Plaid Cymru’s Myfanwy Davies and Helen Mary Jones have today (23/03) called for a freeze on fuel duty ahead of the Budget on Wednesday.
Fuel duty is set to rise by 2.55 pence per litre from April 2010 (1% above the rate of inflation) which will cost the average family an extra £200 a year and cause further problems to small businesses already struggling with higher fuel duties. Plaid has insisted that this duty hike should be postponed.
Campaign organisations such as the Road Haulage Association have come out in support of Plaid’s calls for a fair fuel duty regulator. Under such a plan, an unexpected spike in petrol prices would lead to a freeze on fuel duty.
MPs from Plaid and the SNP have tabled a an official statement urging a freeze on fuel duty and repeating calls for the establishment of a fuel duty regulator.
Arwyn Price of Gwynne Price Coaches in Trimsaran said:
“This has been our family business since 1956 and times have seldom been harder. I received the new diesel prices this morning, and even with a bulk discount, we will be paying nearly 10% more that in July last year and that is before the tax increase.
The Government is already raising fuel costs above the rate of inflation. When fuel cost goes up as it has, the least they can do is freeze the tax increase. If they don’t re-think in tomorrow’s budget, we are going to find things even more difficult”.
Myfanwy said:
“It is our communities - in and around - Llanelli that will feel the pinch of this fuel hike. Hard-working families are struggling to run a car, but these sky high fuel taxes also impact on prices in stores as costs rise to deliver food and other products to the shops. Our local businesses such as Gwynne Price Coaches and our many taxi companies make an enormous contribution to our local economy and will find it even more difficult to make ends meet”.
“After a year that has seen rocketing fuel prices, it is utterly irresponsible to ad to the burden facing local businesses and working families. Once again, the Labour Government is completely out of touch with communities like ours”.
Llanelli AM Helen Mary Jones added:
“This is just punishing ordinary people for a banking system failure that the London government helped to create. Our London-based friends simply don’t seem to understand the impact that rising fuel prices are having on ordinary people and communities.”
Plaid’s Westminster leader Elfyn Llwyd MP added:
“Rising fuel duty prices are already crippling industry – but it is also an unfair burden on struggling families, small businesses, rural areas in particular, and also sectors such as the emergency services will be hit especially hard by this.
“We will continue to fight this fuel hike and urge the introduction of a fuel duty regulator at the Budget to ensure price stability as well as lower fuel taxes.”
Showing posts with label families. Show all posts
Showing posts with label families. Show all posts
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Helen Mary and Myfanwy pleased as plans to shut care homes are shelved
Llanelli AM Helen Mary Jones and Plaid's Parliamentary candidate for Llanelli Myfanwy Davies have expressed their delight that council plans to close Caemaen and St Paul’s residential homes in Llanelli have been shelved. Both Helen Mary and Myfanwy last week pledged their to support an action group that has been fighting hard against these closure plans.
The County Council had wanted to close the residential homes in order to finance new home care services but the plans made no provision for care while those services were being delivered and had no detail of the costs or savings to be made. The plans contained no detail about where residents who were too frail for home care would be housed , but officers’ remarks about empty beds in private care homes raised residents fears that they would be sent out of Council care.
Myfanwy travelled to Carmarthen in a convoy of two buses of protesters from Caemaen home yesterday and helped lobby councillors as they arrived for the meeting of the County Council’s Scrutiny Committee. During the meeting, members of the Plaid Cymru group time and again drew attention to the weakness of the report and warned about privatising care by stealth. To the protesters delight, the Plaid group insisted on a vote to reject the plans as they stand. However, a task and finish group will be convened to examine the plans in detail.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones said:
"I’m very pleased indeed that the Council’s Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee has rejected the proposal to shut St Paul’s and Caemaen. I am concerned however that the discussions of the task and finish group around the future of social care in Carmarthenshire should not end up coming to the same conclusions but behind closed doors.
There has been a great campaign in the community to support the care that’s being provided at Caemaen and St Paul’s, and both Myfanwy and I have been fully supportive of the hard work that's been going on. I will continue to support those campaigning to keep this provision available for the people who want it and need it.”
Myfanwy added:
“The Council’s plans were ill-conceived and it was quite right for the Plaid members of the scrutiny committee to reject them on those grounds. It is entirely wrong to make savings at the expense of our most vulnerable people but it seems the Council had not even calculated the costs and had not considered how residents would be cared for while the new accommodation was built.
Moving older people from their homes is distressing and some may not survive a move. I am very pleased that we have been able to win the first battle in this war. Our older people will not be sacrificed to the Council’s half-baked ideas about privatisation. "
The County Council had wanted to close the residential homes in order to finance new home care services but the plans made no provision for care while those services were being delivered and had no detail of the costs or savings to be made. The plans contained no detail about where residents who were too frail for home care would be housed , but officers’ remarks about empty beds in private care homes raised residents fears that they would be sent out of Council care.
Myfanwy travelled to Carmarthen in a convoy of two buses of protesters from Caemaen home yesterday and helped lobby councillors as they arrived for the meeting of the County Council’s Scrutiny Committee. During the meeting, members of the Plaid Cymru group time and again drew attention to the weakness of the report and warned about privatising care by stealth. To the protesters delight, the Plaid group insisted on a vote to reject the plans as they stand. However, a task and finish group will be convened to examine the plans in detail.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones said:
"I’m very pleased indeed that the Council’s Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee has rejected the proposal to shut St Paul’s and Caemaen. I am concerned however that the discussions of the task and finish group around the future of social care in Carmarthenshire should not end up coming to the same conclusions but behind closed doors.
There has been a great campaign in the community to support the care that’s being provided at Caemaen and St Paul’s, and both Myfanwy and I have been fully supportive of the hard work that's been going on. I will continue to support those campaigning to keep this provision available for the people who want it and need it.”
