News
Welsh Government extends Help to Stay Wales scheme
Support for struggling homeowners continues until March 2026
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced an extension of its Help to Stay Wales scheme, aimed at preventing repossession and homelessness for struggling homeowners. The initiative, originally set to expire in 2025, will now continue for an additional 12 months, providing much-needed financial assistance to those at risk.
Housing and Local Government Cabinet Secretary Jayne Bryant said the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring stability for families during difficult times.
“A secure home is the cornerstone that provides stability and security for families to succeed,” she said. “That’s why I’m pleased to extend the Help to Stay Wales scheme, which offers crucial support to those facing repossession or homelessness.”
Mortgage support for those in need
The extension comes as mortgage arrears remain high across Wales, with many homeowners struggling due to the economic climate. The scheme targets eligible households who have already explored all available options with their mortgage provider and sought debt advice.
Under the scheme, homeowners receive free specialist mortgage advice, funded by the Welsh Government, ensuring they fully understand their options before seeking financial assistance. If all other avenues have been exhausted, the scheme can provide a partial repayment of an existing mortgage balance through a low-cost equity loan, helping to reduce repayments to an affordable level.
Early intervention to prevent homelessness
The initiative aligns with the Welsh Government’s long-term ambition to end homelessness by prioritising early intervention and prevention. The additional funding will ensure more families and individuals receive support before they face losing their homes.
Full guidance, including eligibility criteria, is available on the Welsh Government website at Help to Stay – Wales | GOV.WALES.
Crime
Drug and weapon charges after Pembroke Dock arrest
Man remanded in custody following Diamond Street vehicle search
A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing at Swansea Crown Court charged with drug, weapon and driving offences following an arrest in Pembroke Dock.
Dyfed-Powys Police said officers from Pembrokeshire Roads Policing and response teams searched a vehicle on Diamond Street on Saturday (Apr 4).
Following the search, Zamurd Hussain, 43, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Hussain was later charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
He appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Apr 6), where he was remanded in custody.
His next court appearance is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court at 9:00am on May 8.
Crime
Woman fights order taking four dogs from her
Swansea Crown Court hears appeal after long-running barking dispute in Trefin
A PEMBROKESHIRE woman has told Swansea Crown Court that complaints about her dogs are unfair as she appeals against the sentence imposed on her by magistrates, including the order that led to four of her dogs being taken from her.
Julia Goodgame appeared before His Honour Judge Simon Hughes on Friday (Apr 10) in the latest stage of a long-running case arising from complaints by residents in Trefin about persistent dog barking.

The appeal follows a ruling by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in December, when Goodgame, of Bryn Y Derwydd, admitted breaching a Community Protection Notice issued by Pembrokeshire County Council.
Magistrates ordered the immediate forfeiture and seizure of four Border Collies, which Goodgame said were the only dogs in her possession.
The court heard on Friday that residents had complained of constant barking, with only short breaks of around 30 minutes, sometimes continuing until 10:00pm.
The dogs have reportedly remained in kennels since December while the appeal is dealt with.
Goodgame told the court: “My dogs are exceptionally well behaved.”
She also raised concerns about the conditions the animals are being kept in, saying the kennels were exposed to the weather and did not provide a suitable environment.
Goodgame said she had attended conflict resolution classes and had tried her best to resolve the issues raised by neighbours, but said she could not understand why the dogs had not been returned.
The original case followed months of complaints from residents in Trefin about dog noise and control. In addition to the forfeiture order, magistrates imposed a fine, costs and a Criminal Behaviour Order.
The case continues.
News
Plaid Cymru commits to review 182-day rule
SUPPORTING local tourism businesses is key, Plaid Cymru said as it launched its manifesto and confirmed it would review the 182-day threshold for holiday accommodation in Wales.
The party said it would also introduce clear and reasonable national exemptions in cases where accommodation should not be treated as a private home.
Plaid Cymru says many holiday-let business owners in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are struggling to meet the 182-day threshold each year due to factors beyond their control, including poor weather, and that this is having a serious impact on both their businesses and their wellbeing.
Under the party’s proposals, national exemptions would be introduced to ensure genuine holiday-let operators are treated fairly and given the support needed to help their businesses succeed.
Kerry Ferguson, Plaid Cymru Senedd candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, said: “As a business owner myself, I know how much financial pressure small businesses are under at the moment and the toll that can take on owners, their friends and families.
“We have heard directly from many furnished holiday-let owners in both Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire that lowering the 182-day threshold for overnight stays would make a huge difference to their businesses.
“I am pleased that Plaid Cymru has committed to reviewing the 182-day rule for non-domestic rates in Wales and to introducing national exemptions to help genuine businesses that are unfairly affected by the rule, while excluding self-catering accommodation that cannot be used on the open housing market.”
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