Decisions

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.

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.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
4	0	44	48

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
19	0	27	46

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
20	0	28	48

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
13	0	35	48

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
24	0	25	49

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.

 

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.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
5	0	43	48

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
38	10	0	48

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
10	0	38	48

Amendment 2 was not agreed.

Amendment 3 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

In point 3, delete sub-point a).

A vote was taken on Amendment 3:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
33	0	15	48

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
24	0	25	49

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
24	0	25	49

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.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
24	0	25	49

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.

 

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.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
5	0	47	52

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
26	11	15	52

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
26	0	27	53

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
51	0	0	51

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
52	0	0	52

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
52	0	0	52

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
52	0	0	52

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.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
52	0	0	52

The motion as amended was agreed.

 

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.

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.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
33	0	10	43

The motion without amendment was agreed.

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.

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.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
25	0	26	51

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
51	0	0	51

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.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
25	0	26	51

The motion as amended was not agreed.

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.

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.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
6	0	42	48

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
48	0	0	48

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
10	9	29	48

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.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
24	0	25	49

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.

 

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.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
24	0	15	39

The motion without amendment was agreed

 

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.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
4	0	37	41

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
35	0	7	42

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
11	9	21	41

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.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
13	0	28	41

The Motion as amended was not agreed.

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.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
4	0	46	50

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
34	0	16	50

Amendment 1 was agreed.

 

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete point 5.

 

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
21	0	29	50

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
43	0	4	47

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

For	Abstain	Against	Total
49	1	0	50

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.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
0	8	42	50

The motion as amended was not agreed.

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.

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.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
5	0	47	52

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
52	0	0	52

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
26	0	27	53

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
35	0	17	52

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
21	0	31	52

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
9	0	43	52

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.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
40	0	12	52

                       

The motion as amended was agreed.

 

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.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
28	0	19	47

The motion without amendment was agreed.

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.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
5	0	39	44

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
39	0	5	44

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.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
39	0	5	44

The motion as amended was agreed.

 

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.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
29	0	19	48

The motion without amendment was agreed.

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:

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
41	0	11	52

The motion without amendment was agreed.

 

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.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
5	0	47	52

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
36	0	16	52

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
26	0	27	53

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
41	0	11	52

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
52	0	0	52

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
52	0	0	52

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:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
52	0	0	52

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.

 

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
41	0	11	52

The motion as amended was agreed.

The item started at 17.20

 

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

 

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

 

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.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
38	0	11	49

The motion without amendment was agreed.

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:

NDM5499 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 

1. Notes the publication of the Welsh Liberal Democrat report 'Powering Wales’ Future'.

 

2. Regrets that politically conservative parties across the UK are increasingly denying the overwhelming evidence which substantiates climate change.

 

3. Recognises that a sustainable low carbon future can be achieved through an ambitious change in how we generate energy.

 

4. Acknowledges that a smart and diverse grid network is essential for ensuring that our future energy needs can be met in a reliable and sustainable manner.

 

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

 

a) review Technical Advice Note 8 to permit updates which reflect technological improvements and the development of new Strategic Search Areas, to encourage new projects and reduce existing concentrations;

 

b) work with industry to develop regional community benefit schemes, so that communities along transportation and grid corridors can benefit from the economic investments which come with renewables;

 

c) maximise the economic benefits of renewables by working with developers and educational institutions to expand supply chains and centres of excellence for the next generation of engineers and apprentices;

 

d) explore the development of Marine Energy Hubs to provide a safe environment to manufacture and test emergent marine technologies to help Wales gain a competitive advantage;

 

e) focus public support for research into large scale electrical storage technology such as batteries;

 

f) explore the potential of developing new pumped storage facilities so that more energy can be stored for peak time usage and ensure a stable supply of low carbon electricity; and

 

g) develop new technical advice for hydraulic fracturing, including test drilling, to ensure that safety and environmental protection can be guaranteed to the highest standards.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
5	0	43	48

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

 

Delete point 2 and replace with “Notes that there are people across all aspects of society who will continue to question the rationale behind changes in our global climate”.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
11	0	37	48

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

In point 2, delete ‘politically conservative parties across the UK are’ and replace with ‘the UK Government is’.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
32	0	16	48

Amendment 2 was agreed.

