Audit watchdog calls for greater clarity on funding of Welsh councils
The Auditor General for Wales, Adrian Crompton, has called on the Welsh Government to make sure its approach to funding councils is timely, based on accurate information and gives councils “more clarity” over the funding they are likely to get in the future. The Funding Councils report looked at how the Welsh Government funds the 22 principal…
Intervention into South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to continue, says Welsh Government
The Welsh Government’s intervention into South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is to continue until after next year’s local elections, after commissioners concluded that, although progress has been made, their task is not finished. The Welsh Government intervened in the service in February 2024, following a highly critical report by 39 Essex Chambers barrister Fenella Morris…
Heatwaves start to take toll on the environment
After a series of record-breaking heatwaves and extended periods of hot and dry weather this spring/summer, the environment is starting to show signs of strain, according to Natural Resources Wales (NRW). NRW has confirmed today (16 July 2026) that the worst affected areas – in north and south east Wales – will move from ‘normal’…
Women in her 80’s defrauded out of £20,000
Cleonest Massera defrauded a woman in her 80s out of £20k by pretending to be a police officer. He is now in jail following an investigation by South Wales Police. Massera, 21, from Pentwyn, Cardiff, contacted the women in November 2025 claiming she had been a victim of a scam, He offered to look after…
Welsh Conservatives criticise plans for a shadow broadcasting authority
Commenting on the Welsh Government’s plan to establish a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales, Paul Davies MS, Shadow Minister for the Welsh Language, Culture, Tourism and Sport, said: “The Welsh Government is wasting time and taxpayers’ money on setting up a shadow authority in an area that isn’t even devolved, while the issues people…
Gwent arrests demonstrate need for grooming gangs inquiry
Commenting on the statement from Gwent Police that eight British nationals have been charged with more than 30 offences as part of an investigation into group-based child sexual exploitation, Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “These are horrific allegations representing an unforgivable betrayal of children who should have been protected by the care…
Dry Weather Dŵr Cymru Hosepipe Ban
It is likely that a ‘hosepipe ban’ will be introduced this weekend (18th/19th July) across Mid and South Ceredigion, together with parts of North Pembrokeshire and North Carmarthenshire, unless exceptionally high water demand reduces. The period of prolonged hot, dry weather has driven demand for drinking water to unprecedented levels, with around one billion litres of…
Park Lane Special School Celebrates Parent’s 100km Ultramarathon Fundraising Challenge
Park Lane Special School in Aberdare, South Wales is proud to announce an inspiring fundraising challenge being undertaken by one of its parents, Rhys Howe, who will take on the formidable Beacons Way Ultra 100km Ultramarathon in support of the school and its pupils. Rhys, whose son Alfie attends Park Lane, will run 100 kilometres across the…
New construction chief at Welsh housebuilder
Persimmon Homes East Wales has appointed its new Construction Director.Craig Derrick will take on responsibility for overseeing the safe, on-time, and quality delivery of all the accredited five-star housebuilder’s developments, while supporting site teams and supply chain with continuous improvement and mentorship. Craig has returned to Persimmon – he was previously a contracts manager for…
Young people must not be overlooked in new Welsh Cancer Strategy, says Teenage Cancer Trust
Teenage Cancer Trust has said that the unique needs of young people with cancer mustn’t be overlooked if the National Cancer Strategy for Wales is to meet its ambitions. The plan, announced today by the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care of Wales, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, aims to transform the way the health service diagnoses, treats, and prevents cancer. Responding to…