Over £900,000 to Regenerate Western Valleys Communities

Communities in Neath are set to benefit from £297,000 of funding from the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government’s Western Valleys Regeneration Area Scheme. The Amman Valley area of the Neath constituency will be helped with £172,760 of funding .

Bodies and schemes which will receive funding in the Amman valley include the Amman Valley Trotting Club, The Amman Valley Cycle Route and the Cwmgors workshops. Other recipients in Neath are the Fairyland Community Allotment, Fairyland and Cimla Youth Zones.

Gwenda said: ‘This investment is a marvellous boost to these communities, and is part of the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Governments commitment to re-invigorate the valleys locally, and to achieve social equality’.

Lottery Millions to Help Communities Bloom for Diamond Jubilee

The Big Lottery Fund in partnership with ITV, and with the approval of Buckingham Palace, is marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a special roll-out of four Lottery grants in Wales.

The £60,000 Jubilee People’s Millions awards that inspire or improve local communities are being made to new projects next year.

The Jubilee People’s Millions launches today (Friday 26 Nov) and builds on the success of The People’s Millions which has given the public the chance to vote on which local projects should receive lottery good-cause funding since its launch in 2005. Previous Welsh winners of People's Millions showed their support for the special Jubilee theme by planting a flower bed in the colours of the competition's logo outside Buckingham Palace.

Community groups across the UK are being invited to bid for a share of the £3.6 million from the Big Lottery Fund good cause pot. Finalists will be showcased on ITV regional news when the public will vote and decide which projects receive the Lottery Diamond Jubilee funding.

Gwenda said: ‘I would urge as many people as possible to think about what a difference £60,000 would make to their local area, and apply to the Big Lottery Fund to see if they can benefit from funding’.


Details of how to apply can be found on www.biglotteryfund.org.uk or by phoning 0845 10 20 30. Groups have until 4 February 2011 to get their entries in. The projects that receive the most votes will be awarded the funding next summer (2011), in order to be up and running in time for the Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee year, 2012.

Views Needed on Planning Permission

Welsh Government proposals to slash planning red tape have been opened to public consultation this week.

Gwenda Thomas today asked all interested parties in Neath to look at the draft changes and feedback their views to the Assembly.

Mrs Thomas said: “These changes will save time and money for both Neath Port Talbot Council and for householders in Neath. Clearly for this to work best we need to make sure we have got the detail of the regulatory changes right. This is why it is so important that property owners and developers let us know their views on the proposals.”

The proposed changes will simplify the rules surrounding permitted developments and give householders greater freedom to develop their properties without needing planning permission. Building on reforms introduced by the last Labour Government in England they will replace the current ‘volume based’ system with a regulatory regime based on the potential impact of developments.

Mrs Thomas said: “This will give the go ahead to more uncontentious developments but ensure that those that may have negative consequences still have to apply for planning permission.”

Details of the proposed changes and the consultation document can be found here, or by contacting Gwenda Thomas AM’s Constituency Office on 01792 869993.

News Of Linamar Closure

Gwenda Thomas said: "I am saddened to hear that Linamar is closing its doors at the end of this week and my sympathy goes out to the individuals and families who are being hit by this news."

"In the face of the company’s decision to close the doors my staff at my constituency office will be more than prepared to offer any help and support to those of my constituents who are affected by this decision.

"My office can be contacted by telephone on 01792 869993 or by e-mail at gwenda.thomas@wales.gov.uk."

AM Backs White Ribbon Day

Gwenda Thomas AM is backing a campaign against domestic violence on White Ribbon Day.

Gwenda Thomas AM said: “Alongside the Equalities Minister, Carl Sargeant, and my colleague, Joyce Watson, who is spearheading Welsh Labour’s campaign against domestic violence, I would like to express my support for White Ribbon Day.
“It is imperative that we all make a stand against violence against women and getting men, in particular, to sign up to White Ribbon Day is an important part of that.

“Currently nearly half of all women in the UK experience domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking – that is a terrifying statistic.

“Instances of Elder Abuse against women and men in Wales are also high. The Welsh Assembly Government has launched a three-year Dignity in Care programme which is focused on ensuring that older people are treated with respect and dignity”

“If you are in need of support, please call the Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 80 10 800.”

AM hails fundraiser a success

Gwenda Thomas AM was delighted to present to members of the RAF Association a cheque for £ 70 after a successful fund raising afternoon at her constituency office in Pontardawe.

Mrs. Thomas said, ‘I would like give my thanks to my staff for making the afternoon possible and to all of those who stayed up late the night before baking an array of cakes and biscuits.’

