News

Low-income homes to get £200 heating help

Published

2 months ago

April 2, 2026

Support announced for Pembrokeshire households using heating oil or LPG as fuel prices remain high

LOW-income households in Pembrokeshire that rely on heating oil or liquid petroleum gas could receive a one-off £200 payment to help with rising energy costs.

The support, funded by the Welsh Government, is aimed at households on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme who use heating oil or LPG to heat their homes.

The announcement comes as fuel prices remain high amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Eligible households will be contacted directly by Pembrokeshire County Council and invited to apply. Those who receive a letter will need to confirm the type of fuel they use, with payments then made directly into their bank accounts.

Eluned Morgan MS welcomed the support, saying many people were continuing to struggle with cost-of-living pressures.

She said: “Many of my constituents are managing cost-of-living pressures and the conflict in the Middle East is driving up prices and exacerbating their anxieties.

“Alongside my Welsh Labour colleagues, I am dedicated to easing financial pressures for those in need. This £200 payment will provide immediate extra help, building on a package of support already in place for households and families who need it.

“I would urge everyone who is contacted by the local authority about this payment to claim the support they are entitled to. You will have six months to claim.”

The UK Government has allocated £3.8 million to Wales to help deliver the payment.

People in Mid and West Wales who are struggling financially but do not qualify for the one-off payment may still be able to get help through the Discretionary Assistance Fund. The maximum award for heating oil has been increased from £500 to £750, and applicants can apply twice in a 12-month period.

Since 2022, more than 230,000 people across Wales have received energy top-ups and fuel deliveries through the Fuel Bank Foundation’s fuel voucher and emergency heat fund schemes.

Support can also be accessed through local authorities and third sector organisations, including Citizens Advice.

Eluned Morgan added: “If you are struggling to heat your home, you can also contact Nest on 0808 808 2244. Their Warm Homes scheme provides free energy efficiency advice and improvements to Welsh households that qualify.”

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

12 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

13 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

13 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.