23 February 2023

A balanced budget which will see investment for key services, including schools, has been approved.

Despite unprecedented economic conditions, the Full Council of Powys County Council has today (Thursday, February 23) approved spending plans of more than £326million for 2023-2024.

The spending plans will be financed by a combination of funding from the Welsh Government and a below inflation increase in Council Tax.

The 5% increase in Council Tax, which is split between 1.2% for the Fire Authority Levy and 3.8% for the county council, will cost the average band D Council Tax payer an extra £1.40 a week. Band D properties will now be charged £1524.45 Council Tax.

The figure does not include town and community council and police precepts which will be included when the Council Tax has final approval next month (March).

Cllr David Thomas, Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation, said: “A better than anticipated local government settlement has allowed the council to keep the Council Tax increase to a minimum despite unprecedent financial pressures.

“Despite the increased funding, this has been the most difficult budget-setting process the county council has ever experienced. The combination of high inflation, increased demand for social care, staff pay and funding post-Covid-19 recovery, has created an extremely difficult position.

“Our priority throughout the budget-setting process was to protect services, particularly those that support people at the most difficult of times.  This has been achieved by working together, enabling the council to set a balanced budget.

“Today’s budget approval will ensure our schools receive all the additional funding provided by the settlement, resulting in an additional £5.5m in investment in education. We will also provide an extra £500,000 to provide energy support to schools.

“Every budget includes a mix of essential growth to fund services and reductions. Despite an overall increase in this year’s budget, we have identified more than £16m in reductions by delivering services more efficiently or at reduced cost.

“We are continuing work to convert streetlights to more efficient LED lights and reducing staff travelling through digital ways of working, reducing costs and cutting the council’s carbon footprint.

“However, the Council Tax increase was needed to balance our budget and put us on a sound footing for the coming financial year. We have tried to limit the impact on the people of Powys by keeping the increase below inflation as everyone is feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis.”

22 February 2023

Exciting plans for a new school that will transform education for vulnerable learners in Powys have been unveiled, the county council has said.

Powys County Council is to build a new £9.1m school for Brynllywarch Hall School as part of its Transforming Education programme. The school, located in Kerry near Newtown, provides education for pupils from 8 to 19-year-olds, with a wide range of complex emotional, behavioural and social difficulties.

A pre-application consultation for the proposed development has started, which allows interested parties to comment on the plans before a planning application is submitted.

The pre-application consultation will close on Tuesday, 14 March, 2023.

The council and its construction partner ISG Construction will also be showcase the exciting plans at two drop-in events that will take place at the school on the following days:

• Tuesday 28 February between 3.30pm and 7pm
• Tuesday 7 March between 3.30pm and 7pm

The drop-in events will be open to the whole school community as well as members of the public.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “The new building for Brynllywarch Hall School is a vital step to ensuring we deliver education in a safe and stimulating environment for all our pupils. This project will provide modern facilities for our pupils and teaching staff and help them to deliver an enjoyable and fulfilling education experience for everyone.

“These drop-in events provide a great opportunity for everyone in the school community and members of the public to view these exciting plans, which will transform education for vulnerable learners in Powys.”

To view the pre-application consultation documents online visit https://www.asbriplanning.co.uk/statutory-pre-application-consultation/ which also gives details on how you can make representations on the proposed plans.

22 February 2023

Looking after someone else’s child? That could be a private fostering arrangement and you need to let us know so we can support you.

Private fostering is when a child under 16 (or under 18 if disabled) is looked after in the home of someone who is not a close relative or guardian, for more than 28 days.

The arrangement is made between the child’s birth parents and the proposed carer, and often comes about as a positive response to a family’s difficult circumstances; but the child’s welfare must always come first. So, we need to be satisfied that the welfare of the child who is, or will be, privately fostered is being satisfactorily safeguarded and promoted.

Cllr Sandra Davies, Cabinet Member for Future Generations, said: “If you’re a private foster carer, then please let us know. This isn’t about ‘checking up’ on you. It’s about making sure that the right support is in place, and the child is being well looked after, and that the carers can access any resources they may need.”

If you are aware of an arrangement taking place, we ask that you please get in touch so we can provide help and support to those families.

Please contact Children’s Services Front Door via, 

Email – [email protected]

Telephone 01597 827 666 (office hours) 0845 054 4847 (out of hours)

For more information on private fostering, please visit https://en.powys.gov.ukhttps://en.powys.gov.uk/privatefostering

21 February 2023

Residents and businesses in Powys are being warned by the county council that a team of rogue traders are in the county offering to tarmac people’s driveways.

The warning has been issued by Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service to ensure residents and businesses are not conned out money by the rogue traders.

The service has received reports that rogue traders are claiming to have surplus tarmac left over from work they are carrying out for the county council.

