News

Welsh Conservatives slam Labour over £14.6m NRW bailout

Published

5 months ago

October 28, 2025

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have accused the Welsh Labour Government of financial mismanagement after confirming a £14.6 million bailout for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) following a major payroll error uncovered by HM Revenue & Customs.

The settlement follows HMRC’s investigation into how NRW classified off-payroll contractors under the IR35 tax rules. The probe found that the public body had misapplied regulations introduced in 2017, leading to a liability of £14.63 million, plus a suspended penalty of nearly £3 million.

In March 2024, the Welsh Government provided a £19 million “payment on account” to cover the expected liability while negotiations were ongoing. That figure was confirmed in a written statement by ministers on October 24, who said the funding would now be recovered from NRW’s future budgets. Officials have described the repayment plan as affordable and designed to “minimise impact on core statutory duties.”

However, opposition parties have condemned the move as another example of waste under Labour’s watch. Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and the Environment, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, said the decision would inevitably weaken NRW’s ability to tackle pollution and enforce environmental law across Wales.

She said the money which would normally fund vital enforcement work, including monitoring sewage pollution, is now being redirected to cover the cost of NRW’s tax settlement. Finch-Saunders added that Labour’s handling of the matter shows NRW is “not fit for purpose” and raises serious doubts about the government’s capacity to manage its newly announced water regulator.

Natural Resources Wales is the main body responsible for managing forests, rivers, flood defences and biodiversity in Wales. It also regulates water companies such as Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. The watchdog is already under pressure after announcing plans last autumn to make £12 million in savings, including 233 job losses—120 of which involve current posts—as part of a “Case for Change” restructuring programme.

The organisation has cited a projected funding gap of more than £9 million this year, rising to £17 million by 2026-27. Critics say forcing NRW to absorb the tax repayment through budget cuts will deepen that gap and reduce its capacity to respond to pollution incidents, prosecute offenders, and protect the environment.

NRW’s own data shows 155 pollution incidents were recorded from the water sector in 2024, six of which were serious—the highest figure in a decade. With fewer enforcement officers and growing pressure on frontline services, environmental campaigners fear the number could rise further.

Sir David Henshaw, chair of NRW, has accepted that errors were made in how contractors were classified and said new compliance measures are in place to prevent a repeat. He also confirmed that the organisation will now avoid using off-payroll arrangements wherever possible.

The Welsh Government insists the repayment plan is affordable and that essential operations, such as pollution response and flood management, will be protected. Ministers maintain that the public should continue to have confidence in the body’s work and that lessons have been learned from the HMRC review.

Nevertheless, questions remain over whether Wales’ main environmental regulator can maintain effective oversight while carrying a multimillion-pound debt and cutting jobs. The controversy also casts a shadow over the government’s plans to establish a new water regulator, intended to strengthen oversight of water companies and sewage discharges.

The Conservatives say Labour’s record on environmental management is already poor, citing weak enforcement on river pollution and delays in tackling sewage spills. They warn that unless strong financial and managerial controls are put in place, the new regulator risks inheriting the same failings that have dogged NRW.

The Welsh Government’s written statement on October 24 confirmed that the £14.6 million settlement has now been paid in full and that NRW is working with HMRC to meet the conditions attached to the suspended penalty. Ministers say they will closely monitor the repayment plan and NRW’s ability to maintain essential environmental protection across Wales.

News

£15m boost for nature recovery across Wales

Published

16 minutes ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Projects to protect wildlife, restore habitats and strengthen biodiversity

TWENTY-EIGHT projects across Wales have secured more than £15 million to protect wildlife and restore biodiversity on land and at sea.

The funding, totalling £15,186,716, has been awarded through the Nature Networks Fund, with individual grants ranging from £50,000 to £1 million. Projects include efforts to protect the brown long-eared bat, restore vital wetland habitats and safeguard threatened plant species.

The scheme is delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). It aims to strengthen the resilience of protected sites and accelerate nature recovery across the country.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who holds responsibility for climate change, said: “This significant investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to international targets such as 30by30, increasing the scale and pace of delivery to protect Wales’s natural heritage.

“By supporting these projects, we are not only preserving precious ecosystems but also empowering communities to become stewards of their local environments. The Nature Networks Fund is a crucial tool in our response to the nature emergency.”

The latest round of funding will focus on improving connectivity between protected sites, creating stronger ecological networks where habitats and species can thrive and adapt to environmental pressures.

Since launching in 2021, the Nature Networks Fund has supported 147 projects with a combined investment of more than £54 million.

Among the successful projects, the Bat Conservation Trust has been awarded £249,630 for a Wales-wide initiative to protect the brown long-eared bat, often known as the “whispering bat”. The project will support woodland management, tree roost surveys, improved data collection and community engagement activities.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales has secured £823,320 to safeguard vulnerable plant species. The funding will expand the National Seed Bank of Wales, which currently conserves just 11% of Welsh flora, and support improvements at the 150-hectare Waun Las National Nature Reserve.

Meanwhile, wetland charity WWT will receive £548,406 to restore habitats at WWT Llanelli and along the Tir Morfa coastline. The project aims to improve conditions for wildlife, including internationally important wintering birds, while also supporting climate resilience in the wider Burry Inlet.

