Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:46 pm on 26 May 2021.
Thank you very much, Llywydd, and congratulations to you on your re-election and congratulations to the First Minister too.
My question is this: would the First Minister agree with me that there are particular economic challenges facing rural communities in Wales that need to be addressed as a matter of urgency? He, of course, will be aware that income levels per capita and skills levels in these areas are lower than the Welsh average, and he'll also know that there is a second homes crisis—as we've already heard from Rhun ap Iorwerth—and the shortage of affordable housing as well as the shortage of quality jobs do lead to out-migration of young people, which is having a damaging effect on the demography and social fabric in these areas. And the impact of this of course is very detrimental to the Welsh language in those areas where the Welsh language continues to be a living language. So, would the First Minister accept that the Government needs to prioritise the development of a specific strategy and action plan for the regeneration of our rural areas, where all of those economic, social and cultural elements can come together in an integrated and holistic way? Because, after 22 years, there's been no particular focus, as far as I know, First Minister, that has been given to our rural areas. Does he agree that this needs to change?