Meetings

NDM6310 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that Gross Value-Added per head in the central valleys and Gwent valleys NUTS2 areas is consistently below the Welsh average.

2. Notes that unemployment in most south Wales valleys local authorities is above the Welsh average.

3. Notes that insecure work, low wages and poverty are significant problems in the south Wales valleys.

4. Notes a record of  under-investment in the south Wales valleys by the Welsh and UK Governments.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) create a suitably empowered and accountable Valleys Development Agency;

b) bring forward a positive decision on the Circuit of Wales project, subject to normal due diligence; and

c) give greater priority to investment in jobs and infrastructure in the valleys.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1. Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

1. Recognises the impact of the UK Government's ongoing programme of austerity on communities in the south Wales valleys and the rest of Wales, and calls on the next Westminster government to invest in more balanced economic growth across the UK.

2. Supports the aim of the Welsh Government to make Wales a fair work nation where everyone can access better jobs closer to home.

3. Notes the work of the Welsh Government in:

a) supporting nearly 150,000 jobs in the last Assembly term, many of which were in valley communities;

b) preparing a new approach to economic development to stimulate stronger regional growth;

c) planning major infrastructure investments in the valleys and across Wales in a way which supports more resilient regional economies and strengthens local supply chains;

d) setting up a Ministerial Taskforce for the South Wales Valleys working with local communities to attract new jobs, raise skills and improve local services;

e) developing a Better Jobs Closer to Home programme using procurement levers to stimulate the creation of meaningful employment in areas of economic need, such as the valleys; and

f) establishing a Fair Work Commission to help build an economy where more people in valley communities and across Wales can access good work and a secure income.

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

Amendment 2. Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete point 4 and replace with:

Notes the work that the UK Government is doing to develop both the Swansea and Cardiff City regions, which will offer numerous supply-chain opportunities for the south Wales valleys.

The item started at 17.26

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

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM6310 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that Gross Value-Added per head in the central valleys and Gwent valleys NUTS2 areas is consistently below the Welsh average.

2. Notes that unemployment in most south Wales valleys local authorities is above the Welsh average.

3. Notes that insecure work, low wages and poverty are significant problems in the south Wales valleys.

4. Notes a record of under-investment in the south Wales valleys by the Welsh and UK Governments.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) create a suitably empowered and accountable Valleys Development Agency;

b) bring forward a positive decision on the Circuit of Wales project, subject to normal due diligence; and

c) give greater priority to investment in jobs and infrastructure in the valleys.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
13	0	34	47

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1. Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

1. Recognises the impact of the UK Government's ongoing programme of austerity on communities in the south Wales valleys and the rest of Wales, and calls on the next Westminster government to invest in more balanced economic growth across the UK.

2. Supports the aim of the Welsh Government to make Wales a fair work nation where everyone can access better jobs closer to home.

3. Notes the work of the Welsh Government in:

a) supporting nearly 150,000 jobs in the last Assembly term, many of which were in valley communities;

b) preparing a new approach to economic development to stimulate stronger regional growth;

c) planning major infrastructure investments in the valleys and across Wales in a way which supports more resilient regional economies and strengthens local supply chains;

d) setting up a Ministerial Taskforce for the South Wales Valleys working with local communities to attract new jobs, raise skills and improve local services;

e) developing a Better Jobs Closer to Home programme using procurement levers to stimulate the creation of meaningful employment in areas of economic need, such as the valleys; and

f) establishing a Fair Work Commission to help build an economy where more people in valley communities and across Wales can access good work and a secure income.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
27	0	20	47

Amendment 1 was agreed.

As Amendment 1 was agreed, Amendment 2 was de-selected.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM6310 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the impact of the UK Government's ongoing programme of austerity on communities in the south Wales valleys and the rest of Wales, and calls on the next Westminster government to invest in more balanced economic growth across the UK.

2. Supports the aim of the Welsh Government to make Wales a fair work nation where everyone can access better jobs closer to home.

3. Notes the work of the Welsh Government in:

a) supporting nearly 150,000 jobs in the last Assembly term, many of which were in valley communities;

b) preparing a new approach to economic development to stimulate stronger regional growth;

c) planning major infrastructure investments in the valleys and across Wales in a way which supports more resilient regional economies and strengthens local supply chains;

d) setting up a Ministerial Taskforce for the South Wales Valleys working with local communities to attract new jobs, raise skills and improve local services;

e) developing a Better Jobs Closer to Home programme using procurement levers to stimulate the creation of meaningful employment in areas of economic need, such as the valleys; and

f) establishing a Fair Work Commission to help build an economy where more people in valley communities and across Wales can access good work and a secure income.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
25	0	22	47

The motion as amended was agreed.