Question to the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
Janet Finch-Saunders
Minister, the work being undertaken on the A55, as you know, is resulting in massive delays, bringing transport to a standstill on Monday. Trials of traffic management changes have been called off, yet future works to remove the two roundabouts are estimated to take up to a further two years. Now, whilst we appreciate the need for works, questions must be asked of you and the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency as to how there has been such a lack of communication with road users, the ambulance trust and, in particular, with Arriva Bus Wales, which has been having to deal with the chaos caused whilst running their own public services. How do you intend to address the real concerns that have been raised by practically everybody at the moment about the A55 with your department and the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency?
Edwina Hart
Can I make it clear that we've tried to do everything that we can to mitigate? We've got to get on with these roadworks, and we've got to make the improvements that are necessary. I will once again ask my director to look at the issues that you have raised with me. I can only say honestly that this work has to be undertaken. There will be some element of delays, but, I have to say, every time I seem to travel the A55, I'm unencumbered by delays.
Welsh Conservatives Debate: Environmental Crime
Janet Finch-Saunders
The recent findings of Keep Wales Tidy show that, sadly, littering, dog fouling and graffiti continue to blight many local communities across Wales, and actually cause great concern to many living within our local communities. Environment crime doesn’t just look unpleasant; it can also have serious implications for public health, enjoyment of community facilities and economic development, through its impact on tourism and inward investment. Earlier this year, the Marine Conservation Society found that our lovely beaches have the highest litter levels in the UK, with more than two and a half times the average. Every year, thousands of volunteers take part in beach clean schemes—myself included—but we need to see these proactive community-led initiatives supported by real innovative action and enforcement from the Welsh Government and local authorities. The WLGA has highlighted only this week the potential for remarkable results to be achieved when the Welsh Government and local government work together, especially when it comes to waste management. Our debate today calls on the Welsh Government to take this this even further, to work with local authorities to enforce penalties for environmental crime, to cut down on the disgusting crime of fly tipping, and to further explore innovative solutions to promote recycling.
Peter Black
What’s your party’s position on the dumping of sheep carcases on land by Conservative councillors and Assembly candidates? Do you think they should be standing for the Assembly? Answer.
Janet Finch-Saunders
I’m not going to even—. I’m not in the slightest, Peter, with all due respect to you, going to ridicule a serious offence of fly-tipping that takes place in all our communities, and there isn’t enough enforcement action.
As a result of the UK Government’s Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, local authorities, health boards and registered providers of social housing now have a range of tools at their disposal to utilise in tackling environmental crime. Community protection notices can help to tackle the root cause of environmental crime, such as anti-social drinking in the street and nuisance noisy neighbours. Public status protection orders can be implemented when an activity in a public place has, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living in the locality. The Welsh Government has yet, still, to undertake any assessment of this legislation that is used by local authorities, and I do question why. Is it just another case of lazy Labour?
In light of the results of the recent Keep Wales Tidy survey, I would certainly urge the Minister to consider an assessment and to work to support councils in using these powers proactively within a preventative framework—‘preventative’ because there is real money-saving potential here, and not ‘reactive’, when it’s too late. With an annual cost to local authorities of £2 million for fly-tipping, £1 million for graffiti removal, and £70 million overall for environmental crime, there is huge scope for preventative measures to relieve some of the financial pressures faced by our authorities. One such council, leading the way in employing preventative measures, is of course Conservative-led Monmouthshire, where only 81 complaints relating to dog fouling were reported last year, compared to 1,698 in Labour-led Caerphilly.
In terms of recycling, we are seeing huge variations across Wales, with residents in some local authorities left confused by complex systems, such as in Blaenau Gwent, and the general lack of consultation over changes to service provision. Yet, at the same time, councils have escaped huge fines for failing to hit targets. As my colleague has already said—and it needs to be said again—Cardiff council was spared a £800,000 fine—shame—whilst Rhondda Cynon Taf was spared a £580,000 fine. This is simply not on. These inconsistencies are mind-boggling. Whilst it is crucial that we must all work to meet recycling targets, it is for the Welsh Government to lead on this, and working with local authorities and communities on this is essential.
So, through innovative solutions and utilising the tools available to us, we have a great opportunity to lead the way here in Wales, to minimise waste and to ensure much cleaner communities across Wales.