Fair green future
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Welsh Lib Dems publish manifesto for older people

More effective local healthcare, safer streets and action against age discrimination are among the highlights of the Welsh Liberal Democrat mini-manifesto for older people, published today.

The sixteen point plan focuses on how Welsh Lib Dem policies in government would raise the standard of public services, and ensure that opportunities are available to all, without discrimination.

The mini-manifesto includes proposals to:

·         Establish Primary Healthcare Hubs in the community;

·         Scrap ID cards and put more officers on the streets;

·         Better public transport and community transport for free bus travel pass holders;

·         Invest an additional £150m in housing, raising the standard of social housing in Wales;

·         Campaign to extend age discrimination legislation to cover volunteers and unpaid workers.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly leader Mike German AM said;

“Fairness is one of our key philosophies. Fairness in public services, from health care and education, to housing

and transport – we don’t want to see any member of society denied the opportunity to make the most of

their life simply because of selective or poorly-run social services.

“We believe in a health service that puts patients first, providing health care when it is needed, and providing it

in a dignified way that values the patient and involves them at every stage of the treatment process.

“We believe that our streets will be safer with common-sense proposals that put the police back on the street

instead of sifting through paperwork. By abolishing Labour’s failing ID cards scheme we can afford to ensure

that our communities are a safe and pleasant environment in which to live and work.

“We believe in a public transport system that opens up excluded communities, providing opportunities for all,

while delivering a first class service to encourage people out of their cars, helping to combat climate change.

“Our manifesto provides a plan for a society which is inclusive to all, regardless of age or any other

discriminating factor. This booklet gives a selection of these plans for our fair green future.”

Fair green future
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Welsh Lib Dems raise the roof – and the standard – on new affordable housing

Investment worth over £500m in new social and affordable housing – that’s the pledge from the Welsh Liberal Democrats today. Together with plans to free up housing associations, this investment would help build an extra 11,600 affordable homes right across Wales.

Visiting a building site in Gelligaer, Caerphilly – where a third of the homes will be sold through the Homebuy scheme -  Mike German leader of the Welsh Lib Dems in the Assembly, was putting the focus on how extra government investment and cutting red tape would provide thousands of new affordable homes.

Mike German said:

“Our investment and freeing up housing associations to lever in extra money will provide almost 12,000 new affordable homes across Wales.

“Using the Assembly’s new powers we have a set of strong, substantial and radical proposals to provide accessible and affordable housing.

“£500m is a massive financial injection, and will enable us to get to grips with the affordable housing crisis. We will also ensure that housing associations have the freedom to make that money stretch further and that land is identified for affordable housing.

“Good quality, energy efficient and affordable homes are at the heart of our programme to tackle social exclusion and poverty. We’re raising the roof in terms of ambition and raising the standard in housing.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats legislative programme for the next Assembly includes measures to:

·         Create a single social tenure;

·         Enable housing associations to create surpluses through subsidiaries to re-invest in social housing;

·         Give councils the power to suspend the right-to-buy and stop second home sales;

·         Develop an affordable threshold on new developments;

·         Place a duty on councils and WAG to identify land for affordable development.

Mr German added:

“The lack of affordable and accessible housing can lead to community decline. We want to give local people a real chance to get onto the housing ladder and contribute to their community. The Homebuy scheme has been a great example of this – and we will extend this and use it as a basis for a key-workers scheme.

“Our investment and radical legislative proposals get to the heart of the matter. No other party can match our ambition, investment or programme for raising the standard in housing.”

Fair green future
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Labour must come clean on secret NHS shake-up - Randerson

Welsh Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Jenny Randerson has called for Labour to come clean on plans for more changes to NHS structures, after comments from Brian Gibbons called in to question the future of NHS trusts.

Responding to comments made by Dr Gibbons at a hustings event for healthcare managers, Mrs Randerson said that more restructuring was the last thing Wales NHS needs.

She said:  “Brian Gibbons has let the cat out of the bag. Now Labour should come clean on what further organisational change they are plotting for the NHS.

