Cwestiynau Ysgrifenedig y Cynulliad a gyflwynwyd ar 21 Medi 2016 i'w hateb ar 28 Medi 2016
R - Yn dynodi bod yr Aelod wedi datgan buddiant.
W - Yn dynodi bod y cwestiwn wedi'i gyflwyno yn Gymraeg.
(Dangosir rhif gwreiddiol y Cwestiwn mewn cromfachau)
Mae'n rhaid cyflwyno Cwestiynau Ysgrifenedig o leiaf bum diwrnod gwaith cyn y maent i gael eu hateb. Yn ymarferol, bydd Gweinidogion yn ceisio ateb o fewn saith neu wyth diwrnod ond nid oes rheidrwydd arnynt i wneud hynny. Caiff yr atebion eu cyhoeddi yn yr iaith y maent yn cael eu darparu, gyda chyfieithiad i'r Saesneg o ymatebion a ddarperir yn Gymraeg.
Gofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Economi a'r Seilwaith
Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog nodi canlyniadau ei gyfarfod â Midlands Connect ym mis Gorffennaf? (WAQ70992)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 27 Medi 2016
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Economi a'r Seilwaith (Ken Skates): I have not yet been able to meet with Sir John Peace, the Chairman of Midlands Connect but a meeting is currently being arranged.
Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu'r meini prawf sydd eu hangen ar gyfer ceisiadau llwyddiannus i'r gronfa twf a ffyniant? (WAQ70993)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 26 Medi 2016
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Economi a'r Seilwaith (Ken Skates): The Growth and Prosperity Fund is open to applications from SME businesses. The main focus of the initiative will be the creation of new jobs. It will be a competitive scheme and each project will be assessed against value for money criteria and will focus on the number and quality of the jobs created/ as a result of the project.
Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu'r targedau a gaiff eu gosod ar gyfer busnesau bach a chanolig unwaith y maent yn derbyn cyllid gan y gronfa twf a ffyniant? (WAQ70994)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 26 Medi 2016
Ken Skates: Targets are set according to the project outlines. The applicant will receive a detailed Award of Funding letter which sets out capital spend and jobs to be created and/or safeguarded before payments are made. If the business fails to achieve these targets, payments may be withheld or based on a pro-rata basis based on the outputs achieved.
Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): Pa ddulliau sydd gan y Gweinidog i sicrhau y caiff y cronfeydd grant na ellir ei ad-dalu, ac a gaiff eu cyflenwi gan y gronfa twf a ffyniant, eu goruchwylio'n annibynnol? (WAQ70995)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 26 Medi 2016
Ken Skates: For the smaller Fund, cases will be presented to an independent Regional Assessment Panel. For the larger Fund, cases will be presented to internal "Investment Recommendation Panel" made up of senior representatives of the Sectors and Business team within my Department. The Panel makes a recommendation on the cases presented to them and I make the final decision whether to fund based on the evidence presented.
Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): Pa ystyriaethau y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'u gwneud o'r manteision economaidd pe bai busnesau bach a chanolig yn dod yn rhan o'r gronfa twf a ffyniant gwerth £5 miliwn? (WAQ70996)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 26 Medi 2016
Ken Skates: This fund is based on the First Minister's Business Confidence Plan to assist our economy to grow following the instability following the outcome of the EU Referendum, plus to continue to market Wales as an attractive place to do business. Specifically, the £5 million is expected to create and safeguard up to 1200 jobs.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddarparu datganiad wedi'i ddiweddaru ynghylch cynnydd o ran datblygu ffordd fynediad newydd i gyfleuster Aston Martin, gyda chyfeiriad penodol at y llwybr arfaethedig, dyddiadau dechrau a gorffen a'r costau a ragwelir? (WAQ71002)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 28 Medi 2016
Ken Skates: The new “Northern Access Road” to serve the Aerospace Business Park at St Athan is proposed follow the route identified for this purpose in the Local Development Plan. The pre application planning process has commenced and a key part of this will be community consultation. Officials have already met with Llanmaes community council and Llantwit Major Town Council to share the draft proposals. A public exhibition is being planned later this year to explain the proposals to the wider community. This will be followed in the New Year by formal pre-application consultation proceedings. Until we have heard the views of the communities and obtained planning permission it is not possible to confirm the route or estimated cost.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am y cynnydd o ran adnewyddu Sied Awyrennau Red Dragon i wneud lle i ddatblygiad Aston Martin, gan nodi unrhyw gyfraniadau ariannol y gallai Llywodraeth Cymru fod yn gyfrifol amdanynt? (WAQ71001)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 28 Medi 2016
Ken Skates: The Superhangar at St Athan is to be transformed into a car manufacturing plant by Aston Martin Lagonda. Planning permission has been granted for both the use as a car manufacturing plant and for phase one of the conversion works which focuses on the offices and part of the workshop areas. Aston Martin’s current timetable envisages commencement of the phase 1 works within the next 2-3 months and completion of all conversion works by December 2018. I regret I am unable to disclose the full commercial details but can confirm that the Welsh Government will be funding the basic works required to convert the building from aerospace use to general manufacturing.
Mark Isherwood (Gogledd Cymru): Pa gamau y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd o ran Gorsaf Drenau Parkway Glannau Dyfrdwy? (WAQ71004)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 27 Medi 2016
Ken Skates: The National Transport Finance Plan sets out our commitment to undertake a feasibility study to investigate options to improve access to employment sites in the Deeside area by sustainable travel modes. As part of this work we are examining options to improve access to Deeside for rail passengers. The study includes consideration of options for new and improved rail stations, including provision of a Parkway station in Deeside.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi gwybod sawl gwaith y mae cefnffordd yr A55 wedi cau yn 2016, gan gynnwys, ar gyfer pob achos: ble y bu ar gau, a oedd hyn yn effeithio ar y daith i un cyfeiriad neu'r ddau, beth oedd y rheswm dros ei chau, ac am faint o amser y bu ar gau? (WAQ70986)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 30 Medi 2016
Ken Skates: Between 1 January and 23 September there were 19 occasions (2 days and 17 nights, not continuous) when sections of the A55 (J1, Holyhead to J36a, Broughton) were required to be fully closed for a period of time. For the remaining closures a batching or contraflow system was in place to allow the movement of traffic. The attached annex provides a breakdown of the information.
Gofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Amgylchedd a Materion Gwledig
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog gadarnhau faint o fridwyr cŵn oedd wedi'u trwyddedu yng Nghymru yn 2014 a 2015? (WAQ70980)
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog gadarnhau faint o fridwyr cŵn, sydd wedi'u hachredu gan y Kennel Club, sydd wedi'u lleoli yng Nghymru? (WAQ70981)
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog gadarnhau faint o drwyddedau bridwyr cŵn gafodd eu dirymu yn 2014 a 2015? (WAQ70982)
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog gadarnhau beth mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'i wneud i sicrhau y caiff y cyhoedd eu haddysgu ynghylch prynu cŵn bach gan fridwyr cyfrifol? (WAQ70983)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 27 Medi 2016
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Amgylchedd a Materion Gwledig (Lesley Griffiths): No data is held by the Welsh Government with regard to the number of dog breeding licences issued, held or revoked in 2014-15. Local Authorities own this information. The Kennel Club own and hold the data on how many Assured Breeders are based in Wales which is accessible on their website.
With regard to the work undertaken to educate the public about buying from responsible breeders, my officials have previously worked with the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) on this matter. The Welsh Government also commissioned the RSPCA-led review into Responsible Dog Ownership in Wales. Continuing the theme of responsible ownership, the Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group has published its Implementation Plan for 2016/17 which includes the Responsible Ownership of all animals.
Neil McEvoy (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog gadarnhau a yw Llywodraeth Cymru yn bwriadau parhau â'i lefel bresennol o ariannu ar gyfer canolfan ymwelwyr Bannau Brycheiniog ac nad yw'r cyflogeion presennol yn wynebu diswyddiadau? (WAQ70984)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 30 Medi 2016
Lesley Griffiths: The funding and staffing of the Brecon Beacons Visitor Centre are the responsibility of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.
Gofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gymunedau a Phlant
Mark Isherwood (Gogledd Cymru): Pa asesiad y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'i wneud o Adroddiad Sefydliad Bevan ym mis Gorffennaf 2016 a oedd yn tynnu sylw at y ffaith bod nifer y pensiynwyr sy'n byw mewn tlodi wedi codi i 17 y cant, sy'n gynnydd o dri y cant ers 2011/12-2012/13? (WAQ70978)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 26 Medi 2016
Ken Skates: The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has estimated that absolute and relative pensioner poverty in the UK (defined as those aged 65 or over and before housing costs) will fall over the period 2013–14 to 2020–21.
The main reasons for this anticipated fall are due to increasing labour market participation among older people, linked to increases in the state pension age, and growth in private and state pension income.
Mark Isherwood (Gogledd Cymru): Pa gamau y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'u cymryd yn sgìl Adroddiad Sefydliad Bevan ym mis Gorffennaf 2016, a oedd yn datgan bod y gyfran o oedolion sy'n byw o dan y trothwy tlodi wedi bod tua 22 y cant ers 1997/98 -1999/2000? (WAQ70979)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 26 Medi 2016
Ken Skates: We are continuing to feel the impacts of UK Government welfare reforms, which are affecting many vulnerable families. In spite of this backdrop, we remain committed to using all available levers to reduce inequalities, improve prosperity and increase people’s participation in labour market.
Tackling poverty continues to be a priority for this new Welsh Government. While I have responsibility for the coordination of cross-cutting measures to promote economic opportunity for all, tackling poverty is the shared responsibility of every Cabinet Secretary and Minister.
As a Government, our focus continues to be on improving outcomes in the early years and increasing employability. These priorities reflect where the evidence tells us we can have most impact. Building a strong economy and providing access to sustainable employment will be fundamental to delivering on both of these agendas.
Gofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gyllid a Llywodraeth Leol
Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): Pa ystyriaethau y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'u gwneud i gyflwyno cynlluniau sy'n targedu cymorth i fusnesau bach yn well, fel yr amlinellir yn y datganiad ar drefniadau rhyddhad ardrethi i fusnesau bach yn y dyfodol? (WAQ70997)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 28 Medi 2016
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gyllid a Llywodraeth Leol (Mark Drakeford): I will work with local authorities, business organisations and other key stakeholders to develop a small business rates relief scheme that better meets the needs of Wales. The permanent scheme will be in place from 1 April 2018.
Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi manylion yr achosion o osgoi ardrethi busnes, a chanrannau casglu gan awdurdodau lleol ar gyfer y blynyddoedd 2013-14, 2014-15 a 2015-16 (WAQ70998)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 28 Medi 2016
Mark Drakeford: Information on the levels of non-domestic rates avoidance is not collected centrally.
Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi manylion y cyllid y mae wedi'i roi o'r neilltu ar gyfer rhyddhad ardrethi yn 2017-18? (WAQ70999)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 28 Medi 2016
Mark Drakeford: The plans for non-domestic rates and rates reliefs for 2017-18 form part of our budget considerations. The Draft Budget will be published on 18 October.
Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu pa warantau y mae wedi'u rhoi i fusnesau bach yn sgìl addewid maniffesto Llafur Cymru i gynnig torri trethi i bob busnes bach yng Nghymru? (WAQ71000)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 28 Medi 2016
Mark Drakeford: Our Small Business Rates Relief scheme is already providing an estimated £98 million of relief to small businesses in Wales this year. I recently announced that the tax cut represented by the scheme is being extended into 2017-18 and we will review it with a view to putting a permanent scheme in place from 1 April 2018.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi gwybod pa ystyriaeth y mae wedi'i wneud o ran hyfforddiant gorfodol ar gyfer Cadeiryddion a Chlercod Cynghorau Tref a Chymuned? (WAQ70990)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 27 Medi 2016
Mark Drakeford: These matters were subject to consultation through the Draft Local Government (Wales) Bill, between 24 November 2015 and 15 February 2016.
