LOCAL MS Samuel Kurtz has warned that the Welsh Government’s latest approach to NHS dentistry could worsen access to vital dental care, leaving millions in Wales struggling to secure treatment.

More than 1.5 million people in Wales are currently unable to register with an NHS dentist, with many facing years-long waits for treatment. Kurtz, MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, said the crisis was one of the most pressing concerns raised by his constituents.

‘The system is failing’

“The system is failing,” Kurtz said. “Patients are left in pain, dentists are overwhelmed, and public trust in NHS dentistry is eroding—all while the Welsh Labour Government sits back and watches this crisis unfold.”

At the heart of the issue is the government’s offer of a 6% funding increase, tied to a mandatory reform programme that has drawn fierce criticism from dental professionals. The British Dental Association (BDA) has warned that the conditions attached could drive even more dentists out of the NHS, deepening the crisis.

Kurtz called for urgent intervention, saying: “With more dentists handing back NHS contracts, it’s clear the system isn’t working. This latest move risks delivering the final blow to NHS dentistry in Wales.”

He urged the government to rethink its approach, adding: “The Welsh Government must work with, not against, dentists to deliver meaningful reform, tackle patient backlogs, and ensure access to dental care improves—not deteriorates further.”

‘A spectacular display of bad faith’

Welsh General Dental Practice Chair Russell Gidney also condemned the government’s approach.

“This is a spectacular display of bad faith from the Welsh Government,” he said. “The sole authors of record-breaking delays on pay are based in Cardiff Bay. For the first time, ministers have sought to tie the hands of demoralised dentists.”

He criticised the decision to make pay rises conditional on signing up for changes that could undermine the service.

“This forces colleagues to sign up to a deal that fails to keep pace with soaring costs,” he added. “It should come as little surprise to the Welsh Government that no health professional is going to roll over and welcome a pay cut.”

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More officers on streets as government doubles funding

WALES is set to see a surge in neighbourhood policing as the government doubles its funding to £200 million, aiming to restore a visible police presence in local communities.

The investment, which builds on December’s initial £100 million pledge, is intended to reverse years of declining police numbers on the streets. Each of Wales’s four police forces will receive a significant funding boost:

• Dyfed-Powys Police: Up to £160.4m – a 5.9% increase
• Gwent Police: Up to £193.3m – a 5.8% increase
• North Wales Police: Up to £223.0m – a 6.1% increase
• South Wales Police: Up to £434.3m – a 6.2% increase

More boots on the ground

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the funding as a “turning point” for policing, stating: “By doubling extra neighbourhood funding to £200m, we are giving forces across the country what they need to put more officers and PCSOs where they’re needed most – on our streets and in our town centres.”

She added that dedicated officers who understand their local areas will help tackle crime before it escalates, with new powers being introduced to further support policing efforts.

The investment is part of the Safer Streets initiative, which will see 13,000 additional officers, PCSOs, and special constables deployed in communities across the country. While the full impact will take time, this first year of funding signals the government’s commitment to making it a priority.

North Wales leads the way

The success of #RenewRhyl, a policing initiative in North Wales, has been highlighted as an example of what dedicated local policing can achieve. The scheme has led to a 14% drop in recorded crime, showing how increased police visibility can make a real difference.

Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, welcomed the extra funding, saying: “Neighbourhood policing is at the heart of my plan for fighting crime in North Wales. Initiatives like #RenewRhyl show that when local people are put at the heart of policing, we see real results.”

Chief Superintendent Owain Llewellyn echoed these sentiments, saying: “We have been clear throughout that this is for the community and involving the community. We have had fantastic support and buy-in from local people who have worked with us to identify the priorities for their areas.”

A long-term commitment

With more funding expected in this autumn’s spending review, the government says this is just the beginning of a wider push to strengthen policing. Plans include giving officers new powers through the Crime and Policing Bill, such as Respect Orders to tackle anti-social behaviour in town centres.

Every neighbourhood will also have a named, contactable officer, ensuring that communities know who to turn to for local policing issues.

With more officers, stronger powers, and local priorities shaping the approach, the government says it is backing the police to deliver the safer streets people deserve.

POLICE have issued a warning after two nights of protests outside a property in Burton, where demonstrators gathered in response to a court decision granting bail to a man accused of serious child abuse offences.

Officers were called to the address at around 7:00pm on Tuesday (Jan 28) following reports of a crowd forming outside the property. A second gathering took place the following night (Jan 29), prompting further police presence.

During the second protest, officers arrested two men—one aged 47 on suspicion of affray and another aged 58 on suspicion of aggravated trespass. Both have since been released on bail with conditions while investigations continue.

Police confirmed that body-worn footage from both incidents is being reviewed, warning that any individuals found to have committed offences will face further action.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We will always seek to facilitate peaceful protest while balancing it with the rights of others, keeping the public safe, and preventing crime and disorder.

“We encourage anyone organising a protest to contact us so we can work together to ensure any demonstrations are conducted safely and with respect for the wider community.”

The demonstrations follow public outrage over the case of Christopher Phillips, 33, who has been charged with the sexual penetration of a seven-week-old baby, as well as assault, ill-treatment, neglect, and abandonment causing serious physical harm. His co-accused, Bryony O’Rourke, faces related charges of allowing a child to suffer serious harm.

On Friday (Jan 25), Phillips was re-granted bail, sparking fury among locals, with around 40 people gathering outside the Burton property on Tuesday to voice their anger. The Herald understands that police at the scene informed protesters that Phillips was not present at the address.

One demonstrator told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We’re here for the baby. It’s not right that people accused of such horrific crimes are allowed to walk free in the community.”

While initial reports described the protest as peaceful, police have now intervened following the second night of demonstrations, urging the public to express their concerns through legal means and avoid any actions that could lead to criminal charges.

The investigation into the case is ongoing.