News

Plaid Cymru secures Welsh Government support on sunscreen VAT

Published

9 months ago

June 13, 2025

A SENEDD Member has secured a commitment from the Welsh Government to raise the issue of removing VAT on sunscreen with UK Ministers.

Sioned Williams MS, who represents South Wales West for Plaid Cymru, wrote to Health Secretary Jeremy Miles last month urging him to support efforts to make sunscreen more affordable.

The call comes as Wales continues to record the highest rates of skin cancer in the UK. Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) now accounts for 43 per cent of all new cancer cases in Wales, with the age-standardised incidence increasing by more than seven per cent between 2016 and 2019.

In her letter, sent on May 1, Sioned Williams argued that classifying sunscreen as a luxury cosmetic product – and taxing it at the full rate of VAT – is contributing to the problem. She said rising prices are discouraging people from using adequate protection, putting lives at risk and increasing pressure on the NHS.

She wrote: “While I know that VAT is a reserved matter, can I ask whether you would be minded to support the removal of VAT on sunscreen, and would you be willing to raise this with your colleagues in the UK Government?”

In a written reply, Jeremy Miles MS confirmed that the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language “would be happy” to raise the issue with Westminster and had already asked his officials to contact UK Government departments.

Sioned Williams said: “While skin cancer is treatable and the survival rate is high, in many cases it’s also completely preventable. But despite its essential role in protecting our health, sunscreen is still classed as a cosmetic product.

“Removing the barriers that are stopping people from using sunscreen is essential, and there is already research to show that the long-term savings far outweigh the loss of revenue from VAT. I’m pleased the Welsh Government is responding to Plaid Cymru’s calls on this important matter.”

The letter also referenced work by Melanoma Focus, which found that cutting VAT on SPF 30+ sunscreen could prevent up to 3,200 cases of melanoma annually and save the NHS £128 million a year – nearly double the estimated £67 million cost of removing VAT.

A previous debate in the Senedd led by Ms Williams focused on the role of schools in promoting sun safety, and cited findings from Swansea University’s Sunproofed project, which showed many schools are not providing adequate education on skin protection.

The Office for National Statistics says sunscreen prices have risen by almost 30 per cent in the last two years.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

4 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.