Myfanwy added:
“The Council’s plans were ill-conceived and it was quite right for the Plaid members of the scrutiny committee to reject them on those grounds. It is entirely wrong to make savings at the expense of our most vulnerable people but it seems the Council had not even calculated the costs and had not considered how residents would be cared for while the new accommodation was built.
Moving older people from their homes is distressing and some may not survive a move. I am very pleased that we have been able to win the first battle in this war. Our older people will not be sacrificed to the Council’s half-baked ideas about privatisation. "
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Helen Mary and Myfanwy slam fake consulation on Council’s plan for Llanelli's older people
Following a packed meeting at Caemaen Residential Homes last night, Helen Mary Jones AM and Plaid Westminster candidate Myfanwy Davies, have condemned the way in which the consultation has been conducted by officers and demanded that Pat Jones, the executive member in charge of social care take responsibility for her decision and the conduct of the consultation.
Last week the Llanelli Star reported on council plans to close Caemaen and St Pauls’ residential homes in Llanelli. Responding to this news, Myfanwy and Helen Mary sought and received a reassurance from Bruce McLearnon, Carmarthen’s Director of Social Services who claimed in a letter, that all options were open and that no decision had yet been made on closing the homes.
Nonetheless, yesterday evening Bruce McLearnon supported by Sheila Porter as Director of Integrated Services, affirmed that his preferred plan was for the closure of Caemaen and the development of support services at home known as ‘extra care’. Ms Porter, who was recently employed by the County and who had developed “extra care’ programmes in Bromley vociferously supported his position many times silencing residents and their families in order to advocate this contentious model of care which is associated with failure in England.
Throughout the meeting, the Director also emphasised the need to cut costs as a primary motivator for the plan. Residents and families at the packed meeting were vigorously opposed to closure with residents making a unanimous show of hands in support of staying at Caemaen.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones said:
“Myfanwy and I had been assured that all options were open. It is clear that they are not insofar as Carmarthen Council is concerned and it is also clear that these decisions are being made for financial reasons. Yes, there is less money available and some of those MPs who voted to bail out the banks need to look carefully at their consciences now, but Carmarthen Council still finds funds for showcase projects and for its own publicity.”
“It is unacceptable that officials have sought to mislead families and residents by suggesting that Caemaen contravenes care standards by not having en-suite facilities. That is not the case. During the meeting, officials sought to suggest their plans were in some way intended to protect older people’s dignity. Those residents present made their views known by a unanimous show of hands, how much dignity does it afford any of us that their wished are denied?”
Myfanwy added:
“After receiving assurances from Mr McLearnon, Helen Mary and I went to the meeting with open minds. It is now clear that Carmarthen Council’s mind is already made up. Indeed when residents and families asked whether their opposition had made any difference at all to the Director’s view, he replied that it had not. That in itself is shocking proof of the need for Burry Port Labour Councillor Pat Jones, the lead on Social Care to stand up and take political responsibility for her decision and the conduct of her officers.”
“In general, I would support plans that keep people at home and independent where that are properly supported but there are sadly few examples of these plans working. We heard last night how residents in Caemaen had not been able to stay at home with existing home care support and had in some cases suffered serious neglect within home care. It is just not acceptable that older people should be moved against their will”.
Myfanwy and Helen Mary have pledged to support an action group that will fight these closure plans.
Last week the Llanelli Star reported on council plans to close Caemaen and St Pauls’ residential homes in Llanelli. Responding to this news, Myfanwy and Helen Mary sought and received a reassurance from Bruce McLearnon, Carmarthen’s Director of Social Services who claimed in a letter, that all options were open and that no decision had yet been made on closing the homes.
Nonetheless, yesterday evening Bruce McLearnon supported by Sheila Porter as Director of Integrated Services, affirmed that his preferred plan was for the closure of Caemaen and the development of support services at home known as ‘extra care’. Ms Porter, who was recently employed by the County and who had developed “extra care’ programmes in Bromley vociferously supported his position many times silencing residents and their families in order to advocate this contentious model of care which is associated with failure in England.
Throughout the meeting, the Director also emphasised the need to cut costs as a primary motivator for the plan. Residents and families at the packed meeting were vigorously opposed to closure with residents making a unanimous show of hands in support of staying at Caemaen.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones said:
“Myfanwy and I had been assured that all options were open. It is clear that they are not insofar as Carmarthen Council is concerned and it is also clear that these decisions are being made for financial reasons. Yes, there is less money available and some of those MPs who voted to bail out the banks need to look carefully at their consciences now, but Carmarthen Council still finds funds for showcase projects and for its own publicity.”
“It is unacceptable that officials have sought to mislead families and residents by suggesting that Caemaen contravenes care standards by not having en-suite facilities. That is not the case. During the meeting, officials sought to suggest their plans were in some way intended to protect older people’s dignity. Those residents present made their views known by a unanimous show of hands, how much dignity does it afford any of us that their wished are denied?”
Myfanwy added:
“After receiving assurances from Mr McLearnon, Helen Mary and I went to the meeting with open minds. It is now clear that Carmarthen Council’s mind is already made up. Indeed when residents and families asked whether their opposition had made any difference at all to the Director’s view, he replied that it had not. That in itself is shocking proof of the need for Burry Port Labour Councillor Pat Jones, the lead on Social Care to stand up and take political responsibility for her decision and the conduct of her officers.”
“In general, I would support plans that keep people at home and independent where that are properly supported but there are sadly few examples of these plans working. We heard last night how residents in Caemaen had not been able to stay at home with existing home care support and had in some cases suffered serious neglect within home care. It is just not acceptable that older people should be moved against their will”.
