From Jo Stevens MP <[email protected]>
Subject My Monthly Newsletter
Date December 24, 2024 5:14 PM
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As 2024 draws to a close, thank you for reading my newsletter and
taking an interest in the work I do on your behalf as your Member of
Parliament for Cardiff East and Secretary of State for Wales.
 
Season’s Greetings and wishing you and your family a happy, healthy
and successful 2025.

 

2024 IN REVIEW

2024 has been a momentous political year.

I was privileged to be re-elected to Parliament and following the
constituency boundary changes, become the first Member of Parliament
for the new constituency of Cardiff East. Before and since the
election, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many new  and
existing constituents across Cardiff East.

The general election also saw a UK Labour Government with a huge
majority, elected for the first time in 14 years. After so much
political chaos and instability over the past nine years, a stable
government with a big majority will provide the political and economic
stability that the country has been desperate for, for so long. The
inheritance left by the Tories couldn't be any worse, but we have
moved quickly to take the difficult decisions needed to get the
country back on track. 

As we look to 2025, I have written about the early achievements of the
government over its first  6 months. You can read my blog here
[[link removed]].

 

IN CARDIFF EAST

 

CHRISTMAS AT ROYAL MAIL SORTING OFFICE

Christmas is an incredibly busy time for Royal Mail workers with
millions of letters and parcels delivered in December. I joined the
staff at Cardiff's Royal Mail delivery office to witness the mammoth
effort that goes into delivering Christmas for customers across Wales
and the whole of the UK.
 
I was also pleased to bump into my local postie, Tim and thank him and
others for all they do to keep us connected to our family and friends
all year around.

 

SOUTH WALES FIRE & RESCUE

South Wales Fire & Rescue Service were on the frontline during Storms
Bert and Darragh, working around the clock to keep people and
properties safe. 
 
This month, I met with the crew at Cardiff Central Fire Station, who
talked me through their state-of-the-art fire and water rescue
equipment, and I learnt more about the technical skills, expertise and
knowledge the crews have in order to prevent fire, fight fire and
carry out rescues in a densely populated area of both domestic and
business properties. I am very grateful to them all for the work they
do, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

 

SPECSAVERS VISIT

It was a pleasure to meet Jess, Matthew and the team at Specsavers on
Albany Road to learn more about how they provide access to vital eye
and hearing health care and see the new technology that is
revolutionising both optometry and audiology.

We also spoke about how the store supports the local economy, through
careers in health care and retail.

The branch is open 7 days a week. To book an appointment, visit their
website or call 029 2043 7220.  

 

VISTA TECHNOLOGY

Vista Technology Support, based in Pentwyn, provides in-store
technology and specialist support to some of the biggest names in
retail, hospitality and leisure, including Lloyds Pharmacy, Monsoon
and Odeon Cinemas.

I visited the business to meet the senior team and hear more about
their growth strategy, which will mean more jobs in our local area.  

 

CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Small businesses are the heart and soul of our local economy and
communities. Over 98% of businesses in Wales are small businesses and
in Cardiff East, significant numbers of people are employed in them.

This Small Business Saturday, I launched my campaign to support small
businesses across Cardiff East, not just for that day but throughout
the Christmas period.

Thank you to everyone who suggested businesses to promote. You can
find all the businesses that have featured in my campaign here
[[link removed]]. 

[Video] [[link removed]]

 

NEW HOMES FOR LLANEDEYRN

Cardiff Labour Council has announced plans for a new ground-breaking,
energy-saving council housing development in Llanedeyrn.
 
The development will include 53 two, three and five bedroom affordable
and spacious homes, as well as nine independent living flats for
adults with learning difficulties. 
 
All homes will include renewable technologies such as solar panels,
air source heat pumps and electric car charging points to reduce
household bills and protect the planet.

 

Read more about the project here
[[link removed]].

 

WINTER READING CHALLENGE

The Winter Reading Challenge is back. This is a fantastic opportunity
to read with children and ensure that they keep up with all they have
learnt in school over the previous term.
 
Taking part in the challenge is easy, simply sign up, log the books
you and your child have read together and unlock digital rewards when
you complete the challenge.

 

Click here for more. [[link removed]]

 

PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

The deadline to apply for primary school places to start in September
2025 is fast approaching.
 
Parents are encouraged to use ALL FIVE PREFERENCES to have the best
chance of securing a school they want. Applications close on Monday
13th January 2025.

 

Click here for more.
[[link removed]]

 

CHRISTMAS WASTE COLLECTIONS

Over the Christmas period, your recycling & waste collection could be
later than usual. See below for the changes in collection dates.

 

USUAL DATE

LATE COLLECTION DATE

Wednesday 25th December

Friday 27th December

Thursday 26th December

Saturday 28th December

Friday 27th December

Sunday 29th December

Wednesday 1st January

Thursday 2nd January

Thursday 2nd January

Friday 3rd January

Friday 3rd January

Saturday 4th January

Wrapping paper will not be collected from recycling bags or sacks and
will need to be put into black general waste bins or bags for
collection.

