Last week in the Senedd I took part in a debate on the Draft Budget for 2026-27, which marks the start of the budget process for the next financial year and will be built on the firm foundations of last year’s budget, which included £1.6bn of new spending commitments. The Final Budget is due to be put before the Senedd in January and it’s vitally important for Wales, not least because we’re heading for a Senedd election in May – and there is still a lot of work to do to tackle the lasting impact of more than a decade of cuts under previous UK governments.

When it comes to the challenges we face and to inform the decisions we need to make, it’s crucial that those who provide our services are front and centre. That’s why I spoke about the importance of working together through social partnership, giving a real voice to those on the frontline of our public services. I genuinely believe that we have a duty to pass a budget that builds on what has come before, a duty to the people we have all been elected to serve and a duty to protect our public services and support our dedicated public servants.

Also in the Senedd last week, I asked steel industry leaders what they want to see in the UK Government’s long-awaited steel strategy in the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, as well as how we can ensure it makes a difference in practice for our steel communities here in Wales. From fair energy prices to skills, apprenticeships and innovation, it’s vital that the strategy supports a sustainable, competitive and circular steel industry, one that secures jobs and opportunities in places like Shotton and across the country.

The future of steel was the focus of one of my opening contributions in the Senedd when I was first elected back in 2016 and I will keep on working with our trade unions to champion this foundation industry, so vital to Wales and to the UK as a whole. You can see many of my contributions in the Senedd on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn.

Back home, it was lovely to be invited to go along to the Festival of Time at Northop Church recently. The event – which included lots of interesting local history and exhibits (as well as tea and cake!) – was set up to celebrate 200 years of the church clock and to support fundraising efforts to restore it. The Church of St Eurgain and St Peter has a long and interesting history in the community and I enjoyed spending time talking to the dedicated volunteers. You can read a bit more about the church’s history at www.northopchurch.co.uk/home-1-1-1 – my thanks to the church for the invitation and to everyone who was involved in organising and supporting the event.

This time last year I had the chance to speak to the WI about moves to make Wales ‘cashless’ and many people have since been in touch about access to cash machines and banking services on our high streets. I’m pleased that the UK Government has pledged to establish at least 350 banking ‘hubs’ across the UK and the network of these across Wales continues to expand – banking ‘hubs’ provide many over-the-counter services to areas where there are limited banking facilities and ATMs, like the one in Flint and the new one over in Prestatyn. I know that the closure of many banks in our towns is something many residents are concerned about and it’s an issue I have campaigned on in the past.

As winter is fast approaching, if you’re struggling to keep up with your energy bills and are with British Gas, you might be interested in the company’s Energy Support Fund. The fund offers support of up to £2,000 this winter if you have energy debt on your pre-payment meter or through your credit account. Even if you’re not a British Gas customer, you might also find support from the British Gas Energy Trust, which provides those struggling with energy debt with up to £1,700 regardless of which supplier you are with. You can find information on both schemes at www.britishgas.co.uk/energy/help-with-bills/british-gas-energy-support-fund.html.

Finally, some constituents have been in touch about the Not Lost in Translation exhibition currently taking place in the Senedd in partnership with the National Trust. Last week I was able to take a few moments to see Y Beibl Cyssegr-lan, the 1588 Bible, translated into Welsh by William Morgan, on display in the Welsh Parliament building – the first Bible to be translated into Welsh. As someone continuing to learn Welsh and using it more and more in my day-to-day life and here in the Senedd, I was pleased to learn more about how this Bible helped to shape modern Welsh literature and ensure that Welsh is still spoken and read today. You can find out more about the exhibition and Y Beibl Cyssegr-lan at https://senedd.wales/visit/exhibitions/not-lost-in-translation.

As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait for an advice surgery.