Community
Fuel poverty scheme ‘woefully underfunded’
A FLAGSHIP Welsh Government scheme aimed at tackling fuel poverty would take about 125 years to support every low-income household at the current rate, the Senedd heard.
Mark Isherwood, the Conservatives’ shadow housing secretary, warned the Warm Homes Nest programme has insufficient funding to address the scale of fuel poverty.
Pointing to an urgent need to improve the energy efficiency of fuel-poor households, he told the Senedd that the scheme supports about 1,600 homes a year.
He said: “At the current rate… it will take well over a century to improve the energy efficiency of the homes of all our lower income households currently estimated to be in fuel poverty.
Mr Isherwood, who represents North Wales, urged Welsh ministers to allocate an estimated £170m from UK Government spending on warm homes for the same purpose in Wales.
Siân Gwenllian, his Plaid Cymru counterpart, echoed concerns about the pace of change, with more than 200,000 households estimated to be living in fuel poverty.
The Arfon Senedd member warned of a lack of clarity on the policy objective, with the Warm Homes programme “somehow” seeking to balance net zero and fuel poverty.
Ms Gwenllian said: “In some cases, both things could go hand in hand. But it can also lead to conflict when you’re trying to achieve two policy objectives within a single programme.”
She pointed to the example of uncertainty around the boiler repair scheme beyond March.
Her Plaid Cymru colleague Llŷr Gruffydd said investment is “woefully short” of what’s required, with Wales having the least energy-efficient housing in western Europe.
The North Wales politician told the Senedd: “While there are good things happening, they’re not happening at the pace or the scale required to make an impact.”
Sioned Williams raised concerns about the Welsh Government’s “out-dated” fuel poverty estimates which pre-date the energy and cost-of-living crisis.
“That survey is meant to be updated every five years but here we are, eight years on, approaching nine, with no update and no sign of one,” said the Plaid Cymru MS.
Raising the example of a couple in their late 70s who live off grid in his Newport East constituency, John Griffiths called for support to be tailored to people’s circumstances.
Jenny Rathbone, a fellow Labour backbencher, said: “In the main two postcodes for my constituency, CF23 and 24, 2019 and 2021 were the bumper years for retrofits.
“But we’re talking 105 and 103 in each of these years, which is obviously very welcome for those homes but a drop in the sea compared with the huge need there is in the private sector, which is where all the coldest homes now are.”
In a statement to the Senedd on January 14, Jayne Bryant set out Welsh Government action aimed at making homes warmer and lowering bills while tackling the climate emergency.
The housing secretary, who was appointed in July, said the Welsh Government has invested more than £30m in the revamped Warm Homes Nest scheme.
Ms Bryant, who is also responsible for councils, said: “We’re tackling fuel poverty through a two-pronged strategy: providing expert advice to Welsh households while delivering physical improvements to our least energy efficient homes, which cost more to heat.
“Our renewed programme, launched in April, is already making a real difference.”
Ms Bryant encouraged anybody worried about their energy bill or heating their home to call the scheme’s freephone number, 0808 808 2244.
A BEAUTIFUL and affectionate four-year-old British Shorthair cat is looking for a calm and loving home through Greenacres Rescue in Pembrokeshire.
Maple, described by staff as having a “luxurious plush coat” and a “gentle, affectionate nature,” came into the charity’s care through no fault of her own. With her classic round face, soulful eyes, and teddy bear-like fur, she is proving popular with volunteers at the centre.
Greenacres said Maple would make an ideal companion for someone seeking a calm and elegant feline friend. She enjoys gentle fuss and quiet company and has previously lived harmoniously with other cats.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Maple would thrive in a peaceful environment where she can settle in at her own pace and be treated with the patience and love she deserves. She may be happy to share her home with another gentle-natured feline.”
The rescue centre is based in Pembrokeshire, but rehomes animals across the UK. However, potential adopters are reminded that visits to the centre are essential, and priority may be given to homes closer to the charity’s location.
Anyone interested in adopting Maple is asked to complete an online application form, clearly stating her name:
Cat Adoption Form – Greenacres Rescue
Applications are processed Monday to Thursday and are subject to home and vet checks. For more information on the adoption process, visit:
Adoption Procedure – Greenacres Rescue
Greenacres thanked all potential adopters for supporting their mission to find loving homes for animals in need.
Could you be the one to give Maple the home she deserves?
Joy for royal-linked family as baby boy is born
A NEW member of a family with strong historic ties to West Wales has been welcomed into the world, as Lady Tatiana Mountbatten, the daughter of the Marquess of Milford Haven, announced the birth of her son.
