Meetings

NDM6011 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the challenges facing the primary care sector in Wales, with increasing pressure on resources and an ageing population with more complex care needs;

2. Notes that the percentage of NHS funding spent on general practice has fallen from 10.27 per cent in 2005-2006 to 7.9 per cent in 2015-2016;

3. Notes that Wales has the second lowest GP coverage in the UK with 23 per cent of GPs aged over 50 and difficulties in training enough GPs to fulfil future workforce requirements; and

4. Calls on the next Welsh Government to:

a) introduce an access to GPs scheme to fund innovative ways of providing primary care services to improve access to GPs for patients;

b) improve the availability of specialist mental health training for health professionals;

c) review the capacity of the general practice workforce to meet the needs of patients;

d) improve public education on appropriate health services;

e) review the administration requirements on GPs; and

f) improve the promotion of general practice as a profession.

The following amendment has been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to increase training places for GPs, and to ensure that training rotas for GPs cover rural and deprived areas in order to increase the prospects of GPs practicing in those areas.

The item started at 18.09

NDM6011 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the challenges facing the primary care sector in Wales, with increasing pressure on resources and an ageing population with more complex care needs;

2. Notes that the percentage of NHS funding spent on general practice has fallen from 10.27 per cent in 2005-2006 to 7.9 per cent in 2015-2016;

3. Notes that Wales has the second lowest GP coverage in the UK with 23 per cent of GPs aged over 50 and difficulties in training enough GPs to fulfil future workforce requirements; and

4. Calls on the next Welsh Government to:

a) introduce an access to GPs scheme to fund innovative ways of providing primary care services to improve access to GPs for patients;

b) improve the availability of specialist mental health training for health professionals;

c) review the capacity of the general practice workforce to meet the needs of patients;

d) improve public education on appropriate health services;

e) review the administration requirements on GPs; and

f) improve the promotion of general practice as a profession.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM5938 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises that there is a housing crisis in Wales, noting in particular that:

a) Welsh Government housing targets fall far short of the recommendations of the Holmans report on house building and the number of affordable homes needed by 2031;

b) there are estimated to be over 90,000 households on social housing waiting lists;

c) many first-time buyers still struggle to get on the property ladder; and

d) more must be done to protect tenants from unfair practices and to improve the quality and safety of poor private rented sector homes.

2. Believes that greater ambition is needed to ensure that every person has a secure and affordable home which can be a key factor in boosting health, well-being and opportunity, and that this should include:

a) doubling the target on affordable homes to 20,000 over the next Assembly;

b) a rent-to-own scheme to help first time buyers to buy their own home without a deposit; and

c) action to improve the quality and safety of homes in the private rented sector and a Residential Property Tribunal to adjudicate on landlord and tenant disputes.

'Holmans Report – Future Need and Demand for Housing in Wales'

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete point 1a) and replace with:

Welsh Government housing targets fall far short of:

i) the recommendations of the Holmans report on house building and the number of affordable homes needed by 2031;

ii) the recommendations of the Bevan Foundation report,'The Shape of Wales to Come', and the number of affordable homes needed by 2028; and

iii) the views expressed by the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru on investment in social housing.

Bevan Foundation Report – The Shape of Wales to Come

Amendment 2 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

In point 2:

Delete 'should' and replace with 'could'.

Amendment 3 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Insert as new sub-points at end of point 2:

reforming tenancy law to introduce rent controls and to grant renters longer-term, more secure and higher quality tenancies;

bringing empty properties back into use;

developing publicly owned housing companies to respond to local need.

Amendment 4 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as a new point at end of the motion:

Believes that Wales needs to implement a comprehensive housing reform programme to increase supply and therefore make housing more affordable.

The item started at 17.14

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5938 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises that there is a housing crisis in Wales, noting in particular that:

a) Welsh Government housing targets fall far short of the recommendations of the Holmans report on house building and the number of affordable homes needed by 2031;

b) there are estimated to be over 90,000 households on social housing waiting lists;

c) many first-time buyers still struggle to get on the property ladder; and

d) more must be done to protect tenants from unfair practices and to improve the quality and safety of poor private rented sector homes.

2. Believes that greater ambition is needed to ensure that every person has a secure and affordable home which can be a key factor in boosting health, well-being and opportunity, and that this should include:

a) doubling the target on affordable homes to 20,000 over the next Assembly;

b) a rent-to-own scheme to help first time buyers to buy their own home without a deposit; and

c) action to improve the quality and safety of homes in the private rented sector and a Residential Property Tribunal to adjudicate on landlord and tenant disputes.

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete point 1a) and replace with:

Welsh Government housing targets fall far short of:

i) the recommendations of the Holmans report on house building and the number of affordable homes needed by 2031;

ii) the recommendations of the Bevan Foundation report,'The Shape of Wales to Come', and the number of affordable homes needed by 2028; and

iii) the views expressed by the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru on investment in social housing.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

In point 2:

Delete 'should' and replace with 'could'.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

Amendment 2 was not agreed.

Amendment 3 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Insert as new sub-points at end of point 2:

reforming tenancy law to introduce rent controls and to grant renters longer-term, more secure and higher quality tenancies;

bringing empty properties back into use;

developing publicly owned housing companies to respond to local need.

A vote was taken on Amendment 3:

Amendment 3 was not agreed.

Amendment 4 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as a new point at end of the motion:

Believes that Wales needs to implement a comprehensive housing reform programme to increase supply and therefore make housing more affordable.

A vote was taken on Amendment 4:

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against the amendment. Therefore, the amendment was not agreed.

As the Assembly did not agree the motion without amendment, and did not agree the amendments tabled to the motion, the motion was therefore not agreed.

NDM5906 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1.  Regrets that Wales lags behind the rest of the UK in educational outcomes, particularly in key areas of reading, mathematics and science.

2.  Believes that educational policies should help foster strong leadership and governance, excellent teaching, high aspirations and opportunities to innovate.

3.  Calls on the Welsh Government to empower teachers and school leaders who have shown capacity and innovation with the freedom to excel, by:

a) reducing infant class sizes to 25 to give teachers more time for individual learning with pupils;

b) introducing a talented headteachers programme to encourage top leaders to use their expertise to support underperforming schools;

c) ensuring that teachers are given protected time to undertake continuous professional development;

d) introducing elected representation of peers from the teaching profession to the Education Workforce Council to ensure proper accountability; and

e) introducing a system of individual pupil monitoring, so that teachers can focus on the experiences, achievements and outcomes for individual pupils.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Insert as new point 2 and renumber accordingly:

Believes that investing in early education is the most effective way of raising educational attainment.

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete point 3 and replace with:

Calls on the Welsh Government to empower teachers and school leaders who have shown capacity and innovation with the freedom to excel, by:

a) introducing a comprehensive headteachers programme that provides continual professional development and ongoing support to all headteachers;

b) working with the teaching profession to develop and offer a suite of continuous professional development programmes that delivers for the needs of teachers and schools;

c) ensuring that teachers are given protected time to undertake mandatory continuous professional development; and

d) removing the bureaucratic burden from teachers to enable them to practise a system of individual pupil monitoring.

[If amendment 2 is agreed, amendments 3 and 4 will be de-selected]

Amendment 3 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

In point 3, delete sub-point a).

Amendment 4 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new sub-point at end of point 3:

introducing compulsory continuous professional development for teachers.

