News

Huge £100m boost for public services in new budget agreement

Published

1 year ago

February 20, 2025

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has unveiled a budget agreement securing over £100 million in additional funding for public services, with key investments directed at childcare, social care, local councils, transport, and the environment. The deal, reached with Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, aims to bolster essential services, particularly in rural areas, and address pressing social and infrastructure concerns.

Key investments in the Final Budget 2025-26

The budget agreement, published on February 20 in the Senedd, details major funding allocations, including:

Support for early years education and childcare

An additional £30 million has been allocated to expand the Flying Start programme, providing free childcare for two-year-olds across Wales.
The hourly funding rate for childcare providers will rise from the previously proposed £6 per hour to £6.40 per hour, helping to support sustainability in the sector.
The move follows concerns raised by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Cymru, which found that 89% of nurseries surveyed believed the previous rate was insufficient to cover rising operational costs.

NDNA Cymru Chief Executive Purnima Tanuku CBE welcomed the increase, saying: “This new deal is a step in the right direction and shows that the Welsh Government is committed to supporting providers who deliver vital early years places.”

Social care and hospital discharges

£30 million will be allocated to social care services, aiming to reduce delayed hospital discharges and provide greater support within local communities. The funding is expected to alleviate pressures on the NHS by preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and improving community care services.

Local government and community investment

A guaranteed 3.8% funding floor for all local authorities, costing £8.24 million, will benefit nine councils: Monmouthshire, Powys, Gwynedd, Vale of Glamorgan, Flintshire, Pembrokeshire, Ynys Môn, Ceredigion, and Conwy.
£5 million has been set aside to enhance playgrounds and play facilities for children across Wales.
£5 million will support leisure centres in becoming more energy efficient, addressing rising energy costs and sustainability concerns.

Transport and infrastructure upgrades

A £15 million pilot scheme will allow young people aged 21 and under to pay just £1 per single bus fare to encourage greater public transport use and affordability.
Extra funding will contribute to a £120 million local authority road and pavement repair scheme, tackling maintenance issues on Wales’ road network.
Funding has also been secured to restore the fifth train service on the Heart of Wales line.
£500,000 in capital funding will be allocated to improve toilet facilities along major roads across Wales.

Environmental and rural development measures

£5 million will be used to combat water pollution in rivers and coastal areas.
An extra £10 million has been allocated to support rural investment schemes, benefitting agricultural and environmental projects across Wales.
A commitment has also been made to move towards a ban on greyhound racing in Wales, addressing concerns over animal welfare.

Additional community and cultural investments

The budget agreement also includes funding for feasibility studies to support several community projects, including:

The development of the Wyeside Arts Centre in Builth Wells.
The North Powys Wellbeing Campus in Newtown.
Safety measures at the Pont y Bat junction on the A470.
The refurbishment of Brynamman Lido.

Government and opposition responses

Cabinet Secretary for Finance Mark Drakeford praised the agreement, saying: “This demonstrates what can be achieved when the Welsh Government and Members of the Senedd work together constructively on areas where we have common ground. The additional investment will make a real difference to communities across Wales, particularly in rural areas.”

Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, also welcomed the agreement, highlighting the benefits for families and local services. She stated: “I’m delighted we have secured the funds needed to deliver my party’s key priorities, including improving social care, increasing quality childcare, tackling water pollution, improving roads and public transport, and protecting vital council-run services.”

While the additional funding has been widely welcomed, some sectors argue that the increases may still fall short of covering rising costs. Early years providers stress that while the increase to £6.40 per hour is a positive move, further long-term investment is needed to ensure sustainability.

Similarly, concerns remain regarding ongoing pressures on the NHS and social care, as well as the state of Welsh roads, which have been in need of substantial repairs for years.

The Welsh Government maintains that this budget provides a strong foundation to address these challenges while working within financial constraints. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to meet the growing demands of public services across Wales.

The Final Budget 2025-26 will now be debated in the Senedd before being officially passed into law.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

9 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

19 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

19 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.