Entertainment

Welsh crypto investors alerted to stricter tax reporting requirements

Published

4 months ago

July 30, 2025

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder to cryptocurrency investors in Wales that from 1 January 2026, a new regime will demand significantly more transparency around crypto holdings and gains. The upcoming implementation of the Crypto asset Reporting Framework (CARF), both users and service providers face new obligations and penalties up to £300 for non-compliance.

The measures were authorised by the UK government after adopting the OECD’s global standard designed to combat digital-asset tax evasion. HMRC has since released draft rules requiring crypto platforms, including exchanges, wallets, brokers, staking services, and payment providers, to collect personal and transactional data from users and transmit it annually to HMRC.

With these new rules in sight, it’s a good opportunity for investors to consider strategies that combine both asset growth and transparency. For instance, Ethereum offers fast, secure smart-contract capabilities along with lower transaction fees than Bitcoin. Plus, a crypto wallet enables secure storage while also simplifying tax record keeping by keeping transaction histories consolidated in one place. The best place to buy Ethereum pairs direct access to Ethereum with efficient integrated wallet tools, offering control over private keys and support for accurate, CARF-aligned reporting. This approach gives users more control while also simplifying the reporting process.

Individuals using UK-registered platforms will be asked to provide basic identifying details such as name, date of birth, address, and for UK residents, National Insurance or Unique Taxpayer Reference numbers. Providers must also record details of crypto transactions, including asset type, transaction value, quantity, and the nature of each transfer.

Once these records are submitted, HMRC will cross-reference the information to identify investors who may have omitted crypto profits from their tax returns. Jonathan Athow, HMRC’s director general for customer strategy and tax design, emphasised that this is “not a new tax” but “new reporting requirements to help people get their tax affairs right”.

From January 2026, individuals who refuse or neglect to supply required information risk a £300 fine, while providers failing in their duties could also receive a £300 penalty per user. HMRC warns this crackdown is part of its wider efforts to recover funds lost to online tax avoidance, including earlier moves targeting Airbnb or second-hand goods platforms.

This aligns with HMRC’s broader fiscal drive. The Treasury estimates that CARF could yield hundreds of millions in additional revenue by 2030, part of measures intended to support public services such as the NHS and policing.

Crypto investors in Wales must act ahead of the January deadline. They should check their crypto platforms to ensure they are UK-registered and CARF-ready, using gov.uk to verify whether the site is on HMRC’s approved list. They should prepare documentation such as National Insurance numbers, proof of address, and transaction records so platforms can collect accurate user data.

Likewise, they must also ensure tax compliance, reporting crypto gains exceeding the annual Capital Gains Tax allowance, which is currently £3,000. Profits may attract 18% or 24% CGT based on income band, and income from mining, staking, airdrops, or lending may incur Income Tax and National Insurance.

Tax specialists also recommend reconciling transaction records with exchange export data now to avoid year-end backlogs. Using crypto-specific tax software can help automate gain/loss calculations under UK rules, easing compliance under CARF. Investors should also assess if past undeclared crypto activity may warrant voluntary disclosure through HMRC’s digital disclosure service.

They can use HMRC’s crypto-asset disclosure service or self-assessment portal if unsure of their obligations. James Murray, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, noted that the framework “ensures tax dodgers have nowhere to hide, helping raise the revenue needed to fund our nurses, police, and other vital public services”.

From January 2026, Wales-based crypto-holders must contend with strengthened reporting mechanisms that could significantly impact how digital assets are managed. There is a clear message being sent that investors must meet their reporting responsibilities. Those who act now by organising documents, using compliant platforms, and maintaining transparent records will find the transition smoother and avoid punitive penalties.

If you’re preparing to meet the CARF requirements, it’s a good idea to check gov.uk’s guidance on cryptoasset reporting or consult a tax professional. With time to act, Wales’s crypto community can embrace both innovation and compliance, securing funds wisely and transparently in the months ahead.

Entertainment

Gavin & Stacey stars reunite for Christmas advert

Published

16 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Luke Sinclair

GAVIN & STACEY favourites Joanna Page and Mathew Horne have reunited on screen for a Christmas special – though not the one fans might have hoped for. Instead of returning to Barry or Billericay, the duo appear together in a new festive advert for Waitrose, sharing a turkey pie while responding to a fan’s heartfelt letter about expressing love through food.

