New pledge to gather school choice data from all parents — not just those choosing Welsh-medium education

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revised its position following mounting criticism over its handling of Welsh-medium education policy, agreeing to broaden the scope of its planned parental survey.

The move comes after a political and public backlash to comments made during the Council Cabinet’s April meeting, where Deputy Leader Paul Miller suggested that some parents were choosing Welsh-medium schools not for the language but for newer facilities. His remarks, and the nature of the Cabinet debate, drew sharp criticism from opposition leader Cllr Huw Murphy, the Welsh Language Commissioner, and Cabinet Secretary for the Welsh Language and Culture, Mark Drakeford.

Critics accused the Cabinet of taking an “anti-Welsh” tone and of singling out parents who chose Welsh-medium education. The row escalated after Mr Drakeford told BBC Cymru: “I can’t see why we would ask parents why they choose Welsh or why they choose English… Local authorities should be making the case for choosing Welsh-medium education, not questioning those who do.”

Now, in an apparent attempt to address those concerns and reset the debate, the Council has issued a fresh statement following its Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (May 21). It confirms that data collection will be considered for all parents, not just those opting for Welsh-medium education.

A Council spokesperson said: “Cabinet has today agreed to explore the collection of information from all parents, regardless of language preference, in order to better understand school choice across the county.”

The updated resolution now asks the Director of Education to explore methods for capturing data on the relative importance of different factors influencing school choice. These include language preference, learning outcomes, quality of facilities, transport provision, and support for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).

The Council says the data will help inform future decisions on modernising the school estate, ensuring they reflect the priorities of a broad and representative sample of parents.

Despite the softened stance, the issue remains politically sensitive. Cllr Huw Murphy, whose formal “call-in” prompted the Council to revisit its earlier decision, has argued that any perception of bias against Welsh-medium provision risks undermining public trust and the Council’s obligations under the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP).

The Welsh Language Commissioner had also expressed concern over the original approach, stating that questioning only parents choosing Welsh-medium schools was “not compatible” with the Council’s statutory duties.

The revised position may go some way toward cooling tensions, but the debate has already highlighted deeper divisions over language policy, school choice, and how local authorities should approach data collection in the context of bilingual education.

The Herald will continue to follow developments closely as the Council works through the next phase of its data-gathering plans.

35 affordable homes to replace fire-damaged site in Pembroke Dock

THE REDEVELOPMENT of the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel site in Pembroke Dock has taken a significant step forward, as Castell Group and Pembrokeshire County Council confirm the completion of the site sale.

The site, which has stood derelict since a devastating fire in 2019, was acquired unconditionally by Castell Group in April 2024. Since then, planning permission and Sustainable Drainage (SAB) approval have been secured, clearing the way for construction to begin.

Using a social housing grant from the Welsh Government, the new scheme will deliver 35 affordable homes—providing a mix of social, supported, and intermediate rental properties. All homes will be owned and managed by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The development marks a key milestone in bringing a long-neglected brownfield site back into use, with anticipated economic and social benefits for the wider area.

Dorian Payne, Managing Director of Castell Group, said: “We are delighted to reach this critical stage in the redevelopment of the Cleddau Bridge Hotel site. We are excited to move forward with construction in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council.”

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing, welcomed the news: “This site has been derelict since the fire in 2019 so it’s fantastic news that it will now be developed into high-quality affordable housing. We are committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing and this development, in one of our largest towns, will play a part in meeting the demand for housing in Pembrokeshire.”

Local member Cllr Joshua Beynon added: “I am really pleased to see the Council developing this piece of land that has been left as an eyesore since it caught fire some years ago. Housing is what we need, and I’m really pleased to see it happening here.”

Work on site is expected to begin shortly.

Anyone interested in applying for one of the new homes is advised to ensure their housing application is up to date. For further information, contact the Customer Liaison Team at [email protected] or call 01437 764551.

Senedd report urges urgent regulation to protect homeowners from unfair private fees

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT is being urged to take swift action to regulate the growing problem of unregulated maintenance fees charged by private estate management companies on new housing developments.

A report by the Senedd’s Petitions Committee has highlighted the mounting burden placed on homeowners across Wales, who are being hit with annual charges—ranging from £50 to £500—for the upkeep of communal areas, including roads, green spaces, parks and drainage systems, despite already paying full council tax.

Nicknamed “fleecehold” by campaigners, the practice has come under fire for its lack of transparency, with many residents reporting they are given no breakdown of how their fees are spent, and no say in the level or quality of service provided.

The Committee is now calling on the Welsh Government to implement a standardised regulatory framework for the management of new housing estates. Key recommendations include the introduction of a public register to clarify responsibility for each estate asset, and the adoption of best practices from Scotland’s Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011 to improve oversight and accountability.

Carolyn Thomas MS, Chair of the Petitions Committee, said: “The evidence heard during this inquiry makes a strong case for tighter regulation. The current situation has been described as ‘the wild west’—a patchwork of good and bad practices with no real protections for homeowners.

“We are calling on the Welsh Government to bring in legal safeguards that ensure future residents are treated fairly, while also looking at what can be done to support those already affected.”

Campaigners say the lack of oversight leaves families vulnerable to escalating charges and poor service, with little recourse to challenge decisions. The proposed reforms would bring clarity and fairness to an increasingly widespread issue affecting thousands of homeowners in Wales.