News

Concerns raised over visitor levy’s impact on youth groups

Published

3 weeks ago

April 24, 2025

SCOUTS CYMRU has warned that the Welsh Government’s proposed Visitor Levy could have unintended consequences for volunteers and youth groups, potentially putting vital learning experiences for young people at risk.

The organisation, which supports thousands of children across Wales in outdoor and educational activities, has called for key changes to the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) (Wales) Bill, currently progressing through the Senedd.

At Stage 1, Members of the Senedd agreed to exempt under-18s from the levy, a move welcomed by ScoutsCymru. However, with Stage 2 discussions now under way, the group says further amendments are needed to ensure that the burden of administration and costs do not fall unfairly on volunteers or disrupt youth programming.

There are currently more than 4,000 young people on waiting lists to join the Scouts in Wales, with demand for overnight events and camps higher than ever. But under the current proposals, Scout halls could be treated in the same way as hotels or other commercial accommodation providers.

“Scout halls are not hotels,” said Kerrie Gemmill, CEO of ScoutsCymru. “Volunteers leading overnight stays with young people in community halls would be classed as ‘visitors’ and charged the levy – despite not being on holiday, but there to lead and safeguard the group.”

ScoutsCymru has called for the Bill to be updated to clarify that buildings like Scout halls and community centres – where occasional overnight use is not the primary purpose – should not fall within the scope of the levy.

There is also concern about the potential administrative burden placed on volunteers. A single overnight stay could require a community venue to register, track occupancy, and manage a payment system, even if only two adults are staying to supervise children.

“This isn’t about avoiding fair taxes – it’s about proportion,” said Gemmill. “We’re talking about people who already give up their evenings and weekends for free. Asking them to set up tax systems for a couple of overnighters a year is unrealistic. It risks putting people off, and that means fewer overnight adventures for young people.”

ScoutsCymru is proposing three key changes to the legislation:

A clear legal exemption for premises primarily used for education or youth activities.
Rules that are proportionate to the capacity and nature of volunteer-led groups.
A national exemption for charitable groups offering occasional overnight stays as part of structured youth programmes.

“We’re grateful for the engagement so far,” added Gemmill. “With a few sensible changes, we can protect the purpose of the Bill while preserving affordable and accessible experiences for young people, led by the volunteers who make them possible.”

Crime

Haverfordwest man cleared of rape and sexual assault charges

Published

4 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been found not guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

RICHARD MURRAY, aged 46, of Hill Street, had faced three charges relating to an incident in Narberth in August 2022.

He was accused of orally raping a woman, sexually assaulting her by touching without consent, and causing her to engage in sexual activity against her will.

Murray denied all the allegations.

After just over an hour of deliberation, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all counts.

Murray was released from the dock and expressed his thanks to the jury as he left the courtroom.

Judge Paul Thomas KC thanked the jury before discharging them.

News

Injured visitor rescued from Caldey Island by Tenby lifeboat crew

Published

4 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PERSON was rescued from Caldey Island on Tuesday afternoon (May 13) after suffering serious injuries in a fall.

Tenby RNLI launched both its all-weather and inshore lifeboats shortly before 3:30pm following reports that someone had fallen and was believed to have broken their ankle.

Due to tidal conditions, the larger lifeboat was unable to land. Instead, crew members trained in casualty care were deployed from the inshore lifeboat and made their way ashore to assist the injured individual.

After providing initial assessment and pain relief, the casualty was helped to the jetty and transferred onto the lifeboat for the short journey back to the mainland.

On arrival at Tenby lifeboat station, the person was handed over to waiting Welsh Ambulance Service paramedics and taken to hospital for further treatment.

Community

Donations in Matt Baker’s memory support local mental health charities

Published

4 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of Matt Baker, affectionately known as “Mr Good Times” of Haverfordwest, has presented donations to three local mental health projects during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Matt passed away in March aged 49, and his funeral in April drew hundreds of mourners. In his memory, the Baker and Oostermeijer families collected donations to support causes close to Matt’s heart.

This week, £700 cheques were presented to two well-known Pembrokeshire organisations: Get The Boys A Lift and The VC Gallery. Both groups work extensively with people experiencing mental health challenges, offering safe spaces, support sessions, and community outreach.

A further donation was made to Bro Cerwyn Hospital, where Matt had spent ten months receiving care. The family gifted a Yamaha electric piano, complete with stool and headphones, in the hope that music can bring comfort and joy to patients.

Phyllis Oostermeijer, Matt’s mother, said: “We as a family would like to thank everyone concerned. Truly amazing – and I trust it will do a lot of good. Perhaps every now and again a pianist can go to the hospital and play for the patients. Matt would like that.”

The gesture comes at a time when mental health support services across Wales continue to be stretched, with charities and community organisations increasingly relied upon to bridge the gap.

Reuben Baker and Aad Oostermeijer, Matt’s brother and stepfather, attended the cheque presentation at The VC Gallery alongside representatives from the supported organisations.

Matt’s legacy of positivity, compassion, and community spirit continues to make an impact – not just on those who knew him, but on the many people these donations will go on to help.

Photo caption:
In memory of Matt: The Baker family present £700 to The VC Gallery during Mental Health Awareness Week (Pic: Supplied)