Being elected to represent Brecon and Radnorshire remains a huge privilege for us both. ‘For me (James) ‘it gave me the opportunity to represent the area where I was born and where I was firstly elected as a County Councillor for Gwernyfed Ward. It was, therefore, an incredibly difficult decision for me to tender my resignation as County Councillor. I championed the community throughout my time with Powys County Council and did my upmost to represent the ward with distinction. However, with many new responsibilities, balancing everything became a struggle but I will continue to support and represent the community and with Fay we are both always available to help in any way we can.’
Despite restrictions, Omicron cases continue to dominate our headlines with cases rising in Powys and the people of Wales enduring the tightest restrictions in the UK while the case and death rates in Wales exceed those of other UK nations. The good news is that the data from South Africa, and the benefits of the vaccine indicate that the risk of hospitalisation is much diminished. We are in a much better place but there are still worries for the vulnerable and therefore it couldn’t be more important to get your booster as soon as possible. If you have only recently become eligible for a vaccine, please get in touch with Powys Teaching Health Board as soon as possible.
We were both concerned to read the announcement from Public Health Wales increasing the routine cervical screening for 25-49 year olds, from 3 to 5 years. ‘I (Fay) had abnormal/pre-cancerous cells in my twenties, and with many having had similar experiences, it came as no surprise that public opinion resulted in a petition gaining over 1 million signatures. By their own admission, PHW have recognised that the delivery and content provided in the press release was poor. Furthermore, having not recognised the wider “change.org” petition, a second survey was opened at “petitions.senedd.wales”, which having received over 10,000 signnatures, thankfully bought the debate to the Senedd. ’ An urgent awareness campaign now needs to follow.
This year sees several important pieces of legislation being brought to Westminster including the Online Harms Bill and the Northern Ireland Legacy proposals – which will finally end the continuous harassment of former British soldiers for good. This affects veterans in Brecon and Radnorshire and as part of Fay’s role on the Northern Ireland affairs committee, both of us are committed to seeing that these proposals are on the Statute Book as soon as possible. Sadly, almost a year after Westminster agreed the creation of a Veterans Commissioner for Wales with guaranteed funding from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, we both continue to fight for the Welsh Government’s co-operation.
Working with a cross-party group in the Senedd to look at ways of improving rural bus transport is invaluable for an area like Brecon and Radnorshire where access to public transport is so important in reducing isolation and helping with the basics of life, shopping, banking and the like. During the pandemic many constituents have been left stranded as a result of travel disruption due to poor communication and services and this work is addressing deficiencies ignored in Cardiff, Swansea and the Valleys but critical in our area from Llanbister, Llanwrtyd Wells and Llanspyddid
If we can help in anyway, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Fay & James
