Author: Rhys Gregory

Since 6 April 2022, almost 21,600 Self Assessment customers, who were unable to pay their tax bill in full, have set up a payment plan to spread the cost into manageable monthly instalments – an increase of around 3,900 customers on the previous year – HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed. The deadline for customers to submit their tax returns for the 2021 to 2022 tax year and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2023 and HMRC is encouraging anyone yet to complete their return to do it early. Those who have already completed their Self Assessment know…

A Lecturer in Film Theory and Practice from Aberystwyth University is contributing towards a ‘code of better practice’ for British wrestling. Dr Thomas Alcott from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies has been invited by the All-Party Group on Wrestling at the UK Parliament to participate in a conference on the topic later this month. The group – which includes MPs from across the political spectrum – recently led an inquiry and published the findings in April last year. The cross party group reviewed regulation, funding, safeguarding and wellbeing in wrestling, and sought to find ways to better…

A crop developed at Aberystwyth University is set to help African farmers feed people in the face of climate change. Aberystwyth University and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, based in Niamey, Niger, have developed a new drought resistant strain of pearl millet to help prepare for weather disruptions caused by climate change. Pearl millet is a naturally drought resistant cereal crop that is a staple in many African countries, as well as in India and South Asia. A recent report by the World Meteorological Organisation estimated that increased temperatures have already reduced Africa’s agricultural productivity by…

A popular series of 10K running events is making a return for 2023.  The R4W 10K Series is a unique collection of iconic road races taking place across four unique locations in South Wales. Following a period of pandemic delay, all four events will return to their traditional spots in the calendar, kick-starting with the new-look Brecon Carreg Cardiff Bay 10K on Sunday 26 March. The race is Wales’ largest 10K event and boasts a course taking in all of the Welsh capital’s most iconic waterfront landmarks. The fast and run ABP Newport Wales 10K is next up on Sunday…

Ben Jeffreys has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Torfaen Leisure Trust.  Formerly CEO of Pontypool RFC, Ben will start his new role at Torfaen Leisure Trust in January 2023 where he will be instrumental in deploying the company’s ambitious strategy.  Ben spent over 10 years at Pontypool RFC, initially as Commercial Director and then CEO from 2014. Torfaen Leisure Trust is the only charity focusing on the generational health, fitness, and well-being of the people of Torfaen. Its mission is to deliver world class fitness and well-being activities from its five leisure centres – Cwmbran Stadium, Pontypool Active Living…

Plans setting out how the Council intends to deliver the next phase of its ambitious housing development programme, creating another 1,700 new homes for the city have been unveiled. Against a backdrop of extreme pressures on housing availability in Cardiff, the Council is proposing to seek a new housing partnership scheme arrangement to ensure more high quality, energy efficient homes can be built at volume and pace. The partnership scheme would be the second of its type the Council has embarked on, following the success of the award-winning Cardiff Living partnership with national developer, Wates Residential. That £320m 10-year programme…

Plans are progressing for the delivery of three new Cardiff schools which will share the same campus in the Fairwater area but, costs have increased largely due to rising inflation, Cardiff Council’s Cabinet will hear. The Fairwater Community Campus is a pioneering project for Cardiff which, when completed, will see Cantonian High School, Riverbank School, and Woodlands School all located in new buildings on one dedicated site. The joint campus will also boast a range of comprehensive facilities which will be available for community and public use outside of school hours. Plans for the scheme are well underway, but at its…

Cwm Taf People First is celebrating 25 years of work to support people with learning disabilities! As part of their anniversary celebrations, they kindly ask for donations to continue their invaluable work in our communities. Based at the Arts Factory in Ferndale, the organisation has 120 hard-working members who aim to promote the voices of people with learning disabilities. Among the charity’s goals are promoting the rights of people with learning disabilities, ensuring services they use reflect their needs, and raising awareness about disabilities. Challenging prejudices is another vital aspect of their work. The ‘Be My Voice’ campaign was set…

The challenges being faced by residents, businesses and individuals will be at the forefront of the council’s considerations as it plans its 2023/24 budget. Work is currently underway to plan how the most important services will be delivered with Newport City Council facing a budget gap of £33 million. Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of the council, said: “There is absolutely no doubt that the coming year is going to be challenging. “Our main aim in setting next year’s budget will be to ensure that the core of our most fundamental services are maintained for residents, but it is unlikely that…

More than 1,100 unemployed people facing hidden barriers to entering the labour market have been helped to start their own business thanks to a Welsh Government grant scheme, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething has announced. They include unemployed single mum Sami Gibson, who was determined to build a better life for herself and her child. Sami had dreams of setting up her own business but faced several barriers – she had no laptop or internet connectivity and was living in a remote rural location. Thanks to support from the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service, Sami has set up a new business…