News
Letter controversy overshadows consultation
Sixth form consultation to restart: Pembrokeshire College waits for students
A LETTER from the principal of Pembrokeshire College, Sharron Lusher, to Council Chief Ian Westley has raised the spectre that the Welsh Government has already made a provisional decision on sixth form reorganisation in Pembrokeshire.
The purpose of the primary legislation setting out the law and regulations covering such reorganisation is that decisions are taken locally, with the Welsh Government making an independent final decision on all proposals affecting both Welsh Medium Education and sixth forms. Any sense that the Welsh Government has indicated a preference for one proposal over another would be lethal for the integrity of the whole process.
The letter, dated September 24, 2015 responds to a request that the College consider a compromise in order to try and resolve the complications that had arisen in respect of the site of Tasker-Milward School.
The letter states: “[… ]The Welsh Government has made clear their preferred solution. The College concurs with the […] Welsh Government that the proposals which have been promulgated by the Council, are the optimum solution for the County.”
The letter concludes: “The County Council in their deliberations should recognise that the compromise is suboptimal. For this reason, the Welsh Government (who have made clear their preferred solution) may not be in agreement from both an educational and financial perspective”.
We sent a copy of the letter to the Welsh Government and suggested that its content showed that far from being a disinterested party the Welsh Government has essentially directed and predetermined the outcome of any reorganisation.
Setting aside the fact that the reference to the recommendation made by the external experts’ report, we asked the Minister to comment on precisely what ‘preferred solution’ the Welsh Government has intimated it wants.
We invited the Welsh Government to make an unconditional disavowal of the letter’s content and to deny that at any stage it has told either Pembrokeshire College or Pembrokeshire County Council that it has a ‘preferred solution’.
And a Welsh Government spokesperson obliged: “The Welsh Government has consistently made clear in its communications with all parties that this is a decision for the local authority. We do not have a ‘preferred solution’ nor have we predetermined the outcome. This has been reiterated by the Welsh Government in all relevant meetings as each proposal is assessed at the appropriate time based on the evidence provided.
“Given the Minister’s role in the statutory process, it would be inappropriate to comment on the merits of any reorganisation proposals.”
Following the unconditional nature of the Welsh Government’s response, we wrote to College Principal Sharron Lusher and asked her to explain why the content of the letter was mutually exclusive with the Welsh Government statement.
The Principal responded saying: “For the avoidance of doubt, the position of the Welsh Government regarding reorganisation, set out in the statement from Huw Lewis’ office, confirms our understanding. This understanding has not changed and the reference in my letter to Ian Westley does not contradict that understanding.
“As you are aware, the context for the letter is Pembrokeshire County Council seeking a compromise solution with the Trustees of the Tasker Milward and Picton Charity, which would allow the development of a new school on the Tasker Milward site. Pembrokeshire College’s Principal and Chairman were invited to a meeting by Ian Westley on 17th September 2015, at which we were asked to consider potential solutions for the co-location of facilities.
“The reference in my letter to a ‘preferred solution’ is in this context. In discussions on governance structures for potential solutions, the Welsh Government has emphasised that any solution should minimise the duplication of activity. This was clarified fully in the meeting with Ian Westley referred to in my letter, hence the references to ‘sub optimal’ solutions, which could arise if co-location resulted in duplicated activities.”
It seems peculiar that the interpretation placed upon the letter by Ms Lusher was not duplicated in the response from the Welsh Government. Had the Welsh Government’s input merely been as Ms Lusher suggests, the question arises as to why it did not say so for itself. In addition, Ms Lusher’s comment as to what constituted the limited nature of the Welsh Government’s preferred solution leaves two questions open:
Firstly, what was the Welsh Government doing expressing any preference in a consultation in which it is supposed to take no part at all, even on the limited basis Ms Lusher suggests?
Ms Lusher’s words are suggestive of an element of foresight on the Welsh Government’s part about a decision to be made by the local authority entirely independently of both the College and the Government. The arrangements for governance post-reorganisation are part of the public consultation, not something to be the subject of a ‘preferred solution’ by the department supposed to determine it.
Secondly, and it follows from the first question and flows from the context in which the letter was sent, what other input about the mechanics of reorganisation post-consultation has the Welsh Government had?
Even the least bad answer, that the letter’s author and the Welsh Government are at cross purposes as to what constitutes ‘a preferred solution’, leaves both the College (or at least Ms Lusher) and the Welsh Government in a difficult position.