 

CHRISTMAS TREES

If you have a real Christmas tree, you can bring it to one of Cardiff
Council's recycling centres or dedicated Christmas tree drop-off
zones.

Please ensure any decorations or packaging have been removed before
you drop off your tree.
 
Click here for full details of drop-off locations and opening hours.
[[link removed]]

 

CHRISTMAS OFFICE CLOSURE

So that my team have a proper break after an exceptionally busy year,
my office has now closed for Christmas and will reopen in the new
year.

During this time, we will be checking emails periodically. If your
matter is urgent, please feel free to mark it as urgent and we will do
our best to address it promptly.

 

If you need help or advice over the Christmas period, please take a
look at my Christmas contact list below. 

 

ACROSS WALES

 

A BUDGET FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

The Welsh Labour Government has announced its draft budget for the
upcoming year. This follows the UK Labour Government’s biggest real
term settlement for Welsh Government since the dawn of devolution.
£21 billion including an extra £1.7 billion for investment in our
NHS and other public services.

The budget sets us firmly back on the path to better public services,
providing extra funding for the things that matter the most to you.
Each Welsh Government department has benefited from an increase in
their budgets, this includes:
 

* Health & Social Care - An additional £610 million to support
frontline services and ensure our NHS is fit for the future.
* Economy, Energy & Planning - An additional £140 million to speed
up planning, support businesses and create new jobs.
* Education - An additional £111.6 million to raise school
standards and improve attainment.
* Transport - An additional £120 million to improve rail, buses and
roads.
* Climate Change & Rural Affairs - An additional £108 million to
protect coal tips, lessen the impacts of flooding and build
biodiversity.
* Housing & Local Government - An additional £399 million to
support local government services and deliver more homes for social
rent.
* Social Justice - An additional £9.8 million to help tackle
poverty and provide emergency support to those most in need.
 
For the draft budget to be implemented with that additional funding,
opposition parties in the Senedd need to vote in support of it,
otherwise that extra funding is lost, and the Welsh Government has to
revert to last year’s much smaller budget figure.

 

Opposition parties must now make the choice, support the Welsh Labour
Government's budget or starve public services of vital investment.

 

INCREASED FUNDING FOR PORT TALBOT STEEL COMMUNITIES

This government is acting decisively to support workers and businesses
in Port Talbot.
  

We are doubling the funding available to businesses and workers and
widening access to grants to ensure we support as many people as
possible.

In just four months we have announced more than £40m in investment.

We said we would back workers and businesses affected by the
transition at Port Talbot and we are doing exactly that.

While this remains a very difficult time for Tata workers, their
families and the community, we are determined to support workers and
businesses in our Welsh steel industry, whatever happens.

Read more about my announcement here
[[link removed]].

 

FIRST MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC ADVISORY BOARD

This month, I chaired the first Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group
meeting in Cardiff. 
 
Bringing together UK and Welsh Government, unions, businesses,
universities and industry, the Group will help drive a new era of
prosperity and growth for Wales through our UK Government modern
industrial strategy that will focus on key industrial strengths in
Wales, like advanced manufacturing, semi-conductors (microchips),
creative industries, tech and digital, renewable energy, financial
services and more.

 

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING IN NORTH WALES

I am focussed on growing the economy in Wales and ensuring that people
have more money in their pockets. The advanced manufacturing sector in
North Wales is a vital driver for economic growth.

This month, the Prime Minister set out our Plan for Change with the
priority of kickstarting the economy and raising living standards for
everyone.

During visits to Toyota, Magellan Aerospace and Triumph, I discussed
with staff and business leaders, my priority to champion our Advanced
Manufacturing in Wales, so businesses can invest, create new,
well-paid jobs and expand their businesses.

 

Read more about my visit here.
[[link removed]]

 

INVESTING IN NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING

The UK Labour Government is investing in neighbourhood policing,
recruiting 13,000 police officers, PCSOs and Special Constables to
make our streets safer.

It was great to join the new Chief Constable of Gwent Police, Mark
Hobrough, Police & Crime Commissioner, Jane Mudd and police officers,
contractors and the new Monmouthshire Labour MP Catherine Fookes to
open Gwent Police's new base in Abergavenny.

 

INVESTING IN TRANSPORT

I was pleased to welcome Heidi Alexander MP (UK Government Transport
Secretary , Lord Peter Hendy (UK Government Rail Minister), and Ken
Skates MS (Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport) to the
Wales Office to discuss transport in Wales. 
 
Under successive Conservative Governments, Wales hasn't had the rail
investment it needs and deserves. I want to change that, with two
Labour governments working together for the benefit of everyone in
Wales.
 
We also discussed the ongoing issues at Holyhead Port following Storm
Darragh. A safe operating environment is paramount for passengers and
businesses. The UK Government's investment in the Holyhead breakwater
will help to ensure the port is better protected in the future.

 

HISTORY MAKERS

 

The Wales Women Football team have made history, securing their place
at UEFA Women's Euros for the first time ever. 

