Altaf Hussain: Thank you, Deputy Minister, for your statement, and can I offer my sincere thanks to all those who have worked so hard in producing the action plan so far? I have a few brief questions, if I may, regarding some of the actions. Minister, you will know that suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK, and it disproportionately affects members of the LGBTQ+...
Altaf Hussain: Minister, I would like to ask the Government to schedule a debate on bus services and the important role they play in supporting active travel, with positive impacts on the environment and connecting communities. Recently, the bus operator, Easyway, announced they will cease trading on 31 July, which comes as a huge blow to the communities in Bridgend that have relied on their bus services....
Altaf Hussain: Thank you, Presiding Officer. Yes, I can speak now.
Altaf Hussain: Thank you, First Minister. First Minister, the pandemic has shone a harsh light on inequalities in Wales, and much of this was seen through the delivery of our education system while parents struggled to be both parent and teacher for their children, and also when the welfare of children became a concern during a prolonged absence from the classroom. The crisis now with the cost of living is...
Altaf Hussain: 4. What action is the Welsh Government taking to deliver first-class school education in Wales? OQ58197
Altaf Hussain: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Thank you, Chair, and my fellow committee Members. As the current future generations commissioner's term draws to a close, it is useful to consider the impact the commissioner and her office have had. Whilst it's not always easy being the first in such a groundbreaking role, it is an opportunity to set a standard. The commissioner has not shied away from...
Altaf Hussain: Thank you, Jane, for raising this issue. Minister, last week, the BBC reported that care workers were thinking of giving up because of the increase in fuel costs, making journeys incredibly expensive. Bethan Evans from Ceredigion regularly drives more than 600 miles a week, visiting clients in their own homes across west Wales. The rural fuel duty relief scheme, which takes another 5p off...
Altaf Hussain: Good afternoon, Minister. Minister, the Scottish Government has set out an ambitious vision to transform their economy, saying they want to be recognised as a nation of entrepreneurs and innovators who have embraced the opportunities of new technologies, boosted productivity considerably, and focusing their resources on opportunities that’ll transform their economy. Specifically, what...
Altaf Hussain: Minister, thank you very much for this important update. In the Homes for Ukraine guidance—I think that is what you were referring to—little has been mentioned about the long-term protection offered, despite the Welsh Government's willingness to be a supersponsor. The Welsh Government has already recognised the problem of modern slavery here in Wales. Vulnerable people can be exploited by...
Altaf Hussain: Thank you.
Altaf Hussain: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer, and thank you, Minister, for this action plan. HIV home tests are available throughout Wales, with the tests being posted to a laboratory, and the person will receive their results usually in around 72 hours. There is, however, an alternative test available, which allows a person to test themselves at home and receive their results in around 15...
Altaf Hussain: Minister, last week, BBC Wales carried a story featuring a range of concerns from the Bevan Foundation about the roll-out of the Welsh Government's free-school-meals option for all primary schools, which is to be commenced in September. Many schools simply don't have the infrastructure to offer a meal to all pupils. There will be limitations on kitchens, seating and staffing capacity. Before...
Altaf Hussain: What is the Welsh Government's plan to level up the Welsh economy?
Altaf Hussain: Thank you, Joel, for this debate and for giving me a minute—I may take more. In many cases, people with hearing loss are forced to wait significantly longer for an appointment with their GP. Many GP surgeries can't offer same-day appointments because they lack staff who are trained interpreters or can use sign language. Patients could wait two weeks or more as they wait for an interpreter...
Altaf Hussain: Minister, the Chancellor's recent announcement of an additional £25 million to Wales for the household fund is further evidence of a commitment to supporting older people through some difficult times ahead, alongside the additional winter fuel payment and further financial support to meet the cost of energy. Can the Minister outline how older people will benefit from the household fund in...
Altaf Hussain: I would like to welcome the publication of the 2020-21 Wales impact report and the breadth of the work that the commission is engaged in. They have clearly developed a significant strategic role in Wales, engaging in much of the work of Government, the Senedd and other key partners. That is clearly evidenced in their report. They have provided advice to organisations and supported the efforts...
Altaf Hussain: Thank you, Minister, for your statement. Despite the Welsh Government's previous efforts to eradicate racism in Wales, the number of racially motivated hate crimes is on the rise. It is estimated that 65 per cent of hate crimes are racially motivated. These sorts of facts have led some to consider Wales as the most racist country in the United Kingdom. Many young people from ethnic minority...
Altaf Hussain: Minister, I recently visited the Llys Nini animal sanctuary near Swansea. It was amazing, and they are all dedicated to providing a second chance to the animals in their care. But, this should not need to happen. Can the Minister confirm how the Welsh Government will support local authorities when it comes to protecting the welfare of the animals in their communities, in particular with...
Altaf Hussain: The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales's analysis suggests that, despite declaring a climate emergency, public bodies in Wales are still not building decarbonisation targets into their procurement requirements. What is the Government doing to rectify this and to recognise the additional costs that come from this? Thank you.
Altaf Hussain: I wanted to ask about these things that should happen. I think I will leave it there.
