Author: Rhys Gregory

Details of a £4.6m programme to reduce flood risk using nature-based solutions have been published today, delivering towards a Programme for Government commitment (Wednesday, October 25). The Welsh Government’s Natural Flood Management Accelerator Programme was confirmed via a joint statement between Climate Change Minister Julie James and Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, Lesley Griffiths. The Ministers say the two-year programme follows a Programme for Government commitment to deliver nature-based flood management solutions across all major river catchments. The programme will help Risk Management Authorities work together with Welsh farmers, landowners and third sector organisations on nature-based solutions that…

The Health Minister has thanked GPs for progress made in tackling the 8am bottleneck and making it easier for people to get appointments. But the Minister said more needs to be done to ensure everyone in Wales can expect the same service, and called on the public to help by reducing some of the 80,000 missed appointments every month. 95% of practices across Wales have said they are now providing a mix of remote, face to face, urgent and pre-bookable appointments, and that people can contact their practice throughout the day to make an appointment. These practices have also said…

Climate Change Minister Julie James has this week (Tuesday, October 24) introduced a new Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) which will see the biggest changes to social housing standards in more than 20 years. The Minister said the new WHQS will replace the existing Standard to ‘better reflect changes in the way people live, work and feel about their homes’. The original Standard was introduced in 2002 and since then Welsh Government, together with social landlord delivery partners, has invested billions of pounds to significantly improve and maintain the quality of social homes across Wales. A formal public consultation of…

The Education Minister Jeremy Miles has this week published new guidance to help schools to work with families and relevant agencies to make sure learners come to school. Jeremy Miles said: “Since the pandemic, too many young people are missing out on invaluable school time. This can impact on their wellbeing, their social skills, and their education.  We can be in no doubt that our education system is still very much recovering from the impact of the pandemic. Schools have been working hard to support learners back into to the classroom, but this is a crisis which needs a national…

Popham Kidney Support, the Swansea-based kidney charity, recently hosted its commemorative fundraising event: Wally’s Way. The memorable evening was held on October 20 at Morgans Hotel in Swansea, in honour of the charity’s namesake, Paul ‘Wally’ Popham. This one-off event not only commemorated the tenth anniversary of Paul Popham’s passing but also celebrated a decade of the charity’s dedicated service. Wally’s Way brought together supporters of the community and football lovers alike, with several sponsors playing a crucial role in making this night a success: Bevan and Buckland, McAlister & Co, Swansea.com, Swansea City FC, and Morgans Hotel. In memory…

We all think of the deep sea, its immense beauty, and mysterious creatures that are often undiscovered by modern science. But there’s so much more hidden beneath the surface in these murky depths than meets the eye.  From historic shipwrecks to narwhal migrations; from thermophilic bacteria colonies to unique geological formations, this blog post will explore some of the most fascinating facts about life in the depths of our planet’s oceans – starting us off on an incredible journey that is sure to amaze and inspire you! Uncovering the mysteries of the deep sea Exploring the vast and unfathomable depths…

In an age increasingly affected by climate change, making your home eco-friendly is more than just a trend; it’s a necessity. Adapting your personal space to be more energy-efficient and environmentally considerate not only contributes to the global effort to reduce carbon footprints but can also bring a new sense of wellbeing into your home. It encourages a harmonious lifestyle that respects and synchronises with the natural world, fostering a future-thinking mindset that benefits both the planet and individual health. Investing in Renewable Energy: A Step Towards Sustainability Transitioning to renewable energy is a significant leap toward making your home…

Investing in real estate can be an excellent way to build your financial portfolio and gain financial security. It can, however, be intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with the process or don’t understand how it works. Fortunately, some great tips will help you succeed in the world of real estate investing! In this blog post, we’ll cover 7 proven techniques for maximizing your return when investing in rental properties and commercial buildings. We’ll outline strategies such as understanding market cycles, finding discounted properties, renovating wisely, building a team of professionals to work with, and more so that you can approach these…

Are you thinking of introducing a pet into your house? Owning a pet can bring years of joy to your life, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, the rewards far outweigh any difficulties; however, several practical and financial considerations should be made before adoption. From health concerns to emotional commitments, this blog will provide important information that all potential pet owners should know for an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for both their pups and themselves! Consider Food Needs One of the primary responsibilities of owning a dog…

The average price of a home in Wales has decreased to £239,378 for the first time in 10 years. Prices have also fallen year-on-year with 2 consecutive drops this year or between 1-4% below their respective levels compared to last year. However, the housing inventory is constrained, and the supply of properties is 10% lower than the same time in 2019 according to the Regional Property Market Update report. Rightmove says that houses are selling more quickly, but homeowners are seeing cuts of over 5% to asking prices. One possible way to maintain or boost the listed price is to stage a home properly…