It was a rather sedate edition of FMQs this afternoon (not that it's different to any other week) with today also marking Carwyn's 50th birthday 🎉 - to the jocularity of opposition leaders.
FMQs, 21st March 2017
Party Leaders
Conservative leader, Andrew Davies AM (Con, South Wales Central), raised the Swansea Bay “city deal” which was signed off by both governments yesterday. There've been criticisms that it doesn't resemble Sir Terry Matthews' original ideas and has shifted from investment in people to new buildings. Could the First Minister give firm benchmarks to measure success? Also, north Wales is seeking a similar deal; would the First Minister consider devolving responsibilities from Cathays Park in areas like business rates?
The First Minister told the Senedd that it's a three-way deal between local councils, Welsh Government and UK Government and that would presumably apply in the north too. Around half the investment will come from the private sector and the 11 projects could create up to 10,000 jobs – so it's not all about buildings. In terms of measuring success, Carwyn pointed to increases in GVA-per-head in both the region and compared to the all-Wales figure. The Welsh Government will look to devolve “as many powers as we can”, but business rates could be difficult.
UKIP leader, Neil Hamilton AM (UKIP, Mid & West Wales), believed it was “regretful” that Nicola Sturgeon has sought to create more uncertainty via a second Scottish independence referendum. Any referendum would have relevance to Wales, which has a similar ~£15billion deficit meaning Wales would (assumedly) be vastly poorer if it left the UK. Did the First Minister agree that uncertainty should be reduced by calling Nicola's bluff and approving a referendum?
The First Minister doesn't think Westminster should stand in the way of a referendum should the Scottish Parliament vote to hold one. However, independence isn't in Wales' interest and the case for independence in Wales isn't built on economics but emotion - that's why it's important there's a real post-Brexit partnership between four nations. His worry is the UK Government are creating conditions whereby people feel annoyed enough to think the UK isn't worth preserving anymore.
In reply to the previous question, Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood AM (Plaid, Rhondda) said – with just a little hint of sarcasm - that it's was clear Wales is “sooo wealthy and sooo prosperous” that the status quo must be the only option.
Moving to her questions, Leanne focused on patient nutrition and hydration in hospitals. It's a basic health care need and the Senedd's Public Accounts Committee recently reported on the matter, finding a distinct lack of leadership and frustratingly slow progress on a number of recommendations dating back to 2011. How confident was the First Minister that the systems are in place to prevent another Tawel Fan or Princess of Wales Hospital scandal? When can we expect some leadership?
Carwyn was wholly confident systems are now robust. There's a formal process to respond to committee reports and the report highlighted good progress in a number of areas - but it's important too that reports highlight improvements that are still needed. There is active consideration to improve healthy food provision further though a review of current standards.
Backbenchers
Jeremy Miles AM (Lab, Neath) asked what was being done to tackle rough sleeping in Wales? Rough sleepers in Neath were recently interviewed, revealing the impact of unemployment, welfare changes and addiction as well as the impact rough sleeping has on their health and social isolation. Shelter Cymru believe the Welsh Government don't know enough about rough sleeping numbers and monitoring requires improvement.
The Welsh Government introduced the Housing Act to ensure rough sleeping was dealt with, but accepted question marks over data monitoring; the Welsh Government are continuing to invest through the Supporting People programme. An independent review of the Housing Act has been commissioned -which will include analysis of how rough sleepers are treated by the system. The Act itself has been successful to date in helping 85% of families who have been threatened by homelessness.
Julie Morgan AM (Lab, Cardiff North) asked what progress had been made on establishing a UK constitutional convention? Would the First Minister also agree that the UK's unwritten constitution is unsustainable?
The First Minsiter had been calling for a convention for several years. The heart of the problem is parliamentary sovereignty, which gives Westminster a right to do whatever it wants. The UK has to move towards shared sovereignty as in Canada to get away from the idea that everything is subordinate to London. He won't accept any clawback of existing powers to Westminster from either Cardiff or Brussels in any “Great Repeal Bill”, but there may be areas – like agriculture and state aid – where a pan-UK framework would be in everyone's interest.
Caroline Jones AM (UKIP, South Wales West) wanted to know how the Welsh Government were supporting disabled people to remain active? A constituent contacted her after their wheelchair was taken in for repair and they were left without one for two months. It was only after she contacted the CEO of health board it was rectified. How can we support disabled people if we can't provide for basic needs?
The First Minister said a framework for action on independent living sets out Welsh Government support, and will be reviewed this year whilst embracing principles of Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. It was clear the constituent who contacted her went through a difficult experience and he asked to be updated in writing.
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