Latest news with #JayneBryant
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Summer is a busy time for events in Newport
From cultural celebrations to family fun, our city is buzzing with events that embrace diversity, tradition, and inclusion. Something for all interests or abilities. We've already enjoyed some fantastic festivals. The Caerleon Arts Festival delivered again, bringing colour and creativity to the area, while The Big Splash returned with free entertainment and activities for all ages to enjoy. And there's plenty more to come. On August 10, the Welsh Yemeni Festival returns to Pill Harriers rugby field, celebrating rich heritage and community spirit. Then we have Pill Carnival over the Bank Holiday weekend, and fans of pop culture can get excited for Comic Con Wales at the ICC. Summer is also a time of progress and support for our communities. Our Welsh Government is working hard to deliver what you have asked for and as the school year came to a close, we marked a major milestone in the Welsh Government's commitment to children and families with the full rollout of Universal Primary Free School Meals. Since launching in 2022, more than 50 million meals have been served in primary schools across Wales. Now, every child in every primary school in Newport can count on a free school meal every day helping to ease pressure on families and ensure every child is ready to learn. Then looking ahead to a new school year, there's even more support available. The School Essentials Grant is now open for applications, offering up to £200 per child to help with the cost of uniforms, shoes, bags, and stationery. It's not just a boost for families, when you apply, your school receives extra funding too. Applications can be made through the Newport City Council website, you can also contact my office for help. For those facing financial difficulties, the Discretionary Assistance Fund has been improved with enhanced emergency payments and expanded eligibility. It's designed to help more people when they need it most. If you're unsure what you might qualify for, the Welsh Government's 'Claim What's Yours' campaign is a great place to start. As your Member of the Senedd, I'm here to help Newport West constituents with any devolved issues. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like any help or want to discuss anything. or 01633 376627. Jayne Bryant is Senedd member for Newport West
BBC News
19-07-2025
- BBC News
Caerphilly Castle reopens after two-year renovation
Wales' biggest castle has reopened after two years of renovations aimed at "reconnecting communities with their heritage".The £8m worth of upgrades to Caerphilly Castle include a reconstruction of the Great Hall to how it appeared in its "medieval heyday", as well as new digital exhibits and accessibility improvements."The castle has stood as a guardian for over 750 years and… we're ensuring it remains at the heart of the town's identity for generations to come," said Jayne Bryant MS, housing and local government 13th Century structure was built by Gilbert de Clare, the Earl of Gloucester, as a fortress against Welsh resistance. The castle – the second biggest in the UK, behind Windsor - reopened on Saturday to include new interactive exhibitions that tell stories of the castle, including "power struggles, betrayals and liaisons with people who built and fought over the castle", according to Welsh heritage body is also an exhibit on John Crichton-Stuart, the fourth Marquis of Bute, who funded its reconstruction in the 1920s.A medieval passageway connected to the Great Hall has been opened for public access, while there have also been repairs to a major gatehouse. New paths and ramps, as well as a wildflower garden, have been for Culture Jack Sargeant, said the renovation has "made our shared history more accessible and engaging for everyone"."The Great Hall, interactive exhibits and improved accessibility demonstrate our commitment to preserving Wales' rich cultural heritage while ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations," he Bryant said, the upgrades were "about reconnecting communities with their heritage and boosting local economies".
South Wales Argus
19-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Welsh elections financial help for disabled candidates
The scheme, called the Welsh Elections Financial Assistance Scheme (Disabled Candidates) Regulations 2025, aims to help candidates overcome barriers to participation and was announced by Jayne Bryant MS. This follows the duty of Welsh ministers under the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 to create such a scheme. The initiative was supported by members last Tuesday. Disabled candidates often face unavoidable costs like accessible transport, specialist equipment, or personal support. The scheme, in line with the Draft Disabled People's Rights Plan for 2025 to 2035, aims to remove these barriers and promote equal opportunity. Disability Wales will independently administer the scheme, ensuring impartiality and confidentiality. Following the social model of disability, the scheme focuses on removing barriers rather than defining limitations. It will offer comprehensive support, from identifying needs to funding approved adjustments, throughout the election period. The scheme will be open for applications on September 1, 2025, and includes help identifying necessary support, assistance with completing applications, fair assessment of requests, and provision of approved funding or services. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in public life.
