MILFORD HAVEN Port Authority was dealt a short-lived setback last week when the government indicated it would announce five new freeports in Wednesday’s budget.

In a Financial Times report published Friday, a government insider confirmed Downing Street was preparing to reveal five additional freeports across the UK, joining the twelve currently designated sites, including those at Milford Haven and Port Talbot, aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation. The report also suggested that Labour Leader Keir Starmer anticipated the new freeports would “bear this government’s stamp,” despite the policy’s origins in Conservative-led initiatives.

However, in a rapid reversal, the government clarified on Sunday that Wednesday’s budget will not announce new freeports. Instead, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to focus on plans and funding to make several existing designated freeports “operational,” moving closer to full functionality with approved tax and customs status.

Milford Haven, along with Port Talbot as part of the Celtic Freeport project, and Anglesey Freeport were designated as Wales’s first freeports in March 2024 but remain awaiting full operational status.

Currently, twelve freeports are scattered across the UK, including sites at Inverness, the Forth, Teesside, the Humber, Liverpool, Anglesey, Plymouth, the Solent, the Thames, and Felixstowe and Harwich. However, not all are classified as operational, as some await final designation of specific tax and customs sites to activate intended benefits.

The government confirmed that the chancellor’s budget announcement will establish five new customs sites within existing freeports rather than launching entirely new locations. Ports at Inverness and the Humber will, for the first time, have designated customs sites, enabling the Humber site to become operational and eligible for tax reliefs and funding. Meanwhile, Inverness is still awaiting final sign-off. Three additional customs sites will be introduced at Liverpool, adding to the city’s existing infrastructure.

Freeports’ impact on UK economy

Freeports, positioned strategically near ports or airports, exempt imported goods from tariffs, a model aimed at spurring economic activity in trade, investment, and job creation. Businesses operating within these zones benefit from tax reliefs, such as property and employment incentives, meant to attract long-term investment. Originally active in the UK from 1984 until 2012, freeports were phased out by David Cameron’s government. Rishi Sunak reintroduced them as chancellor in response to Brexit, seeking to soften tariff impacts and establish a stable investment climate.

Since 2021, the UK has established eight freeports in England and two each in Wales and Scotland. However, challenges remain, as some officials and critics argue the zones merely shift economic activity rather than creating net growth. Despite these critiques, industry leaders in Milford Haven view the Celtic Freeport as a green corridor that could foster local prosperity through inward investment and job creation.

The vision for Celtic Freeport

For the Port of Milford Haven, expectations remain high as it partners in the Celtic Freeport project. A spokesperson for the port commented: “We’re encouraged that the parliamentary process to formally designate the Celtic Freeport has begun. Subject to necessary approvals, we are hopeful the Celtic Freeport will be open for business by the end of November 2024.”

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of Milford Haven Port Authority, added, “The Celtic Freeport’s vision is to create a green investment corridor, helping to drive major inward investment, future skills development, and decarbonisation. For Pembrokeshire’s communities, that means new career routes, opportunities for business expansion, and greater local prosperity.”

While Downing Street’s recent miscommunication may not directly affect ongoing plans, its mixed signals underscore growing concerns over government coordination and the effectiveness of freeports in achieving their ambitious economic goals.

For the Port of Milford Haven, optimism remains high as they await the final approvals to make the Celtic Freeport a reality by the end of the year, contributing to a green and prosperous future for Pembrokeshire and beyond.

A SENSORY loss initiative focused on improving healthcare accessibility has won the NHS Wales Equitable Care Award at a ceremony in Cardiff on Thursday (Oct 24).

The initiative, led by Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB), seeks to enhance the experience of patients with sensory impairments across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire. In these areas, approximately 15,671 individuals are affected by sight loss and around 85,864 have hearing loss, highlighting the need for more inclusive healthcare services.

The UHB staff have implemented strategies to better capture and meet the communication preferences of these patients. Beverly Davies, Strategic Partnership and Inclusion Manager at Hywel Dda UHB, explained: “We want to provide equitable services for all our patients, and this initiative aims to address the specific needs of our patients with sensory loss.

“Through collaboration, we’ve raised awareness among staff about the importance of adapting to patients’ communication needs. We’re now using patient record markers to ensure preferences are visible and have developed guidance for our digital patient administration systems.”

These efforts are already showing positive results, with increased staff engagement in the sensory loss e-learning module and the use of accessible formats such as Easy Read, Read Aloud, British Sign Language, and sight loss simulation training. Davies added: “Feedback schemes like ‘We asked, you said, we did’ and ‘Can we help?’ have been instrumental in refining our approach.”

Professor Phil Kloer, Chief Executive of Hywel Dda UHB, commended the team’s efforts, saying: “It is wonderful to see this inspiring work showcased on the national stage. We are very proud of the dedication of our staff, who consistently strive to enhance healthcare practices and patient care.”

The health board aims to extend this initiative, incorporating further communication needs such as foreign languages and Easy Read options. These efforts align with the Equality Act 2010 to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusivity for patients with protected characteristics.

The NHS Wales Awards recognise quality improvements that enhance patient experience and outcomes across Wales, showcasing the dedication of health and care staff in transforming healthcare services.

For more details on the award, visit: NHS Wales Equitable Care Award.

FAMILIES are invited to dive into some spine-tingling Halloween fun at Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre in St Davids this half-term.

With an exciting blend of puzzle-solving adventures and hands-on creative activities, the action-packed family programme promises a hauntingly good time for all, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the spooky season.

For those brave enough to set sail, a Ghost Ship Trail will run from Saturday 19 October to Sunday 3 November, inviting families on an unforgettable adventure. Perfect for curious young explorers eager to put their problem-solving skills to the test, the trail invites children to step aboard a mysterious ghost ship, where they’ll unlock treasure boxes to recover the sailors’ lost possessions. Taking part in this eerie, fun-filled experience costs just £4 per child, with a special prize for anyone who completes the challenge.

Younger visitors with a creative streak can look forward to the Spooky Halloween Lanterns Workshop on Wednesday 30 October from 11am to 3pm. During this drop-in session, children will have the chance to design and decorate their own lantern, adding a unique twist to their Halloween celebrations. At just £4 per child, they will leave with a beautifully crafted lantern, perfect for lighting up the darker nights.

In addition to the Halloween activities, Oriel y Parc serves as the perfect hub for anyone looking to explore the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park over half-term. The centre offers helpful advice on places to stay, things to do, and recommended walks, making it an ideal starting point for your adventures. Visitors can also enjoy a range of art exhibitions featuring local and national artists, as well as a gift shop that provides a chance to find the perfect keepsake or unique handcrafted gift.

Further information about winter activities and events at Oriel y Parc can be found at www.orielyparc.co.uk.