North Wales MS calls on Government to stabilise sector
I called on the Welsh Government to ensure that funding is directed toward stabilising the charitable social care sector, referring to my meeting with the Chief Executive of a charity providing 24-hour supported living for 140 adults with learning disabilities across North Wales, who told me that charitable social care providers are compromised by increases to National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage, and that without urgent financial support, there is a real risk that the vital services they provide will cease by year-end.
Questioning the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, I highlighted a new report by Oxford Economics evaluating the economic contributions of the civil nuclear sector across the UK.
This found that if a new nuclear power station is built at Wylfa on Anglesey, North Wales could see an economic contribution comparable to that experienced in South-West England, where Hinkley Point C is located and Nuclear GVA reached £4 Billion in 2024, up 50% since 2021.
I therefore asked how the Welsh Government is working with UK Government and industry stakeholders to ensure North Wales benefits from the economic and employment opportunities this could bring.
It was a pleasure to sponsor and speak at Disability charity Scope's Celebration of Disability Pride Month 2025 at the Senedd/Welsh Parliament.
As I said, Disability Pride 'isn't just about celebration, it's about change. It's about removing barriers, transforming attitudes, and creating a society where disabled people can thrive'.
I was also glad to speak at the launch of a new suicide prevention programme designed for males in the construction industry in Wales, held at the New Welsh Medium Primary School site in Oakenholt, Flint.
The programme was developed in partnership between the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Wales and NHS Wales.
According to the Office for National Statistics, male construction workers are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average.
I Chaired meetings of the Senedd Cross-Party Groups on Deaf Issues, at which I was re-elected as its Chair, and on STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine); and met with Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru.
Other Senedd engagements included 'ShopKind Campaign Week 2025'; Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry, to discuss the importance of health data in Wales; and 'Remembering Srebrenica' memorial reception, marking the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.
Other North Wales engagements included a catch-up with award-winning Enbarr Enterprises in Queensferry and the Opening Ceremony for newly developed Theatr Clwyd, Mold.
For help, email Mark.Isherwood@senedd.wales or call 0300 200 7219.
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