The ‘Brew for the Few’ event raising funds for the RAFA Wings Appeal was just part of the day which included selling hot drinks and cakes for the Macmillan Cancer Support’s ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ and selling crafts for the local charity, Treat Trust , run by Melanie and Mike Davies, for a state of the art rehabilitation centre.

‘I am pleased to report that a cheque has been forwarded to Macmillan Cancer Support for £ 60.50 and another £ 50 was raised for Treat.’

Office Manager, Dilys Richards added, ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the day and would recommend the experience to anyone who is considering organising a similar affair. I received huge support from all 3 charities and will certainly make it an annual event from now on.’

George Parsons, Honorary Welfare Officer for RAFA, said, ‘Brew for the Few events have been organised throughout the UK in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. I would like to extend our thanks to Mrs. Thomas and her staff for helping to raise the profile of and funding for the welfare of our RAF personnel.’

Rememberance Sunday 2010

It was once again a huge honour and privilege to attend the Remembrance Sunday Ceremony in Neath and to lay the Welsh Assembly wreath at the Cenotaph. I would also like to thank my representative for laying the wreath at the Pontardawe ceremony, this year being Councillor Mike James.

It was heart-warming to join with the people of Neath in honouring those who have lost their lives for the freedom of us all in Wales, the UK and indeed the whole world and honouring their loyal service to our country. It is a time to remember and reflect on the courage shown by our service men and women in conflicts past and present and to be proud of our freedom in a democratic united country which they have striven to defend.

Gwenda Thomas Supports Budget to Protect Healthy Schools and Skills

The constituency of Neath’s health and schools will be protected by the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government in its draft budget.

Social Services and Skills have also been protected as Business Minister, Jane Hutt, laid the Assembly Government’s draft budget this week.

Gwenda Thomas AM said: ‘Welsh Labour is putting schools and hospitals, as well as universal benefits such as free bus passes, free prescriptions and free school breakfasts, at the forefront of its agenda.

“The Conservative Liberal Democrat Westminster coalition government has imposed an incredibly difficult settlement on Wales, which has seen the money available for capital investment such as buildings and equipment slashed by 40%. Despite this, Welsh Labour will continue to stand up for the people of Neath. We are proud to put forward a Welsh budget for Welsh needs, and one that will preserve services.”

Gwenda said. “Vital help will be continued to be provided for the most vulnerable people in our society such as children and older people, and a commitment to universal benefits such as free bus passes, free school breakfasts and milk for primary schoolchildren will remain.”

Labour’s Business Minister Jane Hutt said: “In accordance with the best traditions of the people of Wales, we are resolved to uphold that commitment and support people, communities and public services throughout the difficult period that lies ahead.”

S4C Funding and Governance

Gwenda Thomas said: ‘It is well known that there have been problems with S4C and its regulation. However, S4C has always provided a high quality Welsh language TV channel, stimulated Wales’ creative industries, and provided an alternative to the other broadcasters in Wales’.

‘I do not believe that the change to funding through the BBC license fee which the Westminster government has imposed is fair or equitable’.

‘These changes should be subject to a review which recognises the quality of S4C’s Welsh language programming, and provide a secure funding source for S4C. This would maintain its independence. As there have been problems with S4C’s governance, this review should also devise new methods of regulating it’.

Changes to housing benefits will hurt hard working families in Neath, warns local AM Gwenda Thomas.

Department of Work and Pensions figures show 2,840 people in Neath Port Talbot will be penalised by changes to Local Housing Allowance (LHA), introduced by the Westminster Government. Those on LHA in the private rented sector who will receive less financial support and the UK average loss would be around £500 a year.
Mrs Thomas said: “£500 a year is substantial amount of money for those on limited incomes. There can be little doubt that this will make life far more difficult for many families.”
This figure includes 410 people in employment receiving much needed financial support, as well as 100 people over the age of 65. These are people working hard to pay their bills and use the allowance to cover their rent.
John Puzey, Director of Shelter Cymru stated: “We are very concerned that the changes outlined by the Westminster government will result in many more people falling into arrears and facing the threat of eviction and homelessness.”
Mrs Thomas said: “These changes in housing benefits are being rushed in and have not been thought through. They will hurt some of the poorest and most vulnerable in Neath.”

AM Visits Riverside Centre

Earlier this month I was delighted to have a chance to visit the Riverside Centre in Pontardawe and meet Roger Dutton (pictured), the project development manager of the site. This community space has recently been wonderfully restored and renovated by Arena Pontardawe. It is already hosting an imaginative schedule of workshops, classes and activities, with big plans for future expansion.

