In his regular blog for Caerphilly Observer South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle gives his take on recent news.
Youth Employment
Tackling youth employment is a key priority for me and I took part in First Minister’s Questions when the issue was raised.
As readers will know, Caerphilly County Borough Council is setting up and funding a work experience and traineeship scheme with the aim of creating 150 posts for young people.
I asked Carwyn Jones to commend the Plaid Cymru-led council for this initiative and urge all local authorities in Wales to set up similar schemes. The First Minister endorsed the initiative in Caerphilly by commending all local authorities in Wales to deal with youth unemployment.
Looked After Children’s Awards
There’s a myth that children who for whatever reason have had to be looked after in foster homes don’t achieve.
Well, I attended a ceremony held at Llancaiach Fawr when awards were handed out to youngsters who proved that myth completely wrong.
The ceremony was very emotional and quite a few tears were shed but it was a great night.
Children’s Rights
The Assembly approved the Right of a Child to Make a Disability Discrimination Claim, a measure which was widely welcomed by all parties.
As Plaid’s spokesperson on children, I asked the minister responsible Leighton Andrews to make every effort to ensure that young people were made fully aware of their rights. It is important that they have easy-to-read literature so that they can be made fully aware of their rights?
I’m pleased that the minister agreed that there would be widespread publicity and the Welsh Government would work with the Children’s Commissioner, the Funky Dragon and others to do this.
Recycling record
I was delighted to hear that Caerphilly County Borough Council’s recycling rate at 51 per cent was the highest in South Wales and one of the best in Wales.
Things have come a long way since 2007 when the rate was just 22%. There has been a determined effort to offer residents every opportunity and method to recycle and they have certainly bought into the council’s philosophy.
Lindsay Whittle
Plaid Cymru
South Wales East regional Assembly Member