2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:36 pm on 14 September 2021.

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Photo of Mike Hedges Mike Hedges Labour 2:36, 14 September 2021

Thank you, Presiding Officer. I wish you'd called me before Rhys ab Owen, because I was also going to raise the problem of problem high rises. I'll still raise it because it is a serious concern to a number of my constituents living in SA1. I believe we are now in the autumn and, as such, how soon can we expect this statement, because it is really affecting a number of people? We talk about mental health issues. I can think of nothing that would have a greater effect on somebody's mental health than the fact they own a property, which they paid £100,000 to £150,000 for, which they're paying interest on their loan for, and the building is now worthless. In fact, they would probably have to pay somebody to take it off their hands. So, it really is a matter of great urgency; I've got a lot of very unhappy constituents, as I'm sure other people in this room have. So, please, can we ask that we get this as soon as is practicable?

The second issue I would like to raise—and it's something we haven't talked about for some time—is regarding enterprise zones. In 2012, the Welsh Government launched seven enterprise zones across Wales; the Port Talbot waterfront was added later. Can we have a Government statement regarding the success of these zones, and which ones are planned to continue after next year?