(Translated) What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the Mid Wales Connection project?

I am meeting the National Grid next week, to discuss a range of issues. National Grid’s mid Wales Connection Project has been paused following the UK Government’s decision in 2015 to decline consent for four onshore wind projects in mid Wales and withdraw financial support for development of the onshore wind sector. These decisions have created ongoing uncertainty for developers and communities across Wales.

(Translated) Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the continuation of capital funding under the Glastir scheme?

(Translated)

The upcoming Glastir windows are published on the Welsh Government website. The UK Government has provided assurances agricultural and rural support is protected to 2022, and we will hold them to this. The Welsh Government is continuing to engage with key stakeholders shaping policies to best support Welsh farming after Brexit.

(Translated) Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on how the Welsh Government will be supporting farmers in Pembrokeshire over the next 12 months?

The Welsh Government will continue to support the farming industry in Pembrokeshire, as in all parts of Wales, to become more profitable, sustainable, resilient, and business focused. Over 1,400 people in Pembrokeshire are already signed up to Farming Connect to learn more about improving the profitability, competitiveness and environmental performance of their business.

(Translated) Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on scope within the planning process for action to be taken against empty premises in town centres?

The planning system provides limited enforcement powers to deal with effects of vacancy, enabling local planning authorities to require landowners to return buildings to a tidy condition or use compulsory purchase powers to facilitate regeneration. Authorities can use the LDP process to identify opportunities for alternative uses, including housing.

(Translated) What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the effectiveness of campaigns to reduce the number of dog attacks on postal workers? Transferred for written answer by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs.

Dog attacks can ruin lives and are avoidable if dog owners ensure they are in control of their animals at all times. Awareness-raising campaigns can run independent of Government and it is not our place to assess their effectiveness. I suggest we discuss this issue further in our February meeting.