News
Cabinet Secretary visits couple benefiting from independent living support
EXTRA investment from the Welsh Government is helping thousands more older and disabled people live safely and independently in their own homes.
For the 2025–26 financial year, the Welsh Government has allocated an additional £5.5 million in capital funding and more than £1.25 million in revenue to support its Independent Living Programmes.
As part of this initiative, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, recently visited Mr and Mrs Watkins, a couple in their seventies receiving support from Bridgend Care & Repair after being referred by their GP.
Care & Repair is a national charity supporting around 40,000 households across Wales every year, delivering approximately 25,000 home adaptations to help older people live more comfortably and safely.
During her visit, the Cabinet Secretary learned how the Watkins family had benefited from a range of tailored home improvements. These included the installation of a stair rail, improved stair lighting to reduce fall risk—particularly important due to Mr Watkins’ sight loss—and a floor-to-ceiling grab rail outside the shower to assist with transfers.
Urgent repair work was also carried out on a faulty front bedroom window that had been letting in cold air and draughts.
In addition to physical adaptations, the couple received wraparound support services from Care & Repair. These included help claiming entitled benefits, a successful Blue Badge application, registration with the National Grid Priority Services Register, and tailored falls prevention advice.
Through a referral to Care & Repair’s Managing Better service, further help was arranged—such as access to RNIB talking books, a low vision assessment, and signposting to local support groups.
Cabinet Secretary Jayne Bryant said: “Home adaptations can be a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. It was heartening to meet Mr and Mrs Watkins and hear first-hand how Care & Repair has made a real difference to their safety and quality of life.
The work this charity carries out across Wales is truly invaluable. I’m proud that our additional funding this year will allow more people to live with dignity and independence for longer.”**
Chris Jones, Chief Executive of Care & Repair Cymru, added: “We are extremely grateful for the Welsh Government’s additional funding this year. The adaptations and repairs we deliver not only improve the safety and comfort of older people’s homes but also make a real difference to their well-being and independence.
Our work also helps ease pressure on the NHS and social care by preventing avoidable hospital admissions and facilitating quicker discharges. The extra resources will enable us to support an additional 5,000 to 6,000 people annually.
The couple the Cabinet Secretary met represent the kind of households we help every day—ensuring they live in safe, warm homes, while also supporting them to access benefits and reduce the financial strain of rising living costs.”
News
Tributes paid to Pembroke Dock Councillor and former Mayor Pamela George
It is with great sadness that the Pembroke Dock community mourns the passing of Councillor Pamela George.
Pamela, affectionately known as Pam, dedicated many years to public service, passionately representing her constituents and contributing to the life of the town. She also served as Mayor, where her commitment to the community was widely recognised and appreciated.
“Pam was incredibly passionate in her role as Councillor and Mayor, and she will be sorely missed,” said a spokesperson from Pembroke Dock Town Council. “Her dedication to the town and its residents was remarkable, and her legacy will live on in the many projects and initiatives she supported.”
During her tenure, Pam was involved in numerous community groups and local committees, playing an active role in initiatives such as the Pater Hall Community Trust and Friends of Memorial Park. She was known for her warm personality, steadfast dedication, and willingness to champion causes that benefited the town and its people.
Councillors, colleagues, and residents alike have expressed their condolences, praising her tireless work and commitment to Pembroke Dock.
A book of condolences has been opened at Pembroke Dock Town Council for residents wishing to pay their respects.
MORE TO FOLLOW
Community
New parking rules spark concern at Dew Street site
Residents question phone-only payments, rising permit costs and future of former library building
RESIDENTS in Haverfordwest’s upper town say new parking rules behind the former County Library on Dew Street risk excluding older and less tech-savvy drivers, as concerns grow over both rising permit prices and the uncertain future of the prominent community building.
The car park is owned by Ateb Group, which allowed free public use over Christmas. However, signs installed this week state that drivers must pay either by phone or online.
Campaigners say both options effectively require a smartphone or internet access, leaving some motorists without a practical way to pay.
Mike Daffern, acting secretary of the Dew Street Campaign, told The Herald: “Realistically these are the same method. Both depend on a phone. For many older people, or anyone without mobile data, that simply isn’t accessible.
“Government guidance says there should be more than one way to pay. Most car parks still offer cash or card. We feel this discriminates against some of the very people who rely most on town centre parking.”

