News

Long-term strategy needed to increase diversity in local government

Published

7 years ago

April 4, 2019

TECHNOLOGY can be better used to increase diversity in local government, but the real challenge is changing people’s perception of elected members, according to the National Assembly’s Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee.

It found little progress had been made in encouraging more women to stand, or more people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transsexual (LGBTQ) or people with disabilities.

The Committee believes better use of technology such as Skype could be one way of giving people more flexibility to contribute to council meetings alongside working or other responsibilities. It’s recommending three authorities trial the technology from rural, valley and urban areas.

Relaxing restrictions around attending council meetings and voting in person could reduce the pressures on councillors and help to attract more people to the role.

Longer term, a public awareness campaign should be undertaken to improve people’s understanding of the role of councillors and political education should be taught in schools so young people are properly equipped to vote when they are old enough to vote.

The Committee commended the approach taken at Swansea City Council where a cabinet position is shared between two members and believes consideration should be given to allowing non-executive members to do the same, meaning more than one candidate would be elected to share one seat in a ward.

Elected members should also be offered more support and training in managing a better work-life balance. The Committee was concerned to learn a care allowance designed to allow councillors to claim for childcare or other care costs was not widely taken up due to public perceptions around expenses and allowances and the fear of a backlash.

The Committee believes that action is needed to elect more women as councillors and, as this change is not happening naturally, recommended that the current provision that allows all-women shortlists be extended until 2050.

Chair of the Equality, Local Government and Community Committee, John Griffiths AM, said:
“Local government in Wales delivers a range of important services to our communities including education and social services. The more representative of the people they serve the better equipped our councillors are to carry out their duties and responsibilities.

“Unfortunately, women, black and minority ethnic communities, individuals with disabilities, LGBT people, the young and those with lower incomes are markedly under represented meaning their particular experience, views and concerns have too weak a voice.

“Later this year we expect the Local Government Bill to be introduced to the Assembly, providing an opportunity to address these issues.

“This committee inquiry will help inform that legislation and aid our scrutiny. We have sought to understand the importance of diversity, barriers that hold it back and examples of how they may be overcome.”

The Committee makes 22 recommendations in its report, including:

That the Welsh Government, in its forthcoming local government Bill, includes provisions to relax the restrictions on members’ remote attendance and voting at formal council meetings set out in the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 to enable local authorities to trial the use of video communication methods.

That the Welsh Government works with the Welsh Local Government Association to identify three local authority areas to participate in trialling the use of video communication methods to facilitate participation by remote attendance at council meetings.

The Welsh Government and the Welsh Local Government Association start work on a positive campaign to increase diversity among candidates standing for local government elections by summer 2019.The report will now be considered by the Welsh Government.

Education

Tenby school feasibility study confirms roof system failure

Published

4 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Safety concerns deepen as Cabinet prepares to discuss full roof replacement

SIGNIFICANT new detail has emerged about the structural issues affecting Tenby VC School, with a Pembrokeshire County Council feasibility study confirming that the building’s roof system has deteriorated to the point where only a full replacement will make the site safe.

Built in 2016, the school has suffered ongoing water ingress and damage to its Structural Insulated Panels. The council commissioned a detailed investigation earlier this year, which has now concluded that “Design Option 5” – a complete roof replacement – is the only viable long-term solution. Cabinet is due to consider the findings at its meeting on Monday (Nov 3).

Urgent health and safety measures remain in place at the site, including the installation of 510 acro props across affected sections of the building and the closure of the Early Years and playgroup wing. The council has confirmed that a full decant of pupils and staff will be required while construction takes place, with options for temporary accommodation currently being reviewed.

Routine monitoring is continuing on a half-termly basis, alongside monthly checks of the acro props. A further report setting out a full decant strategy is expected to come before Cabinet no later than January 2026.

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said the safety of pupils and staff remained the council’s priority. He added: “The findings of the feasibility study are clear. Only a full roof replacement will provide the secure and modern learning environment our children deserve. We are committed to working closely with the school community to minimise disruption and ensure continuity of education throughout the process.”

Further updates on the council’s decision and the decant arrangements will follow as more information becomes available.

Crime

Fire at newly opened Llandysul gym prompts police investigation

Published

5 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

One person arrested; founders vow they will ‘reopen in no time’

A FIRE at a newly opened gym in Llandysul has led to the arrest of one person, with police treating the incident as suspected arson.

Emergency crews were called to Y Gampfa, the new fitness hub in the town, during the early hours of Thursday, November 13 – less than a fortnight after its official launch on November 1.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that one individual has been arrested and later released on bail while enquiries continue. Officers are urging anyone with information to come forward.

‘Deeply saddened but relieved no one was hurt’

Co-founder James Turner said the team had been left devastated by the incident so soon after opening.

“We are deeply saddened by what has happened to our recently launched Y Gampfa gym,” he said. “Most importantly, we are relieved that none of our staff or members were inside at the time. The damage is confined to the building and equipment, and no one was injured.”

The gym had attracted strong early interest, bolstered by support from fitness influencers Emily Olivia and Tyle Smith.

Founders determined to reopen

Co-founder Josh Farmer said the fire had hit the team hard but insisted the project would continue.

“This has been incredibly disheartening after the time, work and passion that went into creating a new wellbeing space for the community,” he said. “Because there is an active criminal investigation, we can’t discuss details, but we want to reassure members that Y Gampfa will reopen as soon as possible.”

The gym’s open day earlier this month drew hundreds of residents, and more than 200 members signed up within the first days of trading.

Co-founder Steffan Evans paid tribute to the community response.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support,” he said. “People’s messages, offers of help and encouragement show exactly why this place matters. We also want to thank the emergency services for their swift response.”

Fellow co-founder James Stewart added: “With the backing of our friends, families and the wider community, we are determined to rebuild. We look forward to welcoming everyone back as soon as we can.”

Police appeal

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police on 101, or report anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

Y Gampfa opened earlier this month after being founded in 2025 by Steffan Evans, Josh Farmer, James Stewart and James Turner, all from the Teifi Valley, with the aim of offering an inclusive fitness space “where everyone belongs”.

Health

Urgent warning as fake NHS calls target GP patients

Published

5 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Scammers threaten to ‘remove people from practice lists’ in new phone fraud

A WARNING has been issued after reports of a new scam in which fraudsters pretend to be calling from the NHS, telling people they must “update their GP records” or risk being removed from their doctor’s patient list.

The automated calls appear to come from ordinary UK mobile numbers. Patients are told they must act immediately or face being struck off. Health officials have confirmed the calls are entirely fraudulent.

The NHS has stressed it will never phone patients to demand updates to their records, threaten removal from a GP list, or ask for personal or bank details.

Cybersecurity specialist Javvad Malik said the scam works because it plays on people’s trust and sense of urgency. “When you hear something about your GP records, it sounds official,” he said. “If you’re busy, you may react before you have the chance to think. Never share personal or payment details with an unsolicited caller.”

What to do if you receive one of these calls
• Do not respond to any of the instructions.
• Hang up straight away.
• Contact your GP practice using the number on its official website or your appointment letters.
• Never click on links or call any numbers given in a suspicious message.

If you have already engaged with the scam
• Tell your GP practice what happened so they can reassure you that no action is needed.
• If you disclosed bank information, contact your bank immediately.
• Change any passwords you reused and enable two-factor authentication.
• Report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
• Be cautious of any further suspicious calls, texts or emails.

Patients across the UK are being urged to stay alert and warn family members, particularly older or vulnerable people, who may be more likely to engage with an automated call.