Both Ms Lusher’s letter and her subsequent statement allow the reasonable inference to be drawn that, in the context of the proposals and counter-proposals made in a live consultation, the Welsh Government made clear its ‘preferred solution’ in respect of their resolution, or at least one element to be resolved. Ms Lusher’s statement this week does nothing to conclude that issue: it is at least arguable it makes the position worse by making it clear – beyond doubt – that the Welsh Government did intervene at a crucial juncture and told the Council what it wanted.
And that goes to the heart of the good faith of the whole process: and that includes the process involving Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Dewi Sant.
Both Ms Lusher’s letter and her response to this newspaper fatally undermine the Welsh Government’s contrary statement.
That is, if one accepts Ms Lusher’s words at their face value.
Or, indeed, those of the Welsh Government.
The Council is meeting next Thursday to discuss the next steps for the troubled consultation.
THE SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP will remain on free-to-air television in the UK until at least 2029 following a landmark new agreement between the BBC and ITV. The deal, announced today, ensures that rugby fans across the country can continue watching the prestigious tournament without needing a subscription service.
The agreement follows months of speculation that the tournament could move behind a paywall, with TNT Sports expressing interest in bidding for the rights. The BBC and ITV’s renewed partnership secures accessibility for the competition for the next four years, preserving the tradition of free-to-air coverage.
NEW BROADCASTING AGREEMENT
Under the new agreement, which runs from 2026 to 2029:
ITV will broadcast ten live matches each season, including all of England’s fixtures. These will be available across ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, with highlights and exclusive content shared via ITV Sport’s digital platforms.
BBC will air five live matches each season, covering Wales, Scotland, and Ireland’s home games. The broadcaster will also retain audio commentary rights for all Six Nations matches on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio, and online platforms.
BBC will continue to be the exclusive home of the Women’s Six Nations and U20 Six Nations.
REACTIONS FROM BROADCASTERS AND RUGBY OFFICIALS
The new agreement has been widely welcomed, with key figures from the BBC, ITV, and Six Nations Rugby celebrating the deal as a significant victory for fans and the sport’s growth.
BBC Cymru Wales Director Rhuanedd Richards described the news as “wonderful” for Welsh rugby supporters:
“I have always been a passionate advocate for keeping the Six Nations on free-to-air television, and I’m so pleased that the BBC, working with ITV, has ensured this can continue for the next four years. The viewing figures speak for themselves—hundreds of thousands tune in to watch these incredible tournaments, and we look forward to bringing the very best coverage to Welsh audiences.”
ITV Director of Sport Niall Sloane highlighted the importance of keeping the tournament accessible:
“This is a monumental deal for rugby fans and ITV, ensuring the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship stays on free-to-air television. We are proud to be the home of all England matches for the duration of the deal, including England’s much-revered clashes with Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The tournament is always one of the sporting highlights of the year.”
BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski added: “This deal is fantastic news for rugby and the BBC, keeping the sport accessible for as many people as possible. We are proud to bring the biggest sporting moments to our audiences, and this new deal is the perfect news ahead of our exclusive coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup this summer.”
WHY THIS DEAL MATTERS
The announcement comes amid growing concerns about the financial state of Welsh rugby and the accessibility of the sport to future generations. The deal ensures that audiences across the UK will continue to watch Six Nations rugby for free, protecting one of the sport’s most valuable showcases.
Recent pressure from politicians, including a campaign by the Liberal Democrats, had called for the Six Nations to be added to the UK’s “Category A” list of sporting events that must remain on free-to-air television. While the tournament is not yet protected by this status, the new agreement safeguards its availability for the next four years.
Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, emphasised the significance of the deal: “The significance of these new and innovative free-to-air partnerships for the Six Nations cannot be overstated. By strengthening rugby’s relationships with ITV and BBC, the sport can continue to give as many fans as possible access to enjoy live coverage of the Six Nations.”
“The commercial environment in which rugby is operating is extremely challenging, and the battle for audience attention has never been greater. But the Six Nations stands alongside the very greatest occasions in world sport, which is reflected by these partnerships.”
FUTURE OF RUGBY BROADCASTING
The deal also reaffirms the BBC and ITV’s commitment to rugby at a time when more sports are shifting toward pay-per-view models.
ITV’s sports rights portfolio includes other major events such as the Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026, Men’s Euros 2028, The FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup.
