 Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Gower, has joined Royal Mail staff to celebrate 500 years of the service. Half a millennia ago in 516, Henry VIII knighted Brian Tuke, the first Master of the Posts, and the Royal Mail was born. Mrs Evans is a long standing supporter of Royal Mail, and has spoken out on several occasions against any privatisation of the service by the Westminster Government. She said: "I welcomed the opportunity to celebrate 500 years of Royal Mail. "Over the past 500 years so much has changed, but Royal Mail has remained a constant, but evolving, service. It has met the challenges of different times, by continuing to meet the needs of the people who use it. Times have changed in how our mail and parcels are delivered, but what hasn’t changed is the commitment of the dedicated Royal Mail staff to help society keep moving, and enhance the lives of those who use it.” Throughout this celebration year, there are events being held to commemorate the role of Royal Mail through the years. The Royal Mail's website charts the progression of the service and describes how it has responded to and influenced social and political changes over the years. Gower AM Rebecca Evans has welcomed the news that the Welsh Government will continue to support vulnerable and low income households with its Council Tax Reduction schemes until at least the end of 2017-18.
The decision will ensure that approximately 300,000 households in Wales will continue to be protected from any increase in their council tax. Of these, 220,000 will continue to pay no council tax at all. Rebecca Evans said: "This announcement will come as a relief to many households in Gower. "Whilst low-income families are seeing a hike in their council tax in England, the Welsh Government has taken action to protect the people who need the most support." Local Government Minister Mark Drakeford said: “When the UK Government abolished Council Tax Benefit and handed responsibility to Welsh Government for developing a replacement scheme they also passed on a funding cut of 10%. “Despite this shortfall in funding, Welsh Government and local government have worked together to secure reductions for vulnerable and low income households. This has been supported by the £244m we have provided through our local government settlement. “Our approach is in stark contrast to the situation in England, where local authorities have been left to design their own schemes and manage the associated funding shortfall. This has resulted in over two million low-income households having to pay more of their council tax bill. “Low-income families in England are now paying on average £169 a year more in council tax than they would have if Council Tax Benefit were still in place. “We’re ensuring that local authorities in Wales will continue to be shielded from the costs faced by councils in England and that the households which need the most support will continue to be protected.” I will be holding an advice surgery in Pontarddulais on Friday 23rd September, between 3pm and 4pm, at Canolfan Y Bont, 28 Dulais Road, Pontarddulais, to enable anyone to meet me and raise concerns or issues.
If you would like to book an appointment, please get in touch by either ringing 0300 200 7160 or emailing [email protected]  Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Gower, is backing St John Cymru Wales' ‘Save a Life September’ campaign by undertaking first aid training. Mrs Evans said: “Throughout September, St John Cymru Wales is delivering free training sessions in schools, training centres and businesses across Wales. I was very pleased to take this chance to brush up on my first aid skills. "You never know when you will be faced by a situation where a family member, friend, colleague or member of the public might need your help. First aid training means that you can take appropriate action with confidence, and maybe save a life." Keith Dunn, CEO, St John Cymru Wales, said: "We believe that no one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. "First aid is something that many people think about learning, or brushing up on, but they often don’t realise the need for it until they are in an emergency situation. That’s why our aim is to have a first aider in every home in Wales. We want to reach as many people as possible, so that more members of the public are equipped with the skills to save a life.” There are still chances to take part in Save a Life September. Details about up-coming training sessions are available on the St John Ambulance website. Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Gower, is backing St John Cymru Wales' ‘Save a Life September’ campaign by hosting an event as part of a drive to raise awareness of the importance of first aid.
Rebecca Evans is opening her office and encouraging people in the area to come along and learn - or brush up on - first aid skills which could save a life. Mrs Evans said: “Throughout September, St John Cymru Wales is delivering free training sessions in schools, training centres and businesses across Wales. "I am pleased to be holding a session at my office in Gorseinon. You never know when you will be faced by a situation where a family member, friend, colleague or member of the public might need your help. First aid training means that you can take appropriate action with confidence, and maybe save a life." Keith Dunn, CEO, St John Cymru Wales, said: "We believe that no one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. "First aid is something that many people think about learning, or brushing up on, but they often don’t realise the need for it until they are in an emergency situation. That’s why our aim is to have a first aider in every home in Wales. We want to reach as many people as possible, so that more members of the public are equipped with the skills to save a life.” The session will be held at Rebecca Evans' constituency office at 9 Pontarddulais Road in Gorseinon on Friday 16th September. Please get in touch for more details and to reserve your space as places are strictly limited. Those who attend will learn how to save a life using easy to follow techniques and receive a free pocket-sized first aid guide to keep on them in case of an emergency. Rebecca can be contacted on 01792 899 081 / 0300 200 7160 or by emailing [email protected] |
