Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal Democrats

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black is asking constituents who live in park homes to make the Welsh consumer watchdog aware of any issues they face so as to provide an evidence-base for his private members bill. Consumer Focus Wales is interviewing individual park homes residents from across Wales about their experiences for their major report, which will be launched in autumn 2012, and want more residents to get in touch to discuss their experiences - both good and bad - of living on a park home site. Some residents have reported blocking of sales by site operators which causes great financial loss to the park home owner and an easy profit for some rogue site operators. Other residents have spoken to Consumer Focus Wales about their experience of buying a park home, their electricity, gas and water supplies, their written agreement and pitch fees and the quality of life on their park home site. Consumer Focus Wales is gathering evidence to help to strengthen the protections available for residents in a new bill being drawn up by Mr. Black. 'I am asking residents in my constituency to get in touch with Consumer Focus Wales so we can help combat issues residents face and protect older people from financial abuse," said Mr. Black. "We want to talk to as many residents as possible, whether they've had good experiences or bad. 'We know that difficulties are caused because park home residents own their home, while a site operator owns the land. Site operators can withhold consent to park home residents reselling their home, although this consent should not be withheld unreasonably. There is evidence that some site owners do this for their own financial gain, which means that home owners can be hit massively in the pocket.' If you know of anyone who would like to take part in this project, please ask them to contact Lowri Jackson, Policy Manager at Consumer Focus Wales, by phoning 029 2078 7108 or emailing ParkHomes@ConsumerFocus.org.uk 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

Responding to the news that the WLGA expects the average Council Tax increase across Wales for 2012-13 to be at a record low, at approximately 2.1%, Peter Black, Shadow Welsh Liberal Democrat Local Government Minister said: "The pressure on family finances is growing and the last thing councils should do is make people pay more for the services they rely on. "Careful financial planning and prudent spending by councils, especially Welsh Liberal Democrat-led councils, means that more money will be staying in Welsh people's pockets during these difficult times. "Welsh Liberal Democrat-led councils are keeping council tax increases low, and have consistently kept them low over the past four years, to help people out in difficult financial times." 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

Responding to the Investigation Report on Funding for AWEMA, Peter Black AM, said: "For ten years, the Labour government has stood by as millions of pounds of taxpayers money is wasted by a charity that has played fast and loose with public money. "The Welsh Labour Government was repeatedly warned over the last decade that all was not well at Awema, however, they still continued to throw Welsh tax payers' money at this charity. "This report is highly critical of a charity that has been wasting Welsh tax payers' money with cavalier abandon. It is astonishing that the Labour Government has the gall to blame others. They need to look closer to home. "That key individuals involved in running the charity have now been suspended from the Labour party over this scandal only serves to highlight the cosy links between key Labour figures and this discredited charity. "While further investigation by the Charity Commission and the Welsh Audit Office is welcome, it is clear that the spotlight must now be shone also onto the links between Government ministers, a charity riddled with financial malpractice and the Labour Party." 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

Further evidence of Welsh Labour Government inaction over Awema has come to light. A Written Assembly Question reveals how, Jane Hutt, the then Equalities Minister had not met with Awema officials in her new tenure following a critical report of the race charity in 2004/2005 In April 2006, Peter Black, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM asked: "What meetings has the Minister had with the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association officials in the last 12 months? Jane Hutt responded: "I have not had any meetings with AWEMA officials over the past 12 months." Responding to this revelation, Peter Black, Shadow Welsh Liberal Democrat Equalities Minister said: "In light of the recent critical Awema report, my written assembly question to the then Labour Equalities Minister casts a dark shadow over Welsh Labour Government's reluctance to take action over a charity in receipt of thousands of tax payers' money. "The Welsh Labour Government was warned not to continue funding this charity because of concerns surrounding project management, performance monitoring and financial management controls. Not only did the Welsh Labour Government continue funding this charity despite this warning, it seems that the Equalities Minister did not meet with officials to monitor their spending of millions of tax payers' money. "The more we research what has been happening in Awema and in the secretive corridors of the Welsh Labour Government, the more murky and serious this affair is becoming." 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

