Significant gaps in Budget on digital connectivity, transport, energy and R&D

Responding to the Spring Budget, Plaid Cymru Treasury spokesperson Ben Lake MP said:

“The extension of the Energy Price Guarantee to July will prevent a further increase to energy bills in April, but it is disappointing that the Chancellor failed to extend the Energy Bills Support Scheme or the Alternative Fuel Payments in today’s Budget. By opting for the status quo, the Chancellor has missed an opportunity to offer much needed support to off-grid households, and families that are already struggling with higher living costs.

Whilst acknowledging that the Health Board has opened a Rapid Diagnosis Centre in Llanelli, Elin Jones is calling on Hywel Dda Health Board to open a centre in Bronglais, in order to improve accessibility for urgent diagnosis for residents of Ceredigion and mid Wales. 

At the launch of an exhibition refugees from Ceredigion were a central part of the St David’s Day celebrations at the Senedd. 

In Wales, approximately 10,000 premises remain without decent broadband and 10% of the country’s landmass remains without 4G coverage compared with 8% of the UK as a whole and these connectivity black spots are even more abundant in the rural counties of Ceredigion and Powys. 

Ben Lake MP highlighted these issues during Welsh Questions this week, calling on the UK Government to prioritise those communities in Ceredigion, without decent broadband connection and poor mobile phone coverage, when it comes to the next phase of Project Gigabit – communities such as Lledrod, Pennant, Talgarreg, Cribyn, Abermeurig, Sarnau and Coedybryn. 

Rejoining single market must be considered as part of a ‘rational and pragmatic approach’ to food supply issues – Ben Lake MP

Plaid Cymru agriculture spokesperson in Westminster, Ben Lake MP, has urged the UK Government and opposition to recognise the “undeniable” impact of Brexit on the UK’s food supply.

68% of Welsh households could be in fuel poverty from April unless Chancellor postpones planned rise – Plaid Cymru

Plaid Cymru Treasury spokesperson, Ben Lake MP, has written to the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt MP, warning of “devastating consequences for families across Wales” unless the planned sharp rise to domestic energy bills is postponed.

The publication of the Road Review by Lee Waters MS at the Senedd yesterday brings a rethink on road investment in Ceredigion. 

The planting, which took place on Friday 10 February January is part of National Trust Cymru’s #GwleddYGwanwyn #BlossomWatch campaign, which commits to provide opportunities for more people to connect with nature, beauty and history, wherever they are in Wales.

As part of the campaign, the conservation charity is working with Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd across Wales to plant blossom trees in locations of their choice within their constituency or region – helping to develop blossom spaces that respect local setting, spirit of place and bring people and nature together.

Plaid Cymru politicians have urged the Welsh Government to commit to safeguarding the Bus Emergency Scheme which subsidises many bus routes across rural Ceredigion.