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Found: Davies , the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Adam Pr ice, leader of Plaid Cymru, Jane Dodds, leader

Found: It includes several funding and policy commitments agreed with Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal

Found: In publishing this Final Budget, the Welsh Government has worked closely with Jane Dodds MS, the leader

Found: Budget 2025-26, the Welsh Government agreed a number of funding allocations and policy issues with Jane Dodds

Found: speeches were given by Members of the Senedd, including Adam Price MS, Cefin Campbell MS and Jane Dodds

Found: The budget agreement between the Welsh Government and Jane Dodds MS, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

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Found: I am pleased the budget agreement between the Welsh Government and Jane Dodds MS, leader of the Welsh

Found: also grateful for the support of David Chadwick, MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe as well as Jane Dodds

Found: 02-07 00:00:00 Cyfweliad/Interview BBC Wales regarding SFS 2024-02-08 00:00:00 Cyfarfod/Meeting Jane Dodds

Found: with the Llywydd 15/11/23 Cyfarfod/Meeting Meeting with NRW 16/11/23 Ymweliad/Visit Visit with Jane Dodds

Found: 2022-05-10 00:00:00 Cyfarfod/Meeting Professor Elwen Evans QC 2022-05-12 00:00:00 Cyfarfod/Meeting Jane Dodds

Found: Reception National Adoption Service for Wales 10 year anniversary 2024-11-06 00:00:00 Cyfarfod/Meeting Jane Dodds

Found: Change Committee 2024-07-16 00:00:00 Cyfweliad/Interview Media 2024-07-16 00:00:00 Cyfarfod/Meeting Jane Dodds

Found: & Cllr Andrew Morgan - Centre for Digital Public Services 2023-06-15 00:00:00 Cyfarfod/Meeting Jane Dodds

Found: Cyfarfod/Meeting Health and Safety Forum meeting [virtual] 2021-08-12 00:00:00 Cyfarfod/Meeting Jane Dodds

Found: High Headteacher 14/10/2022 Cyfarfod/Meeting WLGA Education meeting 17/10/2022 Cyfarfod/Meeting Jane Dodds

Found: plc 2023-02-28 00:00:00 Cyfarfod/Meeting CBI 2023-02-28 00:00:00 Cyfarfod/Meeting Tom Giffard, Jane Dodds

Found: :00:00 Briffio’r cyfryngau/Media Briefing Media 2021-11-30 00:00:00 Cyfarfod/Meeting MF&LG and Jane Dodds

Found: (Jane Dodds MS) • “We share the disappointment of other animal welfare organisations that the Valley

Found: Opposition Spokespeople o Russell George - Conservative o Mabon ap Gwynfor – Plaid Cymru o Jane Dodds

<p>Thank you very much, Jane Dodds. Of course, you will know what our position is in Wales. I gave a nation of sanctuary statement last week, and we are very proud of any sanctuary seekers and their host communities when anyone takes the decision to seek and gain UK citizenship. And we do believe seeking asylum—I'm speaking as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice in the Welsh Government—is a right for those fleeing from persecutions.</p>
<p>Of course, decisions around the status of those migrating to the UK are not devolved, are a matter for the UK Government. But I would say that we believe that those provided with international protection, including refugees, are welcome contributors to Welsh communities, and we're very committed to doing everything we can to ensure the integration of arrivals within Welsh communities. And I do think, as I've said on so many occasions, we do need safe and legal routes to the UK and to becoming a UK citizen.</p>

<p>Diolch, Llywydd.&nbsp;I do welcome the opportunity to respond to this debate on behalf of the Welsh Government. I think, as Jane Dodds said, it’s right that we do continue to debate and talk about this issue, and I do believe a light has been shone on this issue today across the Chamber.&nbsp;But it is the action—it is the action—that we need to account for, and I will be laying that out in my response in terms of the Welsh Government and our partners.</p>
<p>Any case of grooming or exploitation, especially of children, is a tragedy, and I want to convey my gratitude to all those who’ve bravely shared such devastating experiences. The stories we have heard, including those shared during the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse, by courageous victims and survivors, are deeply upsetting and shocking. We must ensure the voices of victims and survivors are heard and acted upon, and that we do everything possible with our partners to ensure everyone in Wales is safe from harm, and that has been expressed across the Chamber today.</p>
<p>In that context, and in line with the amendments that we will be supporting today, I want to reinforce the importance of learning, learning from and delivering on the recommendations of the comprehensive Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, IICSA, in England and Wales, led by Professor Alexis Jay. In Wales, we supported the inquiry’s work comprehensively, providing over 30,000 documents, taking part in nine hearings, including the chief social care officer for Wales providing evidence directly to the inquiry, and more than 300 truth sessions were held in Wales. And while no national inquiry can capture every person’s unique experience, the inquiry has provided a wide and comprehensive range of views and experience on what actions need to be taken to better protect children and young people.</p>
<p>The inquiry did make six specific recommendations for the Welsh Government, which we are implementing. We’ve already progressed legislation to strengthen the safeguarding governance and training requirements on independent schools to register their teaching and learning support staff with the Education Workforce Council, and to regulate special school residential services in a similar manner to children's homes.&nbsp;And importantly, in Wales, we already have an organisational mandatory duty to report children and adults at risk, and that mandate is under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, which extends to local authorities, health and policing staff. And of course, as Joyce Watson has said, it is that challenge of joined-up working that it is vital that we address and deliver in terms of combating child sexual exploitation.</p>
<p>We are developing a 10-year strategy for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse, which we'll be consulting on shortly. There are four strands to the strategy: prevention; protection; supporting children, young people and their families; and supporting adult survivors. The actions are directly informed by the recommendations of the inquiry, and most importantly, this plan is being developed with an influence by victims and survivors.</p>
<p>As well as the Welsh Government, the UK Government are rightly taking action in a number of ways. On 16 January, the Home Secretary announced a range of work to build on the inquiry across both England and Wales. This includes extending the remit of the independent child sexual abuse review panel, and this is a joint enterprise between the National Police Chiefs Council and the Crown Prosecution Service. So, it covers not just historical cases before 2013, but all cases since, and this means any victim of abuse will have the right to seek an independent review without having to go back to the local institutions who decided not to proceed with their case. This is a significant development.</p>
<p>It also includes commissioning Baroness Louise Casey to oversee a rapid audit of the current scale and nature of organised networks across England and Wales, drawing on information not previously available to the existing inquiry. The audit will make recommendations about further analysis, investigations and actions that are needed to address current and historic failures, including in Wales.</p>
<p>The UK Government has also asked all police forces, including our police forces in Wales, to review historical criminal exploitation of children's cases where no further action was taken. That's a really important development. All police forces are implementing the 2023 recommendations from His Majesty's inspectorate on gang-based exploitation, including producing problem profiles on the nature of activity in their area, with an update on progress due this year. And together, including the contribution of Welsh police forces as called for in the amendment, this presents a robust national audit of historic and current cases.</p>
<p>I met with all four police and crime commissioners to discuss this issue on 20 January, and I met again with the lead police and crime commissioner for Wales, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn, on 6 February. And in these meetings, policing leads stress their commitment to do everything possible to learn from historic cases and prevent future harm, and respond to current needs and issues.</p>

