News

Welsh budget approved after Lib Dem deal saves Labour from defeat

Published

1 year ago

March 4, 2025

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S £26 billion budget has been narrowly approved by the Senedd after securing a crucial abstention from Liberal Democrat MS Jane Dodds. The budget, which funds the NHS, education, and other public services, passed with 29 votes in favour, 28 against, and one abstention on Tuesday evening.

Labour, which holds exactly half of the 60 seats in the Senedd, needed support from at least one opposition member. In exchange for her abstention, Dodds secured a £1 bus fare scheme for under-21s and a commitment to ban greyhound racing in Wales.

High stakes and last-minute deal

Had the budget been rejected, the Welsh Government could have faced an automatic funding cut of up to £4.15 billion, a risk that Labour ministers used to pressure opposition members into negotiations. The Welsh Government’s funding comes mostly from the UK Treasury, and without an agreed budget, vital services could have been at risk.

Labour’s Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford defended the budget as a turning point, stating: “Today, with this budget, we turned the corner—moving beyond austerity towards investment and growth.” He warned that rejecting it would mean losing extra NHS funding, school investments, and childcare support.

Where the money is going

The budget includes:

£600 million extra for the NHS, aimed at reducing waiting times.
£100 million for education, including childcare and school funding.
£81 million for social housing, to tackle homelessness.
A £15 million pilot scheme to allow 16 to 21-year-olds to travel anywhere in Wales for £1 per journey.

The Welsh Government claims that changes in UK Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spending decisions have resulted in an additional £1.5 billion for Wales. However, there are concerns that rising National Insurance contributions for public sector employers could swallow up a significant portion of this funding.

Opposition backlash

Both Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives opposed the budget, arguing it fails to address Wales’ long-term challenges.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth dismissed Drakeford’s claims, stating: “This is a flawed Labour budget. Services will continue to be cut, some will disappear entirely, and council tax will rise significantly.”

Conservative Senedd leader Darren Millar argued that rejecting the budget would have been “a good thing”, stating: “If Labour had lost this vote, it would have ended 26 years of tired, clapped-out government that has failed Wales.”

Tensions over failed negotiations

A war of words broke out between Drakeford and Plaid Cymru, with both sides accusing the other of failing to negotiate properly.

Drakeford claimed Plaid did not return to the table after three meetings, while ap Iorwerth insisted Drakeford made no effort to secure a deal.

Plaid’s Heledd Fychan added that the budget “falls short of adequately addressing the challenges Wales faces.” She argued that people would still struggle with rising poverty, food insecurity, and heating costs.

Lib Dems claim victory, Reform UK criticises

Jane Dodds defended her role in securing key concessions, saying: “Today, I feel a deep sense of responsibility. This budget is crucial, not just for the progress we’ve made, but for securing vital funding.”

Meanwhile, Reform UK, which hopes to gain its first Senedd seats in 2026, said the budget “did nothing to fix our struggling economy, failing public services, or the cost-of-living crisis.”

With the budget now passed, the Welsh Government will begin rolling out its funding plans, but opposition parties warn that the financial pressures facing Wales are far from over.

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

9 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

16 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

30 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.