Myfanwy and Helen Mary have pledged to support an action group that will fight these closure plans.
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Dafydd Iwan, Helen Mary and Myfanwy to close Breaktho’s 25th anniversary celebrations with one-off fund-raising concert on Saturday
Popular singer and Plaid Cymru President Dafydd Iwan will join Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate and Helen Mary Jones AM together with and parents, volunteers and young people with a range of disabilities to close Breakthro’ s 25th birthday celebration with a special concert at Stebonheath Club on Saturday. Dafydd Iwan has been a disability campaigner for many years and is a founder member of Antur Waunfawr a successful community enterprise based outside Caernarfon which is part-run by people with disabilities.
The group’s birthday celebrations began on 25th of July when Dafydd Iwan visited the Coleshill Centre to cut an enormous 40 inch birthday cake. He and Myfanwy served the cake to volunteers and Breakthro’ members and Dafydd closed the visit by singing especially composed songs to the young people. Last weekend a group of Breakthro volunteers led by Jessica Sheehan completed a sponsored climb to the summit of Snowdon to celebrate the group’s birthday. Before beginning their climb, they were met for breakfast by Myfanwy and Hywel Williams MP, who represents the Arfon constituency in which Snowdon stands.
Tickets for Saturday’s concert are selling fast with some sold to people from Neath and one man travelling by bus from Swansea to Burry Port solely to make sure he had a ticket in advance. Dafydd Iwan will be waiving his usual fee and it is hoped that the group will make over £1,000 to support its activities.
Dafydd Iwan said:
“I am fully supportive of the work of Breakthro’. It is enormously important that young people with disabilities get to meet and socialise with each other as well as learning skills in mainstream schools and colleges. The young people have developed exceptionally strong friendships and they have learnt to depend on each other and to support each other. Developing that kind of trust takes years but it is crucial if people with a range of disabilities are to have a full social life. I was delighted that Myfanwy asked me to become involved with the group and am looking forward to Saturday very much.
Myfanwy said:
“We are very grateful to Dafydd for coming down once again to support Breakthro’. The impromptu concert he gave the young people last month was an extraordinary event with some young people who are usually quite withdrawn coming out of themselves and singing and dancing to the music. Next Saturday’s concert promises to be even better and tickets are going fast. I’m pleased that Helen Mary will be able to be there too. Like me she is very proud of Breakthro’ Llanelli because of the work it does but also because of the unstinting support the group has from people and groups across Llanelli”.
Christine Darkin, who has been Breakthro’s organiser for over 10 years said:
“Just a few months ago we were facing a drastic cut in our budget and we were considering how we could continue to keep the club going for our members who are now adults and who have grown up with the Club. Now thanks to an intervention by social services, we are looking forward to going into our 26th year and the support we’ve had from people across Llanelli has been amazing. I’m really looking forward to Dafydd’s concert !”
Notes to Editor
The concert will take place at Stebonheath Football Club in Llanelli at 7pm on Saturday 15th August. Tickets will be available at the venue and are priced at £10 or can be ordered on 07940122776
The group’s birthday celebrations began on 25th of July when Dafydd Iwan visited the Coleshill Centre to cut an enormous 40 inch birthday cake. He and Myfanwy served the cake to volunteers and Breakthro’ members and Dafydd closed the visit by singing especially composed songs to the young people. Last weekend a group of Breakthro volunteers led by Jessica Sheehan completed a sponsored climb to the summit of Snowdon to celebrate the group’s birthday. Before beginning their climb, they were met for breakfast by Myfanwy and Hywel Williams MP, who represents the Arfon constituency in which Snowdon stands.
Tickets for Saturday’s concert are selling fast with some sold to people from Neath and one man travelling by bus from Swansea to Burry Port solely to make sure he had a ticket in advance. Dafydd Iwan will be waiving his usual fee and it is hoped that the group will make over £1,000 to support its activities.
Dafydd Iwan said:
“I am fully supportive of the work of Breakthro’. It is enormously important that young people with disabilities get to meet and socialise with each other as well as learning skills in mainstream schools and colleges. The young people have developed exceptionally strong friendships and they have learnt to depend on each other and to support each other. Developing that kind of trust takes years but it is crucial if people with a range of disabilities are to have a full social life. I was delighted that Myfanwy asked me to become involved with the group and am looking forward to Saturday very much.
Myfanwy said:
“We are very grateful to Dafydd for coming down once again to support Breakthro’. The impromptu concert he gave the young people last month was an extraordinary event with some young people who are usually quite withdrawn coming out of themselves and singing and dancing to the music. Next Saturday’s concert promises to be even better and tickets are going fast. I’m pleased that Helen Mary will be able to be there too. Like me she is very proud of Breakthro’ Llanelli because of the work it does but also because of the unstinting support the group has from people and groups across Llanelli”.
Christine Darkin, who has been Breakthro’s organiser for over 10 years said:
“Just a few months ago we were facing a drastic cut in our budget and we were considering how we could continue to keep the club going for our members who are now adults and who have grown up with the Club. Now thanks to an intervention by social services, we are looking forward to going into our 26th year and the support we’ve had from people across Llanelli has been amazing. I’m really looking forward to Dafydd’s concert !”
Notes to Editor
The concert will take place at Stebonheath Football Club in Llanelli at 7pm on Saturday 15th August. Tickets will be available at the venue and are priced at £10 or can be ordered on 07940122776
Dafydd Iwan and Myfanwy to celebrate Breaktho’s 25th anniversary with young people and carers
Popular singer and Plaid Cymru President Dafydd Iwan will join Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate and parents and young people with learning difficulties to celebrate Breakthro’ s 25th birthday at the Coleshill Centre on Saturday. Dafydd Iwan has been a disability campaigner for many years and is a founder member of Antur Waunfawr a successful community enterprise based outside Caernarfon which is run by people with learning difficulties and employs people with and without learning disabilities.
