Author: Rhys Gregory

The Senedd has taken a significant step to further strengthen democratic accountability by passing the Senedd Cymru (Member Accountability and Elections) Bill. For the first time, the people of Wales will be able to remove their Member of the Senedd between elections. The legislation includes a recall system with two clear triggers: automatic recall for any Member who receives a prison sentence of any length (including a suspended sentence); and discretionary recall where the Standards of Conduct Committee recommends removal for serious misconduct, subject to a majority vote of the whole Senedd. The existing Senedd standards system will also be…

Funding to deliver modern, sustainable integrated transport systems across Wales has been announced this week. The £115.9m of funding has been awarded to local authorities, via the Welsh Government’s Regional Transport Fund (2026-7), to make local transport more accessible for everyone and help people get around more easily. The funding will help create more inclusive streets to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle (£58.5m); improve the condition of local roads through investment in highway schemes (£24.1m); create better access to public transport (£20.9m); improve road safety (£7m) and make infrastructure enhancements to electric vehicle charging points…

Welsh businesses have secured £436 million in new export sales as a direct result of Welsh Government export support over the past five years, Cabinet Secretary for Economy Rebecca Evans told the Explore Export Wales conference in Llandudno today (18 March). Accounting for over a third of Wales’ GDP, exports are a key to the Welsh Government’s ambition to grow the economy and create new jobs. Since the Export Action Plan launched in 2020, the Welsh Government has supported nearly 1,500 businesses supported to export for the first time or expand into new markets and delivered 89 trade missions, with…

Level 1 teaching assistants in Wales will be moved to level 2 roles from September 2026. This move will benefit up to 3,350 current level one teaching assistants, who will receive a pay rise of up to £1,350. Teaching assistants play a vital role in supporting teaching and learning in our schools and settings. Working with local authorities and unions, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle has today (March 18) confirmed that the Welsh Government will fund the salary increase for level 1 teaching assistants to move to level 2, subject to local consultation*. Future teaching assistant roles will…

A driver has had their vehicle seized in Machen after tailgating an unmarked police car and committing a series of traffic offences. The incident took place on Commercial Road, where officers in an unmarked vehicle noticed a car following dangerously close behind them. Police said the driver then proceeded to drive on the wrong side of the road before parking on double yellow lines at the corner of a junction. Officers stopped the vehicle and quickly established that the driver was working as a food delivery driver at the time. However, further checks revealed the driver was not insured for…

Transport for Wales has partnered with Heartbeat Trust UK to support the installation of 18 bleed control kits to stations across Cardiff. This is the first time equipment of this kind has been available in the capital. The kits, donated by the Masonic Benevolent Fund of South Wales have been integrated directly into existing defibrillator cabinets to ensure they are clearly visible and accessible to the public in an emergency. The project uses the Daniel Baird Foundation’s critical bleed control kit and is the principal model widely adapted across England. It’s equipped with military-grade medical supplies that can be used by members…

A NEW Chief Officer has been appointed to lead the organisation supporting charities, volunteers and community groups in Denbighshire. Janine Downing has stepped into the role at Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC), bringing more than 16 years of third sector experience. Speaking about her appointment, Janine said she was proud to take on this key position and build on work already underway across the county. “I’m incredibly proud, DVSC is an amazing organisation that does so much to support community groups, charities and volunteers in Denbighshire,” she said. “We already have a committed and passionate team here, and I’m excited…

South Wales Police have confirmed that threats which led to the closure of two Cardiff schools are now being treated as malicious communications. The force said it first received a live chat at around 8.30pm on Sunday, March 15, making threats to harm people with weapons at Llanishen High School and Eastern High School. As a precaution, both schools were closed while investigations were carried out. Further communication was then received late on Monday, March 16, relating to St Illtyd’s High School. Police say extensive enquiries have since been conducted, including thorough searches at all three schools. Officers carried out…

The Sinclair Group has strengthened its presence as Wales’ largest automotive retail group with the opening of its second Škoda dealership in Newport. Following its acquisition of the previous Škoda franchise in Newport operated by Mon Motors, the Group has relocated the business to Corporation Road. Here the all-new Sinclair Škoda Newport will operate alongside its well-established sister Volkswagen retailer in the wake of a significant investment programme on the four-acre plot. Owned and operated by the Sinclair Group for more than 30 years, the Newport site has been completely transformed to accommodate both brands, offering the very finest facilities…

A brand-new food and drink festival, which is a celebration of Welsh produce and drinks, will be held at DEPOT, Cardiff from July 9th to 11th. The three-day festival, organised in collaboration with the Welsh Government Drinks Cluster, Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) and DEPOT, will bring together some of Wales’ top food and drink producers under one roof. It will showcase home-grown wine, spirits, cider and beer, alongside a selection of Welsh food and entertainment. One highlight of the event is Indie Beer Wales, where festival-goers will have the opportunity to sample some of Wales’ best brews, meet their passionate producers, and discover…