Amendment 5 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Adds new point at the end of the motion

Calls on the Welsh Government to undertake a review of teaching capacity and training needs in order to enable accurate workforce planning.

The item started at 16.51

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5906 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1.  Regrets that Wales lags behind the rest of the UK in educational outcomes, particularly in key areas of reading, mathematics and science.

2.  Believes that educational policies should help foster strong leadership and governance, excellent teaching, high aspirations and opportunities to innovate.

3.  Calls on the Welsh Government to empower teachers and school leaders who have shown capacity and innovation with the freedom to excel, by:

a) reducing infant class sizes to 25 to give teachers more time for individual learning with pupils;

b) introducing a talented headteachers programme to encourage top leaders to use their expertise to support underperforming schools;

c) ensuring that teachers are given protected time to undertake continuous professional development;

d) introducing elected representation of peers from the teaching profession to the Education Workforce Council to ensure proper accountability; and

e) introducing a system of individual pupil monitoring, so that teachers can focus on the experiences, achievements and outcomes for individual pupils.

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Insert as new point 2 and renumber accordingly:

Believes that investing in early education is the most effective way of raising educational attainment.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

Amendment 1 was agreed.

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete point 3 and replace with:

Calls on the Welsh Government to empower teachers and school leaders who have shown capacity and innovation with the freedom to excel, by:

a) introducing a comprehensive headteachers programme that provides continual professional development and ongoing support to all headteachers;

b) working with the teaching profession to develop and offer a suite of continuous professional development programmes that delivers for the needs of teachers and schools;

c) ensuring that teachers are given protected time to undertake mandatory continuous professional development; and

d) removing the bureaucratic burden from teachers to enable them to practise a system of individual pupil monitoring.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

Amendment 2 was not agreed.

Amendment 3 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

In point 3, delete sub-point a).

A vote was taken on Amendment 3:

Amendment 3 was agreed.

Amendment 4 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new sub-point at end of point 3:

introducing compulsory continuous professional development for teachers.

A vote was taken on Amendment 4:

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against the amendment. Therefore, the amendment was not agreed.

Amendment 5 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Adds new point at the end of the motion

Calls on the Welsh Government to undertake a review of teaching capacity and training needs in order to enable accurate workforce planning.

A vote was taken on Amendment 5:

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against the amendment. Therefore, the amendment was not agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM5906 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Regrets that Wales lags behind the rest of the UK in educational outcomes, particularly in key areas of reading, mathematics and science.

2. Believes that investing in early education is the most effective way of raising educational attainment.

3.  Believes that educational policies should help foster strong leadership and governance, excellent teaching, high aspirations and opportunities to innovate.

4.  Calls on the Welsh Government to empower teachers and school leaders who have shown capacity and innovation with the freedom to excel, by:

a)  introducing a talented headteachers programme to encourage top leaders to use their expertise to support underperforming schools;

b) ensuring that teachers are given protected time to undertake continuous professional development;

c) introducing elected representation of peers from the teaching profession to the Education Workforce Council to ensure proper accountability; and

d) introducing a system of individual pupil monitoring, so that teachers can focus on the experiences, achievements and outcomes for individual pupils.

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against the motion as amended. Therefore, the motion as amended was not agreed.

NDM5889 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the importance of securing global agreement on a climate change treaty at the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, to ensure that the internationally agreed objective of limiting average global temperature increases to below two degrees Celsius is kept within reach.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to lead with ambition by setting a target for a 100 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050 within the Environment (Wales) Bill.

'Environment (Wales) Bill'

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete point 2.

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Regrets that the Welsh Government is not on track to meet its Climate Change 2020 targets.

Amendment 3 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to accelerate its low-carbon economy planning for Wales, to provide green jobs for the future.

Amendment 4 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Recognises the importance of monitoring annual carbon emissions.

Amendment 5 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Notes the role retrofitting of older properties can play in meeting carbon reduction targets.

Amendment 6 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to strengthen building regulations and significantly upscale its retrofitting programme in order to cut emissions, help tackle fuel poverty and create jobs.

The item started at 16.49

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5889 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the importance of securing global agreement on a climate change treaty at the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, to ensure that the internationally agreed objective of limiting average global temperature increases to below two degrees Celsius is kept within reach.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to lead with ambition by setting a target for a 100 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050 within the Environment (Wales) Bill.

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete point 2.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

Amendment 1 was agreed.

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Regrets that the Welsh Government is not on track to meet its Climate Change 2020 targets.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against amendment 2.

Amendment 3 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to accelerate its low-carbon economy planning for Wales, to provide green jobs for the future.

A vote was taken on Amendment 3:

Amendment 3 was agreed.

Amendment 4 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Recognises the importance of monitoring annual carbon emissions.

A vote was taken on Amendment 4:

Amendment 4 was agreed.

Amendment 5 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Notes the role retrofitting of older properties can play in meeting carbon reduction targets.

A vote was taken on Amendment 5:

Amendment 5 was agreed.

Amendment 6 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to strengthen building regulations and significantly upscale its retrofitting programme in order to cut emissions, help tackle fuel poverty and create jobs.

A vote was taken on Amendment 6:

Amendment 6 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM5889 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the importance of securing global agreement on a climate change treaty at the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, to ensure that the internationally agreed objective of limiting average global temperature increases to below two degrees Celsius is kept within reach.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to accelerate its low-carbon economy planning for Wales, to provide green jobs for the future.

3. Recognises the importance of monitoring annual carbon emissions.

4. Notes the role retrofitting of older properties can play in meeting carbon reduction targets.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to strengthen building regulations and significantly upscale its retrofitting programme in order to cut emissions, help tackle fuel poverty and create jobs.

The motion as amended was agreed.

NDM5878 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1.  Notes that over 170,000 people in Wales are employed directly and indirectly in tourism and related sectors;

2.  Notes that 44 per cent of people employed within the tourism sector are under 30 years old, and therefore measures to support this sector could play a key role in reducing the youth unemployment rate in Wales;

3.  Believes that a reduction in VAT on tourism would encourage more domestic and international visitors, provide a significant boost to local businesses and lead to increased investment, jobs and economic growth.

4.  Notes that 25 other EU Member States already take advantage of an EU dispensation for a lower VAT rate on tourist attractions and accommodation; and

5.  Calls on the Welsh Government to make representations to the UK Government to lower the VAT on tourism from 20 per cent to 5 per cent, to help us compete with other European countries and send a strong message that Wales is open to tourists and open for business.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1- Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Welcomes the role that private tourism businesses play in local regeneration, as well as the wider Welsh economy.

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Regrets that some tourism providers remain unclear as to Visit Wales's role.

Amendment 3 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Notes that there is widespread support for transferring responsibility for delivering tourism development and promotion from the Welsh Government.

Amendment 4 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to publish a value for money assessment of Destination Management Plans before the end of January 2016.

The item started at 17.04

NDM5878 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1.  Notes that over 170,000 people in Wales are employed directly and indirectly in tourism and related sectors;

2.  Notes that 44 per cent of people employed within the tourism sector are under 30 years old, and therefore measures to support this sector could play a key role in reducing the youth unemployment rate in Wales;

3.  Believes that a reduction in VAT on tourism would encourage more domestic and international visitors, provide a significant boost to local businesses and lead to increased investment, jobs and economic growth.

