'It’s time we rethink how local government is funded'

MS for Delyn

Back in 2021, I was proud to stand on a manifesto pledge to explore the possibility of establishing a new national park in North East Wales. I truly believe it could bring significant benefits to our region, highlighting the natural beauty and rich offerings we have here. However, it's crucial that communities feel engaged and informed about the proposal from the outset – I was reminded of this during a summer meeting with Caerwys WI where, despite being in an area potentially covered by the new park, many were unaware of the proposal.

So recently I asked the Welsh Government for more details on the planned public consultation and how residents can share their views – the consultation is now open and it’s important that local residents share any concerns about what a national park could mean for the area. You can find out more information and take part at https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/waless-national-park-proposal-public-consultation.

On the subject of tourism, last week saw the launch of the next round of a Welsh Government tourism fund aimed at enhancing visitor experiences across Wales. The Brilliant Basics fund is a capital fund delivering small-scale tourism infrastructure improvements across Wales and it’s designed to deliver improvements in basic but essential visitor infrastructure, including accessibility, at strategic tourism destinations across the country to ensure that all visitors have a positive and memorable experience. The Brilliant Basics fund for 2025-2027 will see a further £5m invested to support local authorities and national parks to deliver improvements to tourist destinations which will benefit both visitors and local communities.

We’re all aware of the financial pressures facing both the Welsh Government and local authorities after 14 years of austerity, which have affected public services and those delivering them. In Flintshire – our local authority – concerns about the funding formula remain and I believe it’s time we rethink how local government is funded. One pressing issue is that border authorities like Flintshire and Wrexham are struggling to recruit and retain staff, due to competition with larger neighbouring councils offering better pay. I’ve asked the Welsh Government to explore ways to address this, whether through adjustments to the funding formula or other measures. It’s essential that we not only protect services but also support the public servants who provide them, in line with our commitment to fair work.

Last week marked World Mental Health Day, with a focus on workplace mental health. The day provided an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health and, during my recent Democracy in Action Day with local schools, support for mental health was raised by a number of students – Ysgol Maes Garmon students said that mental health in schools needed more support and resources, particularly for additional learning needs, while students from Flint High School said schools needed more trained counsellors to help young people. I was able to raise these issues with the Welsh Government in the Senedd and, during a committee session, I reflected on my own mental health and the positive role my dog played when we were discussing the importance of people being able to have pets in private rented accommodation.

During this week’s busy Senedd schedule, I also raised the ongoing issue highlighted by the RMT regarding the pay and conditions of Transport for Wales’ cleaners – after TfW brought cleaners in-house in 2020, which was a welcome decision, workers still face a two-tier system with differing pay and conditions. Our efforts must extend beyond legislation and they should focus on changing lives and ensuring positive outcomes for workers across Wales. While I recognise that social partnership structures differ from industrial relations and negotiations, they are interconnected – a strong social partnership can foster good industrial relations, while poor industrial relations can undermine it.

As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythynForDelyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait for an advice surgery.