MORE people in social housing will soon become confident digital technology users, as the Welsh Government has expanded its successful Minimum Digital Living standard grants to reach more housing providers across Wales.

The Minimum Digital Living Standard establishes the minimum needs, defined by citizens and organisations, for digital inclusion in modern society.

Building on successful pilots with Monmouthshire and North Wales Housing Associations, the grants help social housing providers boost their residents’ digital confidence and skills. Digital Communities Wales has supported the pilots, where required, with basic digital skills training for residents to use technology safely in their daily lives.

The pilot projects have shown clear benefits for residents. At North Wales Housing Association, workshops helped people overcome fears about online scams while enabling them to rediscover memories through virtual tours of meaningful places from their past.

North Wales Housing’s Director of Operations, Claire Shiland, said: “Digital Communities Wales has been instrumental in helping North Wales Housing Association navigate and explore a Minimum Digital Living Standard with our residents. Their expertise and collaborative approach have enabled us to better understand the digital needs of our residents. It has been more about the simple measures of access and skills, it is a stepping stone towards helping us to begin shaping a more inclusive, digitally confident community.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: “Wales has been leading the way on digital inclusion for over ten years, and I’m exceptionally proud of our work on the Minimum Digital Living Standard. This citizen-centred approach recognises that digital inclusion means more than just internet access – it’s about having the essential digital goods, services and skills to fully participate in modern life.

“Digital exclusion often reflects wider inequalities in society. That’s why we’re taking bold steps to ensure everyone can benefit from digital technology if they choose to.”

The Welsh Government continues to work with the University of Liverpool, alongside Cwmpas, Loughborough University and Good Things Foundation, to ensure the standard acts as a framework towards universal digital inclusion.

Registered Social Housing Landlords can now apply to join the expanded programme until 9 June, with successful projects starting in July.

Commitment to local arts reaffirmed in St Davids meeting

ST DAVIDS was the backdrop for a show of cross-community support this week as MP Henry Tufnell met with members of the Pembrokeshire Landscape Gallery Working Group on Wednesday (May 14).

The group, which has been instrumental in promoting and defending the gallery at Oriel y Parc, welcomed the local MP on a sunny afternoon to discuss the importance of retaining access to world-class art in Pembrokeshire.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “It was a privilege to spend the afternoon with the brilliant Pembrokeshire Landscape Gallery Working Group here in St Davids. I’m proud to support their work in protecting our state-of-the-art gallery at Oriel y Parc.”

He added: “Art enriches our communities, and having access to world class art right here in Pembrokeshire is so important.”

The gallery, which is run in partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, plays host to a rotating programme of exhibitions. The current display, a celebration of the RNLI, runs until 1 June.

Local residents have praised the gallery for its diverse programme. Jill Simpson commented online: “The Gallery at Oriel y Parc hosts some brilliant and varied exhibitions. The present one, a celebration of the RNLI, is certainly worth visiting before it closes on 1st June.”

Mr Tufnell encouraged residents and visitors alike to check the gallery’s website to see what’s on: “If you haven’t visited recently, take a look at their brilliant range of exhibitions and activities.”

During the visit, the group discussed their shared vision for protecting and enhancing Pembrokeshire’s cultural offering, amid wider concerns over council cuts and the future of community spaces.

A photo of the MP alongside members of the group was taken outside the gallery under a bright blue sky, symbolising a hopeful outlook for the arts in rural Wales.

Photo caption: Support for the arts – MP Henry Tufnell meets with the Pembrokeshire Landscape Gallery Working Group in St Davids (Pic: Supplied).

THE OLD library building in Narberth has been targeted by vandals ahead of its planned auction, prompting concerns from a senior Pembrokeshire councillor.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, April 26, saw the former library on St James Street broken into and damaged. The property, which has stood derelict for some time, is due to be sold by auction through John Francis.

Cllr Marc Tierney, Cabinet Member for Young People, Communities and the Wellbeing of Future Generations, said the intruders appeared to have forced entry by kicking in a side door, smashing glass panels and windows in the process.

Inside the building, crockery was destroyed and graffiti daubed across the walls.

Cllr Tierney said: “We’re all facing stretched budgets at the moment, and damage like this simply adds to the cost burden on the taxpayer. It’s very disappointing—this is an iconic building in the heart of Narberth, and it’s upsetting to see it treated in this way.”

The Herald understands this is the first time the old library has been vandalised. Pembrokeshire County Council is now increasing security at the site while the sale process continues.

There is concern the incident may be part of a wider trend of people targeting derelict buildings. Cllr Tierney warned: “There seems to be a craze at the moment for people to break into old properties and mess about. It’s not just illegal—it’s dangerous and irresponsible, especially in a residential area.”

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed they are investigating the matter.

A spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a burglary and vandalism at the old library on St James Street, Narberth, on April 26. Officers attended and identified broken windows and graffiti inside the vacant building. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Cllr Tierney also posted on social media following the incident, describing the damage as a blow to the local community and calling for those responsible to be held accountable.

He added that he hoped the building could still serve a useful purpose in future, saying: “While it is due to be sold, I’d like to think there is still a chance for this site to play a positive role in the town again.”