<p>Diolch, Llywydd. I have given a minute of my time to Jane Dodds, Luke Fletcher, Altaf Hussain, Joyce Watson and Mick Antoniw.</p>
<p>I would like to thank the petitions process, campaigning from key stakeholders and cross-party collaboration. The future of greyhound racing in Wales has been high on the agenda in the Senedd now since 2022. This journey was started by Vanessa from Hope Rescue when she submitted her petition calling for a ban on greyhound racing at the beginning of the Senedd term. It received an incredible 35,000 signatures, securing an evidence inquiry by the Petitions Committee, and subsequently a debate in the Chamber that received support from cross-party Members. Vanessa and her team have first-hand experience of the horrendous cruelty that has taken place at the Valley track in south Wales, with dogs losing their lives and suffering life-altering injuries at that track on a regular basis.</p>
<p>Hope Rescue started when Vanessa found Last Hope back in 2004, a greyhound from the Valley track that was found shot with a captive bolt gun and with his ears hacked off. This was so he couldn't be identified by his tattoos. At the time, his tail was still wagging. As chair of the cross-party group on animal welfare, I would like to thank all organisations involved in the Cut the Chase coalition. Greyhound Rescue Wales, Hope Rescue, RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Blue Cross have worked tirelessly to engage with Members and put forward the case for an outright ban on this cruel and unnecessary sport, sometimes in the face of aggressive opposition.</p>

<p>I&nbsp;thank Jane Dodds for that intervention because this has been critically important indeed in supporting this amendment, making sure that we are listened to and acknowledge that crucial role of those organisations who are at the front line. And so, just in recent days, we've written not only to all regional safeguarding boards, but we've written to all our third sector partners, the NSPCC and all those at the front line supporting victims and survivors, and asked them to, again, tell us concerns and give us any concerns that are being raised with them, and also to emphasise the importance of their work. Of course, the funding of these organisations is critically important, and the role and the respect that they must have in multi-agency safeguarding as well. So, I'm really grateful for the cross-party group work that you've mentioned, Jane, for children and young people, and I also recognise that we've actually got a really important forthcoming report and debate on the cross-party's&nbsp;Children, Young People and Education Committee's inquiry into children on the margins. I think that debate will be a follow through from our debate today.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Just in terms of the third sector and those on the front line with children's organisations, I met with Action for Children last week, with Dawn Bowden, the&nbsp;Minister for Children and Social Care, and they also now have Alun Michael as their ambassador. We discussed the work we're taking forward on child criminal exploitation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are many other points that I would like to respond to, but I think you will find that we've already published the response from the Government to that report. But you'll find, I hope, the response will provide many of the responses to the points that have been raised today, and I think, particularly, Sioned Williams's points on the importance of specialist teams and the role that Barnardo's plays across Wales, and the very excellent work, for example, in the safeguarding adolescents from exploitation teams and authorities. Natasha also made a really important point about modern slavery, and human trafficking from Joyce Watson, and the fact that we have developed online learning on modern slavery. And regional safeguarding boards and social care workforce teams are commissioning and developing multi-agency training.</p>
<p>So, I hope that the work I've outlined to deliver on the existing inquiry recommendations and the new independent audit being led by Baroness Casey represents a comprehensive response to this issue. Continuing with this approach rather than duplicating or distracting from it is the best way to maximise delivery and action at pace so we can better safeguard children from harm. Across all of this activity, I repeat: we're determined to hear the voices of victims and survivors, but not just to listen, as Sioned Williams says, but to take action. I do believe the amendment captures this goal and the objectives that we're committed to and I've set out.</p>
<p>In closing, I would say the continued work being undertaken by Welsh Government, UK Government, our policing partners, children's organisations, our local authorities to ensure there's comprehensive understanding of the issues in this debate—no stone is being left unturned. Our focus will always be on listening to victims and survivors of abuse. And on behalf of the Welsh Government I say again: we will do everything we can as a Government to ensure young people in Wales are safe from the horrific crimes of exploitation and sexual abuse.</p>

<p>Okay. I'm going to interrupt you, because we are short of time. We'll come to Mick Antoniw&nbsp;in a minute, but Jane Dodds just wanted to pick on—</p>

<p>Okay. Fine. Jane Dodds.</p>

<p>Bore da. Welcome to this morning's meeting of the Reform Bill Committee. Can I just go through a few of the housekeeping rules? If you've got phones or other electronic equipment, please make sure they're silent or switched off so that they don't interfere with the broadcasting. The Senedd, as you know, operates bilingually, and if you require simultaneous translation from Welsh to English, that's available on channel 1. If you require amplification, that's going to be available on channel 2 on the headsets. There is no scheduled fire alarm today, so if one does take place, please follow the directions of the ushers to a safe location. We have received apologies from Jane Dodds today, and there is no substitute because technically Jane is not a member of the committee, but she's always been a part of this committee and undertaken the work.</p>

<p>Can I thank Jane Dodds for her question? As I’ve already said, it was a very, very difficult decision for Transport for Wales to make, but they did consult with user groups and passengers. And whilst the 05:07 Machynlleth to Barmouth service was removed and the 06:45 Barmouth to Machynlleth service, they did retain the 08:52 Machynlleth to Pwllheli service and the 11:37 Pwllheli to Machynlleth service. So, they were listening and they did act on what they heard.</p>
<p>New trains are going to be introduced this year. They’ll be more comfortable, they’ll be more reliable, and, from May of this year, a year-round 16:30 service will be introduced between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury. TfW are aiming to introduce an hourly service on this route during the summer months from May of next year.</p>

<p>Finally, question 8, Jane Dodds.</p>

<p>Diolch yn fawr, Jane Dodds. It sounds like a fantastic independent cancer charity, the Bracken Trust, obviously providing vital cancer services around the year. It is independent. I'm not aware—I haven't been able to find—that there is present Welsh Government funding for that. I don't think they have funded it in the past; it must've been funded, presumably, by the local authority, health board, trusts and fundraising donations. But I will take this back to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care&nbsp;so that we can look&nbsp;at this in terms of their current situation. Of course, this is a situation where they may also be able to get support via the voluntary sector, third sector routes and infrastructure routes as well. So, I will liaise on those questions.</p>

<p>Motion NDM8798 Jane Hutt, Paul Davies, Jane Dodds, Heledd Fychan</p>
<p>To propose that the Senedd:</p>
<p>1. Notes the progress in delivering the Welsh Government’s violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence strategy 2022-2026.</p>
<p>2. Supports a call to action for all to accelerate action to eliminate gender-based violence and the need for a whole system approach.</p>