Amendment 3 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Insert as new point 3 and renumber accordingly:

 

Regrets the restrictions placed on the competence of the National Assembly for Wales in the field of energy.

A vote was taken on Amendment 3:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
37	11	0	48

Amendment 3 was agreed.

Amendment 4 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Insert as new sub-point 5b) and renumber accordingly:

 

explore the potential of establishing a publicly-owned, not-for-distributable-profit, arm’s length energy company

A vote was taken on Amendment 4:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
48	0	0	48

Amendment 4 was agreed.

Amendment 5 - Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

 

Delete sub-point 5g

A vote was taken on Amendment 5:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
25	0	23	48

Amendment 5 was agreed.

Amendment 6 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

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

 

fund a nation-wide retrofitting scheme to cut energy consumption and lower energy bills for consumers

A vote was taken on Amendment 6:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
37	11	0	48

Amendment 6 was agreed.

Amendment 7 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

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

 

publish any research into the feasibility of building a grid connection between the north and south of Wales

A vote was taken on Amendment 7:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
48	0	0	48

Amendment 7 was agreed.

Amendment 8 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Believes that the Welsh Government must support and invest in a variety of renewable energy forms to achieve key climate change objectives and notes that there are enough onshore wind farm applications in the planning pipeline to fulfil UK renewable energy targets

A vote was taken on Amendment 8:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
11	7	30	48

Amendment 8 was not agreed.

Amendment 9 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Believes the Planning Bill should give local communities more power to accept or reject particular renewable energy schemes to best fit their locality.

 

A vote was taken on Amendment 9:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
18	5	25	48

Amendment 9 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM5499 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 

1. Notes the publication of the Welsh Liberal Democrat report 'Powering Wales’ Future'.

 

2. Regrets that the UK Government is increasingly denying the overwhelming evidence which substantiates climate change.

 

3. Regrets the restrictions placed on the competence of the National Assembly for Wales in the field of energy

 

4. Recognises that a sustainable low carbon future can be achieved through an ambitious change in how we generate energy.

 

5. Acknowledges that a smart and diverse grid network is essential for ensuring that our future energy needs can be met in a reliable and sustainable manner.

 

6. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

 

a) review Technical Advice Note 8 to permit updates which reflect technological improvements and the development of new Strategic Search Areas, to encourage new projects and reduce existing concentrations;

 

 

b) explore the potential of establishing a publicly-owned, not-for-distributable-profit, arm’s length energy company

 

c) work with industry to develop regional community benefit schemes, so that communities along transportation and grid corridors can benefit from the economic investments which come with renewables;

 

d) maximise the economic benefits of renewables by working with developers and educational institutions to expand supply chains and centres of excellence for the next generation of engineers and apprentices;

 

e) explore the development of Marine Energy Hubs to provide a safe environment to manufacture and test emergent marine technologies to help Wales gain a competitive advantage;

 

f) focus public support for research into large scale electrical storage technology such as batteries;

 

g) explore the potential of developing new pumped storage facilities so that more energy can be stored for peak time usage and ensure a stable supply of low carbon electricity;

 

h) fund a nation-wide retrofitting scheme to cut energy consumption and lower energy bills for consumers; and

 

i) publish any research into the feasibility of building a grid connection between the north and south of Wales.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
32	5	11	48

The motion as amended was agreed.

 

The item started at 16.53

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

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5485 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 

1. Notes that 1 in 10 children and adolescents will experience a mental health issue and recognises the importance of early intervention to support young people in reaching their full potential.

 

2. Regrets the failure of the Welsh Government to address key findings from the 2009 review of Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and notes the significant concerns within the 2013 follow up review of safety issues.

 

3. Regrets that over the past year, the number of vulnerable young people in Wales waiting more than 14 weeks to access child and adolescent psychiatric services has almost quadrupled, from 199 in January 2013 to 736 in January 2014.

