Zaynub Akbar

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language cy

   6. Beth mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i gefnogi dysgwyr sy'n oedolion sy'n ailhyfforddi ar gyfer gyrfaoedd newydd? OQ64766

   Official English translation

   6. What is the Welsh Government doing to support adult learners who are retraining for new careers? OQ64766

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language en

   Diolch, Weinidog. People retrain for many reasons: after losing a job, returning to work after raising a family, or starting a new chapter following a career break. Others come to Wales with valuable qualifications and skills that go unrecognised, despite the contribution they could make to our Welsh economy. At the Inspire! adult learning awards, I met learners determined to gain new skills and contribute to their communities. For many, adult learning is more than education; it is a vital opportunity to rebuild their careers and their lives here in Wales. One of my constituents, Yassmein Hussein, completed 13 adult learning courses through Cardiff and Vale College and Cardiff Council, leading her to win the shared futures award at the awards. Yassmein's story shows what people can achieve when they have access to the right learning opportunities. But not everyone gets that chance, and many adults still face barriers to retraining. So, I want to know how the Welsh Government is ensuring that adults who want to retrain for a new career can access the learning opportunities and support they need to make that transition.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

3. 6. Members' Legislative Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): An NHS first Bill en

   Thank you to Gwyn for bringing this debate to the Chamber. I'm pleased to contribute to this debate, which shines a light on the importance of keeping our NHS in public ownership, and not fall victim to creeping privatisation. At some point, every one of us will rely on the NHS. It has cared for our loved ones and communities in their times of need. And we must protect a service that provides care free at the point of need. Cardiff is often a hub for specialist NHS services, serving people from all across Wales. My constituency of Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf is home to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff Royal Infirmary, Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales and Velindre University NHS Trust. These hospitals have been caring for people from all across Wales for decades, and with roughly 700,000 people on NHS waiting lists in Wales, the answer must be to invest in our public health service. This is particularly important when it comes to women's health. Despite making up more than half of the population, women-specific healthcare needs have historically been overlooked and underfunded. Endometriosis is just one example. Roughly one in 10 women are affected by this debilitating condition, and given concerns about the future of Wales's only NHS British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy-accredited endometriosis centre in Cardiff, protecting these specialist services must remain our priority. Greater reliance on private healthcare risks creating a two-tier system, where those who can afford treatment get help sooner, while others who can't are left waiting for years. So, Deputy Llywydd, ultimately, we must invest in our NHS and protect its public provision at the point of need. An NHS Bill that strengthens these principles would only be a positive step forward for the people of Wales. Diolch.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport en

   Participating in sport brings many benefits, as we all know. It provides physical health, mental health and well-being, while also providing opportunities to build community and bring people together. But barriers to participation can prevent people from accessing these benefits altogether. Sport Wales's 'State of the Nation' report for 2024-25 notes that two of the three factors most likely to encourage future participation in sport are if there were more facilities, clubs or groups in their area, and if it cost less. There are pockets in my constituency of Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf, more specifically in Cardiff east, where public transport is infrequent and expensive. And with the decline in youth centres and community facilities in recent years following cuts, it feels as though this problem is only getting worse. I appreciate you've already answered part of this question, but I wanted to ask what action is being taken to measure and address transport-related barriers specifically, and how you're working with the Deputy Minister for Transport to make sure that there is participation for low-income families.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Effective Government is underpinned by taking a collaborative, cross-sector and holistic approach to policy development and decision making. It recognises that many of the challenges facing Wales cannot be addressed by individual departments working in isolation. Because for too long, previous Governments have operated in silos, failing to look at the bigger picture and tackle shared challenges through joined-up action. Take prevention, for example. Prevention cuts across health, housing and culture. Food policy connects social justice, public health and rural resilience. Creating high-quality jobs needs co-ordination between the economy and education. So, Prif Weinidog, I'd like to know how this Plaid Cymru Welsh Government is already working collaboratively across ministerial portfolios in a tangible and measurable way that will genuinely make a difference to the lives of the people of Wales.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 8. Legislative Consent Motion: The Armed Forces Bill en

