By Mark Isherwood

MS for North Wales

Questioning the First Minister, I referred to the modified GCSE examination papers in some subjects which parents of a disabled pupil in North Wales were able to obtain for him, and called for the Welsh Government to ensure such materials are “are hardwired into future provision across Wales”.

Speaking in the Debate on “a Member's Legislative Proposal: A Bill on the regulation of debt collectors”, I shared concern about the issue the proposed Bill seeks to address, but noted that Senedd Lawyers have advised “a Bill to regulate debt enforcement agents would be outside the legislative competence of the Senedd”.

I questioned the Social Justice Minister over Welsh Government action to prioritise older people within its provision for tackling fuel poverty in Wales, referring to the Care & Repair report, 'Older People in Wales: Poverty in Winter 2023-24', which found that their clients will be spending, on average,19 per cent of their income on utilities, 15 per cent on gas and electric alone, putting them in fuel poverty.

Questioning the Counsel General over legal challenges the Welsh Government has pursued on matters reserved to the UK Parliament and Government, I stated, “isn't it the case that Welsh Government Ministers should stop wasting taxpayers' money pursuing fruitless legal action and instead focus on the powers it has and the services it is actually responsible for?”.

I closed the Welsh Conservative debate on Agriculture, which called on the Labour Welsh Government to ensure that no cuts will be made to the Basic Payment Scheme budget for 2024, noting that a failure to respond positively would also further exacerbate the issue of rural poverty. They voted against.

Engagements included Senedd Cross-Party Groups on Cancer, on STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine), on Tourism and on Small Shops, Anglesey Freeport briefing, Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony, SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association), Electrical Safety First - 'The dangers of E-transport batteries', and Chairs' Forum.

Other engagements included Chairing the Welsh Parliament Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee meeting; 'Coffee with Welsh Women’s Aid' event, which I co-sponsored; Senedd Christmas Carol Event; and recording an episode of S4C’s Pawb a’i Farn programme, to discuss the issues faced by disabled people.

I also visited Marine Centre Wales, Menai Bridge, part of Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences, for a briefing on their current projects and a tour around the world leading Research Vessel Prince Madog.

I wish all readers a Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy 2024.

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