Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Politics

Discrimination concerns over move to cashless society

Published

on

SENEDD members criticised a “half-hearted, illogical and disappointing” response to calls to ensure vulnerable adults without bank cards can continue to pay in cash.

Carolyn Thomas, who chairs the Senedd’s petitions committee, led a debate following a Senedd inquiry prompted by a 2,500-name petition submitted by Mencap Cymru.

Ms Thomas raised the example of a young person who could not buy a rugby shirt with his birthday money because the shop was cashless.

She told the Senedd: “Just two examples of people being denied their basic rights to be financially independent and to socialise.

“This is very distressing for vulnerable adults striving to live independently.”

Ms Thomas, who represents North Wales, added: “We cannot allow the rush to embrace new technology to create new barriers that exclude people.”

Pointing to stats showing almost 40% of people still use cash once a week, she cautioned that the response to the committee’s report shows the issue is far from resolved.

She raised Mencap Cymru’s suggestion that the Welsh Government could use the public sector equality duty to require organisations in receipt of public funds to accept cash.

Ms Thomas urged businesses to display signs at their entrances clearly showing whether they accept cash to save people from humiliation, anxiety and distress.

The Conservatives’ Peter Fox raised the risk of members of society being “shut out” with an increasing number of businesses becoming card only.

He said: “One young man with learning disabilities became so distressed when he was told he was unable to purchase a magazine that the police had to be called.”

Mr Fox pointed out that older people can also struggle to access digital payments.

Sioned Williams, who chairs the cross-party group on learning disability, criticised ministers’ “half-hearted, illogical and disappointing” responses to the committee’s recommendations.

She said: “It’s yet another example, unfortunately, of how changes and processes are put in place without consideration of the impact on disabled people.

“Because, in plain language, this is about discrimination.”

The Plaid Cymru politician emphasised: “This isn’t a matter of inconvenience … people don’t have a choice and this is having an emotional impact which is unacceptable.”

Rhys ab Owen, an independent, said: “Changing habits and technological developments can never be an excuse to ignore the needs of the people that we need to safeguard most.”

Hannah Blythyn recognised many of the powers are reserved to Westminster but she urged the Welsh Government to consider what more could be done.

Mike Hedges, a fellow Labour backbencher, supported the petition as he encouraged ministers to state that all public bodies should take cash.

Calling for choice, he said cash helps households budget and promotes careful spending.

The Conservatives’ Laura Anne Jones said: “While the move towards a cashless society may seem inevitable, it’s clear that it doesn’t work for everybody….

“This isn’t about halting progress, this is about ensuring fairness and compassion.”

Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan urged ministers to include offering a cash option in remit letters to arm’s-length public bodies such as the Arts Council of Wales.

In its response ahead of the debate on October 23, the Welsh Government said it does not have the legal levers to ensure all bodies in receipt of public funds accept cash payments.

Jane Hutt, Wales’ social justice secretary, committed to a meeting with Mencap Cymru, saying she would be keen to explore the public sector equality duty.

She told the Senedd: “I see this as a key social justice issue.”

Pressed on the impact of Transport for Wales’ new fine system on disabled people who may not be able to buy a ticket at railway stations, Ms Hutt said she would take up the issue.

 

Business

Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged

Published

on

A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.

In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.

A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.

“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.

“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.

“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”

It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.

“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.

“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”

The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.

 

Continue Reading

Business

Plans to rebuild arson hit building at farm with one of largest sheep flocks in Wales

Published

on

A CALL to rebuild a fire-damaged Pembrokeshire farm building, as a family home to help manage one of the largest sheep flocks in Wales, has been submitted to the national park.

In the application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, D B Davies and Sons through agent Harries Planning Design Management, with a supporting statement by Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd, seek permission to renovate an existing fire-damaged dwelling, together with the conversion and extension of outbuildings to form an agricultural worker’s dwelling at Mynydd Du, Rosebush.

The supporting statement through Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd says Mynydd Du is part of a wider holding which includes Eisteddfa Fawr and land around the village of Brynberian, the farms approximately six km apart, with land under control of the applicant amounting to some 1,500 acres, with a further 3,000 acres of Preseli mountain common land also used; the land accommodating a 5,000-ewe flock with 10 suckler cows and followers.

It says DB Davies & Sons Unlimited, has five partners: the two Davies brothers, Berian and Ken; their wives; and Berian’s son, Dyfed.

Berian and Ken are in their late 70s, with most of the heavy work on the farm is undertaken by Dyfed.

Dyfed and his wife Megan are first language Welsh speakers, living some 10 km away in Nevern, while Berian and Ken, and their wives, live at Eisteddfa Fawr, Brynberian.

The dwelling at Mynydd Du, where most sheep are now wintered, is structurally sound and repairable but has been unoccupied since 1990, and was subject to arson circa 2013, the statement says.

It says Dyfed works full-time on the farm, alone with increasing frequency as the older business members are above retirement age, working “long hours out of necessity to undertake all the work associated with one of the largest flocks of sheep in Wales”.

