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Huge 13% rise in fire service costs for council taxpayers in mid and west Wales

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TAX payers in Mid and West Wales will pay 13% more towards the region’s fire service in 2023-24 compared to this year. The budget for Mid and West Fire and Rescue Service will be £63,257,200, more than £9 million more than currently.

Energy, fuel and wage inflation, and a desire among Mid and West Wales Fire Authority – the body which sets the budget and scrutinises the fire service – to address priority areas such as a decline in retained firefighters are behind the inflation-busting hike. You can get more Swansea news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.

Residents of Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Powys, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire fund the fire service through council tax levy – and the increase could have been even higher for 2023-24 because the Welsh Government withdrew a grant for the fire service’s radio system, called Firelink. But that grant, worth nearly £600,000, will now be funded from the fire service’s reserves.

The fire authority had debated the proposed budget increase in previous meetings before confirming it on February 6. Authority member, Cllr John Davies, said it had been a difficult process but that he and his colleagues had a duty of care for the safety of all those they represented.

He described the 13% rise as “significant”, but that it was similar to council budget increases when you considered budget settlements for both organisations over the past five years. The fire authority had considered options for a 9%, 11% or 13% hike at a previous meeting, and recommended 13%. The service’s chief fire officer, Roger Thomas, said 13% would help stem the drop in retained firefighters, among other benefits.

The £63,257,200 budget was approved by 19 fire authority members, with one abstaining as he had joined the meeting late and one – Cllr Lyndon Jones – voting against. Cllr Jones said there had been “almost a perfect storm” in terms of rising costs, but that a 13% increase “amounts to a huge sum of money”. He said an audit of the fire service’s assets might identify land by fire stations which could potentially be sold to raise money.

Much of the budget debate was around how the Firelink grant would be funded in future years, as paying for it out of reserves beyond 2023-24 was not considered sustainable. Mr Thomas described the withdrawal of the grant as disappointing.

Authority members also asked if a £1.8m fire service pension grant which councils would have to fund in 2023-24 would not add to the 13% increase. They were told that technically it would, but that the Welsh Government was providing the six member councils with extra funding, meaning that pension grant was cost-neutral.

Fire service support staff have an agreed an average pay of rise of 6.6% for the current financial year, but operational firefighters haven’t agreed one. Last week the Fire Brigades Union said more than 80% of its members who voted backed strike action.

The report before the fire authority said trainee firefighters earned £24,191, as of July 2021, and that qualified ones earned £32,244. The chief fire officer’s salary was £161,265. The fire service’s budget increase in 2022-23 was 3.95%.

  • Reporting by Richard Youle, Local Democracy Reporter

Crime

Crown Court backlog at a record high, Victims’ Commissioner warns

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THE VICTIMS’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, has voiced profound concern over the escalating backlog of cases in the Crown Court, which has surged to a record 67,573 outstanding cases. This latest figure not only signifies a 1% increase from the previous quarter but also marks a staggering 65% rise from pre-pandemic levels and a near double increase since June 2019.

Baroness Newlove, reflecting on the dire statistics, emphasized the intolerable delays victims are facing, often stretching to years, before their cases are heard in court. With 27% of all outstanding cases now pending for over a year, the situation has reached a critical point, resulting in unprecedented strain on victims and the frontline services supporting them.

The duration from the receipt to the completion of cases at the Crown Court remains significantly above pre-pandemic figures, showcasing an 82% increase from the end of March 2020 and an 84% rise from the end of June 2019. Specifically troubling is the average completion time for rape cases, which now stands at 393 days, surpassing all previous records and highlighting a 52% increase from before the pandemic.

The Victims’ Commissioner pointed out the growing burden on victim services and the potential for increasing numbers of victims to withdraw from the process due to prolonged wait times. The statistics reveal a 14% victim withdrawal rate post-charge in the latest quarter, coupled with 26% of cases being adjourned on the day of trial, further exacerbating the challenges faced by those seeking justice.

Baroness Newlove criticized the apparent systemic issues within the judicial process, noting that despite a 4% decrease in new case volumes, the backlog continues to rise, with completed cases also experiencing a decline. This situation underscores the critical need for systemic reforms to address the inefficiencies plaguing the court system, ensuring that victims do not continue to suffer from prolonged delays in obtaining justice.

