2. Business Statement and Announcement

– in the Senedd at 2:19 pm on 30 January 2018.

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Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru 2:19, 30 January 2018

I am now moving on to the next item of the agenda—[Interruption.] We don't need further comment on that now, because we are moving on to the next item on the agenda, which is the business statement. I call on the leader of the house, Julie James. And let's be very quiet on the noises off and allow Julie James to make her statement.

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:20, 30 January 2018

Diolch, Llywydd. There is one change to this week's business: later this afternoon, the Cabinet Secretary for Education will make an oral statement on securing the right to a suitable education for all children. Business for the next three weeks is shown on the business statement and announcement found amongst the meeting papers, which are available to Members electronically.

Photo of Mark Isherwood Mark Isherwood Conservative

Can I call for a single statement on autism assessment delays across Wales? You may have seen reports of BBC Wales research last week that children in parts of Wales were waiting, on average, two years for an autism assessment despite the Welsh Government's target of six months or 26 weeks. We heard that freedom of information requests to local health boards revealed the average wait to be 107 weeks and six days in Hywel Dda Local Health Board, covering Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, and an average of 39 weeks in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board area, covering north Wales, for a child to be seen. But the quote from the Welsh Government was that the roll-out of a national integrated autism plan was continuing.

This month, I was contacted by a Flintshire mum who said her son was assessed by the child and adolescent mental health service at five, was recognised as displaying high-functioning autism, but a diagnosis wasn't given as they said they'd re-assess him in a few years rather than jump to conclusions. He was recently re-assessed by the new integrated autism service, and the outcome was that he didn't meet the autism criteria, but was neurologically different. She's requested a second opinion, as the written report clearly indicates that, in all areas, he is autistic, and this is supported by the many professionals they're currently working with.

I'm representing a large number of constituents in the autism community fighting to get the services needed by them or their loved ones, but being denied assessments, often on spurious grounds. I had a meeting with a health board clinical psychologist and a mum, herself on the spectrum, whose daughter was being denied assessment on the basis that she's so good at masking and coping in school before melting down at home. Instead, the health board clinical psychologist tried to psychoanalyse the mum in front of me. Another mum I met the other week with her daughter, aged 11—

Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru 2:22, 30 January 2018

You do need to come to a question to the business Minister.

Photo of Mark Isherwood Mark Isherwood Conservative

Right, well, how will you respond to this? Will you make a statement recognising, for example, that that young woman—that 11-year-old child—had an anxiety attack in front of me, in private, when confronted with the problems she's facing, and the years of her needs being denied by self-denying statutory bodies, just because she's learnt to cope so well in school?

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour

We will be publishing waiting times in general, and that will be fit for a statement. I suggest that if the Member has particular constituency issues that he wants to raise, with individual cases, that he raises them directly with the Cabinet Secretary. It's clearly not appropriate for a Government statement to address individual constituency matters. So, I suggest he takes the correct route for that. But we will be putting out a statement on waiting times in general.

Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru 2:23, 30 January 2018

Just to say, I have more requests to speak in this business statement today than I've ever had, so, if Members could keep their contributions as succinct as possible, we will get through as many as we can. Dai Lloyd.

Photo of David Lloyd David Lloyd Plaid Cymru

Diolch, Llywydd. Can I call for a debate on specialised health services in Wales? Leader of the house, you will be, no doubt, aware of the current consultation on the future of the major trauma network in south Wales, which closes next Monday, 5 February. You'll also be aware of the current proposal to establish the major trauma centre in Cardiff at the expense of Morriston, coupled with the suggestion that Morriston’s excellent burns and plastics unit could also be moved to Cardiff. That undermines Morriston’s position as a regional centre of medical excellence. There's also a review of thoracic surgery in south Wales, which, once again, pits Morriston against Cardiff.

