The next item is the business statement and announcement, and I call on the Trefnydd to make that statement. Lesley Griffiths. 

Diolch, Llywydd. I've added three statements to today's agenda, a statement on Afghanistan from the Minister for Social Justice, a statement to update Members on the latest situation with regard to COVID-19 from the Minister for Health and Social Services, and a statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership updating Members on developments with the social partnership and public procurement (Wales) Bill. Finally, the legislative consent motion on the Environment Bill has been postponed until 28 September. Draft business for the next three sitting weeks is set out on the business statement and announcement, which can be found amongst the meeting papers available to Members electronically.

Trefnydd, I'd like to call for a statement from the Minister for Health and Social Services on the Welsh ambulance service. I understand that the Welsh ambulance service is currently undertaking a pan-Wales roster review, and I've received representations from worried NHS staff about plans for the service in my own area, in Pembrokeshire. The current plans are to reduce the emergency ambulance capacity within Pembrokeshire from seven down to five. Now, needless to say, this will have a very serious impact on the people of Pembrokeshire, and indeed on our ambulance staff. One member of staff told me that they were 'genuinely frightened' at the impact that these changes would have on them, given that they were already struggling with the current demand, and I'm sure you'll agree with me that this is totally unacceptable.

It's also understood that Hywel Dda University Health Board is the only health board in Wales that will see this level of reduction in emergency ambulance cover. Therefore, given the seriousness of these plans, and the impact that they will have on users and staff in Pembrokeshire, could you please ensure that the health Minister brings forward a statement now as a matter of urgency?

Thank you for that question. As you stated yourself, there is currently a review of the Welsh ambulance service. I think it would be very foolish to pre-empt any outcome of that, but I'm sure, at the most appropriate time, the health Minister will bring forward further information.FootnoteLink

Information further to Plenary 

It was good to see pupils from Ysgol Mynydd Bychan in the gallery today, and Heledd Fychan and I took a number of challenging questions from them, including which party we would join other than Plaid Cymru. I can clearly say that the answer was not the Tories.

But, Trefnydd, could I be so bold as to ask for three statements today? First of all, because it is Youth Parliament Week, could the Government outline what collaboration they have with others, including the Commission, to ensure that as many young people as possible from various backgrounds participate in this important activity?

Trefnydd, could I also ask for a statement regarding the issue of building safety in high rises? Does the Welsh Government agree with Plaid Cymru that innocent leaseholders should not pay for defective work by developers? And Trefnydd, could we also have a written statement about the mental health impact this has on leaseholders? I've met many now, and the strain is obvious on their faces. Could you look into the impact on these people's lives, through no fault of their own? Diolch yn fawr.

Thank you. Just in relation to your first bit, I think it's excellent to see members of the public back in the public gallery, but it's always really good to see children and young people in the public gallery. And as you say, obviously, it's Youth Parliament Week, and it's really important that we do engage with children and young people about the democratic process and politics in general.

In relation to your second question around building safety, you'll be aware that the Minister for Climate Change issued a written statement on 14 July, announcing the grant funding for survey work to be undertaken on some of these residential buildings that you referred to. We anticipate that the scheme will be ready to accept applications in the autumn of this year, so there will be a further announcement.

Mike Hedges.

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?

Thank you. I don't disagree with what you said around the point of cladding and the issue that has just been raised with me. And when I gave my answer, I did think as I said the word 'autumn', I was thinking, 'Well, that could be several months.' And I agree with you, we are in the autumn now, but I know that the Minister is very hopeful to bring forward a statement at the earliest possibility.

In relation to enterprise zones, the Member will be aware that they were introduced and created here to help promote economic activity and development in very distinct zones. And it is absolutely timely, I think, to review that enterprise zone programme, and also the governance structures that were put in to support it when we first brought them forward in light of our priorities. And obviously, we've now had the emergence of a regional approach to economic development, and the end of current terms of appointment for the boards is also nearing as well. So, the Minister for Economy will be making a statement on enterprise zones.

Like my colleague Paul Davies, I have also been contacted by large numbers of constituents, concerned about ambulance waiting times. Our hard-working ambulance crews and accident and emergency teams are amazing, working tirelessly, but ambulance crews are spending all of their shifts sat outside hospitals, waiting to hand over patients, causing long delays, leaving rural communities like mine in Brecon and Radnorshire without adequate cover in case of emergency.

Here's an example of correspondence that I received earlier in the week. A 92-year-old lady, just outside Brecon, fell with a suspected broken hip. The ambulance was called at 4 p.m.. The lady remained in considerable pain, unable to move, unable to travel by car, unable to eat or drink. The ambulance arrived next morning because there were no ambulances across my constituency. This is not isolated. Over 400 people, right across Wales, earlier in the year, were waiting over 12 hours for an ambulance. I'm sure nobody in this Chamber finds that acceptable.