“Are they proposing the scrap the NHS trusts? There’s certainly nothing about that in their manifesto, but that’s one way of interpreting what Brian Gibbons’ words. Labour should come clean. If they have plans which they are keeping quiet, then I think voters will want to know about them.”

Jenny added: “Welsh Liberal Democrats have a clear position. We want to stop government meddling in the NHS.  After eight years of constant change – some of which we were responsible for in government – our NHS now needs a period of stability, where the different organisations of the health service can learn to work together more effectively. That’s where the great leap forward will come from – greater co-operation not further re-organisation.

“We’re offering people a ‘no meddling guarantee’ at this election. We want to let doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and pharmacists get on with the job.

“ It’s time Labour reassured our hard working health professionals that they are not about to unleash another period of turbulence and chaos on the NHS.”

Notes:

Dr Gibbons suggested NHS trusts were at the end of their lives at a hustings organised by the Institute of Healthcare Managers yesterday.

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Save ‘eyes and ears of Merthyr’ – Lembit Opik

Welsh Liberal Democrat MP Lembit Opik and local candidate Amy Kitcher will join Merthyr Community Wardens on patrol today (Thursday).  They will discuss the future of the successful project, dubbed the ‘eyes and ears of Merthyr’ which is threatened by funding cuts. 

Lembit Opik said: “Community Wardens provide a first point of call to report vandalism, call in on older people in the area and provide a reassuring presence on the streets.  I’m looking forward to patrolling Merthyr with the project and finding out how local people benefit from it. 

“Welsh Liberal Democrats want people to feel safer in their communities.  This project contributes to that and I’m sorry to hear it might close.  Wales needs more like it.” 

Local candidate Amy Kitcher said: “The Safer Merthyr Tydfil scheme was one of the first of its kind and I know local residents really support what the team are doing.  I know the wardens would be sorely missed in Merthyr and we will be discussing how to bring in more funding. 

“As well as Community Wardens, I want to see more community-based policing in Merthyr with named officers for each area, providing a similar local link.  But right now I want to see more funding for Safer Merthyr Tydfil.” 

Notes/Nodiadau:

Welsh Liberal Democrats pledge in their manifesto to support community-based policing, including named officers for each community. 

Safer Merthyr Tydfil is the Community Safety Warden scheme in Merthyr Tydfil, currently threatened with closure because of a lack of funding. 

Lembit Opik and Amy Kitcher will be meeting the team in Merthyr College car park tomorrow  (Thursday) at 10.15 to patrol the town and talk about the problems they face. 

Fair green future
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All children must have the opportunity to fulfil their potential says Welsh

Liberal Democrat

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson, Peter Black, has called

for more action to be taken to ensure that all children in Wales have the

opportunity to fulfil their potential.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats has pledged to guarantee primary school class

sizes of fewer than 25, and to invest properly in school buildings if they

are in Government on May 4th.

Mr. Black said: "Universal access to high quality education is the surest

route to equality for all - nothing does more to level the playing field and

give all our young people a fair start in life. It is unacceptable that some

children in Wales are still being taught in crumbling classrooms unfit for

purpose, or in unwieldy classes of 30 or more where their contact  time with

teachers must be minimal."

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats don't believe that where you live or how much

money you have should dictate the quality of your education.  That's why we

said no to top-up fees in Wales, why we'd spend £46 million to improve the

quality of children's learning environment, and why we reject selection in

schools. For all children, but especially those whose first language is not

English, being taught in smaller classes, in classrooms fit for purpose,

will ensure they all have an equal chance to succeed."

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Contact/Cyswllt: Media line 029 2031 3649

Embargo: 00.01 24/04/07

Welsh Lib Dems publish manifesto for business

Cutting red-tape, more public contracts for SMEs and a money-spinning green economy are the highlights of the Welsh Liberal Democrat mini-manifesto for business, published today.

The fifteen point plan focuses on how Welsh Lib Dem policies in government would promote an entrepreneurial culture, make the green switch and ease the burden on small businesses.