Following on from losing neurosurgery and paediatric neurosurgery services at Morriston Hospital, people in south-west Wales are understandably concerned at what appears to be yet more centralisation of key health services in Cardiff. In addition, previous UK-wide reviews of certain specialties, such as paediatric cardiac surgery, have seen a service that was based in Cardiff then subsequently lost to Bristol. The reason for that was the geographical proximity of Cardiff and Bristol. We must mitigate the risk of this type of domino effect, as centralising specialised services in Cardiff makes them vulnerable to a further move to Bristol in any subsequent UK review.

I could develop the argument, but the Llywydd— 

Photo of David Lloyd David Lloyd Plaid Cymru

The Llywydd has got that plaintive look in her eyes, so I'll draw my—

Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru

Yes, I'm about to cut across you to remind you that the meaning of 'succinct' is 'short'.

Photo of David Lloyd David Lloyd Plaid Cymru 2:25, 30 January 2018

Short. And so I reiterate my call for a debate in Government time on this whole issue of specialised health services, ultimately to keep specialised health services in Wales. Diolch, Llywydd.

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour

There is indeed an existing consultation about the location of the major trauma unit, and I am going to take this opportunity to encourage everybody to participate in that consultation, so that we hear the widest possible range of views. The Cabinet Secretary, I am sure, has heard the speech made—sorry, the question asked—by Dai Lloyd just now, and he will, I'm sure, be making a statement in due course when the results of that consultation are with us.

Photo of Dawn Bowden Dawn Bowden Labour

Leader of the house, you'll recall that last year I tabled a Member's legislative motion aimed at outlawing here in Wales the shameful practice known as sex for rent. This evening, the tv series Ein Byd will be showing shocking footage about the alarming sex-for-rent problem now facing some young people in our communities, and I believe the programme will reveal the true nature of the problem that I sought to highlight in my motion.

In debating my motion last year, the Cabinet Secretary at the time, Carl Sargeant, agreed that this activity was abhorrent to us all, and he rightly highlighted the Live Fear Free helpline for the reporting of concerns. He also suggested that the Welsh Government could consider the fit-and-proper-person test of the landlord and agent registration scheme, and that as an Assembly we'd be updated on the possibility of action through that mechanism. He said he would look at the possibility of acting against the sex-for-rent adverts, although we both acknowledged that that's not easy.

The Cabinet Secretary also promised to follow up and seek advice on criminal aspects of this activity, so that we could seek to help anyone feeling vulnerable in our communities, and we know that the UK Government have subsequently stated that such arrangements are a criminal offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. But, I believe that there are more practical steps that we can take. I accept that, obviously, there's been some understandable disruption in the work promised by the former Cabinet Secretary, but I believe the tv programme this evening will bring back into focus the need for us to renew our work on this issue.

So, will the leader of the house arrange for a statement to be made about the range of powers and the actions available to this Welsh Government in order to crack down on this vile problem? Because we owe a responsibility to everyone, especially the young and vulnerable, to keep them safe in the housing choices that they make, and we must play our part in ending exploitation and sexploitation. I feel strongly that the Assembly would appreciate the opportunity to make their views known again about this problem after the programme is broadcast this evening.

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:27, 30 January 2018

Well, thank you to Dawn Bowden for highlighting that very important point. I'll be very keen to speak with her again myself afterwards, and I'd also like to highlight the Live Fear Free helpline for anybody who is experiencing this kind of problem in their accommodation. The Minister is indicating to me that she'd be very happy to write to Members to clarify what the situation is in Wales and perhaps she, myself and Dawn could have a conversation about taking that forward afterwards.

Photo of Angela Burns Angela Burns Conservative 2:28, 30 January 2018

Leader of the house, I'd like to call for two statements: the first from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services. This is in regard to a campaign that most of us are aware of for both vaginal mesh transplants and for hernia transplants. They're very complicated operations. There's a high un-success rate—10 per cent of those who have it—and at the moment the UK Government have agreed to a retrospective audit of mesh in England. Could I ask that you ask the Cabinet Secretary if he could make a statement on the calls for such an audit to also take place in Wales? Written or oral, I would be most grateful.

