Latest news with #JaneHutt
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
'Virtue-signalling' Labour politicians in Wales spend £4million of taxpayers' money on 'gender equal' tree planting scheme
Their nation's public services may be in crisis but virtue-signalling Labour politicians in Wales are spending more than £4 million of taxpayers' money on planting trees – in Uganda. The Welsh government has been backing the Mbale Tree Planting Project since 2013 to mitigate the impact of climate change, improve the livelihoods of Ugandans and promote gender equality for female workers. And when the project celebrated planting its 25 millionth sapling earlier this year, Welsh Labour minister Jane Hutt declared: 'The distribution of 25 million trees in eastern Uganda is not only helping to combat climate change, it's transforming lives, particularly for women and young people across Uganda.' Meanwhile, Welsh NHS patients are being forced to wait longer than their English counterparts for operations such as hip replacements. The ambulance service in the country has also faced 'significant pressure' and the social care sector is struggling to cope with growing demand. Schools and public toilets are being shut while the average rise in council tax for 2025-26 across all councils was 7.2 per cent. The taxpayer-funded Size of Wales programme, which sends the cash to Uganda, has also found money grows on trees for bee-keeping in Africa as part of the Advancing Gender Equality for Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation project. Meanwhile, in the northern Peruvian Amazon, the indigenous Wampis people are enjoying Welsh taxpayer-funded solar-powered boats and charging points. Welsh Tory leader Darren Millar told The Mail on Sunday: 'People in Wales will be amazed that there is money to plant trees in Uganda, yet public toilets, libraries and other services are closing in their communities. 'Every pound spent on planting trees in Africa is a pound that is not being spent on public services here. 'The Welsh government isn't even responsible for international relations so Labour ministers should stop the overreach and focus on the things that they are responsible for such as our poorly performing schools and hospitals and getting to grips with the unacceptable waiting times in the Welsh NHS.' Tory colleague Janet Finch-Saunders added: 'It is time the Welsh Labour government stopped this virtue-signalling and instead concentrated their spending priorities on the things that matter most to our tax-paying residents.' Defending the project, a Welsh government spokesman said: 'Climate change affects all of us, and we are stepping up to play our part in the world. 'These trees protect communities from floods and droughts, while connecting Welsh and Ugandan schoolchildren culturally and through practical environmental education opportunities. 'Earlier this year, we passed a £26 billion budget, investing an extra £1.6 billion in public services, strengthening our NHS, supporting schools and helping communities across Wales thrive.'
Leader Live
30-07-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Accessibility in focus at Wrexham National Eisteddfod
They can take part in the Welsh Government's draft Disabled People's Rights Plan, which aims to improve equality and inclusion across all areas of life. Betsan Moses, chief executive of the National Eisteddfod, said: "Everyone is welcome at the Eisteddfod and we are working tirelessly to ensure that the Maes is as accessible as possible for our visitors. "The services we have developed over the last few years reflect our commitment in this regard. "We have been working with 'Attitude is Everything' for a few years to ensure that we offer a quality service across the Maes, and we are currently working towards a silver accreditation." The Eisteddfod focuses on accessibility and therefore has several measures in place, including clearly signposted Blue Badge parking, accessible toilets in every block, daily BSL interpreters, and a dedicated Accessibility Hub. Scooters are available for hire, and a quiet space, 'Y Llecyn Llonydd,' is provided for those who need a break from the crowds. The draft plan has been developed with input from more than 350 people with experience and sets out practical steps to remove barriers in education, employment, housing, transport, and public services. READ MORE: Wrexham councillors dismiss advice to defend 600-home planning appeal Jane Hutt, cabinet secretary for social justice, said: "Our draft plan has already been shaped by hundreds of disabled people, but we know there are more voices to be heard. "Your voice matters and your experiences count. "By taking part, you'll help make sure this plan really works for disabled people across Wales." Visitors to the Eisteddfod can find information about the consultation at the Welsh Government stand. Materials are available in accessible formats including BSL, Welsh, English, audio, braille, and easy read. The consultation remains open until August 7.
