Fears Wales’ national collections could be at risk due to budget cuts

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2024

THE SENEDD has backed calls to keep free entry to museums amid concerns that Welsh Government budget cuts risk endangering Wales’ national collections.

Heledd Fychan warned a maintenance backlog of tens of millions of pounds has deteriorated to such an extent that the National Museum Cardiff is fearful it could be forced to close.

The Plaid Cymru MS told the chamber that failing a mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspection would mean closing the museum, partly or fully, for an undefined time.

She said: “We’ve been shown photos of priceless collections next to buckets overflowing with water. We’ve been warned about outdated electrics and inadequate storerooms.”

Ms Fychan drew parallels with Brazil, saying 92% of the country’s collections were lost in an avoidable fire after curators’ warnings were ignored and the museum was underfunded.

The South Wales Central MS criticised job losses during the debate on a cross-party motion, co-submitted by Tom Giffard and Jane Dodds for the Tories and Lib Dems respectively.

She said culture institutions are all going through redundancy programmes, meaning vital skills are already being lost, with no time to put succession plans in place.

“And worst of all, the Welsh Government is helping to fund these redundancies,” she said.

Ms Fychan expressed alarm about suggestions free entry to national museums could end, saying the policy has been a success since it was introduced under Rhodri Morgan in 2001.

Raising concerns about the long-term impact of cuts, she pointed to an article by Andrew Green, a former chief librarian, entitled ‘Why is the Welsh Government at war with culture?’.

Mr Green wrote that people should be “deeply worried by a government whose members can’t manage to grasp the critical importance of maintaining and improving state support”.

Plaid Cymru’s shadow culture minister also quoted Pedr ap Llwyd, who retired as the National Library’s chief executive on Friday, as warning of a “gap in the political will”.

She said: “Our culture and our heritage matter. They aren’t something nice to have when times are good; they are a vital part of our nation.”

Tom Giffard, the Conservatives’ shadow minister, raised concerns about “disproportionate” budget cuts, questioning why the arts and culture sector has borne the brunt.

Mr Giffard accused Welsh ministers of “hiding” behind the arm’s-length body principle to avoid responsibility for decisions instead made around the cabinet table.

Sioned Williams, the Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales West, said Amgueddfa Cymru and the National Library of Wales are facing an existential crisis.

She said: “The warning is clear. If we don’t support the calls in the motion before us, the price for the future of our nation will be one that we cannot afford to pay.”

Mike Hedges, a Labour backbencher, who represents Swansea East, said it is important that cuts do not endanger the collections due to unsuitable spaces or a lack of specialist staff.

But he told MSs: “We also need to realise we cannot keep on spending more money … let’s find places to save and let’s prioritise things – if everything’s a priority, nothing is.”

Delyth Jewell, who chairs the Senedd’s culture committee, said Amgueddfa Cymru staff often come in at night to move art from the walls and place buckets to catch rainwater.

Dawn Bowden, the deputy minister for arts, recognised the challenges Amgueddfa Cymru and the National Library of Wales face in maintaining ageing buildings.

She said Amgueddfa Cymru has received £5m and the National Library £2m, which is being kept in the next financial year to address the most pressing maintenance concerns.

Ms Bowden told the Senedd she commissioned an independent review of the collections’ management last year and it is due to report this month.

Criticising Prof Llwyd’s “somewhat disingenuous” comments about a lack of political will, Ms Bowden said he had ample opportunity to put his concerns to her but did not.

She stressed that she does not want Amgueddfa Cymru to charge for entry but, in a crisis, every avenue of income generation at its disposal must be explored.

The motion was agreed 27-16 following the debate on March 20, with seven MSs abstaining and some support from the Labour backbenches.

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

Published

8 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

10 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Business

Pembrokeshire hospitality rates relief scheme backed

Published

10 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A WELSH Government-funded scheme to provide rates relief for hospitality businesses has been backed by senior Pembrokeshire councillors.

A report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet at their March meeting said: “Welsh Government has introduced the Food and Drink Hospitality Rates Relief, this relief is aimed at eligible businesses in Wales in the food and drink hospitality sector for example, pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars and live music venues.

“The aim of the relief is to support eligible businesses to manage continued cost pressures. The relief will apply to all eligible occupied properties by offering a discount of 15 per cent on non-domestic rate bills for the period April 1 to March 31, 2027. The relief is capped at £110,000 per business across Wales.

“As this is a temporary measure, Welsh Government is providing the relief by reimbursing local authorities that use their discretionary relief powers under Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.”

It concluded: “The food and drink hospitality rates relief 2026-27 requires the local authority to adopt a discretionary scheme [as outlined] and in accordance with the criteria and conditions specified in the guidance issued by Welsh Government.

“It is proposed that Cabinet resolve to adopt [the scheme] which can be applied to administer the relief. Welsh Government will reimburse local authorities for the relief provided in line with their guidance via a grant under section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003.”

Members backed the recommendation.

All eligible businesses must apply for this relief by the March 31, 2027, and an application form will be available on the council’s website from the April 1.

The maximum cash value of the rates relief allowed, across all properties in Wales occupied by the same business should not exceed £110,000. Businesses claiming the relief must declare that the amount being claimed does not exceed those limits.