News

Local government: Time for a change?

Published

11 years ago

February 18, 2015

A GOVERNMENT White Paper released on Tuesday set out plans for a massive re-organisation in Local Government, and paved

Leighton Andrews AM: Spoke of need to recast the relationship between
National and Local Government’.

the way for increased Welsh Government involvement at a local level.

In the foreword to this paper, Leighton Andrews AM spoke of the need to recast the relationship between National and Local Government in Wales’.

A series of mergers is planned between county councils, some of which will be voluntary. The salaries of executives and councillors will also come under scrutiny and the Welsh Government will have greater powers to audit County Councils.

These mergers will be overseen by a national Statutory Public Services Staff Commission, which will play a major role in overseeing the transfer of staff between authorities, as well as playing a role in the recruitment and remuneration for senior positions in those authorities. The Welsh Government paper claims that this is necessary in order to ‘build an engaged, motivated, and high performing workforce’.

Certain services will be subject to what the paper describes as ‘a clearly defined leadership role for the Welsh Government’, leaving Local Government to ‘determine local priorities’. This will lead to greater involvement by the Welsh Government in education, social services, economic development, and the environment. It is unclear how this will affect budget provision for Local Councils.

Significant alterations are planned to the structure of Local Councils. The report questions both the number of directors and the salaries that they command. It also recommends that some cabinet positions become part-time. Also under consideration is the £13,000 annual salary paid to Councillors for a three day week. The report claims that this figure ‘is a significant extra income’ to people of retirement age, which ‘may help explain the over-representation of councillors over 60. On the other hand, it may only partially compensate someone whose ordinary job is higher paid, or disadvantage a single parent with a part-time job by moving them into a higher tax bracket’.

This announcement comes at the same time that a proposed £10,000 salary increase for AMs is under consultation.

The Paper also criticises the induction and training received by Leaders and Cabinet Members, describing it as ‘patchy and inconsistent at best’. A development scheme is recommended for all new and existing Council Leaders, potential Cabinet Members, and Leaders of the Opposition. This scheme will be run by the Welsh Government’s Public Service Academy.

Fixed terms of office will be introduced. A councillor will only be able to serve for five five-year terms, while Cabinet members may only serve two consecutive terms. While the paper claims that this will lead to more competitive elections and a more diverse pool of candidates, it has yet to be considered at Assembly or National level. The Chief Executive, an appointed rather than elected position, would also be subject to a maximum term.

The role played by Community Councils is set to increase. However, many smaller Community Councils could be forced to merge. These councils would then have to pass a number of ‘competency tests’. For example, two-thirds of the councillors must have been declared elected, and the minimum annual budget must be £200,000. Community Councils declared competent will ‘acquire a number of privileges over other Community Councils, including being able to raise money by charging for discretionary services’.

Community Councils will also be encouraged to work in conjunction with public services and volunteer groups. Land and leisure facilities currently under Local Authority control will in some cases be transferred to these groups in a return to the ‘cooperative’ methods currently being reintroduced in areas of London and other major cities.

News

Welsh Government outlines new rights for homeowners facing estate management charges

Published

50 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HOMEOWNERS living on privately managed estates in Wales are set to gain new legal protections under changes being introduced as part of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, the Welsh Government has said.

In a written statement published on Thursday (Dec 18), the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant MS, provided an update on how the legislation will be implemented in Wales, with a particular focus on estate management charges paid by freehold homeowners.

Until now, homeowners on privately managed estates have often faced unclear or high bills for maintenance and services, with limited ability to obtain information or challenge costs. Once fully implemented, Part 5 of the Act is intended to address those concerns.

New powers for homeowners

Under the reforms, homeowners will be given the right to challenge the reasonableness of estate management charges for the first time. Estate managers will also be required to provide clearer information about the services being paid for through those charges.