<p>Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd, and thank you so much to everyone who's contributed in this really powerful debate this afternoon on this vitally important topic. I do thank all Members for their contributions today. The commitment was so clear across this Chamber, a commitment coming through from our male allies—commitments from all those—and the women who I know for years have worked hard to campaign for Wales to be the safe place we want it to be. But I do recognise that there's so much more to be done as we head towards the tenth-year anniversary of our groundbreaking Act. That's why I wanted this debate to happen, so that, again, we can learn more from our debate today, and thank the work of the Equality and Social Justice Committee as well, because that has also raised the awareness profile of our strategy and what we are seeking to achieve.</p>
<p>So, can I start by thanking—diolch yn fawr—Sioned Williams? Thank you for co-tabling this debate. It was important that we got that co-tabling across the Chamber. Actually, Mark, you reminded us of all that cross-party work that we did leading up to the bringing forward of the violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence Act. But it is about us working together. Yes, scrutiny and challenge are crucial. The issues about the funding in the amendments from Plaid Cymru—I've already commented, in my opening remarks, about the increase to the VAWDASV budget: £250,000 for this financial year and then an increase of over £2 million to our overall funding for VAWDASV for 2025-26. I won't go over that again, but I do recognise that we need to put this on a long-term sustainable footing. That's why I do accept&nbsp; amendment 3, and I think your amendment, actually, does sum up what we are trying to do in terms of that long-term sustainable funding model.</p>
<p>Jane Dodds also commented on this as well in terms of support for those organisations particularly supporting children and young people. But the sustainability of the funding is really important in terms of the code of practice for third sector funding that we are looking at, for longer term funding to be made possible, to ensure that we can have a long-term funding model for a VAWDASV specialist sector that supports that sustainable delivery of services. So, yes, in support of amendment 3; I think that also shows the recognition of us moving and listening and learning. Can I please—[<em>Interruption</em>.]</p>

<p>Diolch, Llywydd. Can I just start by responding to those last points from Jane Dodds and welcome her comments, and repeat the assurance I just gave to Mabon ap Gwynfor? Eliminating profit remains a very high priority for this Government, and we want to achieve that goal as quickly as we can. We would not be here today, discussing these amendments, if we hadn't prioritised this legislation, and I think that clearly shows our commitment that we've made to eliminating profit from the care of children and young people. Can I assure you that we will continue to listen to all of those stakeholders that have an interest in taking this agenda forward, and at the heart of that will be the voice of children and young people, who have been the drivers behind this legislation from day one? I would be happy to maintain the conversations with young people throughout this process, as I have done, and I would want to continue those discussions with other stakeholders, of course, in the third sector, local authorities and beyond, and, of course, with Members in this Chamber. And thank you very much, Jane, for your support.</p>
<p>Going back to the amendments, then. Regarding amendment 46, I recognise that both Members and the sector want to be kept informed of the progress through the transition period regarding the move towards not-for-profit provision, and that's why I did accept recommendation 9 in the Health and Social Care Committee Stage 1 report, and agreed to arrange the publication of the six-monthly progress report, with the intended publication of that first report by 22 April 2025. Given this published commitment, I really don't see the need to duplicate a similar commitment within legislation, as the amendment proposes.</p>
<p>Moving to amendment 47, I do recognise the wish to ensure that local authorities are sufficiently funded to fulfil their vital duties related to the accommodation of looked-after children following enactment of the Bill's provisions, but I can't support this amendment because it requires Welsh Ministers to determine the funding needs of local authorities arising after the end of the transition period before the transitional period has even begun. Now, the end of the transition period could potentially be some years away, as determined by judgments about sufficiency of provision within local authorities, therefore, it's not realistic to estimate the precise level of funding for each local authority so far in advance of the transitional period having ended.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Finally, moving to amendment 48, I do recognise the wish to ensure that legacy providers are clear on the support that they will receive before the transition period begins, and how Welsh Government will communicate with them through that period. Similar to amendment 46, this was an area recognised within the Health and Social Care Committee Stage 1 report, specifically recommendation 4. I accepted that recommendation in part, committing to continue to work with stakeholders to consider what guidance and support could be made available to private and independent providers wishing to re-establish their business under a not-for-profit model, and to develop targeted communications to support different parts of the sector. Given these commitments, I consider duplicating a similar requirement within primary legislation to be unnecessary, and therefore I don't support the amendment.</p>

<p>—in terms of the budget. But can I just say very quickly that I think our curriculum is making a huge difference? Julie made reference to Sound; that's having a real impact, a real culture change, a huge success rate, with 97 per cent of men and boys in the target age range across Wales having seen the Sound campaign. All four police force areas now want to use the campaign in their violence reduction work. As Joyce and others have said, it starts with men, and this is where it's important that we look at that effective campaign, because it is—. We didn't know we'd need a Sound campaign.</p>
<p>It's important, Mark, that we have got a work stream on perpetrators, and that work is being undertaken very effectively in terms of the group involved in that. But also, just to respond to the point that Jane Dodds has made—and Julie—about children and young people, we have a work stream on children and young people. I certainly respect the fact that the Equality and Social Justice Committee request urgent action to ensure that we fast track specific and specialised therapeutic services, and we are addressing that as well, and I look forward to visiting the walk-in hub of Platfform in Cardiff.</p>
<p>I think, Mabon, you make important points as well in terms of the ways in which we need to look at all the statistics, our sexual assault referral centres, access to them. You gave a very powerful report—debate—here in the Chamber most recently, where we took on board some of those issues.</p>
<p>Last week, Siân Gwenllian, we had a very powerful conference in north Wales sponsored by Unison and Wrexham University on tackling workplace sexual harassment, and the issues about housing, of course, are crucial. I'll always remember campaigning for the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 back in those early days of us tackling domestic violence here in Wales, and recognising the vulnerability of women in terms of their housing needs. And I know that Jayne Bryant is very clearly supportive of that.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So, I think, Dirprwy Lywydd, I will finish on these important points. I think it's a very emotional point for me to respond to this debate, because, back in 1975, the select committee in Westminster reported on their inquiry into violence against women in marriage, and they recommended one family place per 10,000 of the population to meet the needs of what were described as 'battered wives'—do you remember—in those days. And, in 1975, we opened the first women's refuge in Cardiff, by a group of volunteers. Fifty years later, we have the legislation, we have the strategy, we have the commitment of all partners in the public sector. But, clearly, we do have so much more to do to unite in this Chamber to actually deliver on my motion to support a call to action for all to accelerate action to eliminate gender-based violence and the need for a whole-system approach.</p>
<p>Please, don't let us have those headlines: 'Man told ex "I killed her, but don't say a word", court hears', 'Ex-footballer...kicked wife in the head in row...court hears', 'Man admits to murder of three women', 'Only 4% of alleged domestic abusers in police dismissed', 'stalker who tried to get their victim arrested'. Those are quotes from this last week here in Wales. Let's move this motion forward.</p>

<p>Diolch yn fawr, Jane Dodds. The draft budget for next year, 2025-26, includes an indicative allocation to raise the childcare offer hourly rate by 20 per cent, from £5 per hour to £6 from April 2025. This is really important for the recruitment and retention of staff. It also includes uplifts to Flying Start childcare and nursery education. Also, that hourly rate is going to be reviewed annually. That was part of the package. But also, importantly, I think, for the sector, it includes making the 100 per cent small business rate relief permanent, giving more certainty to childcare providers and to enable them to address the financial challenges that you have raised.</p>

<p>First Minister, I’ve spoken to many, many farmers since the autumn and, despite all of the huge challenges that have come to bear on them from this place, they are overshadowed by this major issue. The inheritance tax decision has cut right into the heart of the farming industry as it threatens the future of family farms. It threatens the future of our future farmers, those young people who don’t even know what this is all about—people that we should hold precious in this place. It threatens the very fabric of our rural communities—the things that make rural Wales what it is. In the longer term, ironically, it threatens our food security and what the Government is trying to do to achieve its own plans for a sustainable farming system, one that is focused on the long term and on future generations—something that requires investment and certainty. First Minister, the Treasury can make figures say what they want, but this isn’t just about money; it’s about something more valuable than that, something deeply precious to our country. So, First Minister, I’ll repeat the question that Jane Dodds raised: will you stand up for the farming industry in Wales and make the case against this? A 'yes' or a 'no', as Jane said, will suffice.</p>

