Business

Water bills to fall from April – Support available for struggling customers

Published

11 months ago

February 2, 2024

DŴR CYMRU WELSH WATER has confirmed that its bills for the coming year are set to fall and are also reminding customers of the help it has available as the cost of living crisis continues.

The not-for-profit water company has announced that the typical combined water and wastewater bill for household customers will fall by between [0.1]% and [1.3]% from April. The reduction is due to penalties the company has incurred for supply interruptions and leakage during previous years

While customers are set to see a reduction in charges, the company is aware that a lot of customers still find the economic conditions challenging. The company already supports around 145,000 of its customers who are genuinely struggling to pay their water bills – and still has capacity to support thousands more.

The company offers a range of support tariffs to customers to help them pay their bills.

One of the most popular is the HelpU tariff. This helps low-income households on a means tested benefit by putting a cap on the amount they pay for their water based on how many people are living at the property.

One customer who is already benefiting from HelpU is Bethan Davies who is a single mother from Llantwit Fardre.

Speaking about the tariff, Bethan said: “I was at an appointment at the Job Centre when an advisor said that someone from Welsh Water was there to help customers with their bill. Initially, because I knew I was in debt with my water bill, I was worried about speaking to someone from Welsh Water. Now, I wish I’d done it much sooner.

“Jody, [Welsh Water Promotions Advisor], went through the options that could be available to me after looking at my income and said, ‘we can help you’. She helped me reduce my bill by £500, by setting me up on the HelpU tariff and helped make my payments more manageable so I can clear my debt. This will make a big difference to my family and I only wish I’d have spoken to Welsh Water sooner; they didn’t criticise and just wanted to help, I could have avoided a lot of stress.”

The company is also reminding customers of the Cymuned fund it launched last year which is aimed at providing working household customers with temporary support to pay their water bills.

To date, working households haven’t usually been eligible for financial assistance from Welsh Water, but the company’s scheme will enable them to apply for short term support where their household bills exceed their income. This is the only scheme of its kind being offered in the sector.

Under this scheme, households that qualify may receive a three month ‘charge free’ period.

Other ways the company is helping customers with paying their bills include:

Customer Assistance Fund – which helps those in severe financial hardship to clear their debts and get on top of their payments.
Flexible payment plans to help customers budget
A system to pay charges or debt through benefit payments, and
Offering to install a water meter where this could help reduce the bill.

The company actively promotes the support it offers and regularly attends affordability events held in communities across its area. Last October, the company announced that as part of its 2025-2030 business plan, it intends to contribute £13 million a year to maintain its social tariffs schemes and provide capacity to increase the number of customers it supports to 190,000.

Welsh Water’s Chief Financial Officer Mike Davis said: “While we are set to reduce our bills, we know that customers are still finding things difficult as many continue to contact us to ask for the help that is available. We still have capacity to help thousands more – and this is partly because our not for shareholder business model means we don’t pay dividends to shareholders and so are able to use this money to help those who genuinely struggle to pay.

“As ever, our advice to anyone worried about their bill is to get in contact with us straight away. We have a trained and friendly team on hand who after asking just a few questions will be able to match you to the help that best meets your needs”.

One of the organisations that works with Welsh Water to help customers access its Cymuned fund is WarmWales.

Joanna Seymour Director of Partnerships and Development at Warm Wales said: “Warm Wales has worked closely with Welsh Water supporting residents. With the introduction of the Cymuned Scheme we have been able to support more residents who would not be able to be signed up to Help U for example.

“This has been a big help for many who feel that there is a lack of support for them. I would encourage anyone who is finding it hard to manage to make payment for your bills to reach out.”

John Vinson, Head of Company Engagement for the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said: “Around one in six households in Wales say they struggle to pay their water bill so it’s vital customers don’t miss out on the broad range of support that Welsh Water is able to offer.”

“Schemes like HelpU and Cymuned can have a life-changing impact for some crisis-hit households but experience tells us that many customers either don’t know help exists or are too afraid to ask. We’d urge anyone who is struggling to stay afloat to get in touch with the company and allow them to ease some of the burden.”

Business

Wales’ biggest Specsavers store opens in Haverfordwest

Published

2 days ago

December 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS HAVERFORDWEST has relocated to a larger, state-of-the-art premises in the Riverside Shopping Centre, becoming the largest Specsavers store in Wales following a £1.2 million investment by local partners.

The grand opening of the new landmark store took place on Monday 16 December, with customers and local dignitaries, including several mayors, in attendance.

On arrival, guests were welcomed with performances from the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and local musician and dispensing technician, Kyle Kirkhouse, followed by a ribbon cutting by one of the store’s long-standing customers, Madaline Roberts, who runs the Milford Haven branch of the Macular Society.

William McNamara, owner of Bluestone National Park Resort and patient of Specsavers Haverfordwest was also in attendance.

To encourage guests to explore the new store and learn fun facts about optometry and audiology, staff organised an interactive treasure hunt.

‘After years of planning and preparation, we are delighted to officially open our brand-new store,’ says Wayne Jones, retail director. ‘We are confident that this investment will bring lasting benefits to the local community for years to come.’

***Bosses Andy Britton and Wayne Jones survey the plans during the construction of the new store***

He adds, ‘A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our relaunch event. It was incredible to see so many customers, both familiar faces and new ones, celebrating with us. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to our incredible team, whose hard work and dedication made this all possible. Without their commitment, none of this would have materialised.’

The new premises at 21 Riverside Quay offers cutting-edge facilities and enhanced services to meet growing community needs with 14 test rooms, including two dedicated audiology suites.

