Speech to Senedd on Welsh Government Budget March 2021

 MIKE HEDGES MS SUPPORTS WELSH GOVERNMENT BUDGET BUT ASKS FOR EXTRA SUPPORT FOR PUPILS TO RECEIVE FREE SCHOOL MEANS IF PARENTS ARE ON UNIVERSAL CREDIT AND EXTRA ENVIRONMENT FUNDING 

 

Speaking from his Morriston Office, Mike Hedges said… ‘I Support the Welsh Budget but it is not unqualified support. I feel more could have been done to support children whose parents are on universal credit and I feel that funding should be available to enable NRW to carry out its functions with regards to monitoring air and water pollution. 

The Welsh Labour Government has to construct its budget for the coming year against a difficult background and with a variety of uncertainties as to the future; more could have been done to support children and our environment and I will continue to press for this support to be provided if I am reelected in May.’

 

 

 

 

MIKE HEDGES MS

This budget may very well be replaced by a substantially changed budget in the first supplementary budget produced post May, depending on the result of the election. Whilst council tax funding is set for the year, all other areas of expenditure can be either increased or decreased. With less than nine weeks to go to polling day, it would be helpful if the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru produced their own spending plans, and actually made them balance. Plaid Cymru have identified a large number of areas they want to increase expenditure in, but have not identified where that funding is coming from. The Conservatives have a policy of cutting taxes and increasing expenditure, which, as we all know, is impossible.322

Whilst I will be supporting the budget, it is not uncritical support. Firstly, I am disappointed that money has not been found to provide free school meals to children of parents on universal credit from September when they return to school after the summer holidays. Hopefully, this will be resolved in the first supplementary budget.323

Secondly, I do not believe this budget is for a post-COVID world, with an expectation of mainly a return to March 2020. That seems to be the theme of an awful lot of people who have been speaking prior to me. Working at home, online retail and online meetings have become the new normal. There will be a small return to pre-March 2020 activity in these areas. We have seen the changes mentioned above become the new norm, which was the direction we were moving in pre COVID. I know a number of people thought the fourth industrial revolution was going to be artificial intelligence. They were wrong; the fourth industrial revolution is about home working.324

I would urge the Welsh Government to postpone road schemes that are not yet started until we see what demand is like. Certainly, I would again urge the Welsh Government to be very wary of using the mutual investment model. The National Audit Office found little evidence that Government investment in more than 700 existing public-private projects had delivered financial benefit. The cost of privately financing public projects can be up to 40 per cent higher than relying solely upon Government money, auditors found. Anyone who thinks that the mutual investment model leads to the private sector taking the risk is deluding themselves. The risk will be factored into any bid. Even an additional 10 per cent would cost £10 million for every £100 million contract.325

Turning to the environment budget, the environment is always a top priority for everybody in the Chamber, except for when we get to budget time. Then it makes its way down, unfortunately. I welcome some of the things the Welsh Government is doing in terms of the environment, like increased budget allocation for fuel poverty. I hope that it will be sufficient to deliver progress to meet the proposed fuel poverty target set out in the plan. I further welcome additional money for delivering home energy efficiency via Arbed and Nest. The expectation that 5,500 homes will benefit from Arbed and Nest, plus the many thousands who benefit from home energy efficiency advice from Nest, is welcome. Too many people in my constituency and others are living in cold, damp homes. Far too many people live in homes that are very expensive to heat, which affects everything from their health to their children's educational attainment. I also welcome the Welsh Government's energy service, providing support for public sector bodies to help them develop energy efficiency and renewable energy schemes. I'm also aware of public sector organisations using invest-to-save to improve energy efficiency. The public sector needs to lead on improving energy efficiency. I hope we'll get a further update on what invest-to-save has done to improve energy efficiency in the near future.326

Last August, the clean air plan for Wales to take a strategic direction on developing capacity and capability across Wales came in. If you believe, as I do, that the short-term reduction in transport is likely to be long term as more work from home at least some of the time, then air pollution from vehicles will reduce. I welcome the additional money for pilots to promote ultra low emission vehicles across the public sector. I also welcome the progress made by councils such as Swansea on increasing the number of electric vehicles they're using.327

I would urge the Government to bring in an extended producer responsibility for plastic packaging. An easy win would be for all wrapping paper and card to be just paper as opposed to plastic and paper or glitter coated. That can actually be achieved at no cost. Whilst funding for additional producer responsibility is not in the budget, the Welsh Government should get funding from its share of any expenditure from Westminster on this.328

Finally, I would urge the Welsh Government to look again at funding for NRW. When they cannot carry out basic air pollution and water pollution activity that the Environment Agency used to do, there is a problem. Thank you.

