News

Badger, Arwyn Williams, and the art of the possible

Published

11 years ago

March 5, 2015

badger knows best POLITICS, in a quote often attributed to R.A. Butler but originating with Otto von Bismarck, is said to be the art of possible. Not the desirable; not the moral; not the good; but the possible. Von Bismarck did not mean that politicians should operate in a principle-free zone. He meant that a politician’s freedom for manoeuver is necessarily constrained by events over which they have no control. Upon events over which control can be exercised, politicians should – it follows — seek to prosecute the opportunities open to them to influence events and practice their art in the space given to them by opportunity. in such a way, politics is a matter of choice not one of compulsion. Badger has listened carefully to the achievements of the IPPG as recounted by members of the IPPG’s own Cabinet. The core message they send out is — where it is capable of interpretation into an intelligible form —”You can trust us to correct the errors of the past because we’re pretty sure we now know where we went wrong”.

Huw George, the IPPG’s very own Vicar of Bray, tells us that people want decent roads, the rubbish collected and good schools for their children. The IPPG has slashed the highways budget for anything that did not appear in one of their own cabinet members’ campaign literature or election videos: halved bin collections, so that families are compelled to store rotting garbage that attracts vermin on their own property for up to a fortnight; and closed good schools based on sham consultations and a bogus prospectus of improvement that has mortgaged all of our futures. Anyone with a half a brain —overqualified for the IPPG, then —knows the Cabinet’s collective tears of sorrow are those of a crocodile, readers. All the while, Jamie has done the sad yet patronising voice in Council meetings, mixed with shrewish recrimination when caught out by inconvenient truths.

He and all the IPPG, they are all very sad that these cuts are necessary. These are austere times and we must all tighten our belts. Or, as unsubstantiated rumour has it, tighten the seatbelts in Bryn’s Council-funded taxi – a Porsche Panamera SE Hybrid: yours, readers, for just f90K. Yes: readers, see the sad long face that Jamie pulls when he is communicating unwelcome news. Jamie does not like making cuts, he simply cannot see the possibility of an alternative to cuts. He cannot make — or refuses to see – the connection between deep and deeper service cutbacks and continued clinging to the tattered banner of the lowest Council Tax in Wales. Now: there are those who believe that their money is better in their own pocket than in the pocket of a central treasury providing public services Those people, who travel powered only by fairy dust and their imaginations, do not use the commonplace roads and transport infrastructure like ordinary mortals.

Possessed of superhuman resistance to sickness and the thousand shocks the mortal flesh is heir to, they don’t need doctors, nurses, hospitals or medicines. Indeed, they do not require bin men to collect their rubbish; they shall transport it to the local tip themselves, hanging their reeking black bin bags from the handles of their sedan chairs, as their servants propel them to the municipal amenity of their choice. When it comes to public spending, others believe that their champagne tastes should be indulged on a beer income. Public services cost money. if you want better ones, you have to pay more them in tax. This is the dreadful truth that governments have tried to hide for the last 35 years or so.

Trying to impose market discipline on the public sector is code for bouncing up the salaries of those at the top who have never exposed themselves to the risks of working in the private sector, while slashing the wages of those at the bottom of the pile. Similarly, the idea that increasing the private wealth of the few at the top leads to benefits trickling down to poorer members of society, was rightly described as “voodoo economics”. Reality shows that the gap between rich and poor has grown while services to act as a safety net for the less well-off have been pared not to the bone but to the marrow.

Between these two polar opposite views, our politicians — local and national — dangle on the hooks of their own ambition. Some politicians become seized by the fear of failure — whether real or perceived — and so sit on the fence doing nothing. To paraphrase Lloyd George’s lethal observation, they sit on the fence so long that the iron enters their soul. Too frightened by the spectre of making the wrong choice and becoming unpopular, they do the worst of all things and make no choices. Some confuse carping and picking holes in others’ efforts from the side lines with doing active good. Possessed of a firm belief in their own supreme and sole wisdom to pronounce upon matters of public discourse, they have the luxury of being a prophet, crying in the wilderness without actually having to come up with a solution to the faults they uncover in others. Yet others look for guidance from those who are more permanent than here today gone tomorrow elected representatives. These are politicians who become prisoners of bureaucracy. They are not so much house-trained as broken to the wheel by officers and civil servants who never have to worry about the shabby business of being elected. Politicians seldom break promises.