   Diolch, Deputy Llywydd. As Chair of the Equality, Human Rights and Social Justice Committee, I am pleased to contribute to this debate on the legislative consent motion for the Armed Forces Bill. I am sure Members across the Chamber will recognise the significant contribution made by serving personnel, veterans and military families to communities throughout Wales. They make sacrifices on behalf of us all, and they should not face disadvantage when accessing the public services on which we all rely. That principle sits at the heart of the armed forces covenant. It is a principle that the Senedd supported when considering the previous Armed Forces Bill in 2021, and it remains as important today as it was then. Members previously recognised that veterans, service personnel and their families should not be disadvantaged in accessing housing, healthcare and education, while also emphasising the importance of respecting devolved responsibilities in Wales. This Bill seeks to build on that foundation by extending existing covenant duties and bringing a wider range of public decision makers within scope. As the Welsh Government has noted, this would be the first time that both the UK and devolved Governments would be subject to these requirements. Our committee recognised from the outset that support for the armed forces community spans both reserved and devolved responsibilities. Defence itself is reserved, but many of the services that veterans and their families rely upon, including housing and aspects of social support, are devolved. That makes effective partnership working essential. During our scrutiny, we sought further information from the Welsh Government on several important matters, and we thank the Deputy First Minister for engaging constructively with us in correspondence on the matters of interest to our members. First, we wanted confidence that the expanded duties would be implemented in a way that reflects Welsh circumstances. We welcome the assurances that the Welsh Government will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Defence and other Governments across the UK to improve co-ordination of support for veterans and service families. Secondly, we raised concerns about resources. New duties can create additional expectations and pressures for public bodies. At a time when budgets remain stretched, it is entirely reasonable to ask how any additional costs will be monitored and supported. We therefore welcome the Welsh Government's engagement with the UK Government on this issue, whilst noting that the absence of additional funding remains a matter that warrants continued attention. We also examined proposals relating to the new defence housing service and the future use of Ministry of Defence land. Members will appreciate that housing is a matter of significant importance in every part of Wales. Opportunities to improve accommodation for service families are welcomed. Equally, any proposals involving defence land must be transparent, must respect Welsh planning processes, and must be developed in partnership with local communities. For that reason, we welcomed assurances that the new defence housing service will engage fully with local planning processes in Wales, and that compulsory acquisition powers would remain subject to established safeguards. We also welcome the commitment to work jointly with the Welsh Government to explore further opportunities relating to defence land and housing development. The committee notes that differences remain between the Welsh and UK Governments regarding the extent of provisions that engage devolved competence. Nevertheless, we welcome the fact that the Welsh Government pressed UK Ministers for further information and assurances during the passage of the Bill and is now satisfied with those assurances. Therefore, while continuing to emphasise the need for ongoing scrutiny, particularly regarding funding implications and the future use of MOD land, the committee concluded that the Senedd should grant legislative consent. The committee therefore recommends that Members support today's legislative consent motion.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 8. Reform UK Debate: Access to HMOs and social housing for foreign nationals en

   Will the Member take an intervention?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 8. Reform UK Debate: Access to HMOs and social housing for foreign nationals en

   As a Reform UK Member, you previously wrote online that, in your words, those on benefits should be put down, so are you saying that those on benefits shouldn't be entitled to housing now as well, or is it just based on skin colour?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

3. 8. Reform UK Debate: Access to HMOs and social housing for foreign nationals en

   I'm okay. If you can't answer it now, then you can't answer it. [Interruption.] You can't answer it.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

4. 8. Reform UK Debate: Access to HMOs and social housing for foreign nationals en

   You said it.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

5. 8. Reform UK Debate: Access to HMOs and social housing for foreign nationals en

   It's online. You said it.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Prif Weinidog, I'd like to focus on the people behind the sports. Every sporting journey is built on dedication, discipline and enormous personal sacrifice, whether or not an athlete ultimately reaches the highest level of success, or even achieves financial success. Being an elite athlete is a unique way of life because, for many, their lives are structured around training, competition, travel, performance targets, coaches and team mates, often from a very young age. Education and career opportunities can be shaped around that commitment too, making the transition out of sport particularly challenging. While just a small number go on to gain financial security, many athletes make significant sacrifices without that sustainable living that comes afterwards. Yet many do leave sport with valuable skills in leadership, resilience, discipline, teamwork and performing under pressure, skills that can only benefit the wider Welsh economy and inspire future generations. So, Prif Weinidog, what support is the Welsh Government providing to support athletes transitioning into sustainable careers when they leave professional sport?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 6. Welsh Labour Debate: Further education en

