News
New Older People’s Commissioner sets out her vision

THE new Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, has set out her vision for a Wales that leads the way in empowering older people, tackling inequality and enabling everyone to live and age well.
Taking up post today (30 September), the new Commissioner has said she is looking forward to travelling across Wales to hear directly from older people about their experiences of growing older and how the issues affecting their lives can be tackled to deliver change and improvements.
Publishing a statement on her website, new Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said:
“It is an honour and a privilege to serve as the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales. This independent role is unique in its purpose to promote and champion the rights of older people and as Commissioner I will listen to what’s important and ensure their voices and experiences are integral to bringing about positive change.
“The quality of our lives as we grow older is influenced by a range of factors such as our health, housing and income, as well as where we live and the types of support, services and community networks accessible to us.
“So I’m keen to meet and hear from older people in all parts of Wales to understand the range of challenges they face in their day to day lives and to hear how they feel things could be done differently to enable and support them to live and age well.”
The Commissioner will begin this work by visiting communities across Gwynedd and Powys during her first week in post to speak with older people about the things that make a positive difference to their lives, as well as their concerns, which will support her as she develops her work programme. She is also developing plans for a large scale consultation with older people, inviting them to share their views and ideas about the key areas of work she should prioritise.
In her statement, the Commissioner also said she recognises the significant challenges facing older people in Wales as she takes up post, particularly in light of the Government’s decision to cut winter fuel payments, the rising energy cap and the potential implications of the upcoming autumn budget.
Highlighting the impact of these issues, the Commissioner said: “These issues, combined with pressures on public services and wider issues such as digital exclusion, loneliness and social isolation are resulting in multiple disadvantages for older people making it increasingly difficult to access the vital services and support they need.
“I do not underestimate the gravity of these issues, and from the outset, I will be the strong voice of older people, ensuring that their experiences and concerns are brought directly to decision and policymakers.
“I’m ambitious to establish common agendas, share learning, promote good practice and to support change that will make a difference to the lives of older people both now and in the future.
“But my team and I will also scrutinise a wide range of policy and practice that impacts upon older people’s quality of life, and I will not hesitate to hold organisations and individuals to account where this will deliver the best outcomes for older people.”
The new Commissioner will draw on a wide range of knowledge and experience within her role, having begun her career as a police officer, before taking on senior leadership roles in the third sector, including Chief Executive of Calan DVS, and being appointed Wales’ first National Adviser for tackling Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence in 2015.
Most recently, she has been recognised as an expert Chair of Domestic Homicide Reviews involving older people, in addition to undertaking a wide range of research and projects on behalf of key organisations and public bodies.
The Commissioner added: “Working with and on behalf of older people I look forward to making a positive contribution; safeguarding rights, challenging discrimination and tackling inequality.
“Together we will ensure that older people’s voices are heard at a local and national level, which will be crucial to create a Wales that leads the way in empowering older people, tackling inequality and enabling everyone to live and age well.”
Crime
Haverfordwest retailer accused of Bounce Back Loan fraud

A HAVERFORDWEST businessman has been accused of committing fraud by making false representations to multiple banks in applications for Government-backed Bounce Back Loans.
Zahid Afzal, 36, of Albert Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 6), where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of fraud by false representation.
The court heard that Afzal, listed on Companies House as a director of Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, allegedly made false statements to secure loans intended to support businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors claim that on May 12, 2020, he falsely stated to Barclays Bank that the application for a Bounce Back Loan was Phone Bits Ltd’s only application. It is further alleged that he made similar false claims to Starling Bank on July 23, 2020, and to Metro Bank on November 22, 2020, in relation to Phones Onn Ltd.
The alleged misrepresentations included inflating the company’s turnover to £200,000 and falsely claiming the loans would be used solely for business purposes.
Afzal’s case has been sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial, with a hearing scheduled for March 10. He was granted unconditional bail.
An interpreter will be required for the proceedings, as Afzal requires assistance in Urdu.
Charity
Young fundraiser’s incredible efforts for RNLI

THE CREW of Tenby RNLI have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 5-year-old Archie Garland for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the station.
Archie took part in the Advent Challenge with the Tenby Aces over Christmas, running a minimum of one mile every day throughout Advent. His dedication saw him cover an impressive 47.3 miles, raising a remarkable £552.25 thanks to generous donations from the local community.
Archie is pictured with (L-R): Deputy Coxswain Gary Waring, his dad and Deputy Coxswain Rob Garland, Deputy Coxswain Dan Young, station full-time mechanic Will Horton, and his mum, Tenby Aces member Claire Thomas.
Crime
Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn launches ambitious four-year policing plan

Public trust at the heart of new strategy
DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has unveiled his four-year Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, outlining his vision to strengthen public trust and confidence in policing.

The plan, shaped by extensive public consultation, sets out priorities for policing, crime prevention, and the criminal justice system across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Powys. It follows feedback from surveys and focus groups, where residents highlighted their key concerns.
The three core priorities of the plan are:
- Supporting victims and preventing victimisation
- Preventing harm to ensure safer communities
- Enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system
Llywelyn formally launched the plan on Tuesday (Feb 13) at an event attended by key partners and commissioned services. The event focused on collaboration, with discussions on how joint efforts can strengthen crime prevention, victim support, and justice delivery.
Victims at the centre

Commissioner Llywelyn emphasised the importance of ensuring victims receive the right support.
“This plan is built on the views of our communities, focusing on what truly matters to the people of Mid and West Wales,” he said. “Victims must be at the heart of our policing and justice system. It is essential that those affected by crime have access to timely, effective support to help them recover and seek justice. Strengthening services that prevent victimisation is just as important as responding to crime itself.”
Tackling root causes of crime

The plan also prioritises crime prevention by addressing underlying issues.
“By tackling antisocial behaviour and vulnerability, we can reduce harm and build a more resilient society,” Llywelyn said. “A proactive, problem-solving approach will ensure resources are used effectively to protect our communities.”
A joined-up approach to justice
Llywelyn stressed the need for stronger collaboration across the justice system.
“A fair and efficient justice system relies on agencies working together. I will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that policing, the courts, and support services deliver justice fairly and effectively for victims and communities alike.”
The Police and Crime Plan sets out a clear vision for Dyfed-Powys policing over the next four years, focusing on improving public safety, supporting victims, and delivering an efficient justice system.
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