Latest news with #WELSH
Pembrokeshire Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh language housing plan ‘risks division,' says Tory MS
Government proposals under fire amid concerns over bureaucracy and exclusion THE WELSH Labour Government's response to a key report on the future of Welsh-speaking communities has come under fire from the Conservatives, who claim its new language-based planning proposals risk fostering division and exclusion. Plans published in response to the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities include stronger restrictions on second home ownership, measures to prioritise housing for Welsh speakers in heartland areas, and changes to the planning system that would incorporate linguistic impact assessments into applications. While ministers say the approach is vital to protect and strengthen the Welsh language in areas where it is most at risk, critics argue the proposals are vague, heavy-handed, and likely to cause bureaucratic delays and resentment. Speaking on Thursday (May 29), Tom Giffard MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Welsh Language, said: 'While we welcome efforts to promote the Welsh language, the Welsh Labour Government must take a balanced approach, ensuring the needs of all Welsh residents are met. 'Policies prioritising specific areas or communities based on linguistic criteria could unintentionally exclude or disadvantage others, add bureaucracy, and create unintended consequences for residents and businesses. Such an approach risks fostering division instead of cohesion.' The Labour Government's plans follow recommendations made by the Commission earlier this year to prevent the ongoing erosion of Welsh as a community language, particularly in rural and coastal areas where house prices have surged and the number of fluent Welsh speakers has fallen. But the Conservative Party says the response fails to address underlying issues such as poor housing supply, limited economic opportunity, and a lack of transparency in the planning system. 'Labour's track record on housing is weak,' said Mr Giffard. 'They've missed house-building targets repeatedly and left thousands on waiting lists. We have serious doubts about their ability to deliver these new policies effectively.' Welsh Labour has defended its stance, saying the Welsh language is part of the nation's shared cultural inheritance and that urgent action is needed to secure its future. A government spokesperson said the policies would be subject to consultation and that local authorities would retain flexibility in implementation. The Welsh Conservatives have called for a full impact assessment and greater clarity on how the measures would affect residents, developers, and small businesses. A public consultation is expected to launch later this year, with draft guidance and legislative changes potentially following in 2026. Background The Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities, chaired by academic Dr Simon Brooks, was tasked with identifying strategies to strengthen the use of the language in everyday life. Its final report warned that Welsh may 'disappear as a community language' from parts of Wales unless targeted intervention takes place. Key recommendations included linguistic impact assessments for housing developments, expanded language requirements for public services, and greater community control over land use. While supported by Plaid Cymru and Welsh language campaigners, the proposals have been labelled 'discriminatory' by some opposition politicians and property groups.
Pembrokeshire Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Extra funding to help plug National Insurance shortfall in Wales
Welsh Government steps in to protect vital services WELSH public services are set to receive additional funding to help meet rising employer National Insurance (NI) costs—after a shortfall in support from the UK Government left a significant funding gap. The increase in employer NI contributions has added an estimated £257 million in annual costs to the Welsh public sector. Of that, the UK Government has committed £185 million, leaving a £72 million deficit. To help cover this shortfall, the Welsh Government has announced it will allocate £36 million from its reserves. This brings the total support package to £220 million, which will cover approximately 85% of the increased costs. Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: 'We're protecting our vital public services by using £36 million from our reserves to help address the National Insurance shortfall left by the UK Government. 'While the UK Government has provided some funding, it does not match the actual financial burden now facing Welsh services. This leaves a multi-million-pound gap year after year. 'We've stepped in to support our services as much as we can, but we cannot afford to plug the entire shortfall. The UK Government should treat public services equally across the UK and honour its commitment to fully fund these extra costs.' The Welsh Government warned that continued shortfalls could place pressure on frontline services if the funding gap is not fully addressed. The Welsh Lib Dems responded to what they say was Mark Drakeford's National Insurance Bombshell. Leader Jane Dodds MS said: 'The Welsh Lib Dems have opposed this disastrous jobs tax from day one. Not only is it hammering our small businesses with unemployment in Wales rising, but it is now clear it will leave Wales with a gaping hole in its public finances and our public services worse off. 'The fact that the First Minister cannot even convince the UK government that the increased cost to the public sector should be covered by the Treasury shows how little influence Welsh Labour have in London. 'The Liberal Democrats will continue to argue for a reversal of the national insurance hike and fair funding for Wales.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Record numbers take to the dancefloor at school dance event