   I'd like to thank Lynne Neagle for bringing this important debate to the Chamber today. Before the summer recess, I raised the situation at Coleg y Cymoedd, which has a campus in my constituency, in Nantgarw. Across its four campuses, there were hundreds of prospective learners placed on waiting lists due to funding constraints at that point. Many had applied for construction, manufacturing and other vocational courses, but even now, with the term under way, 400 learners have had to enrol on their second or third-choice courses, while 40 of them remain on waiting lists. So, we are now just a year away from the roll-out of VCSEs, the vocational certificate of secondary education, for 14 to 16-year-olds. The situation at Coleg y Cymoedd clearly demonstrates there is already strong demand among young people for vocational education. So, with just one year to go until the roll-out, I wondered how the Welsh Government is planning to ensure the VCSEs are delivered consistently across all schools in Wales and, crucially, joined up with further education, apprenticeships and the skills needs that employers want.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 4. Statement by the First Minister: 'New Ambition for Wales: Programme for Government 2026-2030' en

   I'm very proud to serve a diverse constituency in Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf, with people coming from all walks of life. For the first time, many individuals and families placed their trust in Plaid Cymru, and they did this because they believe it will make a positive, tangible difference in their communities. I have spoken to many constituents over the last few months who are concerned about the rise in hate crimes, poverty, housing issues and other matters that negatively impact on their lives and the lives of their families. If we are to be a truly ambitious nation, we must place social justice at the heart of our agenda. An unequal Wales will continue to leave people disenfranchised and left behind. A more equitable Wales, where people can receive different levels of support to achieve a fairer outcome, could accelerate our ambitions for a more equal nation. First Minister, people have different starting points in life and face different barriers, so how will the Welsh Government ensure that equality and equity are at the heart of delivering its programme for government?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance en

   One of the most common things I've heard since being elected is the difficulties the public sector and third sector are facing with short-term and single-year funding. It's clear that throwing money at an issue isn't going to solve the root cause of it, and, for a long time, it felt like that was the case. After 26 years of the previous Labour administration, as we know, one in three children are still living in poverty, our waiting lists are at their highest and there's been little behavioural change in walking and cycling rates, despite the promotion of active travel—all issues that we've inherited from Labour. So, does the Cabinet Minister agree that genuine, lasting change is more likely to be delivered through long-term, sustainable funding, with clear accountability for results?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 5. Reform UK Debate: Grooming gangs en

   Will the Member take an intervention?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

3. 5. Reform UK Debate: Grooming gangs en

   Does the Reform UK Member agree that anyone found guilty of abuse towards women and girls, regardless of their skin colour, should face the full weight of the law?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Prif Weinidog, private renting has become increasingly unaffordable, with many households now spending a really unsustainable amount of their income simply on keeping a roof over their heads. Recent Citizens Advice data has shown that some people are spending up to 70 per cent of their income on rent alone. In Cardiff, there are instances of rents more than doubling now, with just two months' notice. As a consequence, homelessness services are facing increased demand, not only because people are being evicted from their homes, but because council support with rent is also insufficient, placing greater pressure on social housing and temporary accommodation. Does the First Minister agree with me that spending more than two thirds of an individual's income on rent is not acceptable, and that limiting annual rent increases is essential?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 7. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women's Health: Putting Women, Babies and Families at the Heart of Safety: The implementation of Call for Concern in Maternity and Neonatal Services en

   Diolch yn fawr to the Deputy Minister for her statement today. I'd like to start by sharing a constituent's experience. Megan Lewis is a recent midwifery graduate from the University of South Wales, and despite graduating with a first-class honours degree, Megan and 62 other graduates have been told that there are no band 5 vacancies for them. In her own words, Megan says, ‘We are being told we are not needed, but we are needed. I see it with my own eyes. The staff see it, the women and the families—we all see it.’ Safe staffing is not optional. I recently wrote to Cardiff and Vale health board who told me that they do not anticipate any vacancies in the near future, and are currently over-established by around 20 whole-time equivalent midwives. It feels like there's a disconnect between the experience on the ground and the staffing levels that health boards are required to maintain. The upcoming national workforce plan announced by the Government does present a valuable opportunity to shape the future of the workforce, so I wondered if the Deputy Minister could just give some clarity on how this will improve the way staffing demand and the commissioning of training courses will be aligned with each other.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 4. 90-second Statements en

