Dear Resident,
As we approach the end of another busy year, we can reflect on a number of positive developments in Montgomeryshire. For example, I am pleased to be able to report that broadband and mobile coverage is gradually improving across Mid Wales with initiatives such as the Superfast Cymru project and the Mobile Infrastructure Project getting underway. I am also delighted that the Welsh Government has confirmed that the construction of the Newtown bypass will start next year - an important development for residents, businesses and visitors in Mid Wales.
However, the work doesn’t stop and there are a number of issues which continue to be at the forefront of my mind including: Powys County Council’s tough local Government funding settlement which is set to have an impact on frontline services; ongoing issues relating to cross border access to healthcare; and the outcome of the Mid Wales Connection Project, I will continue to campaign on these matters.
By this time next year, I hope to see considerable progress on all of these issues. In the meantime, it has been my privilege to represent the people of Montgomeryshire. On behalf of me and my team, I hope you have a very blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Agriculture and rural affairs
Royal Welsh Winter Fair - In my capacity as Shadow Minister for Agriculture & Rural Affairs, I recently attended the 25th Annual Royal Welsh Winter Fair to meet representatives from the farming industry. The Fair was a great success and it is now considered the premier event of its kind in the UK. Wales’ farming industry has so much to offer including an enviable reputation for the best beef and lamb in the world. Therefore, I remain deeply disappointed that the Welsh Government is not supporting our farming industry as it should do. Against a backdrop of difficult market conditions in all farming sectors, farmers are now braced for an 18% real terms cut to the agriculture and food budget. I also believe that Welsh Government continues to put our farmers at an unfair disadvantage. If we want our farmers to succeed in an open market, we cannot continue to saddle the industry with an extra burden of cost relative to their competitors. This year, As the shadow Minister for Agriculture, I launched Welsh conservative proposals to implement a Welsh Red Meat Charter to secure the sustainability of the red meat industry in Wales, and our strategic action plan for the dairy industry. I also believe there should be a Cabinet level post for Agriculture and Rural Affairs - a dedicated voice at the Cabinet table with an exclusive focus on farming and our rural communities. There are a number of challenges facing the industry at the moment, These are uncertain times for the farming industry in Wales, and I propose to report back further in the new year.
Mid Wales Connection Project
Consultation - The National Grid are currently conducting a further consultation on the detailed route for the Mid Wales Connection Project, which will see the connection of proposed wind farms in Mid Wales to the national electricity network in Shropshire.
My own view is that they should suspend their work, and not have a further consultation until the outcome of the Mid Wales Conjoined Wind Farm Inquiry is known. They are unlikely to do this, as they are driven by a timetable set by the developers. However, I would strongly urge people to attend the public consultation events and let your views be known. The consultation closes on 9th February 2015. Please see consultation venues and dates below.
It is still unclear whether a final decision will be made before the General Election next May. I fully appreciate that there are different views on the plans for hundreds of further turbines throughout Mid Wales but I am clear on my position - I will continue to fully oppose the Mid Wales Connection project and will do all I can to influence the Secretary of State for Energy, Ed Davey, to reject the applications that went before the inquiry.
I also believe that the Welsh Government, as a key consultee on nationally significant energy infrastructure projects, must also stand up for the interests of Mid Wales and reflect the deep-seated concerns and opposition which exists in Mid Wales.
Consultation events
- Cwm Llanllugan Community Centre | Tues 6 Jan, 1.30pm - 7.30pm
- West Felton Village Hall | Wed 7 Jan, 1.30pm - 7.30pm
- Llanfair Caereinion Institute | Thurs 8 Jan, 1.30pm - 7.30pm
- Maesbrook Village Hall | Fri 9 Jan 2015, 1.30pm - 7.30pm
- Meifod Village Hall | Sat 10 Jan 2015, 10am - 4pm
- Four Crosses Village Centre | Mon 12 Jan 2015, 5pm - 8pm
- Llansantffraid Community Centre | Tues 13 Jane, 1.30pm - 7.30pm
- Llanymynech Village Hall | Sat 17 Jan 2015, 10am - 4pm
- Navigation Inn, Maesbury Marsh | Wed 21 Jan 2015, 1.30pm - 7.30pm
Dyfnant Forest wind farm proposal withdrawn - It has been announced today (19th Dec) that Scottish Power Renewables has decided to withdraw its proposed Dyfnant Forest Windfarm. I am pleased with this decision. The Dyfnant Forest is a beautiful area, and the plans in my view would have been hugely damaging, both economically and environmentally. The project did not have local support, and today’s decision will be a real boost and a massive relief to local campaigners. There are a number of questions that arise from the developers decision announced today, I certainly hope to have further clarification in the new year.
School absences
Clarification from Welsh Government - I recently urged the Welsh Government to publish definitive guidance on absence during term time for family holidays after parents and schools were receiving contradictory advice. I’m therefore pleased that after having highlighted this issue to Welsh Government, they have published guidance to ensure that schools and parents know where they stand.
Family time can be just as important to a young person’s growing up as their formal education and family breaks should not be automatically written off as a lack of learning time.
However, questions remain about how head teachers will juggle the competing objectives of endorsing family holidays while being under constant pressure to improve attendance.
I will be seeking the views of head teachers, as they will still be mindful of the pressure to improve attendance when considering whether to endorse a family holiday during term time.
Putting the power in the hands of teachers who know the learning needs of their pupils is the right way forward but head teachers must be given the freedom to make decisions without fear of being criticised from other quarters for following Welsh Government guidance.
Local business support
Encouraging enterprise - I was very keen to support the recent Small Business Saturday on 6th December by visiting businesses in Llanidloes and Newtown. I was pleased to see that a large number of people were shopping locally and supporting local shops and businesses.
The Powys local growth zone project called Severn Valley EFFECT (Enterprise Facilitation For Effective Community Transformation) is up and running. This is a project based on Dr Ernesto Sirolli’s principle of networking and facilitating the various support a business may need to either pursue a business idea or help to develop the business. The recently appointed Enterprise Facilitator, Phil Wilson will provide intensive, one-on-one management coaching linking clients to programmes and resources offered by organisations, professionals and resources shared by the project’s wider volunteered Resource Board members. The Enterprise Facilitation service is available, for free advice (government funded), and in confidence, to any local individual who has an idea for a new business or an existing business who wants to change their business model.
I would encourage anyone that is interested to contact Phil Wilson on 07985 260278 or email [email protected] for free confidential support, business coaching or help with building a team.
Surgeries
I am happy to meet at my Newtown or Welshpool office. If you believe I can help on any matter, please contact me. I'll be in the following areas in coming months:
- Meifod – Thursday 15 January
- Llansantffraid – Friday 16 January
- Welshpool – Friday 16 January
- Newtown – Friday 23 January
Please contact my constituency office on 01686 610887 to make an appointment or to discuss any issue you want to raise with me.
Best wishes,
Russell George
National Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire
Aelod Cynulliad dros Sir Drefaldwyn