The council’s Trading Standards Service also has examples of some cold callers that are unqualified people, who charge extortionate amounts of money for little or no work with prices also being very misleading.  They usually demand immediate payment while practice methods are aimed for not being traced.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “In these cases the work conducted is usually extremely poor.  Our advice is never to accept work from cold callers and remember the old saying that if it is too good to be true, it usually is.

“The best advice we can give householders or businesses is not to employ any unknown trader who cold-calls offering to carry out repairs or improvements to their property.”

If potential customers do decide to employ an unknown tradesperson, the council’s Trading Standards Service advice is:

• Check the traders’ credentials, particularly any phone number given
• Ask friends or neighbours if they have heard of the firm, and if local, check to ensure their premises are where they say they are
• Ask the trader for references, and if possible view an example of their work
• It is advisable to use a trader who is a member of a trade association, but check the claim with the trade body before employing them
• Ask for a written quotation before going ahead. Make sure the trader’s name and address is on it and that the price for the work is clear
• Keep a note of any vehicle details including the registration number
• ·         Never part with money until the work is completed to your satisfaction. Always try to pay by cheque or credit card – never be persuaded into going to the bank or building society to withdraw cash.

Legislation requires cold callers to give consumers a ‘cancellation notice’, giving them 14 days to cancel the contract made for any work over £42. Failure to issue a cancellation notice in the correct manner is a criminal offence.

Anyone who thinks they may be a victim or thinks someone they know may have been, should get in touch with Citizens Advice consumer helpline free on 0808 223 1133 or to contact a Welsh-speaking adviser call 0808 223 1144.

21 February 2023

Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust (MWT) is helping families and children discover their wild sides while boosting their wellbeing this February half-term with a brand new ‘Nature Play’ area at Llyn Coed y Dinas Nature Reserve in Welshpool.

It has been created thanks to a Welsh Government-funded partnership project called Canals, Communities and Wellbeing, which aims to improve opportunities for access, recreation and nature-connectedness within the Montgomery Canal corridor, where the nature reserve lies. The outdoor play area incorporates natural materials – including logs from nearby MWT nature reserve, Dolforwyn Woods, where ancient woodland is being restored – and timber equipment designed to complement the wild surroundings while facilitating engagement with nature and the great outdoors.

With log benches, a ring of rustic log stools, a sensory ‘rainbow room’ and a mud kitchen, the outdoor area provides the perfect place for children and their families to enjoy imaginative and explorative play against the inspiring backdrop of a nature reserve. Here, young minds can explore, create and discover, while bug-hunting, bird-watching, leaf-collecting and wildlife-spotting – not to mention getting muddy, messy and having fun! This special space will be open to members of the public visiting Llyn Coed y Dinas, and will also host family-friendly events, educational visits from local schools and youth outreach sessions delivered by Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust.

“We know that children learn best through play, and there’s no better place for young people to learn about the natural world than outside,” says Ceri Jones, Head of Living Landscapes at Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust. “What’s more, research shows that feeling connected to nature leads to reduced stress, improved concentration and better sleep – it also results in more sustainable attitudes to the environment.”

Llyn Coed y Dinas is a wonderful home for all kinds of wildlife, and there’s always something to see whatever the season. The Nature Play area will complement existing facilities at the reserve, which include a large bird hide with seating overlooking the lake, a picnic area and a small car park.

This play area is one of many infrastructure and biodiversity improvements being carried out in the Montgomery and Monmouthshire and Brecon canals corridor in Powys, as part of the Canals, Communities and Wellbeing project, which will run until May 2023. A partnership between Powys County Council’s Countryside Access and Recreation Team, who are leading the project, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, Glandŵr Cymru, Canal & River Trust in Wales and the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, it includes towpath improvements, enhancements to nature reserves, new visitor interpretation signage, promotional aerial films of the canals, guided wildlife walks and a free, bilingual wildlife-spotting smartphone app called Canal Safari.

The Canals, Communities and Wellbeing project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

21 February 2023

Children and staff at Guilsfied Playgroup have been showing off their new home which has been paid for and kitted out with more than £200,000 in Welsh Government grants.

Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan paid them a visit on Friday (17 February) to see how the money has been spent.

The playgroup, near Welshpool, which is run by Powys County Council, has received Childcare Offer for Wales funding for a new demountable classroom – sited at Guilsfield Primary School – and for equipment to be used by children and staff.

It provides 16 places for three and four-year-olds receiving early education and for childcare for those whose parents are eligible for Childcare Offer for Wales support.

The Childcare Offer for Wales aims to help parents return to work, increase their hours or work more flexibly by providing up to 30 hours of free early education and childcare a week, for up to 48 weeks of the year.