The second statement would be one that is in regard to the threat to Audley Court in Shropshire. This is a specialised residential facility for veterans with combat stress, both physical and mental injuries, to be able to go on residential courses—sometimes short ones for six weeks or so, sometimes it's much more permanent. This residential facility is being run by the Combat Stress organisation. They're going to have to close it. There is nowhere else in Wales, and I'd be very grateful if the Cabinet Secretary for veterans would give us a statement on what the alternative provision might be in Wales to help our veterans.

Finally, Presiding Officer, if I may ask your indulgence, and that of the leader of the house, and through both of your good offices, ask all Assembly Members and Assembly Member support staff to consider voting for Wales in the BBC Countryfile magazine awards 2018. Pembrokeshire coast is a finalist in the holiday destination of the year competition, and we also have Anglesey, Bodnant gardens and Snowdonia as finalists in various categories. Everybody, please will you consider voting? Thank you, leader. 

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:30, 30 January 2018

I'm very happy to endorse that last sentiment, of course, and I myself am very fond of walking the Pembrokeshire coast path, so I can totally get behind that. 

In terms of the other two statements that she called for, the Cabinet Secretary for health has indicated to me that he's due to give a written statement very shortly on the vaginal mesh issues that she raised. In terms of Audley Court, the Cabinet Secretary for the armed forces is also indicating to me that he's also happy to give a written statement highlighting the issues at Audley Court that the Member highlighted. 

Photo of Llyr Gruffydd Llyr Gruffydd Plaid Cymru

Could I ask for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for the economy about the announcement last week by Kimberly-Clark that they're to reduce their workforce globally by between 5,000 and 5,500 employees? That's a reduction of around 12 per cent to 13 per cent of their global workforce. Now, it's unclear at the moment what the implications will be for their facilities at Flint, but, clearly, it is cause for concern. Could we have a statement, therefore, explaining what steps the Welsh Government are taking to leave no stones unturned in working with the company, with the trade unions, and other stakeholders, to protect those jobs. 

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:31, 30 January 2018

The Member raises a very important point. We do have—unfortunately, because it is always as a response to redundancy—a very good way of dealing with those sorts of issues. The Cabinet Secretary, I know, will be engaged in that matter. I think the best course would be for the Member to ask the Cabinet Secretary for an indication of exactly what is happening in this regard, so that he can become involved, and I'm sure, in due course, the Senedd will be updated. 

Photo of Mike Hedges Mike Hedges Labour

I would like to ask for a statement on the Welsh Government's involvement in preparation for the 2021 census. Lower super-output data is used by the Welsh Government for the provision of services such as Flying Start, and it can mean, where areas are non-homogenous, that we can end up with some of the poorest areas left out and some of the richest areas put in. I think it really is important that these areas are as homogenous as possible, because I think the Welsh Government needs to become involved because they're using the data for something it wasn't initially intended for. 

The other question is on Welsh speakers. Should the number living in the rest of the United Kingdom be counted, and should the question be 'How often do you speak Welsh?', which is objective, as opposed to 'Can you speak Welsh?', which is subjective?

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:32, 30 January 2018

Well, thank you for those two very important points. The Office for National Statistics is now deep in preparation for the 2021 census of population in England and Wales. They've undertaken significant work on the proposed content for the 2021 census, and, in early 2017, undertook a large-scale test, which included parts of north Powys. It'll be mainly online for the first time, and we've been working very closely with ONS to make sure that it's as successful as possible in Wales. Census regulations for Wales will need to be considered by the Assembly, and it's important therefore that the Assembly is provided scrutiny on the ONS preparations at an early stage. That will ensure ONS have sufficient time to take into account any views expressed by the Assembly when they are designing the final census forms. The Member will certainly have an opportunity to put that point of view forward there. 