4.  Notes that 25 other EU Member States already take advantage of an EU dispensation for a lower VAT rate on tourist attractions and accommodation; and

5.  Calls on the Welsh Government to make representations to the UK Government to lower the VAT on tourism from 20 per cent to 5 per cent, to help us compete with other European countries and send a strong message that Wales is open to tourists and open for business.

The motion without amendment was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM5865 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Believes that a vibrant and diverse Welsh high street has a key role to play in building sustainable communities for the future; supporting jobs and local enterprise, and improving social inclusion and cohesion;

2. Recognises the need to tackle barriers to the growth of town centres, which includes:

a) the increase in online and out of town retail;

b) the loss of local services or community assets and the recent round of bank closures;

c) the high street vacancy rate which is consistently above the UK average;

d) the lack of early consideration of sustainable transport in regeneration projects; and

e) the failure of the planning system to facilitate development and encourage investment in response to changing consumer demand.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to consider innovative proposals for the regeneration of high streets in Wales, including the development of a national learning network to offer training and resources, facilitate networking for inspiration on best practice and collect and share access to research from around the world on revitalising town centres.

The following amendment has been tabled:

Amendment 1 – Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Insert as point 1 and renumber accordingly:

Acknowledges the Welsh Conservatives' policies contained in 'A Vision for the Welsh High Street'.

'A Vision for the Welsh High Street'

The item started at 16.47

Voting on the motion and amendment under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5865 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Believes that a vibrant and diverse Welsh high street has a key role to play in building sustainable communities for the future; supporting jobs and local enterprise, and improving social inclusion and cohesion;

2. Recognises the need to tackle barriers to the growth of town centres, which includes:

a) the increase in online and out of town retail;

b) the loss of local services or community assets and the recent round of bank closures;

c) the high street vacancy rate which is consistently above the UK average;

d) the lack of early consideration of sustainable transport in regeneration projects; and

e) the failure of the planning system to facilitate development and encourage investment in response to changing consumer demand.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to consider innovative proposals for the regeneration of high streets in Wales, including the development of a national learning network to offer training and resources, facilitate networking for inspiration on best practice and collect and share access to research from around the world on revitalising town centres.

The motion without amendment was agreed.

NDM5840 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that without proper support and treatment, mental health problems can have a devastating impact on a person's quality of life, affecting their work, their home life and their relationships;

2. Welcomes world mental health day, Time to Change Wales, All Together Now! and other campaigns which help to raise awareness of mental health and end stigma and discrimination;

3. Believes that there is still much to be done to provide better care and support for people of all ages with mental health problems in Wales;

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) give equal priority to mental health and physical health in law to help drive a culture change in attitudes;

b) ensure that the proportion of funding for mental health within the overall NHS Wales budget is consistent with the disease burden, reflecting the relative size of the health challenge in relation to physical health;

c) introduce new waiting time standards for mental health, including for access to psychological therapies;

d) improve mental health training to equip teachers, health professionals and employers with the skills to identify and support those experiencing mental health problems; and

e) introduce a core set of mental health data, focused on outcomes for service users, to inform decision making on priorities for action and to ensure the most effective allocation of resources.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 – Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

In point 4, add as new sub-point:

consider the introduction of a ring fence to ensure that there is adequate investment in mental health services for children and young people in Wales.

Amendment 2 – Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Notes ongoing concerns regarding the capacity of mental health services for children and young people in Wales to meet demand.

Amendment 3 – Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Regrets that real term cuts to NHS expenditure in Wales will make securing improvements in mental health services more challenging.

The item started at 16.42

NDM5840 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that without proper support and treatment, mental health problems can have a devastating impact on a person's quality of life, affecting their work, their home life and their relationships;

2. Welcomes world mental health day, Time to Change Wales, All Together Now! and other campaigns which help to raise awareness of mental health and end stigma and discrimination;

3. Believes that there is still much to be done to provide better care and support for people of all ages with mental health problems in Wales;

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) give equal priority to mental health and physical health in law to help drive a culture change in attitudes;

b) ensure that the proportion of funding for mental health within the overall NHS Wales budget is consistent with the disease burden, reflecting the relative size of the health challenge in relation to physical health;

c) introduce new waiting time standards for mental health, including for access to psychological therapies;

d) improve mental health training to equip teachers, health professionals and employers with the skills to identify and support those experiencing mental health problems; and

e) introduce a core set of mental health data, focused on outcomes for service users, to inform decision making on priorities for action and to ensure the most effective allocation of resources.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM5826 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the importance of the Supporting People Programme which offers invaluable support for vulnerable people to live independently within their community and to end social exclusion;

2. Notes that last year the programme supported over 60,000 people in Wales including those who are homeless, at risk of domestic violence, elderly, disabled, or have complex needs;

3. Notes that the Supporting People Programme had an 8.3 per cent real terms cut in funding between 2014-15 and 2015-16.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) review the administration and monitoring requirements of the Supporting People programme to ensure that funding is prioritised for front-line provision; and

b) protect the Supporting People grant within the 2016-17 Welsh Government budget.

The following amendment has been tabled:

Amendment 1 – Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Notes that the Supporting People programme reduces unnecessary pressures on statutory services such as health and social services and that it is estimated that every £1 invested in this programme can save up to £2.30 for the public purse.

The item started at 16.27

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5826 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the importance of the Supporting People Programme which offers invaluable support for vulnerable people to live independently within their community and to end social exclusion;

2. Notes that last year the programme supported over 60,000 people in Wales including those who are homeless, at risk of domestic violence, elderly, disabled, or have complex needs;

3. Notes that the Supporting People Programme had an 8.3 per cent real terms cut in funding between 2014-15 and 2015-16.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) review the administration and monitoring requirements of the Supporting People programme to ensure that funding is prioritised for front-line provision; and

b) protect the Supporting People grant within the 2016-17 Welsh Government budget.

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendment was tabled:

Amendment 1 – Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Notes that the Supporting People programme reduces unnecessary pressures on statutory services such as health and social services and that it is estimated that every £1 invested in this programme can save up to £2.30 for the public purse.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

Amendment 1 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM5826 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the importance of the Supporting People Programme which offers invaluable support for vulnerable people to live independently within their community and to end social exclusion;

2. Notes that last year the programme supported over 60,000 people in Wales including those who are homeless, at risk of domestic violence, elderly, disabled, or have complex needs;

3. Notes that the Supporting People Programme had an 8.3 per cent real terms cut in funding between 2014-15 and 2015-16.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) review the administration and monitoring requirements of the Supporting People programme to ensure that funding is prioritised for front-line provision; and

b) protect the Supporting People grant within the 2016-17 Welsh Government budget.

5. Notes that the Supporting People programme reduces unnecessary pressures on statutory services such as health and social services and that it is estimated that every £1 invested in this programme can save up to £2.30 for the public purse.

The motion as amended was not agreed.

NDM5790 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the value of distinctive Welsh-language broadcasting and the important contribution of S4C in safeguarding our Welsh language and enriching the culture of Wales;

2. Opposes any further cuts in S4C funding by the UK Government Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which could threaten the future of this channel; and

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to make representations to the UK Government on the importance of maintaining the editorial, managerial and operational independence of S4C and the need for a sustainable funding basis to protect the future of Welsh-language broadcasting.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 – Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete point 2 and replace with:

Opposes any cuts to S4C funding by the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport, during the current UK Parliament.

Amendment 2 – Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Welcomes measures that increase the accountability of S4C, as well as other Welsh public service broadcasters, to the National Assembly and the commitment to strengthen that accountability by the UK Government, as set out in the St David's Day 'Powers for a Purpose' document.