So, Trefnydd, will you please now ask the Minister for Health and Social Services to make an urgent statement on this crisis, and outline the proposals on how the Welsh Government will improve access to ambulances, because people waiting on the floor for 12 hours for an ambulance is absolutely shameful?  

I would caution the Member. You quote, and I'm going to quote you now, 'All of ambulances are spending their time sitting outside hospitals.' That is completely not true—[Interruption.]—and I think you should be very, very cautious in using those exact words and also the word 'crisis'. You will have heard my answer to Paul Davies about the review. I, personally, and no-one in this Chamber would want to hear the story that you relayed. I can't personally comment on a specific case, and I would ask you to write to the Minister for Health and Social Services.

I'd like a Government statement, please, about the importance of respite for carers and day-care services for people with disabilities. This is an issue that I've raised many times over the past year, and there are lots of families in my region, principally in Caerphilly, that are still without the respite support that they had before the pandemic. Now, I understand that the council has made a statement very recently confirming that there are no plans to close day centres, and that will be a huge relief to families, but they are consulting on current provision, and with the limited services available, families without cars can't always travel to get the help that is available. What I'd like the Government to do, please, is to provide some clarity about what support is being given to local authorities, and what incentives are there to restart these services that provide such significant support for entire families. Many unpaid carers have been looking after their loved ones 24 hours a day for the past 18 months, and that takes a physical toll; it also takes an emotional toll. I'd really welcome a statement from the Government setting out what will be done to help them.

Thank you, and I think the Member raises a very important point. It's absolutely vital that we value our carers and, as you say, COVID-19 has brought another pressure on people who are caring for the vulnerable members of their family or friends. I'm not aware of the consultation by Caerphilly County Borough Council, but I would really urge all constituents in your region to put into that consultation. I think it's very important that the council hear what people's needs and requirements are.

Trefnydd, could we have a statement on emergency mental health provision in Wales? A recent BBC article highlighted that the police are increasingly having to deal with calls from family and friends who fear a loved one may be suicidal and do not know where to turn. My local police force, Gwent Police, has seen the number of 999 and 101 calls increase by a third between January and July. However, more than half of the calls did not report crimes, but are often relating to other services. On average, between 6 per cent and 8 per cent of all contacts with Gwent Police involve concerns for someone's mental health. Gwent Police are adapting admirably, and have a mental health team and a social worker who sit alongside operators in the call room, and I know that Welsh Government have made some really positive announcements and investments on this subject over the summer, and there's some great work being trialled in the Swansea bay area, which includes a 111 mental health crisis helpline team, but the sooner we can improve services across Wales the better, so that individuals who are suffering find the best and most appropriate support. 

Thank you. Again, you raise a very important point and, as you say, we've worked very closely with the NHS and also with the police and other organisations to try and understand the needs of individuals at that point of crisis that you referred to. Most individuals in those circumstances do need a multi-agency response, rather than a specific or a specialist mental health service. So, we will continue to work with our partners in relation to that multi-agency approach and make sure that that pathway is there, and, as part of that commitment, we have committed £6 million this year to support crisis care. That does include the roll-out of the mental health single point of contact, and you mentioned the pilot work that is being undertaken. It's also really important, I think, to improve response times for those crisis situations, and also reduce the need for other forms of transport, and I know from back in the day when I was health Minister that the use of police vehicles is not appropriate for many of these cases. So, I think it's really important that we reduce the need for those other forms of transport. So, we will continue to work with the NHS, with the police and other organisations. 

I wonder if I could ask you to provide a statement from the Minister for Health and Social Services, please, on dentists across Wales, particularly within Mid and West Wales. We have a particular challenge in this very rural area in being able to access NHS dentists, and I'd particularly be interested in the availability of dentists within the Llandrindod Wells and Knighton areas, where there has been cross-party support for us to attempt to improve the situation.

The second statement, I was wondering, could come from the Minister for Climate Change on the state of the River Wye. We all know that this is a very polluted river, from a variety of sources, and I would be grateful for a statement around pollution in the River Wye. Thank you. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Thank you. In relation to your question around dental provision, you mention very specific areas of your region, so I will ask the Minister for Health and Social Services to write to you about that—I think it was Llandrindod Wells and Knighton.

Again, you'll be aware there's a great deal of work being done around pollution of our rivers. It's really important that we improve our waterways in the same way as I think we've already improved sea water around Wales, and that work is ongoing.

