As Chair of the Senedd Standards of Conduct Committee, I’ve been championing a programme of work aimed at building greater transparency and trust in our politics and politicians, something that’s so important as we head for a Senedd election next year. That’s why I welcomed commitments in the Member Accountability and Elections Bill last week – the Bill provides the framework to bring in a ‘recall’ system that would allow voters to have the ultimate say as to whether to remove their Member of the Senedd if they have committed serious misconduct, as well as more broadly strengthening the independence of the Senedd standards process as a whole.

However, it can’t stop there – in the Senedd I also called for continued work with the Welsh Government to ensure this legislation supports wider efforts to put enhanced processes in place to tackle sexual harassment and bullying, something I will continue to press for as part of the standards work. You can see my contribution on this subject in the Senedd on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn.

To realise an economy that works for Wales, we need it to work for those who are the power that drives that economy – we can do this by investing and supporting the current and future workforce. Skills are central to that and the Welsh Government’s Flexible Skills Programme is an excellent example of how that can work in practice and the difference it can make. North East Wales has seen the most significant investment of anywhere in Wales, with £1.25m of Flexible Skills Programme funding being agreed in Flintshire and Wrexham alone. I’m keen to build on the benefits and value of this programme to businesses and workplaces across our community. You can find out more information about the Flexible Skills Programme at www.gov.wales/flexible-skills-programme.

The weekend saw Remembrance Sunday, where I laid a wreath at the Holywell Remembrance Service, before attending the Flint Armistice Service in the afternoon. It was a privilege to be a part of these services, which I attend each year – my thanks too to our member of the Welsh Youth Parliament Ben Harris for laying a wreath on my behalf in Mold this year. I also had the chance to visit residents at Llys Raddington to see their lovely Remembrance poppy display – which residents had made by hand using old plastic bottles. It was good to hear that they’d received a Community Merit Award from the Mayor of Flint last week in recognition of their continued efforts to honour those who have served or continue to serve in the Armed Forces.

Our NHS workforce is the beating heart of healthcare in Wales. That’s why the Welsh Government has invested £294m in training and education this year – supporting the next generation of nurses, midwives, dentists, doctors and allied health professionals. The NHS Wales Bursary is a key part of this support, helping many to train and stay working here in Wales. A new 12-week consultation has opened to explore the future of the bursary scheme and how it can best support students and the NHS workforce of the future. The consultation opened on October 31 and will end in January 2026 and you can give your views at www.gov.wales/considering-future-options-nhs-wales-bursary-scheme.

It’s also worth remembering that community pharmacists are also highly qualified healthcare professionals here in Wales, offering clinical advice and prompt treatment right on our doorstep, often without the need for an appointment. You might be surprised by the range of services your local pharmacy provides to help you stay well and make the most of NHS care close to home. Pharmacists work closely with GPs and other health professionals to make sure you get the right care at the right time. Last week was Ask Your Pharmacist Week – you can find out more about that at www.npa.co.uk/campaigns/ask-your-pharmacist-week-2025.

I recently met with Smart Energy while they were in the Senedd and we discussed how a smart meter can help take control of household energy bills. The cost-of-living crisis hasn’t gone away – it’s something that comes up often when I’m out and about across the constituency and from letters to my office. During my conversation with Smart Energy, they set out how smart meters can be used to make energy changes that can help to reduce energy costs – they can help you manage your energy use and find ways to save energy in your home. If you’re struggling with the cost of living or energy costs, there is help available – you can see my guide to the help on offer at www.hannahblythyn.cymru/our-community/help-cost-living.

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.