3 days ago
Mark Isherwood MS for North Wales questions ministers
MS for North Wales
Questioning the First Minister, I referred to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Bevan Foundation 'Poverty in Wales 2025' report, which found little progress in reducing poverty in Wales over the last 20 years and warned that if no action is taken, child poverty in Wales could reach 34 per cent by 2029-30, again making it the highest rate of all UK nations.
Questioning the Health and Social Care Secretary, I spoke of the postcode lottery for dementia services across North Wales identified by people living with dementia and their carers during my recent visit to the Wrexham Dementia Hub, and asked how the Welsh Government's new Dementia Action Plan will meet their needs.
Speaking in the Debate on the Equality and Social Justice Committee report, 'Anything's Achievable with the Right Support: Tackling the Disability Employment Gap', I spoke of the impact of the closure of the Work and Health Programme, referring to the sector's evidenced concern that the new Programme 'will dilute and therefore reduce support for the many Disabled and Autistic People who want to work'.
Senedd engagements included Carers Week 2025, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Cross-Party Group for Co-operatives and Mutuals 'Building a Resilient Food System for Wales', NFU Cymru, Save the Children Cymru's youth-led research project 'Power of Voice'; Cancer: Project Zero and a meeting of the Chairs' Forum of Senedd Committee Chairs.
As Chair of the Public Accounts & Public Administration Committee (PAPAC), I met with the Committee's Clerking Team ahead of PAPAC's next meeting on June 18th..
I also met the Welsh Parliament's Legislation Team to discuss the actions required before the formal introduction of my British Sign Language (Wales) Bill and the Explanatory Notes to accompany this (I intend to introduce the Bill on 14th July), and tabled a 'Statement of Opinion' to coincide with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15th).
Other engagements included a visit to Holywell Community Hospital for a meeting with the Head of Adult Audiology and the Clinical Director of Audiology at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and a visit to their new Audiology Van; and meeting Nuclear Restoration Services, to discuss nuclear decommissioning in Wales and the potential benefits for North Wales from their management of the Wylfa and Trawsfynydd sites.
It is concerning that the Chancellor's Spending Review only announced £445 million over 10 years for rail infrastructure in Wales, around a third of the £1.4billion invested by the previous UK Conservative Government over the last 10 years.
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