They surround pledges with the type of words that make any commitment conditional. They say one thing, the electorate hears another. Tony Blair was the master of the vapid and aspirational turn of phrase. Realising that promises were hostages to a fortune that he could not predict, Tony Blair used words with about as much sincerity as those in a greetings card sent to a much loathed wealthy relative. There was the sound of meaning but no substance. Politicians carefully avoid using verbs. Verbs, as Badger learned in school, “verbs are doing words”. We will have none of this doing things thing! We will plough the sands with rhetoric and slogans. Badger invites his readers to look at poor Clegg. He and his party were able to make all sorts of promises because they thought they would never, ever actually have to deliver their particular brand of pie in the sky. In power, the best they can say about their “achievements” is that without them the Conservatives would have been even worse. if being a member of a government that has systematically victimised, harassed and impoverished the poorest and most vulnerable is something that Nick Clegg is proud of, Badger despairs. To their eternal credit the one thing the IPPG can never be collectively accused of is breaking promises to their voters. IPPO councillors do not believe in promises. In fact, IPPO councillors say they do not believe in politics. IPPG councillors are so able to believe in three impossible things before breakfast that they do not believe the !PPG even exists. On 8 May, there will be a meeting of the Full Council. That meeting will be invited to consider a motion of no confidence in Rob Lewis, currently the Council’s Deputy Leader. Unfortunately for his !PPG comrades, ClIr Lewis is not only proof that the IPPG exists, but that it is a political

party in all but name. ClIr Lewis is living evidence of a cynical, careerist deception practised by cynical, careerist politicians. But, Badger can tell his readers, the motion of no confidence might not be heard. It could be booted back to the Council’s Cabinet for consideration by the Chairman of the Council (and !PPG member in good standing) Arwynailliams. Yes readers, would not believe it possible. An !PPG appointee can decline to hear a no confidence vote in the !PPG’s own Deputy Leader, Rob Lewis, a man who broke the code of conduct for members and was handed a suspension as a result, and remit the motion of no confidence in the IPPG’s “Election Co-ordinator” for consideration by the PPG Cabinet. Conflict of interest detector at the ready and pinging wildly, Badger cannot believe that such a step could be considered either practical or plausible. Badger noticed in the Herald a couple of weeks ago that a question could validly be posed as to whether those for whom Rob Lewis prepared literature have an interest in avoiding too deep an examination of their Deputy Leader’s scandalous conduct. Badger notes that Arwyn does not have to boot the motion on Rob Lewis to the long grass on the IPPG lawn for three months. The motion of no confidence in the representative from Martletwy could be heard by the meeting on May 8.1f Arwyn lets it be debated. Yes readers, Arwyn could seize the opportunity offered to him and demonstrate that the art of possible is not necessarily art for art’s sake. He has the opportunity to show, for a change for a member of the IPPG, just because something can be done does not mean it should be done. Think of Dr Pepper, Arwyn, what’s the worst that could happen?

Education

Diocese threatens legal action as Manorbier school closure battle intensifies

Published

7 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Church says council could face judicial review over fire-hit school

A BITTER row over the future of Manorbier Church in Wales VC School has escalated dramatically, with the St Davids Diocese threatening legal action against Pembrokeshire County Council over plans to close the fire-damaged village school.

In an extraordinary intervention ahead of a Cabinet meeting on Monday (Jun 15), solicitors acting for the St Davids Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) accused the council of running a “procedurally flawed” consultation and warned that councillors risk judicial review if they press ahead with proposals to discontinue the school.

The legal letter, sent by Carreg Law and marked “urgent”, claims the council is using the closure process to avoid responsibility for rebuilding the school following the devastating fire in October 2022.

The future of the school has been hanging in the balance since the blaze forced pupils to relocate to temporary accommodation at Jameston Community Hall.

Legal warning to council

The Diocese, in a letter from Bishop Dorrien Davies, has formally objected to the proposed closure and says the school should instead be fully reinstated.

Lawyers acting for the Church claim the council has failed to respond adequately to previous correspondence dating back to 2023 and warned that Pembrokeshire County Council could face legal claims arising from the handling of the fire and its aftermath.

The letter states: “Our client formally objects to the proposed closure, demands full structural reinstatement of the school premises and places Pembrokeshire County Council on notice that the statutory consultation on the proposed closure and decision-making process undertaken to date is procedurally flawed.”

The Diocese argues that the council has a statutory duty to maintain the school and says any insurance money arising from the fire should be used to restore the building to its pre-fire condition.

It also alleges the council’s actions have left the Diocese exposed to mounting costs because the school remains structurally compromised.

Claims of ‘pre-determination’

The legal challenge goes further, alleging the closure process was effectively decided before the consultation had finished.

