As the Senedd returns this week following the Easter recess, it’s back to day-to-day business and I’ve made a start on getting to grips with my new brief as Minister for Social Partnership. It’s a large and varied role in the Welsh Government which takes in so many things I’m passionate about and that impact on our people and places – fair work and the living wage, tourism and hospitality, the creative sector and retail, as well as the implementation of the Social Partnership and Public Procurement Act, which I brought in as part of my previous role in government. It’s a win for North Wales as well to have one of our Members of the Senedd in such an important role at the heart of Welsh Government and as a Welsh learner I was proud to this time take my formal affirmation in Welsh.
Last week it was great to catch up on the progress being made on the Theatr Clwyd redevelopment project – I’m pleased to see the progress being made and what the Welsh Labour Government’s £22m investment here in North Wales is helping to make possible. Like many in our area, I have grown up with the theatre and have long been committed to supporting and ensuring greater investment for Theatr Clwyd to ensure it continues to bring benefits for future generations. It’s great to see our theatre getting the recognition and investment it deserves and the hard work of the redevelopment will be continuing during the year. You can catch up on the progress on the theatre’s blog at www.theatrclwyd.com/blog-theatrereborn-buildinginprogress-mar24.
Flintshire County Council recently announced that it is working in partnership with the Welsh Government to provide retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with 40% business rates relief for 2024/25, capped at £110,000 per business across Wales. This scheme is in addition to the existing Small Business Rates Relief scheme. There are nearly 700 businesses in Flintshire who are expected to qualify as part of the £3m funding package from the Welsh Government – all retail, leisure and hospitality businesses will need to complete an online application form to benefit from the reduction, including those businesses who have qualified previously. You can find the form at https://flintshire.gov.uk/en/Business/Business-Rates/Business-Rates.aspx.
Earlier in April, the rules on workplace recycling changed in Wales – it is now a legal requirement in Wales for all businesses, charities and public sector organisations to sort their waste for recycling, much in the same way as we all do with our household waste. The changes will increase recycling and reduce the amount of waste sent for incineration and to landfill and putting the recycling in different bins will improve its quality, making it more likely the materials can be used by Welsh businesses instead of being exported.
Finally, it’s great to see one of our local pubs – Mold Alehouse – once again given the recognition it deserves as one of the eight pubs named best in Wales. Mold Alehouse has been added to the 2024 National Pub & Bar Awards list, after being identified by judges as standing out above the rest. The pub will now take part in a national award ceremony which recognises the best in each county of the UK. The micropub is a great place for locals and visitors alike and is often filled with people – and their pooches! It is a real asset to our community and a favourite with many – including our dog Scout who has been happy to lead us in there since she was a pup. Pub & Bar magazine runs the annual event, which each year crowns nearly 100 county winners from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Llongyfarchiadau Gareth and Rebecca!
As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythynForDelyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait for an advice surgery.