Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal Democrats News Stories (Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal Democrats)

Feb 9, 2012:
- Assembly Member calls for Ministerial inquiry into health watchdog
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has called on the Health Minister to carry out an investigation into the circumstances behind the suspension of the vice-chair of the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Community Health Council, following claims that the code of conduct was used to stop her criticising health board decisions. Mr. Black was reacting to the resignation of two members of the CHC after they alleged that their views were being suppressed. Brendan Campbell and Jeff Jones say that decisions are being made by a select few, and that the code of conduct is being used to gag perceived troublemakers. In addition Mr Campbell claims that venues for meetings were not accessible to wheelchairs. Mr. Jones is also angry about the suspension of Alison Morgan over comments that she had made at CHC meetings. This suspension has now been extended for a further three months because the Health Minister has not reached any conclusions on her case. "I am very concerned at the way that the Community Health Council is being emasculated in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg area," said Mr. Black, "with the code of conduct being used to silence those who are considered to be troublemakers. This body is meant to be a watchdog, so it is right that members of it are free to criticise and raise issues that concern them in the way they consider appropriate. It is not for others to use codes of conduct to shut them up when they are raising legitimate questions. "I have raised this matter with the health minister on a number of occasions but there appears to be no progress in resolving it. I am sure that she will not be comfortable with the suppression of opinions on the CHC. It is now time that the Minister brought this matter to a head, with a formal investigation and swift conclusions." Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 13, 2012:
- Assembly Member calls for assurances on safety of Neath Port Talbot's Children's' Services
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has called for assurances that children in Neath Port Talbot are being properly protected following a critical report by the Social Services Inspectorate and the rumoured departure of the Council's Head of Childrens' Service, Mr. Black has written to the Neath Port Talbot's Director of Social Services setting out his concerns about the performance of the council's Children and Young People Service. His letter arises after having been approached by a number of concerned constituents, including professionals who work with children, who have set out their own complaints about the way that the Children and Young People Service works. Mr. Black had previously met with the Welsh Government's Deputy Minister for Social Services after working with a constituent on a child protection matter, whose experience of Neath Port Talbot's Childrens' Service raised many questions about how that section operates, its processes and the way that they manage risk Mr. Black said: "This is the second time in as many months that I have felt obliged to raise my concerns about Neath Port Talbot's Children and Young People Service publically. I do not do so lightly. However a meeting with a professional, who cares for children in Neath Port Talbot recently, highlighted additional concerns that reinforced the experience of a constituent I had been helping. "These matters included an alleged lack of continuity in terms of keeping the same social worker, the quality and timeliness of interventions, the size of caseloads, and a lack of joined-up working. These issues are all too familiar from an on-going complaint that I and my staff have been dealing with since July 2011. "Vulnerable children and families in Neath Port Talbot must be protected and helped. It is vital that immediate steps are taken to get to the root of the problems in Neath Port Talbot Children and Young People Service and put them right urgently. Changing the head of service is not enough, there needs to be full and on-going scrutiny of the department and immediate changes in practice. "The independent Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales has already said that they have identified a number of factors which 'impact on the authority's ability to provide a safe, high quality responsive service.' Continuity of care, a settled workforce and a full overhaul of the way that staff work must be the first priorities for reform of the service." Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 5, 2012:
- Assembly Member expresses concern at rise in workload for District Nurses in ABMU Health Board area
  Figures released to the Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for South Wales West, Peter Black, show a decline in the number of District Nurses in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, whilst at the same time the number of clients dependent on their services has increased by nearly one fifth. In Bridgend the number of qualified district nurses fell from 69.64 whole time equivalents in 2008 to 67.47 by April 2011. Over the same period the number of clients being cared for by the service rose from 4592 to 5435. In Neath Port Talbot qualified staff went from 74.49 WTE to 67.08, with the client base increasing from 3195 to 4418. Whilst Swansea's qualified whole time equivalent staff dropped from 94.981 to 86.481. Their client base remained relatively steady, rising slightly from 3127 in 2008 to 3427 in 2010. Commenting on the figures, Mr. Black said: "Despite the fact that ABMU Health Board have said that they are investing in community services and changing the skill mix of staff so as to meet demand, these figures still show a significant increase in workload for District Nurses and the Health Care Workers who work with them. "At a time when the Welsh NHS is seeking to get people out of hospital and provide more care for patients in their own homes, these trends are very worrying. My concern is that these increased workloads will take their toll on the health of District Nursing staff and increase stress levels. I am certainly supportive of the move towards more community medicine and patient independence where appropriate, but we have to have confidence that there is sufficient investment in the relevant services and support staff so as to deliver that safely. I hope that ABMU can give those assurances." Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 19, 2011:
