News

Improving the system of care

Published

10 years ago

December 23, 2015

A NEW agreement to improve the system of care and support for people in a mental health crisis has been signed by the Welsh Government, police forces, the NHS, councils and other agencies. The crisis care concordat commits the organisations which have signed up to work together to intervene early and, if possible, to reduce the likelihood of people posing a risk to themselves or others as a result of a mental health condition. A key part of this approach are new proposals to reduce the use of police custody for people suffering with mental health problems. People with suspected mental health issues who are detained under the Mental Health Act should be assessed within three hours and not be held in police custody for more than 12 hours.

All organisations which sign the concordat have made a commitment to find the most appropriate support needed for people in whatever situation and whichever service a person turns to, making sure that any intervention is carried out without any unnecessary or inappropriate placement; for example within police custody. Other commitments include: People under 18 who experience a mental health crisis should never be held in police custody unless in exceptional circumstances; Police vehicles will rarely be used to convey people in crisis, except the most violent of individuals and only in exceptional cases to transport people between NHS facilities; NHS transport or other health vehicles, but not necessarily an ambulance, should be commissioned to take people in a mental health crisis to hospital;

If a young person under 18 is detained under section 135 or 136 of the Mental Health Act and taken to a police station for assessment, a case review will be held within seven days to determine whether this could have been avoided in order to learn from that incident; Monitoring groups within health boards will review every section 135 and 136 detention within police custody to determine its appropriateness.

Health and Social Services Minister, Mark Drakeford said: “This new agreement is about providing the most appropriate care and support to those facing a mental health crisis, whatever the time, every day of the year. “It is about all those who have signed up working closely together so we avoid people being wrongly kept in a police cell and instead being given access to the right treatment for them.

I am delighted this deal has brought together so many organisations that have a vital role to play.” Jon Stratford, assistant chief constable, South Wales Police said: “Too many people end up in police cells when detained for their own or others’ safety under the Mental Health Act instead of receiving appropriate support and help. We welcome the development of the crisis care concordat.

“The signing of today’s agreement is an important step in improving how all agencies work together to protect vulnerable people.” Sara Moseley, director of Mind Cymru and chair of the Wales Alliance on Mental Health, said: “When you are in crisis you are at your most vulnerable. You may be experiencing delusions or hallucinations, you might be suicidal or self-harming, it can be very frightening – you need the right help urgently.

“A police cell is a completely inappropriate environment in which to receive that care and support. Mind has been campaigning for action on reducing the use of police cells for people in crisis for many years. Bringing together so many agencies including the police, the NHS and the third sector is a great achievement and shows how determined we are to create change.

“This is a crucial first step. There’s a lot more to do to make sure that anyone experiencing a mental health crisis gets the right care. We need to make sure that mental health services can cope with demand and get people the help they need early on to prevent them reaching crisis point in the first place. Great crisis care exists but we need to make sure it exists for anyone in Wales who needs it.”

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon said: “I welcome this Concordat. “I raised this issue with Welsh Government two years ago and I’m glad that Dyfed-Powys Police and Hywel Dda University Health Board have led the way.”

Explaining how Dyfed Powys Police had taken steps to anticipate the Concordat, Mr Salmon continued: “I’m delighted that – a year after we launched our Street Triage scheme to help those in mental distress during police incidents – the Concordat will recognise the importance of treating mental illness as a health issue, not a police one. “The work of all those involved in delivering our local service is to be applauded; a huge amount of effort and expertise has resulted in a great new project.”

Mr Salmon concluded: “In the past, many people have been locked in police cells when what they’ve really needed is health treatment. Across the Hywel Dda area – Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire – they now get that treatment. “The Concordat has been a long time coming but will put clear responsibility on health services to treat mental health cases. The police will be there to help, not the other way round. It’s a great example of work between the police and the health board.”

News

Welsh Government outlines new rights for homeowners facing estate management charges

Published

9 minutes 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

31 minutes 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

1 hour 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.