News

Wales stands firm in support for Ukraine

Published

2 years ago

September 29, 2022

IN THE latest update on the Ukraine crisis, Wales’s Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt thanked all those households across Wales who have come forward to offer their homes to Ukrainians fleeing the War and encouraged more households to provide this vital support.

APPEAL FOR MORE HOST FAMILIES

The Minister for Social Justice said: “I’m delighted to say that over 5,650 people from Ukraine, sponsored by the Welsh Government and Welsh households, have already arrived in the UK.
“More than 8,200 visas have now been issued to people from Ukraine who have sponsors in Wales, so we expect the number of arrivals to continue to grow in the coming weeks.
“Thousands of Welsh households sponsored Ukrainians to arrive in Wales and committed to hosting them for at least six months.
“As we move into the autumn, we approach the end of that initial period.
“We hope hosts and Ukrainians will agree to extend many of those placements, but we need additional hosts to support those who cannot continue living where they are.
“To ensure a warm welcome to Wales, I’m inviting households across Wales to come forward and open their homes to welcome those seeking sanctuary.
“We’re immensely thankful to all those across Wales acting as hosts to Ukrainians, but more households must come forward.
“I completely understand that there are those who want to help but may not have the resources to do so, given the circumstances we’re all facing with the cost-of-living crisis.”

WALES WILL STEP UP TO THE PLATE

Jane Hutt continued: “What we all know, and has been proven countless times, is that the people of Wales are one of the most generous across the globe, and I’m sure we will step up to the plate once again.
“The idea of hosting can be daunting. That’s why we have funded Housing Justice Cymru to provide a Host Support service which includes expert and reliable information, training, advice, and guidance for people hosting, or those considering hosting, Ukrainians in Wales.
“More information on sessions and training can be found on the Housing Justice Cymru website. We also publish regularly updated guidance for hosts and sponsors at gov. wales/ukraine.
“We still need many more households to consider whether they could provide a home for those in need. This would normally be a commitment to hosting for 6 to 12 months.
“If anyone is considering this, we encourage them to register their interest at gov.wales/offerhome, and to attend one of the ‘Introduction to Hosting’ sessions, facilitated by Housing Justice Cymru. You won’t need to continue the process if you decide it is not for you.
“We have also partnered with Airbnb.org to ensure very short-term emergency placements can be provided to prevent homelessness.
“If you cannot host for more than 6 months but you could offer your property for up to 30 days at a time, you may also be able to contribute. Visit gov.wales/offerhome and follow the link to the Airbnb.org platform.”
Finally, the Minister stated: “We will continue to communicate with those who host Ukrainians, with updated guidance and information to support the valuable role you are undertaking.
“To all those that are already hosting and to those that are considering hosting, thank you, we owe you all a huge debt of gratitude.”

WESTMINSTER MUST BACK HOSTS
DURING COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS

Conservative MS Mark Isherwood raised how the cost-of-living crisis affects Ukrainian refugees.
Where families had taken in those fleeing Russian aggression, he noted a risk of sponsorships not continuing beyond six months because the hosts cannot afford the rise in fuel costs.
He asked the Minister what discussions she’d had with the UK Government about increasing the £350 contribution to households who’d taken in Ukrainian refugees.
The Minister agreed with Mark Isherwood that ending a specific ministerial post dealing with refugees was regrettable.
She noted a lack of information from the UK Government over the summer months and since Liz Truss replaced Boris Johnson as head of the Conservative Government.
Ms Hutt said: “We asked for an increase at least to £500, or up again, doubling to £700 per month. An urgent decision is needed regarding this as they reach the end of their six-month period.
“That period is underway, so we’re writing to all hosts to see if they will continue.”

UK GOVERNMENT URGED
TO PICK UP THE PHONE

The Minister thanked Mark Isherwood for introducing her to a charity offering support in North Wales, Link, and hoped that he and his colleagues would bring pressure to bear on their Westminster colleagues to ensure those in need from Ukraine and those in Wales helping them received support.
She added: “I look forward perhaps that we might have some telephone calls from the Prime Minister and other Ministers to us in Government. We must engage with them and follow this through.
“There is a huge job of work to be done here. We’re taking responsibility in the way I’ve outlined, funding our welcome centres and paying thank-you payments to hosts if they support a family who initially arrived in Wales under the Ukraine family scheme.
“That’s not happening in England. The commitment that we’re making is considerable.
“I hope everyone will join us today, saying that we need to press for those answers in terms of financial support.”

THE THREAT OF HOMELESSNESS

Sioned Williams of Plaid Cymru raised the spectre of Ukrainian refugees becoming homeless in Wales due to a lack of financial support and the end of existing hosting and housing placements.
The Minister praised the work of local authorities across Wales supporting refugees.
She said: “There are very imaginative programmes. That includes a whole range of issues like repurposing empty buildings.
“Local authorities are really coming up with a whole range of ways in which we can support people, perhaps, from a welcome centre, or a host family, into that intermediate accommodation, and then on to other longer-term accommodation.”
Pembrokeshire currently houses around 200 Ukrainian refugees, with the demand for assistance outstripping the availability of suitable accommodation.

