News

Older people urged to claim missing benefits as Welsh Govt promises fairer system

Published

1 day ago

July 2, 2026

Ministers say face-to-face advice is vital, but questions remain over why support is still so difficult to access

OLDER people across Wales are being urged to check whether they are missing out on financial support as the Welsh Government promises to make the benefits system simpler, fairer and easier to use.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice, Sioned Williams, said ministers want to improve how Welsh benefits are delivered and ensure people can still access face-to-face advice where they need it.

But the announcement comes against a familiar backdrop of rising household bills, low benefit take-up and continuing concerns that many older people are put off by a complicated system split between Welsh, UK and local authority responsibilities.

Ms Williams visited Age Connects Morgannwg’s Cynon Linc on Thursday (July 2), where she met staff and service users to hear how welfare advice is helping older people access support they may be entitled to.

The Welsh Government said the visit highlighted the importance of trusted, community-based advice, particularly for older people who may be less likely to use online services.

It comes as energy bills remain under pressure, with Ofgem confirming a 13 per cent rise in the energy price cap from July 1 for a typical household paying by direct debit.

Welsh Government campaigns have previously warned that large sums in benefits go unclaimed in Wales every year. Earlier this year, ministers said previous winter campaigns had returned more than £10.5m to people across Wales since 2020, including support through Welsh and UK benefits, pensions, care costs and council tax reductions.

Eligible claimants could receive around £1,800 through Pension Credit or save around £800 a year on council tax, according to Welsh Government figures.

Speaking during the visit, Daisy Cole, Chief Executive of Age Connects Morgannwg, said many older people find asking for help the hardest step.

She said: “We are delighted to welcome the Deputy First Minister to Cynon Linc and the opportunity to show why, for many older people, reaching out for support is the hardest step.

“Older people often tell us the greatest difference isn’t simply the financial support they receive, it’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone has listened, understands their situation and can help them navigate what can often feel like a complex system.

“No one should miss out on the support they are entitled to because they don’t know where to turn, find the system too difficult to navigate or feel unable to ask for help.

“Peace of mind begins with knowing you don’t have to face things alone. That’s why relationships matter. They give people the confidence to take that first step, knowing someone will listen, understand and walk alongside them.”

The Welsh Government says it wants to work towards a Welsh Welfare System that is simpler and easier to navigate.

Ministers say they will review existing benefits and support schemes to make sure they are having the maximum impact, while also looking at ways to improve take-up.

They also plan to continue pressing the UK Government for greater welfare powers for Wales.

Ms Williams said: “We are working towards a Welsh Welfare System that is simpler, fairer and easier to navigate, making it as straightforward as possible for people to access the financial support they are entitled to.

“That includes improving how Welsh benefits are delivered while ensuring face-to-face advice and help remains available for those who need it.

“Services like Age Connects Morgannwg play a vital role in helping people understand what support is available and giving them the confidence to claim what they’re entitled to, so fewer older people miss out on financial support that could make a real difference to their lives.

“We’re also clear that decisions about welfare are best made as close as possible to the people they affect.

“That’s why we’ll continue to press the UK Government to devolve more welfare powers to Wales, so we can build a system that better reflects the needs and priorities of people here.

“If you think you, or someone you know, may be entitled to financial support, I encourage you to seek advice and find out what help is available.”

However, the challenge for ministers will be turning the promise of a simpler system into practical change for people who already struggle to know what help exists.

A Welsh Government accessibility audit published earlier this year found that only two of Wales’ 22 local authorities referred to the Welsh Benefits Charter on their websites, despite all councils having signed up to it.

The charter was designed to help create a more coherent Welsh benefits system, with an ambition that people should only have to tell their story once to access support.

For older people, the issue is not only whether support exists, but whether it can be found, understood and claimed without stress.

Many key benefits, including Pension Credit, State Pension, Attendance Allowance and Universal Credit, remain the responsibility of the UK Government. Other forms of help, including council tax reduction and some local support schemes, are handled in Wales or through councils.

That split can make the system harder to navigate, particularly for older people who are digitally excluded, isolated, or unsure whether asking for support will affect other payments.

The latest announcement is not the launch of a new benefit, but a renewed commitment to improve take-up and simplify access.

Across Wales, Advicelink Cymru’s Claim What’s Yours advisers can help people check whether they are eligible for extra income and guide them through the claims process.

For free and confidential advice, call 0800 702 2020.

Business

Haverfordwest Creamery wins top honours at world’s largest cheese show

Published

2 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Milk site secures four major trophies as co-operative celebrates 26 awards at International Cheese & Dairy Awards

FIRST MILK’S Haverfordwest Creamery has celebrated major success at this year’s International Cheese & Dairy Awards, after helping the farmer-owned co-operative secure 26 awards at the world’s largest cheese show.

First Milk won eight gold medals, 11 silver medals, one bronze medal and six major trophies at the prestigious awards, with cheese produced at Haverfordwest Creamery securing four of the competition’s top honours.

The Pembrokeshire creamery won the CHR Hansen Trophy for Champion Double Gloucester, the Tetra Pak Tebel Award for Best Extra Mature Creamery Block Cheddar, the ICDA Award for Best Medium Creamery Block Cheddar and the First Milk Past Masters Trophy.

The results underline the quality and consistency of the cheese produced at the Haverfordwest site, which continues to play a key role in First Milk’s award-winning cheesemaking operation.

Held annually, the International Cheese & Dairy Awards attracted its highest number of entries in several years, with many of the creamery cheddar classes receiving between 30 and 40 entries.

First Milk was recognised across a wide range of cheddar and regional cheese categories, including Double Gloucester, Red Leicester, Welsh cheese, vegetarian cheese and English creamery cheddar.

Jack Eade, Customer Quality Manager at First Milk, said the awards reflected the hard work of teams across the business.

He said: “These awards are incredibly hard won and reflect the dedication, expertise and passion of everyone involved in producing our cheese.

“To receive recognition across so many categories at one of the world’s most respected cheese competitions is something everyone at First Milk can be enormously proud of.

“While our grading team selects and prepares the entries, none of these achievements would be possible without the commitment of our farmer members producing exceptional quality milk, and the highly skilled teams at our creameries transforming it into consistently award-winning cheese.”

The latest success continues First Milk’s long-standing record at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards and reinforces Haverfordwest Creamery’s reputation as one of the leading producers of award-winning British cheese.

Photo caption:

Rod Addy, Director General of the Provision Trade Federation, with First Milk’s Matthew Hooper and Dawn Mason at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards

Entertainment

Everything you need to know for Classic Transport Weekend

Published

3 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FINAL preparations are underway for one of the biggest celebrations of transport heritage in Wales, as the Llangollen and Corwen Railway prepares to welcome thousands of visitors to its Classic Transport Weekend this Saturday and Sunday.

The event, taking place on July 4 and 5, will bring together close to 400 classic vehicles, three heritage train services, vintage shuttle buses, live music, family entertainment and a packed programme of attractions across the Dee Valley.

Glyndyfrdwy Station will once again form the centrepiece of the weekend, opening to visitors from 9.15am. Displays will include classic cars, motorcycles, vintage buses, military vehicles, tractors, commercial vehicles and rare fire engines, including the famous Green Goddess.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy unlimited travel on the railway throughout the weekend, with services operated by GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754, a Class 47 diesel locomotive and a classic four-car heritage DMU.

Trains will link all five stations on the line at Llangollen, Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen, giving visitors the chance to explore the full railway.

Vintage shuttle buses will run approximately every 30 minutes between Corwen and Glyndyfrdwy, helping visitors move easily between different parts of the event.

New for this year is the exclusive Class 507 Driving Simulator, which will be based in the historic waiting room at Llangollen Station.

Created by the Class 507 Preservation Society using genuine controls rescued from withdrawn Merseyrail trains, the simulator gives visitors the chance to experience what it is like to drive one of Britain’s best-known electric trains.

Food and drink will also be available throughout the weekend. The Hungry Shunter will be serving freshly prepared food, while two fully licensed bars will offer Welsh ales from Hafod Brewery and Purple Moose Brewery, along with wines selected by Pip Gale of Blas Wine School.

Visitors can also relax at Glyndyfrdwy Station Tearoom and Porter’s Bar.

Saturday’s programme will continue into the evening with the popular Party in the Park, where the internationally acclaimed Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir will perform from 7.00pm in marquees beside the railway.

The concert is free for all Classic Transport Weekend ticket holders. Evening-only tickets are also available for £5.

Visitors will also be able to travel on the special Pavarotti Special heritage bus from Corwen before returning on a complimentary heritage railcar after the performance.

Classic Transport Weekend organiser Tim Hines said: “Everything is now in place and we’re ready to welcome visitors for what promises to be a fantastic weekend.

“Wherever you look there will be something happening, from steam trains and heritage diesels to vintage railcars, hundreds of classic vehicles, vintage buses, great food, live music and a wonderful atmosphere across the whole railway.

“One ticket gives visitors unlimited train travel and access to everything that’s happening at Glyndyfrdwy. Whether you’re a lifelong transport enthusiast or simply looking for a great family day out, there really is something for everyone.”

Co-organiser George Walker added: “The response from vehicle owners has been incredible.

“To have close to 400 exhibits travelling to Glyndyfrdwy is a wonderful achievement and we’re immensely grateful to everyone who has chosen to be part of this year’s event.

“You’ll see everything from beautifully restored classic cars and vintage buses to historic tractors, military vehicles, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and some wonderful surprises.

“There really is nowhere else where you’ll find this combination of road and rail heritage brought together in such a spectacular setting, and we’re incredibly proud to welcome everyone to Glyndyfrdwy this weekend.”

Free parking is available at Glyndyfrdwy, although spaces are limited.

Visitors are being encouraged to travel by train from Llangollen, Berwyn, Carrog or Corwen wherever possible, and make the journey part of the experience.

Classic Transport Weekend tickets include unlimited train travel, access to the vehicle displays, vintage shuttle buses and free admission to Saturday evening’s Party in the Park.

For more information and to book tickets, visit llangollen-railway.co.uk/classic-transport-weekend

Crime

Man sent to Crown Court over alleged Cardigan cocaine and cannabis supply

Published

4 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Court Reporter

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to Crown Court to face a series of alleged drug supply offences in Cardigan.

Harrison Casey, of Harebell Way, Brownsover, Rugby, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jul 2).

He faces six charges relating to alleged offences at Bridge Street, Cardigan, between April 7 and April 24, 2023.

The charges include being concerned in the supply of cocaine, a Class A drug, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis, a Class B drug.

Casey is also accused of possessing cannabis with intent to supply, possessing tetrahydrocannabinol with intent to supply, being concerned in an offer to supply THC edibles, and possessing flualpazolam, a Class C drug.

There were no pleas to the charges at this stage.

Magistrates sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Casey was granted unconditional bail and is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on August 3 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.