The short film marks their appearance in How to Say It With Food, a six-part series in which Page and Horne tackle some of the nation’s most common Christmas food dilemmas. The clip opens with Page teasingly nodding to their iconic sitcom: “Oh, you didn’t think we’d let Christmas roll around without showing up again, did you?”

Horne quickly follows with his own playful line: “Us? Miss Christmas? Not a chance. But this time we’re here to help you say it with food.”

The pair are then handed an envelope “from Santa”, containing a letter from a viewer asking how he can show his “leading lady” he loves her through food. Mathew quips: “First time saying it, you want a statement. Sixteenth time, you want a statement that doesn’t involve socks.”

He then introduces Waitrose’s new Christmas advert starring Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson. The main campaign follows an unlikely festive romance sparked by Sussex Charmer cheese and culminating in Wilkinson presenting Knightley with a turkey pie decorated with the words “I love you”. Watching the moment unfold, Page smiles at Horne and mirrors another classic Gavin & Stacey reference: “Oh, that’s so romantic.”

The duo are soon given their own turkey pie to try. Horne eagerly tucks in before cutting Page a slice, prompting laughter from his co-star. The advert ends with the pair wishing viewers a Merry Christmas as Knightley and Wilkinson share a warm festive kiss on screen.

The reunion comes almost a year after audiences tuned in to the BBC sitcom’s much-anticipated finale, which drew an impressive 12.3 million viewers on Christmas Day. The episode wrapped up storylines including Gwen’s blossoming romance with Dave Coaches, Smithy’s near-wedding to Sonia, and the moment fans had long debated – Smithy and Nessa tying the knot.

Reflecting on the new project, Page said: “You thought you’d seen the last of us! Well, we’re back and what fun we had.” She added: “It was such a treat working with Mat… food is what brings people together over the festive season.”

Horne described the experience as “brilliant”, calling their on-screen reunion “a Christmas tradition”.

Entertainment

Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Production crew spotted in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton as series set for 2026 release

FILMING has returned to Pembrokeshire this week for the next season of Cleddau — the hit S4C crime drama released in English as The One That Got Away.

The production crew has been seen in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton capturing new scenes for the upcoming 2026 series. Local photographer Gareth Davies shared images of the team working along the estuary, describing “a real buzz” in the area as cast and crew returned after the success of the first season.

Crime thriller rooted in the Cleddau estuary

Cleddau follows a murder investigation that reopens buried secrets in a quiet west Wales community. The show has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances and striking use of local Pembrokeshire scenery — with the Cleddau estuary itself forming a central part of the series’ identity.

Residents have reported seeing cameras and production vehicles around familiar walking routes, waterfront areas and estuary-side villages as the crew makes full use of the landscape that inspired the show’s name.

Local interest and economic boost

The return of filming has been welcomed locally, bringing attention, visitors and activity into communities along the waterway. For many residents, the excitement lies in spotting familiar places on screen when the new season airs next year.

The new series of Cleddau is expected to be broadcast in 2026.

Entertainment

Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas

Published

4 days ago

December 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Festive panto promises magic, music and family fun

CARDIGAN Theatre is set to bring festive magic to Theatre Mwldan this Christmas with a fun-filled production of Beauty and the Beast, running from 21–29 December. The pantomime is written and directed by Jonathon Preece and promises all the traditional panto sparkle audiences love.

The story follows once-proud Prince Louis (Emily Davies), who angers Agatha the Evil Enchantress (Kelly Lewis). As punishment for his selfishness, she transforms him into the fearsome Beast (Steve Green). His only hope of breaking the spell is to find true love – or remain a beast forever.

Meanwhile, brave and kind-hearted Belle (Ruby Lemoine) sets out to rescue her eccentric father Marcel (Tom Loveday) who on his way to the “Big Invention Competition”, gets lost and stumbles into the enchanted castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast. Determined to save him, Belle is joined by her loyal friend Jaques, the village silly billy (Sarah Harris), flamboyant Dame Madam Fromage (Rhys Davies), and Gavin (Paul Robinson), the vain village heart-throb who is convinced Belle should marry him!

Inside the castle, Belle encounters a host of enchanted objects, including Tick Tock (Lilwen), Flambe (Bryce), and Mrs Kettle (Manon), who provide humour, magic and plenty of encouragement as they try to help the Beast win Belle’s heart and break Agatha’s curse.

With songs, jokes, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation, the production promises festive fun for all ages.

Beauty and the Beast runs at Theatre Mwldan from 21–29 December. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Cardigan Theatre can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future shows.