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News

Welsh Government commissions study into barriers to democracy

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THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has commissioned new research into the barriers that prevent people in Wales from participating fully in democratic life.

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant MS, said the study would help to identify socio-economic factors that discourage individuals from voting or standing for election—particularly those from marginalised or disadvantaged backgrounds.

The research, which will be carried out by Alma Economics, will explore how financial pressures, limited access to political knowledge, discrimination, and societal attitudes may act as obstacles to democratic engagement.

Ms Bryant said: “We are taking steps to ensure that everyone in Wales, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to take part in our democracy—whether through voting or by standing for office.”

In recent years, the Welsh Government has introduced a number of reforms aimed at widening participation in politics. These include lowering the voting age to sixteen and making it a legal requirement to provide financial support for disabled candidates facing additional costs when standing for election.

Earlier this week, new Diversity and Inclusion Guidance was also published to support political parties in encouraging a broader range of candidates to stand in the 2026 Senedd elections. The guidance urges parties to create diversity strategies at least six months before the election and to publish anonymised diversity data on their candidates afterward.

The Cabinet Secretary said the new research would strengthen that work by shedding light on the specific challenges people face when engaging with Welsh democracy.

“This work will help us understand how socio-economic factors influence whether someone feels able to get involved,” she said. “It is about ensuring that our democratic institutions are open, inclusive, and truly representative of the people they serve.”

Ms Bryant encouraged people from all backgrounds—including members of the public, elected officials, and organisations in the third sector—to contribute to the study.

“Many Members share my commitment to making democracy accessible for everyone. I encourage those with views and experiences to share to get in touch with the researchers directly.”

Those interested in taking part in the research can contact Eleni Kotsira at Alma Economics via email: eleni.kotsira@almaeconomics.com.

The findings are expected to be published later this year.

Contact details for press inquiries:
Georgina Windsor, Senior Press Officer
georgina.windsor@gov.wales

News

Second person dies following A4183 collision, police confirm

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE have confirmed that a second person has died following the serious collision on the A4183 between the Llangennech roundabout and the Crematorium roundabout on Wednesday, April 2.

The driver of the black Peugeot involved in the crash sadly died in hospital on Saturday (April 5).

A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the families at this difficult time.”

Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone who may be able to help is asked to contact police online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, you can text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Please quote reference: 25*271914.

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Community

Carmarthen house collapses in major fire

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Residents evacuated as crews tackle blaze for over three hours

A HOUSE in the Tregynwr area of Carmarthen has collapsed following a major fire on Monday evening (Apr 7).

The blaze broke out at around 6:50pm at a two-storey terraced home on Haulfryn, Llangunnor. Fire crews arrived to find the property “well alight” and fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters from Carmarthen, Tumble, Kidwelly, Pontyates, Whitland and Morriston were called in to tackle the blaze, using four hose reel jets, six sets of breathing apparatus, a turntable ladder, and a safety jet to bring the fire under control.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the house sustained such extensive damage that it “fully collapsed.” Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.

An adjoining house was checked and found to be safe from fire spread, but neighbours were evacuated overnight as a precaution.

The fire prompted a multi-agency response, with Dyfed-Powys Police managing road closures, and support on site from Western Power and Wales & West Utilities.

Fire crews left the scene at 10:06pm but returned later to damp down remaining hotspots and ensure the area was safe.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

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Education

College unveils new qualifications to support future of Welsh farming

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COLEG CAMBRIA has launched a suite of new higher education qualifications designed to equip the next generation of agricultural leaders in Wales.

The state-of-the-art land-based college, which has campuses in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop and Llysfasi, has unveiled Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes aimed at future farm managers, shepherds, farmers, and rural business professionals.

The new courses will be delivered at the college’s Llysfasi campus near Ruthin, where a £10 million Innovation Hub – Hwb Arloesi – was recently opened. Plans have also been submitted for a 50-bedroom student accommodation block to support the growing demand for agricultural education in the region.

Modules on offer include Business and Business Environment, Managing a Successful Project, Principles of Livestock Production, Animal Health and Welfare, Land-based Machinery and Technology, and Rural Business Administration and Accounting.

Emma Hurst, Dean of Access and Higher Education at Coleg Cambria, said the new qualifications are designed to meet the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.

“These programmes provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge, advanced technical skills, and the opportunity to pursue a wide range of careers across the land-based industries,” she said.

“In addition to access to expert lecturers and guest speakers, students on the HNC and HND programmes benefit from hands-on experience at Llysfasi’s commercial 1,000-acre farm, which includes dairy, suckler, and sheep enterprises.

“With developments in precision agriculture, smart farming technologies and new environmental challenges, there’s never been a more exciting time to enter the sector – and no better place to learn than Coleg Cambria.”

The Hwb Arloesi development, backed by more than £5.9 million from the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, spans 1,095 square metres across two carbon-neutral storeys. Built by Wrexham-based Read Construction, the facility includes classrooms, laboratories, a library, coffee shop, climbing wall, meeting spaces, atrium, Higher Education centre, and a wellbeing hub.

Elin Roberts, Head of Llysfasi, praised the impact the new building has already had.

“The hub is incredible – the equipment, teaching and learning spaces, and overall environment are unmatched in this region,” she said.

“It’s a huge boost for both students and staff. Those enrolling on our FE and HE agriculture programmes now have access to cutting-edge facilities in a welcoming, innovative learning environment.

“This is the perfect time to choose Coleg Cambria as the next step in your agricultural career.”

For more information on the new agriculture courses at Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk, email he@cambria.ac.uk, or call 01978 515477. Follow Coleg Cambria on social media for updates.

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