The mini-manifesto includes proposals to:

·         Introduce sunset clauses on regulations that impact on business.

·         Appoint a Chief Scientific Advisor to target research towards business development.

·         Maximise the Assembly’s economic power through targeted tax credits, deferred property payments and the use of corporation tax

Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly leader Mike German AM said;

“As one of the first nations to industrialise, Wales was once the engine room for development across the world.  Welsh Liberal Democrats believe Wales can lead the way again, and this manifesto outlines the steps to a more confident and prosperous future.

 “Wales has a wealth of talent in small and medium-sized businesses.  We want to encourage this by making public contracts accessible to smaller companies, and making advice and support services better available across the country.

“Businesses in Wales will also benefit from better transport links between key regions in Wales and across the border.  Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to oppose plans to decrease the service from West Wales to Cardiff and London, and promote improvements to the rail network through our £60 million new investment in public transport.

“Making the green switch and cutting carbon emissions in Wales needn’t be an obstacle, but an opportunity to promote new technologies.  As these technologies grow, greener businesses in Wales will lead to more jobs and economic growth. 

“Better training for business, better transport links and a more prosperous Wales will drive forward the economy, lift people out of poverty and promote Wales to the world.  That’s the future I want for businesses in Wales.”

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Carers are the “true heroes of Wales and deserve a better deal” according to Jenny Randerson, who was speaking ahead of the launch of a support service for those caring for people with dementia related needs.

Mrs Randerson, Welsh Lib Dem candidate for Cardiff Central, said that the health service in Wales could not survive without the care provided by thousands of people across the country.  She pledged that the Welsh Liberal Democrats would legislate to give carers a better deal from the NHS and give them more rights.

She said: “The Welsh Lib Dems will use the Assembly’s new powers to improve carers’ rights. They shoulder a massive burden in our society and provide a hidden subsidy to the NHS and council Social Services Departments.

“Wales has a strong history of putting our rugby greats, actors and singers on a pedestal. But for me, carers are the real heroes of modern Wales and they deserve a better deal. In government the Welsh Liberal Democrats would prioritise that better deal for carers.

“The NHS should be required to consider the welfare of carers and to inform carers that they have rights. Careers need to be respected as an integral part of our health service.

“Our Assembly Measure would also give carers the right to receive information regarding their well-being and their patients’ pathway through care. We would ensure that carers have the right to sufficient provision of respite care in care packages agreed and developed with public bodies. Time-off from care is vital in ensuring that carers can fulfil their responsibilities to the best of their ability.”

Notes/Nodiadau:

Mrs Randerson will be attending the launch of the Alzheimer’s Society Information Support and Wellbeing bus for carers caring for those with dementia related needs tomorrow at 10.30am. The launch is at gate 4 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Mike German AM, leader of the Welsh Lib Dems in the Assembly will also be attending the launch.

Fair green future
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“Labour are clearly in disarray. They are struggling to run a coherent campaign, much like their muddled management of Wales over the last four years. Whilst Plaid and Labour indulge in this clumsy courtship today through the media, we remain focused on the policies that matter.

“Spinning dodgy deals before the electorate have had their say is the refuge of desperate parties on the slide in this election. All parties should remember that it’s the people of Wales who decide the outcome of this election.

“We’re focusing on our positive message of smaller class sizes, more police officers on the beat and healthcare when and where it’s needed. These are the policies that are hitting home on the doorstep, and will lead to more Welsh Lib Dems AMs in the next Assembly.”

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Fair green future
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Only a vote for Welsh Lib Dems will put green action at heart of next Assembly - Öpik

Ahead of a series of visits in North Wales today, Lembit Öpik has warned that only a vote for the Welsh Liberal Democrats will put a real commitment to putting Wales at the forefront of the green revolution.

Mr Öpik, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats , said: "Climate change is the most significant threat that we face as human beings. There is a political consensus that Wales should do something. But only one party has set the bar higher - and pledged to put Wales at the forefront of the green revolution..

