Latest news with #PeterFox
South Wales Argus
12 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
MS says government should support Monmouthshire farmers
Bluetongue, a disease spread by midges, affects sheep and cattle but poses no risk to humans. The new regulations put in place by the Welsh Government will prevent livestock from England from entering Wales. This move is expected to impact normal trading practices. Peter Fox, Member of the Senedd for Monmouth, voiced his worries regarding these restrictions. He said: "These new regulations will cause huge financial problems for farmers, but they will not keep Bluetongue out of Wales. "We should align with England's restricted zone policy with increased vaccinations to avoid unnecessarily harming the farming community further." Mr Fox also highlighted the resultant decline in livestock at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, an event hailed as one of Europe's leading agricultural exhibitions. Further criticism was directed at the Labour Government, with Mr Fox stating: "I am disappointed that once again, Welsh Labour are abandoning our farmers, we need to support farmers in Monmouthshire." Huw Irranca-Davies, deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, addressed the situation with the disease. He said: "My goal at this stage remains to keep Bluetongue out of Wales for the benefit of our animals and those who keep them. "The economic and farmer well-being concerns caused by dealing with severe Bluetongue are first and foremost in my mind." He also expressed his willingness to review and adapt the current policies, should the situation change. "Our shared priority over the coming weeks is to promote vaccine take-up," he added.
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
The Lyneal Trust toasting 40 years of getting disabled on canals
A charity that helps wheelchair users enjoy a trip on a canal boat is preparing to celebrate its 40th Lyneal Trust in north Shropshire uses adapted narrow boats and cottages to offer holidays and day trips and is staffed by 40 volunteers, who welcome people with a range of mobility Fox, who is one of them, said it had given him the opportunity to "put something back, to help people that wouldn't otherwise be able to do it".His colleague, Nicky Fox, said she enjoyed seeing the "joy on the faces" of the people enjoying the experience. Derwen College, a nearby college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities, has visited the Lyneal Trust for the last four Simmonds, who was taking a group from the college this week, says the trust is "leading the way on accessibility and inclusion". The canal boats give young people "the opportunity to explore different environments" and for students it is "a completely different sensory environment", Ms Simmonds Fox said: "We meet some amazing people with fantastic stories."She also said she was impressed by their resilience and willingness to try something new."Being on the water for a day, or longer, is a great way to relax and take time in nature to enjoy the environment of the lovely canal side," Ms Fox added. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
A465 dualling: Frustration at roadworks and closures
Peter Fox, member of the Senedd for Monmouth, has raised concerns about ongoing closures and delays on the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road, which runs from Neath to Hereford. A major dualling project between Neath and Abergavenny recently concluded after more than two decades of work, with the Gilwern to Brynmawr section—known locally as Blackrock—finishing six years behind schedule in 2023. Mr Fox said: "I don't think that anyone will argue the Heads of the Valleys Road is an impressive feat of engineering, but it has been nothing short of expensive and frustrating for the people of Wales. "The project began in 2002, and has taken 23 years to finish, costing the Welsh Government over £2 billion. "This is an extraordinary amount of money, and something they have quite rightly been challenged on." The latest disruption involves night closures near the Hardwick roundabout, with traffic diverted onto the A40 to allow for structural inspections. Mr Fox said: "Residents in my constituency near Gilwern, Abergavenny and the surrounding villages remember all too well how frustrating the works in the area have been, and these unfortunately look set to continue. "For a road that has been under construction for 23 years, and recently undergoing resurfacing and now inspections for structural integrity, it really does beg the question if it will ever be truly finished. "I do hope these inspections will find that no further works will be required, otherwise this could become a never-ending saga."
South Wales Argus
12-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Land value tax in Wales could replace council tax and rates
The former first minister said the Welsh Government continues to explore the feasibility of LVT as used in countries such as Denmark and Singapore. Professor Drakeford has long supported a LVT, arguing those who have the privilege of ownership should pay something back for that privilege. LVT is levied on the value of the land rather than the property itself. Proponents argue LVT is easier to collect, more efficient and difficult to avoid, while discouraging speculation and encouraging people to bring idle land back into use. Professor Drakeford told the Senedd: "I am anxious to see this discussion move beyond the theoretical and into the realms of the practically possible. He explained that the Welsh Government has invited tenders to test approaches to valuing land, with submissions for every aspect of the work. The finance secretary said: "I want to use the coming months to test the boundaries of what might be possible in the next Senedd term. "Let's open the door to more radical, fundamental and progressive reform in the future." He added: "The current system is unfairly weighted against those who experience difficulty in paying. "I want to shift the focus from harmful escalation towards supportive prevention." He stated ministers will introduce a new council tax appeals process by April 2026 that will be "easier to navigate and provide a better, modern system for taxpayers". Peter Fox agreed that council tax is regressive by nature "and that it will never really become a fair local tax". Mr Fox accused the Welsh Government of increasing tax on families "by stealth" through underfunding councils which, in turn, pass on the shortfall to people. He called for reform of the "outdated and flawed" funding formula. Professor Drakeford replied: "Almost every local authority in Wales will agree that the formula needs revision – nobody can agree on how that should be done. "The 22 local authorities each believe that the formula uniquely disadvantages them."
Western Telegraph
11-06-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Land value tax in Wales could replace council tax and rates
The former first minister said the Welsh Government continues to explore the feasibility of LVT as used in countries such as Denmark and Singapore. Professor Drakeford has long supported a LVT, arguing those who have the privilege of ownership should pay something back for that privilege. LVT is levied on the value of the land rather than the property itself. Proponents argue LVT is easier to collect, more efficient and difficult to avoid, while discouraging speculation and encouraging people to bring idle land back into use. Professor Drakeford told the Senedd: "I am anxious to see this discussion move beyond the theoretical and into the realms of the practically possible. He explained that the Welsh Government has invited tenders to test approaches to valuing land, with submissions for every aspect of the work. The finance secretary said: "I want to use the coming months to test the boundaries of what might be possible in the next Senedd term. "Let's open the door to more radical, fundamental and progressive reform in the future." He added: "The current system is unfairly weighted against those who experience difficulty in paying. "I want to shift the focus from harmful escalation towards supportive prevention." He stated ministers will introduce a new council tax appeals process by April 2026 that will be "easier to navigate and provide a better, modern system for taxpayers". Peter Fox agreed that council tax is regressive by nature "and that it will never really become a fair local tax". Mr Fox accused the Welsh Government of increasing tax on families "by stealth" through underfunding councils which, in turn, pass on the shortfall to people. He called for reform of the "outdated and flawed" funding formula. Professor Drakeford replied: "Almost every local authority in Wales will agree that the formula needs revision – nobody can agree on how that should be done. "The 22 local authorities each believe that the formula uniquely disadvantages them."