On Saturday, children and young people will meet with Dafydd Iwan and Myfanwy Davies, who is a sponsor of Breakthro’ to share a 40inch square birthday cake. Dafydd Iwan will also perform in a fundraising concert for Breakthro on 15th August at Stebonheath Club in Llanelli.
Dafydd Iwan said:
“Breakthro’ does extremely important work and I’m particularly pleased to see some of the younger people themselves starting to run the group. I know from my experience at Antur Waunfawr what a difference that makes to young people’s sense of pride in themselves that they are able to make their own decisions. It is a real achievement for eveyone involved in Breakthro’ to have kept the group going so long and it also reflects the incredible support they have had from people in Llanelli. Da iawn nhw!”
Myfanwy said:
“Dafydd and I are immensely pleased to be part of the birthday celebrations that will also include Dafydd’s concert on the 15th of August. The difference Breakthro’ makes in the lives of the children and young people it serves is immeasurable because it gives them a place where they are never judged and where they can take responsibility for each other. I wish them a wonderful birthday and a great anniversary year”
Robin Burn, Trustee of Breakthro said:
“All the members of the Management committee, and Christine and Jess our club Coordinators are immensely pleased to have Myfanwy and Dafydd take part in our birthday celebrations on Saturday. All our clients are excited at the prospect of a special birthday celebratio
n with all the trimmings. Special thanks to Dafydd for supporting us through the concert on August 15th. We hope this will help raise funds to enhancing the lives of the adults and children that use the club, Diolch yn fawr, Dafydd a Myfanwy” .
Notes to Editor
Breakthro’ was established in Llanelli in 1984 to provide social activities and opportunities for children with learning difficulties. Parents, carers and the young people themselves coopertate in organising actitivites including holidays, cinema visits, meals and fund-raising events. Activities are provided for children and for young people who have grown up with Breakthro’. The future of the group had been in doubt due to a lack of funding but a recent contribution from Carmarthenshire County Council has ensured that it has been able to continue into its 26th year.
On Saturday, children and young people will meet with Dafydd Iwan and Myfanwy Davies, who is a sponsor of Breakthro’ to share a 40inch square birthday cake. Dafydd Iwan will also perform in a fundraising concert for Breakthro on 15th August at Stebonheath Club in Llanelli.
Dafydd Iwan said:
“Breakthro’ does extremely important work and I’m particularly pleased to see some of the younger people themselves starting to run the group. I know from my experience at Antur Waunfawr what a difference that makes to young people’s sense of pride in themselves that they are able to make their own decisions. It is a real achievement for eveyone involved in Breakthro’ to have kept the group going so long and it also reflects the incredible support they have had from people in Llanelli. Da iawn nhw!”
Myfanwy said:
“Dafydd and I are immensely pleased to be part of the birthday celebrations that will also include Dafydd’s concert on the 15th of August. The difference Breakthro’ makes in the lives of the children and young people it serves is immeasurable because it gives them a place where they are never judged and where they can take responsibility for each other. I wish them a wonderful birthday and a great anniversary year”
Robin Burn, Trustee of Breakthro said:
“All the members of the Management committee, and Christine and Jess our club Coordinators are immensely pleased to have Myfanwy and Dafydd take part in our birthday celebrations on Saturday. All our clients are excited at the prospect of a special birthday celebratio
n with all the trimmings. Special thanks to Dafydd for supporting us through the concert on August 15th. We hope this will help raise funds to enhancing the lives of the adults and children that use the club, Diolch yn fawr, Dafydd a Myfanwy” .
Notes to Editor
Breakthro’ was established in Llanelli in 1984 to provide social activities and opportunities for children with learning difficulties. Parents, carers and the young people themselves coopertate in organising actitivites including holidays, cinema visits, meals and fund-raising events. Activities are provided for children and for young people who have grown up with Breakthro’. The future of the group had been in doubt due to a lack of funding but a recent contribution from Carmarthenshire County Council has ensured that it has been able to continue into its 26th year.
Friday, 7 August 2009
Breaktho reaches for the summit to celebrate 25th anniversary on top of Snowdon
Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate and patron of Llanelli disabilities group, Breakthro’, met volunteers working for the group celebrating Breakthro’ s 25th birthday and raising funds by climbing Snowdon on Saturday 6th August. Dr Davies was joined by Hywel Williams MP who represents the Arfon constituency in which Snowdon stands, for breakfast with the group. Mr Williams who worked for many years in social care, recently helped celebrate the 25th Birthday of Antur Waunfawr a successful community enterprise based in his constituency outside Caernarfon which is part-run by people with learning difficulties.
.
Hywel Williams said:
“It goes without saying that young people with disabilities need to learn and gain confidence in a range of settings. My experience with Antur Waunfawr has shown me how people like the members of Breakthro’ can make very important contributions in the workplace. Breakthro’ also offers children and young people a place where they can take responsibility for themselves and each other. I’m immensely pleased that the group has lasted so long particularly since it was recently under threat. The fact that the group has lasted so long says a lot about the support that people in Llanelli have been willing to give it over the years and it's great that Myfanwy was able to help gain the core funding that Breakthro' relies on!”
Myfanwy said:
“The work Breakthro’ does is sometimes overlooked because it doesn’t focus on teaching skills or preparing people for employment. The group is mainly focused on enabling young people a range of disabilities to have the same kind of social life as other people of their age. I have seen many of the young people support and help each other week by week. On Saturday the volunteers climbing Snowdon had a large part of our country at their feet. I hope that memory stays with them because there is so much they can do they work together. I’m now looking forward to the Dafydd Iwan concert next Saturday that is the high point of Breakthro’s birthday celebrations”
Jessica Sheehan Breakthro’ organiser said:
“We wanted to mark the birthday in style. Breakthro’ is all about making sure that our members have access to all the things they want to do. What better way could there be of celebrating what Breakthro has done and what it wants to do than to climb right up to the top of Snowdon?