Overall, respondents agreed it would be beneficial for both councillors and employees properly to consider and plan for the training needs of their own members and employees. The majority of responses supported the proposals for community councils to determine their own training needs.
Ways in which community councils can be enabled to be effective and maximise their potential will form a key part of the reform of local government. I will take the stakeholder views expressed to date on this matter into consideration as I determine how to proceed.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatgelu'r cyfanswm llawn sy'n gysylltiedig â llunio'r mapiau, a gyhoeddwyd ar 17 Mehefin 2015, yn amlinellu cynigion y Gweinidog blaenorol ar gyfer 8 neu 9 o awdurdodau yng Nghymru? (WAQ70988)
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatgelu'r costau llawn sy'n gysylltiedig â datblygu'r Bil Llywodraeth Leol Drafft (Cymru)? (WAQ70991)
Answer received on 27 September 2016
Mark Drakeford: I refer you to the answer provided by officials on 23 June to the Welsh Conservative Group Researcher in respect of the Request for Recorded Information (Ref : ATISN 10491). Development of the Maps published on 17June 2015 falls within administration costs. Link :
http://gov.wales/docs/decisions/2016/localgov/160624atisn10491lttr.pdf
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi diweddariad cynhwysfawr o ran i ba raddau y mae awdurdodau lleol wedi gweithredu argymhellion Adolygiad KPMG o Gostau Gweinyddol Awdurdodau Lleol Cymru. a sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn monitro cynnydd tuag at yr arbedion o £151 miliwn a nodwyd? (WAQ70989)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 27 Medi 2016
Mark Drakeford: The Welsh Government is not responsible for the administrative costs of Local Authorities. Each Authority received its own benchmarking report based on the data collected through the KPMG Administrative Cost Review exercise. It is for each authority to use this information to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its administrative activities allowing it to focus more resources on the delivery of frontline services. I am pleased that Local Authorities have recognised the value of this information and are undertaking further benchmarking activities to inform the delivery of future efficiencies including joint working.
The recommendations of the KPMG Review and the delivery of the savings were factored into the previous Welsh Government’s programme for reforming local government. I will make a statement on 4 October on this Government’s proposals for local authority reform.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): O ran ei ymateb i WAQ70812, a wnaiff y Gweinidog roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am yr adroddiad ynghylch rhaglenni peilot Cynllun Casglu'r Dreth Gyngor? (WAQ71003)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 27 Medi 2016
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gyllid a Llywodraeth Leol (Mark Drakeford): A report by the Behavioural Insights Team on applying behavioural insights to Council Tax collection in Wales is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am ganfyddiadau archwiliad CLlLC i hawliadau cyflogau cyfartal a wnaed yn erbyn Awdurdodau Lleol yng Nghymru; gan gynnwys sut y mae'n bwriadu gweithredu unrhyw argymhellion a ddarperir? (WAQ70987)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 27 Medi 2016
Mark Drakeford: The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) was asked to engage with all local authorities on this matter to understand the underlying issues relating to any outstanding pay claims. WLGA advises that its officers have done so and confirmed that there are around 600 outstanding claims within a workforce of nearly 130,000 employees. This is a complex area and there are a number of reasons why some claims have taken some time to resolve, such as claims which are attached to people who have left employment in local government, claims with multiple claimants and difficulties in designating appropriate comparators. The appeals process also has slowed down payments in some areas. Moreover the decision on a 2012 Birmingham City Council case increased the period within which claims could be lodged to 6 years increasing the number of claims which could be lodged. As WLGA acknowledges, the issue of outstanding pay claims causes anxiety and concern for those involved but each Local Authority is responsible for its own employment matters; to date, the Welsh Government has been able to accommodate all Authorities’ requests for Capitalisation Directions to enable them to deal with equal pay claims.