Questions to the First Minister

QNR – in the Senedd on 6 November 2018.

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Photo of Darren Millar Darren Millar Conservative

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on the performance of public services during his tenure?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

We have ensured continued and regular investment in the Welsh NHS and allocated an additional £230 million for the NHS in 2018-19.

Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on interventions made by Welsh Ministers on planning matters across Wales?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Welsh Ministers have the power to call in planning applications for their own determination. In the last year, they received requests to call in 25 applications and three applications were referred to them by local planning authorities under the notification direction. No applications were called in during the same period.

Photo of Mr Neil Hamilton Mr Neil Hamilton UKIP

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on Welsh Government policy on field sports?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Field sports in Wales are governed by legislation which includes the Game Act 1831, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Hunting Act 2004. Responsibility for freshwater fisheries is a matter for Natural Resources Wales who have a statutory duty to 'maintain, improve and develop' them.

Photo of Siân Gwenllian Siân Gwenllian Plaid Cymru

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on Welsh Government policy on business rates?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

(Translated)

Our policy on non-domestic rates is to support the growth of businesses in Wales while maintaining this vital funding stream for local services. We are providing £210 million of relief this year, supporting over 70,000 ratepayers across Wales.

Photo of Joyce Watson Joyce Watson Labour

(Translated) What is the Welsh Government doing to help child refugees to find sanctuary in Wales?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Although migration issues are not devolved, we work closely with the UK Government and key stakeholders to provide appropriate support and services to help the integration of refugee children in Wales. This year, we provided local authorities with £550,000 to help develop their capacity to support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

Photo of Mick Antoniw Mick Antoniw Labour

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on the importance of policing to community safety?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Policing is not devolved to Wales, however, I recognise how important it is in keeping our communities safe. That is why the Welsh Government provides additional funding of £16.8 million for 500 additional community support officers in Wales.  

Photo of Mohammad Asghar Mohammad Asghar Conservative

(Translated) What action will the Welsh Government take to support small businesses in the next 12 months?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

In line with our economic action plan, we remain committed to supporting small businesses through Business Wales, which offers bilingual advice and support to start and grow enterprises. Additionally, we are providing help for small business to get ready for Brexit with a £7.5 million Brexit business resilience package.