"The environment has failed to take off in this election, because it's a subject the other parties are keen to keep quiet. And no wonder. Labour's record in government is nothing to write home about. The Conservatives have failed to find any policies to back up their green rhetoric, and Plaid's dodgy costings and thin manifesto are unfit for government.

"By contrast the Welsh Liberal Democrats started this year with a January 1 pledge to generate all of Wales' electricity needs from renewable sources by 2050.

"We have set the toughest targets for recycling with a 60% target for domestic recycling by the end of the next Assembly. We have campaigned for control of building regulations to be devolved, so we can have greener homes. We have pledged a £4m investment in Climate Connect - a scheme to offer grants and advice on micro-generation. We have given a solid commitment to oppose new nuclear power stations in Wales.

"And we will put the environment at the heart of our plans for business, with a Green Jobs Strategy to ensure Wales generates the jobs of the future out of our knowledge and experience in making the green switch."

Notes:
Lembit Öpik will join North Wales AM Eleanor Burnham and mark Young,and other local candidates campaigning on environmental issues today in North Wales.  He will be in Rhyl from 10.00am; Denbigh from 12.00pm and later in Wrexham from 2.00pm.

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Contact/Cyswllt: Gareth Price 07976 898285

Embargo:  00:01h 23 April, 2007

St George’s day indifference should not snuff out Wales’ holiday hopes

“English ambivalence to their patron saint should not stop Wales celebrating ours” – that’s the message from Eleanor Burnham on St George’s Day.

Mrs Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for North Wales and culture spokesperson, said: “The first united act of AMs in 1999 was to ask for a bank holiday to celebrate Wales’ patron saint. Eight years on we are still waiting. As with many requests from Wales over the years – Labour isn’t listening.

“Scotland and Northern Ireland enjoys different holidays, yet Labour has consistently resisted Wales going its own way.

“Devolution means Wales can be different. It means Wales can do its own thing. If the people of Wales want to celebrate their national day – as the Assembly has already voted to do – then it should not be for Ministers in London to say we can’t.

“Welsh Liberal Democrats would demand the powers over bank holidays transfer to the Assembly, so we can celebrate the life of Dewi Sant as we choose.

“We need to do more to promote Wales internationally too. This means making St David’s Day more like St Patrick’s Day – a global festival of all things Welsh and a showcase for investment and tourism.

“Another way to drive up awareness of Wales would be a Welsh internet address. In government we would be keen to use a .cym domain for e-mail and web addresses.”

Notes:

Lembit Opik MP and Eleanor Burnham AM will be campaigning across North Wales tomorrow, highlighting their position as the party with the most radical proposals for a greener Wales. Starting in Rhyl, they will travel to Denbigh, then Wrexham.

 To arrange interviews call Gareth Price on 07976 898285.

Ends/diwedd  

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Release/Rhyddhau:  Immediate

Contact/Cyswllt:  Election desk on 029 2031 3649

Embargo:  00.01h on Sunday 22 April

Female Carers Need Equality of Opportunity - Randerson

To coincide with ‘Equality Day’ on Sunday Jenny Randerson, Welsh Liberal Democrat Equal Opportunities and Health Spokesperson is calling for female carers to be given greater recognition.

Jenny said: “According to Assembly Statistics, one in five women are carers and it is obvious from the statistics that this affects the mental health of many of them.

“15% of young women carers reported being treated for mental illness compared to 9% for non-carers. In men there was no discernable difference between non-carers and carers.

“Poor mental health and lack of respite seriously undermine the ability of carers to progress in their own lives. That’s why Welsh Liberal Democrats want to use the Assembly’s new powers to protect carers’ rights.

“The Labour Assembly Government has been pushed into supporting carers in the past but the next Assembly government needs to do more to specifically target young women who are bearing the brunt of caring responsibilities. They need respite and access to information, which our Assembly measure (the name for new Assembly laws) would guarantee.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats have long campaigned for a more extensive use of grants for carers. In the past carers needs have often been ignored.  Carers save the Government a great deal of money whilst at the same time many of them experience severe financial hardship.”

