Okay. Right. Sorry. Thank you. Okay. I declare I'm a Flintshire county councillor. During the budget debate, we've discussed the importance of the public sector in delivering front-line services, contributing to the well-being of the nation and employing local people. Along with the healthcare sector, the councils are one of the biggest employers, providing local jobs in local areas. And I am pleased that the Welsh Government have protected local government with an average of 9.4 per cent uplift, compared to English councils' settlement of a 6.9 per cent uplift, and a three-year settlement to give stability and help with planning, especially after 10 years of austerity. I also welcome that the Minister confirmed during the budget debate that the local government funding formula will be analysed by the WLGA finance committee.

When we walk in our communities, we can see the benefits of Welsh Government investment: twenty-first century schools delivering fantastic learning environments; investment in care provision; low and zero-carbon council and social houses; safer routes in the community; active travel schemes encouraging walking and cycling to school and shops and access to work in a cleaner, safer environment. Welsh Government are paying due regard to the future generations and well-being Act and putting sustainability and a green recovery at the heart of investment, giving regard for nature and creating areas for biodiversity.

The cost-of-living crisis is now one of the biggest issues we face and I welcome the packages of support given by Welsh Government and the additional £200 million to deliver the commitment to extend free school meals to all primary school children and expand free childcare. I do remain concerned about funding for highway maintenance—and I would not be me without mentioning this—and the ongoing deterioration of roads, pavements and structures such as bridges following 10 years of austerity and lack of investment. Infrastructure also caused by natural disasters is also a serious problem, but I welcome the additional £48 million revenue and total investment of £102 million capital that was recently announced to help improve flood management and mitigation measures. And also during the budget process, the Minister mentioned an extra £70 million capital funding this year that we can also use for investment in highways, so I really welcome that—thank you. I hope that the Welsh Government will work with local authorities through the Welsh Local Government Association to address the backlog. Over the years, there have been some good examples of joint working, including exploring alternative approaches to prudential borrowing. And also, the review of the building of new roads will see that the funding will be reinvested in the maintenance of existing roads, which will be welcome, as well as public transport, going forward. Diolch.