Agenda and minutes

Venue: Y Siambr - Y Senedd. View directions

Expected timing: 200(v6) 

Media

Senedd.TV: View the webcast

Transcript: Transcript for 27/03/2019 - Plenary - Fifth Senedd

Items
Expected timing No. Item

(45 mins)

1.

Questions to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs

The Presiding Officer will call party spokespeople to ask questions without notice after Question 2.

View Questions

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The item started at 13.30

The first 10 questions were asked. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Minister after question 2.

 

(45 mins)

2.

Questions to the Minister for Housing and Local Government

The Presiding Officer will call party spokespeople to ask questions without notice after Question 2.

View Questions

Minutes:

The item started at 14.16

Questions 1-2, 4-7 and 9 were asked. Question 3 was withdrawn. Question 1 and 6 were answered by the Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government. Question 8 was not asked. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Minister after question 2.

 

(15 mins)

3.

Debate: Stage 4 of the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Bill

NDM7022 Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales in accordance with Standing Order 26.47:

 

Approves the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Bill

 

Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Bill

 

Minutes:

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

NDM7022 Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales in accordance with Standing Order 26.47:

Approves the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Bill

 The result was as follows:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

42

0

1

42

The motion was agreed.

(15 mins)

4.

The Partnership Arrangements and Population Assessments (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2019

NDM7015 Rebecca Evans (Gower)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales; in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1.  Approves that the draft The Partnership Arrangements and Population Assessments (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2019 is made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 05 March 2019.

Supporting Document
Explanatory Memorandum
Report of the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee

 

Minutes:

The item started at 15.15

NDM7015 Rebecca Evans (Gower)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales; in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1, Approves that the draft The Partnership Arrangements and Population Assessments (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2019 is made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 05 March

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

 

(20 mins)

5.

Topical Questions

Please note, the following question will be answered by the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd:

 

To ask the First Minister

 

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the First Minister make a statement in response to today’s High Court’s decision regarding the QC-led inquiry into the dismissal of Carl Sargeant?

Minutes:

The item started at 15.17

 

To ask the First Minister

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the First Minister make a statement in response to today’s High Court’s decision regarding the QC-led inquiry into the dismissal of Carl Sargeant.

Please note the question was answered by the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd.

 

(5 mins)

6.

90 Second Statements

Minutes:

The item started at 15.29

Dawn Bowden made a statement on Women Against the Pit Closures.

Nick Ramsay made a statement on raising awareness of the DEC Cyclone Idai Appeal following the cyclone that recently swept through Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi.

Leanne Wood made a statement on the death of Rhondda artist Elwyn Thomas.

 

(60 mins)

7.

Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv) - Rugby

NDM6990 Andrew R.T. Davies (South Wales Central)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 1. Notes:

a) the importance of rugby to the people of Wales, the economic benefits the game delivers, and its special place in the fabric of communities across our nation;

b) the financial and structural challenges currently facing rugby in Wales;

c) the potential ramifications of the Welsh Rugby Union’s ‘Project Reset’ on professional rugby and the regional structure in Wales, and on the additional community and grassroots services the regions currently provide; and

d) the strong concerns voiced by fans regarding a potential merger of the Ospreys and Scarlets’ regions.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to work with the Welsh Rugby Union and regional/club partners to protect rugby in Wales and develop a sustainable long-term model for the game at a regional and grassroots level.

Co-Submitters
Bethan Sayed (South Wales West)
Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore)

Supporters
Dai Lloyd (South Wales West)
David Rees (Aberavon)
Hefin David (Caerphilly)
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy)
Jayne Bryant (Newport West)
Llyr Gruffydd (North Wales)
Lynne Neagle (Torfaen)
Mike Hedges (Swansea East)
Mohammad Asghar (South Wales East)
Suzy Davies (South Wales West)

 

Minutes:

The item started at 15.35

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

NDM6990 Andrew R.T. Davies (South Wales Central)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 1. Notes:

a) the importance of rugby to the people of Wales, the economic benefits the game delivers, and its special place in the fabric of communities across our nation;

b) the financial and structural challenges currently facing rugby in Wales;

c) the potential ramifications of the Welsh Rugby Union’s ‘Project Reset’ on professional rugby and the regional structure in Wales, and on the additional community and grassroots services the regions currently provide; and

d) the strong concerns voiced by fans regarding a potential merger of the Ospreys and Scarlets’ regions.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to work with the Welsh Rugby Union and regional/club partners to protect rugby in Wales and develop a sustainable long-term model for the game at a regional and grassroots level.

