The next item is the business statement and announcement, and I call on the Trefnydd to make that statement—Rebecca Evans.

Diolch, Llywydd. I have several changes to report to today's agenda. Later this afternoon the Government will move a motion to suspend Standing Orders so that we can debate the coronavirus firebreak. To accommodate this, the statements on the current state of inter-governmental relations and the draft plan to tackle fuel poverty in Wales will issue as written statements. Draft business for the next three weeks is set out on the business statement and announcement, which can be found amongst the meeting papers available to Members electronically.

Thank you, Trefnydd. Trefnydd, can I call for a statement on the evidence on which the Welsh Government took the decision to close places of worship during the firebreak lockdown that will soon be upon us? Many church leaders have been in touch with me to express concerns that they're going to be required to close for a further period from this Friday, and, of course, this follows a period where churches, chapels, mosques, temples were closed for a significant period earlier in the year, a period, which I hasten to add, was longer than in any other part of the UK. There's an ongoing ban, of course, on congregational singing, a ban on church and cathedral choirs, unlike other parts of the UK, and we recently, of course, will have seen reports in the media that people were being chastised for reciting the Lord's prayer at a funeral.

In the absence of any evidence that suggests that churches and chapels in Wales pose a significant threat of transmission of the coronavirus, closure does not seem to be a proportionate or necessary act. I'm sure that you would agree with me, Trefnydd, that spiritual health is just as important as people's physical and mental health and well-being, and houses of God should be a place of refuge in times of crisis and, therefore, there is a very good case to keep them open. Can we have a statement on this important issue as soon as possible, please?

I thank Darren Millar for raising this issue, and Darren Millar will know that I appreciate just as well as he does the importance of churches and other places of worship in terms of supporting people's mental health, as well as their ability to access parts of their community as well during this difficult period.

We do have a statement on the firebreak this afternoon, which is an opportunity for Darren to set out his concerns further, but I will say that the evidence has been published. You'll have seen the evidence published by the Government that was received from the TAC group, for example, and this sets out the importance of minimising the contacts that we have. We can't look to every single type of setting, because we're looking at people's contacts in the round and trying to minimise the number of contacts that we have. But I do appreciate the difficulties that it will cause people, but, as I say, there is a statement on the firebreak more widely that will be an opportunity to explore it in more depth this afternoon.

Leanne Wood. There you go.

Diolch, Llywydd. On 22 September, the First Minister said that a payment of £500 would be made available for those people on low incomes who have to self-isolate. Since the announcement of the firebreak, many people in the Rhondda have asked me how they can claim this payment and if it has been made available for those people who'll lose income as a result of the firebreak during the next two weeks.

People need that money now; they can't afford to wait like the carers had to wait for their payment. Can we have a statement outlining the eligibility and claim information of this payment, as well as a statement about what emergency support can be made available for those smaller businesses, self-employed people and many others who lost out on support and fell through all of the gaps last time? Many people are very anxious about this firebreak and not having this information about their income. They need this information very quickly, so can we have a statement for both of those areas as a matter of urgency, please?

Yes, I'll certainly ensure that as soon we are in a position to say more about the self-isolation payment of £500, we will share that detail about eligibility and how to go about claiming and receiving that funding. I can reassure colleagues that work is being completed at pace on that, and we will have more details to share on that very shortly. You will have heard my colleague Ken Skates during the briefing earlier on today talking about the support that we are making available to business and the discretionary element of that in order to allow local authorities to support those important businesses who might fall outside of the categories, such as being in receipt of small business rate relief, for example. But on both of those issues, there will be further detail provided to colleagues very shortly.

I'm sure the Minister would want to join me in welcoming the news that Prescoed prison football team has been now allowed to play in the Sunday league in the Gwent Central League. It was a real tragedy that they were told, after 20 years, that they weren't able to re-enter the league for the coming season. But doesn't this reflect poorly on how we manage rehabilitation in Wales and how we manage people who are leaving the secure estate in Wales? A number of people who have played for this football team have spoken very eloquently about how this gave them the opportunity to start to rebuild their lives again, and it's important that we are able to work towards rehabilitation and to ensure that people who have served sentences in Wales are able to be supported as they leave the secure estate. So, I'd like to ask for a debate in Government time on the future of rehabilitation in Wales, and how the Welsh Government intends to address that issue.