In cases where estate management has failed, homeowners will be able to apply to a tribunal for a substitute manager to be appointed. The Act will also require estate managers to publish details of any administration charges in advance, where payment is expected.

Jayne Bryant said the changes would bring “significant new rights and protections” for homeowners affected by estate management fees.

Welsh and UK consultations

Responsibility for introducing the necessary secondary legislation is shared between the Welsh and UK Governments. While many of the powers rest with UK Ministers, Welsh Ministers are responsible for rules relating to the publication of administration charges in Wales.

The Welsh Government has confirmed it is working alongside UK counterparts to ensure both consultations are launched at the same time, allowing homeowners and stakeholders to consider the full set of proposals together.

Homeowners are being encouraged to respond to both the Welsh Government consultation on administration charges and the UK Government consultation on the wider estate management regime.

The consultations are now open and form part of the process to bring the new protections into force.

News

Flood warnings issued across Wales as heavy rain raises river levels

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FLOOD warnings and alerts have been issued across large parts of Wales as persistent heavy rain causes river levels to rise, with parts of the country facing an increased risk of flooding on Thursday (Dec 18).

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that four flood warnings are currently in place, meaning immediate action is required, while a further 16 flood alerts have been issued where flooding is possible.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office, covering much of Wales from 10:00am on Thursday until 7:00pm, with disruption expected in some areas.

NRW said the warnings follow prolonged wet weather, with further heavy rainfall forecast to move across the country during the day.

The Met Office said: “An area of heavy rain will move northeast across the warning area during Thursday morning and afternoon before clearing to the east through the evening.

“Given recent very wet weather, there is potential for some disruption to travel and possible flooding.

“Much of the warning area will see 15–25mm of rain but some places could see 40–50mm, with the highest totals falling over high ground of south Wales.”

Forecasters have also warned that strong winds could worsen conditions, particularly along the coast.

“There is a chance of 60–70mph gusts along the exposed south coast, and perhaps 40–50mph some way inland,” the Met Office added.

Flood warnings in force

NRW has confirmed flood warnings are currently active at the following locations:

River Towy at Carmarthen Quay, Carmarthen
River Ritec at Tenby
River Towy affecting isolated properties between Llandeilo and Abergwili
River Rhyd Hir at Riverside Terrace, Pwllheli

Residents in these areas are being urged to take immediate action to protect property and personal safety.

Flood alerts issued

In addition, flood alerts — meaning flooding is possible — have been issued for the Lower Severn catchment in Powys, along with other areas shown on NRW’s live flood monitoring maps.

NRW is advising people to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and footpaths, and keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.

The Herald understands that river levels will continue to be closely monitored throughout the day as rainfall moves through Wales.

Members of the public can check the latest flood warnings and alerts on the Natural Resources Wales website or by signing up for flood alerts direct to their phone.

Flood alerts and warnings across Wales on Thursday (Pic: NRW).

Crime

Jury discharged after failing to reach verdict in historic abuse trial

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

CPS have a week do decide if they wish to pursue a re-trial, judge confirms

THE JURY has been discharged in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after telling the court it was unable to reach a verdict, even by majority.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is charged with the oral rape and sexual assault of a child, with the offences alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen. He denies the charges.

On Thursday (Dec 18), the jury returned to Swansea Crown Court and was asked whether it had reached a verdict on either count upon which at least ten jurors were agreed.

The foreman replied: “No.”

Judge Paul Thomas KC then asked whether there was any realistic likelihood that further deliberations would lead to a verdict being reached.

The foreman replied: “No, your honour.”

Judge Thomas KC said that in those circumstances he would discharge the jury and give the prosecution seven days to decide whether it would seek a retrial.

Addressing the jurors, the judge said they should not think they had failed or let anyone down.

“These things happen,” he said. “It’s one of the strengths of the jury system that people hold different views.”

He thanked the jury for their service and wished them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The court heard that the prosecution will now consider its position, with a further hearing expected next week to determine whether a retrial will take place.