4. What discussions has the First Minister held regarding plans to relocate staff from the Department for Work and Pensions office in the Heath area of Cardiff? OAQ51378

The former Minister for Skills and Science met with Damian Hinds, the Minister for employment, to discuss the DWP’s estate plans, and he agreed to keep Welsh Government updated on any potential transfer of DWP functions from Gabalfa, and other locations, to a new hub north of Cardiff.

I thank the First Minister for that response. I want to make the First Minister aware that a huge number of the staff at the DWP office in Heath in my constituency are absolutely filled with uncertainty and concern at the moment. Many of them are disabled, many of them have caring responsibilities, and some of them will have to travel up to three buses to get the new location, not yet specifically specified, in Nantgarw. This is where other staff will be relocated from other parts of Wales. Could he ensure that their concerns are conveyed to the DWP so that they're not left to this feeling of uncertainty about not knowing what's happening and what's going to happen about the fact that they're going to have to travel so much further and for such a longer time? Many of them will not be able to take up the jobs in Nantgarw.

Well, it's a matter, of course, for the DWP, but, at that meeting, what was confirmed by the DWP Minister involved, the Minister for employment, was they were looking to relocate staff from five DWP benefit offices to an office north of Cardiff. It was said that the Minister would keep Welsh Government informed, but, clearly, it's hugely important that people know what is planned and know what the future holds for them as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, we could end up with a large vacant site in north Cardiff to add to eventual vacant sites at the tax office and Tesco House. This could well lead to more contentious housing schemes for north Cardiff. What can your Government do to protect residents from the problem of urban overdevelopment?

It's a matter, of course, for Cardiff council to produce its local development plan, ensure there is a five-year housing supply, and, of course, that plan is produced in accordance with national planning guidance.