FMQs : Taxes, Jinxes & Jobs

This is the last FMQs before the EU referendum but, as usual, there were a wide variety of topics up for discussion.

Sadly, not for the first time in the short period this Assembly has been convened, FMQs was preceded by sombre matters, this time tributes to Jo Cox. On behalf of the Assembly, Llywydd Elin Jones (Plaid, Ceredigion) expressed "heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends and colleagues", describing her assassination as "an attack on our democratic life".

AMs observed a minute's silence, while party leaders - and Hannah Blythyn AM (Lab, Delyn) on behalf of Labour backbenchers - gave brief statements that condemned her killing, which the First Minister said was "politically motivated", and praised Jo's values and career, both before and after being elected in 2015 (clip).

FMQs, 21^st June 2016

Party Leaders

Unsurprisingly, all the leaders were (rightly) crowing about Wales' 3-0 victory over Russia last night and offering congratulations. Whether that'll jinx the team as they move to the knockout stages remains to be seen.

Leader of the Opposition, Leanne Wood (Plaid, Rhondda), recently hosted a public meeting in Treorchy - which could lose a surgery because Cwm Taf local health board say there's a shortage of doctors. She asked, firstly, if the First Minister would confirm if the UK leaves the EU, would the Welsh NHS find it more difficult to recruit doctors from overseas? Secondly, how much more difficult would it be to attract GPs to areas already experiencing doctor shortages if the economy takes a hit as a result of a Leave vote?

The First Minister believes a Leave vote would send the wrong message to doctors and other primary care professionals : "Don't come here". Doctors who qualified in the EU would be able to travel and work without restriction in 27 countries, but could need a visa to live and work in the UK. Economically, a Leave vote would be a "self-inflicted wound". Carwyn wouldn't trust Leave campaigners with a publicly-funded NHS, saying he's glad the Welsh NHS is devolved because they can't touch it or make moves towards privatisation.

Conservative leader, Andrew Davies AM (Con, South Wales Central) said it was vital to make improvements to autism services, asking if the Welsh Government would commit to an Autism Act, and what sort of improvements can be expected before legislative options are put on the table? Waiting times for mental health services for young people (CAMHS) are "horrendous", with 1 in 8 waiting longer than 40 weeks compared to a target of 14 weeks.

The Welsh Government are actively considering an Autism Act and are willing to discuss it with other parties. The first challenge is getting an autism diagnosis, as the condition is often hard to diagnose. Funding for mental health in general has been ring-fenced, while extra money was provided for CAMHS, which the First Minister said has become a "victim of its own success" as GPs were now more likely to refer young patients to it. He does, however, expect to see waiting times fall as more money goes into the system.

UKIP leader, Neil Hamilton AM (UKIP, Mid & West Wales) said there was no reason a points-based system would restrict skilled immigration. He asked whether the First Minister agreed with union leader, Len McCluskey that open borders with eastern Europe – which Neil says adds the equivalent of the population of Cardiff each year - has led to sustained downward pressure on living standards and wages? He added that immigration works well for the professional classes who need cheap tradespeople, but at the bottom end incomes have been hit hard with the EU working against the interests of ordinary people

The First Minister quipped that Neil Hamilton's suggestion that Wales' victory was a sign of "small nations punching above their weight" was an argument for Welsh independence.

In response to his question, Carwyn believes much of the anger surrounding immigration is because people don't feel their jobs are as secure as they used to be, with too many people working in low paid jobs with poor trade union representation – Leave campaigners were unlikely to argue for any improvements there. Levels of migration would remain largely as they are regardless of which way the referendum vote goes, and a "very small" percentage of Welsh residents are immigrants.

Backbenchers

Nick Ramsay AM (Con, Monmouth) asked for an update on any discussions had with the UK Government on the future devolution of taxes. There are challenges facing us in getting adequate funds from the Treasury, so we need to ensure Wales isn't short-changed by changes to the block grant.

The First Minister would only support devolution of taxes with a fair fiscal framework in place; discussions are underway. It's crucial powers aren't be devolved without the consent of the Assembly as they shouldn't be imposed. It's also essential we have an agreement that underpin funding arrangements "for the long-term" and creates a fair tax system that doesn't undermine the funding system we have. The Welsh Government have additionally argued that Air Passenger Duty (APD) in particular should be devolved in line with Scotland.

Jenny Rathbone AM (Lab, Cardiff Central) asked for a statement on the Welsh employment rate, asking what work was being done to develop skills here so employers don't have to rely on skilled immigrants?

The Welsh employment rate continues to outperform Scotland, England and Northern Ireland, while Wales has seen the sharpest decline in the UK of unemployment over the last 12 months. Many training schemes are funded by the EU, while Jobs Growth Wales has allowed small employers to take people on.

He said there's an element of truth in suggestions the problem in the Welsh economy is quality of jobs and productivity, not jobs themselves. There's a legacy from the 1980s of highly-paid jobs being replaced with low-paid ones – though investment from the likes of TVR, Aston Martin and CGI is providing higher-skilled jobs. As a result, the First Minister expected economic output (GVA) to increase over the coming years as Wales is no longer a "low wage, low skill economy".

Best of the rest :

• On cancer detection rates, the Welsh Government will continue public screening programmes for certain cancers (cervical, bowel, breast) and improve support for GPs to detect cancers. The screening engagement team within Public Health Wales is working with health boards to improve cervical screening uptake (in particular) in each region. However, many cancers present themselves at A&E, with patients not knowing that their symptoms are a result of cancer, particularly children - to Vikki Howells AM (Lab, Cynon Valley).
• The Welsh Government demands high standards of care and has introduced "rigorous" care standards frameworks. They remain commited to excellent high quality care; the recent OECD report shows no health care system in UK is outperforming any other. On the problem of bed blocking/delayed transfers of care, incident rates have have fallen, particularly those waiting to leave mental health - to Lynne Neagle AM (Lab, Torfaen).

Written Question of the Week

Tory leader, Andrew Davies AM, directed a number of questions to the Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates (Lab, Clwyd South) regarding the South Wales Metro project.

The Cabinet Secretary confirmed there had been discussions with the Future Generations Commissioner on the delivery and aims of the Metro; a public consulation on the Metro is in the planning stages; two formal industry-specific "market engagement events" have been held in relation to the project, attended by more than 200 people.

Statement of Opinion of the Week

There's only one new Statement of Opinion since last time. Jeremy Miles AM (Lab, Neath), wanted to mark Co-operatives Fortnight – which started this week. Co-operatives in Wales employ "thousands of people" and have a combined turnover of almost £1billion. At time of posting, it's been signed by six AMs, who joined calls for the Welsh Government to recognise the contribution co-operatives make to the Welsh economy.