.
Hywel Williams said:
“It goes without saying that young people with disabilities need to learn and gain confidence in a range of settings. My experience with Antur Waunfawr has shown me how people like the members of Breakthro’ can make very important contributions in the workplace. Breakthro’ also offers children and young people a place where they can take responsibility for themselves and each other. I’m immensely pleased that the group has lasted so long particularly since it was recently under threat. The fact that the group has lasted so long says a lot about the support that people in Llanelli have been willing to give it over the years and it's great that Myfanwy was able to help gain the core funding that Breakthro' relies on!”
Myfanwy said:
“The work Breakthro’ does is sometimes overlooked because it doesn’t focus on teaching skills or preparing people for employment. The group is mainly focused on enabling young people a range of disabilities to have the same kind of social life as other people of their age. I have seen many of the young people support and help each other week by week. On Saturday the volunteers climbing Snowdon had a large part of our country at their feet. I hope that memory stays with them because there is so much they can do they work together. I’m now looking forward to the Dafydd Iwan concert next Saturday that is the high point of Breakthro’s birthday celebrations”
Jessica Sheehan Breakthro’ organiser said:
“We wanted to mark the birthday in style. Breakthro’ is all about making sure that our members have access to all the things they want to do. What better way could there be of celebrating what Breakthro has done and what it wants to do than to climb right up to the top of Snowdon?
Friday, 17 July 2009
Myfanwy fights to keep Jobforce scheme to help Llanelli’s children out of poverty
Responding figures that show an increase in the number of children living in poverty in Wales, Dr Myfanwy Davies Plaid’s Westminster Candidate for Llanelli has strongly criticised Government plans to cut funding for a scheme that helps Llanelli’s lone parents back into work or training.
Myfanwy is joining the fight to save a scheme offered by jobforce Wales that provides free childcare to lone parents so the can work or complete the training they need to return to work.
Myfanwy said:
“The official figures show more children in Wales slipping back into poverty which will have a huge effect on the choices they have in life. Next week Parliament will discuss the Child Poverty Bill that aims to take some of the positive steps our Assembly has already taken towards eradicating child poverty. I welcome the debate and it is a wholly good thing to introduce targets for raising parents’ income such as those proposed in the Bill. But those targets are meaningless while Gordon Brown is still planning vicious cuts in schemes that help parents back to work”.
“One very concrete example of the UK Government’s failure to deal with child poverty is the fact that the New Deal for Lone Parents in Llanelli has come to the end of its funding. There are dozens of lone parents in Llanelli who have expressed an interest in taking up training but can’t do so because they do not have the resources to look after their kids. I will be raising this issue with our AM Helen Mary Jones in her role as Chair of the Assembly Children’s Committee”.
“It is all very well for Gordon Brown and his self-serving MPs to set targets they know will not be met they need to take this chance to put the needs of our families in Llanelli first”.
Diwedd / Ends
Notes to Editor:
In Wales, 32% of children now face living in a home which has less than 60% of the average UK household income. In 1999, the average level of risk that that Welsh child would be in a household that fell below the poverty line was 35%.
While the level of poverty appears to be rising in Wales, in Scotland the rate continues to fall, now standing at 25% of children at risk. Northern Ireland has also kept poverty levels stable at 26%.
Link to the full Rowntree Foundation Report:http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/end-child-poverty-wales-summary.pdf
Next Tuesday Parliament will begin to discuss The Child Poverty Bill that will require the Government reports on progress towards eradicating child poverty and includes targets on increasing family income
Myfanwy is joining the fight to save a scheme offered by jobforce Wales that provides free childcare to lone parents so the can work or complete the training they need to return to work.
Myfanwy said:
“The official figures show more children in Wales slipping back into poverty which will have a huge effect on the choices they have in life. Next week Parliament will discuss the Child Poverty Bill that aims to take some of the positive steps our Assembly has already taken towards eradicating child poverty. I welcome the debate and it is a wholly good thing to introduce targets for raising parents’ income such as those proposed in the Bill. But those targets are meaningless while Gordon Brown is still planning vicious cuts in schemes that help parents back to work”.
“One very concrete example of the UK Government’s failure to deal with child poverty is the fact that the New Deal for Lone Parents in Llanelli has come to the end of its funding. There are dozens of lone parents in Llanelli who have expressed an interest in taking up training but can’t do so because they do not have the resources to look after their kids. I will be raising this issue with our AM Helen Mary Jones in her role as Chair of the Assembly Children’s Committee”.
“It is all very well for Gordon Brown and his self-serving MPs to set targets they know will not be met they need to take this chance to put the needs of our families in Llanelli first”.
Diwedd / Ends
Notes to Editor:
In Wales, 32% of children now face living in a home which has less than 60% of the average UK household income. In 1999, the average level of risk that that Welsh child would be in a household that fell below the poverty line was 35%.
While the level of poverty appears to be rising in Wales, in Scotland the rate continues to fall, now standing at 25% of children at risk. Northern Ireland has also kept poverty levels stable at 26%.
Link to the full Rowntree Foundation Report:http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/end-child-poverty-wales-summary.pdf
Next Tuesday Parliament will begin to discuss The Child Poverty Bill that will require the Government reports on progress towards eradicating child poverty and includes targets on increasing family income
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
Myfanwy and Hywel Williams join Llanelli bingo protestors at Westminster
Plaid Cymru’s Hywel Williams MP and Plaid’s Westminster candidate in Llanelli Dr Myfanwy Davies, today joined forces with bingo players from Llanelli to campaign against unfair taxation on bingo.
