By Mark Isherwood

MS for North Wales

Speaking in the Business Statement, I again highlighted the problems disabled residents in North Wales are experiencing in applying for and obtaining Blue Badges and said that this critical issue requires “a Statement to the full Senedd, and an opportunity for Members across the Chamber to question the Cabinet Secretary regarding this”.

I also called for a Welsh Government Statement by the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing on the inclusion of Deaf people in the 10-year Mental Health Strategy for Wales, emphasising that “Wales is the only UK country without a Deaf mental health service, yet Deaf people are twice as likely to experience a mental health problem than hearing populations”.

Responding to the Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government on Building Safety, I asked what action she is taking with Local Authorities to address the concerns expressed by the Auditor General about the ‘absence of robust plans, clear decision making, and adequate resources’, so that they can ensure buildings in Wales are safe?”

Questioning the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, I warned that the significant hike in National Insurance announced in the UK Government’s recent budget will place huge pressures on charities and third sector bodies and impact their service delivery. I asked what support he will provide them.

As Shadow Minister for Housing and Planning, it was good to meet the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Housing in the Scottish Parliament, Meghan Gallacher MSP, to discuss the parallel causes of, and proposed solutions to, the SNP Scottish Government’s Housing Emergency and the Labour Welsh Government’s Housing Crisis.

It was also good to meet the Home Builders Federation’s Planning and Policy Advisor Wales to discuss some of the key issues facing the home building industry in Wales.

Other engagement included the Learned Society of Wales Annual Medals Ceremony, Royal College of Psychiatrists Wales briefing at which they showcased their ongoing work and research on public mental health, Children’s Commissioner for Wales event “Sharing the voices of care-experienced children and young people", a meeting with the Openreach Wales team, NSPCC Cymru’s Talk PANTS campaign, and helping Deloitte and the think tank Reform with their State of the State research for their 2025 report.

I also visited Coleg Llandrillo in Rhos on Sea for a meeting with the new Chief Executive of Further Education College Group ‘Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’, Aled Jones-Griffith, where discussion included challenges to post-16 transport and the impact of Welsh Government cuts to the Apprenticeship Budget.

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