Heledd Fychan: ...at this point in time are the services that people in our communities currently use and rely on, and the risk to the future of that service. That's why we're putting forward this debate, because of representations by those directly affected by proposed cuts to services. Looking at census data, which is really interesting, when you drill down in terms of car ownership, you get a picture of...
Heledd Fychan: ...tied. And I do hope that, whilst we are emphasising the problems because of the UK Government's prioritisations—and the wrong priorities, I would say, in terms of the UK Government—I hope those representations are being made now to the shadow Labour UK Government, because, obviously, they, if they are successful in the next general election, will be that UK Government, and we would...
Heledd Fychan: ...the voices of the children and young people of Wales. I think it shows in this report the value of having that key role of the commissioner to make sure that children and young people have that representation, but are offered those opportunities so that their own direct voices are heard. I think one of the things that I've reflected on, reading the report, was the fact that so many...
Heledd Fychan: ...all of the time isn't necessary, and we have shown that it can work through the COVID period. I am very disappointed to hear some comments from the Tories in the press today, talking about 'representation from the Senedd, not the sofa'. Well, we all have offices within our constituencies and regions; we can represent our constituents there. I also think that we need to bear in mind...
Heledd Fychan: ...in the plan, there are specific actions in relation to public appointments, but I want to ask specifically in relation to your portfolio, Deputy Minister: do you agree that greater diversity and representation within our public bodies is necessary, not only to provide equal leadership opportunities, but to ensure the best delivery of cultural services for all citizens of Wales? I would...
Heledd Fychan: ...an issue that I have previously corresponded with the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership on, as I know that she regularly meets with the Royal Mail, and she has, and I'm grateful for this, made representations previously on behalf of constituents. However, services in many parts of the Rhondda in particular are sporadic, with deliveries in recent months being once a fortnight in areas...
Heledd Fychan: ...has only made this worse. Whilst we, of course, welcome the fact that the Welsh Government extended the flexibilities to the discretionary assistance fund until the end of March 2022 following representations, this isn’t enough to solve the debt crisis in Wales. That’s why, as part of our motion, we have proposed exploring the possibility of legislation that would place a duty on all...
Heledd Fychan: ...of government support, fund and advocate a strong cultural component to their work.' 'Culture is ordinary', the famous words of Raymond Williams. But if we are serious about ensuring access and representation for everyone in Wales in terms of culture, then we must fund that. I very much hope that we will see this budget doing exactly that by putting right the historic underfunding and...
