Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:26 pm on 2 May 2017.
I think we’ve discussed these issues in relation to local authorities’ responsibilities for waste collection on a number of occasions, and, of course, there have been plenty of opportunities to raise these matters with the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs. I think it is very important to recognise, in terms of our success rates, those local authorities—and I won’t necessarily, although perhaps I should, name those who control some of those local authorities, who are actually actually leading the way in terms of waste collection—but Wales leads the way in the UK when it comes to recycling. Also, we are supporting local authorities to recycle more. We recently awarded £3 million to help local authorities update their recycling methods, which of course takes into account frequency of collections and, indeed, handling of dog waste. Of course, we have to ensure that local authorities learn from each other and deliver, as a result of that, the best public services for their constituents and local people.
Your second question is very important. Obviously, we are all aware of the work of the Internet Watch Foundation and its impact in terms of internet safety, and Yvette Cooper’s very powerful remarks as Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee yesterday. We would obviously want to review that in terms of our circumstances here in Wales in terms of the powers that we have to address those issues, and be very clear in the support of the statement that she made as a Westminster chair of a select committee.
I think your point about delayed transfers of care must be seen in context, Darren Millar, because delayed transfers of care are at their lowest level for 12 years, which is an exceptional achievement, particularly when considered against the increasing demand for services as our population ages and is exceptional compared with what is happening over the border in England where they’re rising not falling. But I think there are complex issues, and I will recognise there is a particularly complex case that you have referred to. Those are often with a range of other issues, requiring very highly specialist and often bespoke services to be put in place. I’m sure that many Members will recognise those kinds of circumstances. Importantly, I hope that you have put—you’ve brought this, clearly, to the attention of your health board. But I think it is important that there is nobody occupying acute hospital beds in these circumstances.