Newsletter January 2026
Newsletter January 2026
Welcome to my Newsletter for January 2026
Happy New Year and welcome to my first newsletter of 2026.
I’m looking forward to another year full of activity across Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare, from school visits and concerts to catching up with local community groups and supporting projects that bring people together. These events are such an important part of what makes our area special, and I’m always proud to see the fantastic work happening in our communities.
This year also promises plenty of opportunities. We’ve already seen big steps forward recently, with sick pay from day one and stronger rights at work, and there’s more to come.
Bryn Pica Survey
Have You Been Affected by Odours from Bryn Pica Landfill?
I’ve recently been contacted by residents about unpleasant odours coming from the Bryn Pica landfill site. Alongside your local councillors, Steve Bradwick and Victoria Dunn, I’ve written to the council, which is responsible for environmental health, and I’m awaiting their response.
In the meantime, I want to understand the full impact of this issue on our community. If you’ve been affected, please take a few minutes to complete my short survey. Your feedback will help me represent your concerns effectively.
I’m particularly keen to know:
- How often you’ve noticed odours
- Whether you’ve reported the issue to the council or Natural Resources Wales
Interest Rates Cut Again
Interest rates have fallen once more, the sixth reduction since the election. This continued downward trend offers welcome relief for households, helping to ease pressure on mortgages and everyday costs.
Families across Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare are feeling the benefit of these changes, and will be hoping this stability continues in the months ahead.
Every Journey Safer – Labour’s New Road Safety Strategy
Labour’s new Road Safety Strategy, the first in more than a decade, sets out a programme of action aimed at saving lives and making roads safer for all road users. The strategy focuses on tackling the “Fatal Four” causes of serious accidents:
• Speeding
• Drink and drug driving
• Not wearing seat belts
• Mobile phone use
This work is centred on protecting lives, preventing avoidable tragedies, and putting safety at the forefront of road policy.
Stronger Rights for Working Families
Labour is delivering major improvements for working families, with new rights coming into force from April.
An additional 32,000 dads each year will be able to access Paternity Leave from day one, bringing it in line with maternity leave and giving new parents the support they need from the very start. Bereaved partners will also gain new rights to paternity leave, ensuring families are not left without help at the hardest of times.
At the same time, Labour is ending the three‑day wait for Statutory Sick Pay, guaranteeing sick pay from day one so no one loses income simply because they are unwell.
These changes represent a significant step forward in fairness, security and dignity for working families in Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare, and across the UK.
Remembering Ray Thomas MBE
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Councillor Ray Thomas MBE.
Ray was a dedicated public servant who gave so much to Merthyr Tydfil over many years. He was widely respected for his commitment, his integrity and his unwavering support for local residents. His contribution to public life, and to the community he cared for so deeply, will be long remembered.
Delivering Christmas Hampers Across Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
It was a fantastic morning joining Nick Smith MP and an incredible team of volunteers to pack 410 Christmas hampers for families across our communities as part of the Everyone Deserves a Christmas Campaign.
My sincere thanks go to every volunteer, donor and partner who made this possible. Your generosity has brought comfort and real festive cheer to households who needed it most.
I’m also grateful to Carolyn Harris MP, Merthyr Valleys Homes, Wales & West Housing Group, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Merthyr Town FC and the Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation for their outstanding support.
Focus on Better Bus Services for Our Area
Welsh Labour Leader Eluned Morgan recently visited Merthyr Tydfil to talk about pledges for improving public transport in Wales. The discussion included:
- Making bus travel more affordable
- Introducing up to 100 new routes
- Giving passengers more say on routes
While these proposals would need to be delivered by the next Welsh Government, it’s encouraging to see attention on transport issues that matter to our communities. Reliable, affordable buses are vital for access to jobs, education, and local services.
Don’t Lose Your Vote — Register for a Postal Vote
The next Senedd (Welsh Parliament) election is on Thursday 7 May 2026. If voting by post is more convenient, you can register now, it only takes a few minutes.
Key points for voters in Wales:
- Deadline: Postal vote applications must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026 (11 working days before polling day). If you prefer, you can still vote in person.
- Young voters: If you’re 16 or 17, you’re eligible to vote in the Senedd election — make sure you’re registered.
- Not registered yet? You must be registered before applying for a postal vote; registration closes Monday 20 April 2026.
Voting by post can give you flexibility if you’re working, studying, caring, or away on the day, and it helps ensure your voice is heard in decisions that affect our communities.
Book a Free Tour of Parliament
My office can arrange free tours of the UK Parliament for UK residents. Tours last around 75 minutes and give you the chance to explore historic spaces like Westminster Hall and the Chambers of both Houses, while learning how Parliament works today.
Tours can be booked up to six months in advance, so early booking is recommended.
Advice Surgeries
As well as my work in Parliament, my team and I are available to help constituents all year round, with a range of issues, including for example benefit entitlements, HMRC issues, housing, Home Office, and passport issues.
I hold regular advice surgeries across the constituency. These are an opportunity for residents in Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare to come and chat with me about issues I feel I could offer advice and assistance.
To discuss specific issues, and to book an appointment, please call my team on 01685 383 739 or email Gerald.Jones.MP@parliament.uk.
