Politics

Deputy First Minister stands with commitment to disqualify lying politicians

Published

1 month ago

December 3, 2024

THE DEPUTY First Minister reiterated a promise to introduce legislation disqualifying lying politicians amid concerns about vexatious complaints and politicisation of the courts.

Huw Irranca-Davies restated the pledge as he appeared before the Senedd’s standards committee to give evidence to an inquiry about accountability on December 2.

Labour’s Lee Waters questioned if the commitment, to a bill on disqualifying politicians found guilty of deception through an independent judicial process, will be kept by 2026.

Mr Irranca-Davies told the committee: “Come what may, that commitment stands.”

But he warned of practical complexity in disqualifying candidates and Senedd Members, raising further concerns about politicisation of the courts and vexatious complaints.

Mr Irranca-Daves said any new legislation would need to be cognisant of freedom of expression, under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

He stated proportionality will be the key test of compliance with human rights law.

The standards committee is weighing up recommendations including creating a criminal offence of deception, a civil offence, or strengthening the existing self-regulation system.

Mick Antoniw, a former minister who gave the initial commitment to legislation to avert defeat in a Senedd vote, argued the standards committee sits as a quasi-judicial body.

Senedd counsel general Mick Antoniw — Labour MS Mick Antoniw

But Plaid Cymru’s Adam Price disagreed, drawing a distinction between self-regulation and an independent judicial process through a tribunal or criminal court.

Jane Dodds, the Liberal Democrats’ leader in Wales, called for clarity on the timetable.

Mr Irranca-Davies reiterated the commitment to bringing a bill forward before the 2026 Senedd election, saying the Welsh Government has set aside a slot for the legislation.

Turning to parliamentary privilege, which affords MPs immunity from legal challenge, Mr Irranca-Davies said the precious principle allows politicians to speak freely.

In the Senedd, privilege is limited to defamation and contempt rather than absolute but moves are afoot to provide parity across the four nations.

“We have to make sure we don’t trespass on that essential right of parliamentarians to speak freely on behalf of their constituents and against injustice,” Mr Irranca-Davies said.

Calling for the standards process as a whole to be strengthened, he backed the introduction of a system of recall, which would allow voters to boot out Senedd Members between elections.

He said: “It is very important, we believe, as a point of principle where Members are found to have fallen well short of expected standards of behaviour that the electorate do have the opportunity to remove them.”

He described the triggers used in Westminster: a custodial sentence for 12 months or less, a suspension of at least ten days or an expenses offence conviction: as a useful starting point.

But the former MP said Wales could diverge, raising concerns a ten-day suspension could tie the committee’s hands and suggesting discretion for suspensions of 30 days or less.

Mr Irranca-Davies cautioned that bringing forward a bill before the next Senedd election would require “rapid manoeuvring”, with implications for the legislative programme.

From 2026, people will vote for parties rather than individuals as the Senedd ditches the first-past-the-post system in favour of a full form of proportional representation.

The next candidate on the political party’s list would be elected, with the public having no further say on who would replace a recalled Senedd Member.

Mr Irranca-Davies said: “The [Welsh] Government remains firmly of the view that there isn’t a form of by-election, that you would see under the first-past-the-post system, that would work within this new system. The fit isn’t there.”

He argued individuals rather than parties should be punished, warning recall could otherwise undermine the proportionality of the Senedd as decided at an election.

The Deputy First Minister advocated a simple yes-no public vote on whether a politician should stay in office following a recommendation of recall from the standards committee.

News

Wales at the forefront of UK drive to ‘turbocharge’ AI

Published

11 hours ago

January 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST MINISTER OF WALES Eluned Morgan has welcomed today’s announcement from the UK Government of a multi-billion pound investment in Artificial Intelligence.

The UK Opportunities Action Plan, launched by Prime Minister Keir Starmer today, aims to drive economic growth, support public services and use intelligent technology to improve people’s every day lives.

Wales is uniquely placed to benefit from the AI infrastructure plans, with work already underway to develop tech hubs, shared resources and data centres.

As part of the investment announced today, US technology giant Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over £12 billion across the UK, resulting in the creation of over 11,500 jobs. The Welsh Government has been working closely with Vantage since 2020 to support the development of its data centres in Wales.

It is expected that the lion’s share of the new investment from Vantage will be in Wales. The biggest investment will be in Bridgend, where the company plans to develop the former Ford factory site to become one of Europe’s largest data centre campuses.

The First Minister is keen to ensure Wales benefits from the investment in AI, saying:

“Today’s announcement, which includes a multi-billion pound investment in AI by some of the world’s biggest tech companies, is a huge boost in confidence for industry in Wales.

“We are seeing that AI is increasingly being used as a power for good, whether that’s increasing productivity or bringing smarter solutions to everyday problems.

“There can be enormous benefits to the economy in establishing the tech and wider infrastructure here in Wales. Industry leaders recognise that the conditions are right in Wales, with a government that will do what it can to make these plans a reality.

