Politics
Conservatives promise tax cuts
ANDREW RT DAVIES continued to hone his vision of Wales as the ‘low tax capital of the Union’ as he claimed that Plaid Cymru would raise income tax in Wales.
Referring to an interview Ms Wood gave to Andrew Neill after the Chancellor’s Spending Review last week, Mr Davies claimed that “Within minutes of the Chancellor’s announcement, Leanne Wood admitted that she plans to use the new tax levers to raise additional funds, that a Plaid administration would hike your taxes.”
Ms Wood said that as a priority, Plaid Cymru would ‘maximise the amount of money in the budget to spend on public services.’
In response to a question about taxation, Ms Wood said that she was not in a position to give that information at this point in time.
When asked whether she would raise taxes, Ms Wood pointed out that there were different rates of tax, and Plaid would look at what they intended to do with each of those.
“If you leave the tax rates as they are, as there is every chance that we could, the fact that you are investing in job creation and are then able to realise the benefits – that is the purpose of having income tax powers,” she added.
However, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, saw instead the potential for tax breaks:
“The Chancellor’s announcements on income tax present us with an opportunity to break the mould, to think radically and offer hardworking families the support they need,” he said.
“I can categorically say that no Welsh Conservative Government under my leadership would ever use these powers to raise your taxes.
“Welsh Labour has no interest in taking responsibility for the money it spends and raises. The current arrangement suits them, because it allows them to shirk responsibility, blaming everyone but themselves for years of managed decline.”
Mr Davies pointed at his party’s record of removing tax obligations from the low-paid: “Conservatives in Government have already taken almost 160,000 people out of paying tax, and the Welsh Conservatives are now putting plans in place to deliver a cut in the basic rate of income tax.
“I want to be clear. Hardworking families would benefit under a Welsh Conservative Government.
“We’ve already pledged to scrap stamp duty on all properties valued up to £250,000 for first-time buyers. We now have an opportunity to be just as radical with income tax and it’ll mean more money for every family in Wales.”
An income of around £60,000 PA would be necessary to get a mortgage on a £250,000 home. However, Mr Davies was happy to pledge further benefits to struggling members of the middle class: “It’s also crucial to look at a cut to the higher ‘aspirational’ rate, which has the potential to benefit small businesses, create job opportunities and boost economic growth,” he added. The aspirational rate is thought to refer to the 40p tax rate, which applies to those earning over £41,000PA.
“Whilst Leanne Wood will be going into this election planning to raise your taxes, Welsh Conservatives will be campaigning to make Wales the low tax capital of the Union,” Mr Davies added.
News
Welsh Conservatives to force Senedd vote on grooming gangs inquiry

CALLS FOR WALES-WIDE INVESTIGATION INTO CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES are set to force a vote in the Senedd next Wednesday (Feb 12) on commissioning a Wales-wide independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.
Campaigners and politicians have raised concerns that the full extent of the issue remains unknown, despite evidence of grooming gang activity across Wales.
Emily Vaughn, a campaigner who has spoken publicly about her experience of being trafficked and exploited in Wales, has launched a petition urging the Welsh Government to act.
She said: “I was a victim of sexual exploitation by grooming gangs, and I know this practice is more widespread than the authorities acknowledge. The Welsh Government should undertake an inquiry to establish the scale of the problem and support victims in Wales.”
‘NO STONE UNTURNED’

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS, speaking ahead of the debate, said: “There is clear and concerning evidence of the sexual exploitation of young girls by grooming gangs here in Wales, but what we don’t know is the full extent of the problem.
“We owe it to brave victims to leave no stone unturned in investigating this issue and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“Simply accepting assurances from the police and councils that grooming gangs are not operating in their areas is not good enough. Only a Wales-wide inquiry will ensure this issue gets the attention it deserves and that our children are protected from predatory behaviour.”
POLITICAL UNITY NEEDED
The motion, set to be debated in the Senedd, urges cross-party support for victims of abuse and calls on the Welsh Government to take decisive action.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Social Justice, Altaf Hussain MS, added:
“It is abundantly clear that more must be done to combat sexual violence, domestic abuse, and misogyny.
“We have a duty under international law to tackle sexual violence and support the boys and girls preyed upon by grooming gangs.
“Next week, I will open this vitally important debate, calling on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.”
The motion to be debated states:
“The Senedd calls on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.”
News
£10m boost for social housing in Wales

