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Families to save on baby formula as government acts to cut child poverty

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NEW measures introduced today will help parents choose more affordable infant formula and use loyalty points, vouchers and gift cards to buy it – putting hundreds of pounds back into family budgets.

The changes, announced by the Prime Minister at PMQs, are part of the government’s forthcoming Child Poverty Strategy and build on Budget measures that will lift 450,000 children out of poverty.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For too long, parents have been pushed into spending more than they need on baby formula – told they’re paying for better quality and left hundreds of pounds out of pocket. “Today we are changing that. Clearer guidance for retailers and allowing loyalty points and vouchers will save families up to £500 before their child’s first birthday. “This builds on freezing rail fares and prescription charges, cutting energy bills by £150 for every household, and lifting over half a million people out of poverty through our Budget.”

A Competition and Markets Authority study found many parents naturally want the best for their baby and assume more expensive formula is higher quality. In fact, NHS advice is clear: by law, every infant formula sold in the UK meets the same strict nutritional standards, regardless of brand or price.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “New parents just want to do what’s right for their child. It’s wrong that vague packaging claims have left families out of pocket on an essential product. “These changes give parents confidence that lower-priced formula is just as good, and they can now use supermarket loyalty schemes too. That’s real money back for nappies, food or household bills – and one more way this government is tackling child poverty.”

Key measures starting now:

  • Updated guidance confirming supermarkets and retailers must accept loyalty points, vouchers, gift cards and coupons for infant formula
  • Clearer rules on how formula is displayed and marketed so parents can easily choose lower-cost options safe for their baby
  • Ongoing work with devolved governments and regulators to strengthen enforcement if needed

The government is also investing £18.5 million this year in infant feeding support and breastfeeding services through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme in 75 high-deprivation areas in England, and has extended the National Breastfeeding Helpline to 24/7.

These changes will particularly help lower-income families who cannot – or choose not – to breastfeed, ensuring every baby gets the nutrition they need and no parent pays more than necessary.

The full Child Poverty Strategy will be published later this week.

 

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

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A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

 

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Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

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A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

 

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Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

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YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.

 

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