A view from Clwyd South’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).

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates writes…

On Friday, the First Minister set out how Wales will move back to Alert Level Zero.

Over the next two weeks, as long as the public health situation continues to improve, restrictions which have been in place since Boxing Day will be removed – starting with limits on outdoor activities and spectator numbers at sporting events.

A big factor in the Welsh Government being able to remove the protections put in place in response to the omicron wave is Wales’ incredibly successful vaccination campaign. More than 1.75m people have had their booster jab, with Wales continuing to lead the way in Europe.

While North Wales is ahead of the Welsh average, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board last week reported that around 100,000 people were still yet to come forward for their booster. BCUHB will be contacting everyone eligible to encourage them to attend a drop-in clinic as soon as possible. The health board said there will be minimal queues, so you could be jabbed in just a few minutes.

Before Christmas I raised the issue of the closed B5606 at Newbridge with the Welsh Government after being contacted by local councillors Frank Hemmings and Derek Wright and the announcement of a £175,000 grant to help Wrexham Council carry out the initial work required.

The Welsh Government awarded WCBC crucial funding for ‘ground investigation and detailed design of remedial works’, and the council is now awaiting a final report which is due in early February. It will then put together a business case for further Welsh Government funding.

Sadly, there has been a considerable amount of misinformation circulating about this issue over recent months, but I would like to thank Wrexham Council’s lead member for the environment, David Bithell, for the way he has sought to work with other elected members.

Everyone is frustrated that progress on this hasn’t been quicker, but all public bodies need to go through the same processes and the same due diligence when public money is being spent.

I look forward to Wrexham Council submitting a successful funding application as soon as possible, and I hope work can then get under way as a matter of urgency.

Hundred of people in Clwyd South have successfully appealed against cuts to their PIP in the last few years, and I want to encourage constituents who have their benefits reduced to appeal.

The charity Scope has also found that between July 2019 and June 2021 there were 12,579 successful appeals each month across the UK – which works out to a wrong decision being made every minute of the working day.

These support payments are a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and the fact that so many are being overturned shows the number of incorrect, unfair decisions being made.

These numbers also highlight why people should fight their corner. While many people have been successful in appealing and having their benefits reinstated, I’m concerned that many others might feel there is no point or don’t know where to turn.

It’s important that people know they can fight back and that help is available. Scope has some really useful information on its website, and there are also other organisations like Citizens Advice which offer support free of charge. I can also raise cases directly with the DWP should constituents wish.

I’m holding another virtual surgery on Friday, January 28.

Appointments can be held over the phone or via Zoom, and can be booked by contacting my office. The easiest way is to email [email protected], or you can call 0300 200 7114 or send a message through my Facebook page.

If all the slots get filled early and you are unable to get an appointment, my team and I will still be able to take up your case as normal. We will also be reviewing arrangements for future surgeries following the latest Welsh Government review of restrictions.

You can also find regular updates on my Facebook page and sign up to my weekly newsletters here.

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).