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Powys County Times
05-08-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Powys council urges hundreds to check PIP eligibility
Hundreds of adults in Powys could be missing out on financial support. Powys County Council believes more than 700 people with a disability or long-term health condition may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) but are not currently claiming it. Cllr Matthew Dorrance, deputy leader and cabinet member for a Fairer Powys, said: "If you have a long-term health condition, or disability, and need help with everyday tasks, or with getting around, then you could be eligible for PIP. "We are here to help, if needed, and want to make sure that everyone is receiving all the financial help they are entitled to, especially households with children. "More than 200 of these letters will be going to parents, or other adults who are looking after a child in Powys." The council identified the individuals using data analytics and will write to them over the coming weeks to encourage them to check their eligibility for PIP. Eligible individuals could receive several thousand pounds extra per year. Those identified are already receiving Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and are classified as having Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA), but are not currently claiming PIP. PIP is available to people who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and who struggle with everyday tasks or mobility. The council's letter explains the benefits and offers support with the application process. To support the effort, Powys County Council has invested in the Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT), an intelligent data analytics platform designed to identify those most in need. Cllr Dorrance said: "The LIFT platform should help us target our help where it's most needed." This follows action taken in June, when the council wrote to nearly 900 households believed to be struggling financially, offering support. Those households were invited to access free and confidential help, including advice on managing household bills, energy costs, benefits, budgeting, and debt. This support remains available to anyone in Powys facing financial difficulties. The council's trained advisors can provide support online, by phone, in person at a council office, in the community, or at people's homes. Council tenants can get help by calling 01597 827464, emailing fsogroup@ or visiting
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Plan to build 32-house estate on 450-space car park in Welshpool
A 450-space car park could be turned into an affordable housing under county council homes would be built on the Berriew Street car park in Welshpool, Powys, leaving 56 parking spaces, if the development goes Dorrance, deputy leader of Powys County Council and the cabinet member for housing, said the local authority had set a target of 350 social homes for rent by 2031 but land for development was in "short supply".When questioned about legality of transferring the land between council departments, head of housing services Andy Thompson said the move met legal requirements. Dorrance, of Labour, told the economy, residents and community scrutiny committee meeting on Wednesday there was a high demand for social housing in Welshpool.A report found 414 households on the housing register placed Welshpool as their first are 33 homeless households living in temporary accommodation in the town, with an average of 370 days before they are cost of transferring the car park from the council's highways, transport and recycling department to housing was £280,000 while the market value would be £525, Democrat councillor Corinna Kenyon-Wade queried how the figures were reply, Mr Thompson explained they were based on how much developing houses to be sold at market value would be worth, and the difference in building homes for social councillor Peter Lewington said he wanted a more "balanced picture" to be reported so that the loss of car parking spaces on town centre businesses could be analysed.A meeting of the cabinet will consider the plan on Tuesday. This article was written by a trusted journalist and then edited for length and style with the help of AI, before being checked again by a BBC Journalist. It's part of a pilot.
