News
Crabb praises cost of living payments as charities say people still can’t make ends meet
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
Man fined after obstructing police in Haverfordwest
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been fined after admitting obstructing police officers during an incident in the town centre.
John Smith, aged twenty-seven, of Castle Street, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court to wilfully obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty.
The offence took place on Tuesday (Feb 3).
Magistrates fined him £160 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £64 victim services surcharge.
Crime
Teen ordered to pay compensation after assault
A TEENAGER has been ordered to pay compensation after admitting an assault which left another young person injured.
A 13-year-old boy from Pembroke Dock appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court heard the offence involved an attack on another youth.
Due to the age of those involved, no further details of the incident can be reported.
Magistrates ordered the defendant to pay £500 in compensation to the victim, along with prosecution costs.
The matter was dealt with in the youth court.
Crime
Domestic abuse charge discontinued at magistrates
A DOMESTIC abuse case involving allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour has been discontinued at court.
Lewis Thompson-Gill, aged thirty-five, of Ashtree House, Worcester Road, Little Witley, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.
The charge alleged that he repeatedly monitored the complainant’s phone and laptop use, restricted her ability to work, and caused damage to property.
The matter had been listed for trial but prosecutors formally discontinued the case before evidence was heard.
No application was made for costs.
-
Crime2 days agoSex offender jailed after living off grid in Pembrokeshire and refusing to register
-
Health24 hours agoHealth board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales
-
News3 days agoPrincess of Wales visits historic Pembrokeshire woollen mill
-
Health5 days agoDoctor struck off after sexual misconduct findings at Withybush Hospital
-
Crime1 day agoTeacher injured and teenager arrested for attempted murder at Milford Haven School
-
News5 days agoHerald journalists to feature in true-crime documentary on local lockdown murder
-
Education6 days agoIndustry insight helps marine cadets chart career course
-
Crime3 days agoHakin man’s appeal delayed again as Crown Court seeks guidance on insurance law







