youth assembly, indeed, as Lynne Neagle referred to it, which I think I would favour as well, is one that has been discussed a number of times in this Assembly by many AMs past and present over the years, but we’ve never quite got there—well, certainly not yet. This is, at the end of the day, about democracy—increasing youth participation and...
Nick Ramsay: As you’ve mentioned my colleague in Monmouthshire Peter Fox, Minister, I think you’ll remember as well that he was one of the first people within south-east Wales, or one of the first elected officials, to call for the combined authorities model that has been practised in areas such as greater Manchester. I think he even called for it before Plaid Cymru were talking about that type of model.
Nick Ramsay: I did anticipate that this is probably in advance of your statement later today, Cabinet Secretary, but, as I said, it’s a very important issue for local authorities, so it does need airing at the earliest opportunity. I hear what you just said. A funding floor, I’m sure you will agree, is all well and good, but, as we know from the Barnett experience, a funding floor can be seen as a...
Nick Ramsay: Thank you. This is clearly a very important area for local authorities across Wales, financially. The programme for government commits to a floor for future local government settlements. This is particularly important for rural authorities that have consistently received poorer deals, for whatever reason—you and I might have different views on the reasons for that. But, for whatever reason,...
Nick Ramsay: Diolch, Lywydd. Cabinet Secretary, as Sian Gwenllian said, your budget agreement, announced yesterday, features £25 million additional funding for local authorities, but this does come in the wake of the £761 million real-terms reduction in aggregate external finance, as has been identified by the Wales Audit Office. That’s between 2011 and 2016-17. How are you going to ensure that this...
Nick Ramsay: Thank you for giving way. I think it’s around three years now since I remember questioning the Member for Llanelli in a previous life, when I was Chair of the Enterprise and Business Committee and he was giving evidence for Sustrans. So, three years have passed and we spoke about all this then. It’s all great stuff, but what is actually happening on the ground with these cycle networks?...
Nick Ramsay: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. Although, admittedly, my constituency has a very short coastline, namely the Black Rock picnic site—[Laughter.]—which I do enjoy, I’m sure you would agree with me the Welsh coastline belongs to all of us. Many of my constituents appreciate visiting the coastline along the rest of Wales. Recently, I attended the National Trust Welsh coast event in the...
Nick Ramsay: 10. Will the Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government’s funding priorities for supporting the Welsh coastline? OAQ(5)0048(ERA)
Nick Ramsay: Can I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his statement today? Cabinet Secretary, you cite improvements in employment rates since 2000 in your statement as a major success of structural funds. I would agree that they have played their part, along with other elements. I would suggest UK Government economic policy, over the last few years, has also played a part, along with those structural funds....
Nick Ramsay: Thank you, First Minister. You did indicate that that might be the case last week. There is growing concern in south-east Wales at the rate of progress with the specialist critical care centre, first planned over 10 years ago. You’ve said that the health Secretary is going to have that information at his disposal in the near future. Will you do what you can to take charge of this issue now,...
Nick Ramsay: 1. Will the First Minister provide an update on the timescale for developing the Specialist Critical Care Centre at Llanfrechfa? OAQ(5)0190(FM)
Nick Ramsay: Will the Member give way?
Nick Ramsay: I’m glad you mentioned business improvement districts. In the case of Abergavenny, which was mentioned earlier, the local businesses there actually voted against having a business improvement district, so do you accept that they’re not the be-all and end-all across Wales for improving trade in towns?
Nick Ramsay: For me, the most important part of this document is actually on the last page, and the paragraph ‘Driving Forward Delivery’. Now, I know that other Members have, over the last few weeks, criticised the length of this document, but, to be honest, I’d rather see a few targets being met than a lot of targets being missed. So, delivery is key here—[Interruption.] Bless you. [Laughter.] We...
Nick Ramsay: Leader of the house, it must be getting on for around 10 years now since I first attended Gwent Clinical Futures meetings regarding the construction of a specialist and critical care centre at Llanfrechfa Grange in Cwmbran. Here we are 10 years down the line and, aside from some preparatory work, we still don’t have that building with us in any real sense. There’s been renewed confusion...
Nick Ramsay: First Minister, I completely agree with you that the last thing we need is for the current CAP payments to be squeezed through what you can only term ‘the Barnett mangle’. This risks the future underfunding of Wales more than that which we’ve seen. What discussions have you had with the UK Government regarding creating a system of farm support that isn’t subject to the Barnett formula...
Nick Ramsay: Thank you for giving way, Bethan. I agree with you in terms of sending a message out there of what we want to achieve. You mentioned the mental health legislation the Assembly has passed. There is, of course, all the world of difference between making legislation and actually ensuring that the results of that legislation happen on the ground. How are you going to make sure—how so you think...
Nick Ramsay: Will the Member give way on that point?
Nick Ramsay: Thank you. Last week, I was one of many AMs who attended the National School Meals Week event at the Pierhead. I believe you were there yourself, along with the Chair of the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee, to my right. We enjoyed some of the very best of Welsh school food, including jam roly-poly, tikka masala and, of course, spotted dick. AMs were treated to the best food, but,...
