Like many of you, one issue that has been on my mind this past few weeks has been the Post Office Horizon Scandal. Having worked in my parents post office as a teenager. I well remember the struggles they had transferring to Horizon and it’s appalling how sub post masters were treated. That’s why I think it’s right that individuals are held accountable, and Paula Vennells has handed back her CBE.
On a brighter note, I hosted an insightful day of discussions with local NFU Cymru members at Westminster to kick off the new year here in Parliament. Members of NFU Cymru outlined not just the difficulties in accessing cash in rural areas, but also the more intricate problems such as de-banking and the exasperating delays in processing essential cheques. These banking issues, exacerbated by poor internet connectivity in many areas, represent a significant operational hurdle for farmers and that is why I am having a meeting with the Treasury Economic Secretary. Once again making up for the overregulation and underinvestment in farming communities from the Welsh Government.
A recent highlight for me was visiting the new Brecon Mountain Rescue Team headquarters. Where I was pleased to see many new improvements and the team’s growth in capabilities over their previous base. With more storage for resources and a training area I am sure this new headquarters will play a vital role in watching over our beautiful mountains and ensuring the safety of visitors and residents alike.
I also had the pleasure of visiting Deri at Brecon Trailers to learn more about the business and to hear about an exciting charity fundraiser he is organising. A fundraiser involving a team of six who are cycling from Brecon to Hartland Quay, Devon, later in the year, with the aim to raise funds for the DPJ Foundation and Clovelly Lifeboat Station. A very impressive endeavour! Good luck to the whole team! I shall be looking forward to hearing about their success.
