2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:34 pm on 15 February 2022.

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Photo of Darren Millar Darren Millar Conservative 2:34, 15 February 2022

Thank you, Trefnydd, for your statement. Can I call for two statements this week? The first is from the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the social care financial recognition scheme, obviously something that we very much welcome indeed for those people who've worked on the front lines in social care across Wales, particularly during the pandemic. But a constituent has raised concerns with me that other people who worked, particularly in care homes, in catering and cleaning, are not eligible for these payments, and of course, they very much have also been undertaking work on the front lines, which I feel does deserve to be recognised in some way. So, I would like the Welsh Government to consider this and come forward with a statement—either from the Deputy or the Minister—to discuss whether that could be extended.

Secondly, can I also ask for a statement from the Minister for Climate Change in relation to the new phosphate targets that were set by Natural Resources Wales at the beginning of 2021? You'll be aware that Welsh local authorities are still waiting for clear guidance from the Welsh Government in terms of how to interpret the planning decisions and applications that come forward, against those new targets. And it is causing a delay in many applications being determined, including in my own local authority area. So, I do think this is something that needs to be addressed, we need some clarity, and a statement would be very welcome.