The group from Llanelli lead by Nigel Griffiths traveled 330 miles to fight for their bingo club’s future by protesting in Dean’s Yard opposite the Houses of Parliament.
Protestors wore Alistair Darling masks, carried several placards, some even circled the square aboard the ‘Bingo bus’, and even joined in a game of Bingo on the green to champion the cause.
Plaid Cymru’s Hywel Williams has previously warned that the decision to increase in the rate of duty from 15% to 22% could signal a decline for Bingo clubs.
A Plaid-backed SNP motion to reverse the decision was recently defeated by Labour MPs. Other forms of gambling such as casino or online poker remain taxed at 15%.
Plaid’s Hywel Williams MP said:
“The Government's treatment of the bingo sector is incredibly unfair. In the Budget, the Government announced that it had removed the VAT on participation fees for Bingo players, but at the same time has increased the rate of bingo duty from 22%. This makes no sense in practise.
“Tax fairness is essential during the recession and this taxation on licensed bingo halls is dangerous as it targets the heart of our communities, and in particular older women and those from lower income households. Bingo halls provide a safe and friendly environment for the whole community to meet and socialise.
“The protestors have championed this cause fantastically today. I hope that the Government will now see for itself that bingo clubs and their constituents are suffering under this burdensome tax.”
Dr Myfanwy Davies added:
“Bingo has been part of life in Llanelli for as long as I can remember and the last thing we need in the town centre is for the club in Market Street to have to close.
“This is a completely unfair and ridiculous tax on people’s enjoyment. Bingo is already taxed once and there is no justification for treating bingo differently from online poker or any other form of gambling.
“We’ve come today to show those MPs that voted for the tax hike will see that they cannot ignore the voice of their constituents.”
The group from Llanelli lead by Nigel Griffiths traveled 330 miles to fight for their bingo club’s future by protesting in Dean’s Yard opposite the Houses of Parliament.
Protestors wore Alistair Darling masks, carried several placards, some even circled the square aboard the ‘Bingo bus’, and even joined in a game of Bingo on the green to champion the cause.
Plaid Cymru’s Hywel Williams has previously warned that the decision to increase in the rate of duty from 15% to 22% could signal a decline for Bingo clubs.
A Plaid-backed SNP motion to reverse the decision was recently defeated by Labour MPs. Other forms of gambling such as casino or online poker remain taxed at 15%.
Plaid’s Hywel Williams MP said:
“The Government's treatment of the bingo sector is incredibly unfair. In the Budget, the Government announced that it had removed the VAT on participation fees for Bingo players, but at the same time has increased the rate of bingo duty from 22%. This makes no sense in practise.
“Tax fairness is essential during the recession and this taxation on licensed bingo halls is dangerous as it targets the heart of our communities, and in particular older women and those from lower income households. Bingo halls provide a safe and friendly environment for the whole community to meet and socialise.
“The protestors have championed this cause fantastically today. I hope that the Government will now see for itself that bingo clubs and their constituents are suffering under this burdensome tax.”
Dr Myfanwy Davies added:
“Bingo has been part of life in Llanelli for as long as I can remember and the last thing we need in the town centre is for the club in Market Street to have to close.
“This is a completely unfair and ridiculous tax on people’s enjoyment. Bingo is already taxed once and there is no justification for treating bingo differently from online poker or any other form of gambling.
“We’ve come today to show those MPs that voted for the tax hike will see that they cannot ignore the voice of their constituents.”
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Myfanwy warns against ‘week without benefits’
Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate has this week warned people on benefits in Llanelli of Government plans to re-organise payments that will mean that they lose 1-2 weeks’ benefits overall.
Gordon Brown’s government wants to reorganise the way benefits are paid so that all are paid the same way. Accordingly from last week the Department of Work and Pensions has moved everyone who receives benefits weekly to receive them 2 weeks in arrears. It is estimated that 2 million people across the UK will be affected and should be informed by letter. People affected will need to respond to the letter to get a loan so that they still have an income while they wait for their payments to be received. Nonetheless, the loan will have to be paid back over 12 weeks meaning that those affected will lose a week’s benefits and in some cases – including widows – people will lose their income over 2 weeks. Some experts who have dealt with benefits claimants over the past week have commented that people find it very difficult to understand the letters sent out and do not realise they need to respond to them.
Despite affecting 2 million of the most vulnerable people in the UK, Gordon Brown’s Government has presented the change as an adminstrative measure. Accordingly there has been no debate on this issue at Westminster. The Department of Work and Pensions was unable to release figures on the expected cost saving of denying these 2 million people their benefits over a 1-2 week period.
Myfanwy has questioned whether it was necessary to change all claimants to receiving benefits 2 weeks in arrears rather than for example changing benefits claimants to receiving payments 1 week in advance. Such a measure would have released spending where it is most needed.
Speaking from home in Furnace on Monday, Myfanwy said:
“I am very concerned that people in Llanelli will not understand that they have to answer the letter in order to ask for a loan. The problem is likely to be more serious as the change is being phased in over 2 years so people may not be aware of it. For people on incomes of 60-70 pounds a week, losing a week or even two weeks’ money will mean that they will struggle to pay for food and housing. Even where people affected get a loan, they will need to pay it back over 12 weeks so thay will be losing 1-2 weeks’ money overall.
“At a time when the Gordon Brown is interested in smearing people through their private lives to mask his poor management of the economy, he and his MPs need to look to their own values. We need to tell him it is not right to target the most vulnerable in our communities and take what little they have.”
