PONTYPRIDD MP SUPPORTS LOCAL COMMUNITY THROUGH COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS

In response to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the Member of Parliament for Pontypridd, Alex Davies-Jones MP hosted a local event to support residents from across Pontypridd and Taff Ely with their bills, pensions, personal finances and more.

The event took place at Rhydyfelin Community Centre and brought together organisations including Citizens Advice RCT, Riverside Community Trust, and Trivallis, amongst many more. Residents from across Rhydyfelin were encouraged to attend if they were having specific issues around making payments. The cost-of-living event saw more than 100 local residents attend for confidential advice and support from the organisations present.

Alex Davies-Jones MP also took the opportunity to host one of her regular advice surgeries, too.

Speaking after the event, Alex Davies-Jones MP said:

“The cost-of-living crisis is having an enormous impact on residents across Pontypridd and Taff Ely. The huge number of people who attended my cost-of-living support event seeking advice, or support with paying bills was just a glimmer into the seriousness of the situation locally. It was heartbreaking to hear from too many families and individuals who are having to make difficult choices about where to spend their money. Many of these people are in work, or have worked throughout their lives, and have now been forgotten by the UK Government. It just isn’t good enough. I will continue to do all that I can to help residents through the challenging months – and possibly years – ahead.”

An anonymous attendee, aged 76 said:

“I am struggling to make ends meet at the moment after losing my wife earlier this year. My bills are going up and last winter I spent many nights without heating because my pension just does not stretch far enough. I am so grateful for the support I have received at the event but I am genuinely worried about the future. The Government needs to be doing more to step in to help people like me otherwise I really feel more lives will be lost at the hands of this crisis.”