Last week, the Welsh Government published a Green Paper on Shaping the Future of Water Governance in Wales – paving the way for better water industry regulation, cleaner rivers and protecting not only our environment but our communities as well. Water is essential to every part of life in Wales and over the past decade there has been real progress, but there is still a lot more to do – the current system is complex and out of date and our ageing infrastructure isn’t ready to deal with the realities of the climate and nature emergencies.

The Green Paper outlines a complete overhaul of the water system, cleaning up our rivers and introducing a new water watchdog for Wales, a response to the recommendations of the Independent Water Commission, published in July last year. Change is essential to ensure the industry meets the needs of people, the environment and our economy – find out more and give your views at www.gov.wales/green-paper-shaping-future-water-governance-wales.

I know that from where I live and serve, local pubs, cafés and restaurants and are at the heart of our town centres and communities. I’ve long championed support and called for greater business rates relief for these businesses that don’t simply bring people together and support local jobs – in many cases they are key to keeping our high streets alive. That’s why I welcome the decision by the Welsh Government to provide another year of business rates support for food and drink hospitality businesses, on top of more than £300m a year in existing relief.

Around 4,400 businesses across Wales will benefit from 15% rates relief in 2026–27, recognising the real cost pressures they continue to face – this support is wider than the scheme in England and reflects the importance of backing our whole hospitality sector to our towns and our communities. I regularly speak with local business owners in our corner of North East Wales about rising bills and operating costs and I have made sure that their voices are heard in the Senedd. You can read more about the schemes in place at www.hannahblythyn.cymru/updates/hannah-blythyn-ms-welcomes-extra-rates-relief-pubs-and-restaurants.

In the Senedd recently, I asked the Welsh Government for a clear statement on the Agricultural Advisory Panel – and an update on setting the Agricultural Wages Order for 2026. This panel plays a vital role in supporting fair pay and conditions for agricultural workers across Wales and I welcome the government’s continued commitment to it – with rural workers relying on this process, transparency and timely updates really matter.

As a Unite Wales member and having been involved in the campaign to establish the panel, I know how important it is that it continues to do its job properly and transparently – that’s why I’m pushing for clarity not just on the panel’s work, but on the Agricultural Wages Order for 2026, which needs to be agreed and implemented – it really matters and can make a difference to rural workers across Wales. Fair pay, strong social partnership and respect for our agricultural workforce must remain at the heart of Welsh Government decision making – something I will continue to make the case for. You can see many of my contributions in the Senedd on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn.

Since the NHS Wales app was launched in 2023, more than one in five adults in Wales have signed up and now the bilingual app provides a growing range of functions to help people to manage their own health and wellbeing, complementing existing real-life NHS services. The latest update to the app enables users to check their status on waiting lists – a very useful tool if you’re waiting for treatment. The app also allows people to order repeat prescriptions, check organ donation choices and get trusted advice on health and wellbeing. Secure messages to a GP surgery can also be sent through the app – you can find out more at app.nhs.wales.

Finally, if you use Holywell Post Office you might be interested to hear that the Post Office is consulting on plans to move the branch to a new location. The proposal is to relocate the counter to Holywell Stores, Victoria Place, where it would continue to operate as a main-style branch. The move is being suggested because the current branch runs under a short-term contract and a permanent postmaster could help secure services for the long term. Access to Post Office services matters to our community, so your views are important – you can take part in the consultation at www.postofficeviews.co.uk/national-consultation-team/holywell-ch8-7aa-014614-2.

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/HannahBlythyn. 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.