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Politics

Senedd debate on ‘omnishambles’ UK budget ends in deadlock

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SENEDD politicians have traded insults over the UK Government’s “omnishambles” budget in a chaotic debate that saw the finance secretary accused of being unable to “run a bath”.

Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan led the charge ahead of the chancellor’s statement next week, warning public services cannot afford another UK budget that “sidelines Wales”.

Ms Fychan urged Welsh ministers to press UK colleagues for HS2 consequential funding, devolution of the Crown Estate, and the reversal of inheritance tax changes on family farms.

She criticised Labour for tabling a “delete all” amendment to the motion, asking: “Is there nothing you want to see the UK chancellor announce next week that will benefit Wales?”

Plaid Cymru’s shadow finance secretary added: “Do you simply know there’s no point in asking because they aren’t listening? Is there an acceptance that all we can do is note that the budget happens… rather than trying to shape it?”

Sam Rowlands, the Conservatives’ shadow finance secretary, warned Labour’s so-called partnership in power was failing the people of Wales.

Conservative MS Sam Rowlands
Conservative MS Sam Rowlands

But he described the Plaid Cymru motion as “deeply flawed” and “built on a fantasy” that would be “dangerous for our Welsh economy”.

Mr Rowlands opposed the devolution of the Crown Estate as well as a “reckless, unfunded” call to abolish the two-child benefit cap.

Accusing Plaid Cymru of “propping up” Labour, he told the Senedd: “Plaid’s obsession with independence isn’t just reckless, it would break up the UK and leave Wales even poorer.”

The former council leader stressed: “Radical independence or aggressive devolution comes at a price – and that price falls on the taxpayer.”

Plaid Cymru’s Llŷr Gruffydd said the UK Government budget has become an omnishambles even before it has been delivered by Rachel Reeves on November 26.

He told the Senedd: “It’s fast becoming a u-turn budget: scrapping the two-child benefit cap was out, now it’s in. Hiking income tax was in but now it’s out. It’s a bit of a hokey-cokey budget, isn’t it, from a government that’s clearly in power but totally out of control.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth, the Plaid Cymru leader, accused the Welsh Government of an “absence of political backbone” for failing to support the calls.

Lee Waters, a former minister, was sympathetic to the aims of Plaid Cymru’s motion but he accused the party of gesture politics and refusing to engage with practical realities.

Alun Davies, a fellow Labour backbencher, criticised the Welsh Government’s “delete-all” amendment, saying: “If these debates are to be worth having, then they need to be debates where there is engagement between the government and other parties.”

Finance secretary Mark Drakeford
Finance secretary Mark Drakeford

Responding to Wednesday’s (November 19) debate, Mark Drakeford criticised the “kitchen sink of a motion” which “if not designed to divide… inevitably has that effect”.

He said: “We spent an hour talking about decisions that have never been devolved to this Senedd and which not a single vote here can determine.”

Darren Millar, the Conservative group leader, intervened to say it was preposterous to complain of a “kitchen-sink motion” when “your government can’t even run a bath”.

Conservative MS Darren Millar
Conservative MS Darren Millar

Prof Drakeford replied: “When it comes to being preposterous, the leader of the opposition has cornered the market in that,” while Mr Millar heckled: “Losing his rag again.”

Senedd Members voted 37-11 against Plaid Cymru’s motion, 25-24 against the Labour Welsh Government’s amendment and 35-13 against the Conservatives’ amendment.

Elin Jones, the Senedd’s speaker, concluded: “Nothing is therefore agreed.”

 

Business

Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged

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A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.

In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.

A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.

“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.

“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.

“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”

It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.

“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.

“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”

The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.

 

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Business

Plans to rebuild arson hit building at farm with one of largest sheep flocks in Wales

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A CALL to rebuild a fire-damaged Pembrokeshire farm building, as a family home to help manage one of the largest sheep flocks in Wales, has been submitted to the national park.

In the application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, D B Davies and Sons through agent Harries Planning Design Management, with a supporting statement by Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd, seek permission to renovate an existing fire-damaged dwelling, together with the conversion and extension of outbuildings to form an agricultural worker’s dwelling at Mynydd Du, Rosebush.

