MS seeks clarity after reports Labour may reverse increases in England

A PEMBROKESHIRE Senedd Member has written to the Welsh Government seeking clarity over business rates in Wales following reports that the UK Labour Government is preparing to reverse proposed increases in England.

Samuel Kurtz MS, the Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, has contacted the Cabinet Secretary for Finance after it emerged that Labour ministers in Westminster may reconsider planned changes to business rates amid strong opposition from hospitality and high-street businesses.

Mr Kurtz said he had spoken to a number of local businesses across Pembrokeshire and west Wales and warned that recent increases in rateable values, combined with rising operating costs, were placing significant pressure on otherwise viable firms.

He said several businesses had closed over the Christmas period, with owners citing extremely challenging economic conditions following successive UK Labour Government budgets. For some, he said, increases in business rates had been described as “the straw that broke the camel’s back”.

In his letter, Mr Kurtz asked whether the Welsh Government intends to follow any change of direction taken in England and what support is currently available to Welsh businesses facing sharp increases in their rates bills.

He also sought clarification on what consideration is being given to cases where higher business rates could place firms at risk of closure.

The Welsh Government has previously stated that business rates revaluation is intended to reflect changes in rental values rather than raise additional revenue, and that transitional relief and targeted support schemes are in place to help businesses adjust.

Mr Kurtz said further engagement with local firms was needed to understand the real-world impact of the changes.

Alongside Paul Davies MS, he is hosting an online meeting for local businesses on Monday, January 26, at 10:30am. The session will aim to explain what changes are taking place and give business owners the opportunity to raise concerns directly.

Businesses affected by changes to business rates have been invited to contact Mr Kurtz’s office for further information.

SEVERE weather brings snow, ice and strong winds as Network Rail and Transport for Wales introduce service alterations

Rail passengers across Wales and the Borders are being urged to check before travelling as severe weather from Storm Goretti is expected to cause disruption over the next 24 hours.

Network Rail and Transport for Wales confirmed that service alterations are already in place on Thursday (Jan 8) and are expected to continue into Friday (Jan 9), as heavy snow, ice, strong winds and periods of rain affect the network.

A yellow weather warning for snow is in force from 3:00pm on Thursday until 12:00pm on Friday, with up to 30cm of snow possible in some areas. Winds of 40–50mph are also forecast, increasing the risk of fallen trees and further disruption. In some locations, snow may turn to sleet or rain, bringing a risk of localised flooding.

Network Rail warned that snow, ice and freezing temperatures can severely affect rail operations, particularly points, signalling equipment and track conditions. Because of hazardous road conditions, rail replacement buses will not be able to operate where lines are closed.

As a precaution, Network Rail teams have already begun a range of measures, including inspecting key drainage sites, checking points heating systems, deploying additional snow and ice treatment trains and snow ploughs, and placing chainsaw teams on standby to deal with fallen trees.

Transport for Wales said it is also preparing by gritting platforms, readying trains for icy conditions and working closely with Network Rail to adjust service patterns as conditions worsen.

Passengers are being advised to check their journey before travelling and throughout the day, allow extra time, and take extra care at stations, where platforms, steps and car parks may be slippery. Rail tickets dated Thursday (Jan 8) can be used for travel up to Sunday (Jan 11).

Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said the storm was expected to bring “challenging conditions” from Thursday afternoon and overnight, adding that some lines may need to close from mid-afternoon Thursday and into Friday to keep passengers and staff safe.

Patrick Allinson, Head of Control Operations at Transport for Wales, said the operator was working closely with Network Rail to monitor conditions across the network and urged passengers to check for the latest travel updates before setting off.

THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE has issued a public safety warning ahead of Storm Goretti, with heavy snowfall and strong winds forecast to hit parts of Wales.

The Met Office has described Storm Goretti as a “multi-hazard event” and has issued a series of amber and yellow weather warnings for snow across Wales and large areas of the UK. The Heads of the Valleys in south Wales are expected to be among the areas worst affected.

Forecasters say the conditions are likely to lead to significant disruption and hazardous travelling conditions from Thursday night (January 8) and into Friday.

Judith Bryce, Assistant Director of Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said the NHS was already under sustained pressure following the New Year and was now preparing for the additional challenges posed by the severe weather.

She said: “Cold weather naturally leads to an increase in falls, breathing difficulties and road traffic collisions, so it’s important that people take steps to reduce the risk of becoming ill or injured, and help us, help you.

“Severe weather can also mean it may take longer to reach some patients, but if you have a genuine life-threatening emergency, please do continue to call us.

“Above all, please be kind and considerate to our staff who are working around the clock in our contact centres and on the frontline to provide care for communities across Wales.”

The Welsh Ambulance Service is advising members of the public to:

Ensure they have enough essential and prescription medication to last through any disruption

Avoid travelling unless it is absolutely necessary, and to drive with care if journeys cannot be delayed

• Take extra care on icy surfaces and wear suitable footwear
• Check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, friends and family
• Only call 999 in genuine life-threatening emergencies

Meanwhile, National Grid Electricity Distribution has also issued guidance to customers as snow, rain and high winds are forecast across south Wales.

The electricity network is designed to be resilient, but extreme weather can still cause disruption. High winds can damage equipment, while ice forming on overhead lines can add weight and increase the risk of faults.

Extra engineering and customer service teams have been placed on standby to respond quickly to any issues caused by the storm.

Roisin Quinn, Field Operations Director at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “We prepare year-round to ensure our teams are ready to respond quickly to any damage caused by severe weather.

“We understand how worrying storms like this can be, which is why our engineers, contact centre staff and welfare teams are ready to support customers whatever Storm Goretti brings.

“Our control centre will be operating 24/7 to manage supplies and coordinate a rapid response if power lines are affected, and we’ve increased staffing levels to keep people informed.”

Anyone experiencing a power cut is advised to call 105, a free number that connects directly to the local electricity network operator.