Andrew White, Director of Wales at the Heritage Fund, said: “To protect Wales’ habitats and wildlife, we need long-term, sustainable action built on genuine collaboration. These awards reflect both the scale of ambition behind the Nature Networks Fund and the vital role communities play in creating a more resilient future for nature.”

Mary Lewis, Head of Natural Resources Management and Policy at NRW, added: “We are delighted to see such a strong range of high-quality projects receiving support. From marine and coastal environments to rivers, wetlands and terrestrial habitats, the breadth of ambition across Wales is inspiring.

“These initiatives use innovative approaches to tackle some of our most pressing nature and climate challenges, helping to maintain, restore and enhance protected sites while building resilient ecological networks.”

The programme forms part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework “30 by 30” target, which aims to protect and effectively manage 30% of land, freshwater and marine environments by 2030.

Below is a full list of projects being funded.

£50,000 – £250,000 grants:

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum Community Interest Company awarded £249,584, Pembrokeshire
Merthyr Mawr Estate awarded £249,929, Bridgend
Fieldwork Studio CIC awarded £248,414, Bridgend
Carmarthenshire County Council awarded £209,950, Burry Port
Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts awarded £249,898, Bangor
British Trust for Ornithology awarded £249,968, Bangor
Denbighshire County Council awarded £247,225, Mold
The Penllergare Trust awarded £194,600, Swansea
Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland awarded £249,988, Welshpool
Cyngor Gwynedd awarded £250,000, Caernarfon
Zoological Society of London awarded £249,991, Isle of Anglesey
Friends of the Upper Wye awarded £174,633, Hay on Wye
The Bat Conservation Trust awarded £249,630, Ceredigion
Tir Natur awarded £222,030, Ceredigion
Llanymynech Golf Club awarded £249,998, Oswestry

£250,000 – £1million

Milford Haven Port Authority awarded £959,180, Pembrokeshire
The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty awarded £998,766, Bangor
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust awarded £548,406, Wales-wide
Black Mountains Land Use Partnership awarded £995,152, Black Mountains
The Radnorshire Wildlife Trust awarded £952,350, Powys
The Zoological Society of London awarded £997,771, Llŷn Peninsula
The National Botanic Gardens of Wales awarded £823,320, Carmarthenshire
Monmouthshire County Council awarded £999,974, Gwent
The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales awarded £926,905, Wales-wide
Vale of Glamorgan Council awarded £574,850, South Wales
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority awarded £999,758, Brecon Beacons
Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust awarded £921,700, Powys
Welsh Dee Trust awarded £942,746, Denbighshire

News

Police confirm man has died after being recovered from River Cleddau

Published

2 hours ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Major emergency response in town centre after concerns raised for man in water

A MAN has died after being recovered from the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest today (Tuesday, Mar 17), Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at approximately 10:50am following reports concerning the safety of a man seen in the water near the town library.

A major multi-agency response was launched, involving multiple police units, several fire engines, a specialist water rescue team, and an ambulance.

The town centre was temporarily sealed off while crews dealt with the incident, with access restricted across the Old Bridge and nearby pedestrian crossings.

The Herald understands that members of the public raised the alarm after spotting the man in the river.

Following the recovery operation, the man was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Police have since confirmed that he has died.

His next of kin have been informed.

The death is not being treated as suspicious, and HM Coroner has been notified.

Community

Davies and Kurtz urge groups to seek employability funding

Published

2 hours ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Community organisations in Pembrokeshire encouraged to apply for new grants supporting skills and job access

LOCAL Senedd Members Samuel Kurtz and Paul Davies are urging charities and community groups across Pembrokeshire to apply for a new round of funding aimed at helping people gain skills and access employment.

The latest round of the National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) Community Matters Fund has opened, offering grants to grassroots organisations supporting people who are struggling to find work or return to employment.

Delivered in partnership with Localgiving, the spring funding round will distribute £250,000 to projects designed to build skills, confidence and experience in an evolving jobs market.

Funding can support initiatives such as CV workshops, interview coaching, work placements and training opportunities. Projects helping people develop practical skills in sectors including construction, engineering, digital industries and clean energy are also eligible.

The fund is targeted at those facing barriers to employment, including young people not in education, employment or training, individuals with health conditions or disabilities, armed forces veterans, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and those returning to work after time away due to caring responsibilities or illness.

Registered charities and non-profit companies limited by guarantee can apply for grants of up to £5,000. Constituted community groups without a charity number can apply for up to £2,000.

The funding is available to eligible organisations across the Midlands, South West England and South Wales.

Samuel Kurtz said: “This fund offers a valuable opportunity for local groups to secure support to help people gain confidence, training and work experience. I would encourage any eligible organisation in Pembrokeshire to consider applying.”

Paul Davies added: “Helping people into work and supporting them to develop new skills is vital for both individuals and our local economy. Pembrokeshire has many excellent community groups delivering this kind of support, and I hope they will take full advantage of this funding to expand their work.”

The application window opened on Monday (Mar 16) and closes at 5:00pm on Thursday (Apr 23). Successful applicants will be notified in May, with funding distributed later that month.

Further information is available via the National Grid Electricity Distribution Community Matters Fund website.