I would like to congratulate Arena Pontardawe on securing National Lottery and Y Gronfa Wledig funding for the project. With funding secured, with an excellent management team in place, and with the support of the local community I know this new venue is going to be a real success and make a genuine contribution to the economic regeneration of Pontardawe

Cautious Welcome Given to Job Figures

The latest job figures from the Office of National Statistics are encouraging but tough times may still lie ahead, Gwenda Thomas AM for Neath said today.

Data released today showed that overall employment in Wales was up by 22,000 on last year. In Neath Port Talbot the unemployment rate has decreased by around 1% year on year. This is the third highest decrease in Wales.

Mrs Thomas said: “These figures are undoubtedly good news for the economy of Wales. They show that job creation schemes run by both the Assembly and Local Authorities are bearing fruit and beginning to ameliorate the effects of the recession.”

“This said, we must remain cautious. The recovery is far from assured and unemployment in Wales is still higher than the rest of the UK. Unfortunately the spending cuts forced on the Welsh Government by the Con-Dem coalition will inevitably make it harder to ensure that the recovery continues. Nonetheless we remain committed to investing in skills, research & development and infrastructure to allow the Welsh economy grow and compete on the world stage.”

Anti-Bullying Week

Gwenda Thomas has backed a campaign to stamp out bullying in schools across Neath.

Gwenda Thomas AM said: ‘I fully support Anti-Bullying Week, which has been set up to encourage pupils, staff and parents to share best practice to stop bullying in our schools. Bullying, unfortunately still goes on far too much in school, and awareness must be raised, so that something totally unacceptable can be reduced’.

‘Anti-bullying week is an ideal chance for students, professionals and parents to get together and share experiences that will help them deal with and understand bullying. The message must be spread that it has no place in modern society’.

Funding Available for National Science and Engineering Week Activities

Schools and organisations in Wales are being urged to take advantage of funding from the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government to organise a raft of innovative activities and events to celebrate National Science & Engineering Week 2011.The ten day event will take place from 11-20 March 2011, and will play an important part in highlighting and promoting awareness of the importance of the STEM subjects - science, technology, engineering and maths.

Gwenda Thomas said: ‘National Science & Engineering Week will occur over the UK, and aims to encourage young people from all walks of life to engage directly with science, technology, engineering, and maths. The theme for 2011 is ‘Communication’. I urge all schools and organisations to apply for this funding, and the deadline is the 29 November. This initiative will hopefully encourage people to take up Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, and the more who are involved the better. These subjects are vital for the development of a vibrant and sustainable knowledge-based Welsh economy, and, of course, improve the youngsters’ qualifications and career prospects’.
Notes

This year up to 2 million people took part in over 4000 events and activities. With funds from the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government, the British Science Association will award up to £400 for eligible projects to schools and organisations across Wales.

The funding can be used for a variety of different things, including booking a science presenter, organising a memorable science fair or taking a class on a trip etc.

Applying for the fund is easy through an online form. The deadline for applications is 29th November 2010. Full eligibility criteria and activity ideas and resources can be found on the British Science Association website: www.britishscienceassociation.org/welshgrant or email nsew@britishscienceassociation.org; Tel 020 7019 4963

New Powers in School Discipline Welcomed

Gwenda Thomas AM has welcomed new powers coming into force which clarify teacher’s roles when it comes to discipline and exclusions.

The new powers under the Education and Inspection Act 2006 reaffirm teachers’ ability to:

• Discipline pupils on and off school premises,


• use reasonable force to prevent pupils from harming themselves and others and in some cases of serious misbehaviour,


• clarify the powers relating to confiscation of pupil’s property.

The new powers and guidance for schools released today will clarify what teachers can do when sanctioning pupils when they misbehave.

Gwenda Thomas AM said: ‘Children in school, especially those who are vulnerable, must be protected, treated fairly, consistently and know what behaviour is acceptable. Teachers must also be aware what powers are available to discipline children, and how to apply them’.

‘School, however, must be a place where positive behaviour is encouraged, and the need for disciplinary sanctions is reduced. Schools and colleges must become environments where an education is easily and enjoyably attained.’

The new powers come into force on the day that schools and further education colleges in Wales have the power to screen any pupil for a knife or weapon under the Violent Crime Reduction Act.

Guidance on the commencement of new powers under the Education and Inspection Act 2006 and Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 will now be sent to schools and will also be made available on the Welsh Assembly Government’s website.

Guidance on use of reasonable force and searching for weapons is available at the following links:

English

Welsh

Existing Inclusion and Pupil Support guidance is being revised to take account of the new powers on behaviour and discipline being commenced. This will be available on Monday 1st November at the following links:

English

Welsh