- Assembly Member expresses concern about the safety of children's services in Neath Port Talbot
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has called on the Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas to closely monitor children's services in Neath Port Talbot following the publication of a highly critical inspection report. Although the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales said that there had been improvements in the Council's children and young people's service, they identified a number of factors which they said 'impact on the authority's ability to provide a safe, high quality responsive service.' These factors include the loss of experienced practitioners, a continuing high turnover of staff, the reliance on agency staff, high case loads for social workers, an increase in the volume and complexity of referrals, and inconsistent case recording. The inspectorate concluded: 'Taken together these factors pose a significant risk in respect of ensuring the welfare and safety of children in the authority.' Mr Black said: "I am very concerned about this report and the picture it paints of the way that Neath Port Talbot Children's Services operates. I have dealt with a constituent recently, whose experience of working with Neath Port Talbot's Childrens' Services raised many questions about how that section operates, its processes and the way that they manage risk. In fact I was so concerned that I met with the Deputy Minister to ask her to intervene. I know too that there have been a number of serious case reviews that also ask serious questions of the department. "I will now be seeking assurances that there will be much closer monitoring of the weaknesses identified by this report and that a further inspection is held within the next 12 months so as to confirm improvements are continuing to be made. The Welsh Government must not rule out a direct intervention if things do not improve." Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 30, 2011:
- £30 million of extra money for pensions in South Wales West
  It has been announced this week in the Westminster Autumn Statement that, as of April 2012, the basic state pension will increase by £5.30 per week, the largest ever cash increase in the basic state pension. Due to Liberal Democrat influence in Government, every pensioner in Wales will get a guaranteed rise in their state pension matching the highest of inflation, increase in average earning or 2.5%. This means that this year 109,870 people in South Wales West will get a rise of £5.30 a week, totalling £30,280,172 of extra money for pensions in South Wales West. Peter Black, Assembly Member for South Wales West, commented: "During these difficult times, Liberal Democrats in Government are making a real difference for today's pensioners. "The Liberal Democrats have restored the link between the basic State Pension and earnings broken by Thatcher. Labour had thirteen years to do it themselves and did nothing. Our 'triple lock guarantee' means that the basic State Pension will increase by whichever is the highest of earnings, consumer prices or 2.5%. The earnings link alone will give an average pensioner an extra £15,000 during their retirement. "Many pensioners will remember Labour's pitiful rise in the state pension of 75p, which was frankly insulting. This Coalition Government has given pensioners a guaranteed rise of inflation, an increase in average earning or 2.5%, which is the highest, for this year on." "I know this will be a great help for over 109,870 people in South Wales West as a pensioner retiring today can expect to receive around £15,000 more in basic pension over the course of their retirement than they would have done under Labour." "This new flat rate will particularly benefit women and will ensure future pensioners have the guarantee of a decent future, something the Liberal Democrats have been campaigning on for years and are now delivering in Government." Diwedd/Ends Notes to Editor: 1. The triple lock guarantee of a rise in the state pension by the highest of inflation, the rise in earnings or 2.5% was in the Liberal Democrat manifesto at the last General Election. 2. The Liberal Democrat manifesto also said that a Liberal Democrat Government would look into creating a simple, universal pension. 3. Please find the statistics attached Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 25, 2011:
- £450 to children most in need will lead to £5.8m boost for South Wales West Schools
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has welcomed the budget deal between Labour and the Liberal Democrats that will deliver an extra £450 directly to local schools for each child on free school meals. The total package will mean that schools in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend will have an extra £5.8 million to spend from May next year, targeted on the poorest children, who are already under-achieving. This breaks down as £2.57m for Swansea, £1.53m for Bridgend and £1.71m for Neath Port Talbot. Commenting on the outcome of the budget negotiations, Mr. Black said this was a good deal for schools that will go some way to closing the £600 per pupil funding gap between England and Wales: "Investment in local schools is the best way to break down the cycle of poverty, poor health and a weak economy," said Mr. Black. "Welsh Liberal Democrats have ensured that education has been given a much higher priority in the budget. "The pupil premium will begin to break the link, school by school, community by community, between poverty and attainment that has dogged our education system for so long." Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 18, 2011:
