2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:37 pm on 3 May 2022.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 2:37, 3 May 2022

I thank Mike Hedges. I think you make a really important point around UK Government departments, and indeed Welsh Government departments, being outside of the capital. And I think what you're really right to point to is the important stimulus role that Government and its partners in the wider public sector can play in supporting that regeneration and economic renewal through strategic deployment of staff and offices as part of a place-based strategy. It's something the Welsh Government has tried really hard to support over the last few years, and you'll be aware, recently, that the new Transport for Wales office, for instance, is in Pontypridd, which really helped kick start regeneration in that area, and, indeed, of the location of the Development Bank for Wales headquarters in my own constituency of Wrexham, which we hope will grow further in the next few years. I think, as we move out of the pandemic, the opportunities for more of this practice to take place—. And we do absolutely recognise the importance of the DVLA in Swansea. It's been a vital economic support for Morriston and the wider area through the economic footprint it's had there. 

In relation to your question around supply teachers, the Minister for Education and Welsh Language is sitting next to me, and is very happy to come forward with a statement.