   Following Thursday's Remembering Srebrenica commemoration, attended by Members across this Senedd, we pause to honour the victims and survivors of the Srebrenica genocide. This year's theme, 'We are here', reminds us that, while the genocide sought to erase a people, survivors continue with dignity, courage and strength, and their stories continue to educate and inspire future generations. We remember the 8,372 Muslim men and boys murdered in the town of Srebrenica alone. We remember the more than 100,000 people murdered across Bosnia and Herzegovina. We remember the 2 million people forced from their homes. And we remember the more than 50,000 women who were the victims of genocidal rape between 1992 and 1995. Because we know that behind every number is a name, a life lost and a family changed forever. We also recognise the vital work of Remembering Srebrenica Wales. Continued investment in education, including support for more school and college visits to Bosnia and Herzegovina, is essential to ensure future generations learn these lessons and help realise the ambitions of our 'Anti-racist Wales Action Plan'. As His Majesty King Charles III said himself in his own words, by remembering the pain of the past and learning its lessons, we can together resolve that it must never happen again.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 6. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Young people and employment en

   I'm very pleased to contribute to this very important debate, and I thank Shav and the others for bringing it forward to the Chamber. For many young people, the question is not simply whether they can find work, it is whether they can build a future for themselves here in Wales. We rightly celebrate Wales as a great place to live, but we should also aspire to make it the best place to start your career. That means ensuring that opportunity is not determined by postcode or personal circumstance. Too often young people face very different prospects depending on where they grow up in Cardiff or in Wales. As we've heard, those living with disabilities, long-term health conditions, caring responsibilities or lower household incomes frequently face additional barriers to education, training and employment. If we are serious about equality of opportunity, we must recognise that not everyone starts from the same place and ensure that support reflects that very reality. In my constituency of Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf, we see the vital role that further education plays in widening those opportunities. Coleg y Cymoedd serves thousands of learners across our region, many from communities that have historically faced higher levels of disadvantage. Its principal and chief executive, Jonathan Morgan, has recently highlighted the significant pressures facing the college currently. Despite receiving more than 6,000 applications for this September, reductions in funding mean that hundreds of prospective learners have been placed on waiting lists. Those learners are seeking qualifications in construction, manufacturing, digital technologies, health and social care, childcare and other sectors where Wales needs a strong workforce. At a time when we are encouraging young people to develop the skills our economy requires and is reliant on, we cannot afford to simultaneously create barriers to stop these opportunities. Investment in further education is an investment in economic growth, stronger communities and better life chances. We also need a skills system that reflects both young people's aspirations and the needs of Welsh employers. Strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics remain essential, but vocational education and apprenticeships must be valued equally and linked to clear pathways into secure, high-quality employment. As our economy changes, new opportunities will also emerge in green industries, advanced manufacturing, health and care, and digital innovation. We must ensure young people from every part of Wales can access those opportunities regardless of where they might live. We should also look beyond our borders, giving young people greater opportunities to study, train and work across Europe, while encouraging them to bring those skills and experiences back to Wales. That can strengthen both individual careers and our economy as a whole. Ultimately, this debate is about more than employment statistics. It is about giving young people confidence that they can build fulfilling lives right here in Wales, and that requires joined-up action across education, skills, transport, housing and economic development. If we get those building blocks right, we will not simply reduce the number of young people who are NEET or improve employment figures—we will create a Wales where young people choose to stay, not because they have no alternative, but because the opportunities here are every bit as ambitious as the futures that they want to build. Diolch.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 5. Statement by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality: Update on Early Years Childcare and Play en