 

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

 

a) address the inequitable variation in the availability and accessibility of CAMHS in Wales;

 

b) investigate the waiting times between a child or young person’s first assessment with CAMHS and their subsequent service referral;

 

c) review the governance arrangements for CAMHS inpatient units and out of area placements;

 

d) routinely publish readmission statistics to help inform trends in the patient discharging system;

 

e) ensure that all clinical staff within CAMHS have undertaken appropriate safeguarding checks;

 

f) establish a firmer procedure for health boards to report on inappropriate placements on adult mental health wards;

 

g) clarify the status of the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services;

 

h) consider the introduction of mental health education within the school curriculum to raise awareness and help address issues of stigma; and

 

i) introduce a national framework to ensure continuity of treatment in the transition between CAMHS and Adult Mental Health Services, including a streamlined information sharing system between providers.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
12	0	37	49

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

 

Delete all after point 1 and replace with:

 

2. Recognises the steps being taken by successive Welsh Governments to improve mental health services for young people; and

 

3. Reaffirms the partnership approach, which sees Welsh Government, health, education, local government and the third sector working together as partners to address the continuing challenges of providing effective services in this area.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
25	8	16	49

Amendment 1 was agreed.

Amendment 2 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Insert as new point 2 and renumber accordingly:

 

Notes that the Children's Commissioner has repeatedly expressed concern about support services for children and adolescents with mental health issues.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
49	0	0	49

Amendment 2 was agreed.

Amendment 3 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Regrets that real term cuts to the health budget have the potential to hinder the ability of Welsh Local Health Boards to deliver improvements in CAMHS.

A vote was taken on Amendment 3:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
12	0	37	49

Amendment 3 was not agreed.

Amendment 4 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Notes the commitment of the Welsh Government to ring-fence spending on mental health services and calls upon the Minister for Health and Social Services to publish information to demonstrate that it is monitoring and delivering this commitment and how it is impacting upon CAMHS services.

A vote was taken on Amendment 4:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
49	0	0	49

Amendment 4 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM5485 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 

1. Notes that 1 in 10 children and adolescents will experience a mental health issue and recognises the importance of early intervention to support young people in reaching their full potential.

 

2. Notes that the Children's Commissioner has repeatedly expressed concern about support services for children and adolescents with mental health issues.

 

3. Recognises the steps being taken by successive Welsh Governments to improve mental health services for young people; and

 

4. Reaffirms the partnership approach, which sees Welsh Government, health, education, local government and the third sector working together as partners to address the continuing challenges of providing effective services in this area.

 

5. Notes the commitment of the Welsh Government to ring-fence spending on mental health services and calls upon the Minister for Health and Social Services to publish information to demonstrate that it is monitoring and delivering this commitment and how it is impacting upon CAMHS services.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
25	4	20	49

The motion as amended was agreed.

The item started at 16.59

 

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

 

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

 

NDM5450 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 

1. Notes that safe and affordable public transport is key to enabling young people to access work, education, training and apprenticeships.

 

2. Regrets that the affordability of public transport acts as a significant barrier for part-time workers and to the post-16 choices of young people.

 

3. Welcomes the steps taken by some local authorities in Wales to introduce a concessionary fare scheme for young people but regrets that significant variability in concessions leads to a postcode lottery of affordable transport for young travellers.

 

4. Recognises the achievements of community transport schemes including Bwcabus and Grass Routes in providing accessible and flexible transport for local communities.

 

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

 

a) work with bus operators to introduce a national concessionary fare scheme for young people through a new ‘young travellers’ rate for 16-18 year olds and students;

 

b) examine the feasibility of a season ticket for part-time workers;

 

c) explore the potential for extending community transport schemes such as Bwcabus and Grass Routes in rural areas; and

 

d) examine ways to develop a low carbon network of public transport in Wales.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
43	0	12	55

The motion without amendment was agreed.

The item started at 16.53

 

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

 

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

 

NDM5439 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 

1. Recognises that affordable, accessible and high quality childcare can be the key to a stronger economy and fairer society, enabling parents to return to work, reducing child poverty and giving children the best start in life.

 

2. Welcomes the positive action being taken by the UK Government including £1 billion investment in childcare to increase free early education for all 3 and 4 year olds and extended to 2 year olds from low income families, the introduction of tax free childcare for working families and new rights on shared parental leave.

