Social Services
I was delighted that the Deputy Minister Gwenda Thomas accepted my key amendment on advocacy services during lengthy debates at the Senedd on the Welsh Government’s new Social Services & Wellbeing Bill over the last couple of weeks.
Initially, Government proposals would have allowed Welsh local authorities to charge for those services if they wished.
This would have created inequality and many third sector organisations came out strongly against allowing charges for advocacy and been a barrier for people who needed access to social services.
It was vital that we ensured that people were enabled to have a voice and could take back some control over their lives. If they were denied that due to the barriers presented by charging for services, it would have become a human rights issue.
I’m pleased that this will now become law and I’m grateful for the support of the Older Person’s Commissioner and organisations such as Age Cymru.
Also as a result of my amendment on the issue of fostering I’m pleased that local authorities are likely to be allowed to support young people in their care up to the age of 22 – providing the individual and foster carer agrees.
More and more young people are remaining at home for longer these days – often because they cannot afford to move out because of housing costs.
It would be wrong for young people in the care of the state to be forced out from the age of 18 – they should not be treated any differently than anyone else. This is all about the state being a good parent and the costs involved are not forecast to be substantial.
Allan Pritchard
There have been some wonderful tributes to my great friend Allan Pritchard who passed away last week after losing his brave battle against cancer. My thoughts are with Allan’s wife, Pauline, children and grand-children at this difficult time.
Allan’s funeral service takes place at the Maes Manor Hotel, Blackwood, on Friday, February 28, at 11.30am. It will be followed by cremation at Gwent Crematorium at Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran (1pm).
Lindsay Whittle
Plaid Cymru South Wales East AM