Here's the latest Argus column by Islwyn AM Rhianon Passmore:

AFTER I write this I will shortly head into the Senedd to vote for the Welsh Labour Government’s 2020–21 budget.

Despite a decade of austerity inflicted on Wales by the UK Tory Government in London, the Welsh Labour Government here in Cardiff Bay continues to be act as a firewall.

I am heartened that at the beating heart of this Welsh Labour budget is the Welsh National Health Service, education and public services.

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As a former county councillor I know the vital public services that are run from city and town halls across Wales.

This budget sees a real-terms increase for every authority.

The differences this makes in reality is profound.

For Islwyn residents this allows the proposed cuts of £8.5 million to be reduced to £3 million.

For Islwyn residents this means the necessary council tax rise proposed can be lessened.

Labour councillors in their communities continue to stand up for the well-being of their citizens and the much valued and relied upon public services, while this Welsh Labour Government continues to back them financially, even with the scorched earth terrain that the Tory policies of austerity create.

- I have been delighted to attend two good news stories in Islwyn recently.

Firstly, I attended the officially opening of Pantside Community Woodland Park in Newbridge.

The park emerged from the work of the Pantside Association of Tenants and Residents (PART) in partnership working with Caerphilly Council Borough Council and the securing £250,000 from the National Lottery.

Secondly, I visited William Hare, a steel producing company in Risca, with the economy minister Ken Skates to celebrate the creation of 100 new jobs.

The Welsh Labour Government has provided £350,000 to support the company’s plans.

The company itself has invested more than £10 million during the past year.

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- The recent powerful Ciara and Dennis storms hit Islwyn communities, including Blackwood and Cross Keys rugby club.

I have met with the leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council to discuss what additional resources the authority needs to support Islwyn communities.

I have raised questions on the recent flooding on the floor of the Senedd chamber with the first minister and environment minister.

I have also, along with my fellow AMs and MPs who represent communities within the Caerphilly County Borough area, written to prime minister Boris Johnson requesting urgent additional financial aid to support South Wales communities as we seek to rebuild.

If you have been affected you can contact my office via telephone on 01495225162 or via e-mail on Rhianon.Passmore@assembly.wales