Business

Welsh Water customers face one of the steepest bill rises in UK

Published

10 months ago

February 2, 2025

HOUSEHOLDS across most parts of Wales, including Pembrokeshire, are set to face a 27% increase in their water bills from April, with the average annual bill rising from £503 to £639. The hike marks the beginning of a five-year period of increases from Welsh Water, culminating in a total rise of 42% by 2029-30, with the steepest increase occurring at the outset.

The company has justified the rise by stating that from April, clean water will cost “an average of £1.75 a day” and that the overall increases will fund a “68% increase in investment” over the next five years. Water companies across Wales and England argue that the additional revenue will lead to improvements in infrastructure, tackling persistent issues such as leaks and sewage overflows.

However, consumer groups have expressed concerns about the financial impact on households. Rhodri Williams, deputy chair of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), has called for an end to what he described as the “postcode lottery” of support available to struggling families. The CCW has proposed a unified system of financial assistance across Wales and England, stating that under such a scheme, “there would be more money to spend on assistance for customers in Wales” due to higher poverty levels compared to England.

Higher costs along the Wales-England border

Hafren Dyfrdwy, which serves approximately 87,000 customers along the Wales-England border, will see an even steeper increase, with bills rising by 32% from April. This will take the average annual bill from £447 to £590. The company, however, insists that its customers still “have the lowest bills in Wales and one of the lowest in the UK” and has pledged support for those struggling to meet payments.

Each water company operates its own system of social tariffs, offering discounted or capped bills for eligible customers. Welsh Water currently supports 150,000 customers with reduced bills and has announced an increase in its financial assistance packages from £63 million to £73 million over the next five years.

Political backlash over rising costs

Plaid Cymru has condemned the planned increases, arguing that consumers should not bear the cost of cleaning up Welsh waters. Delyth Jewell MS, the party’s spokesperson for Climate Change, stated: “Investing in the water network is, of course, necessary, but this increase in water bills will be difficult for households across Wales who are already struggling with rising costs. Consumers should not be footing the bill to clean up our water.”

Jewell further called for Wales to have direct control over its water, arguing: “Having full control over our water would enable us to tackle soaring water bills, better manage our resources, and properly address the problem of sewage.”

Conservatives and Lib Dems criticise Welsh Water’s performance

Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, also criticised the price hikes, pointing to Welsh Water’s track record of service disruptions and environmental concerns. She highlighted a series of incidents, including a major burst pipe at Bryn Cowlyd Water Treatment Works in Dolgarrog, Conwy, that left 40,000 homes without water. Additionally, residents in Rhondda Cynon Taf were recently issued boil water notices, and Welsh beaches have recorded some of the highest levels of sewage discharge in England and Wales.

“This latest water bill hike from Dŷr Cymru is unacceptable,” said Finch-Saunders. “With Wales facing four times as many sewage discharges proportionally as England, and water bills set to become the highest in the UK, it feels like they’re flushing our money down the drain.”

She further accused the company of delaying necessary infrastructure upgrades: “Dŷr Cymru has been dragging its feet for years, and the public shouldn’t have to foot the bill for water companies’ long-standing failures and reluctance to upgrade their infrastructure until it’s far too late.”

Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick said: “Welsh customers are paying the price for Government incompetence.

“Under the last Conservative UK Government and current Welsh Labour Government in Cardiff Bay, Dwr Cymru was able to get away with minimal oversight.

“They spent years paying out excessive executive bonuses despite being a ‘non-profit’ and having one of the worst environmental records in the country.

“Welsh customers will now have the highest water bills in the UK, despite having some of the lowest incomes, it’s an absolute disgrace.

Calls for reform

As water bills continue to rise, pressure is mounting on regulators and the Welsh Government to introduce reforms to ensure fairness and accountability within the industry. With households facing mounting financial strain, consumer advocacy groups and political leaders are demanding urgent action to prevent further hardship for Welsh residents.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

3 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines
docked at Pembroke Port yesterday afternoon last week, marking the start of physical
deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on
shortly after 4pm on Wednesday 26th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy
components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the
existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today is
due to arrive in the early hours of this morning (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.
The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-
loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through
Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the
latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week yesterday with the first components,” she said. “We are
expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be
blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with
a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG
terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to
power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Port of Milford Haven shipping movements showed the Peak Bergen approaching the Haven
throughout Wednesday morning before finally tying up at the cargo berth in Pembroke Dock.

Cranes began unloading operations yesterday evening.

The Weather conditions are currently were favourable for this morning’s the arrival of
the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are
expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide training opportunities and energy-
bill support for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.
Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery
programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

7 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

15 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.