A view from Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd
Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in their respective Parliaments and closer to home – you can find them all here.
In this month’s column Wrexham’s MS writes…
Earlier this month, Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford highlighted the significant financial pressures facing the Welsh Government in the coming months and years.
When outlining the budget for 2023-24, the Welsh Government drew on all its available resources to protect frontline services and provide targeted cost-of-living support to individuals and the economy.
But even after doing all that, Wales’ financial position after the UK Spring Budget in March was up to £900m lower in real terms than expected – and what the UK Government said Wales needed – at the time of the last spending review in 2021.
Not only is there less funding available to do all the things the Welsh Government has to do, there is less money to do the things it wants to do.
Unfortunately, we are all worse off after thirteen years of Tory mis-rule.
After a decade of austerity left public services fragile, a botched Brexit and the disastrous Liz Truss mini-budget made matters worse.
We are left with record inflation, rocketing mortgage rates and a cost-of-living crisis.
Work is taking place analysing where spending can be delayed or deferred, reprioritised or reduced.
There are undoubtedly difficult choices to make but the Welsh Labour Government will continue to do everything in its power to protect frontline public services and target support towards those with the greatest needs.
We’re facing significant financial pressures this year and as we prepare the 2024-25 #WelshBudget.
Difficult decisions are required to ensure we can manage within the funding available to us.
Morehttps://t.co/cwDjjTudDV pic.twitter.com/NHt2qhzinX
— Welsh Treasury (@WelshTreasury) August 9, 2023
Before the schools broke up for the summer, I had the pleasure of visiting St Peter’s Primary School in Rossett.
In a previous column, I mentioned I’d met pupils at the Senedd whilst they were promoting their ‘Project Seagrass’ campaign, which supports the protection and restoration of Welsh seagrass.
The children had a wonderful time in Cardiff and it was good to catch up and answer questions about my role as Wrexham’s MS.
Thank you to pupils & staff at @StPetersRossett for such a warm welcome.
My visit coincided with everyone in school dressing up as different musicians & pop stars from throughout history in aid of the #HelpHariRemember project, which helps increase dementia awareness pic.twitter.com/sCeK2gO7iF
— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) July 20, 2023
Year 5 and 6 students from Victoria CP School also visited the Senedd before the summer holidays.
Unfortunately, my busy diary meant I was unable to meet them in Cardiff so I visited the school to talk about their trip and take part in a Q&A session.
Welsh Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Wrexham, Andrew Ranger and I recently caught up with WeMindTheGap CEO, Ali Wheeler, to find out how their ‘Big Conversation’ initiative is progressing. Created by Moneypenny co-founder, Rachel Clacher, WeMindTheGap helps disadvantaged young people between the ages of 16 – 25 by delivering programmes that help them gain new skills and experiences.
.@asranger and I recently caught up with Ali at @WeMindTheGapUK to hear more about how their ‘Big Conversation’ initiative is progressing.
The charity is transforming people’s lives for the better, creating invaluable opportunities for young people who need it most. pic.twitter.com/3ST3BjbSjI
— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) August 16, 2023
Nominations are open for this year’s St David Awards and I’m encouraging Wrexham residents to put forward the name of their colleague, friend or family member who they believe is deserving of national recognition.
The St David Awards are the highest accolades the Welsh Government can bestow.
Now entering its eleventh year, the Awards reflect and celebrate the aspirations of Wales and its citizens. They also offer the opportunity to raise the profile of people in the community, praising those unsung heroes who do exceptional things day in day out.
There are nine categories and nominations close at midnight on 19 October, 2023. All the information can be found online but if anyone has any questions, please get in touch.
During the summer recess, as well as visiting The Royal Welsh Show in my role as the Minister for Rural Affairs, I also attended agricultural shows in Pembrokeshire and Anglesey, where I got to meet this fine trophy… it was encouraging to see how interested people from across the North Wales region are with Wrexham AFC’s current exploits.
♥️ @Wrexham_AFC @VancityReynolds @RMcElhenney @WxmAFCCommTrust pic.twitter.com/LaPhAdxQHX
— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) August 17, 2023
If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is anything I could help you with, please email me: [email protected] or call 01978 355743. You can sign up to my regular e-newsletter by clicking here.
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