Extra funding to help tackle housing crisis
THE WELSH Labour Government has announced an additional £10 million investment in social housing, aiming to deliver more affordable homes for families across Wales.
The funding, which will support 16 housing schemes, is expected to deliver 238 homes before the end of the current Senedd term. It comes as part of the government’s wider commitment to tackling the housing crisis and providing opportunities for families struggling to secure affordable homes.
Record investment in housing
The Welsh Government has made housing a key priority, arguing that good quality, affordable homes are essential for improving health, education, and economic prospects. Ministers say they have already delivered nearly 9,000 affordable rental homes in the social sector since the start of this Senedd term, with further developments in the pipeline.
The latest investment is in addition to the £81 million allocated last year for new housing projects, bringing the total housing budget for 2025-2026 to £411 million. Ministers insist they are delivering “record levels” of investment in social housing.
Challenges remain
Despite the funding boost, the Welsh Government remains short of its ambitious target of delivering 20,000 low-carbon social homes for rent by 2026. Audit Wales has warned that between £580 million and £740 million in extra funding could be needed to meet the target. Rising construction costs, planning delays, and shortages in the building industry have also been cited as barriers to progress.
Political divide over housing
The announcement has sparked fresh debate over housing policy in Wales. Welsh Labour has accused opposition parties of failing to support efforts to increase social housing.
Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said:
“One of this Government’s key priorities is opportunity for every family. Investing in social housing reduces poverty, improves health, and helps drive economic growth. Good quality, affordable housing can transform lives, improving mental health and educational outcomes.”
She challenged opposition parties to back the investment, adding:
“We know opportunity starts at home. If Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives believe in opportunity for every family, they should vote for our Budget.”
However, opposition parties argue that the funding is insufficient given the scale of the crisis. The Conservatives have blamed rising housing costs on economic mismanagement, while Plaid Cymru has called for alternative approaches to tackling the shortfall in affordable homes.
Expert concerns
Housing campaigners and industry experts have welcomed the extra funding but warn that significant challenges remain. Some argue that a more detailed long-term housing strategy is needed to sustain progress beyond individual Senedd terms.
A spokesperson for Shelter Cymru said: “While additional investment is always welcome, the reality is that Wales faces a deepening housing crisis. More must be done to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes and tackle the root causes of housing inequality.”
With the next Senedd election approaching, housing is expected to remain a key battleground, with political parties setting out competing visions for tackling the crisis.
News
Neyland Town Council meeting descends in to chaos

Public calls for mayor’s resignation as councillors clash as clerk’s mother seeks co-option
A MEETING of Neyland Town Council descended into chaos on Monday (Feb 3), with members of the public shouting for the mayor to resign and councillors yelling at each other. The mayor, who was chairing the meeting, lost complete control as tensions boiled over.
Adding to the disorder, the Council Clerk was notably absent, despite being expected to attend. Mayor Peter Hay claimed she had received an upsetting email earlier that day and was too distressed to turn up. However, this explanation was met with scepticism from several councillors, with Cllr David Devauden openly accusing the Mayor of dishonesty. In her absence, a substitute Clerk was present to oversee proceedings.
The Herald understands that a police patrol car was seen in the area before the meeting, following concerns raised about an unusually high public turnout.

At the centre of the controversy was a dispute over the co-option of a new councillor. One of those present was the Clerk’s mother, Donna Matthews, who was expecting to be appointed to the council under agenda item 13. However, tensions escalated when it emerged that two members of the public had also applied for the position—applications that, if considered, would have required an election rather than an automatic co-option.
One of the applicants was in the meeting and directly challenged the Mayor’s claim that no applications had been received. He interjected, saying: “Excuse me, Mr Chairman, I applied,” contradicting Hay’s assertion that he was unaware of the emails. This led to accusations that the Clerk had deliberately ignored the applications to favour her mother’s appointment.
Cllr David Devauden, the most vocal during the meeting, spoke to The Herald on Wednesday. He said: “During the meeting, I called the Mayor a pathological liar three times because I could tell he was lying about the reason the Clerk wasn’t there, and about the missing emails from applicants who wanted to be co-opted.”
Summing up the meeting, he said: “The meeting was a success as we managed to stop the co-option of the Clerk’s mother. The electorate should be given the chance to serve on the council. Donna Matthews works at The Hub, and if co-opted, it would cause a conflict of interest in any case.”

The chaotic scenes prompted Cllr Brian Rothero to leave just ten minutes into the meeting, saying he “couldn’t cope with the chaos” and needed to get away. County Cllr Paul Miller, who does not usually attend Neyland Town Council meetings, was also present but left around the same time.
Meanwhile, Cllr Devauden is currently under investigation by the Public Services Ombudsman following complaints filed against him by Mayor Peter Hay, Clerk Libby Matthews, and Cllr Ashleigh Phelan. The Herald has been shown a full arch-lever file of “evidence” that has been submitted to the Ombudsman. Devauden confirmed that he is in the process of preparing his defence.
This latest controversy follows previous concerns about transparency and governance within Neyland Town Council.
Critics argue that the handling of the situation was unprofessional, with calls for accountability over the Clerk’s role and working arrangements.
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