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April 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to my April 2025 Newsletter.
Welcome to my latest E-newsletter, giving you an update on what I have been doing recently to support you both within the constituency and in Cardiff.
The proposed closure of Air Ambulance Bases was challenged at a Court Hearing over a three-day Judicial Review at Cardiff Crown Court recently. We are currently waiting for the Judge to consider the information which was presented at the Hearing before he announces his decision. We are expecting a decision soon.
As ever, if you would like an update on something not mentioned in my newsletter, or I can help in another way, please email me at [email protected] or call my office at 01686 610887.
Delays in Treatment for Powys Patients
Last week, Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) revived plans which will lead to waiting times being extended for Powys patients receiving treatment in English hospitals. This was a deeply disappointing decision, and I am asking the Welsh Government to intervene, and fund the Health Board to a point where it is able to buy healthcare capacity in England based on English waiting times, rather than the much longer NHS waiting times here in Wales.
We in Powys rely on hospitals across the border in England and the plans will create an unjust disparity, where Welsh patients would wait longer than their English counterparts - even though Welsh and English patients are treated by the same healthcare professionals within the same hospital.
Last week I questioned the First Minister on the plans and asked her to intervene. In response the First Minister confirmed to me that the situation is not acceptable, However, she stopped short of committing to provide additional funding, stating that the Health Secretary would investigate the matter further.
While the original proposals were initially scrapped, their revival is simply scandalous. Click Read more to read my full update.
Water & Electricity charges challenged
Russell George MS raises standing charges with the Cabinet Secretary.
People in Mid and North Wales pay higher electricity standing charges than any other part of the UK. The standing charge is a fixed price per day that customers pay, even if you use very little, or do not use any energy on that day at all.
I raised this issue in the Senedd last week. The regulator Ofgem has launched a consultation on standing charges, focusing on the introduction of zero standing charge tariffs for energy consumers. I have asked the Welsh Government to respond, and hope the outcome of this work will lead to fairer energy prices for people living in Mid Wales.
Last week I met with Hafren Dyfrdwy, following a significant increase in water bills. I have also met with Ofwat who regulate the water industry. I presented dozens of cases to both the water company and regulator to ask them to explain and justify specific examples. Hafren Dyfrdwy then informed me of various options some customers could consider to reduce their water charges. You can read my full report by clicking below.
Vyrnwy Frankton 132 kV Electricity Distribution Connection
A company called Green GEN Cymru has proposed to develop a 132 kV electricity distribution connection to connect proposed wind farms in Powys to the existing national electricity transmission network in Shropshire. The company is holding a statutory consultation on its Vyrnwy Frankton project which runs until 16 April 2025.
I attended a consultation event myself, and I was pleased that many others did too. I continue to meet and work closely with Montgomeryshire Against Pylons (MAP) and I’d encourage people to respond to the consultation. There are solutions that I and others have put forward to underground transmission cables.
If you agree with my views, and the views of MAP, I would encourage you to sign up to their newsletter by visiting https://www.montgomeryshireagainstpylons.co.uk/ MAP can provide advice in regard to how to respond to the consultation.
Changes to Senedd Elections
The constituency of Dwyfor and Meirionnydd will be combined with Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr.
There will be an increase in the number of Members of the Senedd from 60 to 96. There is also a change in the electoral system to one fully based on proportional representation; voters will now vote for a party instead of a candidate. This follows a final vote that took place in 2024, to which I voted against.
The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru published its Final Determinations for the 2026 Review of Senedd constituencies last month (March). The Commission confirmed 16 new Senedd constituencies. These constituencies will take effect automatically at the 2026 Senedd election. The Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr constituency will be combined with the Dwyfor Meirionnydd Westminster constituency to form a new Senedd area, which will be called Gwynedd Maldwyn.
Recycling Booking System needs Scrapping
From 1st April, Powys County Council made changes to how people use Recycling Centres. You now must book a time slot and pay a charge for some items. Most Powys County Councillors supported the changes. I am working with Councillors who are calling for the booking system and additional charges to be scrapped. A petition against the proposals already has thousands of signatures.
I believe that the introduction of an appointment system was a backward step and will make recycling more difficult for residents. In Shropshire, the plans were reversed, If most County Councillors in Powys agree, the proposals can be reversed here also.
Please contact me if you would like to take part in a survey that I and other County Councillors have started.
Supporting people with chronic conditions
Despite repeated calls for action, and 6 years since the publication of the A Healthier Wales plan, the Welsh Government is still failing to provide the support people need to live well for longer. This failure not only impacts individuals' quality of life but also places an unsustainable burden on our NHS.
While much attention has been concentrated on NHS acute care, there has been far less focus on people who rely on regular access to healthcare to manage one or more chronic conditions.
One of my roles in the Senedd, is Chairing the Health and Social Care Committee. The Committee is made up of members from across parties. We have made several recommendations to improve the situation, but ultimately, we are looking to Welsh Government to take immediate, decisive action to protect the health of the nation and the future of the NHS.
Later this month I will speak in the Senedd about our report, which was published earlier this year.
First King Charles 111 Post Box in Wales
King Charles III Post Box Unveiling in Welshpool.
The first postbox in Wales bearing King Charles III's cypher has been installed.
Located by a delivery office on Severn Street, in Welshpool, it was unveiled by pupils from Welshpool High School and Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Powys, Tony Evans.
Over 115,000 postboxes throughout the UK have borne the symbols of successive monarchs since the first box displayed Queen Victoria's cypher.
The King's cypher consists of the initial of the monarch's name, Charles III, and title, Rex – Latin for King - beneath a Tudor crown.
Postboxes were introduced across the UK in 1853 after a trial in the Channel Islands.
It was a privilege to witness this historic moment here in Welshpool. The unveiling of the first King Charles III post box in Wales was a great moment for the town, and it was good that young people from Welshpool High School took part in the unveiling.
The continuation of this royal tradition today in Welshpool is historic for the town. I was pleased to be one of the first people to post a letter from the new post box-myself.
Newtown Food Surplus
I had the opportunity to visit Newtown Food Surplus recently. The team showcased the work they do in supporting our community, reducing food waste, and ensuring surplus reaches those that need it most.
The aim of Newtown Food Surplus is to stop food from entering landfill and to reduce food poverty. They collect, sorts and stores surplus food from local shops. They then distribute this surplus through food shares twice each week in Newtown.
During my visit, I engaged with volunteers and customers, gaining insight into the impact of our their work and they were able to highlight the challenges and successes of tackling food waste and food insecurity.
Click here to visit there website.
My Surgeries and other News
If an area of interest to you is not mentioned in my newsletter this month, please contact me for further information as it’s not possible to include every area I am working on.
You may be interested in other stories:
Greater Reform Needed to Encourage NHS Dentists to Work in Mid Wales - Greater Reform Needed to Encourage NHS Dentists to Work in Mid Wales Says MS | Russell George
Powys County Council Hoards Millions of Pounds whilst Increasing Council Tax by 8.9% - Powys County Council Hoards Millions of Pounds whilst Increasing Council Tax by 8.9% | Russell George
Lower Car Park Charges Could Boost Our Town Centres - Lower Car Park Charges Could Boost Our Town Centres | Russell George
I hold surgeries in my Newtown or Welshpool office most Fridays and across communities on a regular basis, please contact me if you believe I can help and would like to meet with me.
Last month, as well as holding my regular surgeries in my Newtown and Welshpool offices, I held advice surgeries in Carno and Llansantffraid.
Promoted by Russell George MS, 13 Parkers Lane, Newtown, SY16 2LT
The costs of this publication have been met by the Senedd Commission from public funds.
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