Community

Wales ‘lacks powers’ for child poverty payment, ministers claim

Published

2 months ago

October 3, 2025

THE WELSH Government has rejected calls to copy Scotland’s direct payment to address child poverty, arguing Wales does not have the required powers over the welfare system.

The claim was made in response to a Plaid Cymru debate, which urged ministers to introduce a similar direct payment to tackle Wales’ “stubborn” 32% child poverty rate.

Plaid Cymru’s Sioned Williams said: “I’m sick of it, to tell you the truth. I’m sick of standing up here and talking about this… we owe it – all of us – to the people we represent to do better.”

The shadow social justice secretary drew a parallel with a successful free school meals campaign, suggesting ministers’ scepticism about a child payment is similarly misplaced.

She told the Senedd: “We pushed for free school meals, which we were also told rather dismissively were not affordable, credible or deliverable – until, of course, they were.”

But Conservative Altaf Hussain dismissed Plaid Cymru’s proposed child payment which would see £10 a week paid to about 15,000 children whose parents receive universal credit.

He said: “Rather than focusing on tackling the root causes of child poverty, Plaid have decided to opt for headline-catching gimmicks. And it’s not even their own idea.”

Dr Hussain added: “They’re stealing the ideas that have not even worked.”

He said the Scottish child payment is now nearly three times higher than when introduced, costing £114m between April and June this year yet a key child poverty target was missed.

Calling for a focus on economic inactivity instead, the surgeon-turned-politician told the Senedd that soaring childcare costs present a “huge barrier” to work.

Rhun ap Iorwerth rebutted the criticism, pointing out that Scotland is the only UK nation where child poverty is expected to fall – because of the direct payment.

Recognising a lack of powers, the Plaid Cymru leader pointed to a “workaround” using the Government of Wales Act 2006 to introduce a payment. His party argued the real obstacle was getting the UK Government not to penalise recipients by cutting their universal credit.

His colleague Cefin Campbell, who represents Mid and West Wales, highlighted the crisis of rural poverty, which he said is often hidden and presents different challenges.

The former lecturer described families in rural Wales as facing a “triple squeeze” of rapidly rising living costs, low wages and unreliable public services.

Mabon ap Gwynfor – Plaid Cymru’s shadow health secretary – reframed the issue as a public health crisis, calling poverty the strongest determinant of health outcomes.

He warned the gap in healthy life expectancy between the richest and poorest parts of Wales is nearly 17 years, with disadvantage “built in before a child has reached the school gates”.

Labour backbencher Jenny Rathbone highlighted practical difficulties, reminding the Senedd of a Welsh basic income pilot scheme for care leavers.

During the debate on October 1, she warned the benefits of that scheme were “effectively nullified” when the UK Government cut recipients’ existing welfare payments in response.

Responding for the Welsh Government, Jane Hutt insisted tackling child poverty is an “absolute priority” but argued most of the policy levers lie with Westminster.

The social justice secretary pointed to free school meals for all primary pupils and expanding childcare as evidence of the Welsh Government’s commitment within its powers.

Ms Hutt stated “we simply don’t have the devolved powers” to legislate for a similar direct payment but she pointed to research under way on devolving the administration of welfare.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

8 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

8 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).