Financial Support Covid-19 2020-11-18
2020-11-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Discussions on financial support provided to individuals and businesses in Wales during the pandemic.
What recent discussions has he had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on financial support for people in Wales affected by the covid-19 outbreak?
I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor on our economic response to covid-19. We have directly provided over £500 million to the self-employed in Wales on top of the £5 billion additional funding guarantee given to the Welsh Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Families and communities are financially impacted due to flooding and unsafe coal tips in their area, with a focus on Tylorstown.
The pandemic is putting huge financial pressure on constituents right across Wales. Families and communities are hugely impacted by flooding and unsafe coal tips, such as those in the Rhondda constituency. Can he tell us what representations have been made to the Chancellor about additional funding for these issues?
There has been significant movement on the guarantee for initial important works around Tylorstown. The rest of the requested funding is part of a national reserve, requiring the normal estimates process. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury will look favourably on applications that meet necessary criteria.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or exact amount of additional funding for Welsh Government initiatives addressing flooding and coal tip safety not provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about the equitable distribution of funds due to lockdowns in England and Wales under the Barnett formula.
The lockdown in England came after a firebreak in Wales. Will he ensure that Wales receives its full equivalent of the English lockdown funding through the Barnett formula, allowing best deployment by the Welsh Government?
Significant sums have been made available under the Barnett scheme, including £5 billion. While additional sums are subject to UK-wide basis and normal Barnett formula, substantial funds remain unspent by the Welsh Government (£1.8 billion).
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or timeline for ensuring Wales receives its fair share of funding not provided.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the UK Government's perceived neglect of Wales and its request for furlough extension during a firebreak.
Sadly, this week we have seen the Prime Minister's utter contempt for devolution. Despite the effectiveness of the Welsh Labour Government's actions based on scientific advice, why did he fail to secure support from the Chancellor for workers in Wales as requested?
The UK Government has provided significant support, with higher infection rates and lower testing rates in Wales compared to England. The First Minister knew what was possible through Treasury meetings but proceeded without meeting requirements.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific explanation for the UK Government's failure to extend furlough not addressed; instead focused on comparison of infection/testing rates between Wales and England.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Request for backdated furlough to help workers and businesses affected by delays in the UK Government's response.
After Conservative Government's delay led to a crisis-point lockdown, why was 80% furlough not backdated to 23 October for Welsh businesses that helped turn tide on covid numbers in Wales?
Discussions have been had with Welsh businesses. UK Government has provided significant direct support: £1.6 billion to businesses, 401,000 people protected by furlough (one in three jobs), £1.47 billion in bounce-back loans, and £530 million for self-employed.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or timeline for backdating furlough support not provided; instead highlighted overall UK Government support.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
With only 43 days until the end of the transition period, key EU funding in Wales has not been replaced and remains unclear. The shared prosperity fund's role is under scrutiny.
On top of economic hardship from the pandemic, there are only 43 days until the end of the transition period. Key EU funding in Wales remains shrouded in mystery. Does the Secretary of State respect Welsh devolution and guarantee that funding decisions will be fully devolved? Anything else will stink of political expediency.
I thoroughly support devolution, but it means getting decision making done at the closest possible level to where it matters. I have had conversations with local authorities and others about the shared prosperity fund.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not guarantee that funding decisions will be fully devolved.
Throughout Words
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
A YouGov poll found that 72% of Welsh people do not trust Westminster. Support for Welsh independence is gaining speed and traction.
The Prime Minister considers devolution a disaster. With 72% of Welsh people not trusting Westminster to look after their best interests, how can the Union taskforce overcome the realities of Westminster's track record in Wales?
Devolution is a disaster when hijacked by separatists. The last barometer poll showed that support for Plaid Cymru had dropped by 4% and support for independence in Wales had dropped by 2%. She should not get too excited about the direction of travel.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address how the Union taskforce can overcome lack of trust.
Changing Topic To Discuss Poll Results
Response accuracy