Gerald Jones MP: Local authorities “still facing significant repair costs” after February floods

Urging the UK Government to provide promised flood relief funding for our communities

It’s now been more than four months since flooding devastated communities in our area and across Wales, and the UK Government still has yet to provide the funding which our local authorities desperately need to recover, despite a promise the Prime Minister gave me himself in February.

Our local authorities such as Caerphilly CBC, Merthyr Tydfil CBC and others across Wales are still facing significant repair costs, while trying to cope with the many additional costs associated with the response to coronavirus.

In Parliament earlier this month I urged the UK Government to finally step up and deliver the funding that was promised.

In his response on behalf of the Government, the minister confirmed that the promised funding would be provided, but gave no details on how or when. I’ll continue to press the Government on this to get the answers our local authorities need and ensure this vital support is delivered.

The Royal Mail Horizon scandal: calling for a full judge-led inquiry

When accountancy issues with the IT system Horizon, used by the Post Office in the UK, wrongly reported financial issues, sub-postmasters in our area and across the UK were falsely accused of theft, causing job losses, prison sentences and bankruptcies. 

While there have been investigations into the scandal, many sub-postmasters across the country, who have in some cases had their lives ruined, have yet to see any justice.

In Parliament this month I called on the UK Government to commit to a full judge-led inquiry into the saga, to finally get the justice and answers sub-postmasters need and rightly deserve after the years of misery they’ve had to endure.

Statutory sick pay during self-isolation: calling on the UK Government to fill the gaps

With contact tracing systems for coronavirus now live in all four countries of the UK, thousands of people will be asked to self-isolate to stop the virus spreading further, if they’ve recently come into contact with someone that tests positive.

However, many people both in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney and across the country who are self-employed or on low pay and don’t qualify for sick pay or similar support would be without an income for 14 days if they’re forced to self-isolate.

Earlier this month in Wales Questions in Parliament, I urged the UK Government to take action and fill the gaps in statutory sick pay immediately, so that no one is forced to choose between self-isolating or putting food on the table.

Water mains upgrades in the Upper Rhymney Valley welcome investment for our communities

I was very pleased to see work beginning on Welsh Water’s scheme to upgrade the water mains network in the Upper Rhymney Valley. The current mains network in our area dates back to Victorian times, and this investment to improve our local water quality is very welcome.

I’m grateful to Welsh Water for the engagement and keeping me and Dawn Bowden MS informed of the plans for the works, and they have given assurances that disruption, if any, during the project would be minimal.

Should any constituents have queries or concerns about the works I’d encourage them to contact Welsh Water in the first instance and /or to contact me on 01685 383739.