Notes:

Welsh Liberal Democrats are also publishing an equality mini-manifesto to show its commitment to equality as part of a fairer, greener Wales.

Printed, Published and Promoted by Stephen Smith on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, all at 102 Bute Street, Cardiff, CF10 5AD

Argraffwyd, Cyhoeddwyd ac Hyrwyddwyd gan Stephen Smith ar rhan Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru, 102 Stryd Bute, Caerdydd, CF10 5AD

Ends/diwedd  

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Contact/Cyswllt: Election desk on 029 2031 3649
Embago: 00:01am Sunday 22^ndApril 2007

Equality Day – Equal Rights for a truly Bi-lingual Wales - Burnham

Eleanor Burnham AM, speaking ahead of Equality Day this Sunday the 22^nd April, has stated that until Welsh is officially recognised alongside English as an official language of Wales, with statutory language rights for Welsh speakers, Wales cannot be considered a truly bi-lingual nation.

Ms Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Welsh Language and Assembly Member for North Wales, said: “Equal rights are a defining factor of a fair, modern and democratic society and yet Wales is still behind the times when it comes to enshrining our bi-lingual culture in law.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are committed to putting Welsh and English on an equal footing. We want to see Welsh established as an official language of Wales, as well as English, recognizing the role Welsh now plays in people’s everyday lives.

“We also want to enshrine individual rights for Welsh language speakers which would ensure they get equal treatment when accessing public services, giving people in Wales the right to correspond with public bodies in Welsh if and when they choose to.

“A new Welsh Language Act would make these equal language rights a reality and with the Welsh Assembly’s new law-making powers after May, the Welsh Liberal Democrats will be able to bring equality to both the languages of Wales.”

Ends/diwedd

Diwrnod Cyfartaledd – Hawliau Cyfartal ar gyfer Cymru Dwyieithog - Burnham

Dywedodd Eleanor Burnham AC, o flaen Diwrnod Cydraddoldeb Dydd Sul 22ain o Mis Ebrill yma, na fydd Cymru yn cael ei ystyried fel cenedl dwyiethog nes bydd yr Iaith Gymraeg yn cael statws fel iaith swyddogol ochr yn ochr a’r Saesneg, gyda hawliau iaith staduddol ar gyfer siaradwyr Gymraeg.

Dywedodd Ms Burnham, Llefarydd Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru dros yr Iaith ag Aelod Cynulliad dros Ogledd Cymru: “Mae hawliau cyfartal yn diffinio cymdeithas teg, modern a democratig, ond mae Cymru pell tu ôl pan rydym ni’n ystyried adlewyrchu ein diwylliant dwyieithog o fewn y gyfraith.

“Mae Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru wedi ymrwymo i gael cydraddoldeb rhwng Cymraeg a Saesneg. Rydym ni eisiau gweld y Gymraeg fel  iaith swyddogol, ochr yn ochr a’r Saesneg, yng Nghymru. Mae hwn yn adnabod cyfraniad y Gymraeg i’n bywydau beunyddiol.

“Hefyd, rydym ni eisiau sicrhau hawliau siaradwyr Cymraeg i sicrhau eu bod yn cael eu trin yn cyfartal pan maent yn defnyddio gwasanaethau cyhoeddus. Byddwn yn rhoi hawl i bobl cysylltu gyda cyrff gyhoeddus a mudiadau drwy’r gyfrwng yr Gymraeg pan maent yn dewis.

“Busai Ddeddf Iaith Cymraeg newydd yn gwneud hawliau iaith cyfartal hwn yn wirionedd. Ar ôl Mis Mai fydd  pŵerau newydd Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru yn golygu bod Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru yn gallu gwneud yr ieithoedd yn cyfartal.”

