Newsletter June 2026
Newsletter June 2026
Welcome to my Newsletter for June 2026
Tough New Action on Late Payments to Support Small Businesses
Our Labour government is taking the strongest action in a generation to tackle the damaging practice of late payments and support small businesses to thrive.
New reforms will introduce a 60-day cap on payment terms for large firms paying smaller suppliers, ensuring businesses are paid promptly for the work they do. This will be backed by mandatory interest on late payments, helping to protect cash flow and provide greater financial certainty.
In addition, the Government will ban the unfair withholding of retention payments in construction contracts, putting an end to practices that leave firms waiting months, or even years, for money they are owed.
Jobs Fair Supporting Local Opportunities
Fantastic to recently host a Jobs Fair at Cynon Linc, in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Nearly 300 people attended, creating a real buzz as they explored new opportunities and connected directly with employers.
It was also great to catch up with Vikki Howells MS, local officers and councillors, including the then Mayor, Cllr Sheryll Evans and the newly elected Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Cllr Ann Crimmings.
Summer Support for Families
Good news for families across Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare, as the UK Labour government has announced a temporary VAT cut from 20% to 5% on a range of family activities this summer.
This includes cheaper children’s meals in restaurants, lower ticket prices for cinemas and theatres, and reduced entry costs for popular attractions such as zoos, theme parks and soft play centres.
Running from 25 June to 1 September, the change is designed to help families enjoy days out and make great memories over the summer without the extra cost.
Enjoying the Best of Our Local Outdoors
It was a pleasure to recently visit Forest Holidays Garwnant, a great reminder of how lucky we are to have such beautiful outdoor space on our doorstep, right on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
With excellent facilities, it’s a popular spot for families, walkers and visitors to enjoy everything our valleys have to offer.
Stronger Protection for Young People Online
The UK Government has set out plans to ban social media platforms from offering accounts to under‑16s, in a move aimed at improving online safety and giving children more time away from digital pressures.
The proposals also include tighter rules around features such as livestreaming and direct messaging for young users.
Legislation is expected later this year, with the new protections planned to come into force next spring.
Celebrating Our Volunteers
As Volunteers’ Week came to a close, it was a pleasure to spend time with the volunteers at Hope Pantry in Merthyr Tydfil and see first-hand the incredible work they do.
Across Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare, hundreds of people give their time to support others and strengthen our communities. Their contribution makes a real difference and should never be taken for granted.
Having started volunteering myself at 14, I know what a privilege it is to support local groups and charities, both as a volunteer and trustee.
Community Support in Action
I recently visited the team at Legacy In The Community to hear more about their vital work supporting people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
From the Working on Wellbeing programme with Scope to their National Lottery-funded Period Dignity project, they are making a real difference to people’s lives across Merthyr Tydfil and beyond.
Their work highlights the important role community organisations play in supporting those who need it most.
Insight into our Local Justice System
It was a valuable visit to Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court as part of the Bar Council’s Constituency Court Day, with the opportunity to see first-hand how justice is delivered in our area.
It was insightful to meet members of the Bar, learn more about the day-to-day work of the courts, and hear about the challenges facing our justice system.
Visits like this are important in understanding how our courts operate and the pressures they face.
Out and About in Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare and Other Events
- Lovely afternoon at the Chilli & Chocolate Festival, Merthyr Tydfil
- An evening at St Elvan’s for the Spring Gala Concert, presented by the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Cllr Sheryl Evans. Cwmbach Male Choir, Cwmbach Community Primary School Choir and Guitar Ensemble, and Lewis Merthyr Band were all superb.
- A real pleasure to open the Merthyr Tydfil Camera Club exhibition at Merthyr Tydfil Library.
- Street Surgery with the team in Aberfan.Welcomed residents to UK Parliament. Vanessa and Jack joined me for a tour of the Palace followed by a very lively PMQs and a catch up with the Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens for Cardiff East and Nick Smith MP.
- Street Surgery in Aberaman alongside Tina Williams – Councillor for Aberaman, CLLR Julie Cook B.E.M Aberaman WARD, Cllr Sheryl Evans and the team.
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.
