NICK SUPPORTS ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

NATIONAL Assembly Member for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay, has expressed his support for the work of the Royal British Legion at an event at the National Assembly today.

The meeting with the charity provided an opportunity for Assembly Members to discuss ideas and opportunities for improving welfare delivery in Wales.

The main topic discussed was the Disabled Facilities Grants. The Legion is anxious that the waiting times for people in need of home adaptations are unnecessarily high and that provision across Wales is not consistent.

Speaking after the event, local AM Nick expressed his concern that some people are being forced to wait up to five years simply to get an occupational therapist's report to approve much needed work - this is despite help with assessments being made available from the charity.

Nick said: "I was disturbed to hear of the huge delays disabled people are facing in getting help with adapting their homes.

"This is an issue I am keen to raise in my role as an Assembly Member. It is important to establish what the situation is like for people living in Monmouthshire, particularly with respect to funding and delays in Occupational Therapy assessments.

"This issue is currently under investigation by the Assembly's Equality of Opportunity Committee, of which I am a member. I will certainly look to ensure that the concerns of the Royal British Legion are heard."

Chris Simpkins, the Legion's Director General, said he was "hugely grateful" to Nick for his time and support on this issue.

"We are pleased that Mr Ramsay shares our concerns about this and other welfare issues in Wales and I look forward to working with him on this."