Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Consultation on Haverfordwest fair

Published

on

Showmans Guild ColourPEMBROKESHIRE County Council is currently working with the Showman’s Guild to look at possible alternative locations for the Haverfordwest Fair (currently held at Scotchwell Car Park).

 The locations being considered are Castle Lake Car Park and Rifleman’s Field. If you would like to give your views, visit www.pembrokeshire. gov.uk/haveyoursay and complete the short response questionnaire. Alternatively, pick up a questionnaire from our Customer Service Centre in North Wing, County Hall or the Library and Information Centre, off Dew Street. The closing date for responses is Friday, July 18.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Education

Welsh university crisis deepens as Bangor announces 200 job cuts

Published

on

THE FINANCIAL crisis gripping Welsh universities has worsened, with Bangor University announcing plans to cut 200 jobs in an effort to save £15 million. The move follows similar measures at Cardiff University, which is set to axe 400 positions, and the University of South Wales, which will shed 90 jobs and shut down several courses.

Bangor’s Vice Chancellor Professor Edmund Burke outlined the university’s dire financial position in an email to staff, citing a drop in international students, rising costs, and changes to national insurance as key factors. While the university hopes to avoid compulsory redundancies by extending its voluntary redundancy scheme, it has warned that enforced job losses may be necessary.

The crisis has sparked a political row, with Labour’s funding policies and tax hikes under fire. Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Natasha Asghar MS, placed the blame squarely on the Labour Government’s handling of higher education:

“Labour’s National Insurance hike continues to heap pressure on industries across Wales and following the similar news from Cardiff University last month, it was inevitable these pressures would ripple across the higher education sector.”

“With universities already grappling with a £100m deficit and Labour’s tuition fee increases making higher education less appealing for many young people, Labour’s funding cuts and tax hikes are now jeopardising the future of our institutions, their staff, and students.”

“After 26 years of Labour failure in education, it’s clear that only the Welsh Conservatives have the solutions to fix these deep-rooted problems and secure a brighter future for Wales.”

The UK Government has also been criticised for immigration policies that discouraged international student enrolment, worsening financial struggles across the sector. Prof Burke noted that some top-tier universities have responded to the drop in international students by lowering entry grades, making it even harder for institutions like Bangor to attract students.

On Tuesday, Welsh Higher Education Minister Vikki Howells announced a further £19 million in funding for the sector, despite stating earlier this month that no extra money was available. However, universities have warned that this support falls short of what is needed to prevent further cuts.

Meanwhile, the University of South Wales has confirmed its own job losses and course closures. The institution will withdraw from some research topics and concentrate on crime, security and justice, health and wellbeing, the sustainable environment, and creative innovation. The university said it is making efforts to limit compulsory redundancies and provide support to affected staff and students.

With the financial future of Wales’ universities hanging in the balance, opposition leaders and university officials alike are calling for a long-term solution to prevent further disruption to students, staff, and the wider economy.

Continue Reading

News

Councils pay over £100,000 to Crown Estate annually

Published

on

CALLS FOR DEVOLUTION

NEW data has revealed that councils in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire pay a combined £105,589.29 each year to the Crown Estate for public access to land.

The figure was obtained through Freedom of Information requests by the office of Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid and West Wales (pictured). Mr. Campbell argues the findings strengthen his party’s call for the devolution of the Crown Estate’s responsibilities to Wales.

Currently, profits from the Crown Estate are received and managed by the UK Treasury on behalf of the royal family.

PLAID CYMRU PRESSURE

In the Senedd today (Wednesday, February 19), Mr. Campbell questioned Jayne Bryant, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Housing. He raised concerns about the financial strain on local councils and the impact of rising costs.

“Local authorities, facing the cost-of-living crisis and increased national insurance contributions, are having to consider cuts to public services to balance their budgets,” he said. “Ceredigion Council, for instance, is facing a £5 million deficit and considering a council tax rise of up to 14%.”

He added: “Do you agree with me and my Plaid Cymru colleagues that it is impossible to justify councils in south-west Wales sending over £100,000 to the UK Treasury and royal family each year? Shouldn’t the process of transferring responsibility for the Crown Estate to Wales begin as soon as possible?”

Continue Reading

News

Welsh Conservatives vote against £7m support for Welsh businesses

Published

on

A POLITICAL row has erupted after the Welsh Conservatives voted against a Welsh Government plan to provide £7 million in financial support to businesses struggling with their bills. The decision, made in the Senedd on Tuesday (Feb 18), has drawn sharp criticism from Welsh Labour, who accused the Tories of failing to help businesses recover from economic pressures exacerbated by UK Government policies.

