Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:39 pm on 5 October 2021.
Thank you, Huw Irranca-Davies. So, in relation to free banking for charities and community groups, I think it's safe to say we've certainly seen a number of voluntary organisations, right across Wales, experience difficulties with regard to banking services. That's in terms of identifying an account that is free, as well as being open, in the first place, because, of course, we've seen a significant number of banks close, along with the free ATM machines as well. You'll be aware of the work that the Minister for Social Justice has done with Third Sector Support Wales, and I know she's about to appoint the Wales Council for Voluntary Action to establish a community loan fund—community asset loan fund, sorry—which I'm sure will help in that way.
Your second question around the River Wye—and you'll be aware of our programme for government commitment to begin the designation of inland waters for recreation, for instance. And what we really want to do is improve river pollution management in a way that we've done with our beaches and with our sea water. So, this is a significant piece of work, and, as you say, there are a diverse range of sources that are polluting our rivers, and NRW is working with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, at the moment, to look at modelling to apportion sources to pollutant levels on a sub-catchment level. I'm obviously very aware of the concerns around poultry farms, and it's a discussion I've had around planning issues with the Minister for Climate Change, who has responsibility for planning, to see if we need to look at the threshold for these poultry farms, and that's an ongoing piece of work.
In relation to your question around electric vehicles, obviously highway authorities and local authorities do have the ability to adopt their own positions, and, as you say, there is perhaps a range of views across Wales, as to how we do that. I know there are some trials under way in England, at the moment, and I think we will watch those very closely, but, I think, it is a matter for local authorities and highway authorities to adopt their own positions in the way that you referred to—looking at highway safety—because obviously the local area and population is for them to ascertain what's best.