Local AM reassures pensioners

Gwenda Thomas AM has been contacted by worried pensioners after a rumour has been gathering pace around her constituency that the concessionary bus passes will shortly be scrapped as a consequence of the UK government budget cutbacks.

Mrs. Thomas advised the concerned pensioners that the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government has had made it consistently clear that it has no plans whatsoever to scrap the highly successful and popular concessionary travel scheme.

Neither are there any plans to change the entitlement or eligibility criteria for the half a million people in Wales who currently benefit from the scheme.

‘I would like to reassure local people who benefit from the free bus pass scheme that there will be no change to the scheme – all that has happened is that the Welsh Assembly Government has simply run an audit of the reimbursement mechanism between the Assembly Government, local authorities and bus operators.’

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AM encourages Boiler Scrappage applications

Gwenda Thomas AM for the Neath constituency asks eligible pensioners to apply for the Boiler Scrappage Scheme Grant.

The grant of £ 500 towards the cost of replacing a G rated boiler with an A rated boiler is still available.

Mrs. Thomas has advised, ‘I have spoken to the scheme operators today and they assure me that applications are still being processed and that vouchers for £ 500 are still available.’

‘My staff have already directed dozens of pensioners to the scheme and I have received several phone calls from very satisfied applicants who now have new heating systems in place ready for next winter.’

This has been a hugely successful scheme across Wales with over 4500 vouchers issued so far and over 700 installers registered.

‘248 installers are registered in the Neath area so this has also provided additional work for local businesses, a welcomed boost during economically difficult times. When the vouchers are issued, details of installers are included in the pack, but always check with the free phone number supplied to select your preferred engineer.’


Notes
Please apply by telephone on 0800 316 2816 or online at www.heeswales.co.uk. If successful, you will be sent a voucher worth £500, which can then be presented to an installer registered with the scheme.’
If you are not sure if your boiler is G-rated you can check by making a note of the boiler number and contact the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 who will advise you on this issue or look on the British Gas website which has a search tool to calculate your boiler rating.
The key eligibility criteria of the scrappage scheme are:

• Applicants must be 60 or over
• Non-means tested
• £500 towards replacing an inefficient (G rated) boiler

Discover Debate Decide

Gwenda Thomas AM will be distributing copies of the new National Assembly for Wales school packs, 'Discover Debate Decide' to all of the schools in her Neath Constituency this week.

'I visit many schools in my constituency each year speaking with the staff and the children, and I am always delighted to see the hard work that they have done. These packs will help teachers and children alike to engage with the Welsh Assembly particularly in the next year leading up to the elections in 2011,' said Mrs. Thomas.

'I hope to visit as many schools as possible over the next academic year and sincerely hope that the teachers will take this opportunity to use the packs and information provided to link in with the National Curriculum.'

More information can be found at www.explore.assemblywales.org / www.chwilota.cynulliadcymru.org

AM SLAMS COALITION BUDGET

Local AM, Gwenda Thomas, warned that today’s Con-Lib budget will hurt Neath and the South Wales valleys.

The budget announced today included a package of welfare spending cuts and an increase of 2.5% in VAT.

Mrs Thomas said: “By slashing public spending and raising VAT this government will punish the poorest people and the poorest regions in the UK.”

“As figures published by the Financial Times today show, the impact of spending cuts in Wales will be more than 10% worse than the national average. A spending cut of 10% in social security benefits would mean an average a loss of 3.6% for households in the Welsh valleys.”

“Only last week Simon Hughes, Deputy Leader of the Lib Dems, admitted that VAT was a ‘regressive’ tax. As a flat rate tax it means that the poor will pay more as a proportion of their income than the wealthy.”

“People may also be tempted to rush purchases of expensive items before the VAT increase kicks in next year. We should be encouraging people to budget more carefully not pushing them to spend now and worry about payment later.”

“There can be no doubt the public sector pay freeze will have serious consequences for Neath. The number of people employed in the public sector in Neath Port Talbot is substantially higher than the national average.”

“What Mr Osborne didn’t tell us today was that the Treasury are now expecting inflation to rise to 3.4% next year. If they are right on this it means the supposed pay ‘freeze’ will be actually be a 3.4% pay cut.”

“The same is true for the freeze on Child Benefit. This, on top of plans to force single mothers into work the moment their child reaches school age, the scrapping of the Health in Pregnancy scheme and the Child Trust Fund makes this one of the most child unfriendly budgets for a generation.”

“I’m certain the public will see through the laughable attempts of Mr Osborne to spin this as a progressive budget. A progressive budget does not cut corporation tax by 4% whilst slashing welfare spending by £11bn.”

“At a time when the private sector recovery is still fragile maintaining public sector spending is vital. We’ve seen the consequences of overly hasty public sector cuts in other countries; in Japan it led to a ‘lost decade’ of appalling economic stagnation. This unfair and unwise budget not only punishes the poorest but risks throwing the country yet further into recession.”