Trefnydd, I call for a statement from the Minister for health regarding the redevelopment of the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Rhyl. The redevelopment of the Royal Alex and the creation of a community hospital are integral to providing top quality healthcare to my constituents—constituents who cannot understand the delays. When I last spoke to the chair and chief exec of the health board over the summer, they, like me, were frustrated at the lack of progress and were surprised when my written question revealed that Welsh Government had further questions regarding the full business case. Trefnydd, there are concerns that the Welsh Government are revisiting existing agreed projects in light of a shortage of capital funding. I therefore ask that the health Minister comes forward at the earliest opportunity with a statement to confirm or deny these concerns and provide my residents with an update on the status of the Royal Alexandra redevelopment. Thank you very much.

I don't think that would be appropriate for an oral statement. Clearly, you said yourself that, in the answer to your written question, the Minister for Health and Social Services made it clear that there were further questions to be asked of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in relation to the business case. So, I think, obviously, that process will be going through the stages that are required.

I'd like to ask the Trefnydd for a statement to update Members on the support the Welsh Government is giving to the Rhondda Tunnel Society and other similar projects. Like many Members here, I was able to plunge into the depths of the tunnel for a visit organised by Tony and the group, and if you haven't done it already, Trefnydd, I thoroughly recommend it. The project will bring a variety of different benefits to both Blaencwm and Blaengwynfi, both economically and culturally, and the tunnel will provide us with an opportunity to tell the story of the Valleys in a similar way to what is being done in New Zealand, where old gold mine tracks have been turned into walking and cycling routes, and double up as a history walk. I know the team are keen to do something similar, but they need as much help as they can get.

Thank you. I actually haven't done the walk through the Rhondda tunnel, but it is something that certainly—Buffy's left the Chamber now—Buffy Williams and I have discussed. I'm not aware of any specific support that can be given, but I will certainly ask the Minister to have a look into it.

Trefnydd, can I ask for a statement from the economy Minister on the announcement of two factories in the community of Gorseinon that have announced their intention to close over the next year? 3M have announced that 89 jobs will be lost, and Toyoda Gosei have said 228 positions at their site are under threat too. These are two major employers in the community of Gorseinon, and their loss will be felt very significantly in the community, directly by people and families and the supply chain. So, while I'm grateful the Minister issued a written statement on the subject on 3 September, I'm asking whether the economy Minister is able to provide a further update on the floor of the Senedd on the Welsh Government's discussions with these companies, their employees, trade unions and other stakeholders about the future employability of this workforce, and to outline the Welsh Government's plan to help Gorseinon recover.

Thank you. I know officials have been working with the company that you refer to. I don't think there's anything further that the Minister for Economy at this time can add to his written statement.

Thank you, Trefnydd. You'll be aware, I'm sure, that there has been some coverage in the press and fierce opposition and local concerns about the consultation that took place over the summer on charging drivers to use the A470 between Upper Boat and Pontypridd and also on parts of the M4. I know that the Deputy Minister for Climate Change has stated on Twitter that there are no plans or discussions on charging drivers. But, could we have a statement on this, please, particularly in terms of what the Government's plans are to reduce the high level of pollution on this section of the A470, and they continue to be too high despite the speed limits that have already been put in place?

Thank you. I am aware of the press interest to which you refer and also of the Deputy Minister for Climate Change's comments. There is a significant amount of work going on in relation to clean air zones, and, obviously, the A470 is one of those areas. There were some surveys undertaken that were completed at the end of August—so, just a couple of weeks ago—so I know that, at the time when, obviously, these have been assessed, the results will be reviewed and then shared with the Minister and Deputy Minister. At the moment, there are no intentions to implement clean air zones at either location, but there will be detailed investigations and, obviously, the Ministers will make a statement at the appropriate time.

Trefnydd, I rise to request a statement from the Minister for Climate Change with regard to the Welsh Government's roads review. Recent correspondence obtained from the Deputy Minister for Climate Change appears to suggest now that the administration is progressing the statutory process for junctions 15 and 16 on the A55 despite the possibility that the works could actually be scrapped by the roads review panel. The update also appears to contradict the Deputy Minister's statement made earlier this year that he was freezing all new road projects in Wales. 

Consecutive Welsh Governments have actually repeatedly dragged their feet on pushing forward these proposed improvement works, which has left my residents and businesses in Dwygyfylchi, Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan in limbo. It simply cannot be right that the Welsh Government are progressing a statutory process for these junctions, spending more taxpayers' money, only for a roads review panel to then potentially come and scrap the entire project. So, with this in mind, I'm calling now for a statement from the Minister to clarify what is a ridiculous situation. Diolch.

Llywydd, the Deputy Minister will publish a written statement tomorrow that will provide Members with further information about the roads review.

Thank you, Trefnydd.