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Tories in Wales push for action on water quality crisis

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IN AN ASSERTIVE move to tackle the escalating water quality crisis in Wales, the Welsh Conservatives have laid down the gauntlet, calling upon the Labour Government to take decisive action. The critical state of Welsh waterways, wherein a staggering 25% of all sewage discharges in Wales and England are spilling into Welsh waters, has raised serious concerns, particularly given that Wales is home to six of the UK’s top 20 most polluted rivers.

Amidst the disconcerting revelations, residents of Wales find themselves paying the second-highest water bills among the 11 water companies operating in Wales and England, a situation that has fuelled further discontent among the public.

The much-anticipated Welsh Government’s Storm Overflow Report, arriving seven months behind schedule, was intended to shed light on remedies for the persistent issues exacerbated by storm-driven sewage spills. However, in what has been deemed as a profound letdown, the report emerged devoid of any tangible recommendations.

The Welsh Conservative Shadow Climate Change Minister, Janet Finch Saunders MS, has been forthright in her criticism, lambasting the Labour Government for the report’s shortcomings and expressing alarm over the dire state of the nation’s waterways. The upcoming Senedd motion, spearheaded by the Welsh Conservatives and scheduled for debate next Wednesday, aims to establish legal-binding targets for Dŵr Cymru and Natural Resources Wales. The objectives are clear: enhance the management of overflows, intensify enforcement, and ensure that penalties are invested back into the rejuvenation of rivers and the restoration of natural habitats. Furthermore, the motion seeks to address the issue of unauthorized sewage pipes, demanding that they meet proper standards.

The motion in question delineates the pressing need for Welsh Government intervention, including the imposition of legally-binding targets to ameliorate overflows and a more rigorous enforcement strategy to ensure that fines contribute positively to environmental restoration efforts.

As the debate draws near, with proceedings set to commence at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, 8th November, the Welsh Conservative’s campaign has ignited a discourse on the pressing need for sustainable water management practices. The session, eagerly anticipated by stakeholders and the public alike, promises to set a pivotal course for the future of Wales’ treasured waterways.

The entire debate will be broadcast live, allowing the people of Pembrokeshire and beyond to witness the unfolding of what may be a landmark chapter in the stewardship of Welsh natural resources.

News

Welsh Conservatives vote against £7m support for Welsh businesses

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A POLITICAL row has erupted after the Welsh Conservatives voted against a Welsh Government plan to provide £7 million in financial support to businesses struggling with their bills. The decision, made in the Senedd on Tuesday (Feb 18), has drawn sharp criticism from Welsh Labour, who accused the Tories of failing to help businesses recover from economic pressures exacerbated by UK Government policies.

Labour slams Tory opposition

A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: “You couldn’t make it up. The party that gave us the disastrous Liz Truss budget that sent bills soaring has now voted against providing a package of support for Welsh businesses worth £7 million.”

The funding was part of a broader £335 million package within the Welsh Government’s 2025-26 budget, aimed at easing financial pressures on businesses. The proposed support included targeted relief for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, which have been struggling amid high operating costs and economic uncertainty.

Tories defend their stance

The Welsh Conservatives have defended their decision, arguing that their own economic growth plan, which included reinstating business rates relief to 75% for key sectors, would have been a more effective solution. Their proposal was rejected by Labour members, leading to their opposition to the alternative package.

Pembrokeshire MS Sam Kurtz says Labour has consistently failed Welsh businesses

Samuel Kurtz MS, the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Welsh Language, said: “Labour has consistently failed Welsh businesses. Instead of implementing real, long-term solutions to drive economic growth, they are offering piecemeal support that does not address the deeper challenges facing our economy.”

Economic challenges in Wales

The debate over business support comes against the backdrop of concerning economic statistics in Wales. The nation continues to grapple with higher unemployment rates and lower employment figures compared to other parts of the UK. Businesses, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors, have been vocal about the need for more substantial government intervention to cope with rising costs.

The Welsh Labour Government insists that its package is necessary to provide immediate relief, while the Welsh Conservatives argue that broader tax and economic reforms are needed to create a more sustainable business environment.

Divided reactions

Business leaders and organisations have expressed mixed reactions to the political fallout. While some have welcomed the Welsh Government’s funding plan, others believe it does not go far enough to address long-term financial pressures.

A spokesperson for Business Wales said: “Any support for businesses is welcome, but we urge all parties to work together on long-term solutions that provide certainty and stability for Welsh enterprises.”

Political fallout

The vote has intensified the ongoing political battle between Labour and the Conservatives in Wales, with both parties accusing each other of failing to support the economy effectively. With the Welsh economy facing ongoing challenges, businesses will be watching closely to see if further financial relief or policy changes emerge in the coming months.

The Herald will continue to follow developments on this issue.

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Government to consider report on Welsh-speaking communities

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THE WELSH GOVERNMENT says it has welcomed a new report examining how town and country planning impacts Welsh-speaking communities, with recommendations for strengthening policies to protect the language.

The Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities has published its findings on the challenges faced by the Welsh language. Evidence presented to the commission highlighted concerns from planning authorities and professional bodies, many of whom believe existing policies and guidelines need revision to better support Welsh-speaking areas.

The report outlines 14 recommendations, including the need to strengthen planning guidance and assess the impact of policies on the language. One key proposal calls for a framework to evaluate how planning applications affect the Welsh language in high-density Welsh-speaking areas, similar to assessments used for Special Areas of Conservation. The commission also recommends reinforcing Technical Advice Note 20 to provide clearer guidance on planning matters relevant to the Welsh language.

The Welsh Government will now review the report and respond to its findings in the coming months.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford, said: “I would like to thank the members of the commission for presenting this report, and the contributors who have shared their time and expertise. We will consider its findings and recommendations carefully.”

Dr Simon Brooks, Chair of the Commission, added: “Following thorough research, we have concluded that planning policies related to the Welsh language should be revised. Strengthening the role of the language within the planning system is crucial to securing its future as both a national and community language.”

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Education

Council announces nursery place application deadline

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PARENTS and guardians of children in Pembrokeshire born between 01/09/2022 – 31/08/2023 are invited to apply for a Nursery school place for January, April and September 2026 by the closing date of 30th April 2025.

Applications received after 30th April 2025 will be considered late which may have a bearing on whether the child gets a place at your preferred school.

It is important to note that no school place will be allocated unless a formal application is received.

The online application form can be found on the Pembrokeshire County Council website: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning under ‘Apply for a School Place’. 

For information on which term your child would be due to join nursery, please follow this link to our Information to Parents which sets out the terms based on your child’s date of birth and which school you are applying to.

There is no need to re-apply if you have already submitted an application form.  You can view your current applications by logging into your My Account and into the ‘Schools & Learning’ ‘School Admissions & Transport’ section.

Parents/guardians are reminded that attending a Nursery at a school does not guarantee a Primary place (to start in September 2027) and a separate application does need to be submitted for this. This application can be submitted at the same time as your Nursery application.

Parents/guardians will be notified of Nursery places by 31st July 2025.

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