Latest news with #Cartref
Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Concerns raised about care home charity chaired by Cardiff councillor
Concerns raised about care home charity chaired by Cardiff councillor The chair of Cartref said trustees are aware of their responsibilities, including their responsibility to report to the the Charity Commission when necessary Cartref Limited, chaired by Cllr Joel Williams, failed to submit its accounts and annual return on time last year (Image: Justin Harris ) Concerns have been raised about a Cardiff care home charity chaired by a city councillor after it submitted its accounts late this year. Cartref Limited was behind two Cartref Care Home sites that had to close due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and seeing a significant fall in residents. A Charity Commission report on Cartref, which submitted its annual return and accounts 75 days late, makes reference to a number of "matters of concern" raised by an independent examiner. These concerns, according to the report, led the independent examiner to believe that accounting records were not being kept and that accounts do not accord with those records. Never miss a Cardiff story and sign up to our newsletter here. Joel Williams, who is the chair of Cartref and a Conservative councillor at Cardiff Council, said the charity was supported by an administrator who acted as a bookkeeper. However trustees were unable to obtain records from this individual "despite extensive efforts". Trustees have been "treading carefully in light of the administrator's personal circumstances", according to the chair, and "legal advisers have agreed with that approach". Article continues below Mr Williams went on to add that trustees are aware of their responsibilities including their duty to report to the Charity Commission when necessary. The independent examiner's report to the trustees of Cartref states: "During the year there was a failure to provide information to me in order to prepare the annual accounts and complete the independent examination. Cartref had a care home on Lake Road East in Roath which is now closed (Image: Google Maps ) "This is noted in the trustees' report. "Access to the company's accounting software, payroll records, sales ledger records, and purchase invoices that I usually have was not available so the accounts were prepared and the examination undertaken based on the bank statements and completion statements for the property sales. "If the records become available these can be examined and any adjustments can be made in the following year's accounts. "Until the records are inspected I cannot confirm whether the accounting records were kept as required by section 386 of the 2006 act or whether the accounts accord with those records. I understand that the trustees are still pursuing the records." In March 2023 it was reported that both Cartref homes, one in Station Road in Llanishen and the other in Lake Road East in Roath, could close due to a fall in the number of residents in their care. Both homes were eventually closed and sold after various options for the future of the sites were considered. Mr Williams said: "Due to the pandemic and national challenges affecting the care sector Cartref Care Home had run at a loss for several months. "Over these months the trustees took professional advice and considered various options resulting in our decision to consult on the closure of both homes. "The consultation was conducted with the welfare of those affected being the priority – after further professional advice and consideration the trustees made the decision to close the homes before further operational debts were incurred. "The financial and service demand challenges facing Cartref were the driver for the consultation. "The trustees undertook to ensure all staff were paid their full redundancy payments. "The other key priority at that time was for the residents to be assisted to find alternative accommodation. "Like many circumstances emanating from the Covid pandemic the closure of Cartref Care Homes was a sad outcome that no-one would have anticipated. "Once closed the homes were marketed and sold enabling the trustees to fully discharge the associated debts. "The remaining proceeds from the sales are invested and Cartref will continue as a grant-making organisation in line with our charitable aims and objectives. "The trustees have and continue to receive professional advice." A report of the trustees for 2024 on the Charity Commission's website states: "The trustees were unable to obtain some of the accounting records to prepare and examine the accounts this year. "These records relate to the time of the home closures. This is explained in the independent examiner's report. "This matter is still under investigation and the trustees hope that the records will become available soon and they can then be examined and any accounting amendments required can be made as an adjustment to the following year's accounts." Mr Williams added in his statement: "Following the closure of both residential homes Cartref was supported by an administrator who acted as a bookkeeper for the charity. "The trustees were unable to obtain records from this individual despite extensive efforts by the trustees. "The trustees are receiving legal advice in this regard and the trustees are following this advice. "The trustees are aware of our responsibilities as trustees, including our duty to report to the Charity Commission when necessary, and take these duties very seriously. "However the trustees have been treading carefully in light of the administrator's personal circumstances and the legal advisers have agreed with that approach." Article continues below
