An issue that I regularly raise in the Welsh Parliament is the purchase of Gilestone Farm. The Labour-run Welsh Government purchased the site for £4.25 million without doing any due diligence, such as having a business plan before purchase. Recently, the Economy Minister said that due diligence will finally be completed before the end of March. To be frank, this is not good enough. Due diligence should be completed well before the Welsh Government spends millions of taxpayers’ money! The Minister also originally stated the deal was to secure the future of the Green Man festival, but the deal has been agreed with a company owned by an individual, not the Green Man Trust. It is my intention to keep on this issue and get to the bottom of how and why this deal was done.
I have also called for improved dental provision in our area, particularly for children and young people. I asked the First Minister to look into having dentists in schools to ensure that children have access to dental care. This is so important, as good oral health is key to good overall health and a prosperous life. I was pleased he agreed that the Welsh Government will explore this, and I await concrete details from Ministers in Cardiff Bay.
Finally, I’d like to celebrate the wonderful news that the Wales Air Ambulance will be retained in Mid Wales until at least 2026. Whilst there is work to be done to keep it in Mid Wales beyond that year, this is great news for the time being. I want to congratulate the Save Wales Air Ambulance Campaign for all their hard work, and I have been proud to stand with them.
If you have any issues, please do drop me an email at [email protected]
James