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October 2024 Newsletter
Welcome to my October 2024 Newsletter
This is my first newsletter following the summer recess, and there is much to report on.
We have seen major decisions and changes of policy by the UK and Welsh Governments, such as the decision to end universal winter fuel payments, and the scrapping of the Gender quota bill.
As ever, if you would like an update on something not mentioned in my newsletter, or I can help in another way, please email me at [email protected] or call my office at 01686 610887.
Wales Air Ambulance
There is currently little to report, but I wanted to set out the current position.
Following, in my view, a fundamentally flawed decision taken by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (JCC) in April to close and centralise the Welshpool and Caernarfon Air Ambulance bases, campaign groups in both areas have been working together to challenge the decision.
In July, An application for a judicial review was issued at the High Court. The application challenged the lawfulness of the NHS Wales JCC decision. We are currently still waiting for a decision to be made by the Court.
We were also informed, that as a result of closing the Welshpool base, an additional ‘bespoke enhanced road-based critical care service’ would be provided to support rural and remote areas. This is course not an acceptable alternative to an Air Ambulance. We were told further information on this would be provided in October, so we are expecting details on this soon.
Changes to Senedd Elections
In September, The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru released its initial proposals for redrawing Senedd constituencies which included the Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr constituency being combined with with the Dwyfor Meirionnydd seat to form a new Senedd constituency
This follows the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act being passed earlier this year. There will be an increase in the number of Members of Senedd from 60 to 96. 6 members would represent each of the new proposed areas.
I was not in favour of this legislation, and my full update sets out the changes and why I was opposed to them.
Utilising Sport to improve our health
Earlier this week, I was pleased to sponsor an event in conjunction with Sport Wales to discuss how Sport can be utilised to be the nation’s greatest preventative health tool.
The event was a great opportunity to discuss with sport and health sectors, of the benefits of Sport investment.
A panel was held of sport and health professional that discussed the benefits of sport in helping relieve pressure on the NHS and how better health outcomes can also be economically beneficial.
Winter Fuel Payments
Whilst Winter Fuel Payments are not matters for the Senedd, I have had many people contact me about the UK Government's decision to end universal winter fuel payments for pensioners.
It is estimated that over 20,000 pensioners in Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr alone, will now not be receiving up to £300 this winter. The winter fuel payment, until now, has been paid to all pensioners to help with energy bills. The payment was based on the principle that older people would be left exposed and at increased risk if they could not pay for adequate heating.
If you are a pensioner or know a pensioner that will lose the winter fuel payment, there are several organisations that you can contact if you are concerned:
- https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/benefits/benefits-in-later-life/benefits-in-retirement
- https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/manage-your-money
- https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/warm-home-discount/
A Mammoth Achievement
My contribution on the achievements of 6 constituents taking on a mammoth task.
Each week in the Senedd, apart from scrutinising legislation and questioning Ministers, there are opportunities to celebrate achievements.
This week I was pleased to be able to speak about 6 constituents who took part in a Welsh 3 Peaks challenge to raise awareness and highlight the work of the charity Max Appeal.
£2,000 was raised, which is a fantastic achievement, as well as raising awareness of this condition.
You can find out more about Max Appeal and their work here: Max Appeal
Countryside Alliance awards
The annual Countryside Alliance Awards are now open to public nomination and I want to take this opportunity to urge Montgomeryshire residents to get nominating for our fantastic local businesses.
The Countryside Alliance Awards are a way to support and promote rural communities. They celebrate people going the extra mile to ensure that rural Britain’s food and farming industry, small businesses, traditional skills, forward-thinking enterprises and, most of all, its people, can succeed.
These awards provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase the hardworking local entrepreneurs who are helping rural Wales flourish.
I think that the quality of local produce in Montgomeryshire is outstanding and there are many businesses and community champions deserving of national recognition.
Last year, I had the privilege of seeing Montgomeryshire sweep up at the Wales awards and our very own Izzy’s butchers, based in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, take home a very deserving award at the House of Lords final.
I encourage people to participate and submit a nomination. To nominate, follow this link: https://www.countryside-alliance.org/awards
Let’s aim to bring more awards back to Montgomeryshire and share the success of our area with the rest of the country.
Advice Surgeries and a Competition
I will be in Morrisons Newtown this Friday, and in Tesco Welshpool later this month, please feel free to call by for a conversation if you would like to raise any matter with me.
I am also holding my yearly competition! Below is how a young person can enter my Christmas Card competition!
