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Council changes snoopers’ charter

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county hallPEMBROKESHIRE County Council has adopted a code of practice in relation to controversial legislation enabling it to mount covert surveillance operations.

The widespread misuse by public authorities of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) led the Coalition government to clamp down on its use to mount trivial and intrusive investigations at public expense into minor breaches of the law, such as putting bin bags out too early.

Although County Council leader Jamie Adams claimed that the Council had not used powers under RIPA, The Pembrokeshire Herald can confirm that Councillor Adams was mistaken in so claiming. The Pembrokeshire Herald has established that, despite Councillor Adams’ assurances to the contrary, in the three years from 2008-2011, the County Council has disclosed that it used RIPA powers on seven occasions.

In 2008-2009, the Council used RIPA powers in two animal welfare cases. In 2009-2010 it used the same powers in relation to an investigation into a car dealership issuing credit without a consumer credit licence and to investigate the sale of alcohol to a minor. In 2010-2011 it used its RIPA powers on three separate occasions, two of which related to the sale of alcohol to a minor, the other relating to a trading standards investigation. In none of the seven cases in which the Council used its covert surveillance powers has it disclosed the outcome of the investigations concerned.

In the three year period 2008-2011, Pembrokeshire County Council used RIPA powers on fewer occasions than most other Welsh local authorities.

The Herald can reveal that the new code of practice provides that Mr Mike Kent, one of the Council’s in-house legal staff, will have day-to-day responsibility for the making of applications for the Council to launch surveillance operations targeting Pembrokeshire’s citizens.

The code of practice provides that the Council can only use its powers if the application is approved by a Justice of the Peace and if the criminal offence being investigated is of an offence that can lead to a prison sentence of at least six months’ duration. The powers can also be used to investigate the sale of tobacco and alcohol to children.

The Council will be permitted to use so-called “Covert Human Intelligence Sources”. This means that the Council can use a person who establishes or maintains “a personal or other relationship” with the target of a council investigation to obtain information from them and feed it back to their County Hall spymaster.

The Council will also be permitted to monitor, observe and listen to personal communications, including surveillance with the assistance of technology for that purpose. The Council is therefore permitted, provided it establishes that the use of such resources in proportionate, to bug phones and access personal email accounts.

Lower level surveillance as authorised by a local authority can be accessed by organisations including, but not limited to, the police, the Gambling Commission, the Food Standards Agency, Office of Fair Trading, Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the Gang-masters’ Licensing Authority.

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Councils pay over £100,000 to Crown Estate annually

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CALLS FOR DEVOLUTION

NEW data has revealed that councils in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire pay a combined £105,589.29 each year to the Crown Estate for public access to land.

The figure was obtained through Freedom of Information requests by the office of Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid and West Wales (pictured). Mr. Campbell argues the findings strengthen his party’s call for the devolution of the Crown Estate’s responsibilities to Wales.

Currently, profits from the Crown Estate are received and managed by the UK Treasury on behalf of the royal family.

PLAID CYMRU PRESSURE

In the Senedd today (Wednesday, February 19), Mr. Campbell questioned Jayne Bryant, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Housing. He raised concerns about the financial strain on local councils and the impact of rising costs.

“Local authorities, facing the cost-of-living crisis and increased national insurance contributions, are having to consider cuts to public services to balance their budgets,” he said. “Ceredigion Council, for instance, is facing a £5 million deficit and considering a council tax rise of up to 14%.”

He added: “Do you agree with me and my Plaid Cymru colleagues that it is impossible to justify councils in south-west Wales sending over £100,000 to the UK Treasury and royal family each year? Shouldn’t the process of transferring responsibility for the Crown Estate to Wales begin as soon as possible?”

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Welsh Conservatives vote against £7m support for Welsh businesses

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A POLITICAL row has erupted after the Welsh Conservatives voted against a Welsh Government plan to provide £7 million in financial support to businesses struggling with their bills. The decision, made in the Senedd on Tuesday (Feb 18), has drawn sharp criticism from Welsh Labour, who accused the Tories of failing to help businesses recover from economic pressures exacerbated by UK Government policies.

Labour slams Tory opposition

A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: “You couldn’t make it up. The party that gave us the disastrous Liz Truss budget that sent bills soaring has now voted against providing a package of support for Welsh businesses worth £7 million.”

The funding was part of a broader £335 million package within the Welsh Government’s 2025-26 budget, aimed at easing financial pressures on businesses. The proposed support included targeted relief for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, which have been struggling amid high operating costs and economic uncertainty.

Tories defend their stance

The Welsh Conservatives have defended their decision, arguing that their own economic growth plan, which included reinstating business rates relief to 75% for key sectors, would have been a more effective solution. Their proposal was rejected by Labour members, leading to their opposition to the alternative package.

Pembrokeshire MS Sam Kurtz says Labour has consistently failed Welsh businesses

Samuel Kurtz MS, the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Welsh Language, said: “Labour has consistently failed Welsh businesses. Instead of implementing real, long-term solutions to drive economic growth, they are offering piecemeal support that does not address the deeper challenges facing our economy.”

Economic challenges in Wales

The debate over business support comes against the backdrop of concerning economic statistics in Wales. The nation continues to grapple with higher unemployment rates and lower employment figures compared to other parts of the UK. Businesses, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors, have been vocal about the need for more substantial government intervention to cope with rising costs.

The Welsh Labour Government insists that its package is necessary to provide immediate relief, while the Welsh Conservatives argue that broader tax and economic reforms are needed to create a more sustainable business environment.

Divided reactions

Business leaders and organisations have expressed mixed reactions to the political fallout. While some have welcomed the Welsh Government’s funding plan, others believe it does not go far enough to address long-term financial pressures.

A spokesperson for Business Wales said: “Any support for businesses is welcome, but we urge all parties to work together on long-term solutions that provide certainty and stability for Welsh enterprises.”

Political fallout

The vote has intensified the ongoing political battle between Labour and the Conservatives in Wales, with both parties accusing each other of failing to support the economy effectively. With the Welsh economy facing ongoing challenges, businesses will be watching closely to see if further financial relief or policy changes emerge in the coming months.

The Herald will continue to follow developments on this issue.

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Government to consider report on Welsh-speaking communities

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THE WELSH GOVERNMENT says it has welcomed a new report examining how town and country planning impacts Welsh-speaking communities, with recommendations for strengthening policies to protect the language.

The Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities has published its findings on the challenges faced by the Welsh language. Evidence presented to the commission highlighted concerns from planning authorities and professional bodies, many of whom believe existing policies and guidelines need revision to better support Welsh-speaking areas.

The report outlines 14 recommendations, including the need to strengthen planning guidance and assess the impact of policies on the language. One key proposal calls for a framework to evaluate how planning applications affect the Welsh language in high-density Welsh-speaking areas, similar to assessments used for Special Areas of Conservation. The commission also recommends reinforcing Technical Advice Note 20 to provide clearer guidance on planning matters relevant to the Welsh language.

The Welsh Government will now review the report and respond to its findings in the coming months.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford, said: “I would like to thank the members of the commission for presenting this report, and the contributors who have shared their time and expertise. We will consider its findings and recommendations carefully.”

Dr Simon Brooks, Chair of the Commission, added: “Following thorough research, we have concluded that planning policies related to the Welsh language should be revised. Strengthening the role of the language within the planning system is crucial to securing its future as both a national and community language.”

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