Treasury plans would make it harder for major clean-energy and infrastructure projects to be delayed by legal challenges

THE MILFORD HAVEN Waterway could be one of the areas most affected by new UK Government plans to speed up the delivery of major energy and infrastructure projects.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce reforms giving Parliament greater power to approve nationally important clean-energy schemes, including new power stations, offshore wind farms and grid connections.

The Treasury says the move is designed to strengthen energy security, reduce bills and support economic growth.

But the proposals could also prove highly significant for Pembrokeshire, where the Haven Waterway is increasingly being promoted as a key hub for floating offshore wind, port infrastructure, grid upgrades, hydrogen, and other clean-energy projects.

Under the plans, Parliament would be able to designate key clean-energy schemes as being of “Critical National Importance”. That would reduce the scope for judicial review challenges, except on human rights grounds.

For other nationally significant infrastructure projects, including transport and water schemes, the government plans to introduce a fixed legal challenge window. Once that period has passed, developers would have greater certainty that projects could proceed.

The Treasury said the aim was to stop repeated legal challenges from delaying projects considered vital to the country.

A Treasury spokesperson said: “For too long, vital infrastructure delivery has been delayed by judicial reviews of projects the country needs.

“The Chancellor won’t stand for it any longer and is bringing forward bold changes to support delivery.”

The announcement will be watched closely in Pembrokeshire, where Milford Haven Waterway already plays a major role in the UK’s energy system.

The waterway is home to major port, fuel, gas and power infrastructure, and is central to plans for the next generation of low-carbon energy development in west Wales.

Supporters are likely to argue that faster decision-making could bring investment, jobs and supply-chain opportunities to Pembrokeshire.

However, the proposals may also raise concerns about local accountability, particularly if smaller energy projects are allowed to apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate rather than going through local councils.

That could leave communities feeling they have less influence over developments affecting their landscape, coastline and infrastructure.

The government says the new route would apply specifically to clean-energy projects, reflecting what it describes as the urgent need to move away from reliance on fossil fuels.

For Milford Haven Waterway, the reforms could mean major schemes connected to offshore wind, power generation, grid reinforcement and port-linked infrastructure move forward more quickly.

But they may also intensify debate over who gets the final say when national energy policy meets local communities.

Ceredigion Preseli ranked second in Wales for the share of household income donated to charity

PEOPLE in Wales donated an estimated £530 million to charity last year, down from £645 million in 2024, according to new research.

But the Charities Aid Foundation report also contains a striking west Wales finding, with Ceredigion Preseli ranked as the second most generous constituency in the country.

Residents in Ceredigion Preseli donated an average of 1.21 per cent of household income to charity, behind only Cardiff North, which topped the Welsh list at 1.32 per cent.

The constituency ranked ahead of Gower, Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Ynys Môn, Cardiff West, Monmouthshire and Caerfyrddin.

Across Wales, however, the wider picture shows a fall in charitable giving. CAF said 54 per cent of people in Wales donated to charity last year, down from 61 per cent in 2024.

The charity said household financial pressures were a major factor, with one in five people across the UK saying they do not donate because they cannot afford it.

CAF’s Local Giving Report looked at charitable giving, community engagement and local pride across every UK constituency.

It found that 35 per cent of people in Wales already engage in their local community, while 18 per cent would like more opportunities to get involved.

More than half of people in Wales, 56 per cent, said they had a sense of local pride. In Monmouthshire, that figure rose to 70 per cent.

The report suggests that people who feel more connected to their local communities are more likely to support charities and good causes.

Mark Greer, Managing Director of the Charities Aid Foundation, said: “Charities are at the core of our communities. Through their work up and down the country, they strengthen local areas and support those in need.

“When we are facing a sustained trend of declining donations, part of the solution to unlocking greater giving lies in understanding the power of place and community.

“It might seem obvious, but places matter to people. This report shows that when people are engaged in a local area, they tend to give more.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Wales, said: “This report confirms again the generosity of people in Wales in backing the causes that are important to them.

“Wales has a strong history of giving and philanthropy. We see reminders of it all around us in how donors and philanthropists have shaped our communities, from the miners building community halls to the people today who support our most vulnerable people.

“At a time when community groups and charities are needed more than ever, this support continues to be critically important.”

TOURISM BUSINESSES SHOW GROWING CONFIDENCE AHEAD OF 2026 CEREMONY

VISIT PEMBROKESHIRE has reported a sharp rise in applications for its 2026 Croeso Awards, in what organisers say reflects growing confidence across the county’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The annual awards, which celebrate excellence in Pembrokeshire’s visitor economy, will return to the Atrium at Pembrokeshire College on Thursday, October 29.

Organisers say applications have risen by around a third compared with the 2024 awards, following efforts to encourage wider participation from businesses across the county.

This year’s scheme was opened to all tourism businesses in Pembrokeshire, not just members of Visit Pembrokeshire, with no application fee and free tickets for finalists.

The Croeso Awards are also linked to an eight-month mentoring programme run in partnership with The Celtic Collection and Pembrokeshire College, aimed at giving students practical experience and industry guidance as they prepare for careers in tourism and hospitality.

Emma Thornton, chief executive of Visit Pembrokeshire, said: “The increase in entries this year is hugely encouraging and demonstrates the passion, resilience and innovation that exists across our tourism industry. We wish all applicants the very best of luck.”

She added that while many familiar businesses continue to support the awards, organisers are keen to highlight the wider range of tourism operators helping to create memorable visitor experiences across Pembrokeshire.

With applications now closed, independent judges from outside Pembrokeshire will assess entries across 17 categories before finalists are announced on July 1.

The awards ceremony will take place later this year, recognising businesses that continue to help drive one of Pembrokeshire’s most important industries.