Speaking in the ‘Wales’ Final Police Settlement for 2018/19’ debate, I acknowledged the increase in police funding across England and Wales of up to £450 million announced by the UK Government, an increase of over £1 billion since 2015-16, but stated that the four Police and Crime Commissioners and four Chief Constables in Wales have warned that their inability to access the £2 million they pay to the Apprenticeship Levy could result in fewer police officers in the future, and potential recruits choosing to sign up for English forces instead. Despite Welsh Government claims to the contrary, the UK Government has fully funded the Welsh Government for this.
Speaking in my Short Debate: ‘Getting Smart with Fuel Poverty’, I made calls for a revised Fuel Poverty Strategy for Wales, stating that although in 2010 the Welsh Government set out its strategy to eradicate fuel poverty in Wales in all households by 2018, we are now less than 10 months away from the target date and the most recent statistics show that almost 300,000 households in Wales are living in fuel poverty.
The First Minister dismissed leading customs expert, Dr Lars Karlsson’s recommendations, in a report commissioned by the European Parliament, for a ‘low friction’ solution for UK- Irish border arrangements following Brexit when I asked him what consideration he had given to the report.
Questioning the Rural Affairs Secretary, I asked what action she is taking to maximise the significant opportunities for the agri-food sector in North Wales, and also called for her to incorporate the sea bed research by Bangor University into a Strategic National Plan.
I called for a Welsh Government Statement on services for people in Wales with Dystonia, following concerns regarding poor service provision raised by those with the neurological condition, and recent reports of cancelled appointments.
Questioning the Finance Secretary, I outlined the need for sustainable electricity transmission infrastructure in North Wales.
I was pleased to host the ‘Billy Buddies Road Trip’ Assembly event and to meet Charlotte Caldwell, the mother of Billy Caldwell, the first person to be granted a medicinal cannabis prescription in the UK and Ireland on the Health Service. Charlotte has been actively raising awareness of the need for medicinal cannabis for sufferers like Billy.
I had a useful meeting with Welsh Women’s Aid to discuss the funding models needed for specialist violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence services, including refuges, and attended the Assembly Rare Disease UK and Genetic Alliance UK reception to mark Rare Disease Day 2018, at which the 100,000 Genomes Project in Wales was officially launched.
Other Assembly engagements included Chairing the Cross Party Group on Hospices and Palliative Care, and, sponsoring and attending National Energy Action Cymru’s Drop-in Session for Assembly Members.
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