BBC Sport’s portfolio includes the Olympic Games, Women’s Euros 2025, Women’s Super League, Wimbledon, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
The decision to keep the Six Nations free-to-air reflects the tournament’s significance to UK sports culture. The competition regularly attracts millions of viewers, and its continued accessibility ensures that rugby remains at the heart of the sporting calendar for fans across all backgrounds.
For now, supporters can breathe a sigh of relief—Wales, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Italy will continue battling for Six Nations glory live on BBC and ITV, without the need for a subscription.
HAVERFORDWEST Magistrates’ Court will hear cases against hundreds of defendants next week as Pembrokeshire County Council seeks liability orders for unpaid council tax and non-domestic rates.
The session, scheduled for Monday (Mar 17) at 10:00am, will see a block of cases between 12:00pm and 1:00pm dedicated to council tax disputes. The council is applying for liability orders under regulation 34 of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992.
A total of 341 defendants are listed for non-payment of council tax, while a further 18 cases relate to unpaid non-domestic rates under Regulation 12 of the Non-Domestic Rating (Collection and Enforcement) (Local Lists) Regulations 1989.
Liability orders allow the council to take further enforcement action, which may include deductions from wages or benefits, bailiff action, or bankruptcy proceedings.
The Herald will provide further updates following the hearing.
AS PART of Social Work Week, we are celebrating the work of professionals at NSPCC Cymru who work closely with children to keep them safe from harm and neglect.
Staff and volunteers come from a wide range of experience and have often worked in challenging and demanding roles before joining the organisation.
Once such area is social work and the skills and knowledge of this discipline are key to the work of our Children’s Services Practitioners (CSPs).
While people often shy away from talking about child abuse, the reality is that half a million children experience abuse every year. We need to talk about it, and the CSP team at NSPCC Cymru is here to help prevent it happening. We are here to support children and their families when it has happened, to reduce stigma and shame and help promote recovery.
Sophie Dowle is a Children’s Services Practitioner (CSP) based in Cardiff and explains what brought her to NSPCC Cymru a year ago and the vital work her team does.
Sophie said, “I qualified as a social worker in 2018 and worked in Child Protection and Counter Exploitation teams in a local authority children’s services department prior to joining the NSPCC.
“At NSPCC Cymru we work on a range of direct initiatives including a therapeutic service for children and their families and carers following sexual abuse.
“We deliver a service called Pregnancy in Mind which helps expectant parents with or at risk of mild to moderate anxiety or depression, and we are about to deliver a perinatal service that supports vulnerable parents, developing their confidence in parenting and meeting the needs of their baby.”
There are some differences between the kinds of social work support our Children’s Services Practitioners provide and the traditional roles associated with local authority social workers.
Sophie continues, “Local Authority social workers tend to deal with safeguarding risks in the here and now with overall responsibility for the plan of care and support a child needs.
“We do not deliver statutory services and crisis intervention. Our direct services practitioners offer support to prevent the harm in the first place, or support recovery once a child is safe.
“By working with other agencies and partners to help care and support children, we are afforded the time and a reduced case load to work intensively and creatively with young people and their families.
“It was the opportunity to develop my therapeutic skills, and hearing about the Letting the Future In service, which delivers therapeutic work following sexual abuse, that motivated me to join NSPCC Cymru.”
The skills needed for this demanding role include general child-centred social work skills, empathy, good communication, listening and analytical skills as well as creativity and decision-making skills. Sophie says she appreciates the support and training the organisation provides.
She added, “I love the time and creativity I am given to work with children and their families. The work is very rewarding. I have worked with so many wonderful young people and have learnt things from them all. It is a privilege to be a part of their journey.
“In Social Work Week it’s important to spread the message about the vital role social work plays in safeguarding and supporting people and an opportunity to promote the work our Children’s Services Practitioners do at NSPCC Cymru to keep children and young people safe.”
NSPCC Cymru’s Direct Services team manager, Jess Hiscock said; “We value the diverse experiences and knowledge our practitioners bring to the role. Sophie and her practitioner colleagues’ passion and commitment to ensuring babies, children, young people and their families are supported and safe contributes to so many improved outcomes for those with whom we work.”
To find out more about Social Care Week visit Social Work Week 2025 | Social Care Wales
For more about the NSPCC’s services visit NSPCC | The UK children’s charity | NSPCC
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