News

Delays to Wales’ tribunal system ‘deeply troubling’

Published

2 weeks ago

March 13, 2025

SENEDD Members urged ministers to press ahead with urgently needed reforms of the Welsh tribunal system or risk leaving the courts unable to cope with demand.

Adam Price, Plaid Cymru’s shadow justice minister, warned the clock is ticking on the Welsh Government’s proposals to modernise and unify Wales’ tribunal system.

The proposals followed 2021 recommendations for reform from the Law Commission, which warned the devolved tribunals evolved haphazardly and “it is difficult to call them a ‘system’”.

But, with only a year to go until the next Senedd election, the Welsh Government has rejected calls to commit to bringing forward a tribunal bill before the end of term.

Mr Price, whose partner is a judge in the non-devolved tribunal system, described ministers’ refusal to commit to the “absolutely crucial” legislation as deeply troubling.

“We need this legislation now,” he said. “It’s essential to resolve the significant operational, financial and administrative challenges facing Welsh tribunals today.

“Delaying this essential legislation is not prudent governance. It’s negligence, actually.

“It risks leaving our tribunals unable to cope with current demands, let alone future responsibilities, such as youth justice or education appeals. It weakens Wales’ justice infrastructure and compromises our commitment to fair and accessible justice.”

Contributing to a debate on the Welsh tribunal president’s annual report, Mr Price called for full transparency around plans to devolve further parts of the justice system to Wales.

He said: “Anything less, in our view, would be an abdication of responsibility – leaving Wales’ justice system underserved, undervalued and ill-prepared for the challenges ahead.”

Labour’s Mike Hedges, who chairs the Senedd’s justice committee, similarly stressed the importance of introducing legislation on tribunals as soon as possible.

The Tories’ Paul Davies echoed this position. He also raised concerns about training, with the judicial college having no remit to train devolved tribunal members.

“My concern is this mirrors slow progress with the reform of the Welsh tribunals,” he said.

He added that use of the Welsh language remains low in the legal system.

Mr ab Owen warned: “If it doesn’t happen before the 2026 election, there is no guarantee that it will happen at all. I think it’s quite something how strongly in favour the president of the Welsh tribunals was for reform in his report – that cannot be ignored.”

Responding to the debate on March 11, Julie James said the First Minister will make a statement on the Welsh Government’s legislative plans shortly after Easter.

Julie James MS, counsel general designate and minister for delivery — Julie James MS, counsel general and minister for delivery

Ms James, who is counsel general, the Welsh Government’s chief legal adviser, said: “We’re still fully committed to reforming the devolved tribunals.

“But I’m not in a position to say yet whether the tribunals Bill will make it into that programme. There is much competition for space in year five.”

Ms James told the Senedd the Welsh tribunals budget has increased from £4.1m to £6m.

“That’s a real commitment to making sure our tribunals have the resources they need,” she said. “We’ve reinstated pay parity for tribunal members, with an 8% uplift, bringing their pay in line with those in the reserved system.”

News

New ratings system for care services launches in Wales

Published

3 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A NEW inspection ratings system for care services in Wales comes into force on 1 April to help ensure people receive the best possible care.

Ratings will help people better understand the quality of care provided, making it easier for individuals and families to make informed decisions about their care options. 

All care homes and domiciliary support services across Wales will be given ratings and most required to display them at their premises and online, following an inspection.

The ratings will reflect the quality of care across four key themes: Well-being; Care and Support; Leadership and Management; Environment.

Each theme will be judged as being excellent, good, requires improvement or requires significant improvement.

The Welsh Government consulted on inspection ratings for care home services and domiciliary support services last year.

The new system has been developed in close collaboration with care providers and commissioners across Wales and will help drive high quality standards across care services.

Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) will support services through the implementation of the new system. Ratings will be clearly shown in inspection reports, on CIW’s website and on posters for the service provider to display.

Over the coming months, more and more services will be displaying their ratings, however it will take up to two years for all relevant services to be inspected and given their ratings.

The new system represents an important step change in supporting continuous improvement. 

Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden said: “Care services throughout Wales have a crucial role in looking after people. For many of them, a care service can also be their home, where they live and thrive, and we want to keep ensuring they receive the best possible care.

“These ratings will enable people to make important decisions in choosing what’s right for them and support their well-being.

“They will also enable service providers to pinpoint their strengths as well as areas for growth and development.

“I want to thank the sector for their work in helping us develop the system.”