Just after Christmas, I did write to the Llywydd to ask for relevant committees to consider inviting ONS to provide an update to them on preparations for the 2021 census, and I understand that the Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee are giving it initial consideration this Thursday. So, I think that's a very effective way to make sure that the Assembly is contributing towards the preparations for the census.

Photo of Mohammad Asghar Mohammad Asghar Conservative 2:33, 30 January 2018

Leader of the house, may I ask for a statement from the Welsh Government on caring for looked-after children in Wales, please? Yesterday, the head of children and family services at Newport council, Sally Jenkins, told the Public Accounts Committee that there was a crisis in caring for looked-after children, with councils struggling with a lack of residential care and foster carers. She went on to say that most councils were overspent on their budgets. Could we have a statement, please, on this vitally important issue in Wales? Thank you. 

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:34, 30 January 2018

The Member raises a very important point, but he does have the opportunity to raise that point in questions to the Minister. The Minister I think walked in as he was making his point, and I'm sure will be able to answer the questions in formal Assembly questions for him.

Photo of Mr Simon Thomas Mr Simon Thomas Plaid Cymru

If I may begin with the easy one, which is to note that Caerphilly cheese today got protected geographical indication status as the only indigenous Welsh cheese—which I'm very pleased to see, but it does give a wider context, of course, to what happens when we leave the European Union, both to PGI status, and, indeed, branding food from Wales. Because, at the moment, what you see currently in the shops is not necessarily guaranteed for the future, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs need to come to agreement with the Welsh Government around how exports, particularly beyond the UK, get marked. We could have a situation where that very high-quality Welsh food getting PGI status—15, now, products in Wales—could be simply branded as food from the UK. Now, I've got nothing against food from the UK, I eat it all the time, but I want to see food from Wales branded properly in that way, so we can market and export that, particularly in new markets, of course. So, I'd very much welcome a debate, actually, on this from the Government, on a resolution of the Assembly, so we can send a very clear signal to the Westminster Government, who'll be negotiating trade agreements on our behalf, that we want and need to see Welsh food specifically designated as Welsh food. I'm not against a UK designation as part of that food chain, but I really want Welsh food to be designated as such.

The second issue I'd like to ask about is more to do with Hywel Dda, and it's to simply say this: I did want to ask about the reconfiguration and the plans that are going ahead, but I want to ask a much more specific now, which is around a statement from the Government around the protocol regarding health boards and their work with Assembly Members, in the light of the astonishing replies of the First Minister to my colleague, Adam Price.

So, to put on the record, I had two e-mails from Hywel Dda before Christmas, asking me to get involved in some very woolly and uncertain kinds of discussions. I thought that was an invite to give them political cover for serious consideration, and I wasn't prepared to engage with that. I got an e-mail on 23 January, saying, 'We tried to phone you'—no record they did, but—'We tried to phone you, and, by the way, this serious change is happening and it's about to break in the local press', which I then responded to and had a meeting with them on Friday. And I think it was just following a meeting that Angela Burns and Paul Davies also had with them. They told me in the meeting on Friday they wanted to set up a political reference group, which the First Minister referred to—[Interruption.]—which is the first I heard of it. They certainly haven't contacted me to say they want—they invited me to that group. But I have serious concerns now to join any such group, knowing that what I say, and what I e-mail them, will be revealed to the First Minister, and will then be used as political attacks on me in this Chamber. So, this is a quite serious question, despite some muttering by Ministers in this place. This is a serious question: is there a protocol regarding the way health boards deal with Assembly Members looking at serious reconfigurations of hospital services in their area? If such a protocol does not exist, will the Minister—the Cabinet Secretary concerned—ensure that such a protocol is in place, because, without such a protocol in place, I do not feel I can engage with Hywel Dda?

