Questions to the First Minister

QNR – in the Senedd on 26 September 2017.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Vikki Howells Vikki Howells Labour

(Translated) What actions will the Welsh Government take during this Assembly term to improve user experiences on public transport services in Wales?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Transport for Wales can help us deliver a safe, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable transport system. We are already moving forward to reshape public transport infrastructure and services across Wales through the next Wales and borders franchise, south-east metro, the A470 corridor study, and the Valleys delivery plan.

Photo of Dawn Bowden Dawn Bowden Labour

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on the availability of employment in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Between 2011 and 2017, the employment rate in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney increased by 6 per cent, above both the Wales and UK increases of 5 per cent and 4 per cent respectively.

Photo of Mohammad Asghar Mohammad Asghar Conservative

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's strategy for supporting businesses in South Wales East?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Our prosperity for all strategy sets out actions we will take to improve our wealth and well-being, spread opportunity and tackle inequality. Later this autumn, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure will publish an economic action plan setting out further detail on how we’ll implement and deliver those commitments.

Photo of Nathan Gill Nathan Gill Independent

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on housing need in North Wales?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

We are making a significant investment in all housing tenures in all areas of Wales, including the north. This provides continued support for small local developers, social housing and Help to Buy—Wales, as well as through new schemes aiming to make home ownership more accessible and support innovation.

Photo of Jeremy Miles Jeremy Miles Labour

(Translated) What role does the First Minister anticipate for modular houses in the process of fulfilling the need for homes in Wales?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

(Translated)

Potentially a big one. Modular homes offer speed of construction, often in factories. They can be very affordable when produced at scale, offer excellent energy efficiency and flexibility of design. Jobs and training opportunities could be significant too. Our innovative housing programme will test different models to assess what works best.

Photo of Neil McEvoy Neil McEvoy Plaid Cymru

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on how the Welsh Government ensures transparency through the Freedom of Information Act 2000?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The Welsh Government ensures transparency through the Freedom of Information Act 2000 by complying with its provisions and only withholding information where it is legitimate to do so.

Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour

(Translated) How will the Welsh Government prepare for the opportunities arising from the abolition of tolls on the Severn crossings?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The Welsh Government has long recognised the significant economic benefits and opportunities for Wales with the removal of the tolls. We have continuously lobbied the UK Government to abolish them and are pleased they have finally listened.

Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Labour

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on the importance of Flying Start provision to the Welsh Government’s priorities in the fifth Assembly?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Flying Start is central to the Welsh Government’s approach to the early years. Early years is one of the cross-cutting priorities set out in ‘Prosperity for All: The National Strategy’. We have made a clear commitment to the continuation of the Flying Start programme for this Assembly term.

Photo of Lynne Neagle Lynne Neagle Labour

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on the impact of welfare reform in Torfaen?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

We have undertaken comprehensive research to assess the impact of the UK Government’s welfare reforms in Wales. This includes analysis at a local authority-area level, and shows Torfaen is amongst the areas hardest hit by the reforms already implemented. This is also the case for the ongoing reforms.