News

Natural Resources Wales criticised over incident response cuts, closures and tax blunder

Published

1 year ago

May 21, 2025

NRW accused of risking long-term damage to Welsh environment

A SENEDD committee has issued a scathing report on Natural Resources Wales (NRW), accusing the body of failing to uphold its environmental responsibilities and mishandling both public funds and public trust.

The report, published this week by the Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, raises “grave concern” over NRW’s decision to stop responding to so-called low-category incidents—including fly-tipping, minor chemical spills, and low-level water pollution.

NRW claims these incidents, which form the bulk of reports to its front-line teams, usually result in no serious environmental harm. The agency says it wants to focus instead on major breaches and preventative work.

But the Committee warned that such an approach risks allowing cumulative damage to the Welsh environment.

“We are gravely concerned that Natural Resources Wales is adopting a higher tolerance of risk,” the report states. “Low-level pollution can still have a damaging impact, especially over time. This change in approach could result in real harm to our natural environment.”

Stretched resources, legal obligations

The report acknowledges that funding pressures have left NRW “stretched too thin” to meet its legal duties. However, it insists that consistent enforcement and visible presence across Wales are essential.

Visitor centre closures criticised

The Committee also condemned NRW’s decision to close three key visitor centres—at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Ynyslas, and Coed y Brenin—without a clear plan to replace services.

Although NRW is now seeking commercial partners to take over food and beverage operations at the sites, the report states the closures were “premature” and have damaged public confidence.

“New proposals should have been developed before the centres were closed,” the report says. “We urge NRW to publish a clear timetable and communicate transparently with affected communities.”

£19 million tax blunder

A separate section of the report highlights a serious financial error. NRW’s failure to correctly follow IR35 tax rules for contractors led to the Welsh Government being forced to pay £19 million to HMRC.

“This is a serious governance failure,” the Committee said. “It is highly regrettable that taxpayers’ money is being diverted from vital services to pay for such errors.”

NRW said it has since overhauled its procedures and used external consultants to avoid a repeat. But the Committee is calling for a full independent review and further reassurances.

NRW defends changes

In a statement issued on Tuesday (May 20), interim chief executive Ceri Davies defended staff and emphasised ongoing reforms.

“We are not standing still,” she said. “We’re focused on building a more agile and future-ready organisation. Our goal is to make sure every pound we spend delivers maximum environmental value.”

NRW confirmed it will prioritise incidents that pose the greatest risk to public health or the environment, with an increasing focus on prevention and compliance.

While some visitor centres are now unstaffed, public access to trails, car parks and play areas remains open. NRW says it is working with local businesses and communities to provide replacement services.

With Wales facing intensifying threats from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, the report concludes that robust and proactive environmental oversight is more vital than ever—and that NRW must urgently rebuild trust and capacity.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

9 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

19 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

19 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.