Nearly 900 households targeted for support – could Pembrokeshire do more?

NEARLY 900 households in Powys will receive letters this week offering targeted help with the cost-of-living crisis – prompting questions about whether Pembrokeshire County Council should be doing the same.

Powys County Council has used intelligent data analytics to identify households most likely to be struggling financially. They will now be contacted directly and offered free and confidential support with managing bills, energy costs, debt, benefits, and household budgeting.

Half of those identified are council tenants, with the other half living in private rentals or owner-occupied homes.

The scheme uses a tool called LIFT – the Low Income Family Tracker – which pulls together a range of information to spot those who may be falling through the cracks.

Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader of Powys County Council, said: “We are here to help and want to make sure that everyone in our communities has access to the support they need.

“The LIFT platform should help us target our support where it’s most needed and allow us to help more Powys residents to maximise their income and reduce their costs.”

Support will be available in person, online or by phone, with options for home visits.

The Herald understands that Pembrokeshire County Council has not yet adopted the same level of targeted outreach. While the council does offer a range of cost-of-living support, residents must usually seek help themselves. There is currently no known use of data analytics or direct invitation letters to identify and contact those in need.

Pembrokeshire County Council has, however, established a dedicated Community Hub, offering practical help to anyone affected by the rising cost of living. Advisors can assist with benefits, housing, money worries, debt, food support, energy bills, and more.

One local resident who contacted The Herald said: “This is exactly the kind of help people need – not everyone is confident enough to ask for support, even if they’re struggling. Pembrokeshire should be doing this too.”

With Powys setting a new precedent for proactive support, the question is now whether Pembrokeshire – and other councils across Wales – will follow suit.

Need help in Pembrokeshire?

Pembrokeshire residents who are struggling can contact the council’s Cost of Living Support Line:

• Phone: 01437 776301
• Email: [email protected]
• Online information: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living-hub

Support includes guidance on benefits, money management, debt, food, energy, housing, and more. All advice is free and confidential.

Inclusive dance performance to challenge perceptions and celebrate the human spirit

THIS June, the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven will play host to Let Life Dance — a powerful, moving, and visually striking dance theatre production featuring both disabled and non-disabled performers.

Created by Humans Move, an emerging inclusive dance company aiming to be disability-led, the show promises a heartfelt exploration of life’s challenges and the transformative power of connection. With a diverse cast and a spirit of compassion and inclusivity, Let Life Dance invites audiences to reflect on the resilience and beauty of the human experience.

Choreographed by award-winning artist Jessie Brett, the performance delves into what happens when individuals go against their own nature. It asks: how can we truly let life dance through us in a world that so often imposes restrictions, barriers, and struggle?

Audiences will follow the performers’ journey through chaos, interference, and personal growth — ultimately arriving at a space of surrender, trust, and shared humanity. Original music by composer Jered Sorkin weaves through the piece, underscoring its emotional depth and uniting the cast like pieces of a puzzle in perfect balance.

“There is something to be learnt from every human experience,” said a Let Life Dance spokesperson. “This work celebrates our differences and reminds us that each of us plays a part in creating a more compassionate world.”

Let Life Dance will be performed for one night only on Tuesday, 24 June at 7:00pm. Tickets are priced at £15 (£14 concessions) and are available from the Torch Theatre Box Office on (01646) 695267 or via www.torchtheatre.co.uk.

A GROUP of pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids travelled to London on Thursday (June 12) for a special visit to the Houses of Parliament, where they were hosted by their local MP, Henry Tufnell.

The visit included a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster and a chance to see the House of Commons and House of Lords in action. The group arrived around 2:30pm and took part in educational workshops before enjoying a lively question-and-answer session with Mr Tufnell.

The pupils, smartly dressed in school uniform and wearing orange visitor passes, posed for a group photo in one of Parliament’s ornate committee rooms before engaging in discussions about democracy, Pembrokeshire, and the role of MPs. Mr Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said he was impressed with the thoughtful and challenging questions posed by the students.

Writing on social media, Mr Tufnell said: “Brilliant to have Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi School in Parliament today! Before a tour of the Palace we did a quiz and a Q&A about Pembrokeshire, Parliament and my role as an MP – some excellent questions!”

The trip was organised and led by Mrs R Owen, Head of Languages, Literacy and Communication at the school, alongside Mr J Owen (Literacy HLTA) and school governor Mrs B Thomas-Price. The day involved a very early start, with pupils departing the Dewi campus at 6:00am, and returning shortly after midnight.

Headteacher Rachael Thomas described the opportunity as “fantastic” and thanked parents for their quick response to the late notice trip. Pupils were expected to model the school’s values throughout the visit, and brought packed lunches and books or headphones for the long coach journey

This inspiring visit offered a memorable real-world learning experience for the pupils and a chance to deepen their understanding of politics and public service.