Powers for a Purpose: Towards a Lasting Devolution Settlement for Wales can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/powers-for-a-purpose-towards-a-lasting-devolution-settlement-for-wales

Amendment 3 – Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls for the devolution of full responsibility and funding for S4C.

The item started at 16.17

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5790 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the value of distinctive Welsh-language broadcasting and the important contribution of S4C in safeguarding our Welsh language and enriching the culture of Wales;

2. Opposes any further cuts in S4C funding by the UK Government Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which could threaten the future of this channel; and

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to make representations to the UK Government on the importance of maintaining the editorial, managerial and operational independence of S4C and the need for a sustainable funding basis to protect the future of Welsh-language broadcasting.

The motion without amendment was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM5779 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Believes that the current system for ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare services is not fit for purpose and that Healthcare Inspectorate Wales does not fulfil the need for independent inspection of the health system in Wales.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to establish a more robust quality assurance system that includes:

a) scrapping Health Inspectorate Wales and establishing a new inspectorate that is fully independent of the Welsh Government;

b) appointing a chief inspector for hospitals and healthcare;

c) introducing clinically-led and peer-reviewed inspections with significant patient input;

d) supporting staff and patients to use mechanisms for whistleblowing by encouraging a stronger culture of openness and transparency; and

e) reforming the complaints procedure to ensure greater independence and restore the trust of patients and their families.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 – Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Insert new sub-point at end of point 2:

f) considering a full merger of health and social care inspectorates.

Amendment 2 – Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to increase transparency in the inspection and regulation of healthcare providers in Wales by commissioning a full and independent inquiry into the Welsh NHS.

The item started at 16.46

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5779 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Believes that the current system for ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare services is not fit for purpose and that Healthcare Inspectorate Wales does not fulfil the need for independent inspection of the health system in Wales.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to establish a more robust quality assurance system that includes:

a) scrapping Health Inspectorate Wales and establishing a new inspectorate that is fully independent of the Welsh Government;

b) appointing a chief inspector for hospitals and healthcare;

c) introducing clinically-led and peer-reviewed inspections with significant patient input;

d) supporting staff and patients to use mechanisms for whistleblowing by encouraging a stronger culture of openness and transparency; and

e) reforming the complaints procedure to ensure greater independence and restore the trust of patients and their families.

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 – Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Insert new sub-point at end of point 2:

f) considering a full merger of health and social care inspectorates.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

Amendment 1 was agreed.

Amendment 2 – Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to increase transparency in the inspection and regulation of healthcare providers in Wales by commissioning a full and independent inquiry into the Welsh NHS.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

Amendment 2 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM5779 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Believes that the current system for ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare services is not fit for purpose and that Healthcare Inspectorate Wales does not fulfil the need for independent inspection of the health system in Wales.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to establish a more robust quality assurance system that includes:

a) scrapping Health Inspectorate Wales and establishing a new inspectorate that is fully independent of the Welsh Government;

b) appointing a chief inspector for hospitals and healthcare;

c) introducing clinically-led and peer-reviewed inspections with significant patient input;

d) supporting staff and patients to use mechanisms for whistleblowing by encouraging a stronger culture of openness and transparency; and

e) reforming the complaints procedure to ensure greater independence and restore the trust of patients and their families.

f) considering a full merger of health and social care inspectorates.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to increase transparency in the inspection and regulation of healthcare providers in Wales by commissioning a full and independent inquiry into the Welsh NHS.

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against the amendment. Therefore, the amendment was not agreed.

NDM5770 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Firmly opposes any attempt by the UK Government to repeal the Human Rights Act 1998, which would undermine our Welsh devolution settlement and be a retrograde step in the promotion and protection of human rights.

The Human Right Act 1998 (c.42) can be found at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/contents

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 – Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete all and replace with:

1. Notes the manifesto commitment made by the Conservative Party during the 2015 general election to introduce a British Bill of Rights; and

2. Recognises the intention of the UK Government to bring forward proposals to meet this commitment.

Amendment 2 – Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Believes that any proposal to abolish, amend or replace the Human Rights Act 1998 requires the assent of the National Assembly expressed through a Legislative Consent Motion.

The item started at 18.00

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5770 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Firmly opposes any attempt by the UK Government to repeal the Human Rights Act 1998, which would undermine our Welsh devolution settlement and be a retrograde step in the promotion and protection of human rights.

The motion without amendment was agreed

NDM5746 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the sudden closure of the Welsh Government's flagship yet ineffective Jobs Growth Wales scheme, without any replacement.

2. Notes that the 2014 interim evaluation report on Jobs Growth Wales found that:

a) 73% of young people would have found employment without the scheme;

b) there were significant failures to target those young people most in need of help to find work; and

c) scheme participants were shown to be trapped on low wages, earning only 67% of the average for their age group.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to focus future European Social Fund employment schemes on improving skill levels, increasing the number of apprenticeships and developing work-based training opportunities, which would support young people most at risk of long-term unemployment and give them the skills and opportunities to help build a stronger economy to enable them to get on in life.

The 2014 'Jobs Growth Wales: Interim evaluation report' is available here:

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point 1 and renumber accordingly:

1. Acknowledges that a strong UK economy:

a) creates the conditions for growth in job opportunities for our young people;

b) challenges schools, further and higher education institutions, governments and employers to identify  and meet skills required in the growth employment market; a

c) allows young entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities of economic growth.

Amendment 2 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Delete point 1 and replace with:

Notes the sudden closure of the Welsh Government's flagship Jobs Growth Wales scheme and calls for the swift reinstatement of an equivalent programme.

The item started at 16.28

Voting on the Motion and Amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the Motion without amendment:

NDM5746 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the sudden closure of the Welsh Government's flagship yet ineffective Jobs Growth Wales scheme, without any replacement.

2. Notes that the 2014 interim evaluation report on Jobs Growth Wales found that:

a) 73% of young people would have found employment without the scheme;

b) there were significant failures to target those young people most in need of help to find work; and

c) scheme participants were shown to be trapped on low wages, earning only 67% of the average for their age group.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to focus future European Social Fund employment schemes on improving skill levels, increasing the number of apprenticeships and developing work-based training opportunities, which would support young people most at risk of long-term unemployment and give them the skills and opportunities to help build a stronger economy to enable them to get on in life.

The Motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point 1 and renumber accordingly:

1. Acknowledges that a strong UK economy:

a) creates the conditions for growth in job opportunities for our young people;

b) challenges schools, further and higher education institutions, governments and employers to identify  and meet skills required in the growth employment market; a

c) allows young entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities of economic growth.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

Amendment 1 was agreed.

Amendment 2 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Delete point 1 and replace with:

Notes the sudden closure of the Welsh Government's flagship Jobs Growth Wales scheme and calls for the swift reinstatement of an equivalent programme.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

Amendment 2 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on the Motion as amended:

NDM5746 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Acknowledges that a strong UK economy:

a) creates the conditions for growth in job opportunities for our young people;

b) challenges schools, further and higher education institutions, governments and employers to identify  and meet skills required in the growth employment market; a

c) allows young entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities of economic growth.

2. Notes the sudden closure of the Welsh Government's flagship yet ineffective Jobs Growth Wales scheme, without any replacement.

