News

Minister welcomes progress in closing attainment gap

Published

10 years ago

February 11, 2015

Huw Lewis

NEW figures out today show the Welsh Government is making good progress in closing the attainment gap between those pupils eligible for free school meals and those not.

Education Minister, Huw Lewis has thanked Regional Consortia, local authorities and schools for their ongoing efforts to break the link between poverty and educational attainment but has said there is still more work to be done.

The latest statistics show pupils eligible for Free School Meals are performing at historically high levels and that there was an overall 2 percentage point rise in their performance between 2013 and 2014.

The more detailed figures show the gap in attainment between pupils eligible for free school meals and their counterpart has reduced at Foundation Phase level, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3.

Indeed at Foundation Phase level the Welsh Government has already met and exceeded its target to reduce the attainment gap by 10% against 2012 levels by 2017, and had secured a 11.6% reduction by the end of 2014.

Welcoming the figures, Education Minister Huw Lewis said: “These statistics show that we are starting to see real progress in breaking the link between deprivation and educational attainment, particularly at the Foundation Phase level. I am very encouraged by this and would like to thank Regional Consortia, local authorities and schools across Wales for their ongoing hard work. Despite this progress, there is no doubt that we still have a long way to go. I am continuing to introduce policies aimed at ensuring that children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds do as well as their peers. Indeed we will soon be publishing the results of our new Categorisation system which has been designed specifically to ensure that schools can only achieve the highest green category if a percentage of their pupils eligible for free school meals are performing at the highest levels. It is this sort of approach that will ensure that all learners in Wales, whatever their background and given every opportunity to succeed.”

Last year the Education Minister launched ‘ Rewriting the Future’: Raising ambition and attainment in Welsh schools’ which sets out the Welsh Government’s commitment to tackling the impact of poverty on educational attainment and what it expects Regional Consortia, local authorities and schools to do to support learners from more deprived backgrounds.

Business

Milford Haven: Wales’ energy hub embraces green transformation

Published

6 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONCE synonymous with oil and gas, Milford Haven is now poised to lead Wales into a cleaner, greener future—powered by hydrogen.

Green energy pioneer Haush Ltd has chosen Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters, marking a significant step towards establishing the area as a hub for hydrogen innovation. The company’s ambitious plans aim to decarbonise land, sea, and air transport, while also exporting green hydrogen to Europe.

Backed by the Welsh Government through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR), Haush’s initiative will kick off immediately. The HyPR project supports trials to accelerate hydrogen production and create refuelling solutions for both onshore and offshore vessels. A key part of this effort is designing a permanent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at the Port of Milford Haven, unlocking its potential as a green energy leader.

For over 65 years, Milford Haven has been a cornerstone of the UK’s oil and gas sector, processing 20% of the nation’s oil and gas. Now, this latest investment signals the beginning of a transformative shift toward renewable energy.

Welsh Government Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the move, saying:
“Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted that Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK headquarters. The company’s ambitious growth plans align perfectly with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy generation.”

Milford Haven’s journey from oil and gas to hydrogen innovation could set a blueprint for green energy transformation in the UK and beyond.

News

Council Tax Premium set to increase for long-term empty properties

Published

6 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a significant change to the council tax premium on long-term empty properties, aiming to address housing shortages and community impacts.

Starting April 1, 2025, a single premium rate of 300 per cent will be applied to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. This replaces the previous system of incremental increases.

Councillor Joshua Beynon, cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much-needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”

Details of the premium

The premium is an addition to the standard council tax charge and applies across all three elements:

Pembrokeshire County Council
Police and Crime Commissioner
Town and Community Councils

Exemptions and discounts

Property owners undergoing renovations can apply for a council tax exemption if their property requires major repair works or structural alterations. This exemption allows the property to be tax-free for up to 12 months.

If the exemption has already been granted, owners may apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the value of the long-term empty property premium. However, the standard council tax charge remains payable in these cases.

Applicants must provide written details of the required works, supported by photographic evidence. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the discretionary discount is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months.

National Empty Homes Grant Scheme

Pembrokeshire County Council is also taking part in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which offers grants of up to £25,000 to owners of eligible empty properties. This funding aims to bring more properties back into use and alleviate housing pressures in the county.

For more information about the grant, visit the National Empty Homes Grant website.
To apply for a council tax discount, contact Revenue Services via:

Email: [email protected]
Post: Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP

News

Heavenly Host of Angels Event at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.

When:

Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.

Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.

Additionally, on Sunday, January 12, a special Mass at 9:30am will celebrate the Second Sunday of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ.

Come along and experience this beautiful event – “Come and See.”