NOT ONE PENNY FROM WESTMINSTER
TO SUPPORT FAMILIES FLEEING WAR

Responding to a question from Mabon ap Gwynfor about problems housing family groups, Jane Hutt hit out at the lack of support from the UK Government and how it’s u-turned on a commitment to help families.
“The UK Government has never given a penny towards the family scheme.
“The former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, in one of his last PMQs, actually said that he thought the Ukraine family scheme should get the same funding and support as the Homes for Ukraine scheme. It’s never happened.
“We have provided thank-you payments to people who are hosting Ukrainian families. It’s all Welsh Government money; it’s not UK Government, because they don’t provide a penny. And also, the British Red Cross—£246,000—who are actually supporting Ukrainian families who are hosting family members under the Ukrainian family scheme.”
On Wednesday, September 28, Eluned Morgan, Wales’s Health Minister, announced the continuation of free healthcare in Wales to Ukrainian residents displaced by the ongoing conflict.
The exemption will continue to apply unless there’s a significant change in circumstances in Ukraine.

Community

Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter

Published

14 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

16 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Crime

Only 3% of sexual offences reported to Dyfed-Powys Police result in a charge

Published

19 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MORE than 1,600 rape and sexual offences have been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police in the last year, but just three per cent resulted in a charge or summons.

New data obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) has revealed that between September 2023 and 2024, a total of 1,686 offences were reported to the force but just 47 resulted in a charge or summons.

Sexual Abuse Claims Specialist, Ellie Lamey says it is “staggeringly low” and “it is important victims know that support is available.”

In the last year, there were 1,141 sexual offences reported to Dyfed-Powys Police as well as further 545 rapes.

Of those, just 47 resulted in a charge with 552 offences still under investigation.

According to the force, the majority of rape and sexual offence victims and alleged perpetrators were between the ages of 0-17.

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice also obtained new data from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) – which is a government-backed organisation that can offer compensation to victims of sexual abuse.

In the last year, the CICA received 13,313 applications from alleged victims of sexual assault or abuse.

Of those, 1,763 received compensation – that’s just 13 per cent.

CICA Specialist at SACA, Ellie Lamey said: “The number of sexual assault/abuse victims who have applied for CIC is staggeringly low compared to the number of offences being reported to police forces across the UK.”

This, along with mammoth delays in the court system and the early release of prisoners is, of course, hugely concerning for victims.

SACA’s investigation revealed the main reasons why victims are rejected by the CICA. They include: the incident was not a ‘crime of violence’, the application was made outside the relevant time limit, failure to co-operate with bringing the assailant to justice and failure to co-operate with the CICA.

In the last year, the organisation paid out compensation totalling £18,463,509.85 to victims of sexual abuse.

Specialist Ellie Lamey added: “It is so important that victims know there is support available for them and not to be deterred or fearful of rejection.

“Victims should be aware that they can report historical periods of abuse/assaults to the police, regardless of the amount of time that has passed.

“Victims can avoid rejections by ensuring they fully cooperate with the police in bringing the assailant to justice as well as seeking appropriate medical attention regarding any physical or psychological injuries sustained from the assault they are a victim of.

“CICA data from 2020-2022 shows that 18 per cent of applications are submitted outside of the two-year time limit, and of these 61 per cent went on to receive an award.

“With relevant evidence, we can provide exceptional circumstances that have contributed to the delay in a victim submitting an application.”

Dyfed-Powys Police responded to the data saying that it had the second highest conviction rate for rape offences in England and Wales at 72.7% in the year to date.

However, the force said it recognises that there is still a lot more to do to ensure that all victims-survivors get the justice they deserve.

One of the force’s priorities is to provide a compassionate response to victims of rape and serious sexual assault and the relentless pursuit of offenders

The force joined Operation Sorteria Bluestone in 2022, the aim of which was to transform the policing response to rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO).

A spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting victims-survivors of rape and sexual assault and all detectives are fully trained in the College of Policing Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Investigative Skills Development Programme (RISDP).

“We’ve revolutionised our response to rape victims-survivors by providing an option of speaking to an officer via video call utilising specialist software. This has enabled victims-survivors to have access to specialist support in an environment which is comfortable for them.

“Rape and sexual offences investigations can be complex and due to their very nature can take longer than 12 months to investigate thoroughly.

“The Government’s review also acknowledged that not all victims-survivors who report incidents to the police want to proceed with a criminal justice outcome.

“As such, measuring charge rates within a 12-month period against the volume of crime reported can be sometimes misleading.”

The police spokesperson added: “We would urge anyone who has been a victim-survivor of a sexual offence to please come forward and get the support they rightly deserve.

“Whether a victim-survivor chooses to involve the police or not, support is available to everyone. New Pathways is the largest sexual violence support provider in Wales, with extensive experience of delivering specialist support to adults and children affected by the trauma of rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse.

“We would also encourage victims-survivors of sexual assault to seek help through sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). SARCs provide a safe space and dedicated care for people who have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, and are here for everyone.”

Visit New Pathways on www.newpathways.org.uk, or to find a SARC go to collaborative.nhs.wales/SARCs
For details of support services and how to report a sexual offence, including non-recent incidents, visit https://bit.ly/reportsexualoffences
If you have been a victim of a crime, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) also offers a specialist service for anyone looking for support and advice after being affected by rape or sexual assault.

They operate a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which you can access on their website.