GWENDA THOMAS AM FLYS FLAG FOR ARMED FORCES

Gwenda Thomas AM has called on local communities, organisations and businesses across her Neath Constituency to help celebrate Armed Forces Day this Saturday.

The day is an annual opportunity for the nation to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, and from veterans to cadets.

Labour AM Gwenda Thomas said: “I think it’s fantastic that we now have a day to formally thank our service men and women.

“I pay tribute to all our armed forces members, past and present, who have made great sacrifices to defend the UK and its interests and contribute to international peace keeping operations.

“The nation owes them all a debt of gratitude.”

For more information log on to the Armed Forces Day website at www.armedforcesday.org.uk

Poorest pensioners still benefit from Labour policies

Gwenda Thomas AM today received messages from several Neath constituency pensioners who had received notification of their £ 80 electricity bill rebate agreed between the previous Labour government and energy suppliers.



‘I have received messages via my constituency office from qualifying pensioners who had no idea that this rebate had been awarded to them,’ stated Mrs. Thomas. ‘One pensioner rang the office to check if the letter she had received was genuine saying that the extra £ 80 would be a ‘welcomed relief in these difficult times’.’



If you were 70 or over on 26th March, receiving the guarantee credit element of pension credit, were responsible for the electricity account where you live and not on a discounted tariff, you should receive notification automatically and it will be discounted on your next bill.



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More details on the scheme can be found on www.direct.gov.uk/energyrebate

June Surgery

Neath Constituency AM Gwenda Thomas will be holding her next surgery on Saturday 19th June at Resolven Library.

Mrs. Thomas will be available to meet with anyone who requires her help and assistance from 10.30 am until 12 noon.

Alternatively, if you cannot get to Resolven on Saturday morning, the AM's office in Pontardawe is open from Monday to Friday and her staff can be reached by telephoning 01792 869993.

AM voices concern over spending cuts

Gwenda Thomas AM for Neath, today expressed her concerns over the impact Government spending cuts would have on her constituents in Neath and surrounding valleys.

‘The net reduction, announced by the Coalition Government, in the Welsh Assembly’s 2010 – 2011 budget, totals £ 163 million, and will mean large constraints on our ability to maintain all the services we currently provide,’ said Mrs. Thomas.

‘We recognise in our current difficult circumstances efficiencies must be found and indeed we have already paved the way in the UK by scrapping the major Welsh quangos. However, we need to clarify the way in which the budget reductions have been calculated in Whitehall.’

‘We must ensure that any changes do not harm the most vulnerable in our society and one of my initial concerns is that of the Child Trust Funds being phased out. This will have a long term effect on children from disadvantaged families in our communities and also for children that are placed in care. This is not the way to reduce child poverty and its effect.’

Mrs Thomas stated, ‘Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Business and Budget, will be scrutinising all of the facts and figures which have been given to her department with a view to minimising the damage that cuts could bring to Wales.’

NEATH AM WELCOMES PLANNING DECISION

Neath AM, Gwenda Thomas, today expressed her satisfaction at NPT Council’s decision to give the go-ahead for a medical centre near Glynneath.

After a long running campaign by local residents the Council today granted planning permission for the Vale of Neath Primary Health Care Centre on the outskirts of Glynneath.

Mrs Thomas said: “I am delighted by the Council’s decision. I know from numerous constituent cases how much this new development will improve the quality of life of many people living in the Upper Neath Valley. I held several meetings last year with senior management at the Local Health Board and made sure that either I or my representatives attended local meetings on the issue.”

“Whilst this is excellent news for the Neath Valley we must make sure that this new development is not at the expense of service provision in other areas. Along with Cllr Des Davies, I am investigating the serious concerns of my constituents in Resolven, who feel they may lose their local surgeries."

Glynneath Town Councillor Eifion Jenkins said: “I’d like to thank Mrs Thomas for the support she has given the community’s campaign. I know it will be very much appreciated by the residents of Glynneath and the surrounding districts.”

Gwenda Thomas, AM for Neath, will today be submitting a petition against the closure of YGGD Y Glyn to the petitions committee of the National Assembly for Wales.

Mrs Thomas said: “I am proud to offer my wholehearted support to the campaign to keep the school open.”

The petition was organised by local parent Mrs Anna Wright and presented to the AM by Daniel Wright and Cati Lloyd, both pupils at Y Glyn. Cllr. Arwyn Woolcock, the Councillor for Lower Brynamman, thanked Mrs Wright for her sterling work in collecting the signatures.

Cllr. Woolcock said: “The number of names on this petition shows the real strength of feeling in the village. People are proud of the school and recognise how valuable it is to their local community.”

At the meeting with Mrs Thomas Mrs Wright explained the reasons for her determination to keep the school from closing.

“From my own experience I would rather a community school to a ‘super-school’ any day.”

“Before he came to Y Glyn my son was shy and withdrawn; since he has been attending the school he has blossomed. The small size of Y Glyn allows it to foster a supportive and nurturing atmosphere that has been instrumental in boosting Daniel’s confidence.”