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:37, 30 January 2018

On the first one, obviously PGI status is something we're all very proud of, and I'm very proud of our Welsh products that get it. It will be very much part of the case put forward by the devolved Governments that such status should be protected, and that, obviously, our market share should be protected accordingly. And it's one of our great concerns in the ongoing negotiations that such matters might take secondary status, where indeed they should be in the forefront of the minds of Ministers who are negotiating it. So, we are making very sure that that happens. There are a large number of arrangements already to update the Senedd and committees about the Brexit negotiations; I'm sure that they can accommodate the PGI status as part of the trade negotiations as part of that.

On the second issue, Llywydd, I'm not going to comment on that. You have undertaken to have a look at what happened during today's Plenary session, and I'm sure you will do so.

Photo of Jenny Rathbone Jenny Rathbone Labour 2:38, 30 January 2018

Last week, a barrister acting on behalf of the Welsh Government admitted in the High Court that the Welsh Government's inaction on air pollution was unlawful. Whilst the fact is to be regretted, I very much welcome the courage of the Welsh Government in acknowledging the problem, because that is very much in contrast to the UK Government, which is still in denial about the extent and seriousness of air pollution. We know that air pollution kills more people than road traffic accidents, and most recently we've learned that it also creates a spike in suicides. Now, I understand the Government has agreed to work with ClientEarth on this matter, and that's to be welcomed. But I wondered if we could also have a debate in this place so we can discuss what are the urgent short, medium and long-term proposals that we need to put in place. Clearly, the metro is one of the ones that's going to sort things out in Cardiff, but we need, as a matter of urgency, short-term measures to instantly reduce the number of people who are dying of air pollution.

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:39, 30 January 2018

The Member highlights a very important point. There was a case heard on 25 January, and a judgment is expected within the next two weeks. ClientEarth are working with Welsh Ministers, and other parties, to agree a consent Order, and it's not appropriate to comment further until that's concluded. We have very recently had an Assembly debate, on 5 December—I believe it was the Minister's first major debate in taking up her portfolio—which was led by the Minister for Environment on the urgent need for cross-Welsh Government action to tackle poor air quality, which we very much recognise. I'm sure that the Minister will be updating us once we know what the outcome of the court case is so that we can take forward the—. It was a very good debate on 5 December and we agreed, for example, the establishment of a national air quality assessment and monitoring centre for Wales and a number of other things that came out in the debate. And I'm sure she'll update us on the case in due course when she has the Order. 

Photo of Nick Ramsay Nick Ramsay Conservative 2:40, 30 January 2018

Leader of the house, last night I was pleased to attend the world premiere of the new BBC drama, Requiem, a joint venture with Netflix, which has been partially filmed at Cefn Tilla house in my constituency and shows off the Welsh countryside at its very best. Could we have a statement from the Welsh Government on the promotion of Wales as an international film location? There's clearly major economic potential if we do develop Wales in this way, and I think it would be helpful at this juncture, with increasing interest in Wales for this reason, if we had that statement. 

Secondly, I visited Monmouth's new comprehensive school building last week—it's been a week of touring—a stunning building, state of the art, a product—a tribute, I should say—to Monmouthshire County Council's vision and also to the twenty-first century schools programme. It's been a fantastic example of collaboration between the Welsh Government and local authorities. I wonder if we can have an update from the Cabinet Secretary for Education on the further phases of that scheme and how we're going to ensure that county councils, such as Monmouthshire and others across Wales, can make the most of accessing that funding so that we do have school buildings that are truly fit for purpose. 

And, finally, as I know time is short, the Welsh Revenue Authority have got a stand upstairs. I know many AMs have already been there to see them today. I think they're still there until 4 o'clock. Jocelyn Davies, former Assembly Member and former Finance Committee Chair, is up there as well. They're currently having a consultation on their new charter, which is about to go live. I think the consultation ends mid February. So, could the Welsh Government try to ensure that as many people as possible across Wales, and stakeholders and tax experts, do take part in that consultation to make sure that, when taxes do go live and the Welsh Revenue Authority is snowed under with all the work it has to do, that charter does ensure the best possible relationship between the tax industry and the revenue authority and Welsh Government? 