- Peter Black calls upon Football Association for Wales to help fight racism
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Equalities and Sport, Peter Black has urged the Football Association for Wales to issue a statement condemning FIFA President, Sepp Blatter's comments on tackling racism in sport with a 'handshake'. Mr. Black has signed a statement of opinion in the Welsh Assembly that reaffirms the principle that racism on and off the pitch is unacceptable. Commenting, Mr. Black said: 'I look to football to set an example not reassert prejudice. That is why I was particularly shocked by the laid-back remarks of Sepp Blatter. There should be a no-tolerance policy on racism for players, fans and officials. If FIFA fail to provide a lead on this matter then the Football Association for Wales should step in and do so for the game locally. "I am particularly proud of Swansea City Football Club's record on this issue as Wales' only Premiership side. Sepp Blatter's remarks have undermined their efforts to stamp out racism as well. That is unacceptable. This sort of hatred and prejudice needs to be challenged wherever it is found." Ends Note: The Statement of Opinion reads: The National Assembly for Wales: 1.Condemns comments made by Sepp Blatter President of FIFA that deny racism is a problem on the pitch in football and that any incidents on the pitch should be resolved with a handshake. 2. Calls on the Football Association of Wales (FAW) to issue a clear statement condemning Sepp Blatter's comments and reaffirming the FAW's commitment to tackling racism in sport. 3. Believes that racism on and off the pitch is unacceptable. 4. Believes that sporting administrators and leaders have a duty to challenge racism and its impact on players, officials and fans alike This story can be found on the following link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15757165.stm Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 9, 2011:
- UK Government urged to reconsider its Feed-in-Tariff proposals for alternative energy
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has added his voice to calls for the Westminster Government to reconsider its recent announcement of a reduction in Feed-in-Tariffs (FITs): the price that is paid to people who generate their own electricity and sell the surplus back to the National Grid. Under the current Feed-in-Tariffs scheme, those who fit solar panels to existing properties can sell any surplus power back to the Grid for 43.3p/KWh. The Government is proposing to reduce this rate to 21p/KWh for installations registered and fitted after 12th December, 2011. "The Welsh Liberal Democrat Group in the Assembly are concerned that this proposed change will undermine the Government's commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and the promotion of renewable energy," said Mr. Black. "It could act as a major disincentive for families and those who run community facilities to fit solar panels, and seriously jeopardises the UK's ability to reach its renewable energy targets." "I am also concerned at the impact of these changes on local jobs. One Swansea-based electrical company who contacted me expressed serious concerns about the speed with which this change is being implemented. He said that the backlash from customers has been massive already; with many cancelling, and requesting refund of their deposits. At the same time, his company are attempting to secure two to three times the proposed levels of stock, to allow them to get through as many customers as possible within the time allocated. He did not know if the company would survive the week." "There is no doubt that the FITs scheme has been a victim of its own success, with nearly three times as many applications received than anticipated, making the initial rates unsustainable in the medium to long term. However, I believe that by making this premature announcement, while the consultation on FITs reform is still underway, the UK Government is risking our long term renewable energy requirements for short term savings. The Government needs to rethink and I very much welcome the fact that the Welsh Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson, William Powell has written to Chris Huhne, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, to urge him to reconsider." Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 1, 2011:
- Assembly Member demands action on First Responders' clampdown
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has demanded action from the Health minister to resolve the dispute between the Welsh Ambulance Trust and the Fire Service over the first response scheme to medical emergencies, after an 89 year old lady in Rhossili waited 55 minutes for an Ambulance last week. Until recently, an agreement existed whereby part time firefighters in rural areas would respond first to a medical emergency so as to provide comfort and basic first aid. However, the Ambulance Trust has scaled back this activity so that fire fighters are now only called out to deal with five categories of call rather than the 140 categories previously. In the Assembly chamber today Mr. Black demanded a statement from the Minister as to how she will resolve this issue. "I understand that it is not always possible to get an Ambulance to a remote spot within the target times, which is why the first responder scheme was introduced in the first place," said Mr. Black. "The scaling back of this scheme has left many people without the support they need from the emergency services. "The 89 year old lady in Rhossili who was left waiting 55 minutes when a first responder could have been there in less than 10 is the latest to suffer because of this decision. It is time the Minister intervened to sort this out." Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Oct 19, 2011:
- Peter Black encourages South Wales West residents to take back control of their energy bills
  Peter Black and Duncan McCombie inspect the gadgets. South Wales West Liberal Democrat Assembly Member, Peter Black has teamed up with the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of his constituents in Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and Bridgend that the average home in Wales can save up to £280 a year by being energy efficient. He sais that with the cost of energy bills on the rise there's no better time than now for householders to take back control of their bills. He urged householders to take advantage of Energy Saving Week between 24th and 28th October 2011 to learn more about the options available to them. As people in Wales face ever increasing energy bills, Mr. Black was informed that everyday items such as TV's and computers are responsible for a staggering 34 per cent of the UK's carbon production. He was shown a number of nifty gadgets which can make day-to-day life easier whilst helping to reduce bills. One such item was the Eco Kettle? If everybody in the UK switched to an Energy Saving Trust Recommended kettle, then £270million in electricity could be saved annually. He was told that other household swaps like switching traditional bulbs for new, energy efficient ones can also make a huge difference. Newer style Energy Saving Trust Recommended bulbs last ten times longer than their predecessor and cost just £2 each, meaning a substantial saving of between £45 and £70 over its lifetime. Duncan McCombie, Energy Saving Trust director of operations for Wales, said: "It's been a pleasure to team up with Peter Black for Energy Saving Week. "Just a few small changes to day-to-day life can have a profound impact on the amount of energy being consumed and the carbon being produced as a nation. Energy saving works best when it doesn't mean huge lifestyle changes. We are all suffering from increasingly hectic lifestyles, and this Energy Saving Week we're really pushing the concept that changes needn't be difficult in order to take control of your bills." Mr. Black added: "We are all responsible for contributing to reducing Wales' carbon footprint. The cash savings that could go hand in hand with cutting energy use in households, means in these economic times, that there's never been a more prudent time to take up these tips. "I'd urge people across South Wales West to use Energy Saving Week as a kick-start to following a few simple changes in a bid to reduce carbon emissions in their area." This Energy Saving Week the Energy Saving Trust is offering householders in Wales the chance to win five top energy saving gadgets and an in-home visit from the 'Energy Doctor' who will help identify ways in which the winning home could save money on energy bills. To enter the competition please visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/wales For more top tips on energy saving go to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk For further information please contact Natalie Sibbald (natalie.sibbald@est.org.uk) or Lisa Wallace (lisa.wallace@est.org.uk) at Energy Saving Trust on 02920 468340 Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Oct 11, 2011:
- Peter Black wears it pink to fund a cure for breast cancer
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has joined forces with Breast Cancer Campaign to raise awareness of its award winning fundraising event, wear it pink day, supported by Vanish. On Friday 28 October 2011 supporters in schools, colleges and businesses throughout the country are encouraged to don an item of pink in support of Campaign and each donate £2 to fund innovative, world-class breast cancer research. Last year hundreds of thousands people took part in wear it pink to help improve survival rates for the one in eight women who experience breast cancer during their lifetime. Peter Black says "It is estimated that there are around 22,000 women and 150 men alive in Wales that have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I know people who have lost friends and family members to the disease and would like to encourage everyone in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend and throughout the country to support wear it pink on October 28, to raise valuable funds for breast cancer research." To take part in the UK's original and best pink day visit www.wearitpink.co.uk and register to receive your free fundraising pack now. wear it pink is supported by Vanish, which has committed to raising an incredible £250,000 for the charity this year. Ends Notes to editors wear it pink takes place on Friday 28 October. For more information visit wearitpink.co.uk. If required, higher resolution pictures are available from policy@breastcancercampaign.org Stacey Solomon and Sally Dynevor are celebrity wear it pink ambassadors. Photos available. Breast Cancer Campaign aims to beat breast cancer by funding innovative world-class research to understand how breast cancer develops, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure. The charity currently funds 105 projects worth almost £17.5 million in 31 locations across the UK and Ireland. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and accounts for nearly one in three of all cancers in women. In Wales, around 2,500 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year The Breast Cancer Campaign Tissue Bank, the UK's first ever national breast cancer tissue bank is a unique collaboration with four leading research institutions to create a vital resource of breast cancer tissue for researchers across the UK and Ireland. Visit breastcancertissuebank.org Visit breastcancercampaign.org or follow us at twitter.com/bccampaign. Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jul 23, 2011:
- Assembly Member calls for action on adult qualifications scandal
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has called for action after a survey carried out by the University and College Union showed that than one in every seven adults of working age in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend do not have a qualification. The analysis, from UCU, reveals 'two Britains' divided between the educational haves and have nots. It ranks the 632 parliamentary constituencies in England, Scotland and Wales according to the percentage of working age people (16-64) who have no qualifications. A total of 252,200 or 13.3% of adults in Wales do not hold any qualification, more than the 11.3% which is the UK average. Only Northern Ireland (20.4%) has a worse record than Wales. However, when the results are analysed by Welsh region, the South Wales West Assembly seat has 48,300 or 14.63% unqualified adults, above the Welsh average. The three poorest performing constituencies are Aberavon on 17.9%, Ogmore on 16.8% and Swansea East on 20.6%. Neath is also worse than the Welsh average with 13.8%. Mr. Black said: "The only way that our region is going to grow economically is if we have a skilled and enthusiastic workforce that is attractive to investors from elsewhere and to local entrepreneurs alike. This survey carried out by lecturers' trade union UCU shows how far we have to travel. "The situation that this piece of research highlights is not one that has come about in the last year, but highlights the way in which Labour have been content to let education standards slip behind the rest of Britain over their years in charge. What is needed now is action to put the situation right in our region and across Wales as a matter of urgency." ENDS Note for editors: details of the survey and a breakdown by constituency can be found here: http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=5676 Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
May 24, 2011:
- Ridiculous bus services result in journeys 15 times their length
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has expressed his disbelief at a local bus company recommending residents in Neath spend nearly 2 hours on a bus instead of the 7 minutes it could take. For residents of Banwen, Glynneath is the nearest shopping area, but no bus service connects the two, despite them being only 7 minutes apart on the A4109. The bus company operating in the area, First, suggested residents of Banwen use the services into the town of Neath to commute between Banwen and Glynneath. "This is a ridiculous suggestion" said Mr Black. "Local people will know that this journey in and out of Neath is 7 times longer by car than going directly to Glynneath, and that's without traffic slowing you down. But when you take into account the bus timetable and waiting for connections at Neath Victoria Gardens, you're looking at a journey 15 times longer than the direct route." "Glynneath serves many people in the local area with shops, a bank, a training centre and schools as well as a supermarket and a library. It is an important resource for the people of Banwen and other outlying areas, especially older people who cannot drive. "The two buses, one from Banwen to Neath and then Neath to Glynneath would take 1 hour 50 minutes including a wait of 30 minutes at the bus station for the connection. It's not acceptable for any customer to be making such a journey to access their local shops, especially those more vulnerable in our society. With the journey back a traveller could spend 4 hours of their day on the bus. "As beautiful as our countryside is, this is not a practical journey to enable people to access their local amenities. You would actually be quicker walking to Glynneath, but this is not suitable for many of the elderly residents, especially when laden with groceries or library books." "I have expressed my concern to First Bus Company and requested a route be established between the two locations." Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
May 16, 2011:
- Time to Remember Richard Burton - Assembly Member calls for Memorial
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has called for a permanent memorial to South Walian actor, Richard Burton. Following the launch of a new biography of the famous actor, Mr. Black says it is time for a permanent memorial to be placed in Burtons' home borough of Port Talbot. "Burton's birthplace is Pontrhydyfen in the Afan Valley, a beautiful part of South Wales. It is already a tourist attraction and I believe a permanent exhibition either in Pontrydyfen or in Port Talbot itself would be a great attraction to Burton fans" explained Mr Black. "In Swansea Dylan Thomas' house has been turned into a destination that commemorates his legacy. There is a permanent exhibition in the Dylan Thomas Centre and of course there is also a museum in the boathouse in Laugharne. Richard Burton's birthplace does not even have a proper blue plaque. This needs to be rectified as soon as possible. "I have been told that the Burton family has a great deal of material that could be housed in a permanent museum or other memorial dedicated to him. The Burton memorial could be linked to a wider trail of memorials for other famous South Walians, Dylan Thomas included. "I will be contacting Neath Port Talbot council and will be raising this matter with the new Welsh Government Minister for Heritage to ensure Richard Burton receives the recognition he deserves." Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Mar 16, 2011:
- Assembly Member urges Minister to list historic Port Talbot Building