 

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

 

a) review the system of pre-school childcare entitlement in light of enhanced provision in England;

 

b) examine the effectiveness of Flying Start on parenting and child development outcomes and the inequality in Welsh medium early years provision;

 

c) assess whether local authorities are fully utilising funding for the statutory provision of an early years education place for 3-4 year olds;

 

d) examine ways to improve childcare supply across all ages, in particular wraparound and holiday childcare schemes;

 

e) provide clarity for parents on eligibility for childcare schemes in Wales in light of recent UK Government policy developments; and

 

f) introduce a single online source of information to help new parents with information about childcare services and entitlements and how to access them.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
16	0	38	54

The motion without amendment not agreed.

 

The following amendments were tabled:

 

Amendment 1 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

In point 1 delete all after ‘child poverty and’ and replace with ‘helping children to get the best start in life.’

 

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
37	0	17	54

Amendment 1 was agreed.

 

Amednment 2 - Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

 

Delete point 2 and replace with:

 

Notes the failure of the UK Government to take action on tax credits for childcare this side of the general election, expresses serious concern at their shift of resources away from families in greatest need and further notes the decimation of the Sure Start programme in England with the closure of over 500 centres.

 

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
27	10	17	54

Amendment 2 was agreed.

 

As amendment 2 was agreed, amendment 3 was de-selected.

 

Amendment 4 was not moved.

 

Amendment 5 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Delete sub-point 3a) and replace with ‘assess the system of pre-school childcare entitlement’.

 

A vote was taken on Amendment 5:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
37	0	17	54

Amendment 5 was agreed.

 

Amendment 6 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

In sub-point 3e) delete all after ‘Wales’.

A vote was taken on Amendment 6:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
37	0	17	54

Amendment 6 was agreed.

 

Amendment 7 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Delete sub-point 3f).     

 

A vote was taken on Amendment 7:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
49	0	5	54

Amendment 7 was agreed.

 

As amendment 7 was agreed, amendment 8 was de-selected.

 

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

 

NDM5439 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 

1. Recognises that affordable, accessible and high quality childcare can be the key to a stronger economy and fairer society, enabling parents to return to work, reducing child poverty and helping children to get the best start in life.

 

2. Notes the failure of the UK Government to take action on tax credits for childcare this side of the general election, expresses serious concern at their shift of resources away from families in greatest need and further notes the decimation of the Sure Start programme in England with the closure of over 500 centres.

 

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

 

a) assess the system of pre-school childcare entitlement;

 

b) examine the effectiveness of Flying Start on parenting and child development outcomes and the inequality in Welsh medium early years provision;

 

c) assess whether local authorities are fully utilising funding for the statutory provision of an early years education place for 3-4 year olds;

 

d) examine ways to improve childcare supply across all ages, in particular wraparound and holiday childcare schemes; and

 

e) provide clarity for parents on eligibility for childcare schemes in Wales.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
37	5	12	54

The motion as amended was agreed.

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:

 

NDM5417 Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 

1. Notes the findings of the School Food Plan that free school meals for all children in primary schools would lead to positive improvements in health, educational attainment and social cohesion and help families with the cost of living.

 

2. Notes that in Wales only 21% of infants currently receive a free school meal and only around 24% of primary age pupils in 2012-13 took a free school breakfast.

 

3. Notes that Wales will receive over £62m of Barnett consequential revenue funding for 2014-16 and over £4m of capital funding in 2014-15 following the announcement by the UK Government on free school meals for all infant age pupils in England.

 

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to use the Barnett consequential to introduce universal free school meals for infants in Wales, so that all infants can receive a hot, healthy school lunch to boost pupil health, education and well-being.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
5	0	49	54

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

 

The following amendments were tabled:

 

Amendment 1 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

In point 1, delete all after ‘School Food Plan’ and replace with ‘that well-nourished children fare better at school’.

 

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
10	0	44	54

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

 

Amendment 2 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

In point 4, delete all after ‘Barnett consequential’ and replace with ‘in the most effective and proven way to improve standards and well-being and to publish a programme of its intentions for all school meals provision’.

 

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
10	0	44	54

Amendment 2 was not agreed.

 

 

As the Assembly has not agreed the motion without amendment, and has not agreed the amendments tabled to the motion, the motion is therefore not agreed.