Heledd Fychan Canol De Cymru - South Wales Central

Here is a summary of my work in the Senedd and across the region over the last week:

Tuesday and Wednesday in the Senedd:

• Requested a statement from the Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism regarding the response of organisations within her portfolio to the cuts in the Welsh Government Budget. Many organisations have already initiated voluntary redundancy schemes, and compulsory redundancies are expected. Concerningly, some organizations, like the National Library of Wales, have recently changed the terms and conditions for voluntary and compulsory redundancies with little consultation. These changes will disproportionately affect young people and individuals who have taken career breaks, particularly women who have had families.

• Responded to the Educational Statement on Vocational Qualifications, emphasising the need for a comprehensive strategy and policies for post-16 education, not just vocational education in isolation. I raised concerns about the Welsh Government's decision to cut almost 25% from the apprenticeships budget. Read my full response here.

• Responded to the Welsh Government draft Budget for 2024-2025, expressing concerns about the cuts to the education budget and significant reductions in culture and arts funding. You can read my full contribution here.

• Participated in the first meeting of the new Cross-Party Group on Apprenticeships in the Senedd as part of Wales Apprenticeship Week 2024, where there was a constructive discussion about the impact of budget reductions and the need for better financial support for apprentices.

• Participated in the Health and Social Care Questions ballot, hoping to ask about the Welsh Government's support for the childcare sector in raising staff wages in line with the new minimum wage. Unfortunately, time ran out before my question could be answered in the chamber. However, I have received a written response, which you can read here.

• Raised a topical question about the effect of increasing tuition fee caps and cutting postgraduate support grants on the number of students likely to apply to study in Welsh Universities. You can read my question and the response here.

• Spoke in Plaid Cymru's debate on the NHS, urging the Welsh Government to declare a health emergency. I highlighted the challenges faced by patients in accessing medication and appointments in my region. Read my full contribution here.

Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to meet with various organisations and groups at the Senedd to discuss different campaigns and policy issues. These included Cancer Research UK, Colegau Cymru, Cats Protection (to discuss compulsory microchipping of cats), and animal rights groups campaigning to end greyhound racing in Wales. It was also great to welcome Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn's School Council and Eco Council to the Senedd.

Throughout the week, I also 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. I also had a wonderful evening meeting Cylch Cinio Merched Caerdydd to discuss my work in the Senedd, and why we need more women in politics.