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 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
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
Jun 15, 2011:
- Peter Black talks diabetes to mark Diabetes Week
  South Wales West Assembly Member, Peter Black helped Diabetes UK Cymru to talk diabetes by meeting people living with the condition at the Welsh Assembly to mark Diabetes Week. More than 28,000 people in South Wales West are now diagnosed with diabetes, a number which is growing every year. During the event, held from 12.30pm to 2pm, Mr. Black met the charity's volunteers to talk about their experiences of living with the condition and discovered what is being done to support people with diabetes inWales. He met several volunteers from his region includingWarrenKingstonfromSwanseaand Karl Landeg from Maesteg, who have Type 2 diabetes, and Paula Jarrett from Bridgend, whose daughter has Type 1 diabetes. The event was inspired by the theme of Diabetes Week 2011, which is 'let's talk diabetes'. Mr. Black said: "As more than 28,000 people in South Wales West are now diagnosed with diabetes, I was delighted to show my support for Diabetes Week and Diabetes UK Cymru by attending this event at the Assembly. "The event was a chance for me to meet people living with the condition inWalesand hear their stories. "By talking about diabetes both at this event and outside it, we can help raise awareness about this serious lifelong condition and the differing experiences of people living with diabetes throughoutWales." Dai Williams, National Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said: "We would like to say a big thank you to Peter Black for helping us to mark Diabetes Week in the Welsh Assembly. "Diabetes is rapidly rising inWalesand as more people are diagnosed we need to talk diabetes everywhere we can to help people to understand the condition and the support available to them. "Diabetes UK Cymru can provide advice, support and information to people with diabetes and their families, including through our network of voluntary groups which meet monthly." For further information about diabetes, contact Diabetes UK Cymru on 029 2066 8276, email wales@diabetes.org.uk or visit www.diabetes.org.uk/wales. Diabetes UK Cymru is also marking Diabetes Week by working with Community Pharmacy Wales to organise for every Welsh pharmacy to offer free Type 2 diabetes risk assessments for a fortnight from Monday 13 June. 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
Jun 1, 2011:
- Assembly Member calls for suspension of shale gas test drilling in Maesteg following Blackpool earthquakes
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has said that test drilling for shale gas at the St. John's Colliery site in Maesteg should not go ahead until more is known about two earthquakes linked to similar activity near Blackpool. He has expressed his concern following the suspension of a controversial new drilling operation for natural shale gas in Lancashire following a second earthquake in the area that may have been triggered by the process. The earthquake last Friday near Blackpool occurred at the same time that the energy company Cuadrilla Resources was injecting fluids under high pressure deep underground to deliberately blast apart the gas-bearing rock - a process known as "fracking", brought to Britain from the US, where it has been highly contentious. Earthquake experts from the British Geological Survey said that the 1.5 magnitude quake last week was similar to a 2.3 earthquake in April in the same area and that both may be linked to the experimental fracking for shale gas at Preese Hall on the Fylde coast. Bans on commercial fracking are already in place in France as well as in New York and Pennsylvania states, where people living close to fracking sites have been filmed setting fire to tap water contaminated with methane gas. Mr. Black said: "In my view this is serious enough to suggest that any operation in the Maesteg area should be suspended indefinitely until more is known about this process and its impact. Any possibility of contaminated water supply or seismic activity as a result of drilling is unacceptable and must be clearly dealt with before this work can begin." 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:
- 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 10, 2011:
- Assembly Member calls on Bridgend Council to sort out education
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has called on Bridgend Council to act urgently to sort out the problems faced by schools in the area. Mr. Black was speaking after it was revealed that the County Borough is spending just £5,238 per pupil on education. That is £564 per pupil less than in adjoining Neath Port Talbot and £314 per pupil less than in Rhondda Cynon Taf. It is also 6.4% lower than the Welsh average and £962 less than in England. In addition a recent report by the Chief Inspector of Schools for Wales classed 14 of Bridgend's 48 schools as being 'unsatisfactory'. A report by International body, PISA found that Wales' mean scores in reading and Maths were significantly lower than the OECD average, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. In science, maths and reading, Wales' performance and international ranking is lower than in 2006. "Although Wales is performing badly in terms of funding, basic skills and the performance of its schools, it seems that Bridgend is lagging even further behind," said Mr. Black. "A Comprehensive School with 750 pupils would have an additional £423,000 to spend on educating its pupils if it were situated across the border in Neath Port Talbot and £235,500 extra if it were relocated to Rhondda Cynon Taf. "The local Council need to justify why it is funding schools at a lower rate than their neighbours and say what action is being taken to raise the performance of pupils and of the schools they attend." 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 17, 2011:
- Outrageous scandal of 4,034 'lost ambulance hours' in Bridgend
  Shocking figures uncovered by the Welsh Liberal Democrats have revealed 4,034 hours of emergency ambulance cover are being lost in Bridgend's Princess of Wales Hospital while crews wait to hand patients over to hospital staff. Guidelines set by the Labour Health Minister currently state that the wait to hand over responsibility of a patient to nursing staff should be no longer than 20 minutes, but the target is clearly not being met. The Welsh Ambulance Service calculates that the cost of a 'lost unit hour' is £76 which means that time wasted in Accident & Emergency cost the Health Trust £306,584 over the past two years in Princess of Wales Hospital alone. Apart from causing distress to patients waiting to be transferred to the A&E department, pressure is put on ambulance crews who need to respond to other emergency calls in the area. The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Minister for South Wales West, Peter Black said: "This is yet another example of the failure of the Labour and Plaid government in Cardiff. They have had long enough in charge of the Welsh Government to have got this right. "To have our paramedics and hospital staff put under pressure like this is not acceptable. They do an excellent job, often in difficult circumstances. "Patients too are suffering needless distress as a result. "It is clear that it is Labour and Plaid's incompetent management of the Welsh NHS that is responsible for this sorry state of affairs. "They are letting both NHS staff and local people down. 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