Co-Submitters
Bethan Sayed (South Wales West)
Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore)

Supporters
Dai Lloyd (South Wales West)
David Rees (Aberavon)
Hefin David (Caerphilly)
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy)
Jayne Bryant (Newport West)
Llyr Gruffydd (North Wales)
Lynne Neagle (Torfaen)
Mike Hedges (Swansea East)
Mohammad Asghar (South Wales East)
Suzy Davies (South Wales West)

The result was as follows:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

27

15

0

42

The motion was agreed.

(60 mins)

8.

Welsh Conservatives debate - Local Government Funding

NDM7018 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the important role played by local authorities in delivering public services across Wales.

2. Acknowledges the funding challenges currently faced by Welsh local authorities.

3. Notes that Welsh council taxpayers currently pay a higher proportion of their income on council tax than in England or Scotland.

4. Regrets that

a) the level of council tax in Wales has trebled since the formation of the National Assembly for Wales in 1999; and

b) the level of council tax in Wales has risen at a faster rate than in England and Scotland.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to commission an independent review of the Welsh local government funding formula.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete all after point 2 and insert:

Notes that council tax levels for band D properties in Wales are on average lower than those in England.

Recognises that the funding formula for Welsh local authorities is reviewed annually through a partnership between Welsh local government and Welsh Government.

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

Amendment 2 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete point 4.

Amendment 3 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete point 5 and replace with:

Calls on the Welsh Government to consult on a long-term funding settlement for local government which would allow for longer term planning for local government.

Amendment 4 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Recognises that council taxes have risen due to austerity implemented by Westminster and lack of priority for local government by the Welsh Government when formulating the budget.

Amendment 5 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Recognises the important link between NHS and local government in the delivery of services.

Amendment 6 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to reduce the number of hypothecated grants in order to allow for greater flexibility on spending of grants by local government.

 

 

Minutes:

The item started at 16.17

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

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM7018 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the important role played by local authorities in delivering public services across Wales.

2. Acknowledges the funding challenges currently faced by Welsh local authorities.

3. Notes that Welsh council taxpayers currently pay a higher proportion of their income on council tax than in England or Scotland.

4. Regrets that

a) the level of council tax in Wales has trebled since the formation of the National Assembly for Wales in 1999; and

b) the level of council tax in Wales has risen at a faster rate than in England and Scotland.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to commission an independent review of the Welsh local government funding formula

 

For

Abstain

Against

Total

8

0

35

43

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete all after point 2 and insert:

Notes that council tax levels for band D properties in Wales are on average lower than those in England.

Recognises that the funding formula for Welsh local authorities is reviewed annually through a partnership between Welsh local government and Welsh Government.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

25

0

17

42

Amendment 1 was agreed.

[As amendment 1 was agreed, amendments 2 and 3 were de-selected] 

Amendment 4 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Recognises that council taxes have risen due to austerity implemented by Westminster and lack of priority for local government by the Welsh Government when formulating the budget.

A vote was taken on amendment 4:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

11

0

32

43

Amendment 4 was not agreed.

Amendment 5 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Recognises the important link between NHS and local government in the delivery of services.

A vote was taken on amendment 5:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

43

0

0

43

Amendment 5 was agreed.

Amendment 6 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to reduce the number of hypothecated grants in order to allow for greater flexibility on spending of grants by local government.

A vote was taken on amendment 6:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

35

8

0

43

Amendment 6 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM7018 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the important role played by local authorities in delivering public services across Wales.

2. Acknowledges the funding challenges currently faced by Welsh local authorities.

3. Notes that council tax levels for band D properties in Wales are on average lower than those in England.

4. Recognises that the funding formula for Welsh local authorities is reviewed annually through a partnership between Welsh local government and Welsh Government.

5. Recognises the important link between NHS and local government in the delivery of services.

6. Calls on the Welsh Government to reduce the number of hypothecated grants in order to allow for greater flexibility on spending of grants by local government.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

24

8

11

43

The motion as amended was agreed.

(60 mins)

9.

United Kingdom Independence Party debate - The European Union

NDM7019 Gareth Bennett (South Wales Central)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that the Treaty on the European Union commits member states to progress towards an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe.

2. Regrets that, since 1973, the EU has taken power away from elected national parliaments, and concentrated it in the hands of unelected EU institutions.

3. Notes the erosion of national vetoes in favour of majority voting in the Council of Ministers, in an expanding number of policy areas, and that this trend will continue indefinitely.

4. Believes that the ongoing uncertainty of negotiations between the EU and United Kingdom create a danger that the United Kingdom will remain within the European Union, contrary to the decided will of the people as expressed in the 2016 referendum result.

