7. 4. Statement: Rent Smart Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:12 pm on 22 November 2016.

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Photo of Neil McEvoy Neil McEvoy Plaid Cymru 4:12, 22 November 2016

I'm trying to find it. Because, if you look—oh, it’s the next sheet. If you look at what is online, it amounts to 60 pages of A4 text followed by a multiple-choice exam. There are no videos, there are few examples, there are few case studies, there are no diagrams, there's no interactive content. Now, this is really important, Minister, because, in other words, it breaches the Welsh Government's own guidelines in adult education, which expect content providers to tailor courses to the learners’ needs, and I would know that as a teacher. You’ve failed to do that. It's another failure on your part.

There is no section on the rights of tenants. Why not? In terms of the lack of engagement, a very simple question: why haven't you met with the Residential Landlords Association since you became Minister in May? Another shocking failure, really.

Now, I'm not one to criticise without giving solutions. So, I'll offer you some solutions now. I think the fee to register should be just £10. All the information could be sent out on PDF, free. That's not complicated. You could maybe have more detailed training for those who need it, as an option. That's not there at the minute. And you could work with insurers to create incentives for people to sign up. Mainly, you could delay enforcement, because what we're looking at here is over 50 per cent of people who could be facing sanctions, many of whom don't even know about this scheme. So, I think I've raised several questions there. I think your performance on this is quite shocking. I think if we had a proactive First Minister, you'd be picking up your P45. [Interruption.] I think the reaction of Labour Members there is interesting. So, there are a number of questions there, Minister. Could you please address them? I'm particularly interested in the online course, because you’ve failed your own guidelines.