News

Budget a mixed bag for Wales: Investments and concerns amidst economic challenges

Published

10 months ago

March 6, 2024

CHANCELLOR Jeremy Hunt and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have unveiled a Budget that seeks to navigate through the lingering shadows of a stagnant economy and disheartening opinion polls. With an election looming on the horizon, this Budget was anticipated as a crucial opportunity for the Conservative leadership to demonstrate their economic stewardship and vision for the future. However, as Wales digests the details, the responses are varied, reflecting both optimism for localised investment and concerns over broader economic strategies.

The Budget unveils substantial investments in Wales, including the significant acquisition of the Wylfa site on Ynys Môn for £160 million, a move poised to invigorate the local economy. Mid Wales is set to benefit from a £5 million Agri food launch pad fund, aiming to boost the agricultural sector. Additionally, towns such as Rhyl and Aberconwy are on the receiving end of considerable investments for cultural and infrastructural development, promising a brighter outlook for local communities.

However, the broader economic landscape painted by the Chancellor’s announcements reveals a complex picture. The continuation of ‘fiscal drag’ tactics, where tax thresholds remain static despite inflation, means that many find themselves paying more without direct tax rate increases. This stealthy approach to taxation, while fiscally prudent, has not been without its critics. It underscores the government’s delicate balancing act between financial stability and the cost-of-living pressures faced by the populace.

Peter Fox MS, the Welsh Conservative Shadow Finance Minister, lauded the Budget as a testament to the government’s confidence in Wales’ potential for growth, emphasising the necessity for the allocated funds to rejuvenate public services across the nation. Contrastingly, Andrew RT Davies MS heralded the Budget as a driver for Welsh progress, juxtaposing it against what he perceives as Labour’s prioritisation of “pet projects” over essential services.

The relief extended to motorists through the freezing of fuel duty rates for another year has been broadly welcomed, with Richard Evans of webuyanycar highlighting the importance of efficient fuel use against a backdrop of rising motoring costs. This measure, while offering immediate relief, also reflects the government’s awareness of the everyday challenges faced by the populace.

However, critical voices argue that the Budget falls short of addressing systemic issues. Dr. Jonathan Carr-West of the Local Government Information Unit points out the lack of solutions for the fundamental funding crisis in local government. Similarly, Helen Barnard of the Trussell Trust expresses disappointment over the absence of long-term strategies to combat rising hunger and hardship, stressing the need for an Essentials Guarantee to safeguard the most vulnerable.

As Wales processes the ramifications of the latest Budget, it becomes clear that while significant investments herald potential economic stimuli for specific regions, broader challenges remain. The fine line between fiscal responsibility and the tangible improvement of public services and living standards is more pronounced than ever. The forthcoming election will be a referendum on the Conservative government’s handling of these issues.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

10 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

17 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

17 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.