‘Waspi’ worries over pensions

THIS week I took to the megaphone for the first time, addressing a “Waspi” rally at the Senedd on behalf of all Welsh Labour AMs. Labour is deeply opposed to the UK Government’s unfair changes to the state pension age of thousands of women born in the 1950s. Many of these “Waspi” women from across Cynon Valley have contacted me to express their concern about these changes, and I intend to continue doing all I can to help with their campaign. n TOWN centres are the beating heart of our communities, and I am continuing my work to ensure our local high streets can thrive. This week I was elected as Deputy Chair of the Welsh Assembly’s Cross-Party Group on Small Shops. Small shops across Wales recently received a boost from the Welsh Government as it extends its £98m business rate relief scheme for another year. This really benefits RCT, as it means nearly 3,000 businesses do not pay any rates, with the remaining third receiving variable relief. Whereas across Wales 70% of businesses benefit from the policy, in England just 33% of businesses get similar support, showing the Welsh Government is clearly doing more than its UK counterpart. n LAST week I was honoured to become President of Friends R Us, a local support group for people affected by mental health conditions, their carers and dependents. n Another group I recently met with is the Aberdare Fibromyalgia Support Group which supports people suffering from chronic pain conditions. I am backing their call for a Valleys Wellbeing Centre that provides support and physiotherapy. I am always keen to meet local groups, so if you would like to invite me, ring 01685 881388 or email Vikki.Howells@assembly. wales. n MY new office at 27 High Street, Aberdare, will officially open on Friday, September 30, with a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care from 10am-noon. If you are in town, please pop in and say hello!