News

Welsh Conservatives slam Labour over £14.6m NRW bailout

Published

6 months ago

October 28, 2025

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have accused the Welsh Labour Government of financial mismanagement after confirming a £14.6 million bailout for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) following a major payroll error uncovered by HM Revenue & Customs.

The settlement follows HMRC’s investigation into how NRW classified off-payroll contractors under the IR35 tax rules. The probe found that the public body had misapplied regulations introduced in 2017, leading to a liability of £14.63 million, plus a suspended penalty of nearly £3 million.

In March 2024, the Welsh Government provided a £19 million “payment on account” to cover the expected liability while negotiations were ongoing. That figure was confirmed in a written statement by ministers on October 24, who said the funding would now be recovered from NRW’s future budgets. Officials have described the repayment plan as affordable and designed to “minimise impact on core statutory duties.”

However, opposition parties have condemned the move as another example of waste under Labour’s watch. Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and the Environment, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, said the decision would inevitably weaken NRW’s ability to tackle pollution and enforce environmental law across Wales.

She said the money which would normally fund vital enforcement work, including monitoring sewage pollution, is now being redirected to cover the cost of NRW’s tax settlement. Finch-Saunders added that Labour’s handling of the matter shows NRW is “not fit for purpose” and raises serious doubts about the government’s capacity to manage its newly announced water regulator.

Natural Resources Wales is the main body responsible for managing forests, rivers, flood defences and biodiversity in Wales. It also regulates water companies such as Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. The watchdog is already under pressure after announcing plans last autumn to make £12 million in savings, including 233 job losses—120 of which involve current posts—as part of a “Case for Change” restructuring programme.

The organisation has cited a projected funding gap of more than £9 million this year, rising to £17 million by 2026-27. Critics say forcing NRW to absorb the tax repayment through budget cuts will deepen that gap and reduce its capacity to respond to pollution incidents, prosecute offenders, and protect the environment.

NRW’s own data shows 155 pollution incidents were recorded from the water sector in 2024, six of which were serious—the highest figure in a decade. With fewer enforcement officers and growing pressure on frontline services, environmental campaigners fear the number could rise further.

Sir David Henshaw, chair of NRW, has accepted that errors were made in how contractors were classified and said new compliance measures are in place to prevent a repeat. He also confirmed that the organisation will now avoid using off-payroll arrangements wherever possible.

The Welsh Government insists the repayment plan is affordable and that essential operations, such as pollution response and flood management, will be protected. Ministers maintain that the public should continue to have confidence in the body’s work and that lessons have been learned from the HMRC review.

Nevertheless, questions remain over whether Wales’ main environmental regulator can maintain effective oversight while carrying a multimillion-pound debt and cutting jobs. The controversy also casts a shadow over the government’s plans to establish a new water regulator, intended to strengthen oversight of water companies and sewage discharges.

The Conservatives say Labour’s record on environmental management is already poor, citing weak enforcement on river pollution and delays in tackling sewage spills. They warn that unless strong financial and managerial controls are put in place, the new regulator risks inheriting the same failings that have dogged NRW.

The Welsh Government’s written statement on October 24 confirmed that the £14.6 million settlement has now been paid in full and that NRW is working with HMRC to meet the conditions attached to the suspended penalty. Ministers say they will closely monitor the repayment plan and NRW’s ability to maintain essential environmental protection across Wales.

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

9 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

10 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

11 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.