Heledd Fychan Canol De Cymru - South Wales Central

As we all know, energy, fuel and food prices are rising dramatically. Along with the cut to universal credit and the financial hardship many are suffering as a result of the pandemic, people across Wales are facing a cost-of-living crisis. Unfortunately, this will only get worse as prices continue to rise. 

On the 17th of February, I held a summit in Treforest on this issue bringing together organisations that offer support to people facing crisis, such as Citizens Advice and local food banks. We discussed how we could work together to ensure that everyone receives the help available to them, and that we work together to make more support available.

Here's a short video summarising the discussions: 

On the same day, Plaid Cymru announced a 5 point plan to tackle the cost of living crisis in Wales: 

1. Helping people with their energy bills - by expanding the Winter Fuel Assistance scheme for Spring.
2. Supporting children and young people - by accelerating the introduction of free school meals and increasing the Education Maintenance Allowance
3. Debt cancellation - council tax arrears and school meals debt
4. Housing assistance - by extending the Hardship Tenancy Grant and capping social housing rent increases and increasing the discretionary housing payments fund
5. Reversing the cut to Universal Credit - and devolve powers over welfare

The five-point plan shows how the crisis can be addressed directly here in Wales, to help people with rising costs, to cap bills where possible, and to allow more flexibility for people in work by expanding free childcare. 

In the meantime, if you, or anyone you know, is in crisis or need advice on any matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office for assistance either by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01443 853214.