COUNCILS are calling for urgent investment in the upcoming Welsh Government Budget to help meet huge funding pressures in social care.

A WLGA survey of council budgets has identified £106m of in-year pressures in social services (2024-25). An additional £223m pressure is anticipated next year, representing 40% of the overall pressure for local government (£559m) just to stand still.

The Welsh Local Government Association has written to the Welsh Government outlining the severe outlook for social services.

Councils warn that without further help, meeting care and support needs will become increasingly difficult, impacting NHS and health care service delivery with residents waiting longer for care in the community.

Councillor Charlie McCoubrey, WLGA Health and Social Care Spokesperson said: “Councils across Wales support the First Minister’s priority in improving access to social care and to create the healthier Wales that we all want to see. But the gravity of the financial challenge faced by social services and local government cannot be overstated. Simply put, the position is unsustainable.”

“More and more, councils are having to focus social care spend on addressing increasing demand for services and rising cost pressures in critical frontline services, leaving fewer and fewer resources available for preventative support. Prevention and early intervention support is vital for helping people maintain independent, healthy lives, improving life chances, preventing homelessness, and avoiding individuals and their families from reaching crisis point.

“Sustainable investment in social care also needs to be seen as an essential component to the ambition of building an NHS that is fit for the future, where health is about more than healthcare and hospitals. Services such as, housing, culture, youth, and economic development, have a huge role to play in influencing the conditions that keep people well and healthy in their own communities. Investment in such services delivered by councils brings multiple benefits, including for individuals and longer-term savings to the public purse.

“The harsh reality is that without additional investment, councils will face difficult choices and decisions on how best to balance their budgets whilst focusing on maintaining essential services. Any new legislative requirements or expectations of councils will need to be fully funded – the hope of doing more with less is long passed. Without increased funding for social care, the existing financial pressures will grow and unfortunately, will severely affect the ability of councils to provide timely, high-quality care and support to those who need it most.”

VICKI COLES and Sophie Moncrieff have raised a fantastic £4,140 for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Withybush Hospital in memory of Henry Coles, Vicki’s husband.

Vicki and Sophie, with the help of their family and friends, organised a number of charity events, a charity wax, a raffle and charity night at The Bull Inn in Prendergast.

Henry sadly passed away in March 2024 and Vicki wanted to raise money to say thank you for the amazing support he received at the ICU.

Vicki said: “The care Henry received, and the support given to us by the ITU staff, was amazing and we can’t thank them enough.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped at this very difficult time. We look forward to doing another fundraiser for Henry’s birthday next year.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer said: “Thank you to Vicki and your family and friends for raising an amazing amount for the ICU at Withybush, it is a lovely tribute to Henry. We hope you take comfort in knowing the funds will make a big difference to the patients, families, and staff at the ICU at Withybush Hospital.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

Pictured above: Vicki Coles and Sophie Moncrieff with staff from the unit

A SOLEMN Remembrance Service took place today (Nov 9) at Llanion Military Cemetery, Pembroke Dock, organised by Pembroke Dock Town Council. The service brought together local residents, veterans, and cadets to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in service to the country. Attendees gathered around the central cross in the cemetery, with veterans and youth groups paying tribute to the fallen.

The cemetery is the final resting place of many service members, with 71 war graves marking those who served in conflicts across the 20th century. Among those remembered today were:

• Alexander Overton, Shipwright 4th Class, who served on H.M.S. Puckeridge in the Royal Navy and died on Dec 13, 1941, at age 33.
• Terence George Jackson Pascoe, a Sergeant in the Royal Air Force, who lost his life on June 28, 1940, at the age of 25.
• Norman Jack Rolfe, a Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who died on March 5, 1942, at the age of 29.
• Ronald Bruce Scutts, Flying Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force, who perished on June 27, 1941, at the age of 23.
• William Edwin Thomas, Chief Shipwright of the Royal Navy, who served on H.M.S. Penelope and died on April 19, 1946, aged 56.

These individuals, alongside many others, gave their lives in service, leaving a legacy of courage and sacrifice. Today’s service not only paid tribute to their bravery but also reminded the community of the ongoing importance of remembrance.

For residents of Pembroke Dock, Llanion Military Cemetery serves as a poignant symbol of both the cost of war and the resilience of those left behind.