5. Believes that the European project is a relentless force, promoted by the EU’s permanent institutions, notably the Commission,  and that the risks of remaining within the EU include becoming subject to a European army, further economic integration and erosion of the United Kingdom’s sovereignty.

6. Calls on the UK Government to focus all efforts on reaching a free trade agreement with the EU as swiftly as possible, to facilitate a full and unimpeded exit from the European Union.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that Wales voted to leave the European Union in the referendum in June 2016.

2. Believes that the outcome of the referendum on the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union must be respected and that the decision to leave should be implemented.

3. Calls upon the Welsh Government to continue to work with UK Government as the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.

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

Amendment 2 - Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete all after “National Assembly for Wales” and replace with:

1.  Notes that the European Union and its predecessor has been a positive force for continued peace and stability in Europe since its foundation.

2. Reiterates its support for the position endorsed by the National Assembly for Wales in successive votes on 4th December 2018, 30th January 2019 and 5th March 2019

3. Believes that whatever the outcome of the current negotiations, the United Kingdom should seek to maintain the closest possible economic, social and environmental links between the UK and the other 27 states which make up the EU.

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

Amendment 3 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated between the UK Government and the European Union has been repeatedly rejected by the UK Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales.

2. Notes that the National Assembly for Wales voted on 30 January 2019 that ‘work should begin immediately on preparing for a public vote’.

3. Believes that Article 50 should be extended for up to 21 months so that a people’s vote can be held to allow the people to decide whether to approve the negotiated Withdrawal Agreement or remain in the EU.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to make a statement to the Assembly detailing the steps they have taken to prepare for a people’s vote and what representations they have made to the UK Government to this effect.

 

 

Minutes:

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:

NDM7019 Gareth Bennett (South Wales Central)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that the Treaty on the European Union commits member states to progress towards an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe.

2. Regrets that, since 1973, the EU has taken power away from elected national parliaments, and concentrated it in the hands of unelected EU institutions.

3. Notes the erosion of national vetoes in favour of majority voting in the Council of Ministers, in an expanding number of policy areas, and that this trend will continue indefinitely.

4. Believes that the ongoing uncertainty of negotiations between the EU and United Kingdom create a danger that the United Kingdom will remain within the European Union, contrary to the decided will of the people as expressed in the 2016 referendum result.

5. Believes that the European project is a relentless force, promoted by the EU’s permanent institutions, notably the Commission,  and that the risks of remaining within the EU include becoming subject to a European army, further economic integration and erosion of the United Kingdom’s sovereignty.

6. Calls on the UK Government to focus all efforts on reaching a free trade agreement with the EU as swiftly as possible, to facilitate a full and unimpeded exit from the European Union.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

3

0

40

43

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that Wales voted to leave the European Union in the referendum in June 2016.

2. Believes that the outcome of the referendum on the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union must be respected and that the decision to leave should be implemented.

3. Calls upon the Welsh Government to continue to work with UK Government as the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

8

0

35

43

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2 - Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete all after “National Assembly for Wales” and replace with:

1.  Notes that the European Union and its predecessor has been a positive force for continued peace and stability in Europe since its foundation.

2. Reiterates its support for the position endorsed by the National Assembly for Wales in successive votes on 4th December 2018, 30th January 2019 and 5th March 2019

3. Believes that whatever the outcome of the current negotiations, the United Kingdom should seek to maintain the closest possible economic, social and environmental links between the UK and the other 27 states which make up the EU.

A vote was taken on amendment 2:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

24

0

19

43

Amendment 2 was agreed.

[As amendment 2 was agreed, amendment 3 was de-selected]

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM7019 Gareth Bennett (South Wales Central)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1.  Notes that the European Union and its predecessor has been a positive force for continued peace and stability in Europe since its foundation.

2. Reiterates its support for the position endorsed by the National Assembly for Wales in successive votes on 4th December 2018, 30th January 2019 and 5th March 2019

3. Believes that whatever the outcome of the current negotiations, the United Kingdom should seek to maintain the closest possible economic, social and environmental links between the UK and the other 27 states which make up the EU.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

25

7

11

43

The motion as amended was agreed.

10.

Voting Time

Minutes:

The item started at 18.12

Votes Summary

Supporting documents:

(30 mins)

11.

Short Debate

NDM7016 Neil McEvoy (South Wales Central)

Children’s services: time for change.

A debate on the changes needed to ensure children’s services are protecting Wales’s children in the best way.

 

Minutes:

The item started at 18.18

NDM7016 Neil McEvoy (South Wales Central)

Children’s services: time for change.

A debate on the changes needed to ensure children’s services are protecting Wales’s children in the best way.