As the largest Specsavers practice in Wales and one of the largest in the UK, the store is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to deliver exceptional care. These services will also help alleviate pressure on local NHS resources, providing convenience and vital support to residents who previously had to travel significant distances for specialised treatment.

Narbeth local, Sandra Tarrant, previously needed private consultations in Swansea, but she was referred to ophthalmic director, Andy Britton by her consultant earlier this year, who recognised his expertise and the store’s advanced diagnostic equipment.

Mrs Tarrant explains: ‘The staff at Specsavers Haverfordwest are highly trained and genuinely care about your eye health. I no longer face long journeys for tests, and the team’s professionalism gives me complete confidence in their care. You feel like you’re in good hands, with staff who take you seriously and don’t pass you around.’

Partners Andy Britton and Wayne Jones are also passionate about shaping the future of optometry. The new store will provide hands-on training opportunities for optometrists pursuing advanced qualifications such as Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing certificates, ensuring they gain essential clinical experience in a world-class facility.

The new Specsavers Haverfordwest store will be open seven days a week, offering flexible appointment times to cater to the community’s needs. To book an appointment or learn more about the services available, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.

Business

Ferry traffic surges at Pembroke Dock due to Holyhead closure

Published

4 days ago

December 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FERRY traffic at Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal has surged following the temporary closure of Holyhead Port due to severe damage caused by Storm Darragh. The Port of Milford Haven, which owns and operates the terminal, has implemented measures to manage the increased volume of vehicles and minimise disruption in the area.

Holyhead Port, a key hub for ferry services between Wales and Ireland, has been closed since December 7. Repairs to storm-damaged infrastructure are ongoing, with reopening not expected until at least Thursday, December 19. The closure means more lorries in Pembroke Dock.

Irish Ferries has temporarily replaced the Isle of Innisfree ferry with the larger James Joyce on its Rosslare route..

**The James Joyce has been diverted whilst repairs are carried out at Hollyhead, she will be operating from Pembroke Dock for a few months (Pic: Martin Cavaney)**

***Drivers in their lorries waiting to board ferry at Pembroke Port (Image: Martin Cavaney)***

Traffic management plans in place

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “We are expecting to see ongoing increased traffic to Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal. To manage traffic in the area, we have opened up different areas of the Port to reduce the number of vehicles queueing at the Port entrance. We have also been liaising with Pembrokeshire County Council’s Emergency Planning team to identify other areas for longer-term parking, if needed, so that traffic around Pembroke Dock is managed as effectively as possible.”

Sawyer acknowledged the inconvenience to local residents and businesses and expressed gratitude for their understanding: “Our priority is to ensure the safe and effective operation of all traffic on the Milford Haven Waterway. We’d like to thank everyone, particularly those living in and around the Pembroke Dock area, for their understanding and support. We will endeavour to take all actions possible to keep the area as uncongested as possible.”

Concerns over Christmas delays

The closure of Holyhead Port has raised concerns about delayed Christmas deliveries, as the route is a critical link for goods between Ireland and the UK. An Post, the Irish postal service, has reassured customers that alternative routes are being utilised, and the backlog of parcel trucks at Holyhead is decreasing.

A spokesperson for Holyhead Port stated: “Safety is of paramount importance to Holyhead Port, and a thorough investigation into the extent of the damage and repairs required is ongoing. At this point, it is estimated that the berths will reopen for ferry traffic on Thursday, December 19, at the earliest.”

Local impact and advice

Residents near Pembroke Dock have reported increased congestion due to the diversion of ferry traffic. The Port of Milford Haven continues to monitor the situation closely, working with local authorities to alleviate the impact on the community.

Photo Caption: Increased ferry traffic at Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal due to Holyhead Port closure (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald).

Business

Global green hydrogen pioneers choose Milford Haven as new HQ

Published

5 days ago

December 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAUSH LTD, a leading green energy and technology company specialising in green hydrogen, has announced Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters. The move marks a significant step toward making the area a global powerhouse for green hydrogen production and innovation.

Pioneering green hydrogen solutions

Haush Ltd aims to be the first company of its kind to provide green hydrogen solutions for decarbonising land, sea, and air transportation, as well as exporting fuel to Europe. The company’s new headquarters will be established at Fleet Surgeons House, where work is set to begin immediately. The project will create local jobs and includes plans for an education centre to promote skills development in the community.

The Welsh Government is backing Haush through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR). This initiative focuses on fast-tracking hydrogen production and refuelling services for onshore and offshore fleets, including the design of a permanent hydrogen refuelling solution for the Port of Milford Haven.

High-profile visit to Milford Haven

Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans toured the new site on Thursday (Dec 12). She was accompanied by Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne, Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver, Chief Operating Officer Adam Hill, and Chief Financial Officer Peter Kristensen.

Rebecca Evans said: “Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK head office.

“The company’s ambitious growth plans align with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy. This investment will benefit both our climate and economy, generating quality, skilled jobs.

“Haush has committed to training local residents to the highest standards and expanding their educational initiatives to benefit the wider community.”

Driving green innovation

Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne expressed excitement about the project:
“Haush is delighted to make this announcement and move forward with this groundbreaking green hydrogen production project. We look forward to working closely with the Welsh Government to maximise training and educational opportunities for the local community, equipping a future workforce with valuable, transferable skills.”

Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver emphasi sed the company’s innovative approach:
“Haush is operating at the forefront of green hydrogen technology and aims to play a significant role in advancing the local green energy transition.”

A brighter, greener future

Haush’s decision to base its UK headquarters in Milford Haven underscores the town’s growing importance as a hub for renewable energy innovation. With strong support from the Welsh Government and a focus on local job creation, the project promises to boost the regional economy and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

(Photos by Martin Cavaney/Herald)