News

Budget cuts under fire as financial challenges grip Carmarthenshire County Council

Published

1 year ago

January 27, 2025

TRADE UNIONS have raised the alarm over Carmarthenshire County Council’s (CCC) proposed 2025/26 budget, warning that ongoing cuts to services are jeopardizing vital community resources. Since 2010, CCC has implemented approximately £150 million in cuts, leaving essential services vulnerable, union representatives claim.

Unison, GMB, and Unite have criticised the council’s leadership, accusing it of prioritising a 6% pay rise for councillors over protecting services. They argue that the council’s budget shortfalls threaten libraries, leisure centres, and public conveniences, creating a strain on already overstretched resources.

CCC has responded by highlighting significant financial pressures. Despite receiving a 4.1% provisional funding increase from the Welsh Government, the council faces an estimated £18 million shortfall for its 2025/26 budget. The council is legally obligated to balance its budget, relying on income from the Revenue Support Grant (RSG), council tax, paid services, and other grants.

Councillor Alun Lenny, CCC’s Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “Very difficult decisions lie ahead for Carmarthenshire County Council. We are now inviting residents, businesses, community, and voluntary organisations to have their say on new policy saving proposals drawn from across all council services.”

Public consultation onderway

To address the budget challenges, CCC has launched a public consultation, open until January 26, 2025, to gather feedback on proposed cost-saving measures. These proposals include reducing building costs, increasing digital efficiencies, and revising staffing structures.

Councillor Lenny added: “As an Authority, we have worked hard to limit the number of policy changes put forward for consultation this year to lessen the impact upon our residents.”

Impact on non-statutory services

Unions argue that non-statutory services, such as museums and leisure centres, are disproportionately affected. St Clears Leisure Centre’s future hangs in the balance, with plans to shift its management locally. Other measures, such as reduced library staffing and increased secondary school meal prices, are seen as disproportionately impacting vulnerable families.

Union representatives criticised the public consultation process as divisive. “The consultation invites the public to choose between bad and worse,” a spokesperson said, arguing that public feedback may not influence final decisions.

Concerns over AI integration

The unions also expressed concern about the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve “staff efficiencies.” They claim AI is being implemented without proper consultation, potentially leading to job losses and further strain on remaining employees. “AI should enhance, not replace, human jobs,” a union representative said, warning of possible industrial action if worker protections are not addressed.

Alternative solutions

Trade unions are calling for a “No Cuts Needs-Led Budget,” advocating the use of council reserves and borrowing powers to protect and improve services. They suggest this approach would allow time to campaign for increased national funding.

“The fight is not in the courts but in mobilising public support and pressuring Westminster to restore funding to 2010 levels,” unions stated in a joint message.

A warning for the future

The unions warned that without decisive action, CCC could face financial difficulties akin to English councils that have issued Section 114 notices, effectively declaring bankruptcy. They urged the council to collaborate with trade unions and the public to find sustainable solutions.

The council has yet to respond to these criticisms or detail how it plans to address the issues raised. Residents are encouraged to participate in the consultation to help shape the future of local services.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

17 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

18 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

19 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.