Author: Rhys Gregory

A public consultation has begun on Neath Port Talbot’s draft budget for 2025/26. The consultation is open until Friday 31 January 2025. Residents, businesses, local groups and other organisations are being encouraged to have their say on how the council proposes to continue delivering over 400 vital public services whilst closing an estimated budget gap of £15 million. The Welsh Government’s Provisional Local Government Settlement, published on 11 December 2024, indicated that NPT will receive an increase in funding of 4.4% next year – the tenth highest in Wales. Whilst the increase is welcome, it will be nowhere near enough…

Caerphilly county borough council has unveiled its draft budget proposals for 2025/26 as part of ongoing plans to plug a £47million gap in its finances over the next 3 years. The council’s Cabinet will consider a draft budget report this week (Thursday 16th January) ahead of a period of public consultation to gather feedback from the local community. Cllr Sean Morgan, Leader of the Council said, “The council continues to explore ways to achieve savings to plug an unprecedented gap in our budget. A number of key savings proposals have already been progressed in 2024 and I want to encourage…

“Feel the hwyl. Only in Wales” – Visit Wales’ latest campaign – officially kicks off today with a call to visitors from far and wide to celebrate and experience joyful and fun moments unique to Wales. ‘Hwyl’ has no direct translation in English, but describes a deep state of joy that comes from being totally immersed in the moment. The ‘hwyl’ concept, part of the 2025 Year of Croeso, aims to differentiate Wales in a crowded marketplace through focussing on our language and a strong sense of place. The campaign was filmed in over a dozen locations across Wales during…

Estyn, the education and training inspectorate for Wales, will lead a review to understand how Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) is currently used in schools across Wales. The review will examine current use of Gen AI tools and explore the potential benefits to schools, while also considering the challenges they may pose. The first phase of the review includes a survey for schools and pupil referral units asking for their views and experience, followed by more in depth engagement with teachers.  The findings are expected to be published in the summer. To support schools considering or beginning to use Generative…

Wales’ leading doctor Sir Dr Frank Atherton has announced he will stand down after eight and half years as the Welsh Government’s Chief Medical Officer. Sir Frank has provided independent advice to the Welsh Government on all major issues affecting the health sector in Wales. During his tenure in Wales, after a previous post in Canada, Sir Frank played a leading role in Wales’ response to the Covid pandemic and has supported the NHS through flu outbreaks and annual winter pressures. Speaking about Sir Frank’s decision to stand down, Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: “Sir Frank has provided invaluable advice…

The Outdoor Recreation Service is delighted to announce that the Ynysdawela Nature Reserve has been awarded the prestigious National Forest for Wales status. This accolade comes after the Deputy First Minister confirmed the recognition, marking a significant achievement for our conservation efforts. The accreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the conservation team, who, with the support of the Welsh Government’s The Woodland Investment Grant, have significantly enhanced the woodland reserve. The funding has enabled a range of practical land management activities aimed at both enriching the local community’s experience and maintaining the reserve’s rich biodiversity.…

Theatr Iolo – Wales’ leading children’s theatre company – are preparing to tour Welsh- and English-language performances of their magical stage co-production of Emily Gravett’s illustrated children’s book, Tidy. Tidy (Taclus in Welsh) is a co-production with Polka Theatre, and will tour eight venues across Wales plus a week of performances in Bath, 11 February to 15 March 2025. The show, aimed at children aged three to seven, uses puppetry and original songs to bring to life the tale of Pete the badger who likes everything to be neat and tidy, but who accidentally destroys his own home whilst cleaning…

Aberystwyth University has risen into the UK top 30 in new sustainability rankings for higher education. In the new People & Planet survey of sustainability and ethics in higher education, the University jumped to 29 out of all the 149 universities assessed. Its rise up the league table by more than 80 places reflects its ranking as the joint best institution for clean energy. Over the last five years, Aberystwyth University has invested over £10 million in energy saving and renewable energy projects. Those include new rooftop solar arrays in Gogerddan and Trawscoed as well as a significant development on…

Two men from Bridgend have been jailed after being involved in a Swansea robbery in November. 20-year-old Brandon Dobbs, from Newcastle, and 20-year-old Morgan Kemble, from Brackla, both assaulted their male victim in Waun Wen, before taking his wallet and mobile phone. They were both arrested by officers soon after, and both pleaded guilty to Robbery in December. Both men have this week been sentenced to three years in prison at Swansea Crown Court. Brandon Dobbs also received an additional six months as the judge activated a previous suspended sentence. Detective Constable Samera Sabir said: “Violent crime will never be…

The Vale of Glamorgan Council is set to introduce charges at a number of its resort car parks and on-street in areas of Barry Island and Penarth Seafront to control congestion and generate income to support vital services in these locations. After considering a report on the subject, the Authority’s Cabinet has proposed to bring charges at Bron Y Mor, Barry; Penarth Cliff Walk, The Knap and Portabello and Westfarm in Ogmore in line with those at other coastal car parks. That means, between 10am and 11pm, it would cost £2 for up to two hours, £4 for up to…