Carwyn Jones: Well, I think, by his comments today, the leader of the opposition has shown that it's highly political what he's trying to do; it's nothing to do with it being impartial at all. I saw his comments over the weekend, when he said that he wants an investigation up to the present day, for no apparent reason. Also, he said that the committee should make recommendations about the running of the...
Carwyn Jones: Well, he has been partial himself in the words that he has alleged the Counsel General used—that's the problem. The committee is there to scrutinise me as First Minister—of course it is—but I take the view, and I think reasonable people will take the view, that, where there is an issue such as this, an independent process is the right to process to deal with the issue.
Carwyn Jones: Well, I take the view that an independent process is the best way of doing that, and that's why we've tabled the amendment that we have.
Carwyn Jones: Well, we have, of course, in place a recruitment campaign, which has proven very successful. We put extra resources into CAMHS when that was needed, when demand did become very high and that demand needed to be satisfied. I can say that more than 154,000 people have been seen by local primary mental health support services since their introduction, as part of the implementation of the...
Carwyn Jones: Well, the Member gives an example there that deserves further investigation. It's very difficult to comment on it without knowing more about it, but, if he wishes to write to me with more details, I would of course be pleased to investigate that for him. He asked the question as well on mental health spending. Well, of course, mental health spending is ring-fenced in Wales, and we plan to...
Carwyn Jones: We do expect, of course, public bodies to comply with the law. She asks about what structure should be in place. Leaving aside the issue of the amount of money available, our 10-year mental health strategy, 'Together for Mental Health', takes a population approach to improving the mental well-being of people in Wales and supporting people with a mental illness. We want to make sure that...
Carwyn Jones: Improving mental health services continues to be a priority for the Welsh Government and we have committed a further £40 million for mental health services over the next two years.
Carwyn Jones: Well, I absolutely agree that those landlords who have, as yet, failed to come forward need to do that now. They are breaking the law. If landlords come forward now, they may escape any financial penalties for non-compliance. If they don't come forward now and are subsequently found out, then, of course, Rent Smart Wales could issue fines, take them to court for prosecution, and they even...
Carwyn Jones: Rent Smart Wales ensures that anyone involved in the letting and management of properties is both fit and proper and trained. The fit-and-proper-person test makes sure that nobody with unspent criminal convictions can have any involvement with a tenant, particularly important, of course, when dealing with vulnerable tenants. And training ensures that a landlord or agent is aware of their...
Carwyn Jones: Yes. Rent Smart Wales is self-financing through fees. We do, however, support local authorities to promote and enforce registration with Rent Smart Wales.
Carwyn Jones: As I said, Rent Smart Wales is entirely self-financing. It's paid for through the fees for registration and licensing of landlords and agents, and it's a matter for Rent Smart Wales, of course, which is run by Cardiff council, to explain its operating costs and what it does with the personnel that it has.
Carwyn Jones: Well, once the framework is agreed, then I will announce it, of course, to the Assembly. But it's no secret what our position as a Government is: namely, first, that the powers should come to the rightful place, namely this Assembly, secondly, that nothing should change without an agreement to change, and, thirdly, that we must ensure that the same amount of money is available to make the...
Carwyn Jones: Well, for example, over 1,400 people in Pembrokeshire are signed up to Farming Connect to learn more about improving the profitability, competitiveness and environmental performance of their businesses. Of course, we still urge the United Kingdom Government to ensure that there won't be any barriers to the ability of the farmers of Pembrokeshire to sell in the single market.
Carwyn Jones: There were very many representations made—over 250. They are more detailed than would usually be expected in this situation, and a summary of all those will be published erelong. The review of the NVZ is statutory under the nitrates directive, and, of course, that has to be considered in the context of pollution as well. So, striking the balance is what's vital here. Of course, we want to...
Carwyn Jones: Well, TAN 1 is being looked at at the moment, but, I have to say, these are matters largely for the council. If there are planning applications that are coming forward on land where that land is not allocated for that particular use in the LDP, the council isn't obliged to give planning permission. The councils do have to take responsibility themselves for the decisions that they take, but,...
Carwyn Jones: Well, there is a process that, according to the law, has to be followed. If I remember rightly, it is possible for local authorities to bring their own figures forward as regards housing, if they believe that the target they have been set by the Welsh Government is inaccurate. That was true at one point and I believe that that is still true now. But, of course, Wrexham is now in a...
Carwyn Jones: There are five local development plans that have been adopted in north Wales, and we expect two other authorities—namely Wrexham and Flintshire—to adopt their plans by the year 2020.
Carwyn Jones: Yes. Of course, every secondary school has a school counsellor, but there is a reluctance amongst some to go and see that counsellor for fear that others will find out. I think that is an issue that—. Well, I'm aware that that's an issue for some teenagers. So, being able to extend the reach of CAMHS beyond its traditional areas to look at preventative work, I think, is hugely important....
Carwyn Jones: Can I thank the Member for the question? I can say that I do understand that Cwm Taf university health board is working collaboratively with the Valleys Steps programme, and my officials are in discussions with the health board over its ongoing work with the programme. I hope that a resolution can be achieved soon.
Carwyn Jones: Well, improving the nation’s mental health is one of five priorities specifically included in 'Prosperity for All', and we have committed in our draft budget to provide an additional £40 million for mental health services over the next two years.
