Kepak job losses deal large blow to Merthyr
Reform Wales Shadow Economy Minister Jason O’Connell MS has raised concern over a consultation at Kepak in Merthyr Tydfil, which could see up to 85 jobs at risk. Kepak, Wales’ largest meat processing plant, is a major employer in the region and is estimated to contribute around £200 million to the local economy; supporting jobs and the wider farming and supply chain. O’Connell…
Hospices warn of increasingly complex and urgent patient needs as calls grow for sustainable funding in Wales
Hospices across Wales are warning of growing pressure on their staff as new survey findings show they are caring for patients with increasingly urgent and complex needs, at a time when increasing demand and rising costs are putting this care at risk. A new survey of adult hospices in Wales conducted by Hospice UK shows:…
Rise in economic inactivity
Commenting on new figures showing Wales’ economic inactivity rate has risen over the last 12 months by 0.6% to 24.8%, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, Shadow Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said: “These latest figures show the Welsh economy has continued to flatline with too many people economically inactive. “We urgently need welfare reform to get people…
Six OCG members jailed for over 150 years for murder
Six people have been jailed for the murder of a woman in Talbot Green, in the largest murder sentencing ever seen in Wales. In total, the group were jailed for a minimum of 157 years and 146 days, following a three-day sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court. The court heard how, on March 9, 2025, at…
Waste carrier licence revoked following fly-tipping conviction
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has revoked a waste carrier licence following a fly-tipping conviction and a subsequent regulatory investigation into waste-related activities. The licence belonged to Arron Dixon, who was convicted at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on 2 April 2026 for a fly-tipping offence under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 following a case…
Council welcomes landmark Tobacco and Vapes Act
Caerphilly County Borough Council has welcomed the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, following Royal Assent on 29 April, the most significant tobacco control legislation in a generation. The new law will create a smoke-free generation by making it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, with restrictions taking effect…
Designing Out Crime Award for Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn!
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn Wins Recognition for Outstanding Design and Safety Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn school in Ferndale, has won the Educational Development Award at ATLAS, the Secured by Design Awards, which recognises excellence in designing out crime. Inspector Andrew Gibbons presented the award to Ms Petra Davies, Headteacher at YGG Llyn y Forwen and Dr Marium Haque, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Director of Education and Inclusion Services at a ceremony at the school…
Social Hub: Rhondda pub expands offering to support its community
The Pentre Comrades Club in Pentre, Rhondda, is continuing its mission to bring people together in its community. The venue is focused on supporting local groups and hosting events that help tackle social isolation and loneliness, providing a vital space for connection in an area where such facilities are increasingly limited. Thanks to new audio-visual…
Starmer may be going but Labour’s failures remain
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS, has responded to Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation, warning that changing Labour’s leader will not change the impact of Labour’s failures on Wales. Families and businesses across Wales are still facing the consequences of Labour’s choices on the cost of living, energy, welfare and defence spending. Wales needs…