News
Financial strain on young Britons: Citizens Advice steps in
IN an attempt to confront the growing financial pressures facing young people across the UK, Citizens Advice has unveiled alarming statistics that shed light on the scale of the issue. The charity, dedicated to offering support and advice, has reported a significant increase in the number of young individuals seeking financial guidance. Alarmingly, the figures have doubled since 2019, with the charity aiding 66,000 individuals under the age of 25 in the past year alone. This surge highlights the acute challenges posed by the current economic climate, including the cost-of-living crisis that continues to exacerbate the financial burdens on younger demographics.
A concerning aspect of the findings is that one in five young adults reaching out to Citizens Advice are seeking help with debt, a testament to the mounting financial pressures they face. This is compounded by a broader reluctance among this age group to discuss financial matters, with new research indicating that 90% of those under 25 feel uncomfortable broaching the subject. This discomfort outstrips their willingness to discuss other sensitive topics such as health issues, politics, or religion, underscoring a deep-rooted stigma around money conversations among young Britons.
In a creative and thought-provoking initiative, Citizens Advice has positioned a 6-metre-tall inflatable elephant in Manchester city centre. Scheduled for display on Saturday, 17 February, this installation symbolises the ‘elephant in the room’ – the widespread reluctance to talk about financial issues. Crafted by India Buxton, a Fine Art student from the University of Salford, the elephant’s design was chosen through a competition organised by Citizens Advice. Buxton’s colourful, money-themed artwork seeks to encourage open discussions about money matters, aiming to alleviate the stigma and promote financial literacy among young people.
This initiative comes at a time when young adults are particularly vulnerable to the economic downturn, grappling with soaring living costs, escalating private rents, and high inflation rates. The charity’s efforts to engage with the public and offer direct support in Manchester are part of a broader mission to provide practical advice and emotional support to those struggling with financial issues.
Personal stories, like that of Jack from Derby, illustrate the tangible impact of these financial struggles. Jack’s narrative of living “pay cheque to pay cheque” and his reluctance to discuss his financial situation highlight the broader challenges faced by many young adults in similar positions. The testimony underscores the urgent need for accessible financial advice and support systems to help young people navigate their financial challenges more effectively.
Citizens Advice remains committed to breaking down barriers to financial discussions, providing a wealth of resources and support to those in need. Their message is clear: talking about money, while daunting, is a crucial first step towards managing financial challenges. The charity’s efforts to demystify financial conversations and offer practical support aim to empower young Britons to take control of their financial wellbeing.
For those seeking guidance, Citizens Advice offers an expert guide on starting conversations about money, available on their website. This resource is part of the charity’s broader initiative to support young people in navigating their financial journeys with confidence and clarity.
Crime
Four youths linked to night of disorder in Milford Haven
A GROUP of four youths are believed to have been involved in a series of incidents in Milford Haven late on Sunday night, culminating in a reported break-in at the Lord Nelson Hotel.
At approximately 11.50pm, four young males walked into The Pembrokeshire Herald building on Victoria Road directly from the street.
They spoke briefly with editor Tom Sinclair and asked him for £10. When he refused, the group left the premises without further incident.
The youths are then believed to have gone to a nearby flat, where resident Ri Marr said they climbed scaffolding beside her home, banged on her windows and attempted to open her door.
Ms Marr, who lives alone, said she was terrified because she did not initially know who was outside.
She said police attended quickly and took a statement.
It is understood that two members of the group later entered the nearby Lord Nelson Hotel, where a substantial amount of stock was allegedly stolen from the bar.
Hotel manager James Findlay has released CCTV images showing two young males in the rear service area of the premises and appealed for help identifying them.
He said those responsible had an opportunity to return the stolen stock, adding that the hotel would otherwise fully support any police investigation using CCTV, fingerprints or other evidence.
The incidents all took place within a short distance of each other and over a relatively brief period.
The Herald understands that four youths were present during the earlier incidents, although only two are alleged to have entered the Lord Nelson.
Anyone who recognises those shown in the CCTV images, or who has information about the movements of the group, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.
The Herald has approached the force for confirmation of the reported incidents and details of any investigation.
News
RNLI lifeboat and lifeguard rescue kayakers blown offshore at Llangrannog
TWO kayakers were brought safely ashore after getting into difficulty off Llangrannog on Sunday afternoon.
New Quay RNLI was tasked by Milford Haven Coastguard at around 4:00pm on Sunday, July 12, following reports that two people in a double kayak were struggling in the prevailing conditions.
An RNLI lifeguard had already reached the casualties and was assisting them from a rescue board. However, strong conditions were pushing the group further offshore and making it difficult for them to return safely to the beach.
New Quay RNLI’s D-class inshore lifeboat, the Will Morgan, launched immediately with three volunteer crew members on board.
The crew made their way quickly to Llangrannog, where they located the two kayakers alongside the lifeguard.