<p>Diolch, Llwydd. Well, you won't be surprised to hear that I cannot support James Evans's amendment 42, which opens up the 'types' condition to a wider definition to accommodate models that are 'any reasonable profit entity', as set out in amendment 43.</p>
<p>I've been very clear all along that the policy intention behind this legislation is the removal of all profit. It is not about tackling excessive profit or profiteering only. The concept of 'reasonable profit' therefore conflicts with the fundamental objective of the proposals that seek to ultimately remove the ability to extract any level of profit from children’s care, for exactly the reasons that were set out by Jane Dodds. I cannot therefore identify how 'any reasonable profit entity' could be considered compatible with the objectives of this legislation. It would also represent a departure from the concept of having very clearly defined models on the face of the Bill to give providers the absolute clarity that they have asked for on what type of undertaking is within the scope of this legislation.</p>

<p>Altaf, I'm just going to bring in Jane Dodds and I'll come back to you.</p>

<p>Okay, very lastly, Jane Dodds. A quick question.</p>

<p>Jane Dodds wanted to come in.</p>

<p>Diolch yn fawr, Jane Dodds. Very early on, when the changes came about in the summer, about eligibility for the winter fuel payment, I met with the older people's commissioner to talk about—. If you recall, the previous older people's commissioner had had a big pension credit take-up. Not everyone who's entitled to pension credit in Wales had been applying for that benefit. So, we are working with the older people's commissioner—the past one and the present—to say that we needed to ensure that we reach out to older people, recognising it was the winter fuel payment that is so important to older people in terms of take-up of pension credit.&nbsp;It is something where all of the ways in which we can support older people. That does include access to the discretionary assistance fund.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is very important that we ensure that older people feel that they are eligible and they are entitled to the discretionary assistance fund, because it is a source of emergency support for people—anyone over the age of 16. We do have 800 registered DAF partner organisations who can make applications on behalf of the people that they represent and support, and that does include Age Cymru as well as local authorities, Citizens Advice and those who are working particularly with older people. And I very much look forward to my next meeting with the older people's commissioner to discuss these issues and how we can make older people more aware of DAF.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>I think it's very interesting, you know, there's been a lot of awareness raised about pension credit, I have to say. Just interestingly, I recall at one of my surgeries just encouraging people to apply for pension credit and I remember one particular surgery where someone said, 'Not only have I applied but I've gone round and told everybody in the street to apply if they are in that age group'. I think a lot of awareness was raised about pension credit, but we do need to ensure that other sources of funding, benefits that older people might be entitled to, would be available. And I think this is where we are doing other things in terms of our support for the Fuel Bank Foundation—that we invest in our fuel voucher scheme, with the Fuel Bank Foundation particularly supporting those who, perhaps, are off-grid. The discretionary assistance fund also supports people who are off-grid. And we've revised the way we make those payments based on feedback from some of our partners who are at the forefront of tackling poverty—the Bevan Foundation, Citizens Advice as well.</p>

<p>Thank you. Can I move over to&nbsp;Jane Dodds now?</p>

<p>I was pleased to co-submit this motion from Mabon ap Gwynfor here today, with Jane Dodds, as a debate, and I'm grateful to the Business Committee for selecting this. As Members have already outlined, NRW is often debated and discussed in this Chamber, and I think it's right there is a particular focus today on the 'Case for Change' report. I'm also grateful, Cabinet Secretary, for the time you've spent with me, as chair of the cross-party group on outdoor activities, and for your response to a letter that the cross-party group sent you on this particular matter.</p>
<p>As has already been outlined by others here today, there are concerns about the knock-on effects in particular of the closure of these sites on the economy—local economy in particular—of those areas, and jobs. We must remember that the sector that it's most likely to impact is the outdoor activity sector, and it's really significant. It contributes around £1.6 billion a year to the economy here in Wales, supporting around 31,000 jobs.</p>
<p>By no means are those three centres completely responsible for all of that, but it certainly sends a message to the sector as to the value with which it's held here in Wales. And we know—and you know this, Deputy First Minister—that the value of the outdoors to all of our lives, and our health in particular—mental health value in particular—is significantly important. Indeed, I was just reading a recent report that showed that, if there was a 10 per cent increase in people accessing these types of spaces, it would save the NHS £200 million a year alone on physical and mental health needs. So, it is really significant.</p>
<p>Jenny Rathbone pointed out the impact to the tourism industry and to visitors here in Wales, but there's a very real impact to local people in those communities around those areas who like to access those spaces, and we need to make sure that they are properly supported. So, as chair of the Senedd's cross-party group on outdoor activity, I do regularly hear about the great work that the sector provides in Wales, and the sector wants to be the best in the world. Let's make no bones about it. Outdoor activity in Wales is highly sought after and must remain such, and the centres that are going to be closed are an important part of outdoor activity attractions here in Wales.</p>
<p>I'll be grateful to hear from the Deputy First Minister on the points that colleagues have already raised around the transition of these assets to those local community groups, so we don't see that closure of them for that period of time. Mabon rightly outlined the broader issue of asset transfer, and that is something we do need to continue debating and pursuing, but there's a very immediate issue here. We'd all want to see a seamless, smooth, quick transfer of those assets to those interested parties, removing unnecessary bureaucracy that is holding up any sort of transfer, so that those centres can be used very quickly once again.</p>
<p>And the other point I just want to raise in terms of the case for change is the proposed removal of the education team within NRW. They do provide a unique resource and training for teachers and school staff, equipping them with skills to pass on to the children that they support. They also have a role in helping schools in our outdoor trips and expeditions. The removal of that team to me does not align with the warm words I heard from Ministers when I was pursuing my outdoor education Bill here in the Senedd. There were lots of words about the importance of outdoor education. This to me smacks in the face, the complete opposite, of those warm words, and I feel that there's a piece of work that needs to be done to ensure that expertise is not permanently lost from the education team in NRW.</p>
<p>So, I want to align myself with the comments of colleagues in this Chamber so far. We do need to see the quick transition of those assets, and Cabinet Secretary, I’d be grateful to hear your views on how the expertise from the education team will not be permanently lost either. Diolch yn fawr iawn.</p>

<p>On that question—Jane Dodds asked the question earlier of whether you would rather see the NI increase scrapped. I didn't hear a 'yes' or 'no' answer, but you might want to address that as well. While I'm sure you hope the full cost of Welsh local authorities will be covered, my colleagues in local government are less optimistic. Last month the finance Cabinet Secretary noted that national insurance reimbursements for the public sector will be distributed through the Barnett formula. He warned this would be fundamentally unfair, with Welsh local authorities receiving a lower percentage of reimbursement than their English counterparts. The nature of each council, as you just explained to us, when it comes to in-house services and those contracted out, is different. A promise had been made that the national insurance contributions for public sector workers would be fully funded by the Treasury. So, how are you going to allocate the Barnett consequentials when they eventually get here? Are you confident that you will have enough funds in the Welsh budget to make up the difference between the reality and the formula allocation, when it comes to fully funding the consequences of the Chancellor's decision?</p>

