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Politics

Welsh budget timetable ‘stifles scrutiny’

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THE CHAIR of the Senedd’s finance committee criticised Welsh Government plans to once again publish the draft budget just days before the Christmas recess.

Peredur Owen Griffiths raised concerns about publishing the draft spending plans for next year on December 10 – shortly before Senedd members go on holiday for three weeks.

The Plaid Cymru politician sympathised with the Welsh Government’s position about a lack of clarity on the budget settlement from Westminster.

But Mr Owen Griffiths challenged claims there is “no better alternative” in the current circumstances to publishing the 2025/26 draft budget on December 10.

He said the timetable does not sufficiently take into account concerns raised by Senedd committees after scrutiny of this year’s draft budget which made steep cuts to services.

In a letter to Wales’ finance secretary, dated July 11, Mr Owen Griffiths said: “Several committees called for more time to be made available to scrutinise the draft budget.

“We agree that the shortened timescales last year made it extremely challenging … to meaningfully assess the impact the draft budget has on policy areas within their remit.”

The former bank manager, who represents South Wales East, called for further justification on why a longer scrutiny window was not considered.

Mr Owen Griffiths said this would be highly beneficial, allowing committees to hold more evidence sessions on the draft budget this side of Christmas.

He stressed that the finance secretary is ultimately responsible for setting the budget and the proposed timing of the draft budget is within the Welsh Government’s gift.

Mr Owen Griffiths said uncertainty on the settlement must be balanced with the magnitude of the Senedd’s task in scrutinising spending plans.

He warned: “Detailed scrutiny which meets the needs and expectations of … the public at large cannot be achieved under the proposed timetable.”

He welcomed the Welsh Government’s willingness to revisit the proposed timetable once the UK Government’s budget date is known.

Mr Owen Griffiths criticised ministers for failing to adhere to a two-stage budget process.

He wrote: “We find it regrettable that you are proposing circumventing the process again this year – the sixth year in a row that this has happened.”

Mr Owen Griffiths called for ministerial evidence papers to be published alongside the draft budget – a point not addressed in the finance secretary’s letter on the timetable.

Rebecca Evans said she considered publishing an earlier draft budget, based on indicative figures, which would need to be revised once the settlement is clear.

But she warned this would not provide enough certainty.

She wrote: “We are, once again, obliged to recognise that the only prudent choice is to work on the basis that our settlement will be announced during the autumn term.

“And to follow a budget timetable akin to that employed in recent years, where we publish our draft budget close to the Christmas recess.”

Ms Evans said the Welsh Government will provide a firm timetable once the UK Government makes an announcement on its budget.

She told Senedd members the plan is to publish the final budget on February 25, 2025.

The finance secretary, who was appointed six years ago, wrote: “We are committed to ensuring the fullest possible scrutiny of our spending proposals.

“As a result, the timetable I have set out would enable seven weeks and four days for scrutiny of the draft budget, including four sitting weeks and four days.”

Ms Evans stressed that the timetable is driven by external factors “beyond our immediate control” and there is no currently better alternative.

News

Debate over 20mph speed limit continues in Pembrokeshire

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CONCERNS over road safety and public backlash have led Wrexham Council to take a cautious approach to increasing speed limits on dozens of roads—but will Pembrokeshire follow suit?

Following widespread opposition to the Welsh Government’s blanket 20mph policy, councils across Wales, including Pembrokeshire, have been reviewing the limits. In Wrexham, a public consultation revealed overwhelming support for restoring 30mph limits on 52 roads, but councillors are proceeding with caution, citing safety concerns.

Pembrokeshire residents voice frustration

While Wrexham moves toward changes, Pembrokeshire County Council has yet to announce a firm decision on altering its 20mph zones, despite strong opposition in key areas such as Johnston, Haverfordwest, and Milford Haven.

A public consultation in Pembrokeshire allowed residents to request changes up until October 2024, and many raised concerns about longer journey times, impact on businesses, and emergency response delays. A petition was even submitted calling for the A4076 in Johnston to be exempt from the lower limit, arguing that the road is a major route with suitable pedestrian infrastructure.

One local business owner in Haverfordwest told The Herald: “It’s just not practical on some of these roads. We need sensible speed limits, not a blanket approach.”

20mph sign at St Dogmaels was welcomed by many residents

Government admits mistakes

The Welsh Government introduced the 20mph speed limit in September 2023, claiming it would reduce accidents and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Initial data suggests there were 100 fewer deaths or serious injuries on affected roads.

However, in December 2024, government officials admitted that mistakes had been made in rolling out the policy, following widespread backlash across Wales. Pembrokeshire councillors, including Paul Miller, cabinet member for economy and transport, have acknowledged public frustration but stress the need to balance safety with practicality.