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has described recent announcements of future price reductions by big energy suppliers as too little too late compared to the massive price hikes of the last two years. All the big energy companies have followed the lead of British Gas and announced that they are reducing prices by around 5% at some point this spring. Mr. Black said: "Fuel poverty in Wales has soared to 41% of households which is the highest in the UK. Many of those struggling to cope live here in South Wales West. Obviously, any price reduction is welcome as it will help hard-pressed families throughout our region. However, one of the main reasons for household incomes coming under pressure has been the price hikes that the energy giants have imposed on us all over the last two years. A cut now is the least that they could do. "I am concerned that most of the Big Six energy companies have cut the price of one fuel only. For instance, British Gas has only cut electricity prices, EDF and Scottish and Southern Energy (which is SWALEC around here) have only cut gas prices. British Gas has twice as many gas-buying customers as electricity customers. EDF and SSE have many more customers who buy electricity than gas. That does not appear to be a coincidence. "When the Big Six pushed their prices up, gas and electricity prices rose together. That us not the case when we experience price cuts. Wholesale prices have fallen from their 2011 peak by 19% for gas, and 25% for electricity, and yet we are only being offered a 5% reduction that will come into effect as winter ends, and fuel use falls. "The energy companies are indulging in yet more cynical PR posturing. If they were serious about playing their part to tackle fuel poverty they would reduce prices across both fuels, increase the size of the cut to reflect their falling costs, and introduce it immediately. "It is obvious that they will not change until they are forced to do so. That is why the Competition Commission needs to investigate this latest manoeuvre urgently." 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, Assembly Member for South Wales West, has responded to news that the Swansea-Cork ferry service is to close with the loss of 78 jobs. Peter said: "I am sorry to hear about the loss of jobs announced today. I very much regret the Fastnet Line ferry service is to close, but I have to accept the Minister's comments on face value that the proposition presented by Fastnet Line was not commercially viable. "The service was estimated to be worth around £20 million to Swansea's economy, so it is essential for Swansea Council and the Welsh and Irish Governments to work together in order for another service to be back up and running as soon as possible if it can be proven to be commercially workable." 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, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Housing Minister, has today been given permission by the National Assembly to introduce a bill that will regulate the process by which mobile homes (park homes) are regulated and sold in Wales. Currently, there are many cases throughout Wales' 80 park home sites of unfair practice. Problems faced by residents range from a lack of site maintenance to changes in ground rent and site policy without consultation, through to harassment and bullying. The Bill would ensure that negotiations between park home site owners and park home owners are independently monitored and that there will be a system of arbitration for owners who have cause for concern about administrative processes. The Bill will also seek to establish a requirement that the owners of park home sites must pass a "fit and proper" persons test as part of a licensing system. Peter Black won the all-member ballot to introduce a Member Proposed Bill before Christmas. There is strong cross-party support and talks with the Welsh Government have been constructive. Peter Black, Shadow Minister for Housing said: "I am delighted that the Assembly has today given the green light for my Park Homes bill to proceed to the next stage of legislation. It is an honour for an Assembly Member, who is not part of the Government, to be able to introduce legislation that will make a difference to the lives of so many people across Wales. "This is a huge issue in Wales that has needed attention for a long time now. In the past the Assembly has lacked the necessary powers to be able to pass legislation on issues like this. During the referendum campaign for increased legislative powers for Wales, we promised people that we would legislate to improve the standard of their lives. This is exactly what we will be doing with this legislation. "This bill I have introduced to the Assembly will seek to protect people by bringing in fair, easy to use processes and clear rights for both residents and site owners. My aim is to impose stricter controls over park home site owners. "At present there is little protection for residents from unscrupulous park homes site owners, a minority of which may exploit their position for personal gain. Problems can include poor site management, vetoing or deterring legitimate sales. "Meetings between potential buyers and site owners will be independently monitored and a system of arbitration will be established for park home owners who feel that they have lost money as a result of undue interference. "The Bill will also develop a "fit and proper" persons test for park home site owners, acting as a licensing system, so that park home owners can be confident that their site is effectively managed. "I must pay tribute to Kirsty Williams AM, who has been campaigning for better protection of park home owners since she became an Assembly Member back in 1999. Her tireless dedication to defending the rights of park home owners in her constituency and many others across Wales will hopefully come to fruition with this bill." 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

