Questions to the First Minister

QNR – in the Senedd on 24 March 2020.

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Photo of Suzy Davies Suzy Davies Conservative

(Translated) What discussions has the First Minister had with the UK Government regarding support for landlords and tenants in all sectors in light of the coronavirus outbreak?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The Welsh Government is working closely with the sector to secure the help needed. I welcome the undertakings from both local authorities and Community Housing Cymru that social tenants will not be evicted for financial hardship during the outbreak. I also welcome the advice of the Residential Landlords Association.

Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour

(Translated) How is the Welsh Government working with local government in Wales to respond to the coronavirus outbreak?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

We work closely with the political and officer leadership in Welsh local government to assist them in the enormous effort local authorities are making to assist individuals and communities in the current crisis.

Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on staff recruitment in the social care sector?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The Welsh Government recognises the importance of attraction, recruitment and retention of vital workers into social care. The WeCare.Wales campaign, commissioned and launched in March last year, attracted many thousands of new people to learn of the rewards that a social care career can bring.

Photo of Carwyn Jones Carwyn Jones Labour

(Translated) Will the First Minister provide an update on the effect of coronavirus on this year's school examinations in Wales?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Due to these exceptional circumstances, on 18 March, the Minister for Education announced that the summer exam series would not go ahead. Learners due to sit their GCSEs and A-levels this summer will be awarded a fair grade to recognise their work, drawing on all available information.

Photo of David Lloyd David Lloyd Plaid Cymru

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on data protection in the NHS?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Sharing information safely is a cornerstone of modern healthcare in Wales. Data in the NHS is protected, whether on paper or in a digital format. A new NHS Wales information governance statement has been issued in response to the extraordinary circumstances we face. The statement has been endorsed by the Information Commissioner's Office.

Photo of Mick Antoniw Mick Antoniw Labour

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on the support available to businesses and employees during the coronavirus pandemic?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

We recognise the incredibly difficult and uncertain circumstances that businesses are experiencing and are absolutely committed to providing the support and assurance the business community needs. Following the initial package of £200 million support announced on 17 March, we have now extended this and will be providing almost £1.4 billion of support for businesses.

Photo of Gareth Bennett Gareth Bennett UKIP

(Translated) What steps is the Welsh Government taking to support the economy in South Wales Central?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

We are doing everything we can to protect businesses and jobs throughout Wales during this unprecedented time, including an extra £1.4 billion of financial support. 

Photo of Neil McEvoy Neil McEvoy Independent

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on Welsh Government efforts to test and trace coronavirus cases, as has been called for by the World Health Organisation?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The Minister for Health and Social Services issued written statements on 18 and 20 March on testing.

Photo of Dawn Bowden Dawn Bowden Labour

(Translated) Will the First Minister provide an update on the provisions for homeless people during the coronavirus crisis?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

We have made additional funding of up to £10 million available to local authorities to enable them to support those without a home so they can be protected, supported, and isolated if necessary during the crisis. This funding reflects the intensive support needed in the sector and the vulnerability of this group.

Photo of David Rees David Rees Labour

(Translated) What actions is the Welsh Government taking to support food banks during the coronavirus emergency?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

This financial year we have provided £2 million through the European transition fund to support resilience for emergency food organisations and promote food security. The coronavirus crisis presents new problems for food banks and we are currently considering how we can best support them.

Photo of Joyce Watson Joyce Watson Labour

(Translated) What steps is the Welsh Government taking to address the risk of an increase in domestic violence during the period of isolation due to the coronavirus outbreak?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Our Live Fear Free helpline and website will continue to offer support 24/7 throughout the pandemic. We have been working closely with our national advisers and key partners to identify vulnerabilities, mitigations and contingencies to ensure victims and survivors are safe during these exceptional circumstances.