Latest news with #ScoutsCymru
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Scout group on summer camp bombarded with abuse by angry local residents after they mistook them for illegal immigrants
Cops are looking into 'inappropriate and offensive language' in social media posts DIB DIB D'OH! Scout group on summer camp bombarded with abuse by angry local residents after they mistook them for illegal immigrants THIRTY young Scouts on an annual summer camping trip were subject to a barrage of abuse — after being mistaken for illegal immigrants. Muddled locals yelled at the Scottish under-18s, who travelled 400 miles to be there, because they thought from their accents they must be asylum seekers. 3 Police, pictured at the campsite, were looking into 'inappropriate and offensive language' in posts Credit: WNS 3 The park where the youngsters were staying Credit: WNS A video was also posted online claiming to show 'immigrants' being moved to the site at Newbridge, near Caerphilly, South Wales. Several people posted abusive comments. It was also alleged that police were guarding the supposed migrants at the CRAI Scout Activity Park. One witness said of the abuse: 'It was horrible. All the usual rubbish going on about illegal immigrants flooding the South Wales Valleys.' A Scouts Cymru spokesman said: 'We are aware of a racially aggravated incident targeting under-18s who were leaving after visiting our activity centre and are working with police to address this situation. 'We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all on site.' Temporary Chief Supt Jason White, of Gwent Police, confirmed the group shown in the video were visiting a 'frequently used' Scout camp — and many of them were children. He said the site was occasionally used for police dog training, adding: 'Officers aren't guarding the location.' He said police were looking into 'inappropriate and offensive language' in posts on the now removed video. The muddle comes after independent MP Rupert Lowe last week confused a group of charity rowers off Norfolk for small boat migrants. 3 Thirty Scouts on an annual summer camping trip were subject to a barrage of abuse — after being mistaken for illegal immigrants Credit: WNS
South Wales Argus
10-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Volunteers' Week calls for more routine volunteering
The celebration, which took place across both the Senedd and Westminster, emphasised the need to make volunteering a routine part of life for more people. At the Senedd, the focus was on the Bil Pob Plentyn (Law for Every Child) legislative proposal, aiming to bolster the rights of young people in Wales. Youth organisations and young people shared their experiences to help shape the proposals. Jane Dodds MS and Sioned Williams MS both stressed the importance of centring young people's voices in policy-making. Later, a Westminster event rallied support for a campaign allowing every employee 35 hours of annual volunteering leave. This move could unlock an estimated 140 million volunteer hours annually, offering flexible volunteering opportunities. Representatives from ScoutsCymru were also present, advocating for the power of volunteering. Kerrie Gemmill, CEO of ScoutsCymru, praised the dedication of volunteers and highlighted current challenges, including a waiting list of over 4,500 children eager to join the Scouts due to volunteer shortages.
South Wales Argus
25-04-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
ScoutsCymru voices concerns over proposed visitor levy
The organisation has called on Members of the Senedd to make changes to the proposed Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill. ScoutsCymru is worried that the Bill could place an 'unfair burden' on volunteers and put opportunities for young people at risk. The organisation has welcomed recent changes at Stage 1 of the Bill, particularly the decision to exempt under-18s from the visitor levy. However, with Stage 2 now underway, ScoutsCymru is calling for further amendments to ensure volunteer-run groups are not caught up in a system designed for tourism. Kerrie Gemmill, CEO of ScoutsCymru, said: "Under the current proposals, volunteers staying overnight with a group of young Scouts in their local hall – to lead the activities and keep them safe – would be classed as a 'visitor' and charged the levy. "They're not booking a holiday – they're leading the activities and supporting the group. "Charging volunteers as if they were hotel guests makes no sense." The organisation is also worried about the administrative burden the Bill could place on volunteers. ScoutsCymru has proposed three changes to the Bill: clarity in the law to exclude premises like Scout halls from the levy, proportionate rules recognising the limited resources of small, volunteer-run groups, and targeted exemptions for charitable, volunteer-led organisations that only host occasional overnight stays as part of youth programmes and activities.
