Young talent prepares to shine
THE TORCH YOUTH THEATRE is gearing up to present Ravers, a vibrant and light-hearted new play that explores the world through the eyes of socially awkward teenagers. Part of the National Theatre Connections programme, Ravers promises to deliver a heartfelt and hilarious performance this March.

What is ‘Ravers’ about?
The play follows Ali, a determined teenager on a mission to host the ultimate rave for outcasts, affectionately dubbed “Neeks” (Nerds and Geeks). But there’s a catch: Ali has never been to a rave before. With no drugs, no drinking, and nothing wilder than hand-holding, this dry rave could either become the highlight of their lives or a complete disaster. For the Neeks, it’s about more than just music and dancing—it’s about finding comfort in being themselves and forging new friendships.

One cast member, aged 16, explained: “It’s about today’s generation of outcasts coming together to find solidarity and comfort in being themselves.”

Months in the making
The youth theatre members have been hard at work on the production since September under the guidance of Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth & Community. The group will debut the play at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven from Thursday, March 6 to Saturday, March 8, before taking it to Aberystwyth Arts Centre in April.

Reflecting on the experience, one young actor shared: “Rehearsals are loud but enjoyable, always introducing us to new skills in performing arts while being a safe space to laugh and connect with each other.” Another added: “I never thought I’d get the opportunity to work with the National Theatre.”

A collaboration with a visionary playwright
Ravers was penned by the prolific playwright Rikki Beadle-Blair, MBE, whose remarkable career spans over 40 plays, films, and TV series. Known for his vibrant storytelling, Beadle-Blair’s works often delve into themes of identity and belonging.

Tim Howe, the production director, expressed his enthusiasm: “The Connections programme celebrates emerging talent across the UK. We’re thrilled to perform Rikki Beadle-Blair’s play, which promises a fun-filled, bop-tastic evening at the theatre.”

Event details
Ravers will run at the Torch Theatre from Thursday, March 6, to Saturday, March 8, with performances starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are £10 for adults and £8 for concessions.

Content warnings:
The play includes depictions of underage drinking, moderate language, themes of anxiety, and references to the loss of a parent.

Whether you’re a fan of theatre, an advocate for youth talent, or simply looking for an evening of laughs and heartfelt moments, Ravers is a show not to be missed.

POLICE and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has announced the police precept for 2025/26 following the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel’s unanimous approval at a meeting on Friday (Jan 24). The precept, which forms part of council tax funding for policing, will see an 8.6% increase for an average Band D property—equivalent to £28.65 annually or approximately £2.39 per month.

Transparent budget-setting process

Mr. Llywelyn’s proposal was praised by panel members for its transparency and thorough scrutiny over several months. The Commissioner factored in inflation, cost pressures, service demands, reserves, and community feedback before finalizing the precept.

“The operational and financial landscape remains unpredictable,” Mr. Llywelyn said. “This funding will enable the Force to focus on delivering my new Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029 and improving outcomes for the community.”

Strengthening local policing

The increase will bring significant enhancements to police services, particularly through Local Policing Teams. The precept, along with a £0.7m Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee Grant, will fund 35 additional full-time officers. This allows experienced officers to shift from desk-based roles to frontline policing, bolstering neighbourhood and response teams.

Further investments include upgrades to critical operational equipment, technology, and staffing to improve efficiency and case handling. Vulnerable callers will benefit from strengthened support, and training initiatives will ensure the Force remains responsive to community needs.

Mr. Llywelyn emphasized the importance of visible policing: “We understand the burden any increase places on taxpayers, but this decision is vital for sustaining essential services and increasing visible policing. These investments will help safeguard our communities’ safety and well-being.”

Public consultation informs decision

The Commissioner sought public input, with 54.7% of 707 respondents supporting a precept increase above 9% to protect services. The approved 8.6% rise will set the Band D precept at £360.68 for 2025/26, raising £86.366m and contributing to total funding of £153.304m—a £9.4m (6.5%) increase from last year.

Future plans

The Commissioner’s new Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029 will outline objectives for improving performance and outcomes.
“I extend my thanks to the public for their input and to the Police and Crime Panel for their continued support,” Mr. Llywelyn added.

TRADE UNIONS have raised the alarm over Carmarthenshire County Council’s (CCC) proposed 2025/26 budget, warning that ongoing cuts to services are jeopardizing vital community resources. Since 2010, CCC has implemented approximately £150 million in cuts, leaving essential services vulnerable, union representatives claim.

Unison, GMB, and Unite have criticised the council’s leadership, accusing it of prioritising a 6% pay rise for councillors over protecting services. They argue that the council’s budget shortfalls threaten libraries, leisure centres, and public conveniences, creating a strain on already overstretched resources.

CCC has responded by highlighting significant financial pressures. Despite receiving a 4.1% provisional funding increase from the Welsh Government, the council faces an estimated £18 million shortfall for its 2025/26 budget. The council is legally obligated to balance its budget, relying on income from the Revenue Support Grant (RSG), council tax, paid services, and other grants.

Councillor Alun Lenny, CCC’s Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “Very difficult decisions lie ahead for Carmarthenshire County Council. We are now inviting residents, businesses, community, and voluntary organisations to have their say on new policy saving proposals drawn from across all council services.”

Public consultation onderway

To address the budget challenges, CCC has launched a public consultation, open until January 26, 2025, to gather feedback on proposed cost-saving measures. These proposals include reducing building costs, increasing digital efficiencies, and revising staffing structures.

Councillor Lenny added: “As an Authority, we have worked hard to limit the number of policy changes put forward for consultation this year to lessen the impact upon our residents.”

Impact on non-statutory services

Unions argue that non-statutory services, such as museums and leisure centres, are disproportionately affected. St Clears Leisure Centre’s future hangs in the balance, with plans to shift its management locally. Other measures, such as reduced library staffing and increased secondary school meal prices, are seen as disproportionately impacting vulnerable families.

Union representatives criticised the public consultation process as divisive. “The consultation invites the public to choose between bad and worse,” a spokesperson said, arguing that public feedback may not influence final decisions.

Concerns over AI integration

The unions also expressed concern about the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve “staff efficiencies.” They claim AI is being implemented without proper consultation, potentially leading to job losses and further strain on remaining employees. “AI should enhance, not replace, human jobs,” a union representative said, warning of possible industrial action if worker protections are not addressed.

Alternative solutions

Trade unions are calling for a “No Cuts Needs-Led Budget,” advocating the use of council reserves and borrowing powers to protect and improve services. They suggest this approach would allow time to campaign for increased national funding.

“The fight is not in the courts but in mobilising public support and pressuring Westminster to restore funding to 2010 levels,” unions stated in a joint message.

A warning for the future

The unions warned that without decisive action, CCC could face financial difficulties akin to English councils that have issued Section 114 notices, effectively declaring bankruptcy. They urged the council to collaborate with trade unions and the public to find sustainable solutions.

The council has yet to respond to these criticisms or detail how it plans to address the issues raised. Residents are encouraged to participate in the consultation to help shape the future of local services.