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

Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration

Published

17 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK MARKED WITH MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND INCLUSION IN PEMBROKE DOCK

THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was filled with music, laughter and energy as visitors came together to celebrate Learning Disability Week.

The event saw popular entertainer Bongo Clive lead a lively session of singing, drumming and participation, with those attending joining in throughout the day.

The gallery said the session had created a joyful atmosphere, with music helping to bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.

A spokesperson for The VC Gallery said: “The smiles said it all. A huge thank you to Bongo Clive for bringing your incredible energy, enthusiasm and positivity to The VC today. You certainly had everyone moving to the beat.”

Learning Disability Week celebrates inclusion and the abilities, creativity and individuality of people with learning disabilities.

The Pembroke Dock event highlighted the role of community spaces such as The VC Gallery in supporting wellbeing, friendship and confidence through shared creative activities.

Community

Sir Karl Jenkins named Eisteddfod President for 2026

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SIR KARL JENKINS has been named President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for 2026.

The internationally acclaimed Welsh composer, one of the world’s most performed living composers, will take on the role as the festival prepares to welcome performers, competitors and visitors from across the globe.

Sir Karl is best known for works including The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Adiemus and Requiem.

His appointment comes in a landmark year after The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was voted the most popular work in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026.

Opening night return

Sir Karl’s presidential year will begin with the opening night concert, Uniting Nations: One World, on Tuesday, July 7.

The concert had been due to take place in 2025 but was postponed, causing disappointment for volunteers, performers and audience members who had travelled from across the UK and overseas.

The Eisteddfod has now brought the event back with support from the Arts Council of Wales.

Sir Karl said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the Llangollen Festival this year and especially honoured to do so in the role of President.

“Llangollen is always a very special place to be, with its unique sense of community and international spirit.

“I’m greatly looking forward to conducting my most recent choral work, One World, particularly following the postponement of last year’s performance.

“It’s a piece that I feel reflects the very essence of the festival, bringing together outstanding musicians from across the globe to form one powerful collective voice.”

Global chorus

The evening will feature a full performance of One World, conducted by Sir Karl and performed by an international massed chorus made up of WorldChoir and NEW Voices, accompanied by the Llangollen International Orchestra.

The work blends Jenkins’ distinctive musical style with themes of humanity, compassion and environmental stewardship.

The concert will also include a complete staging of Peace Child: The Musical, which places young people at the heart of its message of peace and global citizenship.

Opening the evening will be the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn, a newly commissioned bilingual work by emerging Welsh composer Sam Buttler.

The piece was written for the 2026 Eisteddfod through the Harmony Without Borders initiative, continuing Llangollen’s tradition of supporting new talent and giving Welsh composers an international platform.

‘Great cultural ambassador’

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sir Karl Jenkins has agreed to serve as President of the Eisteddfod for 2026.

“Few musicians have done more to promote the values of peace, friendship and international understanding that lie at the heart of our festival.

“Sir Karl is one of Wales’s greatest cultural ambassadors and his music has inspired audiences across every continent.

“The fact that The Armed Man has just been voted the nation’s favourite classical work is a testament not only to his extraordinary talent, but also to the universal appeal of the messages of peace, hope and humanity that run through so much of his music.”

Mr Gambles added: “The postponement of One World last year was heartbreaking for everyone involved.

“We knew how much the concert meant to audiences, performers and volunteers alike, and we were determined to find a way to bring it back.

“Thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales, we can now finally give this extraordinary concert the audience it deserves.

“With Sir Karl as our President, the return of One World, the world premiere of a major new Welsh composition and the powerful message of Peace Child, this promises to be one of the most memorable and significant opening nights in the Eisteddfod’s history.”

Festival programme

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns for its 79th year on Tuesday, July 7.

This year’s programme includes performances from Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins, and the Choir of the World competition.

Thousands of competitors from around the world will also take part in the daytime programme, with the Parade of Nations returning on Friday, July 10.

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £33.

Further information is available at llangollen.net.

Community

Lord Rhys emerges from the mist in St Davids

Published

20 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet begins historic journey marking 850 years since the first Eisteddfod

MIST swirled around St Davids Cathedral on Friday evening as a giant Lord Rhys puppet emerged from the fog to begin a journey celebrating 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod.

Accompanied by traditional musicians and followed by crowds of spectators, the towering figure cut an imposing sight against the backdrop of the ancient cathedral.

The procession marked the start of Taith yr Arglwydd Rhys (The Journey of Lord Rhys), a cultural pilgrimage retracing the legacy of the Welsh prince whose gathering of poets and musicians at Cardigan Castle in 1176 is widely regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod.

As fog drifted across the city and church towers faded into the background, the scene felt more like a chapter from Welsh folklore than a modern-day celebration.

The giant puppet, accompanied by fellow performers and musicians, travelled from St Davids Cathedral to Oriel y Parc before beginning a wider journey through west Wales.

The travelling celebration will visit communities across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion before culminating in Cardigan, where Lord Rhys originally staged his famous cultural gathering eight and a half centuries ago.

Video and photographs shared by DrifterStDavids captured the remarkable atmosphere, with many describing the spectacle as one of the most memorable cultural events seen in St Davids for years.

Photo caption: Lord Rhys emerges from the mist outside St Davids Cathedral as celebrations begin to mark the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod

(Pic: SmallWorld – Video: Drifter St Davids)