In addition to announcing over half a billion pounds of extra Welsh Government funding between now and 2021, growing its budget to over £16.1 billion by 2020, and to giving Welsh Councils the freedom to build more council homes by removing the borrowing cap on housing, the UK Chancellor’s Budget Statement included £120 million of funding for the North Wales Growth Deal, supporting investment, jobs and prosperity in our region.

I was therefore particularly pleased to attend the North Wales Growth Deal Conference held by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, which presented information on the North Wales Growth Bid, its relationship with the wider North Wales Growth Vision and the benefits to the region from entering into a Deal. The Growth Bid proposals united Local Authorities, Businesses, Further and Higher Education across North Wales. We must now look to the Welsh Government to declare its support for these proposals, without top-down tinkering, and to announce funding which matches that now committed by the UK Government.

During a constructive visit to Mold-based companies Delyn Safety UK Consultancy and Training, and Jackson Fire and Security, we discussed the benefits of the two companies working together, their establishment of ‘Hands Across Delyn’ Community Interest Company, providing facilities for local charities, social enterprises and small businesses, and the DWP’s Disability Confidence Scheme, which encourages employers to think differently about disability and employ disabled people.

I had a useful meeting with NFU Cymru’s Clwyd County Advisor, Joe Mault, and their County Chairman, Paul Williams. Discussion was dominated by the absence of a stability mechanism within future agricultural policy in the Welsh Government’s ‘Brexit and Our Land’ Consultation, and the need for this was emphasised if we are to ensure a continued supply of safe, quality, affordable food alongside economic resilience and a Public Goods scheme that delivers social, health, education and environmental outcomes.

It was a pleasure to attend Wrexham Glyndŵr University’s celebration of the Honorary Fellowships conferred at the University’s Award Ceremonies last week.

Having accepted the British Polio Fellowship’s invitation to become their Welsh Assembly Patron, I spoke with them about my role.

I had a useful discussion with Assistance Dogs UK on proposals for a Register of Assistance Dogs within a recognised UK scheme. Several constituents who are dependent upon assistance dogs for mobility and independence have contacted me after being refused access to premises because there is no assistance dog registration scheme at present in the UK.

If you need my help, please email mark.isherwood@assembly.wales or call 0300 200 7219.