Ends/diwedd

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Contact/Cyswllt: Media line 029 2031 3649

Embargo 00.01 20^th April 2007

“Never forget” – Brown’s record is Blair’s record say Welsh Lib Dems

Ahead of Gordon Brown’s visit to Wales today, Jenny Willott MP chair of the Welsh Lib Dem election campaign, said:

“As Brown prepares to go solo, we all know his record is Blair’s record. We should never forget that.

“Whenever once popular boy groups split up and go their separate ways there is always a fight over their legacy. In this case Gordon Brown cannot escape from his role standing shoulder to shoulder with Blair on Iraq, student fees and ID cards.

“Who supported and funded the illegal invasion of Iraq? Who supported and funded the move to foundation hospitals? Who supported pushing thousands of students towards debt through tuition and top-up fees? Gordon Brown wrote the cheques for all of Tony Blair’s follies.

“His supporters may be hoping for a change of tune but the Brown and Blair back catalogue is fully of costly mistakes, attacks on civil liberties and presiding over a culture of debt.”

Diwedd/Ends

Printed, Published and Promoted by Stephen Smith on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, all at 102 Bute Street, Cardiff, CF10 5AD

Argraffwyd, Cyhoeddwyd ac Hyrwyddwyd gan Stephen Smith ar rhan Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru, 102 Stryd Bute, Caerdydd, CF10 5AD

Dewi Knight

Swyddog Polisi - Policy Officer

Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru

Welsh Liberal Democrats

029 20 190 156

07919 9915868

Welsh Lib Dems back Euro 2016 bid

Commenting on the announcement that the FAW is seeking to bid for the 2016 European Football Championships, Welsh Liberal Democrat sport spokesperson Eleanor Burnham said: “Welsh Liberal Democrats are the only party to have made a public commitment to support this bid. We know that attracting major events to Wales is a great way to promote sport and encourage people to take part.

“Bringing high profile events like the European championships also create opportunities for tourism and promoting Wales as a venue for people to work and come to study.

“We are the  only party with a specific manifesto pledge to ‘encourage moves towards a joint-bid with Scotland to host the 2016 Euro Football Finals’.”

Notes:

The specific pledge appears on page 55 of the manifesto as part of our package to promote World Class Sport in Wales.

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The below was an article i released some time ago,and it had very little response . I was very upset by this because i can not believe that once you are holding a Shot Gun certificate, you just renew it by sending a form off in the post.

No one checks that you still have the Shot Gun or that it is still kept in a safe place ! This is unacceptable position to be in especially after the events in the States and locally in Bangor recently .

I hope this is sorted out soon before its too late...So any papers interested in safe guarding our communities feel free to use this article below

North Wales shotgun licence fiasco!

Owners of shotguns in North Wales are being put in compromising situations by slack Home office administration of strict firearms regulations, says Mark Young, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly candidate for the Vale of Clwyd.

THIS IS AT A TIME WHEN THE LEVEL OF GUN CRIME IN NORTH WALES HAS INCREASED MORE THAN FOURTEEN FOLD IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS!

Mark has discovered that the time it takes for North Wales Police to process many shotgun certificate renewals is taking up to three months, leaving owners in the awkward and illegal position of not having an officially licensed firearm. Worse than that, it is also becoming apparent that traders who sell the ammunition for shotguns are being asked to supply cartridges to owners who cannot prove they are licensed to buy it. This is due to the owner having posted off their licence for renewal, often several months previously.

“This is shocking news” Mark said. “How would members of the public feel if they discovered that guns are remaining unlicensed for several months?   Traders while trying to make a living could be tempted to sell ammunition to people without up to date documentation. If the paperwork isn’t up to date, how can the public be assured that the police know who has what, and where it is?”

Mark goes on “clearly this needs to be addressed. The Home Office should be checking the speed at which renewals are processed and making sure that the police are adequately funded and resourced to deal with this issue. After all, this is central government legislation and someone in government needs to take responsibility for seeing that the law is implemented”

The delay in renewals affects many sportsmen and leisure shooters, especially during the game and competition seasons. The shooting industry in Wales is worth an estimated £73 million and its success in part depends on the accurate and legal provision of the licensing system.

Fair green future
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