Post Offices in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend have been saved by Liberal Democrat Business Minister, Ed Davey. After ending Labour's shameful Post Office closure programme, which saw more than 7100 Post Offices disappear in their 13 years in office, Ed Davey has announced that a ten-year deal between the Post Office and the Royal Mail has been reached. The deal gives additional certainty to subpostmasters across the UK and covers the full range of Royal Mail products available at post offices such as first and second class post, parcels, air mail, recorded and special deliveries. It adds to other recent progress for the Post Office, with extra Government cash kicking in, new national and local government contracts won, successful piloting of new models to transform many local post offices and improvements in financial services offered. Regional Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member, Peter Black welcomed the agreement. He said; "After years of Post Office closures under the Labour Government, it is excellent news that Liberal Democrats are doing the right thing by ensuring that the Post Office has a sustainable future ahead of it through investment and by brokering this deal with Royal Mail. "Post Offices are a vital part of our communities and are the lynchpin of our towns and villages. More than 20 million people visit a Post Office every week to send letters to loved ones, to manage their finances or to renew passports for holidays and hundreds of thousands of pensioners rely on them every day for their pensions. "Labour left Royal Mail in a terrible mess and it is Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government who have stopped closures and put Royal Mail and the Post Office on a secure footing. Our plans mean that we will never see the kind of planned closures that devastated local communities under the previous Government. "The 20 million people who use the Post Office every week don't deserve anything less from us." Commenting further, Ed Davey said: "A year ago I set out a radical plan to transform Post Office's future, with £1.34bn of Government support and investment but without any closure programmes. "Since then the Post Office has made good progress to become more competitive, building on its strengths. "While it will take several years to turn round the Post Office's finances, it's increasingly clear the reforms are beginning to work. "The 10-year deal struck between Royal Mail and the Post Office will give subpostmasters and others greater confidence. "The signs are extremely encouraging for the future of the Post Office." ENDS Notes to Editors: In November 2010, the Coalition Government published its plans to secure the future of the Post Office. Post offices play a key role in their communities and that is why the Government has committed to maintain a network of at least 11,500 branches, building a long-term future for those branches. Under the Labour Government, Post Office numbers fell by more than 7100, or 38%. In March 2010, there were 11,905 post offices in the UK. Post Office Ltd remains in 100% public ownership. A new Board has been appointed to oversee the Post Office as an independent business with certainty about its future. Post Office Ltd has been developing innovative Government services. The most recent example of success is its appointment as the UK Border Agency's delivery partner for Biometric Residency Permits. Other examples include providing identity checks for London taxi drivers and a range of 'front office' transactions for Westminster Council. Significant progress has also been made in developing the Post Office's financial services business. In September access to RBS accounts over Post Office counters was extended and in November new products like the Junior ISA were introduced. Moya Greene, Royal Mail Group's Chief Executive, today warmly welcomed the new, commercial agreement between the Royal Mail Group and Post Office Ltd: "I am delighted with this agreement. It provides a firm foundation for the Post Office's long-term, sustainable future and ensures Royal Mail's customers continue to get access to postal services in Post Office branches nationwide, the UK's biggest retail network. "Royal Mail and the Post Office have reached an agreement that is in the best interests of our customers and both businesses. The Post Office will continue to benefit from the sale of stamps and other delivery services. For Royal Mail, the business retains the current, unrivalled, UK-wide, retail distribution network for its products and services aimed at consumers and small businesses. We look forward to a new chapter in our continuing, close relationship." Paula Vennells, Managing Director of Post office Ltd, said: "This is a good agreement for the Post Office, for the millions of customers a day who visit our branches and for our subpostmasters. We are the number one mails' retailer in the UK and postal business accounts for a third of our income. A long term relationship with Royal Mail ensures we continue to provide the unrivalled access and great customer service in mails and parcels services, which individuals and business customers want from the Post Office. "This vital agreement, along with our ambitious plans for growth in government services, our branch investment and modernisation programme, and our development of digital services will all help to build a long term and sustainable Post Office." 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

Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Local Government, Peter Black, has welcomed the decision by the Welsh Government that it is no longer planning to legislate to force local councils to collaborate. The Minister's announced in July 2011 set out the Welsh Government's intention to bring forward a Local Government (Collaborative Measures) Bill, giving Ministers the power to merge local councils. The Minister has now told Plenary that as a result of the Welsh Local Government Compact committing local authorities to further collaboration, and because of their progress that has been achieved already, he is "minded that there is no immediate need for further legislation in the area of collaboration." Peter Black said: "Any attempt to legislate to force the merger of Councils or to allow Ministers to interfere in the way that they are run and work with their partners would have proved controversial. I suspect that a minority Labour Government would have had difficulty getting a bill through the Assembly. I welcome therefore the decision of the Minister to step back from this particular abyss and to recognise the good work that is taking place throughout Wales. "However, there is little evidence that the collaboration agenda has spread to the Welsh Government themselves. Although there is good work going on between social services and health in particular, the vast majority of Welsh government departments continue to plough on in splendid isolation. Ministers themselves need to pull their departments out of their silos and insist that they are more proactive in working with each other and with local councils so as to improve the quality of services and get good value for money." 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

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, met with two deaf young people this week [Tuesday 17 January] to learn about acoustics, as part of a campaign by the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) Cymru to make schools accessible to children with a hearing loss. Deaf young people, Kurtis Olding and Daniyaal Munir, both aged 15 from Cardiff, described to Mr. Black how noisy, echoing classrooms make it difficult for deaf children to learn. At the event, held at the Welsh Assembly buildings, Mr. Black listened to audio classroom simulations, to hear how a classroom with poor acoustics can sound to a child with hearing loss. Mr. Black is supporting the 'Let's Make a New Year's Resolution that Sounds Good' campaign, launched by NDCS Cymru last month, which calls on Assembly Members to sign up to a special New Year's Resolution in support of good acoustics in new school, college and nursery buildings. Research published by NDCS Cymru reveals that acoustic regulations for new school buildings are often ignored, leaving children across Wales struggling to learn in noisy and echoing classrooms. Less than a third of schools built in Wales between 2003 and 2010 received any input from an acoustic expert. It also shows that just 11 per cent of schools built during this time were tested to check that they met acoustic standards*. Mr. Black said: "It was a great privilege to be able to meet deaf young people today to learn more about how poor acoustics can affect them at school. Barriers such as this must be broken down if we want to give deaf children the best chance of achieving their full academic potential. I fully support the campaign to improve acoustics in schools across Wales and I am calling on my fellow Assembly Members to follow suit so that we succeed in putting the issue firmly on the political agenda." Jayne Dulson, NDCS Cymru Director, says: "We are delighted that Mr. Black is supporting our campaign and that he met with Kurtis and Daniyaal to better understand the challenges that deaf children face in classrooms with poor acoustics. "Good acoustics in schools are important for all children, but particularly so for deaf children. Although many deaf children use devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants to access sound, these become almost useless in noisy classrooms. We now need the Welsh Government take action on this important issue." In 2010, following calls from NDCS Cymru, the Welsh Government agreed to ensure that schools funded through its 21st Century Schools Programme would meet acoustic standards. This was great news, but only affects schools funded in this way. The charity's campaign is now calling on the Welsh Government to go a step further and use its new powers on Building Regulations to strengthen the existing law on acoustic standards, ensuring that all new school, nursery and college buildings will sound good - regardless of how they are funded! Poor acoustics in schools create a barrier to learning for all children, but present a particular barrier for children with a hearing loss (i). There are more than 1,700 deaf pupils in Wales (ii). Furthermore, 80 per cent of all children will experience temporary hearing loss before they reach the age of ten (iii). For more information on the campaign, please visit www.ndcs.org.uk/nyacoustics. - Ends - For more information, please contact: Debbie Thomas Email: debbie.thomas@ndcs.org.uk Tel: 029 2037 3474 Anna Galandzij Email: anna.galandzij@ndcs.org.uk Tel: 020 7014 1178 Faith Dawes Email: faith.dawes@ndcs.org.uk Tel: 020 7014 1149 Notes to editors NDCS is the leading charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and young people: www.ndcs.org.uk. For more information on childhood deafness parents can contact the NDCS Freephone Helpline on 0808 800 8880 (voice and text), email helpline@ndcs.org.uk, or chat online at www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat. UK Government standards on acoustics are set out in Building Bulletin 93. Since 2003, BB93 has applied to all new school buildings and major refurbishments in Wales. 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

Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member, Peter Black has raised concerns that convicted drink drivers will have to go to England for Drink Drive Rehabilitation courses unless Ministers introduce legislation in the Welsh Assembly within the next few months. Mr. Black has written to the Minister for Local Government, Transport and Communities asking him to commit to legislation for a Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme in Wales. Courses provide offenders with important insight into their behaviour and strategies to avoid drink driving in future and are often included as part of sentencing in the courts. Responsibility for such schemes will be passed from the Department for Transport to the Welsh Assembly in October 2012. To ensure that there is a seamless continuance in service from Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme course providers it is vital that legislation is passed by the Welsh Government before approval of existing course providers is revoked in the autumn. This is vital too, so as to protect jobs in Wales associated with these courses. Mr. Black said: "There are a number of organisations across the UK who provide courses that drink drive offenders can be referred onto by the courts. These courses provide offenders with the ability to gain an insight into their behaviour and offer strategies to avoid drink driving in the future. It also means that their driving ban can be reduced on attendance of the course. "As the responsibility for the administration of this scheme has been devolved to the National Assembly for Wales I am advised that separate legislation will have to be introduced by the Welsh Government if there is to be a DDRS in Wales. "I have asked Carl Sargeant to confirm what plans the Welsh Government has to introduce this legislation in time for the revocation of approval for course providers in October." 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

Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Finance, Peter Black, has welcomed news that Wales will get an extra £9m as a result of UK government spending on next year's Olympics. It settles a long-running row with Westminster about whether the UK's devolved administrations should get a windfall because of the London games. The Welsh Government, the Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive will receive a one-off sum equivalent to the Barnett consequential of relevant changes to Olympics' funding since the present UK Government took office in May 2010. Peter Black AM commented: "I am pleased the UK Coalition has effectively settled the previous Labour Government's dispute - when they denied the devolved administrations a Barnett consequential from the £7 billion of public money committed to delivering the games. This was despite the fact that a substantial proportion of this spending was to be used to fund regeneration and transport infrastructure in the east London area. "Discussions reached the point in 2010 where the matter was recorded formally as an inter-governmental dispute and this led to the final agreement. The key point is an agreement that decisions on the application of the Barnett formula should 'always be evidence based, be undertaken in a timely manner and in consultation with the devolved administrations'. This wording is now included in HM Treasury's Statement of Funding Policy which was published alongside the UK Spending Review in autumn 2010. "Recent GVA figures show that Wales is still the poorest nation in the United Kingdom. Behind every rising statistic there is an individual or a family struggling and anxious about what the future will bring. Our economy is suffering, which is why the Welsh Liberal Democrats believe that this money should be spent on schemes that will stimulate the economy and create employment opportunities." 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

A drop in the number of new homes being started in Wales will keep prices at unaffordable levels and add to the problems of first time buyers, the Welsh Liberal Democrat housing spokesperson, Peter Black has said. During April to June 2011, 1,205 new dwellings were started, down by 31 per cent on the same quarter in 2010 and down by 7 per cent on the number started during April to June 2009. The low level of starts over recent years has resulted in a significant decrease in completions. Numbers remained low for the first half of 2011-12, with the July to September 2011 quarter seeing the lowest number of completions ever recorded during a quarter (quarterly data was first recorded in January to March 1974). "Although there has been a very slight drop in house prices in Wales, this disappointing fall in both starts and completions will keep prices at unaffordable levels for many families, as demand continues to outstrip supply. It will add to the problems faced by first time buyers in getting onto the housing ladder," said Mr. Black. "The housing situation in Wales is desperate. The Welsh government has identified that there needs to be 14,200 new homes built each year of which 5,100 are affordable. Neither figure is being met. The number of new affordable homes in particular continues to drag along at about half what is needed. "There must be urgent action to help first time buyers through this crisis in particular, with the introduction of a deposit guarantee scheme in Wales, along the lines of that introduced in England. "We also need to urgently get on with the job of providing more affordable homes by actively using alternative funding methods such as bonds and building new homes at differing rent levels, so as to reflect the ability of potential tenants to pay. That would generate income streams that can then be used to increase the number of houses and flats that housing associations can build." 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

