MINISTERS have been accused of failing to ensure political neutrality among media organisations receiving Welsh Government funding.

Conservative Senedd member Andrew RT Davies challenged Plaid Cymru Culture Secretary Heledd Fychan over whether public money should be withdrawn from any media organisation found not to be politically neutral.

The row follows written questions tabled by Mr Davies, who asked whether the Welsh Government considered Nation.Cymru’s output to be politically neutral.

In response, Ms Fychan said the Welsh Government “does not hold a position on the political neutrality of individual media outlets in Wales”, but added that an impartial media was “critical to a functioning democracy”.

She said concerns over perceived bias in print and online newspapers were handled by the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

However, Mr Davies claimed that answer was wrong, pointing to IPSO guidance which says newspapers and magazines are allowed to be partisan generally, including in election coverage, provided the Editors’ Code is not otherwise breached.

Funding question

In a second written question, Mr Davies asked whether the Welsh Government would commit to withdrawing public funds from any media organisations that are not politically neutral.

Ms Fychan replied that it was not for the Welsh Government to determine what constituted a deviation from political neutrality by a media organisation.

She added: “However, as stated previously, we expect all media outlets in receipt of Welsh Government funds to operate without distinct political bias.”

Mr Davies said the answer showed ministers were failing to properly police the use of taxpayers’ money.

He said: “Plaid Cymru separatists are giving certain media outlets taxpayer funds, yet are taking no action to ensure their output is politically neutral.

“They wrongly stated complaints should be referred to IPSO, despite the organisation having no powers to prevent political bias.

“This is simultaneously incompetent and a serious misuse of taxpayers’ money.”

Welsh Government stance

The Welsh Government’s position is that it does not make rulings on the political neutrality of individual media outlets, while expecting organisations receiving public funds to avoid distinct political bias.

The dispute is likely to fuel wider debate over public support for journalism in Wales, particularly where funding is awarded to outlets that also publish political commentary or opinion-led material.

PLAID CYMRU ministers are facing pressure to clarify whether a controversial council tax revaluation will go ahead in 2028, amid warnings it could leave thousands of Welsh households paying more.

The Welsh Conservatives have claimed the proposed shake-up would hurt working families and worsen cost-of-living pressures at a time when household budgets are already under strain.

The row follows reports that new Local Government Minister Siân Gwenllian MS said the Welsh Government was “actively looking” at whether the revaluation should proceed.

However, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth told BBC Radio Wales on May 13 that it remained the government’s intention to press ahead.

The revaluation forms part of wider council tax reform in Wales, with ministers previously arguing that the current system is outdated and unfair. Welsh homes were last revalued for council tax purposes in 2003, with the current bands coming into force in 2005.

Under existing plans, homes would be revalued in 2028, with further revaluations every five years.

Ministers say the aim is to make council tax fairer and more progressive, with properties placed in bands that better reflect current values.

But opponents argue that any revaluation risks creating significant numbers of losers, particularly in areas where house prices have risen sharply.

Peter Fox MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities, said the mixed messages from ministers would cause confusion for councils and households.

He said: “The First Minister has already said that council tax revaluation will go ahead in Wales in 2028, so these mixed messages from the Minister will cause confusion amongst local authorities.

“We all remember Labour’s last council tax revaluation in 2004, which was claimed would be revenue-neutral, but there were many more losers than winners.

“The last thing that people need right now is to be spending even more on their council tax bills than before.

“Plaid must ditch this policy and focus on helping families keep more of their money rather than looking for more revenue.

“Council tax has increased at a much faster rate in Wales compared to England, putting increased pressure on household budgets.

“Council tax revaluation is a tax increase by stealth. If Plaid Cymru are serious about wanting to support families with the cost of living, they should scrap council tax revaluation.”

Council tax remains one of the most politically sensitive household bills in Wales, with annual increases already placing pressure on residents.

Supporters of reform argue that the current system is based on outdated property values and leaves some lower-income households paying a disproportionate share.

Critics, however, say that any major revaluation during a cost-of-living squeeze could lead to sharp bill increases for families who are asset-rich on paper but already struggling with day-to-day costs.

The Welsh Government has previously said reforms are intended to be fairer and not simply a way of raising more money overall.

But with the 2028 timetable now under renewed scrutiny, councils and households are waiting to see whether Plaid Cymru ministers will confirm, delay, or rethink the revaluation plan.

MILFORD HAVEN FOUNDERS DAY 2026 drew crowds to the town centre on Saturday despite difficult weather, rising costs, and significantly increased security measures.

Visitors braved spells of rain and strong winds to enjoy a packed programme of entertainment, community stalls, children’s attractions and live music throughout the day.

This year’s event featured a large number of bouncy castles supplied by Fun Times Bouncy Castles, alongside food stalls, small funfair rides, free face-painting, and a magician entertaining families.

There was also a wide range of independent traders and community attractions. Among the more unusual stalls was Sylvia Llewellyn’s popular button collection, featuring unusual and decorative buttons gathered from around the world, while Han’s Taxidermy attracted interest with framed butterflies and beetles on display and for sale.

Milford Youth Matters praised

Milford Youth Matters said its volunteers worked “non-stop” throughout the day, running a stall and delivering activities for the community.

The group said the poor weather made conditions difficult but praised volunteers for their determination and enthusiasm.

A spokesperson said: “Despite the challenging rain and wind throughout the day, our incredible team of volunteers worked tirelessly to make our contributions a success.

“They gave up their time to support the community, run activities, welcome visitors, and kept going with enthusiasm and smiles all day long.

“The weather may have been challenging, but the dedication, resilience, and hard work shown by our volunteers was outstanding. Their commitment helped create a fantastic community event that was enjoyed by people of all ages.”

Security stepped up

This year’s event also had a noticeably different feel, with security personnel present for the first time.

Organiser Byron Jenkins told The Herald that around 13 door staff were on duty throughout the event — something not seen at previous Founders Day celebrations.

The Herald understands the increased security presence followed concerns after the Milford Haven school knife incident and the stabbings at Tenby railway station.

Organisers also revealed that the cost of staging Founders Day has now risen to around £10,000.

Road closure costs have also become a major expense, with organisers telling The Herald that Pembrokeshire County Council charged around £800 for the temporary road closure order required to hold the event safely.

Despite the extra costs and challenging conditions, organisers said the event was well supported and thanked local businesses, volunteers and residents for helping make the day a success.

Milford Youth Matters also thanked Milford Haven Business Circle and the wider community for their continued support.