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:42, 30 January 2018

Well, thank you for those three issues, which were all three issues that the Welsh Government is extremely proud of. We're very proud of our countryside and we're very proud of our burgeoning film industry. I'm glad the Member had a chance to be involved in that. We make a series of statements about our success in both promoting our countryside and our film industry and I'm very happy to say that the Cabinet Secretary is always pushing both the Welsh tourism industry and the Welsh film industry as much as it possibly can be pushed. 

In terms of Monmouth's new school buildings, it's always a real pleasure to go to one of the new school buildings. I've had the privilege of going to several of them over the last few years. We are, of course, incredibly proud of our twenty-first century schools programme. We have been able to secure a budget for that going onwards. It is an excellent example of good cross-Government local authority working and I hope that Members will all take advantage of visiting the new schools as they pop up in their various constituencies. We are immensely proud of that programme and rightly so. 

In terms of the charter for the Welsh tax revenue authority, of course, we're very excited to be raising our first taxes for 800 years. I can't help but say that it's also a very good example of digitalisation of services. We've had an excellent team working on how to set the revenue authority up and what parts of it can be digital and good engagement with the various accountants and tax experts and so on about how things can be filled in online and so on. I absolutely take this opportunity to join with the Member in saying how proud we are of it and making sure we get as wide a recognition of that throughout Wales—[Interruption.] Yes, and that we get a good response to the consultation.  

Photo of Bethan Sayed Bethan Sayed Plaid Cymru 2:44, 30 January 2018

I wanted to ask if we could have a debate on youth homelessness. It's in regard to a question that Siân Gwenllian asked of the First Minister about how the new money will be spent. It still seems unclear to us—here on these benches at least—how that money is going to be distributed. I also met with another housing association on my tour of housing associations that didn't know, again, about this announcement, that was made to the public, as opposed to here in Plenary, and didn't know, therefore, how they could utilise that fund. So, a debate in Government time would be welcome. 

The second one I wanted to ask for was if we could have an updated statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services with regard to his announcement to review the eating disorders framework, which I'm very welcoming of. I had a letter about it but I wanted to understand if we could have a statement to AMs as to how they can contact Jacinta, who is going to be leading on this, via Swansea University, and how other AMs can put their views forward to a review of the eating disorders framework, considering that it is an issue that affects all Assembly Members. So, yes, thank you for doing it, but can we have a statement so that we know how to give evidence and contribute to the consultation that she will be engaging in across Wales?

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:45, 30 January 2018

On the first one, it's very timely because the Minister will be making a statement in Plenary next week about homelessness, so I'm sure you'll be able to ask all of the questions you want to there.

The health Secretary is indicating to me that the letter in question has been placed in the Assembly library, but he's more than happy to copy it to all AMs to make sure that they understand the circumstances and how to get in touch.

Photo of Julie Morgan Julie Morgan Labour

Leader of the house, I had two points I wanted to raise. First of all, last week, I was very pleased to sponsor the launch of the second annual state of child health report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. I'm sure the leader of the house is aware that the report highlighted the progress that Wales is making in particular areas, especially tackling childhood obesity, maximising pregnant women's health and developing research capacity around children's health, and, actually, outstripping the rest of the UK. So, it's an extremely positive report about the Welsh health service. I wonder if it would be possible to have a full debate about this, particularly about the importance of these early years, as healthy children become healthy adults. That was the first point.

The second point: I wondered if the leader of the house had seen the letter in the i newspaper this morning from the Nevill Hall consultant—again, praising the Welsh health service—saying how the design of our health services in Wales has enabled Welsh Government and physicians to work together in a co-ordinated way to tackle many aspects of liver disease in particular, including hepatitis C? That, of course, is something we have debated a lot here in this Chamber. I think it would be useful if we were able to have an update about how the Welsh Government's goal of eradicating hepatitis C by 2030 is progressing, and acknowledging the great work that has been done in the way that our Welsh health service is designed and the great progress we're making.