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has urged the Minister for Heritage to review the decision not to list a historic building in Port Talbot. The Royal Buildings and Custom House in Port Talbot is going to be demolished by a Housing Association to make way for affordable flats. A previous decision not to list the historic buildings can be revisited by the Minister as new evidence has come to light. "These buildings are a part of Port Talbot's heritage as an industrial town" said Mr. Black. It is essential that we retain this part of the area's identity. All pre-1919 buildings are now regarded as part of our national heritage and therefore historic, so it is right that they are protected. "The need for additional homes can be met within these buildings through sympathetic renovation, which have occurred in listed buildings the length and breadth of Wales. I welcome the Ministers agreement to review the decision but must stress the urgency of the situation as the developers have already begun to clear the buildings for demolition. Before long there will be no buildings left to protect." Aberavon Liberal Democrat Assembly Candidate Helen Ceri-Clarke added: "The Talbot family built these historic buildings to office their industrial operations. They are a part of the history of the area and indeed, the reason the area has its name. It would be a travesty if these buildings were to disappear altogether. As a local campaigner I want to work with the developers to ensure the renovations can be sympathetic to the buildings and the environment as well as providing much needed social housing in the area." Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Peter Black pledges support for NSPCC Cymru/Wales Assembly election campaign to protect children
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has pledged to support the NSPCC Cymru/Wales 'I stand for children' campaign which aims to make child protection a priority for the next Welsh Government. Mr. Black said: "As a candidate in South Wales West, I am supporting NSPCC Cymru/Wales' new campaign to ensure protecting children is a political priority: I Stand for Children." The NSPCC's campaign is calling on candidates to commit to three child protection measures: Ensuring that funding of frontline children's social services is protected Tackling child neglect Ensuring that children are effectively protected from abuse in all sports settings in Wales NSPCC head of service for Wales, Des Mannion, said: "We need to make sure that the next elected Assembly Government keeps child protection high on its list of priorities. By signing up to our campaign, candidates in this next election can help. "The public can also help by visiting our campaign website and letting their candidates know what they want done." More information about the NSPCC Cymru/Wales 'I stand for children' campaign can be found at www.istandforchildren.com/wales or www.istandforchildren.com/cymru Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Mar 1, 2011:
- Electrification decision a step forward but disappointing for Swansea and South West Wales
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has expressed his disappointment that today's announcement on the electrifying the main line from South Wales to Swansea has stopped short at Cardiff. 　 Mr. Black was commenting on the statement by the Transport Minister this afternoon that he was proposing to invest in electrifying the Great Western mainline from London to Cardiff and in new trains to run from London to Swansea. 　 "There is no doubt that even though electrification will not continue all the way to Swansea, passengers traveling to and from the City, Neath, Port Talbot and Bridgend will gain from new rolling stock and faster journey times," said Mr. Black.　 "However, it remains a disappointment that we will not be benefiting from the full electrification project. This decision sends the wrong message to business investors about the South West Wales economy. 　 "Nevertheless, this is still significant step forward from the position left by the previous Labour Government.　 Gordon Brown announced an electrification project in 2009, saying that work would start immediately but nothing happened. Not only did Labour fail to put aside any money to pay for the project, they had not carried out the detailed technical work needed. 　 "This does not mean that this is the end of the matter. Heavy lobbying by the Welsh Liberal Democrats in particular, delivered a far more favourable statement than was expected. The government has left open the prospect of further electrification to Swansea and I welcome that.　 We will be using that opening to continue to campaign for that outcome." Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 15, 2011:
- Assembly Member expresses concern over Government failure to support Children's Centre in Port Talbot
  South Wales West Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Peter Black has challenged the First Minister in the Chamber to outline how he will ensure the Children's Contact Centre in Port Talbot gets the support and funding they were promised over a year ago. Child Contact Centres are a safe, friendly and neutral place where children of separated families can enjoy contact with their non-resident parents and sometimes, with other family members. The Centre in Port Talbot is a volunteer-run child-centred environment that puts the needs of the children first. In September 2009, The Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee recommended that the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) and Welsh Ministers draw up a funding strategy for Child Contact Centres in Wales, including those not currently funded, based on the principles outlined in their report. The Deputy Minister for Social Services accepted that recommendation. "Fourteen months later and we still haven't heard what the Deputy Minister intends to do" said Mr. Black. "Why hasn't the Minister