Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Households and businesses off the gas grid to receive energy bill support

Published

on

£200 energy bill support to begin arriving with households off the gas grid across Great Britain.
Businesses using alternative fuels will also start receiving £150 credit on bills– with payments expected to be delivered by 10 March.

New figures show £3bn in government support has been paid out to businesses and public sector organisations in just over three months to support them this winter.
From today households across Great Britain who don’t use mains gas for heating will start receiving £200 towards their energy bills as the Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) scheme launches. Most will get the £200 AFP automatically as a credit on their electricity bill but some customers will need to apply for the support later this month.

Nearly two million households who use alternative energy sources such as heating oil, biomass and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to warm their homes will receive the support which was doubled to £200 last year.

The vast majority, including many homes in rural areas, will get it automatically through their electricity supplier as a credit on their bill throughout February. A small minority of customers, such as those living in park homes or on static houseboats with no direct energy supplier, will need to apply to receive the payment through an online portal that will launch later this month.

Meanwhile from Wednesday, energy suppliers will also be able to start making payments to businesses and both public and voluntary sector organisations that use alternative fuels to heat their buildings. A credit of £150 will be provided to eligible customers across the UK through the Non-Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment scheme (ND-AFP). Suppliers will deliver this support up to 10 March, with most customers expected to receive it later this month. There is no need to contact your supplier.

This comes as new figures show that, thanks to the Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme, £3 billion has been cut from business energy bills in just over three months – helping both private and public sector organisations from schools, to hospitals and pubs.

Minister for Energy and Climate Graham Stuart said: “Our main energy bill support schemes have seen millions of homes and businesses across the country get much needed help to cover costs, with figures today showing nearly £3 billion in government support has been paid out to business to date. Now we’re getting support to those remaining few that are off the gas grid and most difficult to reach.

“I am determined to see households and businesses of all stripes protected from global pressures this winter – whether that’s those living in a houseboat, park home or operating a rural hospital or school.

“That’s why we are kicking off payments of £200 to households using alternative fuel to heat their homes today – while businesses and organisations using alternative fuels will receive a boost of £150 in the coming weeks.”

Ministers are today warning households to stay vigilant to scams and only to enter their details on the Government’s gov.uk website, which will provide all official communications, if applying for support. No one will be asked for information by any individual or organisation prior to this or outside of the portal. Those that require additional help when applying for support may wish to seek assistance from a family member or trusted friend.

These schemes form part of a suite of energy bill support for domestic and non-domestic customers across the UK for winter 2022-23.

On the domestic side, the Energy Price Guarantee is saving a typical UK household £900 over this winter by reducing the unit cost of electricity and gas, while the Energy Bills Support Scheme provides a further £400 off electricity bills through a monthly discount of £66 or £67. So the average family is saving £1300 altogether while more vulnerable households have received £800 on top of that as well – making a £2100 saving.

Businesses and other non-domestic customers are also benefitting from Government support on a comparable basis. The Energy Bill Relief Scheme provides a direct subsidy of wholesale electricity and gas prices until the end of March, protecting jobs in charities and businesses alike. This will then be replaced by the Energy Bills Discount Scheme from April, which will offer universal support albeit at a reduced rate to protect the public finances.

 

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

on

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

 

Continue Reading

Health

Health board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales

Published

on

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.

 

Continue Reading

News

Port security fears grow after naval sabotage arrests in Germany

Published

on

Milford Haven and other UK energy hubs urged to stay vigilant amid rising European threats

CONCERNS about the security of major European ports have intensified after two men were arrested over an alleged attempt to sabotage German naval vessels at the Port of Hamburg.

Eurojust, the EU’s crime agency, said the suspects are believed to have deliberately interfered with ships by disabling safety switches, removing fuel tank caps, puncturing water lines and dumping more than twenty kilograms of abrasive gravel into an engine system.

Officials warned that, had the damage gone undetected, it could have caused serious mechanical failure, delayed deployments and endangered German Navy operations.

The suspects, port workers aged thirty-seven and fifty-four, were arrested in Germany and Greece following coordinated raids. Homes in several countries were searched as part of the investigation.

