Cris Tomos welcomes rise in council settlement and extra NHS money

FOLLOWING the Labour Welsh Government’s draft budget announcement, Plaid Cymru says it has secured a “significantly better deal” for Wales — including more money for Pembrokeshire County Council and the NHS.

Cris Tomos, Plaid Cymru’s Senedd candidate for Pembrokeshire, has welcomed the uplift in the local government settlement for Pembrokeshire from 2.3% to “over 4%”, alongside an improved funding package for Welsh health services.

The original Labour draft budget left councils facing major shortfalls that could have resulted in steep council tax rises, further public-sector job losses and one of the lowest NHS settlements in recent years.

Plaid Cymru said it intervened with two clear priorities: protecting frontline public services and preventing “unaffordable” council tax increases, and correcting what it described as an “inadequate” rollover NHS settlement. By agreeing to abstain on the budget in exchange for strengthened health and council allocations, the party says it has secured meaningful improvements for communities across Wales.

Cris Tomos said the revised figures will make a real difference locally.

“This increase in settlement for Pembrokeshire Council brings a little relief to the council’s tight budgets and to local taxpayers,” he said. “The Welsh Government had initially proposed a 2.3% settlement for Pembrokeshire County Council. Thanks to this deal brokered by Plaid Cymru, the settlement will now rise to over 4%.

“The additional funding for the NHS — 3.6%, up from the proposed 2.1% — will also help our stretched health services here in the west.

“If Plaid Cymru can deliver this in opposition, imagine what we can achieve leading the next Welsh Government in May — real change and new leadership that puts the people of Wales first.”

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued reassurance to the community after Ysgol Bro Myrddin in Carmarthen was placed into a precautionary lockdown on Wednesday afternoon following threats against a pupil. 

A17-year-old male from Carmarthenshire has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and remains in police custody. 

A police spokesman said: “Following inquiries relating to an incident of threats against a pupil at Ysgol Bro Myrddin, Carmarthen on Wednesday afternoon (Dec 10), which led to a lockdown at the school, a 17-year-old male from Carmarthenshire has been arrested on suspicion of threats to kill. He is detained in police custody.

“The school will be open as normal tomorrow, but there will be a precautionary police presence to provide reassurance and support to pupils and staff.”

Health board urges public to help protect vulnerable patients

From today (Thursday, December 11, 2025), Hywel Dda University Health Board has reintroduced mandatory face masks for all visitors and staff in clinical and patient-facing areas as cases of flu and other respiratory viruses continue to rise across west Wales.

The health board says the number of patients needing care for respiratory illnesses has been “increasing at a steady rate”, prompting the return of precautionary measures. All staff — regardless of role — must now wear a surgical mask when in clinical environments or interacting with patients, unless otherwise advised through PPE guidance. Visitors must also wear masks when entering clinical areas, including when attending appointments at hospitals and community sites.

Sharon Daniel, Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience, said the precaution was necessary to prevent further spread within local hospitals.

“We are seeing a growing number of people with flu and other respiratory viruses needing our care and need to take this proactive step to limit the spread within our services and sites,” she said. “This change is effective immediately and our Infection Prevention colleagues will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis.”

Ms Daniel reminded visitors not to attend hospitals if unwell.
“You should only come to our sites if you are feeling well, and to wait 48 hours after you are free of flu and cold-like symptoms, or sickness and diarrhoea. This helps protect our most vulnerable patients and keeps staff well so they can look after those in greatest need.”

While visiting remains open, Hywel Dda warned this could change at short notice if virus levels continue to increase.

Masks will be available at all hospital and community site entry points.

Health board urges public support

Ms Daniel added: “There are several ways people can support our NHS during this time. Please follow the mask-wearing guidance and ensure that you wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water.

“A simple way to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe this winter is to have a flu vaccination. Information on where you can get your vaccine — including RSV and COVID-19 boosters if eligible — is available on our website.”

More information about vaccination clinics can be found at hduhb.nhs.wales/fluvaccine.
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