I'd also like to ask for a statement or a debate on our Standing Orders as a Parliament. We've seen again over the last week that our processes, our privileges and our resources are being abused by people who have no electoral mandate at all in this place to play their musical chairs with their politics whilst we pay for it as taxpayers and as Members of this place. It brings this place into disrepute to see these charlatans and chancers moving across and around the Chamber at will. The people of Wales have a right to a democracy, and all of us in this place must respect that democracy. It is clear that some Members have no respect for that democracy, and, until the people of Wales have the opportunity to kick them out next May, it is important that our Standing Orders reflect that and respect that democracy.

I thank Alun Davies for raising both of those issues, and I share his concern about the respect for democracy and the respect for the people who allow us the privilege of representing them here in the Senedd. I suppose this is a matter for the Business Committee, rather than the Government, but I do want to provide reassurance to colleagues that the work that was going on ahead of COVID in terms of looking again at our Standing Orders does intend to be resumed, and I'm sure that the Llywydd will be in touch with colleagues with more information about that in due course.

But, on the other matter of the football team, we're really supportive of using sport within the context of rehabilitation, as well as really focusing the attention on improving the health and well-being of men in prison and, of course, after they leave the prison estate as well. We have a partnership agreement for prison health, and that sets out our agreed priorities between Welsh Government, Public Health Wales, the prison service in Wales and the health boards, and that does include a specific focus on the use of the wider prison environment to promote health and well-being, with a focus on exercise and sport and being involved in teams and so on. I know that the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip is planning to provide a written statement to Members in the coming weeks updating us on justice issues, but I will obviously ensure that she's aware of your request for that debate in Government time as well.

Just before I call the next speaker, just to—. For the record, Members who change political groups or parties in this Chamber—that is not an abuse of Standing Orders. Members have done so throughout the term of this Senedd, and not only last week. That's a matter just for the record. Andrew R.T. Davies.

Thank you, Presiding Officer. Organiser, could I seek two statements, or certainly a letter in the first instance, explaining why—from the health Minister—dentists aren't classed as key workers, and if there could be possible Government reconsideration of this? I find it remarkable that dentists aren't categorised as key workers, but there might be a perfectly logical reason why that it is the case. It escapes me at this moment in time, but I have been lobbied by dentists locally about this anomaly, and so if I could seek a letter or some form of explanation as to why this is the case, I'd be most grateful, and, in the best outcome possible, actually get them added to the list of key workers, given the imminent lockdown that is going to occur from Friday.

Secondly, the Government brought forward money for the vaginal mesh campaign and addressing the concerns that many people had brought to Senedd Members and also the Government around their experiences with the Welsh NHS in this particular area. One million pounds was allocated in 2018. I'd be grateful if we could seek a statement from the health Minister to actually explain what the outcomes are from that money that was allocated to address these very serious concerns that patients brought before the Senedd. I know this issue enjoys cross-party support, but, to date, in my meetings over the last week when I've met campaigners in this particular area, they seem unsure as to what exactly has been achieved by this money that was allocated from the Welsh Government back in 2018, and a clear explanation laid out in a statement I think would benefit many people. Thank you.

[Inaudible.]—for raising both of those issues, and I'll certainly endeavour to get an explanation for you in terms of the classification of dentists as key workers, as we move into the firebreak period. I do know that dentistry did continue throughout the lockdown earlier in the year, although it was focused very much on the more urgent end of the spectrum. But, as I say, I will get that explanation for the Member. 

And I know that several Members will also be interested in an update on the issue of vaginal mesh, so I will ensure that I speak to the health Minister to relay that particular request. 

I'd like to ask for a statement from the Minister for the environment on the running of the Bryn site in Gelligaer. This site is run by the Bryn Group and is involved, amongst other things, in waste management and recycling. The group has had to apologise publicly in the past few days because of plastic contamination in the soil. I've seen it myself, and it is devastating. Plastic waste is littered right through the compost that's been used on the site, contaminating the land, including in pasture that will be used for silage. Trefnydd, I fear there's a risk that the plastic will enter our food chain.

