Vital not to put unnecessary burdens on our local services
FIRST of all, I hope everyone is keeping safe and well at this challenging time. Thank you very much to everyone that has been in touch with my team and I over what has been an unprecedented period for us all.
We have done everything we can to answer questions and support everyone that has got in touch over the past number of weeks regarding this pandemic.
If anyone has any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to get in touch with my team and I.
We’re here to help you as best we can.
Over the last few weeks my team and I have been dealing with hundreds of enquiries regarding a vast variety of topics such as support for businesses and the self-employed; PPE for healthcare professionals; testing patients and key workers; tourism; community support and much more.
On business, Welsh Government has introduced two grants that are linked to the business rates payable properties and you can find out more about these grants on the Isle of Anglesey County Council website.
The UK Government website also has information regarding schemes supporting the selfemployed and employers wanting to support their staff financially during this current crisis.
We need to see much more being done regarding testing and PPE.
We need widespread testing here in Wales to track the spread of the virus but also so staff who are having to self-isolate can get back to work if they test negatively.
Concern regarding protective equipment has become one of the defining features of this crisis.
Key workers in health, social care, and other areas where workers are continuing to go to work need to be protected, and they need to feel safe. Key workers deserve no less.
Despite the importance of tourism to the island, we know that it is in our interests to ask people to stay away now, and to look forward to returning another day when this is all over.
I am still receiving reports of people arriving in holiday lets or second homes.
I am in contact with North Wales Police and wish to place on record my thanks to them for their work.
I have asked UK Government for assurances that they will support them in taking necessary steps to ensure that people are residing at their primary addresses at this time.
It is of paramount importance that no unnecessary burden is put on local services.
I’ve created a page on my website – rhunapiorwerth.cymru - containing contact details for a wide range of companies, businesses and support groups.
I have also linked to the National Assembly’s blog, which covers what support is available to all groups affected by the current pandemic.
Please don’t hesitate to contact my team and I at any point. You can phone my office on 01248 723599 or email me directly at rhun.apiorwerth@assembly.wales and we will help as best we can.