Party backs principles of legislation but raises concerns over enforcement, capacity and pressure on councils

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have warned that the Building Safety (Wales) Bill still falls short, despite backing its general principles during a Senedd debate.

The Bill, brought forward by the Welsh Government in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, is intended to strengthen safety protections for residents living in multi-occupied buildings and improve access to safety information.

While Conservative MSs supported the Bill at stage one, the party says serious concerns remain about whether it can be delivered effectively in its current form.

The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Joel James MS, said the party welcomed the Bill’s intentions but warned that key weaknesses must be addressed.

He said: “The Welsh Conservatives welcome the Bill’s intentions to improve building safety and ensure residents have the information and protections they deserve.

“However, serious flaws remain around enforcement, capacity and unfair burdens on local authorities.

“Whilst the Welsh Conservatives support the general principles of this Bill, there is a long way to go to remediate the many issues that are currently present at this stage.”

Concerns raised during the debate included whether local authorities will have the staff, expertise and funding required to enforce the new regime, as well as whether the legislation gives regulators sufficient powers to ensure compliance.

There are also ongoing worries across the Senedd about the pace of building remediation work in Wales, with critics arguing that years after Grenfell too many residents are still living in unsafe buildings.

Opposition members have repeatedly warned that without stronger enforcement mechanisms and clearer accountability for developers and building owners, the Bill risks placing responsibility on councils without giving them the tools needed to act.

Despite those concerns, the Senedd voted to approve the general principles of the legislation, allowing it to progress to the next stage, where amendments can be proposed.

The Welsh Conservatives have said they will continue to push for changes to ensure the Bill delivers real improvements to building safety and does not place additional strain on already overstretched local authorities.

Puppies linked to Cardiff-based breeders netted £640,000 sold to customers in Pembrokeshire, court hears

THREE people who ran a large-scale illegal dog breeding operation that sold puppies across west Wales, including to buyers in Pembrokeshire, have been handed suspended prison sentences after a lengthy investigation uncovered more than £640,000 in unlawful sales.

Paul Xuereb, Samantha Xuereb and Matthew Anderson operated unlicensed dog breeding businesses in Cardiff between 2017 and 2022, deliberately avoiding animal welfare and licensing requirements while breeding and selling hundreds of puppies.

The court heard that the defendants used a network of companies, including Cardiff Canine Supplies Limited and Colour Coded Frenchies Fertility Clinic Ltd, to sell puppies to customers across Wales. The Herald understands that dogs bred as part of the operation were sold to buyers throughout Wales, including Pembrokeshire.

An investigation by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) found the scale of the breeding operation far exceeded legal limits and involved systematic overbreeding using poor-quality breeding stock. This resulted in puppies being born with congenital defects and raised serious animal welfare concerns.

Paul and Samantha Xuereb were found to have bred 63 litters together, producing 259 puppies and generating more than £459,000 in sales. Matthew Anderson bred 35 litters, producing 159 puppies and earning over £181,000.

The court also heard that the defendants carried out veterinary procedures despite not being registered veterinary surgeons. These included blood testing, artificial insemination and the supply of prescription-only veterinary medicines, all of which are tightly regulated under UK law.

Large sums of cash were seized from properties linked to the operation, while bank records revealed the significant income generated from the unlawful businesses over a five-year period.

All three defendants pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including fraudulent trading, breaches of the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, and the illegal possession and supply of veterinary medicines.

At sentencing, Paul Xuereb received a 23-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with ten rehabilitation activity days and 180 hours of unpaid work. Samantha Xuereb was handed a 15-month suspended sentence and ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work. Matthew Anderson received a 12-month suspended sentence with 120 hours of unpaid work.

Proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act are ongoing, with the court expected to consider confiscation of criminal assets at a later date. Further financial penalties remain possible.

Councillor Norma Mackie, Cardiff Council’s cabinet member responsible for Shared Regulatory Services, said the case showed “a clear disregard for the law” and placed animal welfare at serious risk. She said the sentences reflected the seriousness of the offending and should act as a deterrent to others.

Residents with concerns about suspected illegal dog breeding are urged to contact Shared Regulatory Services on 0300 123 6696.

PRIMARY schools across Wales are set to benefit from an estimated £8 million investment over the next two years after the Welsh Government confirmed an increase in the amount spent on each free school meal.

The funding boost will see the unit rate for Universal Primary Free School Meals rise from £3.20 to £3.40 per meal, an increase of 20p.

Since the scheme was launched in 2022, more than 57 million free meals have been served to primary school pupils across Wales.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said the increase means Wales now provides the highest per-meal funding rate for primary school meals anywhere in the UK, supporting schools and local authority catering teams to continue delivering nutritious food.

Wales also remains the only UK nation to offer Universal Primary Free School Meals to all primary school learners.

The scheme forms part of the Welsh Government’s wider efforts to support families with the cost of living and tackle child poverty. Parents are also being encouraged to check whether they are eligible for further assistance through the “Get help with school costs” service, including the School Essentials Grant, which helps with uniforms and classroom items. Schools also receive additional support through the Pupil Development Grant for eligible learners.

Lynne Neagle said:
“Universal Primary Free School Meals, alongside our targeted free meal offer in secondary schools, means that two-thirds of learners in Wales can access a free school meal at lunchtime every day.

“We recognise that costs are rising, and it is vital that local authorities are properly supported to deliver high-quality meals.

“Ending child poverty remains an absolute priority for the Welsh Government, and our commitment to Universal Primary Free School Meals shows how serious we are about giving every child the best possible start in life.”