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Education

Welsh Government ends tax break for independent schools

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THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced plans to end business rates relief for certain fee-charging schools, reallocating the funding to bolster local public services.

Currently, all charities in Wales benefit from at least 80% relief on their non-domestic rates bills, a policy that includes some fee-charging schools. The proposed change will align independent schools with charitable status to the same tax treatment as non-charitable independent schools regarding non-domestic rates.

Similar measures have already been enacted in Scotland, and the UK Government is planning comparable reforms in England.

Following a public consultation last year, the Welsh Government made adjustments to ensure that relief will continue to apply to independent special schools where the majority of learners are placed by local authorities as part of their additional learning provision.

If approved by the Senedd, the changes will take effect on 1 April 2025.

Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, said: “We believe independent schools with charitable status in Wales should be treated in the same way as those which are not charities.

“By removing this tax break, we can free up as much as £1.3m every year to support local public services.”

Education

Funding boost fails to prevent deep cuts at Welsh universities

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DESPITE a third round of financial support from the Welsh Government, universities across Wales continue to face significant job losses and course closures, prompting criticism from opposition leaders.

The Welsh Labour Government has announced an additional £19 million funding package for higher education, with £18.5 million directed at institutional challenges and £500,000 allocated for international student recruitment. This follows an earlier increase in the tuition fee cap, projected to generate up to £21.9 million in additional income next year, and an extra £10 million allocated last autumn.

However, the new funding has not been enough to prevent deep financial crises at some of Wales’ largest universities. Cardiff University has confirmed 400 job cuts—7% of its workforce—and plans to close multiple degree programs, including nursing, music, ancient history, and modern languages, due to a £31.2 million funding shortfall.

The news led to a protest on the steps of The Senedd earlier this month where hundreds came out against the plans.

Swansea University has extended its savings plan by £30 million, with further staff departures expected after 342 job losses in the past 18 months. Meanwhile, the University of South Wales is bracing for significant staff reductions and course closures, with a projected £20 million deficit.

The financial pressures stem from declining international student enrollment, rising costs, and recent visa rule changes affecting postgraduate admissions. Despite the Welsh Government’s financial interventions, Higher Education Minister Vikki Howells stated that no additional emergency funding will be provided, instead placing responsibility on universities to manage their budgets effectively.

The response has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, accused Labour of failing to protect Welsh education: “Under Labour, we are seeing the hollowing out of Welsh educational and research institutions. Labour’s increase in national insurance contributions will have only exacerbated the financial situation being faced by our universities. We urgently need to see a review into higher education and research funding in Wales.”

Labour, however, maintains that its funding increases are a response to years of underfunding by the UK Conservative Government. In a statement, Vikki Howells defended the government’s approach: “Universities across Wales are anchor institutions in our economy, our communities, and our culture. This funding will contribute to the longer-term sustainability of universities and ensure that this Welsh Labour Government provides opportunities for students today and in the future.”

While Labour insists that it is doing what it can within its budget, critics argue that the current level of support is insufficient to prevent job losses and course closures, raising calls for a full-scale review of higher education funding. With no immediate relief in sight, university staff and students face an uncertain future in a sector under increasing financial strain.

Pictured above: Protesters on the steps of the Senedd campaigning over potential job losses at Cardiff University earlier this month (Image: supplied)

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Education

Special meeting on Pembrokeshire school catchment areas

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A SPECIAL meeting is to be held to re-visit a decision by senior Pembrokeshire councillors to maintain school catchment areas for Johnston, Neyland and Tiers Cross, despite significant community opposition.

Due to a change in catchment areas the pupils are no longer able to access free transport to Haverfordwest high school, instead coming under the Milford Haven catchment area.

Two petitions calling for the reinstatement of the former catchment areas to access free transport for pupils to Haverfordwest were started in the county last year, effectively reverting to the position that was in place prior to the reorganisation of secondary education provision in Haverfordwest in 2018.

At the February meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members backed a recommendation to maintain the current situation.

Since that meeting of February 10, a ‘call-in’ on the decision was successfully made by Welsh Conservative councillors Aled Thomas and Claire George, who represent the Johnston and St Ishmaels wards, backed by the entire Welsh Conservative group on the council.

A special extraordinary Schools and Learning Overview and Scrutiny committee is expected to be held later this month, when the ‘call-in’ will be considered.

Cllr Aled Thomas said: “Thanks to the support of my fellow Pembrokeshire Conservative councillors, we have been able to continue the discussions on this important matter, while the current administration is only concerned with kicking it into the long grass.

“Strong and safe education is the ‘silver bullet’ in making sure our next generation thrives, both when at school age and beyond.

“Boundary changes were forced on Johnston’s residents against their will, and I will do everything I can to fight for my residents’ best interests.”

Cllr Claire George said: “It is a fundamental principle of education that children should feel safe and develop their independence, which means access to appropriate school transport – something which is not workable under the current school catchment area arrangements for my ward.”

“We must ensure that our children are able to travel to and from the school of their choice confidently and safely, giving them the opportunity to flourish in their education.”

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Education

Haverfordwest school wins fight to keep mobile classroom

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A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire school to keep a mobile classroom in use for nearly 16 years, as there is no money for a replacement facility, has been approved by county planners.

Pembrokeshire County Council, in an application to county planners, sought a renewal of permission for the mobile classroom at Fenton Community Primary School, Jury Lane, Haverfordwest.

The mobile classroom has been in use since the start of 2009.

A statement in support of the application said: “This application seeks retrospective planning consent for the continued retention of the existing mobile classroom.  Access and parking arrangements would remain as existing.

“The mobile classroom is used on a daily basis, and provides a vital facility for the children who use it. This application is for the retention of the existing mobile classroom to ensure the children can continue to benefit from its use.

“There is currently no budget available to provide a more permanent solution.”

It added: “The mobile is located at the rear of the school, adjacent to the rear fenced boundary and generally out of public view.  The mobile is in close proximity to the main school building to provide ease of use.”

The application has now been conditionally approved by Pembrokeshire County Council planners.

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