Politics
Welsh councils ‘on the brink’ due to half a billion pound shortfall

COUNCILS are facing an “unprecedented” £540m budget shortfall, with two local authorities concerned they are facing bankruptcy and more may follow, the Senedd heard.
Peter Fox, the Tory shadow local government secretary, said: “There are many on the brink … and we cannot continue to ignore the situation – it is very real, it is very much growing.”
Mr Fox, who led Monmouthshire Council before his election to the Senedd in 2021, raised concerns about reports of an increase in employer National Insurance contributions.
He pointed out that about 140,000 people are employed by councils as he questioned Wales’ local government minister in the Senedd on October 16.
Mr Fox said the public service workforce, including private contractors, is about 480,000 and even a 1% increase would lead to an estimated £100m bill for councils.
He said: “Councils provide vital public services for the people of Wales and financial pressures will force councils to pass on costs to working families who cannot afford that.”
Warning of a “huge hole” opening up, Mr Fox suggested yet more pressure could be on the way following the UK Government’s budget on October 30.
The Monmouth MS asked whether Welsh ministers are considering any mechanisms, such as a funding floor, to “fend off” potential council bankruptcies.
Mike Hedges pointed out that both Labour and Conservative councils in England, including Birmingham, which is the biggest in Europe, have faced bankruptcy.
The former Swansea council leader said: “We have not had a bankruptcy of a council in Wales because of a better settlement and also good political management and good departmental management. But that can’t continue forever.”
Peredur Owen Griffiths, Plaid Cymru’s shadow local government secretary, raised concerns about Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil councils’ plans to cut school transport.
“Caerphilly Council is consulting on the same, not to mention huge cuts to libraries,” he said.
Mr Owen Griffiths, who represents South Wales East, warned of a looming disaster, adding that cuts will have a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable.
- Job losses on the horizon as council battles to plug £45m hole in budget
- ‘Lifeline’ meals on wheels service saved after widespread opposition to closure
- Welsh councils braced for multimillion pound ‘black hole’ in next year’s budgets
Responding for the Welsh Government, Jayne Bryant acknowledged the “huge challenges” that councils across Wales have faced for many years.
Wales’ local government secretary, who was appointed in July, recognised councils are balancing key services such as social care and education amid increasing demand.
She stressed that no Welsh council has issued a section 114 (bankruptcy) notice, saying: “We’re working hard and we’re not taking that for granted.”
Ms Bryant said ministers are jointly developing a protocol for councils in case of emergencies, which will include options but not additional funding.
The minister said the Welsh Local Government Association, the voice of Wales’ 22 councils, will present a paper on pressures at the next finance sub-group meeting on October 22.
She told the Senedd that local government will be a key part of the Welsh Government’s draft spending plans for 2025/26 which are due to be published on December 10.
She said: “We will protect frontline public services as far as possible and continue to target support at those in greatest need.”
Politics
Pembrokeshire County Council needs to find £28m funding

A BETTER-than-expected settlement from the Welsh government has lowered Pembrokeshire’s funding gap for the next financial year by millions but the county still faces a £28m challenge.
In a draft budget report before the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, presented by Cabinet member for finance Cllr Joshua Beynon, members heard a projected funding gap for the next financial year of £34.1m had now been reduced to £28.1m as Pembrokeshire received a higher than expected Aggregate External Finance (AEF) settlement increase of 3.6 per cent from Welsh Government – amounting to just over £8.1m – against a predicted two per cent; the average across the 22 local authorities being 4.3 per cent.
Of the 22 authorities in Wales, Pembrokeshire ranked 15th in its rate of settlement, neighbouring Ceredigion also receiving 3.6 per cent, to rank 17th, and Carmarthenshire receiving 4.1 per cent, ranking 12th.
The report added: “In the current financial year, Pembrokeshire received an AEF settlement of £218.87m, representing 72.1 per cent of the 2024-25 Net Expenditure budget of £303.496m, the remainder (27.9 per cent) being funded by council tax.
“There is now more reliance on council tax funding due to AEF reductions during the austerity period whilst council tax increased. Council tax accounted for only 18.4 per cent in 2013-14. This trend is likely to continue whilst anticipated AEF increases are proportionally below council tax increases in future years.”
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Beynon referenced ‘unpalatable’ options listed in an online council budget modeller giving options for the final figure for the next financial year.
“It’s not a fun time to be in local government, it’s about what we can cut, making really difficult decisions; in that [online council] budget modeller there are some unpalatable things we could do, it is more and more difficult for us to get these savings, years and years of reduced budgets mean we are finding it difficult.”
Members backed recommendations including the outline draft budget be noted, with final decisions on any budget being made by full council next February.
The funding gap figures are based around a 11.14 per cent council tax increase in the next financial year.
News
Greyhound racing in Wales: Future hangs in balance as decision delayed until 2025

