News

Spring statement slammed as disability cuts spark fear in Wales

Published

1 year ago

March 26, 2025

Trussell Trust warns of rising hunger as 3.2 million face benefit losses

DISABLED people across Wales are facing what campaigners have called “brutal” and “terrifying” cuts to their benefits after the Chancellor’s Spring Statement revealed sweeping welfare changes that will leave millions worse off.

Rachel Reeves, delivering her first Spring Statement as Chancellor, claimed that the changes would help restore a £9.9bn surplus by 2029-30. However, the Department for Work and Pensions quietly published figures showing that 3.2 million families – both current and future claimants – will lose an average of £1,720 a year.

While Reeves defended the changes as part of a plan to grow the economy, critics say the cost is being passed to the most vulnerable – particularly disabled people who are already struggling to afford basic necessities.

In a statement to The Herald, Jo Harry, network lead for the Trussell Trust in Wales, said the cuts would push more people into poverty and hunger.

“These brutal cuts to already precarious incomes won’t help more disabled people find work, but they will risk forcing more people to skip meals and turn to food banks to get by,” she said.

“Disabled people are already three times more likely to face hunger, and over three quarters of people in receipt of Universal Credit and disability benefits are already struggling to afford the essentials like food. This will only get worse.”

‘Terrified’ by cuts

David, 46, who lives in Wales and has a painful bone disease, said he now relies on a Trussell Trust food bank and fears for his future.

“I am terrified now that the Chancellor has confirmed that my disability benefits will be cut,” he said.

“The bone tumours in my hips cause me pain every day and force me to use crutches. In cold weather, my symptoms worsen – but I already can’t afford to put the heating on.”

“Life costs more if you’re disabled. Things like specialist equipment and travel to healthcare appointments all add up. PIP – which the government is brutally cutting – is there to account for these extra costs. It is not a luxury.”

Warnings from experts

The British Medical Journal this week published a warning that cuts to disability benefits could lead to an increase in mental health problems, NHS pressures, and even deaths. In a previous wave of cuts between 2010 and 2013, over one million people had their benefits reassessed – resulting in an estimated 600 suicides.

Meanwhile, the Office for Budget Responsibility warned of a slowdown in living standards growth. Real household disposable income is forecast to grow by just 0.5% in 2027, with inflation expected to rebound to 3.7% in mid-2025.

Campaigners say the Chancellor could have chosen to tax extreme wealth instead of cutting benefits.

Caitlin Boswell from Tax Justice UK said: “Inequality is soaring and people are being left behind, struggling to make ends meet, while the very richest get richer. Choosing to make cut after cut to the poorest and most marginalised, while leaving the vast resource of the super rich untouched, is immoral and harmful.”

Community

Pirates take over Pembroke Dock maritime museum

Published

35 minutes ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

VOLUNTEERS at West Wales Maritime Museum were praised after another successful Pirates Party brought crowds to Pembroke Dock.

The family event was held at Hancock’s Yard, Front Street, on Saturday (Jun 20), with visitors enjoying a day of maritime-themed entertainment, stalls, refreshments and fancy dress.

The museum, run by the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society, hosted the event with the help of volunteers, with activities including a tombola, raffle, barbecue, face painting, children’s games and a prize for the best-dressed pirate.

There was also live entertainment from the Cantabile Singers and the Barti Waves.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was a musket firing display by the H.M.S Wales Re-enactment Group, which drew strong interest from those attending.

County councillor Jonathan Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, was among those who visited the event.

He said it had been “a fantastic afternoon” and praised the volunteers who had worked hard to put on “another brilliant event”.

Cllr Grimes said: “There was plenty to see and enjoy, but my personal highlight had to be the musket firing display from the H.M.S Wales Re-enactment Group — a real crowd-pleaser with live firing.

“It was wonderful to see so many people coming along and supporting yet another successful event at the museum.”

He also thanked Peter Kraus and everyone involved for their dedication in bringing the event to life.

The West Wales Maritime Museum is based at the historic Hancock’s Yard and is run by volunteers who work to preserve Pembroke Dock’s maritime heritage.

The society restores and maintains classic boats, operates a museum of maritime artefacts and offers visitors a chance to learn more about the town’s long connection with the sea.

The museum has become an increasingly popular community venue, with events such as the Pirates Party helping to bring families into the town while celebrating Pembroke Dock’s seafaring past.

News

Father and son lifeboat volunteers answer emergency call off Broadhaven South

Published

1 hour ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FATHER’S DAY celebrations were interrupted for several Tenby RNLI crew members on Sunday afternoon (Jun 21) after a five-metre RIB suffered engine failure off Broadhaven South and began drifting dangerously towards rocks.

The casualty vessel issued a Pan Pan call, prompting a Coastguard tasking to Tenby Lifeboats.

Among those responding were Coxswain Gary and his son Eddie, who still managed to spend part of Father’s Day together — although not quite in the way they may have planned.

The lifeboat was quickly launched and made best speed to the reported position, around nine miles west of Tenby Lifeboat Station.

When the crew arrived on scene, the engine of the casualty vessel had been restarted. However, with those on board concerned it could fail again, the Coxswain decided to escort the RIB back towards the entrance of the Milford Haven Waterway.

Once at the mouth of the waterway, the occupants were confident they could safely continue to their mooring without further assistance.

The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station, arriving back at 5:50pm.

Health

Welsh Government refuses to halt Withybush and Bronglais service review

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Health Minister tells Paul Davies MS that decisions remain a matter for Hywel Dda University Health Board

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has declined to intervene in controversial plans affecting services at Withybush and Bronglais hospitals, prompting fresh criticism from local Senedd Member Paul Davies.

In a letter dated June 19, Health and Care Cabinet Secretary Mabon ap Gwynfor said responsibility for planning and delivering NHS services rests with local health boards and confirmed that Hywel Dda University Health Board should continue its consultation process on proposed service changes.

The response follows concerns raised by Mr Davies on behalf of constituents in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion over the future configuration of clinical services, including stroke care.

While acknowledging strong public concern about access to healthcare in rural communities, the Minister stopped short of offering any commitment to block or reverse the Health Board’s proposals.

Instead, he stressed that any changes must be supported by robust evidence, maintain patient safety and demonstrate improved outcomes.

The Minister wrote: “Responsibility for planning and delivering health services rests with local health boards, including decisions about how services are organised.”

He added that proposals must improve outcomes for patients, maintain safe and equitable access to care and be supported by thorough impact assessments.

Paul Davies MS described the response as disappointing.

Posting the letter on social media, he said: “This letter tells me that the Welsh Government is not going to stand in the way of the Health Board’s plans.”

He added that he would raise the issue in the Senedd chamber next week and continue pressing ministers to intervene.

The exchange comes as Hywel Dda University Health Board continues a public consultation on proposed changes to stroke services across west Wales.

The consultation, which opened on May 28, is due to run until July 26.

In his response, the Minister stated that anyone suffering a stroke should receive treatment “as quickly as possible in the most appropriate setting” and said the current model of stroke care in Wales must evolve if national standards are to be achieved.

The comments are likely to fuel concern among campaigners opposed to the proposed changes, who fear services could become increasingly centralised and further away from rural communities in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.