Will Pembrokeshire follow Wrexham’s lead?

In Wrexham, Councillor Dave Bithell has urged caution, warning that increasing speed limits could heighten accident risks. Wrexham aims to finalize its review by May, working alongside North Wales Police to manage any changes.

With strong opposition from some Pembrokeshire communities, it remains to be seen whether the county council will reverse course on certain roads or maintain the lower speed limits.

The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has acknowledged that while some communities back the 20mph policy, others remain strongly against it. The question now is whether Pembrokeshire’s roads will see similar changes to those being considered in Wrexham.

Should Pembrokeshire reconsider its 20mph limits? The Herald wants to hear your views.

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News

Former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas dies aged 78

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Tributes pour in for ‘Senedd’s founding father’

FORMER Plaid Cymru leader and Senedd Presiding Officer Lord Elis-Thomas has died at the age of 78, his family has announced.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas led Plaid Cymru between 1984 and 1991 and served as MP for Meirionydd and later Meirionydd Nant Conwy from 1974 until 1992, when he was appointed to the House of Lords.

He made history in 1999 as the first Presiding Officer of the newly established Welsh Assembly, now the Senedd, a role in which he helped shape Wales’ modern political landscape. Flags will fly at half-mast outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay as a mark of respect.

A POLITICAL MAVERICK

Known for his independent streak, Lord Elis-Thomas often clashed with Plaid Cymru’s leadership and left the party in 2016. He later served as a minister in both Carwyn Jones and Mark Drakeford’s Welsh Labour governments, despite remaining unaffiliated with the party.

He stepped away from frontline politics in 2021, retiring after decades of service to Welsh public life.

A FAMILY’S LOSS

In a statement, his family said he died “peacefully at his home” on Friday morning after a short illness. “The family request privacy at this difficult time.”

POLITICAL TRIBUTES

First Minister Eluned Morgan led tributes, calling Lord Elis-Thomas “one of Wales’ greatest political figures.”

“Dafydd was a true giant of Welsh politics and a passionate champion of our nation, our language, and our culture,” she said.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth described his passing as “a huge loss to Welsh politics and civic life.”

“Dafydd made a priceless contribution in laying the foundations of devolution. He was a ground-breaking MP and led Plaid Cymru with passion and distinction,” he said.

Senedd Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: “It is hard to imagine Welsh political life without him. Dafydd was always at the heart of our democracy, shaping and challenging it in equal measure.”

Liz Saville-Roberts, Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, said: “He was a tremendous figure in Welsh public life whose passion for our democracy inspired so many.”

Former Welsh Labour minister Lee Waters described him as “an amazing character” who played a pivotal role in modern Welsh politics. “I liked him a lot, even though he could be maddening. Very sad news.”

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS said: “Lord Elis-Thomas was a titan of Welsh politics. His deep love for Wales and its people was undeniable.”

Andrew RT Davies, his predecessor, added: “He was always forthright and robust when expressing his views, and for that, I admired him strongly.”

A LASTING LEGACY

Lord Elis-Thomas’ influence on Welsh politics is undeniable, from his leadership of Plaid Cymru to his role in establishing the Senedd. His passing marks the end of an era for Welsh political life, but his legacy will endure for generations to come.

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News

New housing plans spark sewage fears in Broad Haven

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PLANS to build 76 new homes overlooking Broad Haven have sparked fears that the local sewage system could struggle to cope, with concerns raised about potential pollution in St Brides Bay.

Mill Bay Homes has put forward proposals for a mix of apartments and houses near Marine Parade, with a portion earmarked as affordable housing. However, residents and environmental groups warn that the sewage treatment infrastructure is already under strain, with frequent discharges into local waterways and the sea.

Sewage spills impacting swimmers

Local swimmers have long complained about sewage discharges affecting water quality in St Brides Bay, with some saying they have been unable to enter the water after heavy rainfall.

One concerned resident, who regularly swims in Broad Haven, told The Herald: “We all understand the need for more homes, but the sewage system can’t handle what we already have. The last thing we need is more pressure on an overstretched network.”

Figures from Welsh Water reveal that the nearby treatment works discharged sewage into the environment for over 600 hours last year, with dozens of separate spills recorded.

Call for investment from Welsh Water

Calling for Welsh Water to invest: Cllr Nick Neumann

Local councillor Nick Neumann said that while he supports more affordable housing, it must not come at the expense of the environment or existing communities.

“Affordable homes for local people are needed, but we must ensure they do not negatively impact the landscape, the community, or our environment,” he said. “I would urge Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water) to really double down on this and invest more.”

Mill Bay Homes has said that measures will be put in place to mitigate additional pressure on the sewage system and that they will fully fund necessary improvements.

A formal planning application is expected to be submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which has stated that around 34% of the new homes should be designated as affordable housing.

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