All three people were taken aboard the lifeboat and brought safely back to Llangrannog beach. No casualty care was required.
The volunteer crew then returned to sea to recover the double kayak and the lifeguard’s rescue board, bringing both back to the beach before returning to New Quay Lifeboat Station.
The lifeboat was then refuelled and made ready for its next service.
Huw Williams, New Quay RNLI’s volunteer helm, said: “This was a great example of the RNLI working together to help people in difficulty.
“The lifeguard had already reached the casualties, but the conditions were making it challenging to return safely to shore. Our crew was able to bring everyone back safely and recover the equipment.
“Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty in the water or on the shore, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Business
Welsh financial and legal firms set to benefit from landmark Swiss trade deal
WELSH financial, legal and technology businesses could gain improved access to the Swiss market under a major new trade agreement announced by the UK and Switzerland.
The UK Government estimates the agreement could increase British services exports to Switzerland by £5.2 billion a year in the long term, although no separate estimate has been published for the potential benefit to Wales.
However, Wales already has an established services trading relationship with Switzerland.
UK Government analysis found that Welsh businesses exported £175 million of services to Switzerland in 2020, with financial and insurance services making up the largest category.
The new Free Trade Agreement is intended to make it easier for lawyers, accountants, architects, consultants and digital businesses to sell their expertise in Switzerland.
It will also reduce barriers for businesses transferring employees between the two countries and provide greater certainty for firms considering investment or expansion.
Cardiff-based Capital Law, which already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, said the agreement could strengthen the Welsh capital’s position as a growing professional services centre.
Christopher Nott, senior partner at Capital Law, said: “This FTA is a terrific result for Capital Law, our clients and Cardiff’s growing reputation as a leading professional services hub.
“The agreement locks in legal market access, reduces unnecessary barriers and provides the certainty we need to pursue opportunities in Switzerland.
“As a firm that already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, with one of our partners based there, we understand the value of a strong and predictable trading relationship.
“It’s exactly the kind of practical, modern trade deal that helps UK businesses compete and succeed internationally.”
The agreement could also create opportunities for Welsh businesses operating in life sciences, financial technology, cyber security, digital services and the creative industries.
Switzerland is the UK’s sixth-largest services export market, with bilateral services trade worth more than £30 billion during 2025.
Services account for around 81 per cent of UK economic output and 83 per cent of employment, making improved access particularly significant for regions seeking to grow professional and technology-based businesses.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the agreement would open new doors for businesses across Wales.
She said: “The UK-Switzerland trade deal shows how the UK Government is delivering real results for businesses in Wales and across the UK.
“Wales already has a thriving services sector. This landmark agreement supports further economic growth and encourages job creation by opening new doors for businesses and enhancing Wales’s reputation on the world stage.”
Under the agreement, UK services professionals will be able to travel visa-free to Switzerland for up to 90 days a year.
British businesses will also be able to transfer employees to work in Switzerland for periods of up to five years without being subjected to some of the economic needs tests currently applied to work permit applications.
The Government said this would make it easier for British professionals and graduates working in areas including finance, insurance and consultancy to obtain Swiss work permits.
The deal also aims to reduce paperwork, support digital payments and remove requirements for certain back-office functions to be physically based in Switzerland.
Provisions will lock in future liberalisation of Swiss services markets, meaning British companies would automatically benefit from further easing of trading rules.
British travellers are also expected to receive practical benefits.
Under a separate initiative announced alongside the agreement, UK passport holders will soon be able to use electronic passport gates at Swiss airports.
The UK and Switzerland also intend to remove international mobile roaming surcharges, allowing tourists and business travellers to use their phones as part of their normal contracts without additional charges.
Around 800,000 visits are made to Switzerland by UK residents each year.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Whether you’re growing a business or travelling for work, this agreement is about making life easier and creating more opportunity for people across the UK.
“It means British firms will find it easier to sell their expertise in one of our most important markets in Europe, supporting jobs and investment here at home.
“British people will also be able to enjoy using their mobile in Switzerland without extra roaming charges and, alongside the FTA, they will soon also have quicker trips through Swiss airports.”
Trade Secretary Peter Kyle described it as the most significant services trade agreement negotiated by the UK.
He said: “This deal will mean faster journeys through the border, cheaper phone use for families and business travellers to Switzerland, and new opportunities for British firms selling their world-class services overseas.”
Government figures estimate that exports to Switzerland supported 171,400 UK jobs in 2022, including 144,800 linked to services exports.
Those employment figures are based on economic modelling and include people employed directly by exporters and those working for businesses within their supply chains.
While ministers have presented the agreement as a major opportunity for Welsh businesses, its precise economic value to Wales remains uncertain.
The £5.2 billion estimate applies to the whole of the UK and the Government has not yet published a Wales-specific assessment of the expected increase in trade, investment or employment.
The agreement will now move towards formal signature and implementation, subject to the usual parliamentary scrutiny.
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