Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:24 pm on 6 October 2020.
Thank you, Minister, for your statement—[Inaudible.]—the Welsh Government's—[Inaudible.]—to commend you on the breadth and depth of—[Inaudible.] There are many questions I'd like to ask about it, but, because of the constraints of time, will stick to just three.
Firstly, the third phase of the economic resilience fund—I note that the document states there will be moneys set aside for businesses who've had to close due to local lockdowns. I'd welcome some further information on this, because it may well be of direct help to businesses within my constituency.
Secondly, I note with interest the reference to the national forest, and the fact that we'll be pressing ahead with the creation of a national forest here in Wales. I welcome this and would like to ask that special consideration be given to increasing forestry cover in those areas of Wales that have suffered so much from flooding, especially over the past year. We know that forestation can have significant positive impact on reducing surface run-off, protecting valley communities in particular.
Thirdly, with regard to the innovative housing programme, could I encourage you, Minister, to look in particular at the need for adaptable housing within that remit? I know from my casework that there's a huge shortage of such properties, and, with more people needing to rely upon social housing as the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis reverberates throughout Wales, I'm sure that the need for adaptable housing will only increase.