UK communications regulator Ofcom has today proposed a list of 20 Local TV sites across the UK, including Swansea and Cardiff. These have been selected from the sites where local TV is technically possible and where there is interest in providing a service. They were selected to achieve a range of locations across the UK, and a range of scales of operation. Evidence of strong local demand was also taken into account. Commenting on the news that Swansea and Cardiff were named as being two of the twenty locations, South Wales West and Welsh Lib Dem Shadow Heritage Minister, Peter Black, said: "I welcome the opportunity this presents to improve democratic engagement in Swansea and Cardiff, and I'm pleased strong cases were made on behalf of the Cities. Increasing information about what is happening in local communities is an excellent way to ensure that representatives are held further to account. "Now this announcement has been made, I look forward to further details on how it will operate and be funded." 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 holding the signed pledge alongside from left to right: Bethan Williams, Gwydion Jones, Arthur Rogers, and Hannah Sams The Welsh Liberal Democrat Heritage Spokesperson, Peter Black, has signed up to a campaign by Cwmdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg to seek powers over broadcasting, together with the appropriate funding to be devolved to the Welsh Government. It is longstanding Welsh Liberal Democrat policy to seek additional powers for the Welsh Assembly over broadcasting. Commenting on the campaign, Mr. Black said: "The recent problems with S4C and the decision by the UK Government to change the way that the channel is funded has highlighted a huge democratic deficit within Wales. There has been no proper scrutiny of Welsh broadcasters or the policy framework within which they operate. "In addition, there are clear Welsh factors within broadcasting policy that do not fit within a UK framework, such as the provision of Welsh language programmes on mainstream radio stations and community radio licences that need to be addressed. "Devolution of powers over broadcasting will not be a panacea for all the problems faced by the Welsh media, but it will enable the Assembly to have greater influence over the direction of policy and improve scrutiny of exclusively Welsh organizations such as S4C. For that reason I am happy to sign up to the Cwmdeithas campaign." END 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

Welsh Liberal Democrats have welcomed news that National Football League executives from the USA have met with representatives of the Millennium Stadium about the possibility of holding a game at the stadium next autumn. The NFL already stages one game a year at Wembley and it has been reported that representatives are looking to hold a second game in Europe. The Millennium Stadium is thought to be in the running, alongside other European stadiums in Holland, Ireland, German and Spain. It was a Welsh Liberal Democrat manifesto pledge to bid for a major American Football game. Peter Black, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Heritage, said: "It was in the Welsh Liberal Democrat manifesto for Wales to bid for an NFL game so I am thrilled that the option is under consideration by National Football League representatives. "The Ryder Cup was a wonderful success and showcased Wales to the rest of the world. The event raised our profile and also gave our tourism industry a welcomed boost. This is something we should be building on, and hosting an NFL game would do just that." Eluned Parrott, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Business and Assembly Member for South Wales Central said: "If the Millennium Stadium was selected to hold this event, then Cardiff would also play host to a week-long festival designed to attract visitors. Not only would this bring to our capital city millions of pounds, but it would also go a long way in strengthening our links with American businesses and encourage inward investment." 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

Consumer Focus has calculated that Wales has the highest proportion of households in fuel poverty. The consumer organisation estimates that the proportion of homes in fuel poverty in England and Wales has risen from 18% to 24% in two years. They have calculated that 5.7 million households are in fuel poverty. The definition of 'fuel poverty' is when more than 10% of a households disposable income is spent on fuel. Peter Black, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Social Justice, commented: "Consumer Focus have estimated that 41% of households in Wales are in fuel poverty. That is a shocking amount. "It is disgraceful that in this day and age thousands of people can't afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months. In a civilized society, vulnerable people should not have to worry about whether or not they can afford to heat their homes. "Not a single person in Wales should be forced to live in a freezing home, which is why the Welsh Liberal Democrats, in our discussions with the Labour Welsh government, have ensured that there are going to be extra resources available to tackle fuel poverty via the Arbed scheme". 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

