Merthyr’s Economic Miracle Challenges Valleys Myths

For decades, Merthyr Tydfil has been synonymous with deprivation, disadvantage and decline.  Politicians and academics have struggled with what to ‘do’ about Merthyr, with ideas ranging from moving everyone away to encouraging everyone to get on the bus or…

Valleys Metro = Cardiff puff

The news that the south Wales valleys lines are to be electrified is both long overdue and very welcome. All kinds of extravagant claims are now being made about the investment being the solution to the valleys’ problems,…

Do Welsh University applicants know the facts?

Figures out from UCAS this week show that the number of people from the UK applying to go to university next September is down by 11.9% from the same period last year.  The figures cover…

Last chance for legal aid . . .

Monday’s debate and vote on a European referendum has postponed the demise of legal aid for a further week and gives  one last chance to consider the implications.

Legal aid was an integral part of the welfare state when…

Spend on arts to solve Wales’s crisis

In hard times, spending on the arts and cultural activity is typically first in line for the chop, regarded as a luxury that can no longer be afforded. But Professor Dai Smith, in his lecture…

Government need to listen before they make the struggle even harder

My name is Danny Eggar, I am twenty three years old and live inCardiff. In 2004 I was diagnosed with an eye condition called Lebers hereditary optic neuropathy; this affects the optic nerve in both eyes which means my…

Duncan Smith loses war on poverty

Poverty forecasting is a dodgy business but if it must be done, it is best it is done by someone both reputable and competent.  None fits this bill better than the IFS.  Even so, we will go…

Who are the Hardest Hit

Disabled people, those with long-term conditions and their families are being hit hard by cuts to the benefits and services they need to live their lives. Many are in fear of cuts to essential benefits including…

Housing and poverty – the challenge for Wales

As the financial squeeze bites and the threat of a double dip recession looms two new JRF publications illustrate the scale of the challenge faced by policy-makers and politicians in Wales.

The Institute of Fiscal Studies report warns…

Home Adaptations – key to independent living

Accessible Information – key to Home Adaptations….Imagine this….. In GP practices and surgeries up and down Wales, GPs are writing prescriptions for  Mrs Thomas,  Mr Jones and Mrs Williams to receive a ‘Healthy Homes…