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S decision to postpone a ruling on the future of greyhound racing until 2025 has sparked mixed reactions, with animal welfare groups voicing disappointment and industry representatives welcoming the extended timeline for discussion.
Welfare groups demand urgent action
Animal welfare organisations, including Dogs Trust, RSPCA Cymru, Blue Cross, Greyhound Rescue Wales, and Hope Rescue, have expressed dismay at the delay. The coalition, known as Cut the Chase, has long advocated for an end to greyhound racing in Wales, calling the postponement a missed opportunity to prevent further harm.
Their concerns mirror recent developments in New Zealand, where greyhound racing will be banned by August 2026 due to concerns over injuries and fatalities. Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, stated:
“The call to end greyhound racing in Wales has received overwhelming support from the animal welfare community, Members of the Senedd, and the public, with over 35,000 people signing a petition demanding change.
“It is unacceptable that so many dogs die or are seriously injured every year, all in the name of entertainment. Wales now stands alongside only a handful of countries, including England and Scotland, where this outdated and inhumane practice persists. The Welsh Government must take the only meaningful action to stop this cruelty: end greyhound racing once and for all.”
Public supports a phased ban
A consultation conducted by the Welsh Government revealed that 64.69% of respondents supported a phased ban on greyhound racing. Despite this, officials have opted to extend deliberations, with a final decision now expected in 2025.
Animal welfare groups highlighted troubling figures from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), which reported 359 racing greyhound deaths and 4,238 injuries in 2023 – a 47% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year. Concerns extend to off-track welfare, including reports of poor living conditions, inadequate nutrition, and lack of enrichment for retired greyhounds.
Industry defends its welfare standards
The GBGB has countered criticism by emphasizing welfare improvements at licensed tracks such as Valley Stadium in Wales. Mark Bird, GBGB Chief Executive, said:
“Valley Stadium’s licensing has brought significant welfare improvements, overseen by expert veterinarians and our national network of professionals. Racing greyhounds receive more oversight and protection than many pet dogs across Wales.
“We remain committed to working with the Welsh Government to promote and protect greyhound welfare through effective and proportionate regulation.”
Broader calls for change
The debate in Wales reflects a growing movement to end greyhound racing across the UK and beyond. In Scotland, a Proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing Bill aims to outlaw the sport, while New Zealand has committed to a ban, citing ethical concerns.
Decision delayed but debate intensifies
The Welsh Government has emphasized the need for thorough consideration before making a final decision. However, the delay has intensified divisions, with animal welfare groups urging an outright ban and the industry advocating for improved regulation as a viable alternative.
A final verdict is not expected until 2025, leaving the future of the sport – and the welfare of thousands of greyhounds – uncertain.
Community
Only three anti-social behaviour warnings in Haverfordwest in two years

DESCRIBED as a “waste of taxpayers’ money”, a protection order introduced in the centre of Haverfordwest to tackle antisocial behaviour has been “an unnecessary tool” which only resulted in three warnings in two years.
Prior to its backing in mid-2022, a plan to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Haverfordwest town centre had been under discussion for some time, with a public consultation on the matter, as well as previous debates by Pembrokeshire County Council.
The proposals were brought by the town’s then five county councillors, initially prompted by anti-social behaviour and drinking issues at the skate park but later expanded to a large part of the town centre, and were developed in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police.
Claims had previously been made that “gangs of feral children are roaming around town”, with members of the public subject to verbal and physical abuse in Haverfordwest, and a “criminal element” dealing drugs in the town.
The PSPO gives police and PCSOs additional powers for three years to issue a fixed penalty notice of £100 if someone fails to comply with a request to cease consumption of intoxicating substances in a designated area.
At the time, Cllr Jacob Williams said on “civil liberties grounds” he was shocked to see what was being proposed.
“I think this is way over the top and not a proportionate response,” he said.
The PSPO area includes the Withybush retail area, the river alongside Morrisons, Barn Street, Horsefair roundabout, Rifleman Field, skatepark, Fortunes Frolic and out to the train station.
The December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council received a submitted question by Independent Group leader Cllr Huw Murphy, who had opposed the scheme.
“At full council on July 14, 2022 a decision was made to implement a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) within certain areas of Haverfordwest.
“A Partnership Panel held on May 23, 2024, received confirmation that since this PSPO was implemented there have been no prosecutions or fixed penalties issued. There was a cost implication in implementing this PSPO for PCC, money that we can ill afford to spend when ample legislation exists for dealing with antisocial behaviour.
“Therefore, can it be agreed that in future such applications are given greater scrutiny to avoid further waste of taxpayers’ money and what actually reduces antisocial behaviour is increased pro-active policing not more legislation?”
Responding to Cllr Murphy’s question Cllr Williams, now Cabinet Member for Planning & Regulatory Services, said he agreed with the questioner.
“Cllr Murphy and I were among several who opposed this introduction, among the things I said was I was aghast at this proposal which had snowballed; I would’ve been in support around the skate park rather than the town.”
He added: “The way the council was proceeding was not justified and I voted against it; as Cllr Murphy’s question states there have been no prosecutions, but on three occasions police have warned people about offences.”
Cllr Williams said any potential renewing of the order – up for review next year – would go to scrutiny committee before coming before council, “should there be an appetite for this PSPO to be renewed”.
He concluded: “It could be argued there’s no prosecutions so it’s worked; but only three persons have been warned [by police], I think that paints a story that it was probably not only was not a success but probably a tool that was not necessary.”
-
Top News3 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Top News2 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
News6 days ago
Thai mother’s harrowing 999 call: “I felt like a robot, I felt twisted, I killed my son”
-
Entertainment6 days ago
Reef’s 30th Anniversary Tour hits Tenby in 2025
-
News4 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police launches attempted murder investigation
-
Crime6 days ago
Thai mother sentenced to hospital order for killing son
-
News4 days ago
Heroes of the storm: How Council workers rallied during rare red wind warning
-
Business5 days ago
Ferry traffic surges at Pembroke Dock due to Holyhead closure