Heledd Fychan Canol De Cymru - South Wales Central

Here's a summary of my week in the Senedd and across the region this week.

On Monday, I caught up with correspondence, met with the team to plan our work, prepared for the week ahead in the Senedd and met with Hugh Russell, the Chief Executive of Children in Wales.

Tuesday and Wenesday were busy days in the Senedd, and included:

Asking a question to the First Minister about support for individuals facing homelessness in South Wales Central. I raised my concerns about vulnerable individuals being housed in the old Toys R US building in Cardiff Bay as temporary accommodation.

I also requested a statement following an investigative piece published by The Sunday Times regarding cash for courses in universities. It was revealed that Cardiff University, among others, are recruiting foreign students with far lower grades than what we would expect from students from Wales. This means that local students are missing out on vital courses that contribute to the Welsh economy.

I participated in a government debate on the Welsh Language Commissioners Report, where the Welsh Labour Government rejected Plaid Cymru's proposal to introduce statutory Welsh language standards in the banking sector. Welsh should be accessible to everyone, especially when it comes to accessing essential services like banking.

I responded to the general principles of the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill and the financial resolution in respect of the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill which sets out thegeneral principles of the bill that looks at Senedd reform. I also was interviewed for Radio Wales and Radio Cymru on the issue.

I spoke in the debate on the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee Report, 'Behind the scenes: The creative industries workforce.' It was an insightful discussion about the challenges and opportunities in the creative industries. 

I also spoke in the debate and joined members in calling on the UK Government to include Welsh six nations rugby games in the free-to-air category for broadcasting purposes.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, I also met with several organisations at the Senedd to discuss various campaigns and policy issues. I attended an interesting briefing by the Bevan Foundation about the disadvantages in the current childcare system, and attended an inspiring speech by Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru about the future of Wales as an independent nation. I also met with Natural Resources Wales, NSPCC, was re-elected as the Vice Chair of the PCS Cross Party Group, and spoke at the Equal Power Equal Voice event.

In my role as Plaid Cymru's spokesperson for children and young people, I sit on the relevant Senedd scrutiny committee, and on Thursday,  we heard evidence about the Residential Outdoor Education Bill. This bill aims to provide every child in Wales with a week of residential outdoor education during their school life. We also discussed issues affecting children and young people with additional learning needs, and the impact of the draft budget on children and young people.

On Friday, I met with Age Cymru to discuss the accessibility of public transport for older people. Accessing public transport has become increasingly challenging, particularly in rural areas. Cuts to bus services have negatively impacted older people's ability to access essential services like healthcare and community support. This also contributes to isolation and loneliness. It's crucial that we get to grips with the issues affecting them. I also met with Maria and Sheena to discuss the need for a cats rescue centre or shelter in the Rhondda.

Throughout the week, I met with a number of constituents relating to casework, which is of course confidential in nature and central to my role, and helps shape my work and campaigning.