It was another busy week in the Senedd last week and, at First Minister’s Questions, I asked how the Welsh Government is investing in infrastructure to drive economic growth in our corner of North East Wales. In my speech, I made the case for the re-opening of Mostyn railway station to better connect our communities, boost local jobs and support the green industry – this would help unlock the potential of the Port of Mostyn, create new opportunities and allow for more freight off the roads and onto rail. The Welsh Government is committed to improving transport links in North Wales – and I will work with my Westminster colleagues to develop rail infrastructure and invest in jobs and growth in our communities here in Flintshire.
Also in the Senedd last week I raised the issue of electricity standing charges – North Wales has the highest electricity standing charges in the whole of the UK and we need a social tariff to support residents who are most in need. At 69.54p per day, North Wales faces significantly higher charges than London (46.20p) and South Wales (51.79p) – and the unit rate is the highest too! This isn’t fair and it needs to change.
While this issue is beyond the powers of the Welsh Government, action is needed – a meaningful social tariff, on top of existing support, could target people and places that need it most. Many Flintshire residents have contacted me about this issue and as a result I raised it in the Senedd, but if you are affected by this and would like some advice then please get in touch with my office via email at hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales or call 01352 753464 to schedule an appointment. You can see my contributions in the Senedd on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythynForDelyn.
It was recently announced that the BBC will be switching off the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) at the end of June – in the 1980s, RTS was used to switch on some domestic storage heating systems. The service operates via the transmission of a BBC longwave radio signal – the signal tells relevant electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates. It’s worth checking your electricity meter to see if it has a black box next to it marked ‘radio teleswitch’. If you do have one, you can ask your electricity provider to install a smart meter free of charge. Find out more at www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/replacing-your-radio-teleswitch-electricity-meter.
Last week saw Young Carers Action Day and I joined the Carers Trust’s Youth Council in the Senedd to hear what being a young carer means and discussed the need for young carers to have a break – the theme of this year’s day was ‘give me a break’. Young carers have so much responsibility on their shoulders and they often have little time for themselves and are at serious risk of burnout. Whether they are helping to care for a sibling, parent, grandparent or other relative, there are around 30,000 young carers across Wales – they deserve a break to focus on the little things in life, as well as their own educational needs. I was grateful to have the opportunity to join them and listen to their experiences as young carers.
Back in Flintshire, I had the chance to pop in to Holywell Town FC alongside local council members to see the great work funded by Ynni Cymru going on at the club – Ynni Cymru invests in community-owned renewable energy generation. It was great to have the chance to hear more about the real difference the Ynni Cymru funding from the Welsh Government will make, as well as get an update on all the fantastic work Holywell is doing off the pitch – Holywell Town is not just a football club that’s part of the community, it’s at the heart of the community and I’m hoping to be back soon to watch a match.
Finally, Transport for Wales (TfW) has arranged to put on extra trains from North Wales this Saturday for the Wales v Kazakhstan football World Cup qualifier in Cardiff, as well as extra trains for the Wrexham v Stockport game on the same day. If you’re travelling to either game, TfW has also moved the pre-planned engineering works on the weekend to allow direct rail services to operate. Pob luc to both Wales and Wrexham on Saturday – let’s hope for good games for both our teams!
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.