THE start of a new Assembly term is almost upon us.

Next week Assembly Members will head back to Cardiff Bay from their constituencies. Before Assembly business gets underway I have reflected on the work that we have done this last year. The past year has seen more progress and delivery by the Labour Welsh Government.

From developments in health and education to schemes to deliver more affordable homes and tackle the economic concerns of hard working families the Welsh Government has been delivering on our manifesto commitments for a better Wales.

However, we must not be complacent, there is still much work to do.

All of this has happened whilst the Conservative led UK Government has continued to impose budget cuts. That has led directly to cuts in local government and a wide range of publicly funded services. That background will get worse as the UK Government continues to cut and working families will continue to be in the firing line.

I see the challenges that families face in my casework on behalf of constituents. Since January 2014 my office has dealt with 287 new cases, with health, housing, education and transport accounting for most of these cases. Of the 287 cases almost 80 of those were from the Penarth end of the constituency. Since I was elected in 2011 my office has dealt with almost 1300 cases, helping over 5000 constituents.

One of the biggest concerns when I was first elected was our infrastructure, the condition of our school buildings and transport systems. I am really pleased that a new school building for St Cyres will open this autumn.

The new Penarth Learning Community building, part of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme, will incorporate Ashgrove, Erw’r Delyn and Ysgol Maes Dyfan. The shared use of facilities will benefit the whole community. I’m proud that we are continuing to invest in the future of our pupils and staff.

Earlier this year the Welsh Government announced its decision to give the go-ahead for a South Wales Metro. Over the next three years the Welsh Government will plough a total of £62million into the scheme. Investment in our rail network will have enormous benefits for my constituency, including Penarth and the wider South Wales region. Good transport links are a major factor that determines whether business will invest in creating jobs. This project is a vital component in securing Wales’ economic future and something I have been championing since I was first elected. I look forward to continuing to fight our corner in the weeks and months ahead.

I would be interested on hearing your views or any concerns that you may have, please get in touch by writing to National assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay CF99 1NA or telephone 02920 452072.