3. Notes that the 2014 interim evaluation report on Jobs Growth Wales found that:

a) 73% of young people would have found employment without the scheme;

b) there were significant failures to target those young people most in need of help to find work; and

c) scheme participants were shown to be trapped on low wages, earning only 67% of the average for their age group.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to focus future European Social Fund employment schemes on improving skill levels, increasing the number of apprenticeships and developing work-based training opportunities, which would support young people most at risk of long-term unemployment and give them the skills and opportunities to help build a stronger economy to enable them to get on in life.

The Motion as amended was not agreed.

NDM5727 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that one in three Welsh children live below the poverty line.

2. Notes that Wales has the lowest education attainment levels in the UK, which has a particularly negative impact on deprived communities.

3. Notes that childhood obesity, female youth smoking rates and youth alcohol consumption rates are worse in Wales than in England.

4. Notes that Young people aged between 11 and 16 in Wales drink more alcohol each week than in any other part of the UK.

5. Welcomes the recent budget deal between the Welsh Liberal Democrats and Welsh Government which will increase the Pupil Deprivation Grant (PDG) to £1,150 per pupil, extend the PDG to under 5s, and introduce a Young Travellers' Youth Concessionary Fare.

6. Believes people should be empowered to lead the life they want to lead and there is no room for complacency in the battle to ensure equality for all.

7. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) provide access to the Flying Start initiative to all children across Wales on the basis of need rather than geographical location;

b) improve the system of continuous professional development for teachers and establish a Welsh Academy of Education Leadership;

c) amend the Estyn Framework to ensure that greater focus is given to education on healthy eating and exercise in schools;

d) focus more resources on the cessation of youth smoking and tackling illegal tobacco; and

e) ensure that all apprentices receive the highest quality of training that provides them with portable qualifications.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Insert as new point 5 and renumber accordingly:

Notes the projected rise in the number of children living in poverty to 3.4 million across the UK by 2020 and further notes the impact of UK Government welfare reforms on rising child poverty levels.

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete point 5.

Amendment 3 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

In sub-point 7b), delete 'establish a Welsh Academy of Education Leadership' and replace with 'ensure it progresses effectively from new Initial Teacher Education provision'.

Amendment 4 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as a new sub-point at the end of motion:

ensure that schools show evidence that they are using the PDG to help pupils from low-income households.

The item started at 17.02

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5727 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that one in three Welsh children live below the poverty line.

2. Notes that Wales has the lowest education attainment levels in the UK, which has a particularly negative impact on deprived communities.

3. Notes that childhood obesity, female youth smoking rates and youth alcohol consumption rates are worse in Wales than in England.

4. Notes that Young people aged between 11 and 16 in Wales drink more alcohol each week than in any other part of the UK.

5. Welcomes the recent budget deal between the Welsh Liberal Democrats and Welsh Government which will increase the Pupil Deprivation Grant (PDG) to £1,150 per pupil, extend the PDG to under 5s, and introduce a Young Travellers' Youth Concessionary Fare.

6. Believes people should be empowered to lead the life they want to lead and there is no room for complacency in the battle to ensure equality for all.

7. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) provide access to the Flying Start initiative to all children across Wales on the basis of need rather than geographical location;

b) improve the system of continuous professional development for teachers and establish a Welsh Academy of Education Leadership;

c) amend the Estyn Framework to ensure that greater focus is given to education on healthy eating and exercise in schools;

d) focus more resources on the cessation of youth smoking and tackling illegal tobacco; and

e) ensure that all apprentices receive the highest quality of training that provides them with portable qualifications.

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Insert as new point 5 and renumber accordingly:

Notes the projected rise in the number of children living in poverty to 3.4 million across the UK by 2020 and further notes the impact of UK Government welfare reforms on rising child poverty levels.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

Amendment 1 was agreed.

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete point 5.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

Amendment 2 was not agreed.

Amendment 3 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

In sub-point 7b), delete 'establish a Welsh Academy of Education Leadership' and replace with 'ensure it progresses effectively from new Initial Teacher Education provision'.

A vote was taken on Amendment 3:

Amendment 3 was agreed.

Amendment 4 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as a new sub-point at the end of motion:

ensure that schools show evidence that they are using the PDG to help pupils from low-income households.

A vote was taken on Amendment 4

Amendment 4 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM5727 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that one in three Welsh children live below the poverty line.

2. Notes that Wales has the lowest education attainment levels in the UK, which has a particularly negative impact on deprived communities.

3. Notes that childhood obesity, female youth smoking rates and youth alcohol consumption rates are worse in Wales than in England.

4. Notes that Young people aged between 11 and 16 in Wales drink more alcohol each week than in any other part of the UK.

5. Notes the projected rise in the number of children living in poverty to 3.4 million across the UK by 2020 and further notes the impact of UK Government welfare reforms on rising child poverty levels.

6. Welcomes the recent budget deal between the Welsh Liberal Democrats and Welsh Government which will increase the Pupil Deprivation Grant (PDG) to £1,150 per pupil, extend the PDG to under 5s, and introduce a Young Travellers' Youth Concessionary Fare.

7. Believes people should be empowered to lead the life they want to lead and there is no room for complacency in the battle to ensure equality for all.

8. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) provide access to the Flying Start initiative to all children across Wales on the basis of need rather than geographical location;

b) improve the system of continuous professional development for teachers and ensure it progresses effectively from new Initial Teacher Education provision;

c) amend the Estyn Framework to ensure that greater focus is given to education on healthy eating and exercise in schools;

d) focus more resources on the cessation of youth smoking and tackling illegal tobacco; and

e) ensure that all apprentices receive the highest quality of training that provides them with portable qualifications.

f) ensure that schools show evidence that they are using the PDG to help pupils from low-income households.

The motion as amended was not agreed.

NDM5702 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

1. Notes that:

a) the Office for National Statistics estimates that one in four British adults will experience a mental health problem within any given year;

b) the World Health Organisation estimates that 20% of the 'burden of disease' in the UK is represented by mental illness but that mental health accounts for just 11% of NHS spending;

c) mental health problems can interact with other conditions to further worsen a person's wellbeing;

d) according to the UK Chief Medical Officer, three-quarters of adult mental disorders are in evidence by the age of 21, but three-quarters of children and young people with these disorders are not diagnosed or treated;

e) Stats Wales showed young people under the age of 18 accounted for 85% of the population waiting more than 18 weeks in December 2014 between referral and receiving first treatment for mental health problems;

f) research by Mind found that 1 in 3 workers in the UK wouldn't be able to talk openly with their line managers about stress.

2. Welcomes the excellent work of the third sector in raising awareness for mental health wellbeing.

3. Believes more must be done to support people to look after their own mental health.

4. Believes there must be a parity of emphasis between mental and physical health.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) carry out a study to determine what additional funding and resources are required for mental health provision in Wales in order to ensure parity of emphasis between mental and physical health services;

b) expand liaison psychiatry in the NHS to provide mental healthcare support for people being treated with physical health problems;

c) offer mental health support training and advice to all those who work closely with children;

d) ensure all new student teachers receive basic mental health support training as part of the qualified teacher status;

e) ensure that employers make workplaces a mental health friendly environment.

The item started at 16.54

Due to a technical fault with the microphone system proceedings were suspended at 17.18. The bell was rung before reconvening at 17.30.

