JASON O’CONNELL MS: UK BUDGET FAILS TO DELIVER FOR MERTHYR
The UK Budget has fallen short of delivering the economic rescue plan needed to support working families, protect Welsh agriculture and unlock economic growth in Merthyr, Jason O’Connell MS has warned. While the Chancellor announced measures to ease some household costs, Jason says the Budget does not go far enough to tackle the pressures facing…
Air Ambulance thanks ‘hidden heroes’ during International Control Room Week
Wales Air Ambulance is marking International Control Room Week by thanking the teamsresponsible for coordinating its crews.A dispatch team and critical care practitioners work on a dedicated Wales Air AmbulanceCritical Care Hub based at the Welsh Ambulance Service clinical contact centre in Cwmbran.The Hub is operational 24 hours a day and teams operate in 12-hour…
Lancashire man who travelled to South Wales and committed sexual offences jailed
A man who travelled from Lancashire to Treherbert and committed sexual offences has been jailed, following a South Wales Police investigation. Samuel Hyde, 35, from Lancashire, was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment with an extended licence period of four years following his conviction. The sentencing took place at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Thursday, October…
NRW data shows mixed picture for water company environmental performance
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has published its 2025 annual environmental performance reports and storm overflow spill data for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy. The results show progress alongside ongoing challenges. Hafren Dyfrdwy continues to perform strongly in several areas, while Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has shown improvements in some measures but remains a…
Regulators publish first joint report on water industry performance
The Drinking Water Inspectorate, Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and Ofwat have today published the first Water Industry Performance Insights report. The four regulators have brought their evidence together, giving the public, governments and industry a single, clear view of how the water industry is performing. The report reflects a shared commitment by regulators to…
Budget fails to deliver for Wales
Commenting on the Chancellor’s Budget, Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “Today’s Budget was an opportunity to deliver the investment Wales needs through a pro-Union approach that backs our economy, improves our transport infrastructure and creates skilled jobs. “Instead, growth has been downgraded, national debt continues to rise and welfare spending is…
High Court dismisses judicial review challenge over closure of leisure centre
The High Court has dismissed a judicial review challenge to Caerphilly County Borough Council’s decision to close a leisure centre, rejecting claims that the authority breached its statutory duties and failed to consider relevant costs. The claimant in Jones, R (On the Application Of) v Caerphilly County Borough Council [2026] EWHC 2709 (Admin), also brought…
Warrants connected to illegal bike use see 11 arrested across South Wales Police
Warrants took place across the force linked to Op Grebe A series of warrants linked to reports of bikes being ridden illegally have been executed today (Friday October 23) by South Wales Police. The warrants are part of Op Grebe, which focuses on bikes – including electric bikes, motorcycles, and off-road bikes – being ridden…
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s NEW Connect to Work scheme could help you!
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has launched a new scheme to provide bespoke, enhanced employment support for some of its most vulnerable residents. Connect to Work is a UK government initiative that will be delivered locally by the Council’s Work and Skills team, which already provides far-reaching employment support for residents aged 16+. It will provide…
Presumption against pylons
Welsh Conservatives have welcomed the launch of a Welsh Government consultation on new planning rules that would make underground cables the default option for new electricity lines. Welsh Conservatives have long opposed intrusive steel lattice pylons in rural Wales. The proposed policy would mean that new electricity lines operating between 11kV and 132kV would be…