News
Care company criticises Council


Care provision: Prestige Care is asking “Is it an even playing field?”
A PEMBROKE DOCK business has expressed concerns regarding how Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) operates its tender process for Care provision companies. Martyn Shipton of Prestige Care, told The Herald that he is struggling to compete with another local company who are offering higher pay rates and a £200 signing on bonus for staff that join them, something he says he is unable to afford to do. Prestige Care was set up in 2012 and employs 22 care staff that provide domiciliary care in the community.
He explained that over 90% of his clients come through the Council, rather than from private sources. He went on to say that his company are paid £13.84 an hour from the county and therefore are forced to offer staff between £7 and and £7.70 an hour. In contrast, his competitor are offering a minimum of £7.75 an hour, along with the £200 joining bonus. Mr Shipton went on to express his frustration, saying: “I’d like to ask the Council, if they are offering more money (to other providers), why? We went in at £14 an hour and were told it was too much, so we had to go down.
Why are we (care companies) not all getting paid the same? We do exactly the same things, have to follow the same standards and we have had excellent recent inspections. I want to pay my staff more, but I just can’t. With staff leaving, it means my existing staff are overworked.” The Herald asked PCC why care companies, that are all supposed to provide a uniform service, are being paid at different rates. A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council told The Herald: “In line with most other public sector organisations, Pembrokeshire County Council undertakes its tender process on a Most Economically Advantageous Tender basis.
This involves allocating both quality (compliance with Care Standards – CSSIW requirements) and price scores to a tenderer’s bid with the aim of appointing providers who are able to meet the service requirements by providing the highest quality at the most competitive price. The recent tender was for a Framework Agreement and 20 providers were successful in gaining a place on the Framework. Each provider submitted their required rate and quality offering, with all tender submissions being evaluated to determine the order of ranking.Tenderers will score higher points for better quality, and equally, higher points for a competitive rate.
Hourly rates charged by each provider are commercial and in confidence and as such are not disclosed. Care Standards (CSSIW) is the organisation which determines the standards of care that agencies should work to and who provide registration accordingly, without which providers would be unable to operate. The Council thereafter monitors provider compliance with the contract.” In response to the Council’s comments, Prestige care said: “Our inspection reports from CSSIW are very good, and our feedback on the homecare.co.uk website is also very good. We are number 15 on the tender list, and a lot of the companies that have been awarded higher than us are more expensive. The council are saying that our quality of care is poorer than others, if so how? We are not asking for a higher rate, we just want fairness, but how can it be fair when another care company advertise for staff and state that they are the only care company in Wales to pay a living wage and other care companies should follow suit, we would like nothing more than to be able to do this, and if we were paid the same as this company we would be able to, if not bring their rate down so everybody is on the same playing field.”
Community
Puffin found 110 miles inland released back into the wild in Pembrokeshire

Rare rescue sees seabird named Oona nursed back to health after landing in Herefordshire garden
A PUFFIN that somehow found its way more than 100 miles inland has been returned to the sea in Pembrokeshire after being rescued in a Herefordshire garden.
The bird, affectionately named Oona after a children’s book character, was discovered in June in the landlocked county — some 110 miles from the coast — and taken to Vets for Pets in Hereford. At just 218g, around half the normal weight for an adult puffin, she was underweight but otherwise alert.

Wildlife vet David Couper from the RSPCA provided guidance on her initial care, and once stabilised, Oona was transferred to the charity’s specialist West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Somerset. Staff there say puffin patients are extremely rare — only six have been treated at the centre in the past ten years.
Ryan Walker, Wildlife Supervisor at West Hatch, said: “Finding a puffin that far inland is extraordinary. She quickly became a bit of a star here. Our team gave her a good clean-up, helped her regain strength, and she did really well during her stay with us.”
Following her rehabilitation, which included nutritious fish meals and time in a recovery pool, Oona was returned to the sea off the coast of Pembrokeshire — home to Wales’ best-known puffin colonies, particularly on Skomer Island.

Puffins typically breed in coastal colonies, raising their chicks in burrows during spring and summer before spending the rest of the year out at sea. It’s rare for them to be found inland unless blown off course or affected by illness or exhaustion.
Oona’s story is just one of thousands seen by the RSPCA each year. In 2024, the charity took in over 10,000 wild animals across its four dedicated wildlife centres, with many found injured, orphaned or sick in people’s gardens.
The RSPCA is urging the public to act quickly if they find an animal in distress. Where safe, they should take the animal directly to a vet or consult advice on the charity’s website: www.rspca.org.uk/reportcruelty
Crime
Youth, 19, appears in court over Tenby stabbing incident

A YOUNG man accused of stabbing a teenager in a Tenby housing estate on Monday (July 14) has been remanded in custody after appearing before magistrates.
OLIVER DOWLING, aged 19, of Newell Hill, Tenby, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (July 17) charged with three offences — including wounding with intent, possessing a knife in a public place, and possession of cannabis.
The charges relate to a serious incident on Hafalnod estate, where Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a man was taken to hospital after being stabbed with a knife. The victim, named in court as JOSH ALLEN, is recovering from his injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening.
Dowling faces the following charges:
Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861),
Possession of a bladed article in a public place, namely a kitchen knife, on Hafalnod estate,
Possession of a quantity of cannabis, a Class B drug.
No pleas were entered, and magistrates declined bail on the grounds that Dowling was likely to reoffend and could interfere with witnesses. He was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Swansea Crown Court on August 18 at 9:00am.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a 20-year-old man had been arrested shortly after the incident and that no other individuals are being sought in connection with the matter.
A police spokesperson said: “There continues to be an increased police presence within the area, and if anyone has any concerns please speak to those officers.”
Farming
Farming future at a crossroads as final Welsh support scheme unveiled

