News
What the Welsh Government’s Budget could deliver for jobs and growth
NEXT week, Senedd Members will vote on a £21 billion budget that will shape public services in Wales for the year ahead.
Welsh Government ministers are urging cross-party support for the 2025-2026 budget, highlighting its potential to boost jobs, economic growth, and environmental resilience. Cabinet Secretaries for Economy and Climate Change, Rebecca Evans and Huw Irranca-Davies, argue that the budget prioritises investment in businesses, flood defences, and green initiatives.
Support for businesses and economic growth

The budget includes a £335 million package to support businesses, including targeted relief for business rates. For the sixth consecutive year, retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses will receive specific financial assistance to help them recover from the lasting economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, childcare businesses will continue to be exempt from business rates, a move the government says will help parents re-enter the workforce while keeping childcare affordable.
Speeding up investment and infrastructure projects
To drive economic growth, the Welsh Government has pledged to accelerate planning decisions, aiming to reduce delays in major infrastructure projects that could create jobs and support the green economy.
Investment in climate resilience
Following several severe storms in recent months, the government says it remains committed to record levels of investment in flood defences. It has also partnered with the UK Labour Party to allocate millions to the coal tip safety programme, designed to mitigate risks from historic mining activity.
First Minister’s vision

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “During my listening tour, people told me of their concerns about jobs in Wales. We want homegrown talent to stay in Wales and to attract talent from far and wide.
“That’s why this Budget backs jobs and green growth – supporting businesses, speeding up planning, and making it easier for parents to get back to work. At the same time, we are protecting our environment and seizing the opportunities that net-zero presents.
“We’re putting the money into Wales. Will Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives back jobs and green growth?”
Labour ministers criticise Conservative record

Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Rebecca Evans, claimed that years of Conservative-led UK government policies had hindered Wales’ economic growth. She said: “After 14 years of Conservative governments who drove growth into the ground, two Labour Governments working together are determined to kickstart growth across all areas of Wales.
“The Welsh Conservatives take no responsibility and show no interest in helping to clean up the mess their party made. They have already said they won’t vote for more support for businesses.”
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “This Government is clear – we want to take advantage of the opportunities that the drive towards net-zero presents, with a just transition for jobs that leaves no one behind.
“Whilst Plaid Cymru talks about net-zero, it is this Welsh Labour Government that is putting money on the table to protect the people of Wales from the impact of climate change right now, while delivering opportunities for the future.”
Concerns raised by universities, NHS, and local government

While Welsh Labour has championed the budget as an economic boost, some organisations have expressed concerns over the allocation of funds.
Universities Wales has warned that the budget could be a “backward step” for higher education and local economies. They argue that the financial settlement risks harming universities, which play a crucial role in developing skills and attracting investment.
The Welsh NHS Confederation acknowledged the additional funding for health services but highlighted that six out of seven health boards have submitted deficit annual plans, reflecting ongoing financial strain. They cautioned that financial uncertainty could impact service delivery.
The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) welcomed an increase in core revenue funding but warned that councils face mounting pressures due to rising demand for social care, education, and housing. While the uplift in funding is appreciated, they say it may not be enough to prevent difficult budget decisions at a local level.
A divisive debate ahead