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:47, 30 January 2018

The Member raises two very important points there. The RCPCH does praise the Welsh Government for making commitments and recognises significant progress against many of the recommendations outlined in the report, including in relation to breastfeeding, obesity and protecting children from tobacco—all of which are things I know the Member has complained vigorously on for most of her political career.

It does highlight areas that require more work, obviously, including some transition services, but we are continuing to work very closely with them to consider the recommendations and to make sure that we implement them.

The Member is also very right to point out that, of course, the way that we work here in Wales makes a huge difference in the way that our services are taken forward. We work very collaboratively across the board and we make sure that we hear a multiplicity of voices in all of our services to make sure that they do remain fit for the population as it goes forward. The health Secretary is indicating to me that he would be very happy in due course to bring a statement about where we are on those services and to say a little bit more about how we work in Wales and the benefits that brings to the Welsh population overall.

Photo of Suzy Davies Suzy Davies Conservative 2:48, 30 January 2018

(Translated)

Leader of the house, this question has come up on a number of different occasions without a clear response. Would it be possible to have confirmation of the publication date for the Welsh standards in health?

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour

Yes, I'm sure the Cabinet Secretary can provide you with that information and copy it to all Assembly Members.

Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 2:49, 30 January 2018

Will the leader of the house join me in welcoming the initiative taken by Aston Martin to hold a graduate careers fair at Cardiff and Vale College tonight, which I'll be addressing? There are 750 new jobs being created at the St Athan plant in my constituency. Doesn't this indicate the strength of confidence in the Welsh economy, with Aston Martin badging each new car as 'made in Wales'? Will the Welsh Government make a statement to update the Assembly on this exciting new development?

The second question: I'm sure you welcome, as I do, the news that the UK Government decided not to challenge a court ruling that said changes to personal independence payments were unfair to people with mental health conditions. Every person receiving PIP will now have their claim reviewed. Will the Welsh Government make a statement calling on the UK Government to backdate reviewed claims and publish a timetable for action?

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:50, 30 January 2018

In terms of the first one, yes, it's extremely good news and Aston Martin are an enormously beneficial member of the community, both in the Vale of Glamorgan and, actually, in Wales overall. And very much part of the reason they wanted to come to Wales was because they liked the collegiate way in which we engaged with them and also they liked the skills base surrounding them, and they also liked the collegiate way that we work right across Wales to make sure that they would get the skills they wanted. So, we're very pleased and proud to have them here. I will say the Cabinet Secretary and I had a little bit of an altercation about which one of us was going to go in the first made-in-Wales car, and that's still ongoing, that altercation, and I'd be pleased to update the Assembly when I've won.

In terms of the PIP assessments, that's a very important decision. I was very pleased to see that the UK Government decided not to challenge the court decision, which is absolutely the right thing for them to do. We want to do two things, though. We want to ensure that the reassessment of the claims is done in a light-touch way, because sometimes the reassessment process itself can be as traumatic as the experience. So, we want to be sure that they do that with the right light touch, and we also want to make sure that they do it in a responsible fashion that actually means that, when they roll out universal credit to go alongside it, people aren't doubly impacted by the roll-out of universal credit, which has been happening somewhere. We are keeping a very close eye on that, and I'm sure once we've got some information about how it will be ongoing we will be updating the Assembly in due course.

Photo of Neil McEvoy Neil McEvoy Independent 2:51, 30 January 2018

I'm looking for a Government statement on the equity of consultations. I welcome the consultation that's now being run around the Roath brook issue by Natural Resources Wales, but I'm questioning why the same courtesy is not being offered and given to the residents of Barry who are campaigning strongly against the incinerator there, because I think they should be treated in exactly the same way, and I'd like a statement on that, please.

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour

We carry out consultations extremely fairly. Some of those consultations the Member has mentioned are not a matter for Welsh Government. The second one, for example, is a matter for the local authority.

Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru 2:52, 30 January 2018

(Translated)

Thank you, leader of the house.