While Germany has not formally blamed Moscow, the arrests come amid growing fears of Kremlin-linked disruption activity across Europe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Recent incidents have included damaged undersea cables in the Baltic and suspicious drone activity around airports and military facilities.

Security analysts say ports — especially those handling military or energy assets — are increasingly viewed as soft targets.

The developments have clear relevance for west Wales, home to the Milford Haven waterway and the Port of Milford Haven — one of the UK’s most strategically important energy hubs.

The Haven handles a significant share of Britain’s liquefied natural gas imports and hosts major oil and gas infrastructure, alongside commercial and fishing traffic. Any disruption could have national consequences for energy supply as well as local jobs.

Maritime security experts say the Hamburg case highlights how insider access can pose risks.

The suspects there reportedly worked at the port itself, allowing them proximity to vessels and systems without raising immediate suspicion.

That has prompted calls for tighter background checks, improved surveillance and stronger reporting procedures at critical UK ports.

A senior maritime security consultant told The Herald: “The biggest threat is often not dramatic attacks but low-level interference — someone loosening fittings, contaminating fuel, damaging cables. Small acts can cause very expensive and dangerous failures.

“Energy and naval ports are now considered critical infrastructure and must be protected accordingly.”

A spokesperson at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Security across the Waterway is made up of physical measures, procedures, information‑sharing, and intelligence work. These activities are coordinated across all facilities to maintain an effective, intelligence‑led approach to security.

“Both land‑based and marine teams contribute, including commercial operators and government agencies. Each organisation uses its own vetting processes, all of which follow national standards, regulations, and best practice.”

UK vigilance

Across the UK, ports already operate under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, which requires controlled access zones, patrols and monitoring.

However, the scale and complexity of sites such as Milford Haven mean constant vigilance is needed.

Industry sources say collaboration between harbour authorities, police and counter-terrorism teams has increased in recent years, particularly following the war in Ukraine.

A Port of Milford Haven spokesperson previously said security measures are regularly reviewed and updated to “protect people, vessels and infrastructure”.

Police have not indicated any specific threat locally.

Nevertheless, the Hamburg arrests serve as a reminder that sabotage attempts are no longer theoretical.

For communities around the Haven — where tankers, refineries and supply chains underpin the local economy — the message is simple: what happens in European ports today could easily have implications at home tomorrow.

 

Continue Reading

Crime58 minutes ago

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community POLICE have confirmed they are no longer...

Crime7 hours ago

Teacher injured and teenager arrested for attempted murder at Milford Haven School

Lockdown triggered as pupil allegedly attacks staff member with weapon – boy, 15, held on suspicion of attempted murder A...

international news12 hours ago

Pembrokeshire women conquer Atlantic in epic 3,000-mile row

PEMBROKESHIRE’S all-female rowing crew Merched y Mor have completed one of the hardest endurance challenges on the planet after crossing...

Crime1 day ago

Sex offender jailed after living off grid in Pembrokeshire and refusing to register

Man walked into police station after months avoiding authorities A CONVICTED sex offender who told police he intended to live...

Crime1 day ago

More rape and sexual assault survivors to get right to challenge dropped cases

New review scheme to be rolled out across CPS Cymru-Wales following successful pilot SURVIVORS of rape and serious sexual assault...

Crime2 days ago

Man spared jail after admitting child abuse image offences

Police seized devices after intelligence linked Pembrokeshire address to illegal cloud storage accounts A 23-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has avoided immediate...

Community2 days ago

Cleddau at heart of major water reforms as ministers promise ‘fundamental reset’

New regulation plan aims to tackle pollution, sewage spills and ageing infrastructure COMMUNITIES along the River Cleddau could see tighter...

Crime2 days ago

Man caught in hotel sting after trying to meet girl, 13

Laugharne defendant confronted by paedophile hunters at St Clears Travelodge before suspended jail term at Swansea Crown Court A LAUGHARNE...

News2 days ago

Princess of Wales visits historic Pembrokeshire woollen mill

Catherine the Princess of Wales visited Melin Tregwynt, a historic family-owned woollen mill, today, highlighting the enduring traditions and skills...

Crime3 days ago

Arrest made after Carmarthen park stabbing investigation

Police thank community and media following public appeal to trace suspect AN ARREST has been made following last week’s stabbing...

Popular This Week