By Mark Isherwood, MS for North Wales

Speaking in the Welsh Parliament, I highlighted the findings of the 'County Lines and Looked After Children' report, published by crime and justice specialists 'Crest Advisory' on December 3, that looked after children in North Wales are being exploited and called for an urgent Welsh Government Statement on the matter, emphasising that this "must not be overlooked because of Covid".

Questioning the Housing Minister as Shadow Housing Minister following the First Minister's announcement of a level 4 lockdown for Wales, I asked "what scientific evidence to close the housing market does the Welsh Government have that England doesn't", emphasising the impact this will have on estate agents, particularly those operating in Wales/England border towns with the housing market open in England, and consumers anxious to secure completion before the end of the Land Transaction Tax holiday on March 31.

I also asked the Minister to outline her plans to respond to the housing shortage, given that prior to the start of the pandemic Wales was already in the midst of a housing crisis and that Covid has further hit the number of affordable homes being built.

In a further question to the Housing Minister, I emphasised the vital role that services funded by the Housing Support Grant play in preventing homelessness and reducing costs, and called for it to be increased in the next Budget.

I welcomed the signing of the North Wales Growth Deal, which will bring exciting and transformative economic benefits to the region, including thousands of well-paid and skilled jobs, and help unleash the full potential of North Wales.

Engagements included online meetings of the Flintshire parent support group with STAND North Wales CIC (Stronger Together for Additional Needs and Disabilities) as an invited speaker, the National Lottery Community Fund for an update on how North Wales local communities are benefitting from their approach and on aspects of their work, and the Cross Party Group on Muscular Dystrophy and Neuromuscular Conditions on the 'Impact of Covid-19 and gaps in neuromuscular services in Wales'.

As President of North Wales-based NWAMI, 'Networking for World Awareness of Multicultural Integration', I also attended their online meeting of NWAMI International Group, with attendees from Wales and Malta.

Other engagements included a pre-Christmas online meeting with my Mentee under the EYST Wales 'Routes into Public Life Mentoring Programme 2020/21'.

I send Christmas good wishes to all readers and hope that 2021 will be a better year for us all.

Stay safe. If you need my help, email Mark.Isherwood@senedd.wales or call 0300 200 7219.