Unions, politicians and sector leaders respond to ‘once-in-a-generation’ changes in land policy
THE FINAL version of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) has been published—sparking a fierce national debate over the future of food production, land management and the economic survival of rural communities across Wales.
Due to come into force on 1 January 2026, the scheme will replace the European Union’s Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), marking the end of a decade-long post-Brexit transition. It introduces a new three-tier model of support—Universal, Optional and Collaborative—with all participating farmers required to undertake twelve baseline actions such as maintaining hedgerows, improving soil health, and managing wildlife habitats.
The Welsh Government has framed the move as a bold shift towards sustainable land stewardship. But farming unions, opposition parties and rural campaigners have expressed serious concerns about the timing, funding, and long-term consequences of the proposals.

FUW: ‘A generational milestone—but not perfect’
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) described the publication of the final scheme as a “generational milestone,” representing the culmination of years of intense discussions between the sector and Welsh Government.
FUW President IAN RICKMAN said: “We have left no stone unturned in our ambition to secure a viable post-Brexit farm support framework. This is a watershed moment for Welsh agriculture.”
The FUW welcomed several major concessions, including:
- A combined £238 million budget for Universal payments and BPS tapering;
- A reduction in Universal Actions from 17 to 12;
- Exemptions for tenant farmers;
- Removal of the controversial 10% tree cover requirement.
However, the union remains deeply concerned about the scheme’s remaining obligations, particularly the 10% habitat requirement, which many believe will reduce the amount of productive farmland available. Mr Rickman also criticised the “disappointing” tapering schedule for existing BPS payments—set to fall to 60% in 2026 and drop by 20% each subsequent year.
“We urged a gentler five-step reduction starting at 80%. Despite this milestone, we will continue to push for practical improvements as implementation begins.”
NSA: ‘Stark choice for farmers’

The National Sheep Association (NSA) acknowledged progress but warned that many producers now face a stark decision.
NSA Chief Executive PHIL STOCKER said: “Farmers must now ask themselves—do they work with government and adopt environmental delivery, or do they walk away and farm independently without public support?”
NSA Cymru’s HELEN ROBERTS noted the omission of sheep from the Welsh Government’s press release as troubling: “There will be winners and losers. Some of the actions reflect existing good practice, but we’re worried about increased red tape and a lack of clarity on long-term outcomes. The steep cut to 60% BPS is harsher than expected and creates uncertainty.”
Paul Davies MS: ‘Another blow to farmers’
Preseli Pembrokeshire MS PAUL DAVIES described the final SFS as yet another blow to farmers already struggling under government pressure.
“This is dressed up as a new approach, but it’s another blow to Welsh farmers already reeling from devastating government policies. The cut to 60% is cruel and unjustified.”
Mr Davies criticised the absence of a published economic impact assessment, accusing both the Welsh and UK governments of abandoning the rural economy.
“From inheritance tax changes to bovine TB inaction and new hoops for farmers to jump through, it’s clear that governments on both ends of the M4 have failed to support our producers.”
Samuel Kurtz MS: ‘Still no answers on funding or impact’

Welsh Conservative Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary SAMUEL KURTZ accused the Welsh Government of publishing the final SFS without full transparency or accountability.
“After seven long years, farmers still don’t know what this scheme will really cost their businesses. Labour’s relationship with rural Wales is broken,” he said.
Mr Kurtz also criticised the Cabinet Secretary for failing to release the impact assessment, which, he claims, ministers have already seen.
“I stood shoulder to shoulder with farmers on the Senedd steps last year—and I continue to stand with them against any policy that threatens food security and rural livelihoods.”
Plaid Cymru: ‘A step forward—but not far enough’
Plaid Cymru’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs spokesperson, LLYR GRUFFYDD MS, acknowledged that the final scheme had improved following sector engagement—but said serious funding questions remained unanswered.
“It’s clear that this scheme has evolved from its initial form. As the farming unions and others have rightly pointed out, the scheme is an improvement on the one originally proposed,” he said.
“While we welcome the £238 million funding for the year ahead, a one-year pledge is simply not enough. A Plaid Cymru government would guarantee that level of support in real terms as a minimum and introduce a multi-year funding cycle.”
Mr Gruffydd also raised concerns about balance across the scheme’s tiers, the structure of the transition period, and the still-undefined “social value” payment.
“We trust these issues will be addressed swiftly, because, as ever, the devil will be in the detail.”
Labour blocks call for Senedd vote
Amid mounting pressure, Welsh Labour MSs voted down a motion in the Senedd this week which would have required a binding vote on the scheme’s implementation before it came into effect.
“By voting against this, Labour has dismissed farmers’ concerns once again,” said Mr Kurtz. “Trust is at an all-time low.”
Looking ahead
The Welsh Government has pledged to publish a “ready reckoner” tool in the coming weeks to help farmers estimate the financial value of their participation in the new scheme.
The BPS tapering will begin in 2026, with recipients receiving 60% of their previous payments, and reductions of 20% annually thereafter.
An economic impact assessment—originally expected to be published alongside the final scheme—is now due in September 2025, just months before the scheme is set to begin.
Farming unions have said they will continue to work constructively with ministers, but warned that ongoing engagement will be crucial as technical guidance and implementation plans are finalised.
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