CALLS FOR WALES-WIDE INVESTIGATION INTO CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES are set to force a vote in the Senedd next Wednesday (Feb 12) on commissioning a Wales-wide independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.

Campaigners and politicians have raised concerns that the full extent of the issue remains unknown, despite evidence of grooming gang activity across Wales.

Emily Vaughn, a campaigner who has spoken publicly about her experience of being trafficked and exploited in Wales, has launched a petition urging the Welsh Government to act.

She said: “I was a victim of sexual exploitation by grooming gangs, and I know this practice is more widespread than the authorities acknowledge. The Welsh Government should undertake an inquiry to establish the scale of the problem and support victims in Wales.”

‘NO STONE UNTURNED’

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS, speaking ahead of the debate, said: “There is clear and concerning evidence of the sexual exploitation of young girls by grooming gangs here in Wales, but what we don’t know is the full extent of the problem.

“We owe it to brave victims to leave no stone unturned in investigating this issue and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“Simply accepting assurances from the police and councils that grooming gangs are not operating in their areas is not good enough. Only a Wales-wide inquiry will ensure this issue gets the attention it deserves and that our children are protected from predatory behaviour.”

POLITICAL UNITY NEEDED

The motion, set to be debated in the Senedd, urges cross-party support for victims of abuse and calls on the Welsh Government to take decisive action.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Social Justice, Altaf Hussain MS, added:

“It is abundantly clear that more must be done to combat sexual violence, domestic abuse, and misogyny.

“We have a duty under international law to tackle sexual violence and support the boys and girls preyed upon by grooming gangs.

“Next week, I will open this vitally important debate, calling on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.”

The motion to be debated states:

“The Senedd calls on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.”

THE FIRST of Port Talbot’s growth and regeneration projects is set to receive £8.2 million from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board, marking a significant step towards revitalizing the local economy.

This investment is expected to support over 100 jobs and ultimately contribute more than £87 million to the South Wales economy. To date, the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board has allocated £51 million into the local community, with further projects anticipated.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, chairing the latest Transition Board meeting today (February 6), will announce that £8.2 million will be directed to the South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub (SWITCH). This initiative will redevelop a four-acre site at Harbourside, Port Talbot, incorporating new shared space, flood mitigation measures, and specialist equipment. The investment aims to establish an Innovation District that will assist the steel and metal industry in reducing carbon emissions. The facility is projected to generate and sustain over 100 jobs while bolstering the South Wales economy by £87 million.

This funding is part of the UK Government’s £80 million Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board fund, which has already allocated £51 million since July. The latest announcement is the first targeted at regional growth and regeneration, with up to £30 million more expected to be invested in similar projects in the coming months.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting Port Talbot’s community through Tata Steel’s transition.

“We said we would back the community of Port Talbot through Tata Steel’s transition, and we continue to do exactly that,” she said. “In just six months, over £50 million has been announced to support individual steelworkers, their families, and businesses in the supply chain. Now, we are investing in a major regeneration project for the town.”

She added that millions more in funding will follow, ensuring continued support for steel communities amid ongoing industrial changes.

The Secretary of State also confirmed efforts to enhance mental health and well-being services, with funding details to be announced at the next Transition Board meeting. The initiative will focus on community cohesion, well-being programs, and peer support networks, including partnerships with local organizations.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning Rebecca Evans welcomed the funding, stating, “This announcement builds on investments unlocked through the recent Celtic Freeport and other initiatives we are supporting in and around Port Talbot. Working alongside our Transition Board partners, we will continue to provide opportunities for growth while ensuring support for those impacted by Tata Steel’s changes.”

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt, also praised the investment, noting its role in attracting jobs and industry to the region: “The SWITCH project will build on our area’s longstanding expertise in the steel and metals industries, helping to address modern challenges and secure future employment.”

Professor Helen Griffiths, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Swansea University, highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “SWITCH will strengthen Swansea University’s role in uniting academia, industry, and government. This investment will make Welsh research and innovation more accessible to businesses and help stimulate long-term economic growth.”