Mike Hedges MS 1. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i ddiogelu hawliau dynol pobl anabl? OQ56381 1. What action is the Welsh Government taking to protect the human rights of disabled people? OQ56381

 MIKE HEDGES QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT MINISTER ON WHAT WELSH GOVERNMENT IS DOING TO SUPPORT HUMAN RIGHTS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE 

Speaking from his Morriston Office, Local MS, Mike Hedges said….. ‘ I acknowledge that the Welsh government does a lot for disabled people but there is much to be done when it comes to supporting people who have hidden disabilities where they often face barriers which people with visibible disabilities would not face. 

People often make assumptions about disabilities and expect to see certain things; a lot of disabilities are invisible and people with such conditions face discrimination and worse as they go through their daily lives. An example of this would be the need for people with Colosotomy and Stomas to use diabled toilets and changing facilities. There is no outward sign they have any issues but they face significant problems if they have to use traditional toilet cublicles for their needs. I have met several people with these conditions who have been abused for using disabled toilets. 

The Welsh Government needs to engage in education programs so that the general public are more aware of the issues of hidden disabilities amd need to make sure that discrimination for hidden disabilities is tackled so that our fellow citezens can enjoy the same lives we have. 

Mike Hedges MS 

1. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i ddiogelu hawliau dynol pobl anabl? OQ56381

1. What action is the Welsh Government taking to protect the human rights of disabled people? OQ56381

Jane Hutt 

Deputy Minister and Chief Whip

Thank you very much for that question, Mike Hedges. The Welsh Government is committed to leading the way in eliminating discrimination towards disabled people. Our disability equality forum has led the way in highlighting the impact of COVID-19 on disabled people during the pandemic.82

 

Mike Hedges MS

 

I thank the Minister for that response. People with a disability, especially those with hidden disabilities like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, myalgic encephalomyelitis and deafness, often feel overlooked. What is the Welsh Government doing to ensure that more support can be given to people who have these types of disabilities to ensure they are not disadvantaged?83

 

Jane Hutt MS

I recognise the significant challenges, as the Member said, that people living with conditions like MS, ME, arthritis and deafness face. And, also, the additional impact, of course, that COVID has had on carers, friends and families. I know the Member recognises the social model of disability, which the Welsh Government is committed to using, and it makes that important distinction between impairment and disability, recognising that people with impairments are disabled by barriers that commonly exist in society. And we also recognise that not all impairments, as you say, Mike Hedges, are visible, and that hidden impairments must be given the same weighting. And the social model does support those with a hidden disability.84

I think it's important to recognise that, in our disability equality forum, we do have a broad membership, including the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, the Wales Council for Deaf People, the MS Society, as well as many other disabled organisations. And we've just employed a network of six disabled people as employment champions, who are going to be working with employers and recognising these hidden impairments, in terms of the barriers and the opportunities we have to overcome them.

 

 

90 Statement to Senedd RE John Hughes of Mynyddbach

 

Diolch, Llywydd. I'm going to talk about John Hughes. During the past year in Swansea we have been celebrating 'Calon Lân' with words by Daniel James, better know by his bardic name of Gwyrosydd. While not underestimating the importance of the words of the hymn, we must not forget the importance of the tune. When listening to Radio Wales in early February, I heard someone in America trying to remember a hymn from their childhood. They could not remember the words, but they could remember the tune, and that was instantly recognisable on being hummed as 'Calon Lân'. The tune was created by John Hughes, who was a Welsh composer who is best known for 'Calon Lân', but that's not the only thing he did. He wrote a number of other hymn tunes for cymanfa ganus in the Swansea area. He wrote the tune for 'Calon Lân' because he was asked to by Gwyrosydd, who knew how good a composer of tunes he was. He was from Pembrokeshire originally, and the house where he was born bears a plaque. There is also a memorial plaque in Treboeth. He worked his entire career in the Dyffryn steelworks in Morriston, starting off as an office boy, and ending up as a marketing manager. He travelled internationally with the company and taught himself six languages besides his native Welsh. He is buried at Caersalem chapel in Treboeth, and he has a granddaughter who still lives in Ynystawe. Although his name is not instantly recognisable, his tune is.

