News

Government’s £5bn benefits crackdown: What It means for Pembrokeshire

Published

1 year ago

March 18, 2025

New reforms could hit disability claimants hardest

THE UK GOVERNMENT has unveiled a major reform of the welfare system, aiming to save £5bn by 2030 through stricter eligibility rules for benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC). With 19.5% of households in Pembrokeshire claiming Universal Credit, these changes could have a significant impact locally, particularly for disabled residents.

However, early analysis suggests PIP claimants will be hardest hit. While Universal Credit recipients will see some structural changes, including the scrapping of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) in 2028 and a permanent above-inflation rise, PIP recipients face much tougher eligibility criteria, potentially disqualifying around a million people nationwide.

Local impact on Pembrokeshire

With 26% of its population aged over 65—one of the highest proportions in Wales—and above-average disability rates, Pembrokeshire could be disproportionately affected. Many residents rely on PIP to supplement low wages or provide financial support when work is not an option.

Pembrokeshire’s economy is heavily dependent on seasonal work, tourism, and public services, with 14% of workers self-employed—many in physically demanding jobs. Health and disability benefits play a crucial role for those unable to work year-round.

Key changes announced

Universal Credit (UC)

Above-inflation increase – Payments will rise permanently to £775 per month by 2030.
Work Capability Assessment scrapped (2028) – Future assessments for extra support will be through PIP instead.
Right to Try – Claimants will be encouraged to return to work without immediately losing benefits.
Under-22s lose incapacity top-up – Young people will no longer qualify for an additional health-related payment, a move designed to deter school leavers from going straight onto benefits.

Impact: Universal Credit claimants face mixed consequences. The removal of WCA could reduce stress for those with long-term conditions, and higher payments may help some households. However, the removal of incapacity top-ups could create financial hardship for young disabled claimants.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Stricter eligibility rules – Claimants must score at least four points in one category to qualify for PIP’s daily living element.
Up to one million people could lose support – Early estimates suggest a significant number may no longer qualify.
No means-testing (yet), but tougher assessments – Changes may disproportionately affect those with mental health conditions and fluctuating illnesses.

Impact: Many disabled residents in Pembrokeshire may struggle to qualify for PIP, which in turn affects their Universal Credit top-ups. Those with mental health conditions, long COVID, or conditions such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia may face difficulties meeting the new criteria.

What does this mean for Pembrokeshire?

Higher risk for disabled claimants – With an aging population and a significant number of residents on disability benefits, many may lose essential support.
Rural and seasonal work challenges – Physically demanding jobs in tourism, construction, and agriculture mean PIP is crucial for those unable to work due to health conditions.
Potential rise in hardship – Child poverty in Pembrokeshire is already one of the highest in Wales (24.7%). If PIP claimants lose financial support, demand for food banks and social services could increase.

Local perspective

Pembrokeshire has a lower-than-average employment rate (73.8%) and high self-employment (14%), meaning many workers lack stable income or sick pay. The county also faces social care pressures, with 641 adults receiving domiciliary care. If PIP eligibility tightens, many claimants could lose both disability payments and their health-related UC top-ups, leaving some without financial support entirely.

Responding to the Government’s Green Paper on Welfare reforms, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said: “You don’t get more people into work by slashing support for disabled people who need it.

“If we are to reduce the welfare bill, we need to focus on prevention and get serious about fixing health and social care in Wales, alongside improving mental health treatment provisions.

“Far too many people in Wales are left deteriorating on extreme waiting lists, unable to work and often become sicker while they wait for treatment.

“We are also concerned that the Chancellor’s budget is failing to create new jobs for people to join, with the national insurance rise contributing to job losses and hiring freezes across Wales.

“This is in addition to the fact that in many former industrial parts of Wales, jobs that were lost have never been replaced which is why we need a real economic strategy to breathe new life into these communities.”

What happens next?

The government has launched a Green Paper consultation on the reforms. However, with Labour facing internal criticism over the changes, further amendments could still be made before they take full effect.

Have your say

The Herald wants to hear from Pembrokeshire residents:

Are you worried about losing your benefits?
Do you think the “Right to Try” scheme will help you get back into work?
How will these reforms impact your household?

Email The Herald with your views.

Final verdict

Pembrokeshire at higher risk – With a high disability rate, older population, and reliance on seasonal work, the county may see a rise in financial hardship due to these reforms.r say

Universal Credit claimants – Some may benefit from higher payments and no longer facing Work Capability Assessments, but young disabled people will be hit hardest.

PIP claimants – The biggest losers. Many may lose their entire benefit due to stricter scoring rules, which in turn affects their UC top-ups.

We want to hear from Pembrokeshire residents affected by these changes. Are you worried about losing your benefits? Will the new support help you get back into work? Email The Herald with your views.

Community

The gentle giant behind the tattoos

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong

JOSH Davies is hard to miss.

With tattoos across his head, face, neck and hands, he is the kind of man people notice before they know anything about him.

But those who know him, work with him, or have simply crossed paths with him after a long night on duty, tell a very different story.

They describe him as a gentleman. A grafter. A man with a big heart. Someone who would do anything to help another person.

Now Josh, who completed his Door Supervisor course with RM Training and Security Solutions last year, is being praised for the way he has built a career in the security industry and become a valued member of the team.

The Pembrokeshire-based company said Josh had gone “from strength to strength” since gaining his licence, working across licensed venues, events, customer-facing roles, response duties and other security work.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said: “From day one, Josh showed a natural ability for the security industry.