“This won’t happen overnight and it’s important that the infrastructure, data, skills and talent is in place to ensure that we all benefit from these solutions. There’s no question that Wales is in an excellent position to benefit, given the work that’s already in progress here.”

The Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans is leading a review to explore how Wales can capitalise on opportunities and develop Wales’ strengths in the development of AI-based technologies.

Over the past year, the Welsh Government has worked with other organisations to develop guidance to support Welsh public bodies in adopting AI in a responsible, safe and ethical way.

Wales has already seen evidence of the value of AI implementation in diagnostic care in the NHS, with a digital pathology platform for prostate and breast cancer detection led by Betsi Cadwaladr seeing a 13% increase in prostate cancer detection rates.

Estyn, the school inspectorate, is also undertaking a review of the use of Generative AI in schools, which will explore the potential benefits to schools, while also considering the challenges they pose.

News

Council Tax Premium set to increase for long-term empty properties

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a significant change to the council tax premium on long-term empty properties, aiming to address housing shortages and community impacts.

Starting April 1, 2025, a single premium rate of 300 per cent will be applied to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. This replaces the previous system of incremental increases.

Councillor Joshua Beynon, cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much-needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”

Details of the premium

The premium is an addition to the standard council tax charge and applies across all three elements:

Pembrokeshire County Council
Police and Crime Commissioner
Town and Community Councils

Exemptions and discounts

Property owners undergoing renovations can apply for a council tax exemption if their property requires major repair works or structural alterations. This exemption allows the property to be tax-free for up to 12 months.

If the exemption has already been granted, owners may apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the value of the long-term empty property premium. However, the standard council tax charge remains payable in these cases.

Applicants must provide written details of the required works, supported by photographic evidence. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the discretionary discount is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months.

National Empty Homes Grant Scheme

Pembrokeshire County Council is also taking part in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which offers grants of up to £25,000 to owners of eligible empty properties. This funding aims to bring more properties back into use and alleviate housing pressures in the county.

For more information about the grant, visit the National Empty Homes Grant website.
To apply for a council tax discount, contact Revenue Services via:

Email: [email protected]
Post: Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP

News

Petition demanding resignation of Neyland councillor sparks public outcry

Published

3 days ago

January 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PETITION demanding the immediate resignation of Neyland Town Councillor Mike Harry has taken centre stage ahead of an extraordinary council meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 16. The petition, started by Nicholas Wilson, accuses Cllr Harry of breaching the council’s code of conduct by making derogatory remarks about constituents in an email circulated to all town councillors.

In the email, Cllr Harry referred to some constituents as “degenerates” and “cronies from the Foresters bar,” remarks that have been labelled offensive and unbecoming of a public representative. The petition has gathered momentum in Neyland, with supporters calling for accountability and demanding higher standards from their councillors. “This kind of language and attitude has no place in our town council,” one petitioner commented.

First meeting since october 2024

The extraordinary meeting marks the first official gathering of Neyland Town Council since October 2024, after months of internal conflict and public disputes among councillors. It will take place at 6:00pm in the Viewing Gallery of Neyland Community Hub, a change from the usual venue due to a Labour Party quiz occupying the main meeting rooms. However, the relocation means there will be no audio-visual support for the meeting.

The agenda for the meeting is notably sparse, with a single item for discussion: council finance, specifically the budget and precept for 2025/26. Despite the narrow focus of the agenda, the meeting is expected to be overshadowed by the ongoing controversy surrounding Cllr Harry and the fallout from his remarks.

Escalating internal tensions

The controversy stems from an email in which Cllr Harry expressed frustration over disputes with colleagues and constituents. In the email, he dismissed critics as an “irrelevant minority” and accused them of spreading “garbage.” He also took aim at a former councillor, claiming they had resigned over a prejudicial interest relating to the construction of the Neyland Community Hub.

These comments have ignited outrage among residents, some of whom are now questioning the culture within the council. The petition has called for Cllr Harry’s removal, arguing that his remarks damage public trust in the council’s ability to serve the community.

Public divisions and Ombudsman’s investigation

Cllr Harry has defended his actions, stating that he is awaiting a decision from the Ombudsman regarding ongoing disputes. He maintains that the allegations against him are unfounded and insists that his comments have been taken out of context.

While his supporters argue that the email reflects frustration amid a difficult period for the council, critics believe the remarks highlight deeper issues within Neyland Town Council. The council has been mired in internal disputes for months, resulting in delays and cancellations of meetings, further fuelling dissatisfaction among residents.

Neyland watches closely

With tensions running high, the upcoming meeting is expected to draw significant public interest. Whether the petition will prompt immediate action or further divide the council remains to be seen. For now, the focus of the meeting is set to be council finances, but the controversy surrounding Cllr Harry is unlikely to be ignored.

The Herald will provide updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.