Lawyers claim council human resources staff began redundancy consultations with school staff in February 2026, before elected members had formally decided the school’s future.

According to the Diocese, this suggests the public consultation was “a perfunctory exercise rather than a genuine consideration of alternatives”.

The Diocese also accuses the authority of withholding key financial information relating to rebuilding costs, despite repeated requests.

Community opposition highlighted

The intervention comes after council consultation figures showed overwhelming opposition to closure.

Of 252 responses received, more than ninety per cent opposed plans to shut the school.

Parents and campaigners have consistently argued that Manorbier School provides a nurturing environment for children, particularly those requiring additional support, and warned that closure would damage the wider community.

The issue sparked protests outside County Hall in Haverfordwest when councillors met on Thursday (Mar 5) to consider the proposal.

Demonstrators held placards urging the council to save the school, with many arguing that promises had been made to rebuild after the fire.

Church accuses council of discrimination

In one of the strongest claims contained in the letter, the Diocese alleges Pembrokeshire County Council is showing hostility toward Church in Wales education.

The DBF argues that the proposed closure of Manorbier, alongside separate issues affecting other faith schools, demonstrates what it describes as a “systemic pattern” of undermining faith-based education in Pembrokeshire.

Lawyers claim this could amount to discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 because religion and belief are protected characteristics.

The letter also criticises the council for allegedly failing to engage properly with the Diocese over the future of the site and says decisions should not be made without a full understanding of legal and financial liabilities.

Judicial review threat

The Diocese has urged Cabinet to halt the closure proposal and instead enter into negotiations over restoring the school building.

However, if councillors proceed with plans to discontinue the school, the Church says it is prepared to seek judicial review.

The letter warns: “Should the Cabinet proceed to ratify the statutory proposal to discontinue the school on what we say are illegal and discriminatory grounds, our client reserves its rights to pursue all available legal remedies including but not limited to an application for Judicial Review.”

Council officers have previously recommended moving forward with a statutory notice to discontinue the school, arguing that closure is the most sustainable option based on falling pupil numbers, spare capacity at nearby schools, the condition of the building and value for money.

But with legal action now looming, the battle over the future of Manorbier School appears far from over.

UPDATE:

Late on Friday (Jun 12), councillors were sent a further letter from the Diocese of St Davids urging them to think carefully before Monday’s vote. The Church questioned whether a required Community Impact Assessment had been properly undertaken or disclosed, argued Manorbier’s educational standards could not fairly be criticised following a positive Estyn report in 2023, and warned members to ensure they had been given ‘accurate and full information’ before making a decision. The letter also referenced Pembrokeshire County Council’s recent High Court defeat over its Article 4 direction, where judges found councillors had been presented with flawed and incomplete information

Local Government

Intensive care nurse joins crowded race for Pembroke Dock council seat

Published

8 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Seven candidates confirmed for Market ward by-election following death of long-serving councillor Brian Hall

AN INTENSIVE CARE nurse from Pembroke Dock has been selected as Plaid Cymru’s candidate in a seven-way contest for a vacant seat on Pembrokeshire County Council following the death of long-serving councillor Brian Hall.

Chloe Richards, who works as a Clinical Practice Educator in the Intensive Care Unit at Withybush Hospital, will contest the Pembroke Dock: Market by-election on Thursday (Jul 9).

Richards lives in the ward and volunteers to encourage young people into nursing careers. She is also a trade union representative with the Royal College of Nursing Wales and sits on the organisation’s national steering committee for critical care.

Speaking after her selection, Richards said she was proud to stand for Plaid Cymru and paid tribute to the late Brian Hall, who had represented the community since 1996.

She said: “I am proud to stand as a Plaid Cymru candidate for the Pembroke Dock: Market by-election. I have lived in the ward since I was a teenager and know the community and its people well.

“Unfortunately, this election comes at a sad time. I would like to pay tribute to Brian Hall, who served this community as a dedicated County Councillor since 1996.

“As a nurse and as an active member of the Royal College of Nursing, I have learned how to represent people, campaign for change, and speak confidently on behalf of others. These are exactly the skills I will use to serve Pembroke Dock on Pembrokeshire County Council. I am committed to making a real difference to our community.”

Ceredigion Penfro MS Elin Jones backed Richards’ candidacy, saying: “Chloe is an excellent candidate for Pembroke Dock: Market. She already represents her colleagues in the nursing sector at a national level, and she is determined to be a strong voice for residents in the ward where she lives.”

Richards joins a crowded field of candidates contesting the by-election.

