News
Davies calls for pre-election review of £1,600 migrant payment scheme
Opposition leader says public deserves answers before 2026 Senedd vote
SOUTH WALES Central MS Andrew RT Davies has called on Welsh Government ministers to publish a full evaluation of their controversial £1,600-a-month Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilot before voters go to the polls in 2026.
The scheme, launched in 2022, was designed to test whether regular payments could help vulnerable groups—particularly young people leaving care—transition into independent living. But Welsh Conservatives have repeatedly criticised the plan, warning that it could be open to misuse or benefit people without legal status in the UK.
In 2023, Senedd ministers wrote to the UK Government asking that asylum seekers receiving the payments should not lose eligibility for legal aid in deportation cases. Westminster rejected the request, saying the proposal risked legal and ethical complications.
Midpoint review criticised
Speaking in the Senedd on Tuesday (Oct 22), Mr Davies pressed Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt for assurances that the full findings—covering costs, outcomes, and recipient data—would be released before the end of the current Senedd term.
Ms Hutt confirmed the evaluation was “at midpoint” and would continue into 2027, calling it “an exciting pilot giving financial stability to a generation of young people leaving care.” She said around 600 participants had taken part so far, with a 97% uptake rate.
Mr Davies said the delay was “not good enough,” adding: “The public deserves to know the truth about the scheme prior to the next Senedd election. Continuing the evaluation into 2027 means voters won’t have the facts before they cast their ballots.”
Background and controversy
The UBI pilot was introduced by the previous Labour-led Welsh Government for care leavers aged 18 and over, offering £1,600 a month for two years. Supporters said it would reduce poverty and improve life chances for young adults leaving the care system. Critics said it was poorly targeted and excessively generous.
Debate intensified in 2023 when reports suggested ministers had considered extending the payments to people without settled immigration status. A Daily Express report claimed the government had explored options for illegal migrants—an idea firmly rejected by Welsh Conservatives.
The Welsh Government later clarified that the pilot applied only to care leavers legally resident in Wales and that any wider proposals were at a preliminary stage.
Calls for accountability
An independent evaluation of the pilot is ongoing, led by researchers from across the UK. Ministers say the study will inform future welfare policy and whether the scheme could be extended.
With the next Senedd election due in May 2026, Mr Davies insists that delaying publication until after the vote would undermine public trust.
“The government chose to make this investment,” he said. “It’s only right that we know whether it’s worked before asking people to vote again.”
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.
Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.
The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.
Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.
Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.
“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.
The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.
Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.
“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.
When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”
Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”
As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”
A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.
Crime
Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order
A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.
The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.
The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.
It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.
A plea of not guilty was entered.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.
A reporting restriction remains in force.
Crime
Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site
A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.
Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.
The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.
Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.
Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.
The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.
The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.
The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.
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