Mike Hedges MS encourages unpaid carers that aren’t registered with their GP to register for vaccine

 Mike Hedges MS encourages unpaid carers that aren’t registered with their GP to register for vaccine

 

Mike Hedges  MS is encouraging unpaid carers in Swansea East who are not be registered with their GP to complete a new online form which will help make sure they receive their Covid-19 vaccine as part of priority group 6.

 

Welsh Labour’s Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, has published guidance to outline who is eligible for a vaccine as part of priority group 6. Within the guidance eligible unpaid carers are those who are the sole or primary carer of someone who is at increased risk were they to catch coronavirus.

 

Those clinically vulnerable to Covid-19 include children with severe neuro-disabilities, those who are designated clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), adults who have underlying health conditions and those who need care because of advanced age.

 Swansea Bay University Health Board online form will be available on their website in the coming days. Further details can be found here: https://gov.wales/get-covid-19-vaccine-unpaid-carer

 

Once the form is submitted, the health board will arrange for the information to be uploaded to the Welsh Immunisation System (WIS) and a vaccine appointment will be issued.

 

Member of the Senedd for Swansea East, Mike Hedges, said: 

 

“I want to thank unpaid carers for everything they are doing. I know that many unpaid carers have put their lives on hold to care for vulnerable people during the pandemic.

 

“The guidance issued by the Welsh Government should provide clarity and relief to those who are in priority group 6 and I’m urging unpaid carers in Swansea East  who are eligible and not already registered with their GP to complete the online form.

 

“When you are invited for a vaccination, I would urge you to accept in order to protect yourself, your loved ones and those you care for.”

 

Everyone within groups 5-9 will be invited for a vaccination by mid-April. Those already registered as an unpaid carer with their GP should receive an invite in the next couple of weeks and do not need to complete the online form.

 

ENDS

 

 

Mike Hedges MS backs Welsh Labour Government’s mission for more prosperous, equal and greener economy

 Mike Hedges MS backs Welsh Labour Government’s mission for more prosperous, equal and greener economy

 

As Wales continues to navigate the many challenges of coronavirus, Member of the Senedd for Swansea East, Mike Hedges has backed the Welsh Labour Government’s mission for how it will work to reconstruct and rebuild Wales’ economy, so it is more prosperous, equal and greener than ever before.

 

The Welsh Labour Government has published its Economic Resilience and Reconstruction Mission which sets out how it will work to rebuild Wales’ post Covid economy so that it values and prioritises wellbeing, drives prosperity, is environmentally sound, and helps every person in Wales to realise their potential.

 

The mission sets out the values and priorities that will shape the Welsh Government’s decisions now and, in the future, so that people, businesses and Wales’ communities are supported to succeed and prosper.

 

Priorities include strengthening the everyday sectors of the Welsh economy, increasing the incidence of fair work across Wales and reinvigorating our town centres. There is also a focus on supporting firms to innovate and diversify, speeding up business decarbonisation and investing in climate resilient infrastructure.

 

This includes making available an additional £270m to support business through the Development Bank of Wales. Operating alongside other Development Bank support, this represents a major investment in accessible finance for business and will help Welsh firms focus on their long-term success.

 

Backing the mission, Member of the Senedd for Swansea East, Mike Hedges said:

 

“This last year has been incredibly difficult for all of us and while we continue doing all that we can to combat the virus, it is important to think about what comes next.

“I’m glad that our Welsh Labour Government is taking the opportunity to look to the future and reconstruct our Welsh economy with the fundamental goal of achieving long term well-being with dignity and fairness for people.”

As part of the mission, the Welsh Labour Government will maximise future major investments through ‘magnet projects’, which will attract longer term investments and provide important employment, skills, and innovation and development opportunities.

The Welsh Government’s Covid Commitment will ensure the impact of the pandemic leaves nobody behind and that there is every possible opportunity for people to retrain and upskill in new and high-growth areas.

The Economic Contract will also be refreshed and strengthened helping businesses to embed fair work, low carbon and climate resilience into their operations.

Mike Hedges MS added:

“The Welsh Labour Government has a clear, ethical and coherent vision for economic resilience and reconstruction, anchored on social justice. With the commitment of our people, communities and the businesses that make up our economy, we can succeed in building a prosperous, fair economy and future that works better for everyone.

 

“I share that vision.”