Gordon Brown’s government wants to reorganise the way benefits are paid so that all are paid the same way. Accordingly from last week the Department of Work and Pensions has moved everyone who receives benefits weekly to receive them 2 weeks in arrears. It is estimated that 2 million people across the UK will be affected and should be informed by letter. People affected will need to respond to the letter to get a loan so that they still have an income while they wait for their payments to be received. Nonetheless, the loan will have to be paid back over 12 weeks meaning that those affected will lose a week’s benefits and in some cases – including widows – people will lose their income over 2 weeks. Some experts who have dealt with benefits claimants over the past week have commented that people find it very difficult to understand the letters sent out and do not realise they need to respond to them.
Despite affecting 2 million of the most vulnerable people in the UK, Gordon Brown’s Government has presented the change as an adminstrative measure. Accordingly there has been no debate on this issue at Westminster. The Department of Work and Pensions was unable to release figures on the expected cost saving of denying these 2 million people their benefits over a 1-2 week period.
Myfanwy has questioned whether it was necessary to change all claimants to receiving benefits 2 weeks in arrears rather than for example changing benefits claimants to receiving payments 1 week in advance. Such a measure would have released spending where it is most needed.
Speaking from home in Furnace on Monday, Myfanwy said:
“I am very concerned that people in Llanelli will not understand that they have to answer the letter in order to ask for a loan. The problem is likely to be more serious as the change is being phased in over 2 years so people may not be aware of it. For people on incomes of 60-70 pounds a week, losing a week or even two weeks’ money will mean that they will struggle to pay for food and housing. Even where people affected get a loan, they will need to pay it back over 12 weeks so thay will be losing 1-2 weeks’ money overall.
“At a time when the Gordon Brown is interested in smearing people through their private lives to mask his poor management of the economy, he and his MPs need to look to their own values. We need to tell him it is not right to target the most vulnerable in our communities and take what little they have.”
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Myfanwy Davies calls for action on waste water to create green jobs and cost savings for families
Dr. Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s parliamentary candidate for Llanelli, has called for action to combat pollution in the Burry Inlet and has outlined possibilities for creating green jobs and cuts in water bills for families. Last week Myfanwy released figures showing a peak of sewage pollution following the decision by Welsh Water and the Environment Agency to release untreated sewage into the Burry Inlet over 20 hours after a period of heavy rainfall. The Environment Agency has claimed that the loss of the Blue Flag at Pembrey was associated with water draining from fields and streams throughout the wet summer of 2008. However, the Agency’s own data shows good water quality throughout the summer suggesting that the exceptional release of sewage in September was to blame.
Myfanwy has revealed the true connection between flooding and sewage pollution in our estuary. Despite the assertions of the Environment Agency that the discharge of surface water through the sewage system is normal practice, this practice has been identified as a major threat to seaside communities. In its response to the UK Government’s water strategy ‘Future Water’, Welsh Water commits itself to phasing out this dangerous and irresponsible practice that appears to have cost Cefn Sidan its Blue Flag.
Due to longstanding concerns with water quality in the Burry Inlet, independent research on water quality in the Burry Inlet is currently being undertaken by Bangor University in order to verify the Environment Agency’s own figures. Myfanwy is calling on her colleague, Helen Mary Jones Llanelli’s Plaid AM to request that Jane Davidson, the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, presses for new sewage works to be built west of Llanelli should these independent results show a significant increase in pollution.
Myfanwy has also noted that a new water treatment works, while welcome, will not address the problem of surface water drainage as so many developments change drainage patterns without offering alternative solutions. She has suggested that new homes need to conform to the highest legal standards in terms of allowing surface water to drain into artificial lakes or ponds and providing reed-beds for natural filtration. New government guidelines also require that new housing developments allow the re-use of ‘grey water’, such as that used in washing machines, in the sewage system. These developments will considerably cut water bills for families and have the potential to create green jobs in terms of building ponds, lakes and developing and maintaining reed-beds.
Speaking from her office in Llanelli yesterday, Myfanwy said:
”Like most people from the west of Llanelli, I view the Environment Agency’s assurances on water quality with a healthy dose of scepticism. Nonetheless, I am ready to wait for the independent report before judging the current state of our estuary. If the independent shows an increase in sewage pollution, then of course we will need a new water treatment plant in Burry Port. If that is the case, my colleague Helen Mary will do all she can to make sure that a waste water treatment plant will be built. I welcome the change in building regulations that mean that rain water can no longer be discharged through the sewage system creating a pollution catastrophe such as that which cost us the Blue Flag.
Some short-sighted people will always portray a concern with the environment as being something that will cost jobs. That is just not the case. Housing developments along the Burry Inlet are already being strongly encouraged to provide additional drainage by UK government guidelines. If building regulations were devolved to the Assembly, we could do so much more to protect the estuary and cut water bills for families. We have the potential here to develop green jobs in building a water treatment works, in terms of digging ponds and lakes and developing reed beds. All these developments will add to our environment and will help ensure that it is clean for years to come.
Welsh Water’s response to the DEFRA paper calling for a halt to releasing surface water through the sewage system can be found at: http://www.dwrcymru.co.uk/English/library/publications/surface%20water%20management%20strategy/english.pdf
Myfanwy has revealed the true connection between flooding and sewage pollution in our estuary. Despite the assertions of the Environment Agency that the discharge of surface water through the sewage system is normal practice, this practice has been identified as a major threat to seaside communities. In its response to the UK Government’s water strategy ‘Future Water’, Welsh Water commits itself to phasing out this dangerous and irresponsible practice that appears to have cost Cefn Sidan its Blue Flag.
Due to longstanding concerns with water quality in the Burry Inlet, independent research on water quality in the Burry Inlet is currently being undertaken by Bangor University in order to verify the Environment Agency’s own figures. Myfanwy is calling on her colleague, Helen Mary Jones Llanelli’s Plaid AM to request that Jane Davidson, the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, presses for new sewage works to be built west of Llanelli should these independent results show a significant increase in pollution.