   Cabinet Minister, families in Cardiff already face some of the highest childcare costs in Wales, with average fees significantly above those in other areas. One constituent of mine in particular, Lizzie, recently told me that she is paying £92 a day for a local nursery. She says, in her words, 'Childcare is single-handedly the biggest financial issue for my family and the reason we cannot yet afford to have a second child. We currently pay over £1,400 a month, which is £400 more than our mortgage.' Llywydd, given the significant childcare costs faced by many families in Cardiff specifically, it is crucial that the expanded offer reflects the pressures being felt in our higher cost communities, in addition to the needs of the rest of Wales. So, I wanted to ask: when can Lizzie and other families across Cardiff, specifically, expect to be included in the expanded offer, what factors are determining which areas are being prioritised, and how can you ensure fairness for families in higher cost areas like Cardiff in the meantime?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability en

   Flooding continues to have a devastating impact on communities across my constituency too of Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf. I have heard directly from constituents about the damage and disruption caused by recent flooding. Along the River Taff, Taff's Well and Nantgarw face particular challenges. Their steep valleys, dense development and ageing infrastructure mean traditional flood defences alone are no longer enough. The Taff catchment programme recognises that reducing flood risk requires a whole-catchment approach, combining natural flood management, long-term investment and community resilience. As the River Taff is just one of many rivers flowing through my constituency and Cardiff, this reflects a much wider challenge facing our local communities. Will the Cabinet Minister outline how the Welsh Government is supporting catchment-scale flood management to better protect communities such as Taff's Well and Nantgarw?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Building on a lot of what's already been said, Wales produces world-class food, yet too many people still struggle to access nutritious, affordable meals, while our economy fails to capture the full value of what is grown, reared, caught and processed here in Wales. A new national food strategy would help strengthen supply chains, improve food security and use public procurement to support Welsh food and drink producers. It should also expand food literacy, back community food hubs, increase horticultural production and ensure healthier meals across our schools, hospitals and other public services. Taken together, these measures would keep more value in our local communities, improve access to good food and build a stronger Welsh food system. Does the First Minister agree that Wales now needs a comprehensive national food strategy to deliver on those specific aims?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance cy

   9. Pa drafodaethau y mae'r Gweinidog Cabinet wedi'u cael gyda Llywodraeth y DU i sicrhau bod Cymru'n cael ei chyfran deg o gyllid canlyniadol o'r rhaglen Cartrefi Cynnes gwerth £15 biliwn? OQ64220

   Official English translation

   9. What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with the UK Government to ensure that Wales receives its fair share of consequential funding from the £15 billion Warm Homes programme? OQ64220

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance en

   Diolch. The UK Government's Warm Homes programme announced by the energy Secretary commits £15 billion to upgrading homes in England. However, it remains unclear what funding Wales can expect. Yet, from estimated calculations, we know that Wales is owed around £800 million in consequentials. We also know that policies such as the requirement for private rented homes to reach EPC C by 2030 are likely to have a disproportionate impact in Wales, given the age and condition of our housing stock. That makes it all the more vital that Wales receives the full resources it needs to meet these ambitions. Will the Cabinet Minister for Finance therefore assess the full impact of the Warm Homes programme on Wales and seek to secure the consequentials necessary to deliver a truly tenure-neutral approach here in Wales?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

