News

Support grows for profit-free social care model, says UNISON

Published

3 months ago

December 9, 2025

Union calls for National Care Service as survey highlights public backing

UNISON CYMRU has said there is “overwhelming support” for removing profit from social care in Wales, following the publication of a TUC Cymru survey indicating strong public backing for services delivered directly by the public sector.

The survey, published on Thursday (Dec 4), asked respondents whether they believed social care should be publicly run and non-profit. According to the trade union body, the majority were in favour of ending the current mixed-model system, where many services are commissioned from private providers.

Mark Turner, UNISON Cymru’s head of social care, said care workers across Wales were “stretched to breaking point” as they support older and disabled people every day.

“Families see the strain too, with services struggling to provide all the help that’s needed,” Mr Turner said. “Removing profit from social care would make a big difference. It would mean more money is focused on consistent, high-quality support for every community and better pay and conditions for staff, rather than dividends for investors.

“There’s clearly a huge public appetite for change. The next Welsh government must seize this moment, build a National Care Service and deliver the fair, reliable system people in Wales have deserved for far too long.”

Background and wider debate

Calls for a National Care Service have been raised repeatedly in Wales in recent years, with campaigners arguing that the current system is fragmented and places too much financial burden on families.

However, private and independent care providers have previously warned that removing profit entirely from the sector could lead to instability, home closures, and reduced capacity, as many services rely on private investment to remain viable.

They argue that local authorities – already facing budget pressures – may struggle to deliver all care in-house without significant long-term funding from the Welsh Government.

Several organisations in the sector have also pointed out that profit levels vary widely and that many small and medium-sized providers do not generate large profits, instead reinvesting income to cover rising staffing and operational costs.

Welsh Government position

The Welsh Government has committed in principle to exploring a “National Care Service for Wales,” but has acknowledged that any major restructuring would require “substantial and sustained funding” over multiple parliamentary terms.

A spokesperson has previously said ministers are reviewing the evidence from trade unions, councils, providers and service users as part of ongoing reform discussions.

Crime

Man sentenced for stalking Milford Haven woman

Published

6 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed by Haverfordwest magistrates

A MAN has been sentenced after admitting stalking a woman in Milford Haven.

Andrew Richards, 39, of High Street, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

Richards had previously pleaded guilty to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

The court heard that between December 2, 2025 and February 15, 2026, he pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of Tamsin Matthias and which he knew, or ought to have known, amounted to harassment.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until September 8, 2027.

As part of the order, Richards must undertake alcohol treatment for nine months under the direction of the probation service.

He must also complete up to twenty days of rehabilitation activity as directed by probation.

Richards was ordered to pay a £120 fine, £500 compensation to the victim, £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court made a restraining order lasting until September 8, 2027.

Under the order, Richards must not contact the victim directly or indirectly and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material on social media or the internet referring to her directly or indirectly.

The court heard a victim personal statement from the complainant, which was read to the court by the prosecutor.

The case was prosecuted by Dennis Davies, with Richards represented by Mike Kelleher.

The hearing was before magistrates Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman.

Crime

Man, 80, sentenced for stalking after campaign of unwanted emails and posters

Published

7 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed after Haverfordwest case

A MAN has been sentenced for stalking after admitting a campaign of unwanted contact and harassment in Haverfordwest.

Michael Lockheart, 80, of Daisy Lane, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

The court had previously heard that between July 27 and September 10, 2025, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to stalking.

The offence involved sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop making contact, putting up defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to the complainant’s GP and local authority.

Lockheart had entered a guilty plea to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, on January 27, 2026.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until March 8, 2028.

As part of that order, Lockheart must undergo non-residential mental health treatment for 12 months under Dr Cormac Duffy, as directed by probation.

He must also complete up to 25 days of rehabilitation activity.

Lockheart was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation, a £600 fine, £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court also made a restraining order lasting until March 8, 2028.

Under that order, he must not seek, approach or communicate with the complainant by any means, directly or indirectly. He must not knowingly enter any address where she is living, and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material online or on social media referring to her directly or by implication.

A victim personal statement was read to the court by the prosecutor.