2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:30 pm on 28 March 2023.

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Photo of Darren Millar Darren Millar Conservative 2:30, 28 March 2023

Trefnydd, can I call for two statements this week? The first is from the Deputy Minister for Climate Change in relation to his transport responsibilities and seeking an update on the blue badge scheme in Wales. I've had a number of constituents who've been coming forward with concerns about the renewals process for the blue badge scheme. I appreciate that it's only right that these things are reviewed periodically, from time to time, but some of the evidence that they're having to provide seems a little bit ridiculous. I had one constituent who was asked to take a photograph of her walking aid in order to see whether she was eligible for a blue badge. Of course, she did point out to the person asking her for a photograph that she could take a photograph of anybody's walking aid and send that across, but, for whatever reason, that's what she had to do. Clearly, there needs to be some stricter guidance, with some common sense, to make sure that these obstacles can be overcome. 

The second statement that I'd like, please, is from the Deputy Minister for the armed forces on veteran welfare in Wales. I know that this is an issue that the Welsh Government takes very seriously. I met with the Royal British Legion last week, and was alarmed to hear that the number of veterans coming forward for support from their welfare officers has fallen quite significantly post the pandemic. There appears to be no explanation as to why that is the case. Of course, it may be that demand is just generally lower, but given the cost-of-living pressures that we're seeing across Wales at the moment, I really don't believe that that is the case, and I think it requires some further investigation. We know that the Royal British Legion has resources that it wants to make available, and SSAFA and other organisations have resources that they want to make available to support veterans, particularly in their old age. Therefore, I would be grateful if the Minister could commit to working with those organisations to try and do what they can to promote the opportunities that are there.