Wales Online
01-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
PIP changes explained with fears it will hugely impact Wales
PIP changes explained with fears it will hugely impact Wales What the PIP changes could mean for benefits claimants in Wales ahead of crunch vote Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall arrives in Downing Street for today's cabinet meeting ahead of the crucial welfare reform vote (Image: PA ) MPs will tonight vote on UK Government plans to reform welfare payments. It comes after a climbdown by the Labour administration after huge public outcry and facing a huge rebellion from its own MPs. At its height more than 100 Labour MPs said they would vote against their own government, but that has reduced to 39 Labour backbenchers since changes were announced. Wales' four Plaid Cymru MPs have also backed the amendment, which will be voted on. The proposals were hugely controversial. While the UK Government say reform is needed, critics said they were being rushed through and had not consulted charities or disabled people who will be impacted. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall told the Commons: "Welfare reform, let's be honest, is never easy, perhaps especially for Labour governments. Our social security system directly touches the lives of millions of people and it is something we all care deeply about. "We have listened to the concerns that have been raised to help us get these changes right. The Bill protects people already claiming PIP, it protects in real terms the incomes of people already receiving the UC (universal credit) health top-up from that benefit and their standard allowance, and it protects those with severe lifelong conditions who will never work, and those near the end of their life as we promised we would." The Welsh Government had criticised the plans, with senior minister Jane Hutt writing to Ms Kendall saying there needed to be a review of the plans. Once the climbdown was announced, it was welcomed by First Minister Eluned Morgan. She said: "Around 200,000 people could have been in real trouble, and they've listened, they've learned and they've acted – and that is something I think we should welcome." Article continues below What is PIP? Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means-tested benefit intended to help with extra costs arising from long-term disability or ill-health which was introduced in 2013. It replaced Disability Living Allowance for people of working age. PIP is made up of two components: a mobility component, based on an individual's ability to get around; and a 'daily living' component, based on ability to carry out other key activities necessary to be able to participate in daily life. Each component can be awarded at either standard, enhanced, or nil (where they receive nothing). What was proposed? The UK Government had proposed sweeping changes that were deeply unpopular there were two main elements: Increasing the basic 'standard allowance' of Universal Credit that all claimants receive, while reducing the generosity of the additional amounts for claimants with disabilities and health conditions that affect their capability for work In terms of PIP, changes to the way eligibility is calculated - claimants would need to score four or more points for at least one of the 'daily living' activities that determine entitlement to the daily living component Now what is happening? The UK Government announced two major changes the new Personal Independence Payment daily living 'four-point' requirement will only be implemented for new claimants from November 2026 existing recipients of the Universal Credit health element, and any new claimant meeting the criteria for the most severe and lifelong conditions, will "have their incomes fully protected in real terms" Why is it so important in Wales? There was a lack of official government data about exactly who would be impacted in Wales but it was widely commented that there would be a disproportionate impact in Wales because Wales has higher rates of disabled people of working age than the UK average. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation highlighted the constituencies where cuts to sickness and disability benefits will fall most heavily which showed of the top 20 constituencies in England and Wales with the highest proportion of the working age population in receipt of health-related social security, eight are in Wales (and 10 out of the top 30) which suggested changing PIP would have a disproportionate impact on disabled people in Wales. In fact, Welsh Government minister Jane Hutt wrote to her UK Government counterpart and said that element needed to be reviewed. "The proposed changes to Personal Independence Payments should be reviewed before any changes are made," she wrote. Policy in Practice estimated there will be substantial increases in poverty and financial hardship for working age households in Wales. The original plans would have impacted an estimated 190,000 people in Wales (6.1% of the population) and see £470m lost from the Welsh economy. Victoria Winckler, director of The Bevan Foundation, said it would "increase social inequality, and exacerbating already entrenched poverty in Wales". Are the changes better news? There are still concerns that the row back is going to create a two-tier system and younger disabled people and those who become disabled in the future will be disadvantaged and denied access to work and education. The concessions by the UK Government have seen a number of the Welsh MPs who had signed an amendment which looked set to sink the government plans has decreased. While Plaid Cymru's four MPs have signed the amendment, only one of the five Labour MPs who had originally put their names to it have kept there, that's Steve Witherden, the MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr. However, a huge number of charity groups say the changes don't go far enough. Since the revisions, groups and charities including Citizens Advice, The Poverty Alliance and The Salvation Army have co-signed a letter saying they want the bill withdrawn. There has not, the groups say, been enough consultation. That was echoed by Luke Young, head of policy at Citizens Advice who asked MPs to vote against the bill. "The UK government's own impact assessment says the cuts will plunge 150,000 people into poverty by the end of this Parliament. Even this is an underestimate of the potential impact. If this Bill is passed, then by 2030 it will have cut PIP for more than 400,000 disabled people and Universal Credit for more than 700,000 people who are disabled or have a long-term health condition. Article continues below "We know Wales will be disproportionately affected, with communities such as Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Neath Port Talbot being hardest hit. It will push more people toward already stretched public services and into to food banks, as they find even less support available under a new three tier system."