“Since gaining his licence, he has thrown himself into every opportunity presented to him, working across a variety of roles including licensed venues, events, customer-facing positions, response duties, and much more.

“There genuinely seems to be nothing Josh cannot turn his hand to. His willingness to learn, adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude have made him a valued member of the RM team.”

But it is not only his employers who have noticed.

After RM Training shared Josh’s success story online, dozens of people came forward to praise him, with many saying his appearance should never be mistaken for the man underneath.

One woman said she had met Josh on a Sunday morning after he had finished a night shift.

She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. Someone you would say from first impression of meeting, nice guy, good guy.”

Another person, who said she had known Josh since he was young and treated him like a son, said: “I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me in my life. He is one in a million.

“People look at him like a big boy, but he has got a heart and he will do anything to help anyone.”

Others described him as a “great bloke”, “absolute gentleman”, “sound bloke”, and someone who was “built to be a doorman”.

In an industry where first impressions, calm judgement and public confidence matter, RM Training said Josh’s professionalism had become one of his strongest qualities.

The company added: “What stands out most is his professionalism. Whether dealing with members of the public, clients, colleagues, or challenging situations, Josh consistently demonstrates the highest standards expected within our industry.

“He represents both himself and RM Training & Security Solutions exceptionally well at all times.

“We are incredibly proud to have Josh as part of the team and look forward to watching his continued growth and success within the security industry.”

Security staff are often seen only when something goes wrong, but much of the work involves preventing problems before they happen, reassuring the public, supporting event organisers, and knowing how to deal with difficult situations calmly.

Josh’s story has struck a chord because it challenges the quick assumptions people can make.

To some, the tattoos may be the first thing they see.

To those who know him, they are simply part of a man who has worked hard, taken his chance, and earned respect through his attitude and actions.

One supporter summed it up simply: “Life loves a grafter.”

Photo caption:

Josh Davies has been praised by RM Training and Security Solutions and members of the public for his professionalism and kindness (Pics: DarthMartyMedia).

News

150 years of Mothers’ Union marked at St Davids Cathedral

Published

4 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SPECIAL service has been held at St Davids Cathedral to celebrate 150 years of the Mothers’ Union.

Members and officials gathered for the anniversary celebration on Sunday (Jun 21), where Bishop Dorrien welcomed those attending and spent time speaking with the Provincial Chaplain.

The occasion had particular significance for Bishop Dorrien, who is the third generation of his family to be a member of the Mothers’ Union.

The organisation, founded in 1876, continues to support families, communities and church life across Wales and around the world.

Those attending said the celebration was a fitting tribute to the work of generations of members, with hopes expressed for the next 150 years.

Caption:

Celebration: Members and officials gathered at St Davids Cathedral to mark 150 years of the Mothers’ Union (Pic: Diocese of St Davids).

Entertainment

Harbour Fest to bring music, food and maritime magic to Milford Waterfront

Published

5 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Free family festival will celebrate Milford Haven’s seafaring history and coastal community

MILFORD WATERFRONT will burst into life on Saturday, June 27, as the first Harbour Fest sails into town for a day of music, food, family fun and maritime celebration.

The free event will run from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Mackerel Quay and across the waterfront, bringing together local traders, live entertainment, coastal organisations and independent businesses for a packed day beside the water.

Organisers say the festival will celebrate everything that makes Milford Haven special, from its seafaring history and working harbour to its growing reputation as a destination for food, shopping, culture and family days out.

Visitors will be able to browse stalls from local makers and producers, enjoy street food and live performances, and explore a Marine Zone featuring organisations involved in sea safety, marine conservation and coastal life.

The Marine Zone will include Seagrass Network Cymru / Project Seagrass, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, NCI Wooltack Point, Rudders Marine Training, RNLI Milford Haven and RNLI Angle Lifeboat.

RNLI Angle Lifeboat is expected to be based on the Mackerel Stage, while the Sea Cadets will be giving rope-tying displays at Milford Haven Museum, where craft activities will also be taking place.

Live entertainment will run throughout the day, with performances from Tom & Abz, Will Scott, Ryan Bristow, Milford Haven Town Band, Kyle Kirkhouse and ShantyJacs Sea Shanties.

Businesses across the waterfront are also joining in. All Pets Vet Care will hold a family-friendly open day with a bouncy castle, treasure hunts, quizzes, craft activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Aurora Artisan Crafts will host vocal performances, Biffy’s Bar & Restaurant will feature solo acoustic music from Laurence Lewis, and Martha’s Vineyard will offer seafood street food with live music from Ryan Bristow and Steve Bartram.

At Tŷ Milford Waterfront’s outdoor plaza there will be face painting, children’s activities, pop-up artists and an afternoon DJ set, while Phoenix Bowl and Pirate Pete’s Adventure Play will have inflatables and glitter tattoos outside.

The Waterfront Gallery will host introduction to felt-making workshops with textile artist Carole Fletcher, giving participants the chance to create a woollen felt flower pin brooch or phone/glasses case. The workshops start at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm and cost £5 per person.

A wide range of traders will also be attending, including 5th Flock Spirits Co, Cinnamon Grove Distillery, Cwm Deri Wines & Liqueurs, Ferncraft, Get Loaded, J.J. Pottery, Major Nuts, Orange Garden Design, Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, Pembrokeshire Gold, Pembrokeshire Lottery, Plumstone Welshcakes and SlateArtSJ.

With music drifting across the marina, food stalls lining the waterfront and lifeboats, sea safety teams and coastal groups adding a strong maritime flavour, Harbour Fest is expected to bring a lively summer atmosphere to one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known waterside destinations.