"With big change comes challenge and opportunity"

Just before Christmas the Welsh Government announced its provisional Local Government Settlement for 2021-22, with North Wales losing out once again.

The average increase for councils in North Wales is 3.34%, compared to 4.17% in South Wales and 5.6% for top-placed Newport. Although Flintshire, which usually receives one of the lowest settlements in Wales, is given an increase close to the Welsh average, this is still the 14th lowest amongst 22 Welsh councils and does not make up for Flintshire's years of Welsh Government underfunding, with the county having the second lowest reserves in Wales. It is also extremely worrying that Wrexham is set to receive the second lowest funding increase in Wales, at just 2.3%.

Speaking in the Welsh Government Debate on 'The End of the Transition Period' during the recalled Welsh Parliament on December 30, I said "Our UK has secured a Trade Deal with the EU that many thought was impossible", which will "take back control of our money, borders, laws and trade, whilst providing Welsh businesses with access to the EU market" and meeting "the UK Government's commitment to maintain high standards". I concluded "the Deal allows politics to move on and devote its energies to the future. But with big change comes challenge and opportunity. As the Prime Minister said, 'Freedom is what you make of it'".

During a briefing for Welsh Conservative MPs and MSs with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, arranged given the volume of correspondence we are all receiving in relation to the Welsh Government's rollout of coronavirus vaccines in North Wales, I asked a number of questions raised by anxious constituents.

It was deeply concerning to learn that 95 patients contracted Covid-19 while receiving treatment at Wrexham Maelor Hospital in November 2020 - up from five the preceding month, an increase of 1,800%. The Welsh Government needs to launch an immediate investigation into the cause of this spike.

As Shadow Housing Minister I had an online meeting with both Community Housing Cymru and Cymorth Cymru to discuss protection for tenants, housing associations and third sector housing support providers.

Other online engagements included Cross Party Group for North Wales, for a briefing and discussion on the North Wales Growth Deal, and meeting a Flintshire-based academic to discuss research for his Phd in Psychology, to improve support for Autistic individuals, increase politicians' knowledge and understanding of Autistic Spectrum Conditions and neurodiversity, and evidence the need for a Wales Autism Act.

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