informed us of the outcome of this evaluation and when can we expect to hear from her?" "The Contact Centre in Port Talbot provides essential support to children and their families. The First Minister himself described the Contact Centre services as "crucial" and the children as "vulnerable". And yet when questioned on the progress his Government is making on providing this support for children, he simply states "this process is ongoing." "It is not acceptable that the Port Talbot Contact Centre is still not receiving any public funding and is left facing an uncertain future. I urge the First Minister to speed up this 'process', so that Welsh children do not suffer. Notes: "Contact Centres provide support to children who are below the radar, not quite abused or damaged enough to alert the authorities but need to maintain positive contact with birth parents and family, which brings huge long term benefits to the children and their communities." Contact Centre Coordinator. CAFCASS Inquiry Recommendations: Recommendation 14 The Committee recommends that:- The Welsh Ministers consider, with Child Contact Centres in Wales and the NACCC, how Centres in Wales can best be represented and supported at an all-Wales level and in the wider UK context Response: Accept Recommendation 15 The Committee recommends that:- CAFCASS offers Child Contact Centres in Wales that they already fund, immediate three year funding arrangements at the level of their current funding Response: Accept Recommendation 16 The Committee recommends that:- CAFCASS and the Welsh Ministers draw up a funding strategy for Child Contact Centre's in Wales, including those not currently funded, based on the principles outlines in this report. Response: Accept I have commissioned CAFCASS Cymru to prepare an evaluation of the effectiveness of the current arrangements, including the provision of funding, in order to identify how balanced provision of contact services across Wales can be achieved. Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 1, 2011:
- First Minister challenged to consider environment in Port Talbot
  Following concern over the proposed increases to emission levels at the Prenergy biomass station in Port Talbot, South Wales West Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Peter Black has challenged the First Minister in the Chamber to outline how we will ensure the environment is protected. The Environment Agency believe that the proposed increase in nitrous oxide, sulphur dioxide and hydrogen chloride levels will not pose a risk to local people or air quality but Mr Black is concerned about monitoring at the plant. "The increase in emissions, in one case to over 8 times the previous limit is bound to have an impact on the air quality in the region," he said. "The owners have been trying to sell the plant for 18 months, as the availability of wood chip as a fuel has diminished. They have applied for a variation on the license so the plant can use wood pellets instead of woodchip. The Environment Agency are including a clause to ensure the wood pellets comes from sustainable sources "I pressed the First Minister to ensure the Environment Agency is able to monitor these new emission limits and the wood pellet fuel sources. Port Talbot already has poor air quality, failing previous air tests. The impact on biodiversity and the environment in the region, as well as the impact on the quality of life for local people if this application is approved will be immeasurable." Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 25, 2010:
- Assembly Member praises local Green List successes
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has added his congratulations to the six people from the Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend who have figured in this year's Green List produced by Cynnal Cymru- Sustain Wales. Cynnal Cymru-Sustain Wales is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that promotes sustainable development and provides practical information to help people live sustainably. Mr. Black said: "The great challenge of our age is how we can learn to live sustainably on this small planet. As Wales is the only nation to have sustainability built into its Constitution, it is up to us to take a lead. "Each one of these six people has made a real contribution to furthering the cause of sustainability in their activities, and it is good to see that their achievements have been recognised. "Through their various projects and actions Angela Payne, David Naylor, Deb Hill, Elizabeth May, and Professor David Warner in Swansea plus Mark Jenkins in Bridgend are at the leading edge of sustainability in Wales. "I hope that what they have done and are continuing to do will act as an inspiration to others in our region and throughout the country." END Note: The Green Heroes from South Wales West are: Swansea Angela Payne Bridgend Bridgend County Borough Council's Sustainable Development Team Swansea David Naylor Swansea Deb Hill Swansea Elizabeth May & Professor David Warner Bridgend Mark Jenkins Neath Port Talbot Ray Davies Swansea Sian Day and Shirley Price Notes: More information on the Wales Green List is available online: http://www.sustainwales.com/home/en/campaigns_greenlist.aspx Published and promoted by Peter Black, 1st Floor, 70 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5TN. This website was established while I was an AM and is paid for by me. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal Democrats

What would you like to do next?

Subscribe for updates

On a news reader website

In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

Help out or donate

Tell us what you think

Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal Democrats

What would you like to do next?

Subscribe for updates

On a news reader website

In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

Share this page

Help out or donate

Tell us what you think