The end of 2023 saw some big changes to my life personally with my wedding to my husband Tim. But also, as Brecon and Radnorshire’s MP in that, not only will I be continuing to champion the constituency I love, but also Wales since my appointment as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Wales Office.
My new responsibilities span Welsh agriculture, the Mid and North Wales Growth Deals, the Cardiff and Swansea City Deals, the Union, and enable me to more extensively hold the Welsh Government to account on education, health and many other critical services which I know from countless conversations over my time as an MP the Welsh Government fall short on.
I look forward to taking particular focus on Agriculture. The Welsh budget is next week, and an alarming £37 million has already been cut from the Welsh agriculture budget, there remains an enormous disparity between the fortunes of farmers in England and those of farmers here in Brecon and Radnorshire and I nervously wait for next week’s announcement.
I will also be focussing on Broadband, by working with various Government departments to drive more progress with distribution across Wales. In a happy contrast with my previous role, I will also be able to speak in the Chamber much more regularly.
The Autumn Statement certainly made for a busy start to my role and especially significant given the £500,000 awarded to Hay Festival and I really welcomed the cut in National Insurance.
I am really cross with the banks after the decision to close another branch in Brecon and Radnorshire. I have held meeting with the Banking Minister and Barclays and will do all I can to ensure constituents are properly serviced by the high street banks.
My inbox is open and appointments are available by appointment, please get in touch if I can help in anyway. Fay.Jones@[email protected]
