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Welsh Government budget faces fresh hurdles as scrutiny intensifies

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Finance committee slams spending plan amid political deadlock

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT is facing mounting challenges in passing its 2025-26 budget, with a scathing report from the Senedd’s finance committee and continued political deadlock ahead of a final vote on March 4.

Labour, which lacks a majority in the Senedd, must secure support from at least one opposition member to pass the budget. However, negotiations remain uncertain, with key stakeholders raising serious concerns over funding gaps and transparency.

Damning report and funding concerns

On February 3, the Senedd’s finance committee described the budget as containing “empty words” and lacking clarity, despite the government’s claim that it represents a break from austerity.

The committee found the budget proposals to be misaligned with the government’s optimistic rhetoric. Key concerns include:

  • Social care, education, and homelessness services: Stakeholders have warned that funding is insufficient, with charities like Llamau facing an additional £500,000 in costs due to National Insurance Contribution (NIC) increases.
  • NIC impact on employers: The UK Government’s NIC hikes will hit Wales harder than other regions due to a higher proportion of low-income workers. Public and third-sector organizations, including Marie Curie, face additional costs exceeding £760,000 in Wales alone. The Welsh Government has yet to confirm how it will allocate Treasury funding meant to offset these costs.
  • Scrutiny and transparency issues: The finance committee criticized “revised baselines” that obscure year-on-year spending comparisons, making oversight “more difficult than usual.” This marks the sixth consecutive year the Welsh Government has breached its own Budget Process Protocol.

Political impasse deepens

Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives have ruled out supporting the budget, leaving Labour reliant on talks with Liberal Democrat MS Jane Dodds or independent members.

Dodds, who has expressed concerns about social care and childcare funding, has faced internal party pressure over potential deals, with some Welsh Lib Dems questioning whether meaningful concessions can be secured.

High stakes for Wales

If the budget fails, Wales could lose £1 billion in UK Treasury funding and see a 10p reduction in Welsh income tax rates—potentially destabilizing public services.

A non-binding vote on the draft budget is set for February 4, ahead of the final decision in March. With pressure mounting from opposition parties and financial watchdogs, the coming weeks will be a critical test of Labour’s ability to navigate the political and economic storm.

Entertainment

Welsh crime thriller filmed in Pembroke Dock set for BBC debut

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A NEW Welsh crime thriller, The One That Got Away—previously shown on S4C as Cleddau—is set to premiere on BBC One Wales and BBC Four later this month.

The gripping six-part series, featuring an all-Welsh cast, will debut on BBC One Wales at 9:10pm on Tuesday, February 25. A double-bill of the first two episodes will air on BBC Four on St David’s Day, March 1, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer.

The series stars Elen Rhys (The Mallorca Files, Craith/Hidden) as DI Ffion Lloyd, who is forced to team up with her former lover, DS Rick Sheldon, played by Richard Harrington (Y Gwyll/Hinterland), to investigate the murder of a nurse in a Welsh seaside town.

Written by Catherine Tregenna (Law & Order UK, Lewis, DCI Banks) and directed by Sion Ifan (Y Goleudy), the drama explores the unresolved past between the two detectives while a disturbing murder case unfolds. The killing shakes the small community, raising doubts about a historic conviction and suggesting the terrifying possibility of a copycat at large.

Actor Elen Rhys, who returned to Wales to film the series, said: “Coming home to Wales to film was a joy—immersing myself in everything Welsh. The talented, close-knit crew worked together so well, making it a truly lovely and extraordinary experience. I felt so lucky.”

The series promises a gripping mix of psychological depth, crime investigation, and the emotional entanglements of its lead characters, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Pembrokeshire.

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Community

Plans submitted for disability-friendly bridge at Tenby train station

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TENBY railway station could soon see a new accessible footbridge, with Network Rail submitting plans to the National Park for the installation of an ‘Access for All’ bridge at the Grade-II-listed Victorian station.

The proposal aims to improve accessibility, providing an unobstructed route from at least one station entrance to all platforms via the new footbridge. A supporting statement from Network Rail explains that the scheme is designed to ensure step-free access between platforms, replacing the current barrow crossing, which is not suitable for those with mobility issues.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “At Tenby Station, there is currently no obstacle-free accessible route between platforms 1 and 2. The existing barrow crossing does not provide suitable step-free access, and the proposed footbridge will address this issue.”

The plans, which include associated works to integrate the bridge with the historic station infrastructure, are now under consideration by the National Park authority. If approved, the scheme will mark a significant improvement in accessibility for passengers at the popular seaside station.

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Crime

Shoplifting concerns spread to Narberth as High Street pharmacy issues warning

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BUSINESSES in Narberth are facing mounting challenges as concerns over shoplifting spread beyond Tenby. Narberth High Street Pharmacy has issued a stark warning to local traders after a suspected theft incident, urging vigilance among businesses and the public.

In a statement posted online, the pharmacy said: “Warning to Narberth High Street. Another case of suspected theft. Please watch the video carefully. Items were not left behind after inspecting the shelves. It is extremely difficult for businesses to remain viable when this sort of thing happens.”

The pharmacy, which remains open seven days a week, highlighted the growing difficulties in maintaining a presence in the town due to ongoing retail crime.

Rising shoplifting across Pembrokeshire

The incident in Narberth follows widespread national coverage of shoplifting issues in Tenby, where local businesses have reported thousands of pounds in losses due to theft. The situation has drawn attention to a concerning trend across Pembrokeshire, where independent shops and pharmacies—already struggling with rising costs—are finding it increasingly difficult to operate.

According to the latest crime data, shoplifting offences have been rising in Wales, mirroring a nationwide trend. The Office for National Statistics reported a 23% increase in retail thefts across England and Wales in the past year. In Dyfed-Powys, shoplifting cases have surged by 12%, with many small businesses feeling the pressure.

Call for action

Narberth traders are now calling for more proactive policing and stronger deterrents to tackle the issue. While CCTV and security measures have been introduced by some businesses, many feel they are left to handle the problem themselves, with limited police resources available.

The pharmacy urged the community to assist in identifying the individual involved in the latest suspected theft, stating:

“If anyone has any info on this individual, please share so we can follow up with the police.”

With the problem now affecting multiple towns in Pembrokeshire, there is growing pressure for authorities to implement stronger measures to support businesses and protect livelihoods.

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