Nov 24, 2010:
- Assembly Member prepares for Christmas with local Cerebral Palsy group
  The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has met with a local Cerebral Palsy group to help them prepare for Christmas. Mr. Black joined with local members of the Scope Cymru Sharing Art project at The Rees Centre in Kenfig Hill, Bridgend. "Whilst creating a Christmas Tree with the group, it struck me how great a project the Sharing Art project is and the work that Scope Cymru do to support people with Cerebral Palsy is fantastic" said Mr. Black. "I was pleased to learn as well that The Rees Centre is a totally accessible venue." Manager of the Rees Centre, Lynda Francis said: "It is always great to see politicians meeting with their constituents and seeing the work that organisations such as ours undertake." "Decisions taken in the National Assembly can have a massive impact on the lives of disabled people and the services that they receive. Meeting with those affected can help politicians understand the impacts of debates that take place in the Assembly and put equality at the centre of decision making." 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 22, 2010:
- Peter Black wears it pink to fund a cure for breast cancer
  South Wales West Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member, Peter Black has joined forces with Breast Cancer Campaign to raise awareness of its award winning fundraising event, wear it pink, on Friday 29 October 2009. 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 over one million people took part in wear it pink to help improve survival rates for the one in nine women who experience breast cancer during their lifetime. Mr. Black said "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, Bridgend and throughout the country to support wear it pink on October 29, to raise valuable funds for breast cancer research." To take part in the UK's original and best pink day call freephone 0800 107 3104 or 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 • Breast Cancer Campaign urges women to be breast aware this Breast Cancer Awareness Month and continue throughout the year as early detection can save lives • 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 £16.2 million in 38 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 the UK, nearly 46,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year - that's 125 a day • Visit www.breastcancercampaign.org 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 20, 2010:
- Peter Black is green prix champion for Energy Saving Week
  Peter Black AM with Helen Northmore, Head of Energy Saving Trust Wales for Energy Saving Week. The South Wales West Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member, Peter Black has taken part in a 'green prix' to find out how to be a smarter driver this Energy Saving Week (25th-31st October). Mr. Black took the wheel of the Energy Saving Trust's driving simulator for the Smarter Driving Challenge in the Senedd in Cardiff. The simulator assesses the driver's ability to drive efficiently. Energy Saving Trust experts advised Mr. Black that becoming a smarter driver can help reduce your annual fuel bill, cut your carbon emissions, reduce wear and tear on the vehicle and help you enjoy safer, less stressful journeys. Leaving the car at home and making better use of other modes of transport, such as public transport, cycling or walking can make a big difference to the climate and the wallet. Helen Northmore, Head of Energy Saving Trust's Wales, said: "It's been a pleasure to team up with Peter for Energy Saving Week. "It's surprising just how easy it can be to become a smarter driver. Travelling more sustainably doesn't just benefit the environment, it can save money too. Planning journeys to avoid traffic and staying on top of tyre pressure can save on expensive fuel. Drivers who make small changes to their habits could see savings of up to £250 each year." Mr Black, said: "The Energy Saving Trust's help in identifying smarter travel tips and using the driving simulator has been invaluable. I'd urge people across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend to use Energy Saving Week as a kick-start to think about not only the way they use their car, but the energy they use in all aspects of their lives." Ends For further information please contact Daniel Tyte (daniel.tyte@workingwordpr.com) or Bethan Davies (bethan.davies@workingwordpr.com) at Working Word PR on 02920 646840 Energy Saving Trusts' 'Eco-driving' tips: 1. Drive Off From Cold. Modern cars are designed to move straight away. Warming up the engine just wastes fuel - and actually causes engine wear 2. Check Your Revs. Change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) or 2,000rpm (diesel) 3. Drive Smoothly. Anticipate road conditions so that you drive smoothly and avoid sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates. 4. Step Off The Accelerator. When slowing down or driving downhill, remain in gear but take your foot off the accelerator early. This reduces fuel flow to the engine to virtually zero. 5. Slow Down. Driving within the speed limit is safer as well as being the law, and reduces fuel consumption. 6. Switch It Off. Modern cars use virtually no extra fuel when they are re-started without pressing the accelerator. Turn off the engine if you're going to be stationary for more than a minute or two. 7. Plan Ahead. Plan your journeys to avoid congestion and road works, and to make sure you don't waste fuel or time getting lost! 8. Keep It Long. Use other forms of transport for short journeys, if you can. A cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective. 9. Reduce Drag. Accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers and roof boxes significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency, so remove them when not in use. 10. Check Tyre Pressure. Under-inflated tyres are dangerous and increase fuel consumption. 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

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