NDM5702 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

1. Notes that:

a) the Office for National Statistics estimates that one in four British adults will experience a mental health problem within any given year;

b) the World Health Organisation estimates that 20% of the 'burden of disease' in the UK is represented by mental illness but that mental health accounts for just 11% of NHS spending;

c) mental health problems can interact with other conditions to further worsen a person's wellbeing;

d) according to the UK Chief Medical Officer, three-quarters of adult mental disorders are in evidence by the age of 21, but three-quarters of children and young people with these disorders are not diagnosed or treated;

e) Stats Wales showed young people under the age of 18 accounted for 85% of the population waiting more than 18 weeks in December 2014 between referral and receiving first treatment for mental health problems;

f) research by Mind found that 1 in 3 workers in the UK wouldn't be able to talk openly with their line managers about stress.

2. Welcomes the excellent work of the third sector in raising awareness for mental health wellbeing.

3. Believes more must be done to support people to look after their own mental health.

4. Believes there must be a parity of emphasis between mental and physical health.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) carry out a study to determine what additional funding and resources are required for mental health provision in Wales in order to ensure parity of emphasis between mental and physical health services;

b) expand liaison psychiatry in the NHS to provide mental healthcare support for people being treated with physical health problems;

c) offer mental health support training and advice to all those who work closely with children;

d) ensure all new student teachers receive basic mental health support training as part of the qualified teacher status;

e) ensure that employers make workplaces a mental health friendly environment.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM5676 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that access to financial capital for Welsh businesses is essential to encourage growth in the private sector.

2. Notes that up skilling the Welsh population is crucial to increasing productivity and putting the Welsh economy at a competitive advantage.

3. Notes that our rurality and geography mean that innovative and radical proposals are needed to grow our economy and improve connectivity.

4. Believes that there are many strengths that will help build the Welsh economy such as our proximity to UK and EU markets, existing pockets of innovation and excellence, and training capacity.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to deliver a balanced, integrated, export-led economic strategy and address Wales's underdevelopment with a long-term commitment to investing in Wales's people, business and infrastructure, including by:

a) creating a Welsh development bank;

b) developing networks of advisors to provide professional business support;

c) embedding wider skills such as entrepreneurship, leadership and management into the curriculum;

d) decentralising more powers over economic development from Cardiff Bay, directly to communities;

e) improving our transport infrastructure by supporting electrification of the North Wales Coast Main Line, developing passenger transport authorities to regulate public transport and ensure suitable provision; and funding a feasibility study into reinstating the rail links between Aberyswyth and Carmarthen to link up with the existing network; and

f) launching a radical and systematic review of the way that business rates are run in Wales.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Insert as a new point 1 and renumber accordingly:

Acknowledges that a successful private sector, including social enterprises, is vital for sustainable economic growth throughout Wales and the enhancement of public service provision.

Amendment 2 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

In subpoint 5(e), insert after 'North Wales Coast Main Line':

'and the Wales Marches Line'.

Amendment 3 - Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

In point 5e) delete 'developing passenger transport authorities to regulate public transport and ensure suitable provision' and replace with 'developing a not-for-dividend model as a key part of delivering an integrated transport system'.

Amendment 4 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new sub-point at end of point 5:

extending the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme to give all businesses with a Rateable Value of £10,000 or less 100% relief and tapered relief for those with a Rateable Value between £10,001 and £15,000.

Amendment 5 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new sub-point at end of point 5:

establishing a new body to work alongside UKTI to build trading relationships between Welsh businesses and the international community.

The item started at 16.50

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5676 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that access to financial capital for Welsh businesses is essential to encourage growth in the private sector.

2. Notes that up skilling the Welsh population is crucial to increasing productivity and putting the Welsh economy at a competitive advantage.

3. Notes that our rurality and geography mean that innovative and radical proposals are needed to grow our economy and improve connectivity.

4. Believes that there are many strengths that will help build the Welsh economy such as our proximity to UK and EU markets, existing pockets of innovation and excellence, and training capacity.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to deliver a balanced, integrated, export-led economic strategy and address Wales's underdevelopment with a long-term commitment to investing in Wales's people, business and infrastructure, including by:

a) creating a Welsh development bank;

b) developing networks of advisors to provide professional business support;

c) embedding wider skills such as entrepreneurship, leadership and management into the curriculum;

d) decentralising more powers over economic development from Cardiff Bay, directly to communities;

e) improving our transport infrastructure by supporting electrification of the North Wales Coast Main Line, developing passenger transport authorities to regulate public transport and ensure suitable provision; and funding a feasibility study into reinstating the rail links between Aberyswyth and Carmarthen to link up with the existing network; and

f) launching a radical and systematic review of the way that business rates are run in Wales.

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Insert as a new point 1 and renumber accordingly:

Acknowledges that a successful private sector, including social enterprises, is vital for sustainable economic growth throughout Wales and the enhancement of public service provision.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

Amendment 1 was agreed.

Amendment 2 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

In subpoint 5(e), insert after 'North Wales Coast Main Line':

'and the Wales Marches Line'.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against the amendment. Therefore, the amendment was not agreed.

Amendment 3 - Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

In point 5e) delete 'developing passenger transport authorities to regulate public transport and ensure suitable provision' and replace with 'developing a not-for-dividend model as a key part of delivering an integrated transport system'.

A vote was taken on Amendment 3:

Amendment 3 was agreed.

Amendment 4 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new sub-point at end of point 5:

extending the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme to give all businesses with a Rateable Value of £10,000 or less 100% relief and tapered relief for those with a Rateable Value between £10,001 and £15,000.

A vote was taken on Amendment 4:

Amendment 4 was not agreed.

Amendment 5 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new sub-point at end of point 5:

establishing a new body to work alongside UKTI to build trading relationships between Welsh businesses and the international community.

A vote was taken on Amendment 5:

Amendment 5 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM5676 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Acknowledges that a successful private sector, including social enterprises, is vital for sustainable economic growth throughout Wales and the enhancement of public service provision.

2. Notes that access to financial capital for Welsh businesses is essential to encourage growth in the private sector.

3. Notes that up skilling the Welsh population is crucial to increasing productivity and putting the Welsh economy at a competitive advantage.

4. Notes that our rurality and geography mean that innovative and radical proposals are needed to grow our economy and improve connectivity.

5. Believes that there are many strengths that will help build the Welsh economy such as our proximity to UK and EU markets, existing pockets of innovation and excellence, and training capacity.

6. Calls on the Welsh Government to deliver a balanced, integrated, export-led economic strategy and address Wales's underdevelopment with a long-term commitment to investing in Wales's people, business and infrastructure, including by:

a) creating a Welsh development bank;

b) developing networks of advisors to provide professional business support;

c) embedding wider skills such as entrepreneurship, leadership and management into the curriculum;

d) decentralising more powers over economic development from Cardiff Bay, directly to communities;

e) improving our transport infrastructure by supporting electrification of the North Wales Coast Main Line, developing a not-for-dividend model as a key part of delivering an integrated transport system; and funding a feasibility study into reinstating the rail links between Aberyswyth and Carmarthen to link up with the existing network; and

f) launching a radical and systematic review of the way that business rates are run in Wales.

The motion as amended was agreed.

NDM5623 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises that transgender people in Wales are among the most vulnerable to social isolation and prejudice.

2. Notes that there is inadequate service provision in Wales for the transgender community in a number of areas, including employment and training, healthcare and housing.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) identify a Minister to take responsibility for the issues faced by the trans community;

b) formulate an action plan for identifying institutionalised prejudice, improving access to public services and tackling social stigmatisation, harassment and bullying for this group; and

c) report back to the Assembly within 6 months of the Minister being appointed.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Insert new sub point at end of point 3:

"raise public awareness of transgender hate crime, to encourage reporting of incidents by victims."