NO WELSH university is at immediate risk of collapsing under the weight of multi-million-pound deficits, according to the head of a public body set up to oversee post-16 education. Simon Pirotte, chief executive of Medr, which was established in August, gave evidence to the Senedd education committee's inquiry on issues facing higher education (HE). Medr, which has a near-£1bn budget, is responsible for funding and regulating post-16 education and research – including colleges and sixth forms, unlike its predecessor Hefcw. Mr Pirotte told the committee: 'I think it's fair to say… there are massive challenges facing the whole of the tertiary sector at the moment.' He added: 'It's an incredibly challenging time for institutions across the tertiary sector, every part… HE, local authority schools, FE [further education] colleges, apprenticeship providers, adult community providers – they're all facing financial pressures.' The former Bridgend College principal, who has been in education for around 40 years, emphasised that the 'very challenging financial context' is not unique to Wales. 'Almost 100 institutions across the UK have announced restructuring measures,' he said. 'So these are challenging times but it's also essential that institutions cure their financial sustainability and continue to provide those best experiences for learners. 'And I think it's fair to say that this requires some difficult decisions, including looking at prioritisation and efficiency measures… nobody wants to see job losses and I can say that as a former head of an FE college. 'I know how hard those decisions are and understand the tension between ensuring an institution's financial sustainability but also considering the human impact.' Appearing before the committee on May 21, Mr Pirotte told Senedd Members he faced similar pressures previously, with increasing costs not met by an increase in income. 'You have to identify additional sources of income and if that isn't possible, you have to consider scaling back or stopping certain activities,' he said. 'And this is the situation facing most institutions in Wales and indeed across the UK.' Mr Pirotte explained that Medr uses externally audited financial statements to assess the challenges facing universities. 'And we do not believe that any institution in Wales is at risk of failure in the immediate short term,' he said. Pointing to data published by Medr last week, he said universities faced a £61m operating deficit in 2023/24 compared with a £21m surplus in 2022/23. He told the committee: 'This deficit of £61m does not account for the one-off restructuring costs. If you add that in you're probably talking about a £77m deficit.' Mr Pirotte said more than half of costs in the sector are associated with staffing. 'If we take a 2.5% annual pay settlement for HE, that estimates about £22m a year,' he said. 'The increase in the employer national insurance costs, that's another estimated… £20m. 'Employer contributions for teachers' pension schemes, which particularly affects four of our institutions across Wales, is estimated to cost £6m a year.' He also raised inflationary pressures, energy costs, increasing cybersecurity risks, a downturn in the number of international students and the loss of EU structural funds. Mr Pirotte estimated increases in tuition fees to £9,535 a year will generate an additional income of about £36m 'but this will not cover the costs'. He warned that the UK Government's contentious proposals on immigration have further fuelled concerns among providers around international recruitment. On proposed cuts to courses, he stressed that universities are autonomous with 'subject provision driven by markets, by demand – what students want to study'. Mr Pirotte said the Tertiary Education Act 2022, which established Medr, specifically states that the body must not use its funding powers to require nor prohibit certain courses. Natasha Asghar, the Tory shadow education secretary, said: 'Medr seems to be the answer to everyone's prayers but when it comes to the nitty gritties… in relation to feedback to ministers: how much of it is going to be taken on board and actually acted upon?' South Wales East Senedd Member Natasha Asghar Mr Pirotte replied: 'We're certainly listened to – we have good, constructive dialogue.' James Owen, Medr's chief operating officer who is a former Welsh Government director, welcomed an additional £28.5m of in-year investment from ministers. Plaid Cymru's Cefin Campbell, a former lecturer, questioned how close some universities are to going into administration. 'How close are we to some sort of meltdown?' he asked. Plaid Cymru MS Cefin Campbell Mr Pirotte reiterated: 'We're not saying there's an institution that is in danger of falling over in the short term but there are medium- to longer-term challenges…. 'This is not easy – the reason that they're taking the actions that they are doing now is to prevent that falling over further down the line.' Pressed by Ms Ashgar about whether he can see the £77m deficit growing, he said: 'Yes is the simple answer but what we don't know yet is the final impact of the kind of measures that organisations are taking at the moment. 'The future is really challenging… that's why institutions are addressing the issues now – because they have to, otherwise that situation would get worse.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh universities ‘not at immediate risk of collapse'
