7. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on the decarbonisation programme for health and social care

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:10 pm on 2 November 2021.

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Photo of Gareth Davies Gareth Davies Conservative 6:10, 2 November 2021

Diolch yn fawr iawn, Llywydd, and thank you for the statement this evening, Minister. I just want to declare an interest as I'm a Denbighshire county councillor and I'm going to mention local authorities. So, currently social care is run and operated by our 22 local authorities in Wales. What is the impetus for decarbonising the social care sector when not every council has declared a climate emergency? My own local authority, Denbighshire County Council, was one of the first to declare, but what about the likes of Flintshire, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil or Neath Port Talbot? Minister, are you sure these councils will take the necessary steps to limit emissions from the care sector? And it's a sector that relies upon transport, whether that's getting carers to people's homes, delivering hot meals or moving care home residents to health appointments. The majority of those reliant on social care are dependent on the motor car. Active travel isn't an option for those with reduced mobility. So, Minister, how does the Welsh Government plan to support the sector to move away from petrol and diesel vehicles, and entice local authorities into choosing the electric vehicle or greener methods of transport? Diolch yn fawr iawn.