Business

People in Wales ‘most honest’ on financial applications

Published

12 months ago

December 7, 2024

JUST 7% of people in Wales would consider providing false information to secure a preferential rate on financial products, according to new data from global information and insights company TransUnion. This is significantly below the UK average of 19%.

Despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, which see almost half of UK households (43%) struggling to keep up with inflation, Wales emerges as the most trustworthy part of the UK in this area. Northern Ireland (41%) and London (36%) top the list of regions where residents are most likely to consider providing inaccurate information for better financial deals.

Welsh honesty stands out

James Robinson, Managing Director of Consumer Interactive at TransUnion in the UK, praised the findings:
“It is heartening to see that most people stay honest when applying for financial products, despite experiencing continued strain on their finances – and that should be commended. It’s also worth noting that not everyone who says they would provide false information actually follows through. However, even a small minority of consumers doing so can cause significant challenges for financial providers and risks for the individuals involved.”

Legal ways to secure better deals

While Wales leads in financial honesty, the research highlights that some misrepresentation persists. For instance, 10% of respondents in Wales find it acceptable to use a different email address to access new customer deals, while 9% see no issue with being named as a driver on a vehicle they don’t use.

Robinson emphasized that even seemingly minor falsifications can be considered fraud, carrying severe legal and financial consequences. Instead of resorting to dishonesty, consumers are encouraged to explore legal alternatives. TransUnion suggests practical steps such as shopping around for deals, accessing pre-approved offers, or using credit monitoring tools to improve financial standing.

Credit monitoring proves effective

The research revealed that 87% of people in Wales who used a credit monitoring service found it helpful. Benefits included identifying steps to improve credit scores (38%), gaining a better understanding of credit mechanics (34%), and recognizing eligibility for specific loans or rates (16%). These measures reduce the temptation to falsify information.

Top tips for better financial deals

TransUnion offers the following advice for securing better financial terms without resorting to dishonesty:

Check your credit score regularly
Monitoring your credit score can help you identify simple ways to improve it, such as registering to vote or setting up Direct Debits for minimum repayments.
Look for pre-approved offers
These deals are tailored to your credit profile, increasing the likelihood of approval and saving time.
Consider credit unions
Credit unions often provide competitive rates and ethical alternatives for borrowing.
Refinance or negotiate existing deals
Use credit monitoring tools to identify opportunities to lower rates on loans or credit cards.
Stay vigilant against fraud
Regularly check your credit profile to catch suspicious activity and protect your financial health.

Wales sets the standard

While challenges remain, the honesty displayed by most Welsh residents serves as a benchmark for the rest of the UK. By adopting legal strategies to secure better deals, consumers can safeguard their financial well-being while maintaining integrity.

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

12 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

23 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

1 day ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):