Newsletter August 2025

Welcome to my newsletter for August 2025

Five Cuts, One Clear Message: Stability is Back

Since Labour took office, the Bank of England has cut interest rates five times, clear evidence of growing confidence in the UK economy.

These reductions reflect falling inflation and a more stable financial outlook, helping ease pressure on households and businesses alike

Cash for your Organisation, Don’t Miss Out!

Our communities are fortunate to have a wide range of active community groups who work to make life better for residents.

I know that groups are always looking for funding and that access to funds are more important now than ever.

Join us between 11am and 1pm on Friday, 5 September 2025 at Merthyr Town Football Club, (Penydarren Park, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8RF) to discover what funding opportunities are available for your community group or charity.

Keeping Kids Safe Online: New Laws in Action

The UK’s Online Safety Act aims to enhance user safety online, particularly for children, by placing new duties on online platforms to tackle illegal and harmful content. Key aspects include promoting online safety, removing illegal content (including child sexual abuse, terrorism, and promotion of suicide), conducting risk assessments, enforcing age limits, and improving law enforcement’s ability to tackle illegal content. The Act also aims to preserve and enhance freedom of speech and improve society’s understanding of online harm.

Flavours and Fun at the Merthyr Tydfil Food Festival

Had a scrumptious time at the Merthyr Tydfil Food Festival! From sizzling street food to indulgent sweet treats and artisan stalls, the town centre was bursting with flavour, friendly faces, and local pride.

A huge thank you to the organisers for serving up such a brilliant day!

Secretary of State Visits General Dynamics

It was a pleasure to welcome  Jo Stevens for Cardiff East and Secretary of State, to Merthyr Tydfil.

I joined her on a visit to General Dynamics UK, where we heard about their vital work supporting the British Army and the highly skilled jobs they provide locally.

A fantastic showcase of innovation, industry, and opportunity, right here in our community.

Labour is Backing Small Businesses

Labour is backing small businesses.

We’re cracking down on late payments and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs with Start Up Loans.

Exploring Aberdare’s Regeneration Journey

Thanks to Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development, Mark Norris, and Officers at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council for highlighting the exciting regeneration work underway in Aberdare town centre.

Historic buildings are being brought back into use, and the heart of the town is being transformed—thanks to a powerful partnership of funders including the Welsh Government, UK Government, local authority, and private investment.

It was fantastic to hear stories of Aberdare’s past and see the vision for its future taking shape, delivering real benefits for the community.

How Wind Energy is Fuelling Local Change

I recently visited Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm with representatives from their Community Fund, followed by a stop at the Cap y Gymuned – Community Hub in Capcoch.

The visit highlighted how renewable energy investment is making a real difference locally. Grant funding is supporting vital initiatives like the food pantry and community hub, ensuring accessible support for residents where it’s needed most.

Labour is Cracking Down on the Epidemic of Domestic Abuse

The Home Secretary has announced a landmark package that will protect thousands more women and children from domestic abuse through direct targeting of the most dangerous offenders. £53 million will be invested over the next 4 years to rollout the Drive Project, which forces domestic abuse perpetrators who pose the highest risk to change their behaviour and stop their offending.

A further £230,000 will be used to expand Project Vigilant, which deploys specially trained officers to tackle predatory behaviour in public spaces and nightlife hotspots. Through the Safer Streets Mission, the Labour government is committed to the relentless pursuit of perpetrators who pose a risk to women and girls, whether they operate at home or on the streets, and intervening early to prevent further harm.

Signposted Cymru – Bringing People Together

It was a pleasure to join residents at Harlequins Bowls and Community Club in Trecynon, Aberdare, where Signposted Cymru hosts a weekly gathering full of conversation, warmth, and support.

Darren, Gareth, and the team do incredible work to bring people together and tackle loneliness. Their dedication is making a real and lasting impact in the community.

Merthyr Institute for the Blind Visit

I recently visited  Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind and saw how their Inactivity to Opportunity to Good Work programme is making a real impact.

The team is helping people move from unemployment into meaningful work, offering tailored support, building confidence, and opening doors to new opportunities. It’s a great example of how local organisations are changing lives through practical, person-centred support.

Championing Older Voices Across Our Communities

It was really valuable to catch up with Rhian Bowen-Davies, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, to talk about how we can strengthen the voice and involvement of older people across Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare.

We explored opportunities to work together on making sure older residents are heard, supported, and actively included in shaping the services and communities around them. I’m looking forward to building on this important work in the months ahead.

Glorious Day at the Vaynor Show

A brilliant turnout at the Vaynor Show, plenty on offer, and a fantastic atmosphere throughout. This event truly brought the community together.

It was also a great opportunity to catch up with the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team and hear more about the incredible work they do to keep our valleys safe. Their dedication and expertise are vital to the wellbeing of our communities.

Engineering Innovation and Opportunity in Merthyr Tydfil

It was great to visit General Dynamics UK in Merthyr Tydfil for an update on their cutting-edge work in defence manufacturing.

Even more exciting is their partnership with The College Merthyr Tydfil, which is set to open up new development opportunities for the next generation of engineers. It’s a real boost for local skills, innovation, and future career pathways.

Capcoch Inn Warm Hub

A recent visit to the Capcoch Inn Warm Hub was a great opportunity to catch up with Cllr Julie Cook B.E.M, who continues to do brilliant work across Aberaman.

It was a pleasure to spend time with regulars, hear about a few local concerns (which I’ll be looking into), and even call a game of bingo! The hub is a fantastic example of how local spaces can bring people together and offer support in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Out and About in Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare and Other Events

• Visit to the Cynon Valley Church coffee morning in Cwmbach, ahead of Libby and Lyn’s farewell celebration.
• Chatting to residents of Pant with the Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare Labour Party team. Visible, active, and listening all year round.
• Enjoyable sessions on the doorsteps in Heolgerrig, Cwmdare and Town ward, alongside Vikki Howells MS, Cllr Dai Chick Jones, and Cllr Ann Crimmings.
• A busy ‘Meet Your MP’ session in Ty Brynseion, Merthyr Tydfil.
• A number of meetings with local organisations, including Street Games and Royal British Legion Wales.