The changes announced yesterday to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) will see agricultural assets over £1m attract an inheritance tax at a rate of 20% from April 2026. The average size of a farm in Wales is roughly 118 acres. The average price for arable land in Wales is £8,500/acre. 118…
Councils told to favour wheeled bins due to injury risk The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has urged councils to consider the “whole range of powers” available to them when tackling waste disposal issues, after finding examples of councils taking an “overly zealous approach” to enforcement. Household waste offences take place when someone…
Responding to the Labour UK Government’s Autumn Budget, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies MS said: “Labour’s smash and grab Budget will have a devastating impact in Wales. “This Budget is built on the back of keeping pensioners cold this winter, and the National Insurance rise will be an incredibly destructive jobs tax…
Some patients in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board are benefitting from a convenient digital service which allows GP practices to send prescriptions electronically to the community pharmacy or dispenser of their choice. The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is now being used at a number of surgeries and pharmacies within the health board area as…
The first phase of consultation for the Council’s 2025/26 Budget will soon start, after Cabinet agreed to continue its established two-phase approach from recent years – combining face-to-face meetings with digital engagement. Each autumn, the Council takes a comprehensive approach to inform the setting of the following year’s Budget, and engagement with residents and stakeholders…
RCT Council Cuts Waste Collection Safety Standards, Endangering Health of Workers and Residents A recent decision by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council (RCTC) to replace wheelie bins with black bags for waste collection has raised serious concerns over health and safety standards. The change, made without public consultation, appears to disregard modern best practices that prioritize…
Enforcement action undertaken by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) against those that have carried out unpermitted works in and around rivers in South Wales has helped reduce flood risk to people and wildlife living in these areas. https://www.itv.com/walesprogrammes/articles/wales-this-week-nrw-not-really-working People need to apply for a flood risk activity permit from NRW if they want to work: Since…
Cabinet has agreed to further progress the exciting redevelopment proposals for the Rock Grounds buildings in Aberdare. The Council has now officially appointed a partner to design, develop and construct the project, that will establish a quality hotel, restaurant, bar and spa at the town centre site. Proposals for the Rock Grounds site were first…
Literature Wales launches National Writing Centre’s 35th CreativeWriting ProgrammeIn 1990, Wales’ National Writing Centre, Tŷ Newydd, opened its iconic teal doors towelcome budding writers for the very first time. Today, Literature Wales, the nationalcharity for the development of literature has launched its 35 th creative writingprogramme, a varied and rich mix of residential courses and…
Dashcam images confirm a sighting of Joanne Jones walking on Graigwen Road towards Ynysybwl around 10.05am on the day she was reported missing, Monday October 21. A further witness saw her at Twyn Y Glog, Ynysybwl, around 12.45pm the same day not near the Brynffynon Hotel. Chief Inspector Matt Rowlands said: “We are seriously concerned for the welfare of…