3. 9. Short Debate: Life expectancy inequalities in Cardiff’s southern arc en

   Diolch, Lywydd. Ahead of today's short debate, I proactively reached out to all political parties representing the city of Cardiff, and have received confirmation from Anthony Slaughter, Shav Taj and Leticia Gonzalez, who wish to contribute, and I look forward to hearing their contributions. Members of the Senedd, a baby boy is born in Cardiff on the same night as another baby boy only a few miles away. One is born in Adamsdown, within Cardiff's southern arc, and the other is born in Lisvane. They will grow up under the same national health service, the same city council, the same education system. They will breathe the same air drifting in from the coast and walk streets under the same Welsh sky. And yet the evidence before us shows that one of those boys can expect to live more than a decade longer than the other and spend a significantly greater proportion of his life in good health. That is not fate; it is structure. I have chosen to bring forward this contribution on life expectancy inequalities in Cardiff's southern arc because it is here that the consequences of deprivation are most concentrated and where the gap between communities within the same city becomes most stark. The picture is not simple and it is not driven by a single cause. Life expectancy trends in Cardiff over the past decade show only modest changes overall. Some measures have risen slightly and others have fallen. More recently, life expectancy has largely returned to pre-pandemic levels. And on the surface, that can appear like stability, but healthy life expectancy tells a very different and more troubling story. It has fallen over the past decade. In 2021-23, healthy life expectancy stood at 60.3 years for males and 59.6 years for females, both lower than a decade earlier. In other words, while some people are living longer, fewer of those years are being lived in good health. This matters because healthy life expectancy is a national indicator under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, measuring not just how long we live, but how fairly and how well those years are shared. In Cardiff's southern arc, that inequality becomes visible in its most acute form. If the southern arc were a single local authority, it would be by some margin the most income-deprived in the whole of Wales. Within it are communities in my constituency such as Trowbridge, Llanrumney, Pentwyn, Rumney and Adamsdown, where deprivation is lived through income pressure, housing insecurity and poorer health. These consequences are seen in early mortality. Between 2015 and 2024, premature death rates for under-75s in parts of Plasnewydd were six times higher than in the least deprived parts of the city. When we look at life expectancy itself, the gap within Cardiff reaches over a decade. So, to take that, the gap in male life expectancy is 10.3 years between the most and least deprived areas of the city, and for women it is a gap of 13.2 years, and these inequalities begin long before adulthood. In Adamsdown, almost 40 per cent of children live in low-income families after housing costs, in contrast to other parts of the city where that figure is below 10 per cent. That inequality then carries forward into daily life. Around 21 per cent of people in Wales experience food insecurity, with almost 30 per cent of those in Cardiff's most deprived communities reporting that they skip meals, reduce their portion sizes or go without food completely.  Fuel poverty, while reduced since its peak during the energy crisis, remains above pre-crisis levels, meaning that, for many households, heating and eating are still competing necessities. These pressures accumulate into health outcomes that are visible across the life course. Of course, these inequalities are not produced by a single factor. They arise from a complex interaction of income, housing, education, employment, the environment and access to services. Socioeconomic conditions account for a large share of variation in premature mortality, though not all of it. Some will argue that such variation is inevitable in any city, that differences in health outcomes reflect individual behaviour or wider societal complexity, and that systems cannot fully equalise these outcomes. And there is truth in the complexity, but the pattern is still consistent and persistent. The gap in life expectancy within Cardiff is around eight to nine years, and the gap in healthy life expectancy is around 18 to 20 years. And this carries wider consequences. Poor health that prevents people working costs Wales an estimated £19.4 billion per year through lost output, lost tax revenue, increased welfare spending and pressure on our services. But the most profound cost is not to the economy. It is the loss of healthy years of life—years lived with illness, limitation or preventable poor health. This is why healthy life expectancy matters as a national indicator under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. It is intended to show whether progress is real and whether it is shared. And on that measure, the direction of travel remains concerning. Healthy life expectancy has declined since 2011 to 2013 for both males and females, and the gap between the most and least deprived areas has widened again after periods of fluctuation. So, the question becomes one of response. Because health is not only created in our hospitals. It is shaped in homes, schools, workplaces and communities, in whether families can afford nutritious food, whether housing is secure and whether prevention is prioritised. That is why approaches such as the Marmot principles, early years investment through childcare support and place-based community health models matter, because they focus on the wider determinants of health, rather than only treating the consequences. And it is why current calls for action on food environments are relevant—improving access to affordable fresh fruit and vegetables for low-income households, strengthening nutrition in public settings and reducing the presence and promotion of ultra-processed, high-fat, salt, and sugar foods where public bodies have influence. Because, if we are serious about narrowing the gap in healthy life expectancy, prevention must be practical, local and sustained. So, I return to where I began: two boys born in the same city on the same night, a few miles apart in geography, but worlds apart in lived experience. One will likely live more than a decade longer than the other and spend far more of his life in good health. The city does not change between them, but their chances in life do.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 3. Statement by the Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution: Priorities for Government Effectiveness and Constitution en