Permit prices questioned
Residents also say they were previously informed that Ateb intended to mirror the charging structure used by Pembrokeshire County Council.
They expected this would reduce the cost of residential permits. Instead, several have reported being quoted figures more than four times higher than equivalent council permits, alongside what they describe as a 30 per cent rise on last year.
One nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “We were told it would be in line with the council. When the price came through it was nowhere near. For some households it just isn’t affordable.”
The Herald has approached Ateb for clarification on its pricing structure and the choice of payment systems.
Building left in limbo

Beyond parking, frustration is mounting about the long-term future of the former library itself.
Planning permission to refurbish the site was granted in 2023, but residents say little visible progress has been made. There is speculation the housing association may instead base operations in Milford Haven following the closure of Meyler House.
Campaigners argue that if the building is no longer required for offices, alternative community uses should be explored rather than allowing further deterioration.
A petition signed by ninety-five locals has been submitted to Cadw requesting the structure be considered for listing.
The request is backed by Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales and The Twentieth Century Society, both of which recognise its architectural significance as an example of late 20th-century civic design. The building also features in Simon Phipps’ book Brutal Wales / Cymru Friwtalaidd, which celebrates modernist architecture across Wales.
Mr Daffern said: “It’s part of Haverfordwest’s story. Even people who don’t love the look of it accept it’s an important public building. Leaving it empty helps no one.”

Temporary arrangement
Public use of the car park may only ever be short-term. The 3.5-acre site, including the former library, was sold by the council for £250,000 in 2022.
A consultation held in early 2024 on potential redevelopment proposals drew criticism, with some residents describing suggested housing plans as “cut-price” and out of keeping with the conservation area surrounding the historic upper town.
No formal planning application has yet been submitted.
Residents say clearer communication is needed on both the future of the land and day-to-day parking arrangements.
Mr Daffern added: “People understand the site will change one day. But while it’s open, it should be fair and accessible. All we’re asking for is common sense and proper engagement with the community.”
international news
Mandelson quits Labour over Epstein controversy
Former cabinet minister says stepping down is ‘in best interests of the party’ as questions raised over historic payments
LORD MANDLESON has resigned his membership of the Labour Party, saying he does not want to cause “further embarrassment” following renewed controversy over his past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The former cabinet minister and one-time UK ambassador to the United States confirmed his decision in a letter to Labour’s general secretary after fresh documents released by the US Department of Justice appeared to reference him in connection with Epstein’s finances.
The files suggest that three payments of $25,000 — totalling $75,000, about £55,000 at today’s exchange rates — were allegedly made to Peter Mandelson in 2003 and 2004.
Lord Mandelson said he had “no record or recollection” of the transactions and believes the allegations may be false, but intends to investigate the matter himself.
In his resignation letter, he wrote that he felt “regretful and sorry” to be linked again to what he described as the “understandable furore” surrounding Epstein.
He added that stepping down from party membership was the responsible course of action while he reviewed the claims.
“I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party,” he said. “I have dedicated my life to the values and success of the party and believe I am acting in its best interests.”
Ambassador role ended
Lord Mandelson had been appointed the UK’s ambassador to Washington by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in December 2024.
However, he was removed from the post last year after earlier revelations about his past friendship and contact with Epstein, including emails showing communication after the financier’s 2008 conviction.
The latest release of files has also included photographs said to show Lord Mandelson alongside an unidentified woman. He said he could not place the location or circumstances of the images.
There is no suggestion that appearing in the documents or photographs indicates criminal wrongdoing.
‘Deep regret’
Earlier this weekend, Lord Mandelson reiterated his regret for ever having known Epstein and apologised “unequivocally” to the women and girls who suffered abuse.
“I want to repeat my apology to the women and girls whose voices should have been heard long before now,” he said.
Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, but investigations into his network of associates continue to generate political fallout on both sides of the Atlantic.
Labour has not yet issued a detailed statement beyond confirming it had received Lord Mandelson’s resignation.

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