<p>Motion NDM8756 Mabon ap Gwynfor, Sam Rowlands, Jane Dodds</p>
<p>To propose that the Senedd:</p>
<p>1. Notes:</p>
<p>a) Natural Resources Wales’s 'Case for Change' agenda;</p>
<p>b) that 120 staff members are directly impacted by the changes proposed under ‘Case for Change’; and</p>
<p>c) that services provided by NRW will be reduced.</p>
<p>2. Regrets:</p>
<p>a) Natural Resources Wales’s decision to approve the ‘Case for Change’ proposals; and</p>
<p>b) the decision to close catering and retail operations at Coed y Brenin, Nant yr Arian and Ynyslas.</p>
<p>3. Believes that these closures will have a detrimental impact on the mid-Wales economy.</p>
<p>4. Calls on Natural Resources Wales to proactively engage with communities and organisations to expedite the process in order to avoid temporary closure of the centres.</p>

<p>Diolch yn fawr, Jane Dodds. I'm sure you will have volunteers to go on that journey on that wonderful Heart of Wales line. There are issues in terms of timetable changes for mainline services that are taking place, with more consistency for passengers, but of course we've heard already this afternoon and we've been reminded of the £800 million investment in our brand-new fleet of modern trains. I think what's important is that passengers on the Heart of Wales line will benefit from the conversion of the class 153 active travel units, which will provide additional seating and cycle capacity. It is important that, overall in 2024, Transport for Wales services were the most punctual and reliable of all train operators in Wales, but there is still more to do, quite clearly—huge improvements as a direct result of public ownership and investment. But it is important that you've drawn attention today to the Heart of Wales line route capacity and the service itself. This is something where I'm sure colleagues, in terms of our Cabinet Secretary, will be interested in the question, but also see that this is a partnership with Powys County Council as well, in terms of integrated public transport services, on which I know discussions are taking place.</p>

<p>Thank you very much indeed, Jane Dodds. And can we think of those who have been affected obviously in terms of your area, in Llanwrtyd Wells? The impact of those recent floods you brought to life, the impact on that town, is very clear and we think of the families who have been affected, particularly the story of the sad loss of that family pet as a result of the sinkhole. Now, I understand there are several issues ongoing in Llanwrtyd Wells following on from the storms and local land ownership issues. So, I hope you can relay this to your constituents that we are aware of these issues, we are mindful of Llanwrtyd Wells and the impact of the floods. So, the Welsh Government’s strategic road network division intends to meet with local residents next week to discuss options to resolve some of the issues, and the strategic road network division alongside their agents are investigating the cause of the opened-up carriageway on the A483 and intend to carry out necessary repairs at the earliest opportunity, but I’ve also asked if our officials could meet with you, Jane, next week, to go through these issues.</p>

<p>Diolch yn fawr, Jane Dodds. Well, I haven't named all the authorities that have come into our pilot, but Powys, I have to say, is one of them, and I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that. I'm certainly prepared to put on record all the authorities that are involved in our pilot, which I think is additional, as I've said, to the roll-out of the Welsh benefits charter phase 1. I think the fact that we're doing more than we said we'd do a year ago must be acknowledged.</p>
<p>So, in terms of scale, all 22 local authorities are on board, and we're working with them in collaboration to deliver that first phase. And that first phase, if people can succeed in getting that foot through the door to claim three benefits in one go, that will make a huge difference in terms of the take-up. But also, I have to say, we're looking across the board in terms of the benefits that we're able to give and support that we're able to give, and yesterday I was able to, for example, highlight that we responded to both the Bevan Foundation and Citizens Advice Cymru to give an uplift in our off grid, which I'm sure you will be interested in in terms of your constituents, in terms of discretionary assistance fund payments.</p>
<p>So, I do believe we're working at pace, but we're working at the pace that the local authorities can manage, and I would urge people to talk to their local authorities about their commitment to the roll-out of phase 1&nbsp;of the Welsh benefits charter, but also their commitment to learning from this pilot, which over half of the local authorities in Wales have subscribed to. We're funding it, we're funding Policy in Practice. Policy in Practice believe that this will help us to enable people in Wales to claim the £2 billion that they're entitled to. And what a difference that will make to their lives, their families’ lives, and their communities and their local economies.</p>

<p>I'll just take Jane Dodds first and then come back to you, Sioned.</p>

<p>Okay, thank you very much. Jane Dodds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yes. I think Jane Dodds has covered most of the issues that I was going to raise on the basic income pilot, which obviously, as the Cabinet Secretary said, was such a brave step forward for the Government. I just wanted to confirm that when young people come to the end of the pilot that you have set aside finance in order to support them in terms of their change of circumstances.</p>

<p>Both belonged to our class of ’99. Jenny was a long-serving, highly respected and influential Member of this Senedd. She was one of its most stalwart supporters, whilst here, and in her continuing political role within the House of Lords. She was a wise voice in those early days of devolution.</p>
<p>Peter Rogers was from a very different part of Wales and a different political tradition. His was a passionate voice for rural communities in particular. He was a kind and dedicated man.</p>
<p>Our thoughts as a Senedd are with the families, friends and political colleagues of both Jenny Randerson and Peter Rogers. I now ask Jane Dodds, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, to say a few words in memory of Jenny.</p>

<p>Diolch, Llywydd. I too was very sad to hear news of another former colleague passing away just yesterday—our dear friend Peter Rogers, who, of course, did serve as a Welsh Conservative Member of this Senedd between 1999 and 2003. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was an incredible character in Welsh politics, I think it’s fair to say—very, very passionate. He loved a good tirade against a Labour Minister. There are many colourful phrases in the Record of Proceedings as a result of that.</p>
<p>But he was a formidable operator. He worked incredibly hard for the people of north Wales, whom he was very proud to represent, and, of course, the people of Anglesey, whom he served with distinction as a community councillor, and as a county councillor over the years too.</p>
<p>He loved his rugby. It was one of his passions, alongside farming and supporting the agricultural community, both of which he spoke up loudly for and frequently for in this Chamber over the years when he was a Member. He will be sorely missed by everybody, particularly his family, and we do send them our heartfelt condolences.</p>
<p>I'd also, with your indulgence, like to pay tribute to Baroness Jenny Randerson. Jenny Randerson was a Member of this Senedd when I was first elected back in 2007, and I had the honour of being able to serve alongside her as an elected representative. She was held in very high regard on all sides of the Senedd, including by Members of the Welsh Conservatives on these benches. She'd earned that respect because of the work and dedication that she had put in, both as a backbencher and, indeed, as a frontbencher, as a Minister.</p>
<p>We must remember also she did serve in the UK Government, not just in Welsh Government administrations. She was a pioneer of that coalition Government here in the Senedd, which was new to many people at the time. She served her constituency of Cardiff Central and the people of Wales, I think, with distinction. She certainly made her mark in Welsh political history, and we, as you do, Jane Dodds, send you and the Welsh Liberal Democrat family our deepest sympathy on your loss, but especially to Jenny's family, friends and loved ones too. Thank you.</p>

