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News

National review urges reform of Welsh Fire and Rescue Authorities

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A MAJOR new report has highlighted significant weaknesses in the governance of Wales’ Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs), calling for urgent action from the Welsh Government to address long-standing concerns. The Auditor General for Wales has criticised the current governance structures as lacking the necessary expertise and oversight required to manage the vital emergency services these authorities provide.

Fire and Rescue Authorities, which are responsible for fire-fighting, promoting fire safety, and responding to road traffic accidents, play a critical role in protecting Welsh communities. However, the Auditor General’s review warns that the system designed to govern these authorities is not fit for purpose, raising concerns over accountability and effectiveness.

Pembrokeshire fire crews in action: The Auditor General’s report highlights concerns over the lack of specialist knowledge among the authorities governing these essential services. (Pic: Herald)

What do councillors know about fire fighting?

One of the key findings of the report is that the current governance model for FRAs, which relies exclusively on councillors nominated by their local authorities, is not aligned with the specialist nature of fire and rescue services. Members of FRAs are drawn from local councils, often with little or no prior experience in fire and rescue, meaning they lack the technical knowledge required to make informed decisions on crucial public safety matters.

“Fire and Rescue Authorities provide vital services, and it’s important that they are governed in a manner reflecting the public and environment they serve,” said Adrian Crompton, the Auditor General for Wales. He urged the Welsh Government and the FRAs themselves to address these governance weaknesses and ensure that the people tasked with overseeing these services are properly equipped for the job.

The report highlights that while elected councillors provide important community representation, this does not guarantee the specific skills needed for governing such specialised services. As a result, there is a significant gap in knowledge and experience that poses a risk to the effective oversight of fire and rescue services across Wales.

Fire engines responding to an emergency: Despite their critical role, Fire and Rescue Authorities are overseen by councillors with limited fire service expertise, prompting calls for urgent reform. (Pic: Herald)

Limited training and short-termism of positions

The review also revealed that many FRA members do not receive sufficient training to help bridge this knowledge gap. Of the three FRAs in Wales—North Wales, South Wales, and Mid & West Wales—only the latter provides a structured programme of training and development for its members. Elsewhere, training is sporadic and not consistently aligned with members’ individual needs, leaving many unprepared for the responsibilities they face.

In addition, the high turnover of FRA members, with frequent changes in membership due to local elections, further complicates the situation. The report found that this constant churn of councillors prevents the development of long-term expertise within the FRAs, making it difficult to maintain a knowledgeable and engaged governing body.

“Governance requires stability, expertise, and a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities,” the report states. However, the review found that in practice, many members did not demonstrate a clear understanding of their governance duties, further weakening the effectiveness of decision-making processes.

Incident Command Centre: With a combined budget of £200 million, the Auditor General urges the Welsh Government to strengthen the governance of FRAs to ensure value for money and effective service delivery. (Pic: Herald)

Lack of scrutiny and accountability

Another significant concern raised in the report is the lack of rigorous scrutiny and challenge within FRA governance structures. The review found that in many committee meetings, there was minimal questioning or discussion on important matters, including strategic risk management and performance oversight. This raises fears that decisions are being made without sufficient scrutiny, potentially putting public safety at risk.

The Auditor General also expressed concerns over the lack of diversity among FRA members, with the majority being male and few representatives from ethnic minority backgrounds. This lack of diversity, the report argues, reduces the ability of FRAs to reflect the communities they serve and engage with a broad range of perspectives on public safety issues.

The report further criticises the absence of regular evaluations of individual FRA members’ contributions, meaning there is no mechanism to assess whether members are fulfilling their roles effectively. This, coupled with the lack of structured training, results in a governance system that is not fully accountable to the public.

A lack of scrutiny in governance meetings raises fears that key decisions are being made without proper oversight, potentially affecting public safety. (Pic: Herald)

Urgent calls for reform

This is not the first time Welsh FRAs have faced calls for reform. In 2018, the Welsh Government’s White Paper on FRA governance recommended reducing the number of elected councillors in favour of appointing non-executive members with specialist expertise in fire and rescue. However, these proposals were never implemented, leaving the current governance structures largely unchanged.

The Auditor General’s report echoes these earlier recommendations, urging the Welsh Government to revisit its governance model. It calls for a membership structure that better reflects the technical and operational demands of fire and rescue services, ensuring that those tasked with overseeing these services have the necessary skills and knowledge.

In particular, the report recommends that the Welsh Government conduct a comprehensive review of FRA governance to introduce clearer accountability mechanisms and improve the training and development available to members. This would include regular assessments of members’ skills and contributions, as well as a more formal approach to succession planning within the FRAs.

Fire crews after putting out fire in Havefordwest: A lack of scrutiny in governance meetings raises fears that key decisions are being made without proper oversight, potentially affecting public safety. (Pic: Herald)

Financial pressures not helping

The need for reform is made all the more urgent by the financial pressures facing the public sector. The combined budget of the three Welsh FRAs for 2024-25 is approximately £200 million, equating to £64 per head of the population. With such significant sums of money at stake, ensuring these funds are managed effectively is crucial, particularly in the current economic climate.

The report warns that the lack of robust governance could undermine the ability of FRAs to deliver value for money, with public safety potentially being compromised as a result. It emphasises that strong governance is essential for effective decision-making and the delivery of high-quality services, particularly in times of financial austerity.

Firefighters battling a blaze: The review found that FRA members often lack the training needed to make informed decisions on public safety matters. (Pic: Herald)

A long road ahead

The findings of the Auditor General’s review have put the Welsh Government under pressure to act swiftly. The issues identified are not new, but the report makes clear that the need for change is more pressing than ever. As public sector budgets tighten, and the complexity of fire and rescue services increases, the risks posed by inadequate governance structures could have serious consequences for communities across Wales.

Whether the Welsh Government will heed the Auditor General’s call for reform remains to be seen. However, the message from the report is clear: without action, the governance of Wales’ Fire and Rescue Authorities will continue to fall short of what is required to keep the public safe and ensure effective management of these essential services.

In the meantime, the public will be watching closely to see if the necessary reforms are put in place to address the serious issues raised in the report and ensure that Wales’ Fire and Rescue Authorities are governed with the expertise and accountability they deserve.

Responding, Joel James MS, Shadow Minister for Social Partnership, said: “It’s vital that those who form FRAs have the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain a high standard of service management.

“We’d encourage the Welsh Government to be led by this report and ensure that expertise can be retained in fire service governance.”

Charity

Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

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THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.

Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for end-of-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.

Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.

Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”

Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives. I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”

The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.

Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering comfort and support when it is most needed.”

The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.

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Entertainment

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

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THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.

The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”

Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ

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Community

Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

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THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”

A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.

Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’

Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.

“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”

He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.

“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”

Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.

“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”

Ongoing training and backlash

Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.

“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”

Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.

“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”

Community protection notice issued

Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.

“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”

The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.

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