News

Crabb praises cost of living payments as charities say people still can’t make ends meet

Published

4 years ago

June 24, 2022

426, 000 families in Wales are set to receive a cash payment from July to ease cost of living financial pressures. Households will receive the first of two cost of living instalments totalling £650 from 14 July, part of the £1,200 support package this year.

After ministers confirmed initial payments would begin from 14 July, the Department for Work and Pensions has now revealed how many people in each part of the country will receive the new financial support. They have also revealed that the disability top-up will land in bank accounts in September.

In Preseli Pembrokeshire, 10,400 families are eligible for the means-tested payment, and 9,200 individuals are eligible for the disability payment.

Mr Crabb has been vocal since the very beginning of the cost of living crisis about the Government needing to offer further support for those on the lowest incomes. On Wednesday, he again spoke in the House of Commons chamber on this issue.

Commenting on the latest updates, Mr Crabb added: “I have long been calling for increased targeted support for those on the lowest incomes who have been hit hardest by the cost of living crisis. It is good to see that the Chancellor has listened and rolled out an unprecedented package of £37 billion.”

“These payments, which households will receive in two instalments, will provide necessary targeted and urgent support to those on the lowest incomes”.

At the same time, CAP’s Swansea Debt Centre Manager, Tony Quinn, says, “The reality for families on the lowest incomes across Wales is many of them just don’t have enough money coming in to be able to run their homes, buy the essentials, and feed themselves and their children.

“It’s incredibly sad but not surprising that this is leading to more people feeling anxious, depressed and suicidal.

“At Christians Against Poverty, through our free services, we can help people get out of debt, provide them with practical and emotional support, offer free budgeting courses, and job clubs to try and get them back into employment. This help often leads to people becoming debt free so they can move forward with their lives and have hope for the future.

“CAP is already partnering with hundreds of amazing churches to help run our services and the charity is looking to find more churches to work with in Wales so we can offer as much help as possible to local people who are struggling because of the cost of living crisis.”

Tony continued, “Many people still face destitution in the months ahead, prices are still rising and sadly this crisis is far from over.

“CAP’s report shows half of the people we are helping waited over a year before seeking free debt help, with a quarter waiting three years or more. It’s vital we raise awareness of the support available so people know they can get help from CAP or another free debt help charity if they’re struggling with their finances.”

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

4 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.