<p>With your indulgence, Llywydd, can I join Jane Dodds in paying tribute to Jenny Randerson for her enormous contribution to Wales and to this institution in particular, in those early days of devolution? I know she served as a Minister in the coalition Government under Rhodri Morgan. She was a champion for her community, she was a champion for the Lib Dems, she was a champion for Wales, and she will be missed.</p>
<p>I'd also like to note with sadness the passing of former Conservative Member Peter Rogers, who, alongside Jenny, was one of the originals in this Chamber, elected in 1999. On behalf of my political group, I'd like to pass on our condolences to the families of our former colleagues.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for the question on allergies, Julie. Local health boards are responsible for planning and delivering the provision of allergy services across their locality, in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence quality standards.</p>

<p>Diolch yn fawr, Jane Dodds. Just before I answer your question, can I also extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to yourself, the Welsh Liberal Democrat family and the family of Jenny Randerson? I was very privileged to serve as a Minister and be one of the class of 1999—there aren't many of us here—who worked with Jenny over the years. And also, I do, of course, remember Peter as well. We go back to recognising former colleagues, but particularly for Jenny—she was such a role model for women, just following that question and that observation that we've had on the impact of politics on women's lives, and the fact that Jenny was such a strong woman in every role that she played. We do miss her enormously and send our sympathies.</p>
<p>You raise a question about the financial position of Powys Teaching Health Board, and, of course, Powys, like all the other health boards, received an uplift as part of the final budget for this financial year, and is now, of course, looking into the next financial year, continuing to the draft budget, looking at the priority to address all the issues that we've been discussing this afternoon, the First Minister particularly, in terms of reducing the longest waiting times, including, I have to say, for mental health, access to social care and services for women's health. I understand that a meeting has taken place with the Cabinet Secretary and the chair of Powys Teaching Health Board before Christmas, so these issues are obviously being considered and addressed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Absolutely. Can I thank Jane Dodds for her contribution? I agree entirely that rural parts of Wales often suffer from poor network connectivity. A huge proportion of people in Wales live in rural areas. With franchising, it will be possible to cross-subsidise those more profitable services that operate in more urban areas and the rural network, which requires a heavier subsidy. That's one of the beauties of being able to franchise on a national basis: that we'll be able to support all parts of Wales, whether they are rural or urban.</p>
<p>In regard to the role that young people will have in terms of the future of bus services, we are in the process of putting together a young people's panel that will be able to advise us, not just in terms of regular day-to-day transport, but also in terms of bus infrastructure, what they feel is safer, what is required in terms of bus stops, what is required in terms of the future of learner travel as well. So, I'm very pleased that we're going to be able to listen directly to young people as we shape policy moving forward. And I'd also say, if I may, that in regard to rural services, the Fflecsi service has been particularly important, and we'll be franchising this as we look to grow that service and ensure that more communities in rural Wales are better connected.</p>

<p>Well, thank you very much indeed, Jane Dodds, and thank you for brining this forward, and not just today, but recognising throughout this consultation and beyond that this is a matter of serious concern, particularly in relation to greyhound racing. There is significant public interest in the welfare of racing greyhounds. It's a complex and emotive issue. The previous Cabinet Secretary and officials have met with the owner of Valley stadium, for example, and representatives from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, to discuss the welfare of racing greyhounds in Wales. Also, the Deputy First Minister has met with the Companion Animal Welfare Group Wales and the Animal Welfare Network Wales this year to discuss greyhound racing. But, the assurance you need is that, on the outcome of the consultation, the responses will be published before Christmas, and the intention of the Deputy First Minister is to simultaneously lay a written statement, and then, as we return in the new year, he will lay out the next steps, which, I'm sure, could be brought to the Senedd with a statement. So, we will publish the results of that consultation and move with pace in terms of the plan.</p>

<p>Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd. In the time that I have available, I hope to respond to the main spokespeople. I won't have time to respond to all those questions that were really for my ministerial colleagues and will be pursued in front of committees, nor do I have time to respond to all the questions that were raised for the UK Government and not for this Government at all.&nbsp;I will respond to the specific questions that are for me as finance Minister; I counted four of them in the last 90 minutes, and I'll respond to each one of those.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In terms of the party spokespeople, Peter Fox started off by saying that all budgets are choices. He's right about that, of course. He then went on to read from a leaflet apparently written in the 1970s about trade union domination of the UK economy. That was before he went on to ask for more money for social care, for rural communities, for local government, before Janet Finch-Saunders asked for more money for coastal communities and for businesses. I understand the Conservative Party. The problem for them is so do the people of Wales, which is why they haven't voted for the Conservative Party in more than 150 years of democratic elections, and after today they can look forward to start off on the next 150 years.</p>
<p>I listened carefully, of course, to what Heledd Fychan said. She described £1.5 billion extra on a £26 billion budget as a drop in the ocean. Well, Dirprwy Lywydd, some drop and some ocean. She too, of course, asked for more money for local government, more money for the arts. She referred, of course, to the sainted Scots. There is a day of reckoning coming for Plaid Cymru, though, isn't there, on the budget? This is a budget that will provide faster treatment for thousands and thousands of people here in Wales. This is a budget that will build thousands of homes for people who so badly need them. This is a budget that will see all those children whose additional needs have not been met having those needs met in the future, and they will vote against them all.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's the day of reckoning for Plaid Cymru. How many Plaid Cymru spokespeople did I hear tell me that there wasn't enough money in this budget for local government? There's £253 million extra for local government, and when you vote against the budget you'll be saying to those local authorities that you don't want them to have a single penny of it. That's what serious politics is about. That's what Lee Waters pointed to in his contribution,&nbsp;and that day of reckoning is coming your way in March. There is a period between the draft and the final budget when I will be, as I explained to the finance spokesperson of Plaid Cymru, open to discussions with you about how this budget can be improved. But if that's not the business you are in, then, believe me, the people of Wales will see through you and the political games you think you can play with their futures.</p>
<p>Let me point to the points that Jane Dodds made. Thank you to her for the welcome she gave to the extra investment in health, to the recognition she gave to the aspects of this budget that will support growth in future. She was one of the people who asked me a specific question, and that was on NRW and water pollution. Let me say to Jane, or to any other Members of the Chamber, that I am very keen to invest in those powers of regulators where additional investment in regulators leads to additional income being raised by the activities that they undertake, and I'm very happy to continue that conversation with her after today.</p>
<p>Mike Hedges asked me a specific question on LTT collection, and that's in exactly the same space. I didn't have a chance, Dirprwy Lywydd, in my original remarks, to draw attention to the fact that there is £600,000 extra in this budget for the Welsh Revenue Authority, and it's there because the outstanding work the authority has done in collecting land transaction tax in Wales has persuaded the Office for Budget Responsibility to recognise that that additional investment in this year's budget will be repaid five times over by the work that the Welsh Revenue Authority is now able to do.</p>
<p>Carolyn Thomas asked me about the Welsh reserve, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'm happy to confirm today that my intention is to take into next year the Welsh reserve with sufficient funding in it for us to be able to draw down the maximum that we are able to in one financial year. It will have £125 million in revenue to draw down next year; it will have £50 million pounds in capital to draw down next year, and that is the fund we have to draw on when unexpected events happen and when we need to support our local authorities, for example, in dealing with weather events. So, I'm happy to confirm that that is the strategy we have adopted there.</p>
<p>Luke Fletcher at least had the merit of engaging seriously in the debate. As we've heard from others, there were few contributions that genuinely did that. On city and growth deals, the money is already committed. Half of it comes from the central Government, half of it comes from the Welsh Government, and it is already committed with those city and growth deals, and it is local authorities that lead them all. The north Wales growth deal is led by the six local authorities in north Wales; the Cardiff capital deal is led by the local authorities that make up the Cardiff capital deal; the Swansea bay growth deal is led by Swansea authority with its three partners, as is the mid Wales growth deal a partnership between two local authorities in Powys and Ceredigion. The money isn't movable. That's the nature of the agreement we have. But even if it was, even if we did what Luke Fletcher suggested, we would be taking money from local authorities with one hand to give it back to them with the other.</p>
<p>The final specific point I was asked, Dirprwy Lywydd, was by Janet Finch-Saunders. She asked me why the climate change MEG had money in it for constitutional matters and for justice matters, and it is simply this: the Cabinet Secretary is also responsible for those things, and as he is—[<em>Interruption</em>.] Yes, of course.</p>

