Heledd Fychan Canol De Cymru - South Wales Central

Today, as noted by several of my fellow Members, the nation celebrated the centenary of the Urdd. And as we heard through the wonderful singing of our llywydd, as part ofthe celebrations, people of all ages were part of the Urdd's successful challenge tobreak two world records and sing Hei Mr Urdd.

In response to calls by Heledd Fychan MS for the publication of the remaining reports into the 2020 floods that hit RCT as a result of Storm Dennis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council have today published three further reports.

These cover:

• Treforest
• Glyntaff and Hawthorn
• Taffs Well

Next month marks the two-year anniversary since communities across Rhondda Cynon Taf and beyond were devastated by extensive flooding as a result of Storm Dennis. 

However, to date Rhondda Cynon Taf Council have only released 3 of the 28 flood investigation reports, 19 of which are Section 19 reports,  further delaying progress to prevent flooding in the future.

Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Culture, Heledd Fychan MS, has today hit out at the UK Government following media reports of an imminent announcement that the BBC licence fee is set to be frozen for the next two years.

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price has said his party is “ready to make a real difference” in 2022 as he unveils a reshuffle of his team in the Senedd.

Mr Price confirmed that Heledd Fychan MS would become the Spokesperson for Children and Young people, Welsh Language, Culture, Sport and International Affairs, Sioned Williams MS the Spokesperson for Post-16 Education, Social Justice and Equalities; and Mabon ap Gwynfor MS the Spokesperson for Agriculture, Rural Affairs, Housing and Planning.

My Christmas message above showcases the creations of Lois Rhodd from Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pont Sion Norton, Briallen Davies from Ysgol Gynraedd Gymraeg Gymunedol Llantrisant and Dosbarth A from Hawthorn Primary School – the winners of my Christmas competition.

Heledd Fychan MS and Bevans Butchers in Pontypridd teamed up again this year to put together a collection of christmas food hampers to distribute to local families in need over the festive period.

With the rising cases of Covid and the discovery of the Omicron variant, the Senedd was recalled to discuss the new regulations. This included closing nightclubs, returning to the rule of six as well as stopping spectators at sporting events.

With the climate and nature emergency an important issue for everyone, I wanted to encourage primary school children across the region of South Wales Central to design a Christmas e-card or decoration made from recycled materials.

During the pandemic, the use of food banks significantly increased,  with the Trussell Trust reporting an increase of 11% in demand between April and September 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. This figure is estimated to be much higher as it doesn’t include independently run food banks here in wales.

This growing trend is worrying and evidence that current policies don’t work with almost a quarter of people in Wales living in poverty.