 

ENDS

 

Mike Hedges MS welcomes Welsh Labour Government’s budget to protect public services and boost Wales’ economy

 Mike Hedges MS welcomes Welsh Labour Government’s budget to protect public services and boost Wales’ economy

 

Mike Hedges MS has welcomed the unveiling of the Welsh Labour Government’s Final Budget which includes plans to protect public services and the Welsh economy, providing timely support to protect lives and livelihoods in the months ahead.

 

Building on the £320m reconstruction package that was announced last October, the Welsh Labour Government’s Budget delivers a further injection of £224.5m capital funding to support reconstruction efforts and stimulate demand and jobs.

 

This investment includes:

·       An additional £147m to ramp up housing programmes. 

·       And an extra £30m to accelerate the ambitious 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme, helping to support economic growth, sustainable jobs and training opportunities across the sector.

 

The new package also boosts the significant investment dedicated to flood and coastal defence in this Senedd term. An extra £8m will be invested to help local authorities and Natural Resources Wales repair the damage caused by flood events in December and January and protect communities in Swansea East that are at risk of flooding.

 

In recognition of the benefits of active travel for accessing employment, education and key services, the Welsh Labour Government is allocating an additional £20m for new schemes and infrastructure. This takes total planned 2021-22 investment for active travel in Wales to around £75m.

 

The Final Budget also confirms more than £630m to support the NHS and local government over the next six months as they continue to respond to the pandemic.

 

Member of the Senedd for Swansea East, Mike Hedges  said:

 

“The Budget published by our Welsh Labour Government today will help to inject investment, jobs and demand into our economy. And it provides the NHS and local government with the certainty they need as they respond to the challenges of the year ahead.

 

“The Welsh Labour Government knows that local businesses, which have been hit hardest by the Coronavirus pandemic, need certainty too. I’m glad that the Welsh Government has responded by providing the most generous package of business support anywhere in the UK, allocating more funding than they received as a share of the package in England.

 

“The measures outlined today protect our vital public services and our economy, build a greener future for us all and create change for a more equal Wales – a vision that I wholeheartedly support.”

 

The Final Budget also sets aside £200m in reserves for additional business support next year to respond to the evolving challenges of the pandemic.

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editors:

1.    The Welsh Government’s final Budget 2021-22 will be published here along with the associated documents.

 

 

Mike Hedges MS welcomes Welsh Labour Government ‘We’re in Your Corner’ campaign

 Mike Hedges MS welcomes Welsh Labour Government ‘We’re in Your Corner’ campaign

 

Member of the Senedd for Swansea East, Mike Hedges,  is encouraging local businesses to take advantage of the support available to them, as the Welsh Labour Government launches its new campaign to promote the important support available to help them deal with the continued pressures of Coronavirus and plan for a brighter future.

 

The ‘We’re in Your Corner’ campaign will encourage firms the length and breadth of Wales to take advantage of the skills and employment advice and guidance that is on offer through the Skills Gateway for Business online portal.

 

A range of support and advice is available, including developing the capabilities of staff and recruitment and training programmes. This will help businesses move forward through the coronavirus pandemic and thrive in the future.

 

Welsh Labour’s Economy Minister, Ken Skates said the ‘We’re in Your Corner’ campaign is crucial in supporting the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience and Reconstruction Mission which was launched earlier this week. It aims to reconstruct the Welsh economy so that it is more prosperous, fair and green than ever before.

 

The Welsh Government’s Covid Commitment, which has been supported by a £40m funding boost during this financial year, is a key part of the support offer to help anyone wanting to get into work, looking to retrain, or start their own business.

 

Welcoming the ‘We’re in Your Corner’ campaign, Member of the Senedd for Swansea East, Mike Hedges, said:

 

“The last year has placed incredible pressure on constituents and businesses in Swansea East.  We’re very lucky in Wales that we’ve got a Welsh Labour Government that has responded at pace to protect thousands of businesses and jobs, with a package of financial support worth more than £2bn – the most generous offer of support anywhere in the United Kingdom.

 

“I’m firmly in the corner of businesses, and this campaign will be crucial in ensuring businesses across Swansea East are aware of the support that is available to help meet the challenges and opportunities that today and tomorrow present.”

 

“I’m glad that our Welsh Labour Government will continue to do all it can to back businesses and people as we all continue to navigate these difficult and uncertain times.”

 

Businesses can find out more about the programmes on offer by calling Skills Gateway for Business on 0300 060 3000 or by visiting https://businesswales.gov.wales/skillsgateway/. 

 

ENDS