The supporting statement through Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd says Mynydd Du is part of a wider holding which includes Eisteddfa Fawr and land around the village of Brynberian, the farms approximately six km apart, with land under control of the applicant amounting to some 1,500 acres, with a further 3,000 acres of Preseli mountain common land also used; the land accommodating a 5,000-ewe flock with 10 suckler cows and followers.

It says DB Davies & Sons Unlimited, has five partners: the two Davies brothers, Berian and Ken; their wives; and Berian’s son, Dyfed.

Berian and Ken are in their late 70s, with most of the heavy work on the farm is undertaken by Dyfed.

Dyfed and his wife Megan are first language Welsh speakers, living some 10 km away in Nevern, while Berian and Ken, and their wives, live at Eisteddfa Fawr, Brynberian.

The dwelling at Mynydd Du, where most sheep are now wintered, is structurally sound and repairable but has been unoccupied since 1990, and was subject to arson circa 2013, the statement says.

It says Dyfed works full-time on the farm, alone with increasing frequency as the older business members are above retirement age, working “long hours out of necessity to undertake all the work associated with one of the largest flocks of sheep in Wales”.

“His working hours are extended further due to the fact that he lives remote (6kms) from the main block of land at Tyllosg, where Mynydd Du is situated in the centre of the farm. Travelling back and forth several times each day during lambing and other times during poor weather, to check on flock welfare is an arduous task and can be dangerous, particularly if driving when tired during inclement conditions.”

The statement adds: “The application seeks permission to repair the fire damaged dwelling at Mynydd Du and bring it back to serve a useful purpose to enable Dyfed to closely monitor the ewes, not only at lambing, but throughout the year when the flock is grazing on the adjacent common land.

“It will also enable Dyfed to be with his partner and young child on a more regular basis than simply at the end of a long day when he is away from their current home, tending the sheep at Mynydd Du.”

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.

 

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News

Council unveils plans for new state-of-the-art secondary school in Milford Haven

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PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revealed plans for a new state-of-the-art school in Milford Haven, promising modern, inspiring learning spaces for children and young people across the community.

A newly released video accompanying the announcement features the First Minister, the local authority’s Deputy Leader, the Cabinet Member for Education and the headteacher, outlining what the development will deliver. The plans include specialist teaching areas, improved accessibility, and high-quality outdoor learning and play spaces.

The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient features and modern building standards designed to reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term value.

The scheme forms part of a Strategic Outline Case approval. Any final funding commitment will depend on the project successfully progressing through the full business case process.

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This project represents a major investment in our children’s future. The new school will offer a safe, modern and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive, and we are delighted to share this vision with the community as we move towards the next stage of this exciting process.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan added: “This is fantastic news for pupils, parents, teachers and the whole community. Modern learning environments can make a real difference to pupils and staff alike. The Welsh Government has shown its commitment to new schools in Pembrokeshire as part of our wider programme of improving schools and colleges across Wales.”

Speaking on behalf of staff, pupils and governors, Deputy Headteacher Daryl John said the school community was excited by the plans.

He said: “Milford Haven School recently welcomed a visit from the First Minister, along with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, to mark initial progress on proposals for a new, aspirational school building.

“The development will provide inspirational learning and teaching spaces, offering high-quality, ambitious and equitable opportunities for all pupils. It aims to support our young people to thrive, develop their talents and grow into confident, successful individuals, supported by dedicated staff and the wider school community.”

Stephen Thomas, Headteacher at Milford Haven Primary School, said the project had been long awaited.

He said: “This new school building has been long awaited, and I know how much it will mean to our children, staff and the community as a whole in Milford Haven.

“For many years, our community has hoped for facilities that truly reflect the potential, pride and ambition of our children, and now that vision is becoming a reality.

“This is more than just a new building. It is a statement of belief in our young people and in the future of Milford Haven. It will provide modern, high-quality learning environments, improved spaces for wellbeing and inclusion, and facilities that will open up wider opportunities for our pupils and families.

“As Headteacher, I feel incredibly proud and grateful to see this investment in our community. Our children deserve the very best, and this new school will help us continue raising aspirations, strengthening community links and ensuring every child can thrive.”

The council will now begin a period of consultation and engagement with pupils, staff, parents and local residents to ensure the new school reflects the needs and ambitions of the whole community.

 

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