South Wales Argus
08-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Landmark Bill to transform building safety standards
The Building Safety (Wales) Bill, introduced in the Senedd, aims to improve safety in multi-occupied residential buildings, particularly those 11 metres and taller. It forms part of the Welsh Government's response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Jayne Bryant, cabinet secretary for housing and local government, said: "This landmark Bill will fundamentally transform safety in multi-occupied residential buildings across Wales. "Its key principles are safety, accountability and residents' voices, and it goes wider and further than existing legislation in other parts of the UK. "It creates clear legal responsibilities for owners and others, gives residents new rights and pathways to raise complaints, enables standards for professional assessments, and provides robust enforcement powers when safety requirements aren't met." The Bill includes a programme to address fire safety issues in high-rise buildings. It introduces major reforms to the building control system and sets new regulations for high-risk properties. Key measures include clearer responsibilities for duty holders, mandatory registration and regulation of building control professionals, and requirements to assess and manage building safety risks while properties are occupied. The legislation will also apply fire safety duties to certain Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Ms Bryant said: "This Bill is part of a wider programme to ensure that buildings in Wales are safer, and that people are protected in their homes. "The legacy of Grenfell Tower must be meaningful change. "We owe it to those who lost their lives, their families, and the survivors to ensure that such a tragedy can never happen again." The Bill also introduces a strong enforcement regime and clearer lines of accountability. Duty holders will have legal responsibility for managing building safety, ending uncertainty over who is responsible for protecting residents.
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
The former Caerphilly indoor market is being turned into a new apartment and office scheme
The former Caerphilly indoor market is being turned into a new apartment and office scheme The development from Linc Cymru will see 71 apartments new commercial units and public space (Image: RPWALTON ) Work has started demolishing the site of the former indoor market in Caerphilly that will make way for a £21m mixed-use scheme that will include 72 apartments. The project on Pentrebane Street in the centre of the town is being led by Linc Cymru (part of housing association Pobl Group) with support from Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns programme. As well as 72 apartments the scheme will also provide seven commercial units, designed to attract a variety of businesses, and new public space. Artist impression fo the mixed-use scheme from Linc Cymru in Caerphilly. Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government said of the development:"The demolition and development of this site is an important milestone in the ambitious plans for Caerphilly's town centre. "With the help of around £6m Transforming Towns funding from the Welsh Government, this scheme will deliver much-needed housing in the town centre along with commercial units, which will go towards increasing housing supply in Caerphilly, supporting local businesses, and breathing new life into the high street." Article continues below Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, added:"We're delighted to see the development of Caerphilly progress. The demolition of the old market at Pentrebane Street will create housing, open space, and a healthy mix of commercial and retail units. This will allow more people to live and work in our town. "Through extensive community engagement and consultation, we know that housing and new commercial opportunities is a major topic for Caerphilly residents and we're pleased to be able to address that through the work of the Caerphilly Town 2035 placemaking plan. "This project will go some way towards injecting some vibrancy into the area, so we look forward to getting on with the job." The former indoor market building in Caerphilly Grant Prosser, head of development (east) at Pobl Group said: "We welcome the start of demolition at Pentrebane Street as a key step towards transforming this part of Caerphilly town centre. It marks another important milestone in the ongoing regeneration plans for the town centre. "We have been working in partnership with Caerphilly Council and once the site is ready, we look forward to delivering a development that offers safe, high-quality homes alongside vibrant commercial units and shared green spaces. This project is about creating a place where people can live well, feel connected, and be part of a thriving community." Article continues below