 

The draw has now taken place and the groups confirmed. All that is
left to say is good luck to Wales Women. We’ll be supporting you
every step of the way.

 

IN PARLIAMENT

 

OUR PLAN FOR CHANGE

This UK Labour government was elected on the promise of change. To do
that, we have set out our Plan for Change with clear measurements that
the public can expect to see delivered by the end of Parliament:
 

* HIGHER LIVING STANDARDS - measured by Real Household Disposable
Income per capita. So, working people have more money in their pocket
as we deliver the fastest growth in the G7.
* POLICE BACK ON THE BEAT - 13,000 more officers, PCSOs and special
constables in neighbourhood roles and a named officer in every
community through our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee in England and
Wales.
* SECURE, HOME-GROWN ENERGY - bill payers will be protected as we
deliver Clean Power 2030.
 
We are also providing extra funding to the Welsh Government to help
them to deliver on key devolved priorities including:

 

* CUTTING NHS WAITING TIMES - targeting those waiting the longest
and in the most need.
* THE BEST START IN LIFE FOR CHILDREN - boosting standards in
schools and colleges.
* BACKING BUILDERS - accelerating planning decisions on
infrastructure projects and building new homes. 
 
Working together, we’ll kickstart a decade of national renewal and
deliver on your priorities.

 

WELSH QUESTIONS

The new UK Labour Government is working hard for Wales. At the last
Welsh Questions session in the House of Commons of 2024, I shared how
Wales is leading the way in delivering on Labour's missions to grow
our economy and make our country a clean energy superpower.
 
It was also an opportunity to highlight the importance of opposition
parties in the Senedd voting for the Welsh Labour Government's budget
to invest in Welsh public services and deliver on the priorities of
people across Wales.

 

Watch the highlights here
[[link removed]].

 

WATER (SPECIAL MEASURES) BILL

The UK Labour Government is taking decisive action to clean up our
water sector, tackle environmental degradation, and hold water
companies accountable after years of inaction.

Our Water (Special Measures) Bill will ensure water companies are held
to account and drive the investment needed to upgrade our crumbling
infrastructure after years of Tory neglect.

Read more in my recent blog
[[link removed]].

 

HOUSING OUR ARMED FORCES

Armed forces personnel make considerable sacrifices, along with their
families, to keep the country safe and secure. Yet many military
families are living in sub-standard housing, often with persistent
problems like damp and mould, when the very least they deserve is a
good home.
 

The UK Labour Government is determined to turn this around and deliver
homes fit for heroes. We will do this by bringing the military housing
estate back into public ownership. Doing this will also save the
taxpayer £230 million a year in rent. 

This deal will unlock a major programme of rebuilding and refurbishing
military housing and will help towards achieving one of the Prime
Minister’s priorities of kickstarting economic growth and boosting
housebuilding across the country. 

 

CLEAN POWER ACTIONS

The UK Labour Government's mission to become a clean energy superpower
requires bold and ambitious change. Working with partners in the Welsh
Government (planning decisions are devolved), we are offering an
optimistic vision of Wales's future, with energy security, lower
bills, good jobs and climate action. 
 
Our plan sets out new measures to get more home-grown clean power to
households across Wales by:

 

* Cleaning up the dysfunctional grid system by prioritising the most
important projects and ending the current 'first come-first-served'
process.
* Speeding up decisions on planning permission by empowering
planners to prioritise critical energy infrastructure.
* Expanding the renewable action process to stop delays and get more
projects connected.

We will now plan an energy system based on what Wales and the UK
needs.

 

PRISON CAPACITY STRATEGY

The Tories promised to deliver 20,000 new prison places by the
mid-2020s. They only managed to add 500 places to the prison estate
across their whole 14 years in power.

 

The prison system is now at the point of total collapse. Our plan for
change includes ensuring we have the capacity to imprison those
convicted of serious offences. Our 10-year prison capacity strategy
sets out how we will deliver this with £2.3 billion invested back
into prison building and a further £500 million towards vital
building maintenance.

 

More on the plan here
[[link removed].].

 

SITUATION IN SYRIA

This UK Labour Government stands resolutely with the Syrian people and
all victims of Assad’s tyranny. His fall is not just a victory for
the Syrian people, but also a blow to his allies, Russia and Iran,
whose attempts to prop him up have ended in humiliation.

As we monitor ongoing developments in the region, the UK will remain
vigilant and steadfast in supporting the Syrian people as they chart a
course toward a better future.

Read more in my blog
[[link removed]].

 

TOBACCO & VAPES BILL

Labour’s new Tobacco and Vapes Bill will be the biggest public
health intervention in a generation – breaking the cycle of
addiction and disadvantage and putting us on track towards a
smoke-free UK, ensuring that children turning 15 this year or younger
can never legally be sold tobacco.
 
This historic legislation will save thousands of lives and protect our
NHS. 

 

Read more about our plans here
[[link removed]].

 

[Labour Rose]
 

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