Now, we're not talking about the odd bit of plastic; this is shredded right through the bund. It is contamination on a shattering scale. I've written to the Minister, asking if she could call for an investigation into complaints by residents about this waste, as well as dust caused by the works in the quarry and intrusive smells that affect residents in Gelligaer and Penybryn. Residents are concerned for their own health, understandably, but also the effect that this industrial pollution could have on residents of the area for years to come. I haven't had a response to my letter yet, and so I'm asking for an oral statement from the Minister, at her earliest convenience, to address this issue, which has now received coverage in the Western Mail. This can't be allowed to go on. Concerns have been raised with me that grass seed is being scattered liberally across the bund to try to cover up the plastic that's been exposed in the soil, and I've seen evidence that contradicts the management's claim that the plastic was removed last week. It's clear that we need that investigation, so, Trefnydd, I implore your Government to make this happen as soon as possible.

Well, Delyth Jewell has raised some very serious concerns there. I do note that she has written to the Minister, drawing the Minister's attention to these concerns, and I will ensure that a response to you is forthcoming as soon as possible.

I wish to request two statements to the Senedd—firstly, a comprehensive statement outlining the support measures put in place across Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic to support musicians, freelance and otherwise, and their livelihoods, and the measures to support community music—the very heart and soul of Welsh communities—such as choirs, choral societies, brass bands and community orchestras. 

And, second, can I call upon the Welsh Government to also provide a statement to urgently implement the measures that have been called for by the Senedd cross-party group on music and outstanding from the correspondence of August and September and my ministerial meeting, namely (1) the provision of specific guidance for the teaching of instrumental music in schools; (2) the private teaching practice guidance across Wales; an outline specification for the operation in future of ensembles, bands and orchestras and the return strategy for public performance, a premise vital for the sector; and, finally, within that, an updated report to this place on the future of music support services and the conclusive feasibility study and progress on the development of a national music strategy for Wales and an underpinning music education plan—never more critical for creative Wales?

Thank you to Rhianon for raising this issue, and I know that she is a huge champion within the Senedd for music and for everything that it can do to improve our lives at this very difficult time. I'd be happy to seek an update from the Welsh Government on all of those issues in terms of how we're seeking to update our operational guidance for schools and also the guidance for a phased return of performance at culture and heritage venues and destinations, and also the concerns that I know Rhianon Passmore has about music services and the music feasibility study and funding for music education more widely. 

Beyond providing a written response to the Member, I do know that there's a debate on the Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee's report on the impact of COVID-19 on the creative industries. That's due to take place on 11 November, and I think that will be another useful opportunity to hear the latest from the Minister on this particular aspect.

Trefnydd, I would like to call for a statement from the Minister for health regarding the treatment of elderly persons during the current pandemic. Yesterday, I was asked to attend a meeting with a small group of assisted living residents to discuss the issues they were facing in recent months, only for them to be told by Coastal Housing that they had to meet outdoors. Some of these residents were vulnerable, with a wide variety of health issues, some needing supplemental oxygen, yet they were being asked to sit outside in temperatures that barely hit double digits. Coastal Housing were being overzealous in interpreting the COVID regulations, and half a dozen or so people sitting meters apart and wearing masks poses no great transmission risk, and yet they were told that such a meeting could not be held indoors. Despite there being prior notice of the meeting, they were only told five minutes before. Residents are also concerned that new residents are not being tested, prior to entry to live there, for COVID-19.

I'd like the Welsh Government to ensure that guidance that goes out to housing associations and local authorities takes account of the risks to both the physical and mental health of vulnerable elderly people. So, such guidance needs to balance the harms of COVID-19 against the harms of measures to tackle the disease. And following conversations with staff—whom I had every sympathy for—regarding assisted living, too much was left open to interpretation, which was then inconsistent in delivery, and much clearer guidelines are needed in order to promote a healthy relationship for staff and residents alike.

My second point is—

No, no, no, no—there's no time for a second point. 

It was in relation to Alun Davies's hypocritical contribution about—

You've exceeded your time by some considerable amount, Caroline Jones. The Trefnydd to respond.

Thank you, Llywydd. This is a really difficult issue, isn't it, in terms of balancing the needs and the risks in regard to emotional and mental health and well-being and the risks posed by COVID. I do hope that the Welsh Government's guidance does seek to sensitively and sensibly address those risks, but I will ask the Member in the first instance to write to the Deputy Minister for Social Services, outlining those concerns in more detail, so we can consider whether or not the guidance does fully provide the providers with the information that they need in order to take the right decisions to protect the health and well-being of the people that they provide services for.

