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Gerald Jones is the Labour Member of Parliament for the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency.

Increasing Take Up of Pension Credit

Recently, I was pleased to work alongside Citizens Advice Bureau to host a Pension Credit Action Day in both Merthyr Tydfil and in Rhymney. The Rhymney event was held at the Ael y Bryn Community centre and across the constituency, over 200 people attended.  Incredibly, in just one day we were able to increase income via benefit take-up by over £200,000. As CAB rightly stated, in a cost-of-living crisis this support is simply invaluable.

Visit to Sharp Medical

I was extremely pleased to welcome the Shadow Chancellor, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, to Rhymney for a visit to Sharp Medical. The visit co-hosted with Dawn Bowden MS gave an opportunity to see at first hand the hugely important work that this company does as an important local employer and indeed the challenges it faces. 

Sheep Trespass 

I continue to work alongside Dawn Bowden MS and councillors across the Upper Rhymney Valley to tackle sheep trespass following concerns raised by so many constituents across the area. Meetings are taking place with various departments of Caerphilly County Borough Council alongside Natural Resources Wales, commoners and Gwent Police. Please continue to report issues of sheep trespass, particularly on the highway to Caerphilly CBC.

Supporting our Police Officers

I was pleased to accompany dedicated officers of Gwent Police recently for a Saturday night shift across the Upper Rhymney Valley, similar to a shift with South Wales Police in Merthyr last month. The evening not only provided an opportunity to witness the dedication and professionalism of our police officers but also to see at first hand the challenges they face with finite resources. Our police officers and wider police family do an extraordinary job working hard trying to keep our committee safe. 

Visiting Fochriw Primary

I was delighted to spend a morning at Fochriw Primary School recently to meet the school council and speak to many of the young pupils who are taking part in the Mini Police Scheme. 

International Credit Union Day

To mark International Credit Union Day on October 20, I met with Smart Money Community Bank to thank two volunteers – Susan Davies and Susan Higgs – who have been hosting the Credit Union Collection/Service Point at Phillipstown Community House for 20 years. It was a great opportunity to thank them for their outstanding volunteering over so many years.

Get in Touch

During the current cost-of-living crisis, I am seeing more and more people contacting me for advice, help and support. I and my office team will do all we can to help. If you feel I can be of support, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing Gerald.jones.mp@parliament.uk or phoning 01685 383739.