Chief Inspector at Care Inspectorate Wales, Gillian Baranski said: “This new ratings system will help people make informed choices about care services while supporting providers to continuously enhance the quality of care they deliver.

“Most care in Wales is good care. Ratings will highlight what is working well and support improvement where needed across Wales.”

Community

Family’s heartbreak as ‘beautiful’ 19-year-old takes his own life after night out

Published

11 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TEENAGER with a passion for rugby and a heart “full of love” took his own life at his home in Narberth after taking cocaine and leaving a note for his family.

Samuel Price, who was 19, died in the early hours of September 21, 2023, at a property in the centre of the Pembrokeshire town.

At an inquest held at County Hall in Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 27), the coroner heard how Sam had returned home after a busy day which included a job interview, a shift at a local pub, and rugby training. He had messaged his mother later that evening to ask to borrow some money, which she agreed to.

At 11:15pm, he contacted someone to ask about buying cocaine. He then began walking to a friend’s house but changed his mind and returned home. His stepfather found him unresponsive the following morning, and despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at 7:32am.

A note was discovered on his phone indicating his intention to end his life. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as hanging, with recent cocaine use recorded as a contributing factor.

Sam’s mother, Clare Price, described her son as a “very happy kid” who was “beautiful” inside and out.

“This came completely out of the blue,” she told the hearing. “We had plans to go to a gig on Saturday night. He had a big, big heart and loved people so very much. There was no middle ground with Sam—he was very black and white. I want everyone to know that he was so much more than this. He was a beautiful human being.”

The coroner concluded that Sam had taken his own life and extended his condolences to the family.

A legacy of love and hope

Following Sam’s tragic death, his family has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention. His auntie Shelley, uncle Anthony, and cousins Hollie and Sophie recently completed a 19-mile walk from Minehead to Donniford—one mile for every year of Sam’s life.

The fundraiser, which has already passed £1,000, was part of a wider campaign led by Sam’s mother, Clare, who has raised more than £6,500 through her initiative, The Sammy-sized GAP. The project aims to strengthen support networks for people in crisis and push for changes in government policy, including allowing friends and family to refer vulnerable adults for mental health intervention.

***The Hooper family raised more than £1,000 in memory of Sam’s ‘vibrant’ life (Pic: Clare Sturman)***

Sam, who grew up in Minehead before moving to Pembrokeshire, was known for his love of rugby and was a proud member of Minehead Barbarians’ mini team, once taking part in a memorable trip to France with the side.

Speaking after the walk, Clare said: “The Hooper family’s walk is a powerful symbol—a tribute filled with love, but also a call to action. It echoes Sam’s vibrancy, emphasizing the need for suicide prevention education and support for those affected. From this tragedy, they are crafting a legacy of hope, ensuring that others find strength and assistance in their darkest moments.”

She has also warned against young people self-medicating to deal with anxiety, isolation and mental health struggles, urging anyone affected to seek proper help.

“If you knew our Sam, or know a young person who might be going through similar struggles—who might be tempted to numb the pain with drugs—please consider giving what you can to this fund,” she said. “On Sam’s behalf, we will be very grateful.”

Donations to The Sammy-sized GAP initiative can be made via GoFundMe.

If you or someone you know is struggling

If you are affected by the issues raised in this article, help is available.

You are not alone, and talking to someone can make a difference.

Samaritans offer a free, confidential 24/7 listening service. Call 116 123 at any time or visit www.samaritans.org for more support.
CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales: Free support and listening service available 24/7 on 0800 132 737 or text “Help” to 81066.
Papyrus HOPELINE247: Support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts. Call 0800 068 41 41, text 07860 039967 or visit www.papyrus-uk.org.
Mind: Mental health charity offering advice and support. Visit www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393.

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Crime

Police investigate theft of 75 sheep from Newcastle Emlyn farm

Published

11 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating the theft of approximately 75 sheep from a farm in the Newcastle Emlyn area.

The lamb yearling ewes were reported missing from farmland near Rhydlewis. Officers believe the theft occurred sometime between March 7 and March 17, 2025.

The stolen sheep are described as white-faced, with clean white wool and a faint yellow spot. They are believed to be continental cross ewes, similar in appearance to Texel crosses.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and remains in police custody.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist with the investigation.

Anyone with details is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via the following:

🖥️ | Online: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
📧 | Email: [email protected]
📞 | Call: 101

Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.