Author: Rhys Gregory

Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cabinet has agreed an additional £14.5m investment for Council priority areas next year as part of its £149m three-year Capital Programme – identifying funding for highways, parks, schools, play areas, EV charging and empty properties. At the Cabinet meeting on Monday, February 28, Members considered two reports relating to Council spending next year. The first presented feedback from a recent consultation on the Draft Revenue Budget Strategy, which was based on 8.4% increase in funding after a favourable Welsh Government settlement. Key elements of the Strategy include the most favourable Council Tax position for many years (a 1%…

This World Book Day, Education and Welsh Language Minister Jeremy Miles has announced plans to set up a bilingual educational resources company. The new venture will ensure a range of Welsh and bilingual language resources are available to support the new Curriculum for Wales. The company will help schools and practitioners create resources that support their local curriculum as schools prepare for the introduction of the new Curriculum for Wales. It will be an easily recognisable ‘go-to’ service that will help teachers, publishers, stakeholders and other organisations to work together to create the most useful resources possible for schools and…

The Welsh Government has this week published its three-year budget to strengthen public services, tackle the climate and nature emergencies, and improve educational opportunities. The final budget was published on St David’s Day and comes ahead of a vote in the Senedd next week. Nearly £2bn of targeted green investment will strengthen Wales’ response to the climate and nature emergencies. The Welsh NHS will receive £1.3bn in direct funding, helping its recovery from the pandemic and its ability to provide effective services in the long-term. Almost £0.75bn extra is being invested in local authorities. This funding will strengthen social care,…

The Welsh Government will provide £4m in financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine to help support those in desperate need. Speaking in the chamber, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “We stand in support of the Ukrainian people who are bravely resisting this unprovoked and brutal act of war. “The Welsh Government will provide £4m in financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, which will help to provide crucial support to many who are in desperate need. We are also assessing what surplus medical equipment could usefully be sent to the country. “Wales, as a Nation of Sanctuary, stands ready to welcome…

The Welsh Government has announced an increase to the maximum level of council tax premiums for second homes, as well as new local tax rules for holiday lets. The changes represent more steps taken to ensure people can find an affordable home in the place they have grown up. The measures are part of a wider commitment to address the issue of second homes and unaffordable housing, as set out in the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru. The commitment is to take immediate and radical action using the planning, property and taxation systems. The maximum level…

The route for the first ever Parc Margam 10k run has been revealed. The mixed terrain run is set to take place on Sunday 13th March (10am start) in support of the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot’s Charity Fund. The scenic 5k loop will start and finish at the 19th Century Tudor Gothic Mansion, and will showcase the very best of Margam Park. Runners will pass alongside three of the park’s lakes before meandering through its woodland trails and past the fields home to the famous Margam Deer Herd. Entrants can choose between 10k and 5k routes, and as well…

A production due to take place in November has been cancelled following the war in Ukraine. The Swan Lake & Sleeping Beauty performance at Swansea’s Grand Theatre, was due to take place on Nov 17/18. It was originally branded as presented by The Russian State Ballet and Opera House A statement released by the theatre this week, said: “Although the promoters have stated that they have no connection with the Russian political state, we consider it inappropriate to stage the shows at this point. “We have informed the promoters that the shows are cancelled. Those who have bought tickets will be…

Cardiff Council has announced that ISG has been selected as the preferred bidder for the design and build ofa new joint education campus, to be located in the Fairwater area of the city. The project will be the largest, in scale and investment, of Cardiff’s education developments delivered under Cardiff Council and Welsh Governments Band B Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. Three new build schools will be located on one site, becoming home to Cantonian High School, Riverbank School and Woodlands High School. ISGwill undertake the detailed design and build process for the scheme,including the temporary accommodation associated with the…

A scheme to overclad three high-rise blocks of flats in the city in underway. Work has begun on the three blocks at Lydstep Flats in Llandaff North, which had cladding removed in the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy. The project, which is being carried out by ISG Ltd, will see new A1-rated cladding fitted to the three buildings as well as new windows, balcony upgrades including balustrading, surfacing and new balcony doors for the 126 households living there. Each property will also benefit from a new extract ventilation system for the kitchen and bathroom and also have a new flue…

All around Bridgend County Borough, communities are coming together to offer their support to the people of Ukraine with thoughts, prayers and donations of money, food and other essential items. Bridgend County Borough Council continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine following the invasion by Russian forces. As an area which already provides a home for both Russian and Ukrainian nationals, we sympathise with our Ukrainian residents and share in their huge concerns. We also appreciate and support our Russian residents who, like us, have condemned the unacceptable aggression instigated by President Putin and continue to stand…