<p>Thank you. Jane Dodds.</p>

<p>Okay. I'll come back to you in a minute. Jane Dodds.</p>

<p>Okay. Thank you. Jane Dodds, you wanted to ask a question.</p>

<p>Can we move on? Jane Dodds, would you like to come in, please?</p>

<p>All&nbsp;right, thank you for that. Jane, you wanted to ask a question. Jane Dodds.</p>

<p>Diolch yn fawr, Jane Dodds.&nbsp;I would like to make a statement. I will seek the business time, or indeed start with a written statement. I do want to respond to the all-important question, into these winter months, of how we as a Government are tackling fuel poverty and investing in Warm Homes, because it is a joint responsibility of myself and Jane Bryant, just in terms of the Warm Homes Nest scheme. It's £30 million to reduce the number of low-income households living in cold, damp homes, and that's our primary mechanism to tackle fuel poverty. But, of course, what's important for those households who do benefit from the Warm Homes Nest scheme is not only packages to insulate and decarbonise their home, but also advice and guidance to all of those households. In fact, the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government I know has answered questions on this point.</p>
<p>We have to maximise income, build financial resilience, put money back into people's pockets, and I think the discretionary assistance fund and the crisis fund for people provide support for fuel and energy costs in crisis situations. We're supporting the UK Government's campaign to get eligible pensioners signed up for pension credit, so that they can access the winter fuel support scheme. But also, we are investing in the Fuel Bank Foundation, as you know, with £700,000 more funds to enable people on prepayment meters and off-grid to access that funding. But to bring it all together, I will do a statement, and find time to do a statement on tackling fuel poverty in Wales.</p>

<p>Thank you. I think we are towards the end of our allotted time for this session. I think, as we've identified,&nbsp;Deputy First Minister, there'll probably be a&nbsp;number of more specific questions from the committee to write to you, if you'd be happy to respond in that way, particularly around the points Jane Dodds and others made around time frames, because we recognise—. Just one final question. That commitment to bring it forward by 2026, is that because the Welsh Government believes it's necessary by that point, or was that just part of the commitment in Plenary, and, actually, what preparatory work has been done? Because I'm conscious that the capacity of this committee to make recommendations and do work only goes so far.</p>

<p>Diolch. I know our observer members—we're joined by Jane Dodds, Adam Price and Lee Waters today—are keen to ask questions with regard to the inquiry into deception. Lee, you've already indicated and waited patiently, so I shall bring you in first.</p>

<p>Okay. Can we bring in Jane Dodds at this point?</p>

<p>Okay. Thanks very much. Can I just bring in Jane Dodds now?</p>

<p>So, we've still got three weeks or so. Okay. Can we move on now and can I bring in Jane Dodds?</p>

<p>Okay. Can we bring in Jane Dodds?</p>

<p>Bore da, pawb. Welcome to the Equality and Social Justice Committee. I have apologies from Jane Dodds and Mick Antoniw, as well as apologies from Joel James for lateness. He's been unavoidably delayed. And I'd like to welcome John Griffiths, who is joining us as a substitute for Mick Antoniw.</p>

<p>Welcome to this morning’s meeting of the Standards of Conduct Committee. Can I welcome members of the committee and also observer Members? Just to clarify at the outset, the meeting is bilingual and interpretation is available. We have apologies from James Evans and Jane Dodds. At this point, do Members have any declarations of registrable interests they wish to declare? No. Diolch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Diolch yn fawr iawn, Jane Dodds. For the record, can I just clarify I do not have a single helicopter? I have three. [<em>Laughter.</em>] [<em>Interruption.</em>] Absolutely. I would very much enjoy a site visit with the Member and to meet community leaders and residents in the area. I am pleased to say that we committed to undertaking a study, as the Member knows, at Pontybat, in line with the new, proactive approach to road safety, which I'll come to in a moment. We're hoping to begin that process either later this financial year or in 2025-26. So, that's our target.</p>
<p>I mentioned the new, proactive approach that we're taking. In the past, data would be utilised using collisions—just reported collisions. We've gone to personal injury collision data, because it more accurately reflects what is actually happening with reported incidents, and it also enables us to identify those areas at greatest risk, including the junctions. So, we're taking a more intelligent approach to planning and being proactive in terms of implementing road safety measures. But I'd be very happy to come and see the site myself and to meet with residents.</p>

<p>Diolch yn fawr, Jane Dodds. The Welsh Government takes road safety very seriously, but also routinely monitors speed data, along with personal injury collision records from the police, to inform us of the need for road safety improvements. It's already been raised in terms of road safety and setting local speed limits this afternoon. So, we are currently updating the guidance on setting local speed limits to reflect current Welsh Government policy, including the national roll-out of 20 mph speed limits, and to meet the ambitions highlighted in 'Llwybr Newydd: The Wales Transport Strategy 2021'. And when that new guidance is published, we'll review the speed limits across the trunk road network, including the A470 at Libanus. I think that we have all driven through Libanus, and then to hear of that collision, again, it brings the reality of this&nbsp;in terms of speed limits, and enforcement, of course, which is crucial. But I urge your constituents to report any concerns directly to GoSafe, the Wales casualty reduction partnership, who are responsible for speed limit enforcement.</p>

<p>Motion NDM8728 Jane Hutt, Darren Millar, Jane Dodds, Heledd Fychan</p>
<p>To propose that the Senedd:</p>
<p>1. Remembers the victims of the Holodomor genocide and the historical connection to Wales through Gareth Jones’s reporting.</p>
<p>2. Recognises the contributions and dedication of the Senedd 4 Ukraine group.</p>
<p>3. Commits to ongoing solidarity with Ukrainians in Wales and with Ukraine.</p>

<p>So, we will move on to item 2 on the agenda today, as part of our inquiry into individual member accountability. This is evidence session 12, and I want to welcome Professor Emyr Lewis to the meeting. Emyr, just to say that we do have an extended committee for the purpose of this work. So, as well as the core committee members, we are joined by observer members—and they are Lee Waters and Jane Dodds today, because of their interest in, and work on, this issue—to help us with our evidence gathering. I know that Members have a range of interesting questions to ask, but before that, perhaps I could ask you to perhaps just give us a very brief introduction, although you are known to many of us. Perhaps you will want to share some opening thoughts on the matter of deception with us. Diolch.</p>

<p>I'm just going to bring Jane Dodds in at this point, because I think she had some questions that very much relate to some of the points you just raised.</p>