“This school offers so much more than just primary education. I’ve personally benefitted from a self esteem course and a ‘Restart Course’ focussed on helping parents get back into work. They also offer weekly family learning sessions for parents who want to learn Welsh alongside their children.”

“I and the many other parents who either don’t drive or don’t have access to a car would find it impossible to take up these opportunities for personal development if they were transferred to Gwaun Cae Gurwen.”

“When I arrived in Lower Brynamman I knew practically no-one here. It is through Y Glyn that I have made friends and come to feel part of village life.”

Neath Port Talbot Council is currently consulting on the proposal to close the school and transfer the pupils to Gwaun Cae Gurwen.

Mrs Thomas said: “Mrs Wright’s comments demonstrate how much Lower Brynamman will irrevocably lose if the Council presses ahead with its plans. I would encourage any parents or residents with similar stories to contact the Local Authority to express their views. I hope the Director of Education will listen to opinions of the villagers and actively consider all alternatives to closure.”

CONSTITUENCY AM WELCOMES FREE SWIMMING AT WEEKENDS

Children and young people will now be able to enjoy free swimming and other leisure centre activities at the weekends.

Gwenda Thomas AM for the Neath Constituency welcomed changes announced by the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government to extend the scheme and said it encouraged tens of thousands of young people in Wales to take regular exercise free of charge.

A change to the minimum criteria of the current scheme, means that local authorities will now offer free swimming sessions or other leisure centre activities for children aged 16 and under on weekends as well as school holidays.

Mrs Thomas said: “Free swimming has been an extremely popular policy since it was introduced in 2004 by the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government.

“These changes will make the scheme even more widely available so that all young people can benefit all year round regardless of family income.”

“Free swimming at our excellent pool facilities in Neath, Glynneath and Pontardawe, allows youngsters to learn an important skill, enjoy themselves and keep fit at no extra cost, clearly a lifestyle to be encouraged at an early age.”

AM supports skillscymru event

Gwenda Thomas AM today recommended that local businesses get involved in the skillscymru 2010 event being held in Cardiff in September.

‘I urge local businesses looking to encourage and develop a skilled workforce to participate in the 3 day event being held on 16/17/18 September at the Millennium Stadium,’ said Mrs. Thomas.

skillscymru 2010 is a national initiative for Wales from the Welsh Assembly Government. The central feature is a three day interactive careers and skills event hosted at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, itself a showcase of Welsh vision, ingenuity and talent.

The event will host over 100 organisations from across Wales, the UK and internationally. Over 20,000 young people and adults will visit and benefit from meeting public and private employers, colleges and universities, sector skills councils, training providers and charities and advice bodies.

‘The event will include interactive stands and workshops, with celebrity master classes and skills competitions to entertain and inspire visitors.’

Outreach projects, for those who are unable to travel to the event, will include preparatory information and advance lesson plans for schools, themed social networking projects with discussion and advice forums and interactive video webcasts from the event.

Gwenda Thomas, Constituency AM for Neath advised, ‘This event demonstrates our commitment to increase skill levels throughout Wales to increase national competitiveness and success in business. All details for those wishing to exhibit or students and adults looking for career challenges in construction through to the hospitality and arts sector, can be found at www.skilsscymru.co.uk.’

Step closer to use of new lung cancer treatment

Gwenda Thomas AM has congratulated the diligence of campaigners and Welsh Assembly Health Minister Edwina Hart AM, in their support of the drug Gefitinib (Iressa) for the first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non small cell lung cancer.

Initial guidance by NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) did not recommend the drug but, after being given additional information by the manufacturers AstraZeneca regarding the effectiveness of the drug and a workable Patient Access Scheme, plus numerous responses to the consultation, NICE have been persuaded that the treatment can be considered a clinical and cost effective use of NHS resources.

Mrs Thomas has said, ‘This is fantastic news for patients. If NICE’s final guidance, expected in July, upholds the latest positive considerations, Edwina Hart AM, Minister for Health and Social Services expects the drug to be made available to all suitable patients in Wales as soon as possible.’

The Minister had contacted the Cancer Services Co-ordinating Group (CSCG), a lung cancer advisory group for expert advice before writing to the Chairman of NICE outlining her disappointment at their initial recommendations.

AM raises concerns over GP services in Tonmawr

Gwenda Thomas AM has been contacted by Pelenna Community Council expressing their concerns over the ‘poor provision’ of health care for her constituents in Tonmawr and Pontrhydyfen.

The branch surgery previously held at the community centre in Tonmawr has been withdrawn, with the result that patients are forced to travel to Cwmavon for medical treatment.

Mrs. Thomas said, ‘I have been advised by the Community Council that there are no direct bus services between Tonmawr and Cwmavon which is causing tremendous hardship to the most vulnerable members of the community. I understand from the complaints I have received that there are no other surgeries available in either Tonmawr or Pontrhydyfen.’

‘I have made contact with Edwina Hart AM, Minister for Health and Social Services and am also waiting for information from Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board.’