A view from Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd

Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South constituency Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in Parliament and the Senedd, and closer to home. (You can view an archive here).

Wrexham MS Lesley Griffiths writes…

My previous Wrexham.com column was published at the very beginning of the two-week firebreak lockdown. The firebreak ended on Monday 9 November, as promised by the Welsh Government. By acting early and following the latest medical and scientific advice, the intention was to create a clear path leading up to the festive period, with businesses able to take advantage of the vital pre-Christmas trade.

Just like in the spring, the Welsh Government has since adopted a cautious approach, relaxing regulations gradually to ensure we secure all the gains we worked so hard for. Last week, I met with Cabinet colleagues to review the national measures. It was decided it was too early to ease any restrictions further so they will remain the same for the next two weeks, until the next review.

Enough time has passed for the authorities to start understanding how successful the firebreak was and the early signs are positive. Cases appear to have fallen and the amount of people with coronavirus in hospital is ‘stabilising’, according to the First Minister. Whilst it was not overly popular, the firebreak was respected and I thank the people of Wrexham for once again adhering to the strict regulations.

Coronavirus is clearly still at large and throughout the winter period, the message from the Welsh Government has been clear.  Altering the course of the virus will not be determined by government rules and regulations.  Our success lies in the hands of every one of us and we must all be responsible. I recognise a lot has been asked of people but following the rules and adopting this approach will give us the best chance of getting through to Christmas without the need for further restrictions.

If we all follow these rules together, we can stop coronavirus affecting our lives.

By meeting up with less people in safer places, we can protect our NHS and help our local businesses stay open safely. pic.twitter.com/q77Pze5sOi

— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) November 18, 2020

Two support schemes have been unveiled by the Welsh Government in recent days which may have gone under the radar.

Firstly, businesses in Wales will be able to claim £3,000 for each new apprentice they hire under the age of 25. The incentive, aimed at helping Wales recover from the impact of coronavirus, will be available to businesses that are employing a young apprentice for at least 30 hours a week. Welsh firms could also receive £1,500 for each new apprentice under the age of 25 they employ for less than 30 hours a week. There is also funding available to businesses who employ apprentices age 25 and over. These incentives will help safeguard crucial employment opportunities and demonstrates the Welsh Government’s longstanding commitment to supporting apprenticeships. As well as creating opportunities for people to develop new skills and build confidence, establishing more traineeships will upskill the nation’s workforce and help boost the economy at this turbulent time.

https://twitter.com/WGEconTransport/status/1326491961654652930

Secondly, a new scheme aimed at removing the financial barriers that could prevent people from self-isolating has come into force across Wales. Under the self-isolation support scheme, people on low-incomes can apply to receive a £500 payment if they have tested positive for Covid-19 or if they have been asked to self-isolate by the NHS Wales Test Trace Protect service. Asking people to self-isolate is an important way to break the transmission of the virus but for many people it can mean a loss of income which they can ill afford.

Applications are now open and payments will be backdated to 23 October 2020. All the information can be found here

https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1328383602011336705

It was a privilege to attend this year’s Remembrance Sunday Service in Wrexham. Regrettably, services across the country looked different this year, with no parades, bands or crowds allowed. Despite the setbacks during 2020, it was so important we paid our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Circumstances may be different this year but today we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.#RemembranceSunday #LestWeForget #Wrexham pic.twitter.com/c2BaK64c3O

— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) November 8, 2020

I am still coming to terms with the news that Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are set to become the new owners of Wrexham AFC. Many readers will know members of the Wrexham Supporters Trust voted overwhelming in favour of the takeover, with the final result revealed last week. The Trust deserves great credit for all they have done and I firmly believe this move will not only be positive for the club, but a boost for the whole town. Exciting times lie ahead!

https://twitter.com/lesley4wrexham/status/1328349120025817090

My staff and I are continuing to offer support and guidance to constituents during the pandemic. If there is anything you believe I can help you with, please email me at [email protected]. Alternatively, I am holding my latest virtual advice surgery on Friday. If you wish to speak to me, either by telephone or via Zoom, please get in touch to schedule an appointment.

Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South constituency Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in Parliament and the Senedd, and closer to home. (You can view an archive here).