News

Badger and the cost of everything

Published

11 years ago

March 4, 2015

badger84image GREETINGS to you all from Badger’s sett readers. The recent downpours have been distressing as they have compelled Badger to have his annual bath unexpectedly early. Nevertheless, one makes do with the cards dealt and so Badger’s loofah and coal tar soap have had an early excursion. Being the frugal sort, Badger likes things that last a long time and is prepared to pay a little extra for durability (but not the price of Bryn Parry Jones!). And that readers is where Badger has some issues with current trends in our public life.

If everything is based upon providing the minimum for the least then the world of public service provision has gone mad. Time and time again across the UK demented ideologues have tried to treat essential services like public transport and its infrastructure. policing. prisons, health, and education as though they are things that could and should be delivered by private money for private profit. Successive governments of whatever stripe have bought into the lie that “the discipline of the market” is all that is needed to make public service delivery fairer, better, more efficient and — of course — cheaper. There are other factors that are important to public services. not least of which is the service element itself.

Forgetting the fact that public services often deliver essential services free at the point of delivery (please note, Badger did not say “free”) and that people depend upon those services to learn, live
and survive is to ignore that most important service element. Taxpayers are relieved of part of their income, whether directly or indirectly, and some of that money goes towards providing them with public services. Far too many people have bought into the fallacy that all human relationships are shaped by calculations of profit and loss and that a service is a product to be delivered like a bag of crisps or a fizzy drink. No wonder economics is called “the dismal science”, readers. And it is cost-cutting that is at the heart of the Welsh Government’s drive to cut health services in our county. Badger does not blame the Board for the direction of that policy.

That would be like pelting the monkey when the organ-grinder plays a false note. The Welsh Government “reviewed” health care in a report it commissioned and with terms of reference it set. It received the outcome of its rigged review and over the last few years it has imposed its wishes across Wales. Readers. virtually every strategic decision coming out of each and every consultation. has come up with the result the Welsh Government wanted. It’s a miracle, readers. Or not. if like Badger you are somewhat less inclined to think that Mark Drakeford and his predecessors are wonder workers. Goodness knows, readers. how many hundreds of thousands of pounds of public money have been wasted on the con job perpetrated by Welsh Labour on the people of
Wales. Its “review” has always been about cuts. The aim has always been to trim the budget. For all the fine words from the Bay uttered by Welsh Labour ministers, the outcome boils down to slashing services in the vain hope that not too many more people die as a result. Faced with a gaping hole in its health budget, the Welsh Government has decided to pack it with “efficiencies” and “service improvements” and artists’ impressions of maternity suites that look like a Premier Inn without Lenny Henry.

All the glossy pictures in the world will not save one life or deliver one child safely into it. Mark Drakeford promised a safety net not an artists’ impression of something not yet even built (Did the unit closing come as a bit of a surprise. Health Board?) Nothing can hide the fact that Mark Drakeford’s “robust safety net” is held together with something less than a lick and a promise. How lucky is Mark that the Senedd isn’t sitting so he can be asked about it? It is the nature of nets that they have holes, readers. Mark Drake ford’s net has hole. One bloody big one and nothing else. Lies, damned lies, and politicians’ promises. It’s almost enough to make Badger think that Mark Drakeford is an extremely large hole, himself. The Board is still recruiting staff to staff the magic ambulance it says will replace a dedicated maternity ward with consultant cover. As for specialist equipment, that will presumably materialise at the same time as the specialist staff to crew the magic ambulance. The Health Board has the advantage of being unelected. Welsh Labour Senedd members and aspiring Labour politicians do not. Which one of our local Labour politicians will be the first to say that the Welsh Government has treated, is treating and will continue to treat Pembrokeshire’s voice with contempt.

The first transfer from Withybush took two and a half hours. Badger does not know how mother and baby are doing. but Badger hopes it is well. And if it is. it will be thanks to those doing a difficult job in impossible circumstances. The credit will not go to the Health Board and still less will it go to Welsh Labour in Cardiff Bay. Every life lost in transit that could have been saved in Haverfordwest; every mother hoicked away from her family and friends at a distressing and difficult time; every child kept in pain for a minute longer than necessary. The Health Board and Welsh Labour can have the “credit” for those. And when they are given the proper “credit” for ripping apart caring communities they might just realise that while they know the cost of everything. readers, they know the value of nothing.

News

Welsh Government outlines new rights for homeowners facing estate management charges

Published

1 hour 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

2 hours 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

3 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.