As the Crown Court backlog hits another record high, the call for urgent action to alleviate the pressure on victims and the judicial system has never been more pressing, with justice delayed increasingly equating to justice denied.

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Entertainment

Easter Extravaganza: ‘Into The Woods’ takes the stage in Pembs

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THE FISHGUARD and District Drama Society (FADDS) is set to dazzle audiences with its latest production, “Into The Woods”. Theatre enthusiasts across Pembrokeshire are in for a treat as the show embarks on a captivating three-day run at Theatre Gwaun starting Thursday, April 4th.

The production, which premieres at 7:00pm on Thursday, promises an exciting journey through a modern twist on beloved fairy tales, with additional performances scheduled for the following dates and times:

  • Thursday, April 4th at 7:00pm
  • Friday, April 5th at 7:00pm
  • Saturday, April 6th at 2:00pm and again at 7:00pm

Tickets are swiftly selling out, urging potential spectators to secure their seats promptly by booking through Theatre Gwaun’s official website.

For over three decades, FADDS has been a cornerstone of the local theatre scene, bringing a plethora of productions to life at Theatre Gwaun. Their adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods” marks yet another milestone, enriching Pembrokeshire’s cultural tapestry. Since its Broadway debut in 1987 and subsequent West End premiere in 1990, “Into The Woods” has been a fixture in the theatre community, even inspiring a Walt Disney film adaptation in 2014.

The story weaves a tapestry of fairy tale quests, exploring the intertwined fates of beloved characters as they venture into the woods, each harboring their own desires and secrets. Questions abound: What binds a cow as white as milk to hair as yellow as corn? Can Cinderella attend the King’s Festival? Will Rapunzel escape her tower? And who is the mysterious figure obsessed with greens?

FADDS promises a show brimming with intrigue, laughter, and the timeless music of Sondheim, delivering a “fast-paced, super fun” interpretation of these classic tales. This amateur production, orchestrated in collaboration with Music Theatre International (MTI), guarantees a magical night out for families and theatre aficionados alike, blending nostalgia with the thrill of live performance.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this vibrant take on “Into The Woods” – a theatrical journey where fairy tales and reality collide, revealing the heart and humour of these age-old stories.

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Education

Second Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament celebrates youth and skill

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THE SECOND Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament drew participants from 21 schools across the region, culminating in a day of intense competition and camaraderie.

The tournament, reported by Vicky Brown, saw young chess enthusiasts gather for a day marked by strategic gameplay and exceptional talent. Henry Burton from Redhill emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in a closely contested field. The duo of Steffan Hughes and Huw Holliday, also from Redhill, followed closely in second place, while Osian Griffiths (Ysgol Caer Elen), Bryn Williams (Milford Haven Community School), and Iolo Hughes (Redhill) shared the third place, showcasing the depth of talent present among the participants.

In recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, Carys Callan from Redhill was honoured with the ‘David Pinch Award’, embodying the spirit of fair play and respect that marked the tournament. A special mention was given to Tyler Davison-Hall from Johnston CP School for participating in the Game of the Tournament, further highlighting the event’s competitive yet friendly atmosphere.

The tournament benefitted significantly from the expertise of Ian Eustis from the Welsh Chess Union, who served as Arbiter, ensuring the smooth running of the games. The event was also supported by Martin Jones and Scott Hammett, who took on the roles of stewards, and the Friends of Redhill (FOR), who managed the refreshments, contributing to the day’s success.

The local chess community, including participants and spectators, expressed their appreciation for the organisational efforts that made the event possible. For those interested in furthering their chess skills, the Pembrokeshire Chess Club extends an invitation to meet on Tuesday evenings in Steynton. Martin Jones, contactable at 07884384131, is available for further details regarding membership and participation.

Looking ahead, Redhill is poised to host its next chess tournament on Saturday, 8th June, promising another opportunity for young chess players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. The success of this event not only highlights the thriving chess scene in Pembrokeshire but also sets the stage for future tournaments that continue to inspire and engage the youth in the noble game of chess.

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