Wales is once again leading the way by becoming the first UK nation to remove profit from children’s care – the Health and Social Care (Wales) Act 2025 came into force on April 1. Every child deserves the very best start in life and public money meant for their care should always be reinvested in supporting them – not paid out as profit. I’ve long believed that children in care should receive the right support, as close to home and family as possible so they can stay connected to their communities. This landmark change shows how Wales is putting compassion before commercial interests and putting children first. Our looked-after children deserve stability, compassion and the very best care and these changes will help to ensure that support is focused where it belongs – on their wellbeing and future.

New research shows that Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) have removed financial barriers, increasing access to school meals and reducing stigma for Welsh families. Introduced in 2022 in response to the cost-of-living crisis, the policy aimed to ensure every primary-aged learner could access a free school meal, improving nutrition, reducing health inequalities and enhancing educational attainment. Across North Wales the policy is already having a significant impact – since 2022, an estimated 2.4 million free meals have been served in Flintshire and around 1.6 million in Denbighshire. This means thousands of local children are receiving a nutritious meal every school day, helping families manage household budgets while ensuring children are ready to learn.

Welsh Steel is important to our communities here in North East Wales – not least because the Shotton Steelworks is right on our doorstep – and I was pleased to see the UK Government recently publish the UK Steel Strategy. As I said last week in the Senedd, I’m determined we break the cycle of crisis and secure a future where Welsh steel thrives – not just survives. The UK Steel Strategy is a step forward, but we need clear targets, real ambition and funding that’s protected for Wales. Crucially, industry must step up too, planning for the long term and investing in our future. You can see many of my contributions in the Senedd on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn.

Last week also saw our Welsh Labour Government announce new investment of more than £12m in new scanners and X-ray equipment across Wales, which means faster, more accurate diagnoses for patients and more reliable equipment for our NHS staff. In North Wales, we’re seeing real benefits, including £1.2m for two new digital X-ray rooms at Wrexham Maelor and £562,000 for upgraded equipment at Mold Community Hospital. This replaces ageing, unreliable machines and helps to reduce delays, so people can be seen and treated more quickly. Investing in modern healthcare infrastructure is vital for improving patient care now and into the future.

I had the opportunity to meet with Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) in the Senedd last week to discuss how we continue to drive forward women’s health in Wales. We talked about Wales’ ambitious Women’s Health Plan and how we can build on its progress, alongside FTWW’s six priorities to realise women’s right to health and wellbeing. I’m proud that our Welsh Labour Government is providing Women’s Health Hubs – which are now open in every health board area – bringing menopause, contraception and menstrual care closer to home. The Welsh Government is also strengthening endometriosis services, improving training, appointing specialist nurses in every health board and working towards nationally-commissioned specialist care.

It was announced last week that Welsh councils will benefit from £50m in additional capital funding this financial year, helping them to manage rising costs and invest in vital local services. The funding, distributed to all 22 local authorities using the general capital formula, can support a wide range of priorities – our own local authority will be getting nearly £2.3m under this new investment. The extra money from Welsh Government can be used for fixing potholes and repairing highways, supporting community schools and flood defence schemes or a whole host of other council priorities.

Finally, as a dedicated Welsh learner I know how important it is to have meaningful opportunities to use Welsh in everyday conversations, whether that’s popping into a local shop or chatting over a drink. That’s why in the Senedd I asked how Welsh Government policies are supporting more people to use Welsh outside the classroom – in workplaces and in the community. It was good to hear about the progress being made, from supporting Mentrau Iaith projects, to expanding programmes like Perthyn and local initiatives here in Flintshire, there’s a clear focus on making Welsh a living, everyday language for everyone.

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.