Labour slams Tory opposition

A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: “You couldn’t make it up. The party that gave us the disastrous Liz Truss budget that sent bills soaring has now voted against providing a package of support for Welsh businesses worth £7 million.”

The funding was part of a broader £335 million package within the Welsh Government’s 2025-26 budget, aimed at easing financial pressures on businesses. The proposed support included targeted relief for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, which have been struggling amid high operating costs and economic uncertainty.

Tories defend their stance

The Welsh Conservatives have defended their decision, arguing that their own economic growth plan, which included reinstating business rates relief to 75% for key sectors, would have been a more effective solution. Their proposal was rejected by Labour members, leading to their opposition to the alternative package.

Pembrokeshire MS Sam Kurtz says Labour has consistently failed Welsh businesses

Samuel Kurtz MS, the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Welsh Language, said: “Labour has consistently failed Welsh businesses. Instead of implementing real, long-term solutions to drive economic growth, they are offering piecemeal support that does not address the deeper challenges facing our economy.”

Economic challenges in Wales

The debate over business support comes against the backdrop of concerning economic statistics in Wales. The nation continues to grapple with higher unemployment rates and lower employment figures compared to other parts of the UK. Businesses, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors, have been vocal about the need for more substantial government intervention to cope with rising costs.

The Welsh Labour Government insists that its package is necessary to provide immediate relief, while the Welsh Conservatives argue that broader tax and economic reforms are needed to create a more sustainable business environment.

Divided reactions

Business leaders and organisations have expressed mixed reactions to the political fallout. While some have welcomed the Welsh Government’s funding plan, others believe it does not go far enough to address long-term financial pressures.

A spokesperson for Business Wales said: “Any support for businesses is welcome, but we urge all parties to work together on long-term solutions that provide certainty and stability for Welsh enterprises.”

Political fallout

The vote has intensified the ongoing political battle between Labour and the Conservatives in Wales, with both parties accusing each other of failing to support the economy effectively. With the Welsh economy facing ongoing challenges, businesses will be watching closely to see if further financial relief or policy changes emerge in the coming months.

The Herald will continue to follow developments on this issue.

Continue Reading

Health17 hours ago

NHS Wales workforce crisis: Audit Wales report highlights key challenges

A NEW report from Audit Wales has exposed critical workforce challenges in NHS Wales, citing gaps in workforce planning, recruitment...

News18 hours ago

High court quashes Pembrokeshire council’s planning approval

Judge rules council failed to justify decision on Heritage Park expansion THE HIGH COURT has quashed Pembrokeshire County Council’s approval...

Crime1 day ago

35 arrests as police disrupt £12 million cannabis operation

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has carried out its most significant drugs operation to date, seizing more than £12 million worth of cannabis...

Crime1 day ago

More than 2,000 child sexual abuse image crimes recorded in Wales last year

Private messaging platforms exploited by criminals MORE than 2,000 child sexual abuse image offences were recorded by police forces in...

Charity2 days ago

RNLI on the lookout for new beach lifesavers in Pembrokeshire

LOCALLY, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is seeking budding lifeguards to launch their lifesaving careers on some of Wales’...

Crime2 days ago

Garage boss to stand trial for rape at Swansea Crown Court

A PEMBROKESHIRE garage owner will stand trial after denying a charge of rape. Ceri Morgan, 61, is accused of raping...

Crime3 days ago

Police-chase teenager remanded in custody over drug and firearm offences

A PEMBROKESHIRE teenager who was previously granted bail on drug-dealing charges has now been remanded in custody after facing additional...

News3 days ago

Paddleboarders rescued off Aberporth by Cardigan’s lifeboat crew

CARDIGAN lifeboat launched on Friday (Feb 16) after two paddleboarders were spotted struggling against an outgoing tide south of Aberporth....

News4 days ago

The Sea Empress Disaster: Remembering the catastrophe 29 years on

IT WAS exactly 29 years ago. On the evening of February 15, 1996, at approximately 8:07pm, the oil tanker Sea...

Business5 days ago

Council take legal action against 686 Pembrokeshire-based businesses

Scores of firms listed in court for non-payment of business rates HUNDREDS of businesses across Pembrokeshire are facing court action...

Popular This Week