<p>Motion NNDM8715 Jane Hutt, Darren Millar, Jane Dodds, Heledd Fychan</p>
<p>To propose that the Senedd:</p>
<p>1. Recognises the enduring importance of the Remembrance period to families and communities in Wales.</p>
<p>2. Pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of individuals from across Wales who now serve or have served in our armed forces.</p>
<p>3. Acknowledges the tireless work of organisations, individuals and volunteers who support our armed forces community and veterans across Wales.</p>

<p>Diolch, Llywydd. In closing and before I respond to the contributions and the amendment, I would also like to thank those veterans who have attended today for their service—to Jim and to Owen, who I was kindly introduced to by Joyce Watson earlier today.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now, like others in this Chamber, I come from a family in which people have served, and it's been a pleasure and a very great honour to have served as Minister for armed forces and veterans since March. In firstly responding to the amendment, the call for peaceful resolutions to conflict and an end to war is one that I think we can all support, likewise remembering all who have lost their lives, including civilian casualties.</p>
<p>There have been so many fantastic and moving contributions today, it's difficult to respond to all in detail. Peredur Owen Griffiths opened the debate by speaking about the impact of loneliness, isolation and insecurity that many veterans face, and it is something that Ministers across the Welsh Government are determined to tackle. Hannah Blythyn and also Rhys ab Owen articulated the value of monuments and religious places in ensuring the memories of people we lost are remembered in the future.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Darren Millar talked to the need for Wales to be an armed forces-friendly nation. I couldn't agree more, and I do think that huge strides have been made in this regard, and I think it showed on Sunday—certainly, it did in Wrexham. I agree entirely with Lesley Griffiths in her assessment that more people attended Remembrance Sunday in Wrexham than we can remember. What was quite striking—and I was discussing this with Sam Rowlands, who also laid a wreath—was that there were more organisations than ever before laying wreaths, and more young people in attendance than any of us could remember.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's interesting that, with 's-Hertogenbosch, actually, at Hightown Barracks there is a recently commissioned painting of Welsh soldiers in active duty, and what it depicts&nbsp;is a number of brave soldiers who had to rise up the ranks far quicker than would normally occur, and they did it to lead our mission there. Incredible bravery depicted in this painting, and I'd very much encourage Members to go and view it for themselves.</p>
<p>Janet Finch-Saunders outlined the heroic efforts by armed forces, and the commemorations not just to humans, but also, yes, to war horses and to dogs. And Alun Davies outlined the lasting impact of conflict on communities, conflicts that are taking place today as well as in the past. Joyce Watson, well, few are so passionate about veterans matters as your good self, and what you had to say about the archive I think resonated with many people—its value cannot be overestimated. And Jane Dodds outlined the horror of war and the need to prevent conflict with all of our energy. Lesley Griffiths talked about how precious freedom is and just how important it is that young people remember the losses from conflict.</p>
<p>Llywydd, I doubt there was a single dry eye in any household on Saturday evening where the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance was being watched, and how incredible it was to see Catherine, Princess of Wales, back on duty for that occasion. At that event, so many veterans and their loved ones shared their stories and experiences, which we should never forget, because, Llywydd, we remember their losses so that we can strive to avoid circumstances in which they have to give their tomorrows for our today. Diolch.</p>

<p>Diolch yn fawr, Jane Dodds. Clearly, in terms of the Heart of Wales line, it is such an important transport facility in terms of not just your constituency but for Wales as a whole. It's very regrettable when services are removed, and it's also really important that services, actually, are improved on the Heart of Wales line. I understand that they will be improved by the provision of additional seating and cycle capacity, for example, on the services. But I can assure you that Transport for Wales are listening&nbsp;to passengers, key stakeholders, and changes to their service plans are based on this feedback, but I would hope that they also will be meeting with you, to ensure that you can raise these issues as a Senedd Member. And, of course, they did have a public meeting in Knighton on 7 November. But it is, again, a matter of what capacity can be prioritised and how we can safeguard and improve the services on the Heart of Wales line.</p>

<p>I’m grateful to Jane Dodds for raising this question in the Chamber here today, because I’m sure far too many of us around this Chamber have similar horror stories to that which Jane Dodds just outlined. Indeed, one of my constituents, Mr Binns, shared with me his 27-hour wait in A&amp;E whilst experiencing severe chest pains, and I’m grateful to you, First Minister, for acknowledging that that’s not acceptable and that we need to see that change.</p>
<p>As you’ve outlined in your response to Jane Dodds, there are systemic issues at play here, and the whole system needs a certain level of concentration and effort to change. But there is some good news and there are other organisations, whether they're third sector or private sector, who have the capacity and are willing and able to provide support and capacity to unblock some of these blockages that we’re seeing at the moment. But they’re sharing with me that they’re experiencing, here in Wales, some unique resistance to engaging with these other sectors, so that those blocks can be unblocked very, very quickly.</p>
<p>So, I wonder if you’ll commit today, First Minister, to make a statement that outlines Welsh Government’s commitment to working both cross-sector and cross-border to ensure that capacity is created, so that patients aren’t waiting for these undue lengths of time in A&amp;E.</p>

<p>Thank you, Jane Dodds, and thank you for that warning. I would say that that warning from the director of the Electoral Reform Society is a warning for this Senedd, a warning for all political parties represented here and those who are not represented here, but who may be represented here in 2026. That's why this guidance, this consultation, is so important, and we must test political parties during this period of consultation in terms of their commitment to this being a diverse and inclusive Senedd. The statutory duty is only on us through section 30 of the Act to produce this guidance, but the implementation, as I said and as you know, is voluntary. On the other hand, political parties, if they commit themselves to following this guidance, could deliver a diverse and inclusive Senedd, and it is for political parties to think about, again, putting the statutory basis of gender quotas into their manifestos for the next election.</p>
<p>Indeed, as you know, and I know it was disappointing, but the issues around competence and timing meant that we weren't even going to have statutory gender quotas for 2026; it was going to be for 2030. So, these are all important points to make, but I think the guidance that I've given, that we've produced today for consultation, is actually—. We've got to make sure that people feel, 'Does this mean they want us here?', the people out there who are not represented here, who are under-represented here, and that includes not just diverse women, but black, Asian and minority ethnic people, disabled people, older people, younger people, LGBTQ+ people, and socioeconomic circumstances,&nbsp;we know, is—. We enacted the socioeconomic duty in the Equality Act 2010. It still hasn't yet been enacted by the UK Government. We've got to use this guidance also to build all those mechanisms of support, on which I think that, across the board, we all agree. We need mentoring, we need support, Elect Her, Equal Power, Equal Voice, and we need commitment to financial support, but also we need to demonstrate that we are an anti-racist Senedd, that our parties are, and that we are serious about bringing people forward, encouraging people to come forward and stand for election here.</p>
<p>I certainly hope, and I'm sure you are—. We are all, in our party, going out and calling on people to come and stand. We're having meetings. But unless we address some of the reasons why people haven't put themselves forward from under-represented groups, even if there was a statutory duty, in statute, for gender quotas, I still think we would have challenges, because politics isn't a place that many people feel they want to be, particularly because of the increasing abuse of politicians, and that point was raised earlier on, and I'm certainly working with all Governments in the UK on that issue. So, let's try and make this a positive call for the diverse people of Wales to come forward and stand for our political parties. We need hundreds of people to consider today, 'Yes, I think that seventh Senedd could be for me.'</p>