The full list of candidates published following the close of nominations is:

Paul Haywood Dowson – Independent
Claire Francis-Boswell – Independent
Lee Herring – Welsh Liberal Democrats
Ryan Morgan – Reform UK
Chloe Louise Richards – Plaid Cymru
Jamie Street – Welsh Conservative
Hayley Wood – Independent

The seat became vacant following the death of Councillor Brian Hall in April. Hall had served as county councillor for the ward for almost 30 years and was widely respected across the political divide.

Applications to register to vote must be received by midnight on Monday (Jun 23). Postal vote applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on Tuesday (Jun 24), while applications to vote by proxy must be received by 5:00pm on Wednesday (Jul 1).

News

Family reimbursed £22,000 after NHS care funding challenge

Published

10 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WEST WALES HEALTH BOARD ASKED HOW MANY FAMILIES MAY BE PAYING CARE HOME FEES UNNECESSARILY

A FAMILY has been reimbursed more than £22,000 after challenging an NHS decision over care home fees paid for a woman with dementia in Carmarthenshire.

Mrs Hughes, who lived at Towy Castle Care Home in Carmarthen, had been paying around £3,400 a month for her care before her family sought legal advice over whether the NHS should have been funding it through Continuing Healthcare.

The case has raised wider questions about whether families across west Wales may be paying thousands of pounds for care which should legally fall to the NHS.

***Lisa Morgan, of Hugh James Solicitors***

Mrs Hughes was a resident at Towy Castle Care Home from March 2012 until her death in October 2023. She suffered from dementia and was described as disorientated to time, place and person.

Her son, Mr Hughes, contacted Hugh James Solicitors in October 2023 after the family had exhausted life savings and run out of options to meet the rising cost of care.

Following an assessment, the health board initially recommended NHS Continuing Healthcare eligibility from October 10, 2023, citing a rapid deterioration in Mrs Hughes’ condition shortly before her death.

However, lawyers acting for the family argued that the evidence showed her needs had increased from January 2023, particularly because of escalating challenging behaviour linked to her dementia.

After representations were made, the health board revised its position and accepted that Mrs Hughes met the criteria for Continuing Healthcare from January 2023 to October 2023.

The estate was subsequently reimbursed for the care fees paid during that period, together with interest, totalling just over £22,000.

Continuing Healthcare

NHS Continuing Healthcare, often referred to as CHC, is a package of care arranged and funded solely by the NHS for people who are assessed as having a primary health need.

Unlike social care, it is not means-tested. This means that if someone qualifies, the NHS is responsible for meeting the full cost of their assessed care needs, including care home fees where appropriate.

However, the distinction between health needs and social care needs can be complex, particularly in cases involving dementia.

The issue comes as care costs continue to rise sharply. Healthcare analysts LaingBuisson reported this year that the average weekly fee for a frail older person had reached £1,465, a rise of 10% over the previous year.

Families are often left selling homes or using lifetime savings to meet care home bills, despite some residents potentially being eligible for NHS-funded support.

Legal challenge

Lisa Morgan, of Hugh James Solicitors, works on cases involving wrongly paid care home fees and NHS Continuing Healthcare disputes.

Her team says it has recovered more than £200m from the NHS in recent years on behalf of families who had paid for care later found to be the responsibility of the health service.

The Carmarthenshire case is being highlighted as an example of why families may need to question decisions, particularly where a relative’s condition has deteriorated or where dementia-related behaviour has become more complex.

The Herald understands that Mrs Hughes’ family accepted the revised eligibility period after the health board agreed to backdate funding to January 2023.

Health board asked

The Pembrokeshire Herald has approached Hywel Dda University Health Board for comment on the case, while recognising patient confidentiality restrictions.

The Health Board has also been asked what safeguards are in place to ensure patients who may qualify for Continuing Healthcare are identified at the earliest possible stage.

The Herald has requested figures for the number of CHC assessments carried out across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion in each of the last three years, including how many resulted in funding being approved, declined, or overturned on review or appeal.

The Health Board has also been asked whether it has seen an increase in applications, reviews or successful appeals involving dementia patients, and whether it has concerns that some families may be self-funding care unnecessarily because of a lack of awareness.

A response was awaited at the time of publication.

Advice to families

Families who believe a relative may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare can request an assessment through the NHS or local authority.

A person does not need to have a particular diagnosis to qualify. The assessment should look at the nature, intensity, complexity and unpredictability of their needs.

Where funding is refused, families can ask for the decision to be reviewed.

The case is likely to add to concern that many families are struggling to understand a complicated system while already dealing with the emotional and financial pressure of caring for a loved one.