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Insert new sub point at end of point 3:

"ensure that transgender victims of hate crime have access to comprehensive and easily accessible support services."

Amendment 3 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Work with LGBT groups and Police and Crime Commissioners to ensure that the police force takes transgender hate crimes seriously and that victims feel able to report crimes and are supported throughout the criminal justice process.

The item started at 17.11

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5623 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises that transgender people in Wales are among the most vulnerable to social isolation and prejudice.

2. Notes that there is inadequate service provision in Wales for the transgender community in a number of areas, including employment and training, healthcare and housing.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) identify a Minister to take responsibility for the issues faced by the trans community;

b) formulate an action plan for identifying institutionalised prejudice, improving access to public services and tackling social stigmatisation, harassment and bullying for this group; and

c) report back to the Assembly within 6 months of the Minister being appointed.

The motion without amendment was agreed.

NDM5615 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the current forecasts that the concession agreement for the Severn Bridges will come to an end in 2018 and that early discussions need to take place as to the future ownership, maintenance and tolling system for the bridges.

2. Believes that the current tolling system is an unfair burden on businesses, commuters and the public.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to work closely with the UK Government on planning for the future of the bridges.

4. Calls on the UK Government to abolish the tolls on the Severn Bridges once the existing construction and repair costs are paid off.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Delete point 4 and replace with

4. Calls for responsibility for setting tolls on the Severn crossings, following the concession, to be transferred to the Welsh Government.

5. Calls on the next Welsh Government to reduce the tolls on the Severn Bridges to reflect maintenance costs only, and for the longer term option of abolishing the tolls to be kept under review.

[If amendment 1 is agreed, amendments 2 and 3 will be de-selected]

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete point 4 and replace with:

Calls on the UK Government to commission a feasibility study on the effect of abolishing the Severn Bridge tolls.

[If amendment 2 is agreed, amendment 3 will be de-selected]

Amendment 3 - Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete point 4 and replace with:

Recognises that, as set out in the economic research "Impact of the Severn Tolls on the Welsh Economy", the Severn tolls cost the Welsh economy around £80 million and, therefore, believes that the Welsh Government should have the responsibility for future decisions on tolling.

"Impact of the Severn Tolls on the Welsh Economy" can be found on the following link:

http://wales.gov.uk/statistics-and-research/impact-severn-bridge-tolls-welsh-economy/?lang=en

The item started at 17.17

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5615 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the current forecasts that the concession agreement for the Severn Bridges will come to an end in 2018 and that early discussions need to take place as to the future ownership, maintenance and tolling system for the bridges.

2. Believes that the current tolling system is an unfair burden on businesses, commuters and the public.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to work closely with the UK Government on planning for the future of the bridges.

4. Calls on the UK Government to abolish the tolls on the Severn Bridges once the existing construction and repair costs are paid off.

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Delete point 4 and replace with

4. Calls for responsibility for setting tolls on the Severn crossings, following the concession, to be transferred to the Welsh Government.

5. Calls on the next Welsh Government to reduce the tolls on the Severn Bridges to reflect maintenance costs only, and for the longer term option of abolishing the tolls to be kept under review.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

Amendment 1 was agreed

As Amendment 1 was agreed Amendments 2 and 3 were de-selected.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM5615 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the current forecasts that the concession agreement for the Severn Bridges will come to an end in 2018 and that early discussions need to take place as to the future ownership, maintenance and tolling system for the bridges.

2. Believes that the current tolling system is an unfair burden on businesses, commuters and the public.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to work closely with the UK Government on planning for the future of the bridges.

4. Calls for responsibility for setting tolls on the Severn crossings, following the concession, to be transferred to the Welsh Government.

5. Calls on the next Welsh Government to reduce the tolls on the Severn Bridges to reflect maintenance costs only, and for the longer term option of abolishing the tolls to be kept under review.

The motion as amended was agreed.

NDM5593 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Welcomes that the Welsh Government, together with the Welsh Liberal Democrats, have secured an additional £95m of funding over two years in the new budget for the Pupil Deprivation Grant.

2. Welcomes that funding has also been extended to include the Early Years Pupil Premium for children under the age of 5.

3. Recognises that the two year budget deal helps address concerns expressed by schools in previous years of the scheme regarding the continuity of funding.

4. Recognises the importance of both schemes in helping break the link between poverty and educational under-achievement, and in closing the attainment gap between pupils from disadvantaged and more advantaged backgrounds.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Delete all and replace with:

1. Notes the real term cut of £56m in this year's education budget which includes cuts of £5m to the School Effectiveness Grant and £10.7m to the Young Recruits apprenticeships scheme.

2. Notes further cuts of £26.4m in the draft budget to post-16 education compared with the supplementary budget for June 2014.

3. Believes that the Welsh Government has broken the spirit of previous budget deals and rejects budget tinkering while fundamental flaws remain.

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Notes that a formal evaluation of the Pupil Deprivation Grant is not yet available.

The item started at 16.24

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5593 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Welcomes that the Welsh Government, together with the Welsh Liberal Democrats, have secured an additional £95m of funding over two years in the new budget for the Pupil Deprivation Grant.

2. Welcomes that funding has also been extended to include the Early Years Pupil Premium for children under the age of 5.

3. Recognises that the two year budget deal helps address concerns expressed by schools in previous years of the scheme regarding the continuity of funding.

4. Recognises the importance of both schemes in helping break the link between poverty and educational under-achievement, and in closing the attainment gap between pupils from disadvantaged and more advantaged backgrounds.

The motion without amendment was agreed.

NDM5574 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Welcomes that 16 and 17 year olds were able to vote in the recent Scottish independence referendum, which was the first time they have had the right to do so in a major ballot in the United Kingdom;

2.  Recognises the importance of empowering young people in Wales to engage in politics and contribute their views and ideas to help shape the communities in which they live;

3.  Notes the Electoral Commission 2014 report which found that 49% of 16-17 year olds in the UK are not registered to vote and believes that more needs to be done to encourage the participation of young people in democracy; and

4.  Welcomes the steps proposed in the Voter Registration Bill, which aims to increase the participation of young people in politics by empowering electoral registration officers in Wales to improve data sharing and increase the number of people registered from underrepresented groups.

The report 'The quality of the 2014 electoral registers in Great Britain' can be found here:

http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/169889/Completeness-and-accuracy-of-the-2014-electoral-registers-in-Great-Britain.pdf

The Voter Registration Bill [HL] 2014-15 can be found here:

http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2014-15/voterregistration.html

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire):

Add as new point at end of motion:

Recognises the work Funky Dragon has done over many years to increase young person participation in politics and believes the Welsh Government should reinstate this funding.

The item started at 17.05

NDM5574 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Welcomes that 16 and 17 year olds were able to vote in the recent Scottish independence referendum, which was the first time they have had the right to do so in a major ballot in the United Kingdom;

2.  Recognises the importance of empowering young people in Wales to engage in politics and contribute their views and ideas to help shape the communities in which they live;

3.  Notes the Electoral Commission 2014 report which found that 49% of 16-17 year olds in the UK are not registered to vote and believes that more needs to be done to encourage the participation of young people in democracy; and

4.  Welcomes the steps proposed in the Voter Registration Bill, which aims to increase the participation of young people in politics by empowering electoral registration officers in Wales to improve data sharing and increase the number of people registered from underrepresented groups.

