PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is inviting applications for a Lay Member to join its Governance and Audit Committee, with the deadline for submissions extended to January 31.

The role of the Governance and Audit Committee is crucial in ensuring the council’s financial and operational integrity. Responsibilities include scrutinising the council’s financial affairs, assessing risk management, performance, and corporate governance, and making recommendations to improve these areas.

The successful applicant will need to demonstrate an understanding of the value of audit functions and a commitment to accountability, openness, fairness, and sound financial management in the public sector.

However, some restrictions apply. Individuals cannot be appointed if they are:

• A member or officer of any local authority.
• A former member or officer of a local authority within the last 12 months.
• A spouse or civil partner of a member or officer of any local authority.

The appointment will be decided by a panel that includes an independent chairman, three council members, and a community council member. An allowance will be paid for attending committee meetings.

The council encourages applications from all sections of the community.

For more details and an application pack, contact Lydia Cheshire on 01437 775356 or email: [email protected].

The closing date for applications is 31 January 2025.

DURING First Minister’s Questions in the Welsh Parliament today, Welsh Conservatives leader Darren Millar MS demanded a Wales-wide inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.

Millar challenged the Welsh Labour Government’s response to the issue, urging action to ensure justice for victims. He pressed ministers on their communications with police, local authority social services, and other stakeholders to address the problem effectively.

Citing evidence that girls in Wales have been exploited by grooming gangs, Millar called for a formal inquiry to provide clarity and accountability.

Speaking after the session, Darren Millar MS said: “It’s clear that the Welsh Labour Government does not have a grip on the situation, despite evidence showing that child sexual exploitation by gangs has occurred in Wales.

“Only a Wales-wide inquiry can ensure sufficient attention and focus on this issue so that our children are protected from predatory behaviour.”

He added: “People in Wales deserve to know if there is another Rochdale or Rotherham on our doorsteps.”

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVE have used a Senedd debate to scrutinise the impact of Keir Starmer’s government policies on Wales during his first six months as Prime Minister.

Following Labour’s victory in the 2024 General Election, the Welsh Conservatives claim that Starmer’s administration has delivered sweeping policy changes and broken promises, which they argue have negatively affected the people of Wales.

From farmers under pressure to sell their land and pensioners losing their winter fuel allowance, to rising energy bills, a contracting economy, and the highest UK government borrowing costs in decades, Starmer’s early tenure has brought significant challenges to communities across the country.

Speaking after the debate, Samuel Kurtz, Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, criticised the government’s approach:

“It is shocking how swiftly the UK Government broke its pre-election promises not to burden working people with higher taxes. With inflation above target, it is ordinary families who are bearing the brunt, facing rising prices in the shops.

“Equally concerning is the Welsh Labour Government’s failure to stand up to Keir Starmer and defend Wales from damaging policies. Unlike Scotland, Welsh Labour refused to introduce a Welsh winter fuel payment system for pensioners and has abandoned our rural communities, which will be devastated by changes to inheritance tax rules.

“I call on the Welsh Labour Government to finally stand up for Wales and mitigate the harmful effects of Starmer’s policies. Their failure to act underscores the urgent need to end 25 years of Labour rule in Wales.”