   Thank you. Cabinet Minister, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 remains one of the most ambitious and pioneering pieces of legislation in the entire world. It gives a voice to those not yet born, ensuring that the decisions we make today here in this Chamber are shaped not only by present need, but by our responsibility to future generations. The Act provides a framework for tackling major challenges, including the climate crisis—as we're seeing this week, with the red weather warning—inequality, poverty and pressures on public services. However, its success depends on effective implementation across Government and the wider public sector. I welcome the forthcoming 'Wellbeing of Wales' and 'Future Trends' reports, alongside the Government's commitment to a post-legislative review. These provide an important opportunity to strengthen implementation and ensure decisions are informed by the long-term challenges and opportunities facing Wales. Given these opportunities, how will the Government strengthen implementation of the Act and turn its ambition into action for the people of Wales?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 6. Reform UK Debate: Government international spending en

   I'm going to leave this because I don't accept any of this and I don't want to be a part of it, so I'll be leaving the Chamber.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   I thank the Member for raising this important issue. If politics is to work effectively, it must truly reflect the people it serves, and that means everyone. I am proud that Plaid Cymru ensured that at least 50 per cent of our candidates were women, resulting in 26 of our 43 Members here today being women, alongside a gender-balanced Cabinet. This Chamber has also been strengthened cross-party by more younger Members, representatives with disabilities and those from global majority communities. However, it is disappointing that previous Senedd-wide proposals to improve representation were rejected, showing that there is still far more to do. Does the First Minister agree that public confidence in Welsh democracy depends on people seeing themselves reflected in it, and that greater diversity leads to better decisions for Wales?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality cy

   4. Beth mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i fynd i'r afael â thlodi bwyd a sicrhau bod bwyd iach a maethlon yn fforddiadwy ac yn hygyrch i bawb? OQ64115

   Official English translation

   4. What is the Welsh Government doing to tackle food poverty and ensure that healthy, nutritious food is affordable and accessible for everyone? OQ64115

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 1. Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality en

   Diolch. For many families, food poverty is not just about having enough to eat, it's about access to healthy and nutritious food. As the cost-of-living crisis continues, cheaper options are often highly processed, leaving most of our deprived communities disproportionately affected by obesity, type 2 diabetes and other preventable conditions. This drives pressure on our NHS, harms educational outcomes, reduces productivity, and carries out wider economic costs. Tackling food poverty is an investment in preventative health, economic growth and equality. With that in mind, will the Cabinet Minister outline the cross-Government action to make healthy food affordable, and how success in reducing these inequalities will be measured?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the First Minister cy

   5. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i fynd i'r afael â digartrefedd ymhlith pobl ifanc yng Nghaerdydd Ffynnon Taf? OQ64114

   Official English translation

   5. What action is the Welsh Government taking to tackle youth homelessness in Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf? OQ64114

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Many young people in Cardiff are facing impossible housing situations. Some are sleeping in temporary accommodation, sofa surfing, or living with constant uncertainty about where they'll stay next. We often talk about housing as a policy issue, but for these young people, it's about safety, education, mental health, and laying stable foundations for their futures. In 2024-25, more than 300 households of young people aged 16 to 24 reached out to their local authority due to homelessness or the risk of homelessness. This figure has remained consistently high over the past five years, though the true scale is likely far higher, as many young people do not identify as homeless, or do not know where to seek the support. When a young person becomes homeless, the consequences can last a lifetime. Charities and local services are working hard, but many are under immense pressure, and demand continues to grow. Can the Welsh Government outline its plans to tackle youth homelessness at its root and give young people in our capital city the confidence that they won't be forgotten?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 3. Statement by the First Minister: The First Minister's Priorities en

   Diolch, Lywydd. Families across Cardiff are facing rising childcare costs at a time when too many children are growing up in poverty. Parents should not be forced to choose between work and affordable childcare, and every child deserves the best possible start in life. This challenge is particularly acute right now across Cardiff, where 41.6 per cent of children are living in income deprivation, higher than the Wales average of 38.7 per cent, highlighting the scale of need in our communities. I welcome this Government's commitment to expanding childcare provision and tackling child poverty once and for all. Does the First Minister agree with me that investing in a universal childcare offer is one of the most effective ways of supporting families, boosting employment and giving children a fair start? And will he outline how those benefits will be delivered in communities across Cardiff, and, indeed, across the whole of Wales? Diolch.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record