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has been granted the opportunity to introduce a Private Member's Bill to impose stricter controls over Park Home site owners. The opportunity to introduce this important legislation has arisen as a result of Mr. Black winning a ballot in the National Assembly. Under the rules of the Assembly, the ballot winner will have their proposal debated in plenary (full Assembly meeting) and if it is agreed to, will then be able to start the process to introduce their legislation. The new Bill will aim to provide better protection to those who own property within Park Home (Mobile Home) sites and monitor and regulate site owners. At present there is little protection for residents from unscrupulous Park Homes site owners, a minority of which may exploit their position for personal gain. Problems can include poor site management, and vetoing or deterring legitimate sales. Mr. Black said: "if I am allowed to proceed with this Bill it will ensure that meetings between potential buyers and site owners are independently monitored and establish a system of arbitration for park home owners who feel that they have lost money as a result of undue interference. "The Bill will also develop a "fit and proper" persons test for park home site owners, acting as a licensing system, so that park home owners can be confident that their park home site is effectively managed. I am pleased that this issue will now be discussed further in the Assembly, as it is a continuing issue for Park Homes communities throughout Wales." Notes: Property owners within Park Home sites have the right to sell their property in the same way home owners do. However, a site owner, should they wish to, could potentially disrupt purchase procedures by discouraging prospective buyers via a loophole in the current legislation which requires "the approval of the buyer" stage. Prospective buyers meet with site owners during this stage, which allows owners the opportunity to deter purchases. If this is done successfully, property owners can be left with little choice but to sell their property to the site owners at a significantly lower figure than that of market value. 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

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has called for the energy companies to come clean over the premium that they charge to customers who pay their bills by cheque. Mr. Black was reacting to a survey produced by Which? Which showed that on average customers who pay their dual-fuel bills by cheque are being charged almost £100 a year more than those who pay by direct debit. Mr Black, who is the Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Social Justice said: "While nobody disputes that it must cost more for the energy companies to process a cheque payment rather than one that is made by direct debit, there is real doubt that it costs an average of £100 a year for each and every customer who does so. These companies need to come clean over cheque processing costs. "Many customers already suspect the energy companies of ripping them off by pushing up prices as quickly as possible when wholesale prices rise, but dragging their feet when wholesale prices fall. This latest research will simply confirm the suspicions of many people that the big power companies are abusing their dominance of the market. "Other research has made it clear that older people, particularly those over 70, tend to use direct debits less than other sections of the population. This self-same group are one of those identified as suffering the most from fuel poverty. People on low incomes also want the control of using cheques rather than having a direct debit on their account. "The Big Six energy companies need to show us that they are not profiteering at the expense of those who pay by cheque." 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

Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg has announced a £1 billion pound Youth Contract to tackle youth unemployment, which aims to ensure that all jobless young people are earning or learning again before long-term damage is done. In Swansea, 1,905 18-24 year olds are currently in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance and would stand to benefit from the Youth Contract. The figure for Neath Port Talbot is 1,305 whilst in Bridgend 1,265 18-24 year olds receive JSA and could potentially benefit from this initiative. Starting next April, the Youth Contract will provide at least 410,000 new work places for 18 to 24 year olds into work over the next three years. This includes 160,000 wage subsidies and 250,000 new work experience placements. The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black welcomed the new programme: "In these difficult times Liberal Democrats are doing the right thing and making sure we help those who need it most. "If young people are out of work, the consequences of that will be felt for decades afterwards. We need to ensure that the young people of today do not have a false start. "The Youth Contract will help those who need it most through advice, support, training and by giving people in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend the experience necessary to be successful in the work place. "While we're clearing up the economic mess that Labour left behind, the Coalition Government is ensuring that our children do not bear the consequences of Labour's mistakes. "As a Liberal Democrat, I am proud that the Coalition Government is doing the right thing to prevent another lost generation." Commenting further, Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said: "Youth unemployment is an economic waste and a slow-burn social disaster. "We can't lose the skills and talent of our young people - right when we need them most. We can't afford to leave our young men and women on the scrap heap. We need the next generation to help us build a new economy. "The aim of the Youth Contract is to get every unemployed young person working or learning again before long-term damage is done. "This is a £1bn package and what's different about it is that it gets young people into proper, lasting jobs in the private sector." 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