'Generosity shown by Wrexham residents has, as always, been commendable'

MS for Wrexham

The ongoing atrocities being committed by President Putin in Ukraine continue to dominate the news and our thoughts.

Latest figures suggest more than 2.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since Russia invaded the sovereign European country just a few weeks ago. Wales is a nation of sanctuary and I am pleased the Welsh Government is supporting the UK Government’s ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme.

This launched last Friday (18 March) and enables people in the UK host refugees in their homes for at least six months. After some delays, I welcome the recent steps taken by the UK Government to make it easier for those fleeing the violence to apply for visas or sponsorship to come to the UK.

Wales has committed to supporting an initial 1,000 people in the first phase of the scheme.

The First Minister has been clear Wales will build on this and will take its fair and proportionate share of the Ukrainian refugees who come to the UK.

At a local level, the generosity shown by Wrexham residents has, as always, been commendable.

Local charities, such as Teams4U, received so many donations, the charity had to urgently source additional space to help store the items.

Lorries are now on their way to the Poland / Ukraine border and if anyone wishes to support the cause, all the information can be found on the Teams4U website.

As the cost-of-living crisis escalates, the Welsh Government has confirmed families in Wrexham will receive a cash boost to help with school costs. Household budgets are under significant pressure but this latest £13m support package will help families pay for school uniforms and PE kits.

The new funding will provide families in Wrexham and across Wales, who are eligible for help through the Pupil Development Access Grant, with a one-off £100 top-up payment in 2022-23 to help with the costs of sending their children to school.

It is part of the Welsh Government’s Household Support Fund and is directly aimed at helping households meet the rising costs-of-living. With fuel and energy prices soaring and new UK Government tax rises due to come into force next month, I am pleased the Welsh Labour Government has taken decisive action and is doing all it can to support parents and children.

If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please get in touch via email: lelsey.griffiths@senedd.wales or call my office on: 01978 355743.