Community

Concern over ‘poor quality’ private rented sector

Published

1 year ago

January 17, 2025

SENEDD Members called for social housing standards to be extended to the private rented sector amid widespread concerns about poor quality homes.

John Griffiths, who chairs the local government committee, led a debate in the Senedd following an inquiry on the private rented sector in Wales.

Setting out the recommendations of the committee’s report, he said much of the evidence heard focused on the quality of accommodation, with damp and disrepair the main issues.

Mr Griffiths told the Senedd: “We know living in such conditions can have a detrimental impact on people’s health and wellbeing. It was concerning to hear of many instances of poor quality housing – tackling this must be a priority for the Welsh Government.”

He supported expanding the Welsh housing quality standard to cover the private sector, saying it is difficult to justify why some tenants should be entitled to any less quality.

Mr Griffiths acknowledged the challenge in extending the standard beyond social housing and the Welsh Government was non-committal in its formal response to the report.

Leading a debate in the Senedd on January 15, he said: “Our recommendations relating to housing quality were accepted in principle but we are disappointed the Welsh Government’s response does not indicate any immediate actions to remedy the concerns we heard.”

Mr Griffiths, who represents Newport East, added: “We recommended the development of a property MOT for fitness for human habitation and … the cabinet secretary referred to the consultation that’s under way on introducing an annual property condition record.

“This could be a step forward, but there’s no certainty of that yet.

“Propertymark, which represents letting agents, has voiced support … we note that landlords would self-certify but I’m not sure whether that goes far enough to address our concerns.”

Mr Griffiths said another theme from the inquiry was the continuing existence of no-fault evictions in Wales despite a ban in Scotland since 2017 and similar proposals in England.

Peter Fox, for the Conservatives, said statistics for October 2023 show private rental prices have risen by 6.9%, higher than in England and Scotland.

He told the Senedd: “The simple fact is that successive Labour governments in Wales have failed to build enough homes, resulting in increased competition for tenants.”

Mr Fox, who led Monmouthshire council for a decade before being elected to the Senedd in 2021, claimed anti-landlord policies have led to an “exodus” from the market.

Plaid Cymru’s Siân Gwenllian emphasised the need for timely action, warning Wales could fall behind England following the introduction of the UK Government’s renters’ rights bill.

Labour’s Carolyn Thomas raised concerns about no-pet policies, with a survey showing only 8% of rented properties in Wales advertised as pet friendly.

She said the committee heard people are becoming homeless after opting to stay with their pets rather than give up their companion to take shelter.

Jayne Bryant, who was appointed housing secretary in September, said ministers would take the same insurance cover approach to renting with pets as proposed in England.

Labour MS Jayne Bryant — Jayne Bryant, secretary for housing and local government

She pointed to protections for private tenants under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and Rent Smart Wales data showing a steady increase in property registrations.

Ms Bryant said many of the committee’s calls are covered in the Welsh Government’s white paper on housing, with a consultation on the proposals set to close on January 31.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

6 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

16 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.