The budget vote, scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, is expected to be contentious. Labour ministers have positioned the financial plan as critical for jobs and climate resilience, but opposition parties remain sceptical.
Plaid Cymru has previously argued that Welsh Labour’s green investment does not go far enough, while the Welsh Conservatives have criticised the government’s economic policies, arguing they have failed to deliver tangible improvements for businesses and workers.
With spending decisions likely to have long-term implications for Wales, all eyes will be on the Senedd as the debate unfolds.
Crime
Man charged after dog walker killed in Llanpumsaint collision
A 28-YEAR-OLD Carmarthen man is to appear in court charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal collision in Carmarthenshire which claimed the life of a 38-year-old dog walker.
Aaron Jones died after being struck by a vehicle in Llanpumsaint on Monday (Dec 23), 2024, while he was out walking his dog.
Daniel Wyke, aged 28, from Carmarthen, was arrested the following day. He has now been charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of dangerous driving.
Wyke is due to appear before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jan 15), 2026.
The charges follow what police have described as a lengthy investigation by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.
Sergeant Sara John said: “Our thoughts remain with Aaron’s family, who continue to be at the heart of this investigation.
“We recognise that this has been a lengthy investigation, and I am grateful to Aaron’s family, and the wider community, for their patience and support while our enquiries have been carried out.
“We will continue to support Aaron’s family as the case progresses, and we seek to provide justice for Aaron and his loved ones.”
Police confirmed that Aaron’s family have asked for privacy at this time.
The collision sent shockwaves through the Llanpumsaint community, with residents previously expressing concern about road safety in the area following the tragedy.
The case will continue through the courts.
Crime
DNA spray used in police crackdown on illegal e-bike and e-scooter riders
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are deploying forensic DNA spray as part of a targeted operation to tackle dangerous and antisocial riding on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters.
Dyfed-Powys Police have begun a series of enforcement operations using SelectaDNA – a forensic spray containing a unique code that can be traced to a specific location, date and time.
Traditionally used to mark property at risk of theft, the spray is now being used to identify individuals and vehicles involved in illegal riding, particularly where offenders attempt to conceal their identities.
The operations follow a sharp rise in complaints, particularly across south Pembrokeshire. Police received 60 reports over a six-month period, with 92 per cent of callers raising concerns about antisocial or dangerous riding. Many reports involved riders wearing face coverings.
Across the Dyfed-Powys force area, officers have seized 19 e-bikes and 28 e-scooters during recent enforcement activity.
The crackdown involves neighbourhood policing and prevention teams, response officers, the force intelligence bureau, the roads policing unit and drone operators, with patrols focused on areas of highest community concern.
Inspector Celt Thomas said officers had received specialist training before the operation began.
“Ahead of the operation, officers were trained in the use of SelectaDNA, which is a spray containing a quantity of unique DNA,” he said.
“It can be used to tag people, e-bikes, scooters or motorbikes, and can pinpoint offenders to a specific location, date and time.
“If offenders are later identified or brought into custody following an incident, their bikes, clothing or even they themselves can be forensically examined and evidentially linked to an offence.”
During the first operation in Pembroke Dock, an illegal e-bike rider was stopped and arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, possession of controlled drugs, drug driving and having no insurance.
The e-bike, which officers said had been heavily modified and was worth between £4,000 and £6,000, was seized and is set to be destroyed.
PC Stuart Gray warned parents to think carefully before buying e-scooters for children this Christmas.
“E-scooters and bikes pose serious safety risks for children, including accidents and injuries,” he said.
“We urge parents to prioritise their child’s wellbeing and consider safer, more appropriate alternatives.”
Inspector Thomas said police would continue to take firm action.
“These riders are causing a huge amount of concern in the area due to their dangerous behaviour and intimidating appearance, and we are committed to resolving the issue,” he said.
“We will continue to target these groups over the coming months and are confident these operations will have positive results.
“We urge members of the community who have information about anyone riding illegally or antisocially to contact us.”
Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
Entertainment
Periwinkle is mischievous but has a heart of gold
PERIWINKLE the sea sprite is mischievous, big-hearted and the guardian of the
Cleddau who loves exploring the Pembrokeshire coast and the loveable character
can’t wait to meet you all this December as Rapunzel comes alive on the Torch
Theatre stage.
From Broad Haven and Little Haven, to Druidstone, Newgale and St
David’s, Periwinkle has magical powers and abilities, can harness the armour and
strength of a crab, or the speed and agility of a fish!
Eifion ap Cadno, who plays Periwinkle, hails from Bangor in north Wales. He trained
in Acting and Contemporary Theatre at East 15 Acting School before heading out to
perform with theatre companies across the UK, Germany and Austria. This will be
his first ever pantomime appearance, and he can’t wait to entertain Pembrokeshire
audiences.
“I’m very much looking forward to taking part as everything about it is so positive.
The original script is mad, the cast members are so generous and supportive,
everyone involved is just so talented and a joy to work with. Moving from rehearsals
in the studio to the main stage and seeing all the design and technical elements
come together has been so magical. I feel very privileged to be a part of such a
brilliant team and production,” said Eifion.
Audiences will love Periwinkle’s fabulous look, all clad in netting, seaweed, shells
and coral, with enormous hair that is very blue. Periwinkle can move like a jellyfish,
sometimes a crab, sometimes a fish, or anything sea-dwelling and can be very silly
at times.
“Periwinkle has a rather fantastic and elaborate appearance, to put it mildly. Gettinginto costume, applying all my make-up and putting on the wig (it’s not my real hair,
sorry to disappoint), is definitely a big part of getting into character. The designer and
wardrobe team have done such an amazing job of bringing Periwinkle to life – I find
that once I’m all dolled up, most of the work has already been done!”
The magical and mischievous Periwinkle has been a favourite with school children
during the school pantomime sessions and the audience support has put Eifion at
ease.
“The truth is, nothing can quite prepare you for the stage – it’s such a different
experience finally having all those children sat watching you! And they’ve not sat
quietly so far, they’ve really got involved. Periwinkle, wants to be best friends with
the audience and get them to help fight the mean witch Mother Gothel and this has
meant a lot of audience interaction!”
Rapunzel, the hair-raising adventure can be seen on the Torch Theatre stage now
until Sunday 28 December. Relaxed Environment Performance Saturday 13
December at 2pm and BSL Interpreted Performance on Tuesday 16 December at
6pm. Ticket price: £24.50 | £20.00 Cons | £78.00 Family. For further information visit
the Torch Theatre website www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on
(01646) 695267.
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