8. How is the Welsh Government supporting councils in repairing local roads in Clwyd South? OQ57732

Llywydd, I thank Ken Skates for that. The Welsh Government has provided £90 million to local authorities for highway maintenance over the past five years. This is funding over and above capital contained in the local government settlement, itself increased by £70 million this year. Support through the resilient roads fund is also available in south Clwyd.

Thank you, First Minister, and you'll be aware that the Welsh Labour Government has already provided financial support to Wrexham County Borough Council for assessing the work that is required to bring the B5605 Newbridge road back into use after a major landslide. First Minister, I'd be very grateful if you could confirm whether, as a result of this financial support from the Welsh Government, the council has now been able to submit an application for funding for the repair work itself, and if so, I'd be very grateful for a speedy decision and a sympathetic decision on that by Ministers, given this road's unique role as an alternative artery supporting north Wales when the A483 trunk road is closed.

Well, Llywydd, first of all, I'm very happy to confirm for Ken Skates that, as a result of the help provided to the county borough council, an application has now been received from Wrexham council. Let me say to Ken Skates that I entirely understand the need for speed in this matter, both the importance of the issue itself and the impact of that road being closed, but we are keen, if we can—and I have to say it's 'if we can'—to be able to make decisions in advance of the local government election period, so that officers of local authorities can get on with the work that they would then be able to carry out. And, Llywydd, I recognise the enormous effort made by the Member on behalf of his constituents in this matter, and the case he has made for a positive decision. A decision on the application is with Ministers, and I can't anticipate it, but I am certainly able to assure him that the efforts that he has made, and the case that he has promoted, have certainly been heard.

Thank you, First Minister.