Wales’ Social Justice and Local Government Minister Carl Sargeant today reflected on the impact of the recent severe weather and outlined the measures that are in place to cope with any further weather disruptions this winter.
In late November and throughout December, Wales faced some of the toughest weather conditions for a generation with average temperatures 4-5 degrees Celsius below the seasonal norm. This led to extensive disruption on some occasions and put added pressures on public services.
Carl Sargeant paid tribute to those who worked tirelessly during the disruptions to keep Wales moving and said that Wales is prepared should more adverse weather be on the way.
“The cold weather hit all parts of Wales and no-one was immune from the effects” said Carl Sargeant. “My thanks go out to everyone who worked so hard to keep Wales moving and deliver essential public services.
“Throughout the disruption, we worked closely with the Met Office and other relevant agencies to ensure we had all the latest information needed to put appropriate response arrangements in place. I also represented the Assembly Government on UK Government’s Ministerial Resilience Committee that was convened to ensure there was a UK-wide response to the conditions.
“The Assembly Government has also been in contact with a number of business representatives from across Wales to discuss the impact of the weather on business. We have taken on board their concerns and will do everything within our power to help companies who are trying to operate in such difficult conditions.
“This multi-agency co-ordination will continue over the coming months, and we will keep monitoring the position to ensure that contingency arrangements are in place should another cold snap hit.”
Grit has been a continuing subject of interest and Carl Sargeant assures the public that there are sufficient levels in Wales.
“There are sufficient salt stocks within Wales with further supplies scheduled” added the Minister. “In December I provided an extra £7 million for local authorities to spend on salt and mending pot-holes and I asked that priority be given to routes used by the elderly or vulnerable, such as doctors surgeries, shopping centres or schools.
“I think it is safe to say that some local authorities responded better than others at keeping routes open for both traffic and pedestrians. Officials will conduct a review of the response of each local authority so that lessons can be learnt.
“Pressures on public services due to the weather will continue to be monitored over the coming months. We may not have seen the last of the severe weather this winter so we must remain prepared.”