NO WELSH university is at immediate risk of collapsing under the weight of multi-million-pound deficits, according to the head of a public body set up to oversee post-16 education. Simon Pirotte, chief executive of Medr, which was established in August, gave evidence to the Senedd education committee's inquiry on issues facing higher education (HE). Medr, which has a near-£1bn budget, is responsible for funding and regulating post-16 education and research – including colleges and sixth forms, unlike its predecessor Hefcw. Mr Pirotte told the committee: 'I think it's fair to say… there are massive challenges facing the whole of the tertiary sector at the moment.' He added: 'It's an incredibly challenging time for institutions across the tertiary sector, every part… HE, local authority schools, FE [further education] colleges, apprenticeship providers, adult community providers – they're all facing financial pressures.' The former Bridgend College principal, who has been in education for around 40 years, emphasised that the 'very challenging financial context' is not unique to Wales. 'Almost 100 institutions across the UK have announced restructuring measures,' he said. 'So these are challenging times but it's also essential that institutions cure their financial sustainability and continue to provide those best experiences for learners. 'And I think it's fair to say that this requires some difficult decisions, including looking at prioritisation and efficiency measures… nobody wants to see job losses and I can say that as a former head of an FE college. 'I know how hard those decisions are and understand the tension between ensuring an institution's financial sustainability but also considering the human impact.' Appearing before the committee on May 21, Mr Pirotte told Senedd Members he faced similar pressures previously, with increasing costs not met by an increase in income. 'You have to identify additional sources of income and if that isn't possible, you have to consider scaling back or stopping certain activities,' he said. 'And this is the situation facing most institutions in Wales and indeed across the UK.' Mr Pirotte explained that Medr uses externally audited financial statements to assess the challenges facing universities. 'And we do not believe that any institution in Wales is at risk of failure in the immediate short term,' he said. Pointing to data published by Medr last week, he said universities faced a £61m operating deficit in 2023/24 compared with a £21m surplus in 2022/23. He told the committee: 'This deficit of £61m does not account for the one-off restructuring costs. If you add that in you're probably talking about a £77m deficit.' Mr Pirotte said more than half of costs in the sector are associated with staffing. 'If we take a 2.5% annual pay settlement for HE, that estimates about £22m a year,' he said. 'The increase in the employer national insurance costs, that's another estimated… £20m. 'Employer contributions for teachers' pension schemes, which particularly affects four of our institutions across Wales, is estimated to cost £6m a year.' He also raised inflationary pressures, energy costs, increasing cybersecurity risks, a downturn in the number of international students and the loss of EU structural funds. Mr Pirotte estimated increases in tuition fees to £9,535 a year will generate an additional income of about £36m 'but this will not cover the costs'. He warned that the UK Government's contentious proposals on immigration have further fuelled concerns among providers around international recruitment. On proposed cuts to courses, he stressed that universities are autonomous with 'subject provision driven by markets, by demand – what students want to study'. Mr Pirotte said the Tertiary Education Act 2022, which established Medr, specifically states that the body must not use its funding powers to require nor prohibit certain courses. Natasha Asghar, the Tory shadow education secretary, said: 'Medr seems to be the answer to everyone's prayers but when it comes to the nitty gritties… in relation to feedback to ministers: how much of it is going to be taken on board and actually acted upon?' South Wales East Senedd Member Natasha Asghar Mr Pirotte replied: 'We're certainly listened to – we have good, constructive dialogue.' James Owen, Medr's chief operating officer who is a former Welsh Government director, welcomed an additional £28.5m of in-year investment from ministers. Plaid Cymru's Cefin Campbell, a former lecturer, questioned how close some universities are to going into administration. 'How close are we to some sort of meltdown?' he asked. Plaid Cymru MS Cefin Campbell Mr Pirotte reiterated: 'We're not saying there's an institution that is in danger of falling over in the short term but there are medium- to longer-term challenges…. 'This is not easy – the reason that they're taking the actions that they are doing now is to prevent that falling over further down the line.' Pressed by Ms Ashgar about whether he can see the £77m deficit growing, he said: 'Yes is the simple answer but what we don't know yet is the final impact of the kind of measures that organisations are taking at the moment. 'The future is really challenging… that's why institutions are addressing the issues now – because they have to, otherwise that situation would get worse.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