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Benefit cuts: Welsh ministers express major concerns over plans
Disabled people are worried that planned cuts to disability and sickness benefits mean they won't be able to make an ends meet, the Welsh government has said.A senior Labour government minister has formally expressed concerns to the UK government over its controversial welfare a response to a consultation the Welsh government backed figures that £470m could be lost from the country's economy, and said disabled people were worried about an increased risk of depression and comes as Sir Keir Starmer's government faces a significant rebellion, with large numbers of MPs supporting a bid to block the plans. At least five Welsh Labour MPs - Chris Evans, Andrew Ranger, Steve Witherden, Henry Tufnell and Ruth Jones - are among those backing an amendment that would allow them a vote to reject the Keir has vowed to press on with the reforms, saying the current welfare system "traps people" on benefits, and was set to fuel "unsustainable" rises in the cost to taxpayers. Jane Hutt, the Welsh government's social justice minister, said that proposed changes to personal independence payments (Pip) "should be reviewed before any changes are made".She said the reforms had "caused significant concern here in Wales" diverting attention from proposed reforms "which could be positive"."The strength of feeling I have witnessed from disabled people and stakeholder organisations across Wales opposing the proposed changes to the PIP eligibility criteria has been overwhelming.""They have been concerned about not only for the disabled persons themselves but for their carers and families too".In a letter to UK Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, Hutt endorsed forecasts from Policy in Practice that nearly 190,000 people in Wales would be affected - or 6.1% of the backed analysis from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation that ten of the top 30 Westminster constituencies have the highest proportion of working-age people in receipt of health related suggests changes will have a "disproportionate impact" in Wales, Ms Hutt said. 'Reduce working hours' Hutt said she had heard from people who "are concerned that if they lost their PIP entitlement they would have to reduce their working hours or leave employment completely".That would be contrary to the UK government's aim of supporting disabled people into employment, Hutt said she had also heard people's anxiety about facing a significant cut in their household income if they lose their Pip entitlement."These people hold real and understandable fears they would no longer be able to afford their everyday essential living costs, let alone the additional costs they face as a disabled person," the minister wrote. The Welsh government said that disabled people and other organisations had raised concerns that cuts to PIP would reduce access to crucial treatments and support systems, increasing the risk of "depression, self-harm and suicide".PIP is used to purchase additional therapies, such as counselling and physiotherapy, or used to support day-to-day well being."These purchases would no longer be affordable without Pip, leading to a deterioration in their health, wellbeing, and employment status," the consultation response said.A survey conducted by a disabled people's organisation "indicated feelings associated with welfare reform include anger, anxiety, terror, worry, fear, suicidal thoughts and a sense of being a burden", while there was also concerns about a lack of proper consultation. 'Increase poverty levels' The letter gives concerns over proposals to reduce the value of the health element of universal credit, saying it will "not be an incentive to work but will increase poverty levels amongst disabled people and people with long term health conditions".Amid suggestions that people could be sanctioned if they receive the health element and do not take part in a "support conversation", Hutt said there was evidence that "these type of sanctions do not work" and actively push people away from the Labour market. Hutt did praise some of the proposals in the government's green paper, saying it agreed with the "principles of providing support to people into work and protecting people who cannot work".In the Senedd on Tuesday First Minister Eluned Morgan was asked by Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth if she would urge Welsh MPs to rebel "to protect disabled people in Wales and Welsh spending".Morgan said: "I just think we've got to be very serious about this, because this is an issue that's causing concern to a lot of people in Wales."The Department of Work and Pensions has been asked about the letter. A bill to be voted on next week will make it harder for disabled people with less severe conditions to claim amendment has been signed by more than 130 MPs, including 120 Labour MPs. Among the Welsh Labour rebels is Chris Evans, the MP for Caerphilly. In a letter written with his Senedd colleague for Caerphilly, Hefin David, the pair expressed "serious concerns about parts of the green paper and bill as published".They said people will be expected to lose their existing incomes before they find new incomes through work, and criticised a lack of consultation for some of the biggest parts of the changes. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can visit BBC Action Line.
South Wales Argus
24-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Chepstow gallery celebrates the town's diverse communities
Named Changing Faces of Chepstow, the gallery recognises the town's multicultural history and contributions from its various communities. It was funded by the Welsh Government as part of their Anti-Racist Wales programme for Culture, Heritage, and Sport. The gallery explores Chepstow's community from a fresh perspective, acknowledging the town's historical roots as a melting pot for people from different origins. It acknowledges the influence of early invaders like the Romans and Normans, Irish Navvies, German wire workers, and the modern-day Ukrainian community on the town's fabric. As part of the gallery's unveiling event, Ukrainian community members who contributed to the gallery's creation presented the museum with two handmade fabric dolls symbolising Welsh and Ukrainian friendship. Welsh Government ministers and Monmouthshire County Council cabinet members attended the preview of the gallery. They included Jack Sargeant, minister for culture, skills and social partnership, and Jane Hutt, cabinet secretary for social justice, Trefnydd and chief whip. Also present were council leader Mary Ann Brocklesby, and cabinet members Angela Sandles and Sara Burch. The gallery is part of a larger project spanning Chepstow and Abergavenny Museums. Councillor Burch said: "I urge everyone who is able to visit the Changing Faces exhibition in Chepstow. "It is a wonderful addition to the museum and to the story of Monmouthshire as a whole." Councillor Sandles added: "It just shows how Monmouthshire, as it is today, has been shaped by people from all over the world. "We should celebrate that fact and the fact that our diverse community makes us stronger." A separate event saw the gallery officially opened by Councillor Peter Strong, chair of Monmouthshire County Council. The occasion brought together all those involved in the project, allowing community group members and experts to celebrate their collective achievements.
