By Mark Isherwood

MS for North Wales

Questioning the First Minister, I referred to the Broughton residents flooded in 2021 and raised complaints over the Council’s non-allocation of sandbags to vulnerable residents in known flooding black spots, including Broughton and Bretton in Flintshire, for Storm Babet in October 2023.

I asked, “What, therefore, is the Welsh Government policy or guidance on the priority distribution of sandbags to older and vulnerable residents in flooding blackspots”.

Following my recent meeting with Care Forum Wales to discuss their concerns over Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s care home fee uplift of just 3.71 per cent for 2024-25, I called for an urgent Welsh Government Statement on the matter.

Raising it again the following day with the Minister for Social Care, I emphasised that this is “putting pressure on providers to stop accepting new Continuing Health Care Patients and to give notice to their current Continuing Health Care funded residents, a distressing outcome that nobody wants to see”.

Questioning the Economy Secretary, I highlighted key programmes of the previous UK Conservative Government to grow the North Wales economy, including a new £160 million Investment Zone around Wrexham and Flintshire and the commitment to invest £1 billion in the electrification of the North Wales railway line, and asked what plans he has to take these forward with the new UK Government.

I also questioned the Cabinet Secretary over the promotion of fair work in North Wales, highlighting cases of Autistic people refused employment due to their Autism.

After attending the 31st May meeting organised by Cllr Debbie Owen to discuss Disabled People’s lack of access to the Wales Coast Path in Flintshire, I joined a working group meeting she organised to put forward improvement of the ''A'' frames barrier access at Dock Road Connah’s Quay to Shotton, to make it easier for disabled people, parents with prams, walkers and cyclists.

Other engagements included a meeting with STAND North Wales CIC (Stronger Together for Additional Needs and Disabilities) to discuss their Senedd Petition to “Make Blue Badge Applications Lifelong for individuals who have a lifelong diagnosis”, which has my full support; a meeting with non- profit Housing Association Taff Housing; and attending the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod evening concert featuring Gregory Porter.

I was also honoured to open and speak at Saturday’s 'Ali Fest 2024’, at Rhydymwyn Football Club, a music-based festival in memory of Alastair Thomas, raising awareness of the symptoms & complications of Type 1 diabetes, arranged by Ali’s Mother, Dee Pinnington.

For my help, email Mark.Isherwood@senedd.wales or call 0300 200 7219.