Myfanwy has also noted that a new water treatment works, while welcome, will not address the problem of surface water drainage as so many developments change drainage patterns without offering alternative solutions. She has suggested that new homes need to conform to the highest legal standards in terms of allowing surface water to drain into artificial lakes or ponds and providing reed-beds for natural filtration. New government guidelines also require that new housing developments allow the re-use of ‘grey water’, such as that used in washing machines, in the sewage system. These developments will considerably cut water bills for families and have the potential to create green jobs in terms of building ponds, lakes and developing and maintaining reed-beds.
Speaking from her office in Llanelli yesterday, Myfanwy said:
”Like most people from the west of Llanelli, I view the Environment Agency’s assurances on water quality with a healthy dose of scepticism. Nonetheless, I am ready to wait for the independent report before judging the current state of our estuary. If the independent shows an increase in sewage pollution, then of course we will need a new water treatment plant in Burry Port. If that is the case, my colleague Helen Mary will do all she can to make sure that a waste water treatment plant will be built. I welcome the change in building regulations that mean that rain water can no longer be discharged through the sewage system creating a pollution catastrophe such as that which cost us the Blue Flag.
Some short-sighted people will always portray a concern with the environment as being something that will cost jobs. That is just not the case. Housing developments along the Burry Inlet are already being strongly encouraged to provide additional drainage by UK government guidelines. If building regulations were devolved to the Assembly, we could do so much more to protect the estuary and cut water bills for families. We have the potential here to develop green jobs in building a water treatment works, in terms of digging ponds and lakes and developing reed beds. All these developments will add to our environment and will help ensure that it is clean for years to come.
Welsh Water’s response to the DEFRA paper calling for a halt to releasing surface water through the sewage system can be found at: http://www.dwrcymru.co.uk/English/library/publications/surface%20water%20management%20strategy/english.pdf
Saturday, 7 February 2009
Plaid delivers £1 million for affordable housing in Carmarthenshire
CAMPAIGNING Plaid Westminster candidate for Llanelli, Dr. Myfanwy Davies has welcomed news of a £15million boost for affordable housing across Wales, with £907,228 of this to be allocated to housing associations in Camarthenshire. 300 new affordable homes will be built across Wales using this money, with more than 6,000 other affordable homes to be created in the next few years in addition to this boost. Plaid’s Deputy Housing Minister Jocelyn Davies announced the cash injection this week.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“This is a welcome boost for affordable housing across Carmarthenshire, and there is more to come because this money is in addition to the Social Housing Grant. Plaid in the Welsh Government is delivering affordable housing for the people of Wales, which is essential in the current economic climate. This funding will also help support the Welsh construction industry”
The Deputy Minister for Housing, Jocelyn Davies, said:
“Housing associations have been given this new money to enable them to make the most of the current economic situation. This cash has allowed them to buy unsold homes and plots from private contractors. This action has provided a cash flow to the construction industry, keeping people in work and supporting jobs.”
Diwedd / Ends
Notes to Editors
For further information contact Rhydwyn Ifan on 07703574822
SCIF investment breakdown:
The Assembly government has allocated an extra £42 million for the SCIF to boost the creation of affordable homes. The money will be spent via the 22 local authorities in Wales over three years.
£15 million will be spent in 2008/09. The Breakdown is:
Awdurdod lleol / Local Aurthority Allocation from SCIF
Blaenau Gwent £361,013
Bridgend £656,291
Caerphilly £840,723
Cardiff £1,556,142
Carmarthenshire £907,228
Ceredigion £387,902
Conwy £596,687
Denbighshire £484,742
Flintshire £720,359
Gwynedd £652,313
Isle of Anglesey £360,401
Merthyr Tydfil £283,765
Monmouthshire £441,410
Neath Port Talbot £708,427
Newport £694,421
Pembrokeshire £636,562
Powys £677,571
Rhondda Cynon Taf £1,161,770
Swansea £1,172,013
Torfaen £444,175
Vale of Glamorgan £606,942
Wrexham £649,141
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“This is a welcome boost for affordable housing across Carmarthenshire, and there is more to come because this money is in addition to the Social Housing Grant. Plaid in the Welsh Government is delivering affordable housing for the people of Wales, which is essential in the current economic climate. This funding will also help support the Welsh construction industry”
The Deputy Minister for Housing, Jocelyn Davies, said:
“Housing associations have been given this new money to enable them to make the most of the current economic situation. This cash has allowed them to buy unsold homes and plots from private contractors. This action has provided a cash flow to the construction industry, keeping people in work and supporting jobs.”
Diwedd / Ends
Notes to Editors
For further information contact Rhydwyn Ifan on 07703574822
SCIF investment breakdown:
The Assembly government has allocated an extra £42 million for the SCIF to boost the creation of affordable homes. The money will be spent via the 22 local authorities in Wales over three years.
£15 million will be spent in 2008/09. The Breakdown is:
Awdurdod lleol / Local Aurthority Allocation from SCIF
Blaenau Gwent £361,013
Bridgend £656,291
Caerphilly £840,723
Cardiff £1,556,142
Carmarthenshire £907,228
Ceredigion £387,902
Conwy £596,687
Denbighshire £484,742
Flintshire £720,359
Gwynedd £652,313
Isle of Anglesey £360,401
Merthyr Tydfil £283,765
Monmouthshire £441,410
Neath Port Talbot £708,427
Newport £694,421
Pembrokeshire £636,562
Powys £677,571
Rhondda Cynon Taf £1,161,770
Swansea £1,172,013
Torfaen £444,175
Vale of Glamorgan £606,942
Wrexham £649,141
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