Powys County Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Powys Council Welshpool Berriew Street housing plan backed
Welshpool's 'significant high demand' for social housing has driven the need to give more than three quarters of a town centre car park over for housing. Powys County Council's Economy Residents and Communities scrutiny committee meeting on Wednesday, July 9, received a report about plans to give over a large part of Berriew Street car park for homes. The car park currently has 450 spaces, which would fall to 56 spaces if the plans went ahead. Deputy council leader and cabinet member for housing Cllr Matthew Dorrance (Labour) said: 'The council has set itself a target of achieving 350 homes for social rent by 2031 and we've identified that Welshpool is an area where we have significantly high demand for social housing but where land for development is in short supply. 'Working across service areas we have identified this area that could be offered up to develop social housing.' The report said 414 households on the housing register that have Welshpool as their first choice with a further 239 households having the town as their second choice. The council is working with 33 homeless households in temporary accommodation in Welshpool, where the average stay before they are homed is 370 days. In addition to this there are 31 'live' homelessness cases with a further 20 presentations to the council from the villages and towns around Welshpool. The cost of transferring the car park from the council's highways, transport and recycling department to housing is £280,000 while the market value would be £525,000. Cllr Corinna Kenyon-Wade (Liberal Democrat) said: 'My worry is the regulations ,it sounds great that you can hand this over to the HRA (Housing Revenue Account) who arrives at these figures?' Head of housing Andy Thompson explained that the figures were based on calculations in terms of how much developing houses to be sold at market value would be worth and the difference in building ones that are for social renting. Committee chairwoman, Cllr Angela Davies (Liberal Democrat) asked for more reassurance. Mr Thompson said: 'It meets the legal requirements; it will generate a capital receipt. 'It's a bit like Volkswagen selling things to Skoda when they are part of the same company.' He pointed out that Clive Pinney the council's head of legal services and monitoring officer had received the report had backed the scheme. 'It would not have come to members I can assure you, if there was any risk that this is not in full compliance to the law,' stressed Mr Thompson. Cllr Liz Rijnenberg (Labour) added: 'It's great that we can get 32 homes to reduce that (waiting) list.' Cllr Peter Lewington (Conservative) while being supportive of the project, stressed that he wanted a more 'balanced picture' to be reported so that the loss of car parking spaces on Welshpool town centre businesses could be analysed. The committee supported the scheme which will go in front of senior Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, July 15 for a decision.
Powys County Times
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Pupils voice child poverty concerns to Powys County Council
PUPILS from a Powys high school have challenged the county council and its partners to do more to tackle child poverty. Pupils from Ysgol Golwg y Cwm in Ystradgynlais made a strong impression at Powys County Council's third annual Child Poverty Task Force Conference last week. In a session led by Child Poverty Action Group, the children shared their experiences and perspectives of poverty. Their voices underscored the urgency of the work ahead and were met with a strong commitment from council leaders to deliver meaningful change. The conference at Ystradgynlais Welfare Hall brought together professionals, community leaders, and public sector partners to review progress and plan future action. Key national organisations including NSPCC Cymru and the Wales Centre for Public Policy also attended the conference. The conference celebrated the achievements of the past year, including the delivery of community-led projects funded by £90,000 from the Welsh Government. These included family cooking sessions in Ysgol Golwg y Cwm, literacy events in Llandrindod Wells, and youth engagement activities across the county. The council also informed delegates about that it had secured a further £125,000 from the Welsh Government's Child Poverty Innovation and Supporting Communities Grant Scheme which will go toward the appointment of a young persons' engagement officer, a poverty truth commission and a support scheme. Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: 'Our third Child Poverty Task Force Conference was incredibly informative and inspiring. 'We heard directly from young people about their experiences of poverty in Powys, and they've challenged us to do more. I'm taking that challenge back to county hall, and I'll work with councillors and staff to ensure we deliver real change.
Powys County Times
22-06-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Powys council pays tribute as UK marks Armed Forces Day
Powys County Council has paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and their families ahead of this year's national day of recognition. The council has expressed its gratitude to UK service personnel as the country prepares to observe Armed Forces Day. This year's event carries added importance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary commemorations of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. Councillor Matthew Dorrance, deputy leader of Powys County Council, said: "Armed Forces Day is a moment to reflect on the dedication and bravery of our Armed Forces. "I want to express my sincere gratitude to all those who serve and have served in uniform. "I am immensely proud of our servicemen and servicewomen – their commitment represents the highest form of public service." Cllr Dorrance, who also serves as the council's Armed Forces Champion and chairs the Armed Forces Covenant Regional Partnership Powys, added: "I encourage residents to take part in local events, fly the flag, and show their appreciation – whether by attending a parade, sharing messages of support on social media, or simply thanking a veteran or service member in your community. "Every gesture counts."