Powys County Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Welsh Water issues warning as hot weather forecasted
Welsh Water has asked people to be mindful of their water usage as the country prepares for a hot start to May. March 2025 was recorded as the fourth driest March in Welsh history, with rainfall 30 per cent lower than in 2022, when parts of Wales last faced water usage restrictions. Despite reservoir water levels being slightly below what is expected for this time of year, with water resources in a good position across the country, there is a warning for customers to be careful of their use of water. The company has increased production at its water treatment works to keep up with high demand. The 61 treatment works produced an additional 7 million litres of water on some of the warmest days this week, equivalent to filling around 35,000 extra bathtubs each day. Welsh Water is also working to reduce the amount of water lost from the system, with teams fixing around 700 leaks each week. Customers have been asked to report any leaks they spot to the company. Over the next five years, the company plans to reduce leakage by a quarter, with around £400 million set aside for pipe replacement and leakage repairs. Welsh Water customers can also benefit from the Cartref team's free leaking loo repairs. These home water efficiency visits are carried out by qualified plumbers to help reduce customers' water consumption. Ian Christie, managing director of water, asset planning, and capital delivery at Welsh Water, said: "With the low rainfall levels, we are working around the clock to make sure we do everything we can to get as much treated water into the system and our teams are out and about fixing 700 leaks per week. "Although reservoir levels are at a comfortable level currently, we're asking customers for their help so that we can make sure the water reaches everyone. "It's essential that we help preserve the supplies in our reservoirs and rivers after what has been a dry spring. "Our advice is simple for customers, use the water you need but avoid wasting it." Welsh Water has also provided some tips to help customers save water. These include not leaving the tap running while washing hands or brushing teeth, taking a shower instead of a bath, and only running the washing machine and dishwasher when they are full. Other tips include not filling the paddling pool to the top and using the leftover water on the garden plants, and not using a sprinkler on the lawn to keep it green, as the colour will return once it rains.
Pembrokeshire Herald
02-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Leaky Welsh Water urges caution as dry spell continues
Customers asked to cut back on water usage amid driest spring in years PEOPLE across Wales are being urged to reduce their water use as the country braces for what could be the hottest start to May on record. March 2025 was the fourth driest March in Wales since records began, with rainfall levels 30% lower than in 2022 – the last time some parts of the country faced water use restrictions. While current reservoir levels remain slightly below average for the time of year and overall water resources are in a relatively strong position, Welsh Water is warning customers not to be complacent. The company has already increased output at its treatment works, moving more water around the system to keep up with growing demand in hotspot areas. On some of the warmest days this week, Welsh Water's 61 treatment facilities produced an extra 7 million litres of water – enough to fill 35,000 bathtubs. Leak repairs are also being prioritised. The company says its teams are currently fixing around 700 leaks every week, and customers are encouraged to report any they spot. Over the next five years, Welsh Water plans to cut leakage by 25%, with £400 million earmarked for pipe replacement and repair work. Homeowners can also take advantage of free efficiency checks through the company's Cartref programme, which includes leaking toilet repairs and other water-saving advice provided by qualified plumbers. In addition, Welsh Water is sharing practical tips to help people cut consumption: Don't leave taps running while brushing teeth or washing hands Take showers instead of baths Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full Fill paddling pools only part-way – and reuse the water on the garden Avoid using sprinklers on lawns Use the 'Get Water Fit' calculator online for more tips and free water-saving products Ian Christie, Managing Director of Water, Asset Planning and Capital Delivery at Welsh Water, said: 'With the low rainfall levels, we are working around the clock to ensure we get as much treated water into the system as possible. Our teams are fixing 700 leaks each week. 'Although reservoir levels are currently comfortable, we're asking for customers' support to help water reach everyone. It's essential we preserve supplies in our reservoirs and rivers after such a dry spring. 'Our advice is simple – use what you need, but please don't waste it.'