The 34-year-old, who is a second cousin to King Charles III, shared the joyful news with her followers on Instagram on Sunday (Apr 13), posting tender photographs with her newborn, husband Alexander ‘Alick’ Dru, and daughter Elodie, who was born in September 2023.
Lady Tatiana is the daughter of George Mountbatten, 4th Marquess of Milford Haven.
The title “Marquess of Milford Haven” was created in 1917 for Prince Louis of Battenberg, who had previously served as First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy.
Amidst the anti-German sentiment during World War I, he relinquished his German titles and adopted the anglicised surname “Mountbatten.”
The Milford Haven waterway, with its rich maritime history and has been home to a significant naval base and commercial fishing port. The town’s deep natural harbour has been used for naval purposes since the late 18th century, and it played a crucial role during both World Wars.
The naming of the marquessate after Milford Haven reflects the town’s importance in British naval history.
In her post, Tatiana revealed her son’s name – Auberon, affectionately known as ‘Albie’. “March might just have been the best month of my life,” she wrote, reflecting on a peaceful period spent with her young family in the Hampshire countryside, away from the bustle of London.
She described her daughter’s excitement at becoming a big sister and shared a touching image of baby Auberon clutching her finger, alongside family scenes of daisy-picking and garden play.
Tatiana said: “We’ve played, rested, nourished, slept a little, loved a lot and enjoyed every minute of the glorious spring weather… Now it’s time to head back to London and discover what our new normal looks like.”
Local interest in the royal-connected family remains strong, particularly due to the Mountbattens’ association with Milford Haven and their lineage linked to Queen Victoria and Prince Louis of Battenberg.
Followers flooded her post with messages of congratulations. One wrote: “Oh my goodness, my heart is absolutely exploding for you!” Another joked: “When are you buying the first pony?!”
The happy news comes not long after another royal birth, with Princess Beatrice welcoming a baby girl, Athena Elizabeth Rose, in January. Despite being born prematurely, Athena is said to be healthy and thriving.
WITH the cost of living still putting pressure on many Pembrokeshire families, it’s good to see some local businesses stepping up this Easter to make eating out a little easier.
From cafes to pubs, a number of places across Mid and South Pembrokeshire are offering free or discounted meals for children during the school holidays. Here’s our Herald guide to where kids can eat free – or for just £1 – this Easter break:
MORRISONS CAFÉ – HAVERFORDWEST
Offer: One free kids’ meal with every adult meal purchased for £4.49 or more.
Availability: All day, every day, including during the Easter holidays.
Bonus: Free Kellogg’s breakfast (cereal, milk, fruit) when you ask for a “Kellogg’s Breakfast” at the counter.
TESCO CAFÉ – HAVERFORDWEST, PEMBROKE DOCK, MILFORD HAVEN
Offer: Kids eat free with any adult purchase during the Easter holidays.
Highlight: Pick ‘N’ Mix lunch deal includes a sandwich, fruit, two snacks, and a drink.
TRAVELODGE – PEMBROKE DOCK
Offer: Up to two children (15 or under) eat breakfast for free with every paying adult.
Availability: Every day, including Easter.
PREMIER INN – HAVERFORDWEST AND ST DAVIDS
Offer: Up to two children (15 or under) eat breakfast for free with every paying adult.
Availability: Every day, including Easter.
SA BRAINS PUBS
Offer: Kids eat for £1 with the purchase of an adult main meal.
Availability: All day every Wednesday.
Pembrokeshire Locations: Check your local Brains pub for participation.
NAUTICO’S RESTAURANT – MILFORD WATERFRONT
Offer: Kids eat for just £1 with every paying adult this Easter.
Availability: Throughout the Easter holidays.
Details: Enjoy a family meal by the coast – booking recommended. Call 01646 278060.
CAFÉ VINCENT – VINCENT DAVIES, HAVERFORDWEST
Offer: Kids eat free from the Little Pantry Children’s Menu with every adult main meal.
When: Monday to Friday, 12:00pm to 3:00pm, until Friday 25th April.
Note: Excludes breakfast items and sides.
WALDO LOUNGE – HAVERFORDWEST
Offer: Free healthy breakfast for children including cereal, fresh fruit and juice.
When: Easter holidays, daily from 9:00am to 10:30am.
Details: A relaxed morning offering for “little loungers” to start their day the healthy way.
Know of more local offers? Let us know and we’ll add them. Message us on Facebook.
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