‘This will not capture the headlines': Senedd passes bill to ‘tidy up' Welsh law
NO WELSH university is at immediate risk of collapsing under the weight of multi-million-pound deficits, according to the head of a public body set up to oversee post-16 education. Simon Pirotte, chief executive of Medr, which was established in August, gave evidence to the Senedd education committee's inquiry on issues facing higher education (HE). Medr, which has a near-£1bn budget, is responsible for funding and regulating post-16 education and research – including colleges and sixth forms, unlike its predecessor Hefcw. Mr Pirotte told the committee: 'I think it's fair to say… there are massive challenges facing the whole of the tertiary sector at the moment.' He added: 'It's an incredibly challenging time for institutions across the tertiary sector, every part… HE, local authority schools, FE [further education] colleges, apprenticeship providers, adult community providers – they're all facing financial pressures.' The former Bridgend College principal, who has been in education for around 40 years, emphasised that the 'very challenging financial context' is not unique to Wales. 'Almost 100 institutions across the UK have announced restructuring measures,' he said. 'So these are challenging times but it's also essential that institutions cure their financial sustainability and continue to provide those best experiences for learners. 'And I think it's fair to say that this requires some difficult decisions, including looking at prioritisation and efficiency measures… nobody wants to see job losses and I can say that as a former head of an FE college. 'I know how hard those decisions are and understand the tension between ensuring an institution's financial sustainability but also considering the human impact.' Appearing before the committee on May 21, Mr Pirotte told Senedd Members he faced similar pressures previously, with increasing costs not met by an increase in income. 'You have to identify additional sources of income and if that isn't possible, you have to consider scaling back or stopping certain activities,' he said. 'And this is the situation facing most institutions in Wales and indeed across the UK.' Mr Pirotte explained that Medr uses externally audited financial statements to assess the challenges facing universities. 'And we do not believe that any institution in Wales is at risk of failure in the immediate short term,' he said. Pointing to data published by Medr last week, he said universities faced a £61m operating deficit in 2023/24 compared with a £21m surplus in 2022/23. He told the committee: 'This deficit of £61m does not account for the one-off restructuring costs. If you add that in you're probably talking about a £77m deficit.' Mr Pirotte said more than half of costs in the sector are associated with staffing. 'If we take a 2.5% annual pay settlement for HE, that estimates about £22m a year,' he said. 'The increase in the employer national insurance costs, that's another estimated… £20m. 'Employer contributions for teachers' pension schemes, which particularly affects four of our institutions across Wales, is estimated to cost £6m a year.' He also raised inflationary pressures, energy costs, increasing cybersecurity risks, a downturn in the number of international students and the loss of EU structural funds. Mr Pirotte estimated increases in tuition fees to £9,535 a year will generate an additional income of about £36m 'but this will not cover the costs'. He warned that the UK Government's contentious proposals on immigration have further fuelled concerns among providers around international recruitment. On proposed cuts to courses, he stressed that universities are autonomous with 'subject provision driven by markets, by demand – what students want to study'. Mr Pirotte said the Tertiary Education Act 2022, which established Medr, specifically states that the body must not use its funding powers to require nor prohibit certain courses. Natasha Asghar, the Tory shadow education secretary, said: 'Medr seems to be the answer to everyone's prayers but when it comes to the nitty gritties… in relation to feedback to ministers: how much of it is going to be taken on board and actually acted upon?' South Wales East Senedd Member Natasha Asghar Mr Pirotte replied: 'We're certainly listened to – we have good, constructive dialogue.' James Owen, Medr's chief operating officer who is a former Welsh Government director, welcomed an additional £28.5m of in-year investment from ministers. Plaid Cymru's Cefin Campbell, a former lecturer, questioned how close some universities are to going into administration. 'How close are we to some sort of meltdown?' he asked. Plaid Cymru MS Cefin Campbell Mr Pirotte reiterated: 'We're not saying there's an institution that is in danger of falling over in the short term but there are medium- to longer-term challenges…. 'This is not easy – the reason that they're taking the actions that they are doing now is to prevent that falling over further down the line.' Pressed by Ms Ashgar about whether he can see the £77m deficit growing, he said: 'Yes is the simple answer but what we don't know yet is the final impact of the kind of measures that organisations are taking at the moment. 'The future is really challenging… that's why institutions are addressing the issues now – because they have to, otherwise that situation would get worse.'