Mark Isherwood.

Hello. 

Hello.

I call for an oral statement, or preferably a debate, in Welsh Government time on the Welsh Government's draft plan to tackle fuel poverty in Wales after the Welsh Government today withdrew its key oral statement on this and replaced it with only a written statement, which didn't allow questioning.

The Welsh Government's plan to tackle fuel poverty in Wales included new non-statutory targets to 2035 and no interim milestones to get there, despite the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000, amended by the Energy Act 2013, stating the requirement that a fuel poverty strategy in Wales must

'specify interim objectives to be achieved and target dates for achieving them'.

The Minister accepted the statement in National Energy Action's UK fuel poverty monitor last year that:

'The Welsh Government should publish and make available a Cold Weather Plan for Wales to address the burden of excess winter deaths and cold-related ill health in the country.'

However, the Welsh Government consultation on its new plan seemingly includes nothing new or additional now to address the urgent needs of fuel-poor households this winter, particularly in light of COVID-19. We therefore need to know what additional actions the Welsh Government is taking to support fuel-poor households this winter. The Older People's Commissioner for Wales refers to figures showing around 67,000 older households living in fuel poverty in Wales, despite a statutory duty to eradicate fuel poverty. We therefore need to know how the Welsh Government responds to the commissioner's call for the Welsh Government to establish an emergency grant fund to make improvements to older people's home environments to support those most at risk of fuel poverty this winter, and to invest—[Inaudible.]—campaigns and assistance to increase take-up of pension credit.

And, finally, we need to know how the Welsh Government responds to the Community Housing Cymru research, which estimated that the cost of decarbonising all 230,000 units in the Welsh social housing sector exceeds £4.2 billion. A written statement will not do the job. I call on the Welsh Government therefore to find the time to bring this to this Chamber. Thank you.

Before the Trefnydd responds, I'm assuming that enough of that was heard by the Trefnydd to respond, but if I can ask you, Mark Isherwood, to have a discussion with some of our technicians, just to make sure that the quality of your sound is improved. If you want to take part in any other contribution this afternoon, I think some work needs to be done to improve the quality of your sound. But that can be done, I'm sure.

Rebecca Evans to respond.

Well, withdrawing items from the agenda for Plenary is never done lightly, and, obviously, this is something that we wanted to bring forward for colleagues to be able to discuss and question the Minister on today. But, unfortunately, we have had to change it to a written statement due to the additional coronavirus firebreak debate, which will be taking place later this afternoon. I think most people will understand that that was, under the circumstances, a reasonable thing to do. 

But I do think that Mark Isherwood has had the opportunity during the business statement to put on record the contribution that he might have sought to make later in the day, in terms of the questions and concerns he has about the draft plan to tackle fuel poverty. And I know that the Minister would welcome any further queries or contributions in writing as she continues to put in place the plan to tackle fuel poverty.

Can I also ask, Trefnydd, for further clarification from the Welsh Government on the firebreak lockdown? And perhaps the debate later on this afternoon is an opportunity for the Minister to respond. I've been contacted by the owners of Raglan Garden Centre, who are very concerned about the closure of garden centres over the next few weeks. I know that my colleague the Member for South Wales East, Laura Anne-Jones, has also told me that the owners of Usk garden centre are very concerned about the upcoming closure. I appreciate that cafes and restaurants in garden centres probably should be closing as part of that lockdown, if that's going ahead, but garden centres are big places; there are other areas, mainly outdoor areas; there are areas for Christmas tree purchase, for food, et cetera. If social distancing can be maintained in places like this, then why are we having this total closure of garden centres at this time? As I say, perhaps the Minister can come back to this in the debate later.

Trefnydd.

Thank you, Llywydd. Yes, so as I said to Darren Millar at the start of the business statement earlier on, we do have the statement on the coronavirus firebreak just a few more items down the agenda this afternoon, and perhaps that would be the best opportunity to raise this issue further. 

I thank the Trefnydd. We will now take a short break.

Plenary was suspended at 15:34.

The Senedd reconvened at 15:40, with David Melding in the Chair.

Order, order. The Senedd is back in session.