“His working hours are extended further due to the fact that he lives remote (6kms) from the main block of land at Tyllosg, where Mynydd Du is situated in the centre of the farm. Travelling back and forth several times each day during lambing and other times during poor weather, to check on flock welfare is an arduous task and can be dangerous, particularly if driving when tired during inclement conditions.”

The statement adds: “The application seeks permission to repair the fire damaged dwelling at Mynydd Du and bring it back to serve a useful purpose to enable Dyfed to closely monitor the ewes, not only at lambing, but throughout the year when the flock is grazing on the adjacent common land.

“It will also enable Dyfed to be with his partner and young child on a more regular basis than simply at the end of a long day when he is away from their current home, tending the sheep at Mynydd Du.”

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.

 

Continue Reading

News

Council unveils plans for new state-of-the-art secondary school in Milford Haven

Published

on

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revealed plans for a new state-of-the-art school in Milford Haven, promising modern, inspiring learning spaces for children and young people across the community.

A newly released video accompanying the announcement features the First Minister, the local authority’s Deputy Leader, the Cabinet Member for Education and the headteacher, outlining what the development will deliver. The plans include specialist teaching areas, improved accessibility, and high-quality outdoor learning and play spaces.

The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient features and modern building standards designed to reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term value.

The scheme forms part of a Strategic Outline Case approval. Any final funding commitment will depend on the project successfully progressing through the full business case process.

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This project represents a major investment in our children’s future. The new school will offer a safe, modern and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive, and we are delighted to share this vision with the community as we move towards the next stage of this exciting process.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan added: “This is fantastic news for pupils, parents, teachers and the whole community. Modern learning environments can make a real difference to pupils and staff alike. The Welsh Government has shown its commitment to new schools in Pembrokeshire as part of our wider programme of improving schools and colleges across Wales.”

Speaking on behalf of staff, pupils and governors, Deputy Headteacher Daryl John said the school community was excited by the plans.

He said: “Milford Haven School recently welcomed a visit from the First Minister, along with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, to mark initial progress on proposals for a new, aspirational school building.

“The development will provide inspirational learning and teaching spaces, offering high-quality, ambitious and equitable opportunities for all pupils. It aims to support our young people to thrive, develop their talents and grow into confident, successful individuals, supported by dedicated staff and the wider school community.”

Stephen Thomas, Headteacher at Milford Haven Primary School, said the project had been long awaited.

He said: “This new school building has been long awaited, and I know how much it will mean to our children, staff and the community as a whole in Milford Haven.

“For many years, our community has hoped for facilities that truly reflect the potential, pride and ambition of our children, and now that vision is becoming a reality.

“This is more than just a new building. It is a statement of belief in our young people and in the future of Milford Haven. It will provide modern, high-quality learning environments, improved spaces for wellbeing and inclusion, and facilities that will open up wider opportunities for our pupils and families.

“As Headteacher, I feel incredibly proud and grateful to see this investment in our community. Our children deserve the very best, and this new school will help us continue raising aspirations, strengthening community links and ensuring every child can thrive.”

The council will now begin a period of consultation and engagement with pupils, staff, parents and local residents to ensure the new school reflects the needs and ambitions of the whole community.

 

Continue Reading

Education18 hours ago

Milford Haven school plans unveiled but funding not yet secured

PLANS for a new £100 million school in Milford Haven have been unveiled, but the project has not yet secured...

News18 hours ago

Council unveils plans for new state-of-the-art secondary school in Milford Haven

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revealed plans for a new state-of-the-art school in Milford Haven, promising modern, inspiring learning spaces for...

Health21 hours ago

NHS waiting list falls — but cancer delays and diagnostic backlog worsen

Record progress claimed by Welsh Government as critics warn key targets are still being missed THE NHS in Wales has...

Crime2 days ago

Rapist jailed after ‘abhorrent’ attacks on woman and children

Haverfordwest man told police “women won’t have sex without force” A HAVERFORDWEST man who raped a woman and a young...

News2 days ago

Reform secures first Pembrokeshire councillor in Hakin by-election win

Late Reform candidate takes seat as independent surge and Labour withdrawal shape contest REFORM UK candidate Scott Thorley has won...

News2 days ago

Scott Thorley elected as Pembrokeshire’s first Reform councillor

REFORM UK candidate Scott Thorley has won the Hakin by-election after securing 179 votes. The full result is as follows:...

News3 days ago

Police confirm man has died after being recovered from River Cleddau

Major emergency response in town centre after concerns raised for man in water A MAN has died after being recovered...

Community3 days ago

Davies and Kurtz urge groups to seek employability funding

Community organisations in Pembrokeshire encouraged to apply for new grants supporting skills and job access LOCAL Senedd Members Samuel Kurtz...

News3 days ago

Emergency services flood Haverfordwest after reports of person in river

Town centre sealed off as multi-agency response continues A MAJOR emergency response is underway in the centre of Haverfordwest after...

News3 days ago

Detectives receive surge of new information in bid to identify man found at Powys reservoir

Public response follows release of facial image as officers pursue fresh lines of enquiry DETECTIVES investigating the identity of a...

Popular This Week