You can find out more about the Childcare Offer for Wales and apply on the Welsh Government’s website: https://www.gov.wales/childcare-offer-for-wales-campaign

Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan said: “My visit to Guilsfield Playgroup on Friday afternoon really put a smile on my face. It was great to meet some of the children and their parents who are benefitting from our Childcare Offer for Wales scheme, which is taking away some of the worries over childcare costs and making a real difference to the lives of working families.”

Cllr Peter Roberts, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, added: “We warmly welcome the Childcare Offer for Wales funding Welsh Government has given to Guilsfield Playgroup. The grant has helped to create an environment that is welcoming and supports children to play and learn successfully, while promoting their independence.”

PICTURE: Julie Morgan, Deputy Minister for Social Services, meets children and staff at Guilsfield Playgroup.

21 February 2023

Keen photographers are being invited to share their favourite snaps of Powys canals as part of the new #LovePowysCanals photography competition launched by the Canals, Communities and Wellbeing project.

Open to both residents and visitors, the competition aims to celebrate the beauty of the Montgomery and Monmouthshire and Brecon Canals and encourage people to get out, explore and enjoy the waterways.

The Canals, Communities and Wellbeing project is focusing on increasing opportunities for public access, recreation, rural active travel and supporting enhanced wellbeing within a 5km corridor of both canals running through the county. Ultimately, the project partners are working together on a host of activities that will make the canals more accessible to all.

“We are extremely lucky here is Powys to have two historically important and beautiful canals running through our county.” explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys. “Not only do they play a crucial role in creating incredible nature-rich habitats for all kinds of wildlife, but they also provide a unique place for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“What better way to celebrate these remarkable waterways than choosing our favourite photos to enter into the #LovePowysCanals photography competition. Not only will participants get the pleasure of sharing their memories with others, but they could be in with a chance of winning some great prizes too.”

The competition is open to everyone, so why not dig out your best shot, or grab your camera and go exploring. There are four themes and two age categories, in which people can submit their photos. Two winning photos from each theme will be selected in April 2023 with winners receiving a prize from one of the participating partners. Remember to use the hashtag #LovePowysCanals with any of your photos online.

Deadline for entries is 29 March 2023.

Themes:

• Our Lovely Waterways
• Nature on the Canal
• Canals in the Seasons
• Canals in motion

Submission Guidelines:

• Must be taken along the Montgomeryshire or Monmouthshire/Brecon Canal
• Categories: Under 16, and Adults
• Submit up to 5 photos, per theme
• JPG Photo size <5mb
• We are unable to accept photos with people or children in.

How to take part:

Closing Date: 29 March 2023

20 February 2023

The work that a Welshpool primary school does to support young carers has been applauded by a Welsh Government minister during a visit.

Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan was at Welshpool Church in Wales (CiW) Primary School on Friday (17 February) when she praised its Recognising the rights of Young Carers scheme.

Inspection body Estyn has already highlighted this work as being “good practice” and the school was delighted to receive more plaudits.

Welshpool CiW Primary School has always recognised the rights of young carers, but during the covid pandemic found that some pupils had still not been identified as fulfilling this role by staff.

To address this, and to help provide support, the school appointed a member of staff to act as a young carers’ champion.

It also notes which pupils are young carers on class registers and on One Page Profiles, which are used to highlight additional learning needs, and has set up a young carers’ peer support group which meets once a week and is supported by carers’ charity Credu.

Credu receives Families First funding from Welsh Government to help it support young carers in Welshpool and across Powys.

Welshpool CiW Primary School tracks the progress of its young carers as a group, in areas such as well-being, attainment and attendance, and analyses trends to make sure they are being adequately supported.

It has also set up a transition group with Welshpool High School to make sure the rights of its young carers continue to be met once they move into secondary education.

Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan said: “I was delighted to see the excellent work that is being done at Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School to recognise and support its young carers.

“They face additional challenges in everyday life, and it was great to hear that many of them are proud of their caring status and have increased levels of self-esteem and self-confidence since joining the peer support group.”

Cllr Peter Roberts, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, added: “This school is leading the way for the rest of Wales with its determination to ensure young carers can enjoy their rights under the United Nation’s Conventions on the Rights of the Child, both during and following the Covid-19 pandemic. It has shared its experience with all other schools in Powys and the new council Schools Young Carers’ Policy has been developed with input from the school and its learners.”

Estyn’s case study on Welshpool CiW Primary School’s work with young carers: https://www.estyn.gov.wales/effective-practice/recognising-rights-young-carers

Credu supports both young and adult carers. Find out more about Credu’s work in Powys on its website: https://www.carers.cymru/

PICTURE: Julie Morgan, Deputy Minister for Social Services, talks to Welshpool CiW Primary School’s outgoing Headteacher Justine Baldwin and Cllr Peter Roberts, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys.