A CONSULTATION has been launched on a new regional strategy aimed at improving support for people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people across West Wales.

The proposed West Wales Learning Disability Strategy 2026-2031 covers Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, and has been developed following two years of engagement with people with learning disabilities, neurodivergent people, families, carers, councils, health services and support organisations.

It would replace three separate but similar local strategies with one regional plan, supported by local action plans for each county.

The strategy has been reviewed by the Regional Improving Lives Partnership, which includes Pembrokeshire County Council, Carmarthenshire County Council, Ceredigion County Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Dream Team, Carmarthenshire People First, Pembrokeshire People First, the West Wales Regional Partnership, and projects funded through the Regional Integration Fund.

The plan is informed by the West Wales Population Needs Assessment and focuses on ten priority areas identified during engagement.

These include information, advice and assistance, social services, health services, education, children and young people, socialising and friendships, day opportunities, volunteering and work, housing, transport, advocacy, and support for carers.

Pembrokeshire County Council is now asking residents, service users, families, carers and organisations to give their views on the recommendations.

The consultation is open until Sunday (Jul 5).

People can take part online through the West Wales Regional Partnership Board website, on the West Wales Learning Disability Partnership page.

Anyone who would like a paper copy can contact [email protected] or call 01437 764551.

UNWANTED knives can be handed in at police stations across west Wales this week as part of a national campaign to tackle knife crime.

Dyfed-Powys Police is taking part in Sceptre, a national week of action running from Monday (May 18) to Sunday (May 24).

The campaign gives members of the public the chance to safely dispose of unwanted knives at police counters across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys.

Amnesty bins will be available at police stations in Carmarthen, Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Haverfordwest, Brecon and Newtown.

The week of action is also running alongside Knife Crime Awareness Week, organised by the Ben Kinsella Trust, which works to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime.

Inspector Darren Crockford said: “This is a vital week of action that we, along with forces UK-wide, participate in biannually. However, our dedicated push against knife-related crime never diminishes.

“Seizing knives and making arrests is an important part of the policing approach, however there is also focus on stopping the sale and supply of knives solely intended to harm, along with the supply to young people.

“We also work hard to identify potential knife carriers and engage with people to understand why they may choose to carry a knife, then offer the appropriate support.”

Police said neighbourhood policing and prevention teams will also be carrying out engagement and prevention work during the week.

Inspector Crockford added: “Carrying a knife does not make anyone safer – a knife usually makes a situation much worse.

“Policing cannot tackle this problem alone, so we will be engaging with our partners to signpost to intervention and diversion work to reduce the threat and risks of knife crime.

“Reinforcing the dangers of carrying knives is a vital step in ultimately trying to prevent the devastating consequences that knife crime can have, not just for victims and their families but the entire community.”

Police are asking anyone with concerns about knife crime to contact Dyfed-Powys Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Concerns about unsafe public spaces can be reported through the StreetSafe website.

Unused knives and blades can also be disposed of safely at recycling centres. Residents are advised to check their local council website for details.

NEW banking reforms could unlock up to £80 billion in additional finance for British businesses, the Treasury has said.

Ministers say changes to the UK’s ring-fencing regime will make it easier for major banks to support firms with lending, investment and financial products, while keeping protections for savers in place.

The reforms include a proposed new Growth Allowance, allowing large banks to use part of their balance sheets more flexibly to support businesses looking to expand.

Ring-fencing was introduced after the financial crisis to separate everyday banking services, such as retail and small business deposits, from riskier investment banking activity.

The Treasury says the core protections will remain, with ring-fenced banks continuing to operate separately from investment banking arms.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, Rachel Blake said: “Where financial systems are inefficient, we will change them.

“These reforms will ensure more financing flows into UK businesses, and we can support growth and create jobs across the country.

“This will unlock finance for growth while keeping the UK banking system resilient, competitive and fit for the future.”

The changes are set out in a new report, Safeguarding Stability, Enabling Growth, and will be taken forward through the forthcoming Enhancing Financial Services Bill.

The Prudential Regulation Authority will also be given more flexibility to update and tailor rules over time, rather than relying on detailed legislation.

The government says this should allow outdated requirements to be removed more quickly and help banks respond to changes in the financial system.

Banks may also be able to offer businesses a wider range of products, including improved hedging tools and greater access to programmes delivered through the British Business Bank and the National Wealth Fund.

Alex Depledge, Entrepreneurship Advisor to the Chancellor, said the reforms would help growing firms access capital at the point they need it most.

She said: “Too often, our fastest-growing firms hit a wall of unnecessary friction just as they start to scale.

“These changes will unlock more of the capital founders need to keep building in the UK, while maintaining the financial stability that underpins investor confidence.”

The government will consult on the detail of the changes before implementation.