Written question WQ87138
- Asked by
- James EvansConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
Will the Minister confirm why the Welsh Government's plan for greater access to the countryside for all does not include any mention of those from deprived socio-economic backgrounds?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Climate Change
We are committed to enabling more people to enjoy our countryside and take advantage of the many health and well-being benefits that getting outside can bring. Our aim is to increase opportunities for people from all backgrounds to access the outdoors and enable them to take part in a wider range of activities.
During 2022-25, this will include funding the 3-year capital Access Improvement Grant (AIG), totalling £5.6 million, to Local and National Park Authorities that have public rights of way responsibilities. This will enable authorities to improve recreational access to the countryside and water. The AIG must include projects that have a focus on increasing under-represented groups’ access to the outdoors (e.g., accessibility improvements and information) The Promenade / Fenni Field Path Improvement project in Brecon will install a hard standing footpath and seating areas so that all visitors and users can enjoy the riverside environment.
Our actions to increase access also extend to our Designated Landscapes. National Parks are special landscapes which are there for all to enjoy, whatever their background. The Term of Government Remit Letter to the National Park Authorities (NPAs) last year instructed them to align their work with key Wellbeing Objectives, including celebrating diversity and moving to eliminate inequality in all of its forms. Key to this is representation at leadership level. We are actively seeking to increase representation from all protected characteristics on NPAs, including from deprived socio-economic backgrounds.
I was delighted to announce four new appointees to the Brecon Beacons NPA recently who included people who bring both lived experience of exclusion on the basis of disability and race, and professional experience of tackling inequality.
I have also provided funding to Pembrokeshire Coast NPA to appoint an Inclusion, Diversity and Governance Excellence Strategic Lead who will work with all the Designated Landscapes in Wales to ensure diversity and inclusion is prioritised in decision making.