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

The motion without amendment was agreed.

NDM5530 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the importance of microgeneration and community-owned generation to the development of a diverse energy mix to provide for Wales’ energy needs in the future, and the need for greater energy efficiency to reduce our energy use and decrease fuel poverty.

2. Welcomes the proposals by the UK Government for communities to have the chance to buy a stake in their local renewable electricity scheme.

3. Regrets the findings within the Welsh Government’s Ynni’r Fro Mid-term Evaluation that ‘achievement against the targets for energy generation, reductions in greenhouse emissions and job creation has been minimal to date’.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to do more to support community energy and energy efficiency by:

a) ensuring that microgeneration projects are considered with a presumption in favour of development;

b) providing a model legal and business framework for Community-Owned Renewable Energy Co-Operatives to reduce the legal costs and complexity for communities wishing to establish their own;

c) ensuring that the advice and support offered by Ynni’r Fro Technical Development Officers continues beyond the existing programme;

d) creating a library of resources to support community groups in applying for support for community generation projects; and

e) working with education providers to ensure climate change and education policies fully recognise the role of education and schools in delivering behaviour change, and bring more understanding of ecological issues into our schools.

The Ynni’r Fro Mid-term Evaluation can be found here:

http://wales.gov.uk/statistics-and-research/evaluation-ynnir-fro/?lang=en

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

In point 2, delete ‘Welcomes’ and replace with ‘Notes’.

Amendment 2 - Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

In point 3, delete ‘Regrets’ and replace with ‘Notes’.

Amendment 3 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new sub-point at end of point 4:

establishing a community energy fund, based on the successful Community Energy Scotland programme, to provide loan finance to local communities wishing to set up community energy projects which would be written off if unsuccessful.

Amendment 4 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new sub-point at end of point 4:

considering rolling out a nationwide retrofitting programme to drastically cut Wales’s energy consumption.

Amendment 5 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Notes the economic, social and environmental benefits that can be achieved within a single community-owned generational project.

Amendment 6 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to provide Community Energy Wales with public funding to facilitate such community projects.

The item started at 17.02

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5530 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the importance of microgeneration and community-owned generation to the development of a diverse energy mix to provide for Wales’ energy needs in the future, and the need for greater energy efficiency to reduce our energy use and decrease fuel poverty.

2. Welcomes the proposals by the UK Government for communities to have the chance to buy a stake in their local renewable electricity scheme.

3. Regrets the findings within the Welsh Government’s Ynni’r Fro Mid-term Evaluation that ‘achievement against the targets for energy generation, reductions in greenhouse emissions and job creation has been minimal to date’.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to do more to support community energy and energy efficiency by:

a) ensuring that microgeneration projects are considered with a presumption in favour of development;

b) providing a model legal and business framework for Community-Owned Renewable Energy Co-Operatives to reduce the legal costs and complexity for communities wishing to establish their own;

c) ensuring that the advice and support offered by Ynni’r Fro Technical Development Officers continues beyond the existing programme;

d) creating a library of resources to support community groups in applying for support for community generation projects; and

e) working with education providers to ensure climate change and education policies fully recognise the role of education and schools in delivering behaviour change, and bring more understanding of ecological issues into our schools.

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

In point 2, delete ‘Welcomes’ and replace with‘Notes’.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

Amendment 1 was agreed.

Amendment 2 - Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

In point 3, delete ‘Regrets’ and replace with‘Notes’.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against the amendment. Therefore, the amendment was not agreed.

Amendment 3 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new sub-point at end of point 4:

establishing a community energy fund, based on the successful Community Energy Scotland programme, to provide loan finance to local communities wishing to set up community energy projects which would be written off if unsuccessful.

A vote was taken on Amendment 3:

Amendment 3 was agreed.

Amendment 4 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Add as new sub-point at end of point 4:

considering rolling out a nationwide retrofitting programme to drastically cut Wales’s energy consumption.

A vote was taken on Amendment 4:

Amendment 4 was agreed.

Amendment 5 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Notes the economic, social and environmental benefits that can be achieved within a single community-owned generational project.

A vote was taken on Amendment 5:

Amendment 5 was agreed.

Amendment 6 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to provide Community Energy Wales with public funding to facilitate such community projects.

A vote was taken on Amendment 6:

Amendment 6 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM5530 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the importance of microgeneration and community-owned generation to the development of a diverse energy mix to provide for Wales’ energy needs in the future, and the need for greater energy efficiency to reduce our energy use and decrease fuel poverty.

2. Notes the proposals by the UK Government for communities to have the chance to buy a stake in their local renewable electricity scheme.

3. Regrets the findings within the Welsh Government’s Ynni’r Fro Mid-term Evaluation that ‘achievement against the targets for energy generation, reductions in greenhouse emissions and job creation has been minimal to date’.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to do more to support community energy and energy efficiency by:

a) ensuring that microgeneration projects are considered with a presumption in favour of development;

b) providing a model legal and business framework for Community-Owned Renewable Energy Co-Operatives to reduce the legal costs and complexity for communities wishing to establish their own;

c) ensuring that the advice and support offered by Ynni’r Fro Technical Development Officers continues beyond the existing programme;

d) creating a library of resources to support community groups in applying for support for community generation projects;

e) working with education providers to ensure climate change and education policies fully recognise the role of education and schools in delivering behaviour change, and bring more understanding of ecological issues into our schools;

f) establishing a community energy fund, based on the successful Community Energy Scotland programme, to provide loan finance to local communities wishing to set up community energy projects which would be written off if unsuccessful; and

g) considering rolling out a nationwide retrofitting programme to drastically cut Wales’s energy consumption.

5. Notes the economic, social and environmental benefits that can be achieved within a single community-owned generational project.

6. Calls on the Welsh Government to provide Community Energy Wales with public funding to facilitate such community projects.

The motion as amended was agreed.

NDM5524 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Supports Carers Week 2014 which recognises and celebrates the contribution of more than 370,000 unpaid carers in Wales, who provide invaluable support to family members and friends.

2. Notes the growing evidence on the incredibly demanding role of caring, which can have an adverse impact on the health, employment opportunities, social and leisure activities of those providing unpaid care.

3. Notes the findings of the 2013 ‘Prepared to Care?’ report which found that 75 per cent of carers were unprepared for a caring role and 81 per cent were not aware of the support available, which often leaves carers feeling vulnerable and isolated.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) support an awareness campaign to encourage self-identification and access to support and improve public understanding of the role of carers;

b) develop information for employers to support workers seeking to balance their work and caring roles; and

c) work with education providers to provide more flexible provision to enable carers of all ages to access opportunities for education and training.

The 'Prepared to Care?' report can be found here:

http://www.carersweek.org/media/k2/attachments/Prepared_to_Care_FINAL.pdf

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Insert as new point 2 and re-number accordingly:

Notes that there are 11,000 children who are carers.

Amendment 2 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Insert as new point 4 and re-number accordingly:

Notes that the ‘Prepared to Care?’ report identified the financial difficulties that face carers, and regrets that changes to social security entitlements have adversely affected carers and their families.

Amendment 3 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Notes the importance of respite to carers and calls upon the Welsh Government to take action to establish a carers’ right to respite.

The item started at 17.20

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.