News

Organisations in Wales speak out against plans to criminalise rough sleeping

Published

2 years ago

March 15, 2024

A NUMBER of leading homelessness and housing organisations in Wales have expressed grave concerns about the impact of proposed new laws on people facing street homelessness.

The organisations have written to a Senedd Committee to caution against plans in the UK Government’s Criminal Justice Bill. UK ministers are proposing new police powers around so-called “nuisance rough sleeping” and “nuisance begging” in England and Wales. If passed, these powers would include the ability to move on, fine up to £2,500, or imprison a person who is, or appears as though they are intending to, sleep rough or beg.

The letter, addressed to the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, states that these laws would reapply the worst parts of the archaic 200-year-old Vagrancy Act, which the UK parliament previously voted to scrap. The co-signatories, which include Crisis, CIH (Chartered Institute of Housing) Cymru, Cymorth Cymru, Llamau, The Salvation Army in Wales, Shelter Cymru, Tai Pawb and The Wallich, emphasise that “no one should be punished for being homeless.”

The letter goes on to say that people sleeping on the streets already face significant danger and that, if introduced, these laws will push people into less safe areas. Furthermore, the laws would break down trust between people forced to sleep on the streets and the organisations and authorities that can provide help – pushing people further away from support.

The letter comes as the Senedd Committee embarks on reporting on the Criminal Justice Bill in Wales. The Welsh Government has already expressed concerns that the proposals are not in-keeping with its favoured trauma-informed approach to supporting people facing street homelessness.

Chair of the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on Housing, Mabon ap Gwynfor, has also scheduled a Statement of Opinion at the Senedd, speaking out against the Bill.

Opposition is growing around these aspects of the Bill at Westminster, where wide-ranging organisations across England and Wales are lobbying for the measures to be dropped. MPs from across the House are supporting amendments to the Bill that would remove the clauses on rough sleeping and begging.

Members of the public across England and Wales are being asked to join more than 10,000 people who have already written to their MP to ask them to support the removal of these measures.

Matt Downie, Crisis Chief Executive, said: “A future without homelessness is possible, but criminalising people who have nowhere to go is most certainly not the answer. These proposals will do nothing to help people into safe and secure homes and only serve to push people away from support services.

“As the Bill progresses through the UK parliament, we hope the Members of the Senedd will join us in doing all they can to voice concerns around these cruel laws.

“We also urge the Welsh Government to act within its powers to drive forward progress with its plan to end homelessness, pressing ahead with proposed changes to make homeless support in Wales more trauma-informed and inclusive and accelerating the building of desperately needed social homes.”

Sam Austin, Llamau Deputy Chief Executive, said: ‘We are appalled at the idea of criminalising people just because they are homeless.

“The route to ending homelessness lies in early identification, prevention and intervention services, access to the right support at the right time to end the repeating cycle of homelessness, well-funded support and prevention services and more affordable homes – not in blame and criminalisation.”

Nick Redmore, The Salvation Army’s Director of Homeless Services, added: “The focus should be on giving people a safe place to stay rather than criminalising desperation.

“Imposing fines on people will make it even harder for them to move on from street living.” 

Robin White, Head of Campaigns at Shelter Cymru, said: “At Shelter Cymru we know ending homelessness is possible, but proposals to criminalise people sleeping rough will only make this harder. Homelessness is not a crime and approaching it in this way will serve only to damage trust and increase the challenge of getting people the support they need.

“Instead of criminalising rough sleeping, we need to invest in comprehensive solutions, providing access to affordable housing, support services, and employment opportunities. Underpinned by a legal right to adequate housing.

“We urge Members of the Senedd, the Welsh Government and Welsh MPs to stand united in opposition to this Bill and to focus on compassionate approaches to solving homelessness. Approaches that empower people and that leave nobody sleeping on our streets.”

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

6 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

11 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Community

Choir to sing at ten bandstands in one day for Alzheimer’s charity

Published

16 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Côr Meibion De Cymru will begin its South Wales challenge at Milford Haven before finishing in Cardiff

A WELSH male voice choir will sing at ten bandstands in one day as part of an ambitious charity challenge across South Wales.

Côr Meibion De Cymru, the South Wales Male Choir, will begin its Ten Bandstands Challenge at The Rath in Milford Haven at 7:00am on Sunday, May 31.

The choir will then travel east, performing short concerts at Tenby, Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Llandeilo, Neath, Barry Island, Penarth and Newport before finishing at Victoria Park in Cardiff at around 8:00pm.

The event is being held in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, with organisers aiming to raise £5,000.

The choir says the challenge is intended to create a “red wave of singing” across South Wales, while celebrating the Welsh male voice choir tradition and showing that it remains a powerful part of Welsh cultural life.

The full schedule is:

Milford Haven, The Rath: 7:00am to 7:20am
Tenby, Castle Hill: 8:25am to 8:45am
Carmarthen, Carmarthen Park: 9:55am to 10:15am
Kidwelly, Parc Y Bocs: 11:00am to 11:20am
Llandeilo, Penlan Park: 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Neath, Victoria Gardens: 2:00pm to 2:20pm
Barry Island, Friars Road: 3:55pm to 4:20pm
Penarth, Windsor Gardens: 5:10pm to 5:30pm
Newport, Belle Vue Park: 6:35pm to 6:55pm
Cardiff, Victoria Park: 7:50pm to 8:10pm

Organisers say timings may vary slightly depending on traffic on the day.

The challenge is being promoted as a celebration of music, community and Welsh identity, while raising money for a cause that affects families across Wales.

More information and donations are available through the choir’s JustGiving campaign.