News

Wales faces tough choices: Balancing essential services with tighter budgets

Published

5 months ago

December 20, 2023

“Despite economic hurdles, NHS and local government get a boost; other sectors brace for cuts.”

AS THE WELSH GOVERNMENT unveils its 2024-25 budget, a narrative of fiscal balancing emerges against a backdrop of economic challenges. The budget reveals a strategic emphasis on protecting crucial public services, particularly the NHS and local government, which have received a notable increase in funding. However, this move has necessitated reductions in other areas, illustrating the complex trade-offs in this period of financial austerity.

In a stark reflection of the current economic climate, the overall value of the Welsh budget has diminished by £1.3 billion since 2021. This decrease is attributed largely to a shortfall in expected funding from the UK Government, compounded by the pressures of inflation impacting public sector wages and energy costs. The NHS in Wales, a critical component of the Welsh public service sector, is a notable beneficiary in this budget, receiving an additional £450 million for 2024-25. This represents a significant 4% increase, far outpacing the less than 1% increase allocated to the NHS in England, and underscores the Welsh Government’s prioritization of healthcare even in times of financial stringency.

Local government, responsible for essential services such as schools, social care, and community infrastructure, is also set to benefit from a 3.1% increase in funding. This decision reaffirms the government’s commitment to maintaining vital community services. However, these funding boosts in certain areas have led to reductions in other departments. Rural Affairs is facing the most substantial cut, with a nearly 9% reduction in its budget. This will notably impact its rural investment program, although the Basic Payment Scheme for farmers is shielded from these cuts.

The Welsh Government has also chosen to maintain current income tax rates, considering the ongoing economic strain on its citizens. This decision reflects a sensitivity to the broader cost-of-living crisis affecting the population. Additionally, Finance Minister Rebecca Evans has indicated that the government might reevaluate charges for services such as NHS dental care and university tuition fees. These measures are being considered as potential sources of revenue in light of the budgetary constraints.

The UK Government, in its response, has emphasized the Welsh Government’s autonomy in its budgetary decisions, pointing out the role of the Barnett formula in ensuring fair funding. It also highlights the Welsh Government’s tax and borrowing powers, underscoring its ability to manage its financial resources.

Despite these financial challenges, the Welsh Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis. This includes a substantial aid package for non-domestic ratepayers and the introduction of a new £20 million Future Proofing Fund for businesses. This budget, therefore, reflects a concerted effort by the Welsh Government to balance the need to safeguard essential public services with the realities of a constrained fiscal environment. It paints a picture of a government striving to make thoughtful, albeit difficult, choices in an era marked by economic uncertainty and austerity.

Rebecca Evans, Minister for Finance and Local Government, said: “In an incredibly tough financial situation, we’ve re-shaped our spending plans so we can protect the core, frontline public services provided by local authorities like schools and social care.

“As I explained yesterday, our overall funding settlement is not sufficient to meet all pressures. This has meant taking difficult decisions elsewhere in the budget to honour our commitment to councils last year of a 3.1% rise in their funding for next year.

“I appreciate the pressures local government is facing and recognise that demand for services, along with the recent very high rates of inflation, mean local government will still need to make difficult decisions on services, efficiencies, and council tax in setting their budgets.

“We will continue to work closely together to face these shared challenges and strive to make the best use of the resources we have in order to make the most difference to the communities we serve.”

Crime

Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case

Published

22 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).

On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.

When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.

Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.

Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).

While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.

After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.

The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.

“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.

“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.

“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.

“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”

On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.

If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

In an emergency, always call 999.

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 crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police

Published

23 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”

In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”

Business

Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.

“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”

Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”

“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”