The SWITCH project, dedicated to industrial decarbonization, will establish a permanent base at Harbourside, adding to its existing £20 million funding from the Swansea Bay City Deal, which also benefits from UK Government support.

What this means for West Wales

This initiative aligns with broader regional development strategies, including the Celtic Freeport, which links Port Talbot and Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire. The Celtic Freeport, which received approval for its full business case in October 2024, aims to attract investment into low-carbon energy projects, create jobs, and contribute significantly to South Wales’ economic transition.

Key connections between the initiatives include:

• Regional economic impact: The Celtic Freeport is projected to generate £900 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2030 and £13 billion by 2050, complementing the Port Talbot project’s goal of injecting £87 million into the South Wales economy.
• Decarbonization focus: The SWITCH project will support the steel and metal industry in reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the Celtic Freeport’s emphasis on low-carbon technologies, including floating offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture.
• Investment and innovation: The Celtic Freeport aims to attract £3.5 billion in investment for the hydrogen sector, while the Port Talbot Innovation District will serve as a hub for industrial research and development.
• Government backing: Both projects receive support from the UK and Welsh governments, reflecting a coordinated effort to foster economic regeneration.
• Energy transition: With Milford Haven already processing around 20% of the UK’s energy needs, both initiatives contribute to the country’s broader shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

By linking these initiatives, stakeholders can emphasize a holistic approach to economic regeneration, decarbonization, and job creation across South Wales, ensuring a sustainable future for communities from Port Talbot to Milford Haven.

Extra funding to help tackle housing crisis

THE WELSH Labour Government has announced an additional £10 million investment in social housing, aiming to deliver more affordable homes for families across Wales.

The funding, which will support 16 housing schemes, is expected to deliver 238 homes before the end of the current Senedd term. It comes as part of the government’s wider commitment to tackling the housing crisis and providing opportunities for families struggling to secure affordable homes.

Record investment in housing

The Welsh Government has made housing a key priority, arguing that good quality, affordable homes are essential for improving health, education, and economic prospects. Ministers say they have already delivered nearly 9,000 affordable rental homes in the social sector since the start of this Senedd term, with further developments in the pipeline.

The latest investment is in addition to the £81 million allocated last year for new housing projects, bringing the total housing budget for 2025-2026 to £411 million. Ministers insist they are delivering “record levels” of investment in social housing.

Challenges remain

Despite the funding boost, the Welsh Government remains short of its ambitious target of delivering 20,000 low-carbon social homes for rent by 2026. Audit Wales has warned that between £580 million and £740 million in extra funding could be needed to meet the target. Rising construction costs, planning delays, and shortages in the building industry have also been cited as barriers to progress.

Political divide over housing

The announcement has sparked fresh debate over housing policy in Wales. Welsh Labour has accused opposition parties of failing to support efforts to increase social housing.

Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said:
“One of this Government’s key priorities is opportunity for every family. Investing in social housing reduces poverty, improves health, and helps drive economic growth. Good quality, affordable housing can transform lives, improving mental health and educational outcomes.”

She challenged opposition parties to back the investment, adding:
“We know opportunity starts at home. If Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives believe in opportunity for every family, they should vote for our Budget.”

However, opposition parties argue that the funding is insufficient given the scale of the crisis. The Conservatives have blamed rising housing costs on economic mismanagement, while Plaid Cymru has called for alternative approaches to tackling the shortfall in affordable homes.

Expert concerns

Housing campaigners and industry experts have welcomed the extra funding but warn that significant challenges remain. Some argue that a more detailed long-term housing strategy is needed to sustain progress beyond individual Senedd terms.

A spokesperson for Shelter Cymru said: “While additional investment is always welcome, the reality is that Wales faces a deepening housing crisis. More must be done to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes and tackle the root causes of housing inequality.”

With the next Senedd election approaching, housing is expected to remain a key battleground, with political parties setting out competing visions for tackling the crisis.