With weather forecasters predicting the arrival of severe weather in the next few days, the Assembly Government is taking steps to ensure that robust response arrangements are in place in public services across Wales.
Minister for Social Justice and Local Government Carl Sargeant has overall responsibility for co-ordinating work across Wales in bad weather. He is ready to take the lead in liaising with local government, the UK Government and other public sector bodies and will also lead in contingency planning should an emergency arise.
Carl Sargeant said:
“It is important that we are as prepared as we can be to cope with the predicted wintery weather conditions. Public services such as home care and meals on wheels are often lifelines for many vulnerable people and we must do all we can to continue to deliver them.
“Keeping traffic and people moving by gritting and ploughing the road network is also vital. This is why I recently announced an extra funding totalling £7 million for Councils to spend on mending potholes and buying road salt this winter.
“Finally, it is important to remember that we can all play a part by checking on vulnerable and elderly neighbours, relatives and friends and offering them a helping hand.”