Pembrokeshire Herald
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Concerns raised over visitor levy's impact on youth groups
SCOUTS CYMRU has warned that the Welsh Government's proposed Visitor Levy could have unintended consequences for volunteers and youth groups, potentially putting vital learning experiences for young people at risk. The organisation, which supports thousands of children across Wales in outdoor and educational activities, has called for key changes to the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) (Wales) Bill, currently progressing through the Senedd. At Stage 1, Members of the Senedd agreed to exempt under-18s from the levy, a move welcomed by ScoutsCymru. However, with Stage 2 discussions now under way, the group says further amendments are needed to ensure that the burden of administration and costs do not fall unfairly on volunteers or disrupt youth programming. There are currently more than 4,000 young people on waiting lists to join the Scouts in Wales, with demand for overnight events and camps higher than ever. But under the current proposals, Scout halls could be treated in the same way as hotels or other commercial accommodation providers. 'Scout halls are not hotels,' said Kerrie Gemmill, CEO of ScoutsCymru. 'Volunteers leading overnight stays with young people in community halls would be classed as 'visitors' and charged the levy – despite not being on holiday, but there to lead and safeguard the group.' ScoutsCymru has called for the Bill to be updated to clarify that buildings like Scout halls and community centres – where occasional overnight use is not the primary purpose – should not fall within the scope of the levy. There is also concern about the potential administrative burden placed on volunteers. A single overnight stay could require a community venue to register, track occupancy, and manage a payment system, even if only two adults are staying to supervise children. 'This isn't about avoiding fair taxes – it's about proportion,' said Gemmill. 'We're talking about people who already give up their evenings and weekends for free. Asking them to set up tax systems for a couple of overnighters a year is unrealistic. It risks putting people off, and that means fewer overnight adventures for young people.' ScoutsCymru is proposing three key changes to the legislation: A clear legal exemption for premises primarily used for education or youth activities. Rules that are proportionate to the capacity and nature of volunteer-led groups. A national exemption for charitable groups offering occasional overnight stays as part of structured youth programmes. 'We're grateful for the engagement so far,' added Gemmill. 'With a few sensible changes, we can protect the purpose of the Bill while preserving affordable and accessible experiences for young people, led by the volunteers who make them possible.'
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Welsh Labour to charge babies £1.25-a-night tourist tax
Babies and toddlers are set to be hit with a £1.25 tourist tax after Welsh Labour rejected calls for an exemption. Guests at hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation will be charged the per-night fee from 2027 under proposals being considered by the Welsh government. Children are exempt from tourist taxes in many European countries, including France and Spain. However, first minister, Mark Drakeford, told the Senedd's finance committee this week that exempting under-18s would lead to a 'significant fall' in the tax take. The Welsh government said the money raised would help fund services in tourism hotspots and the promotion of the Welsh language, but critics believe it will deter visitors. Scouts Cymru, a non-profit organisation, warned the 'outrageous administrative burden' of the tax would mean young people could miss out on the 'life-changing experience of camps and overnight stays'. The Welsh Conservatives said ministers should be nurturing the tourism sector, 'not hammering it with new taxes'. Under the tourist tax proposals, accommodation providers will be compelled to enter their names on a national register. Stays at hostels and campsites would be taxed at a lower rate of 75p per night. Stays of more than 31 nights will not be taxed. Neither will people forced into temporary accommodation or people in homeless hostels. If the Visitor Accommodation Bill passes, local authorities will decide whether to introduce the charges in their areas. The levy could generate up to £33m across Wales if all local authorities introduced it. Officials believe April 2027 is the earliest the tax would be brought in. In a consultation which ran in 2022 and received more than 2,000 responses, self-catering companies said that a policy similar to tourism taxes in Spain, Greece and Germany could damage local economies in Wales by putting visitors off. Respondents were also concerned there could be competition between local authorities if councils were allowed to administer the levy independently. It comes after Pembrokeshire County Council raised council tax on second homes by 200pc in April, forcing holiday homeowners to sell up. In July, there were 135 second homes on the market in the county compared to just 38 the previous year – a rise of 255pc. Wales' tourism industry employs 159,000 people – nearly 12pc of the total workforce. But the country is suffering from flagging tourist numbers, with 892,000 visits in 2023, down 13pc on the 2019 pre-pandemic figure. Tourist spending, at £458m in 2023, was down 11pc compared to 2019. Kerrie Gemmill, chief executive of Scouts Cymru, said: 'The Welsh government's decision not to exclude under-18s from the visitor levy demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of Wales' already strained voluntary sector. 'To expect over 380 scout groups and countless other volunteer-run youth organisations across Wales to implement the same registration and administrative processes as large commercial holiday resorts is completely unrealistic and shows a disconnect from the reality of how voluntary organisations operate. 'This levy is an outrageous administrative burden on a voluntary sector that plays a vital role in supporting young people across Wales.' Rowland Rees-Evans, chairman of the Wales Tourism Alliance, said: 'We are obviously disappointed that children will have to pay this tax. 'We have argued that the largest amount of tax will be paid on family holidays in Wales, which will hurt the poorer families more.' Mr Drakeford told the Senedd this week: 'I see that you have heard from a range of voices who argue that particular groups ought to be excluded from the levy. 'I've said to you from the very beginning that this is a broad-based tax with a low charge, at the low end of what you'll find anywhere else. 'If you narrow the base, the only way you can sustain the take from the tax is to put the charge up.' A Welsh government spokesman said: 'We have taken a fair, straightforward approach to the application of the levy, and the bill proposes keeping rates low, avoiding the need for further exemptions and nil rates which would add complexity for providers and visitors.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
