14 December 2022

A team of senior education officers will work with a Powys secondary school following a disappointing Estyn inspection, the county council has confirmed.

Officers from Powys County Council, including school improvement officers, will support Brecon High School after it was placed in ‘special measures’ by Estyn following a recent inspection.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “Today I share the disappointment that everyone associated with the school is experiencing.

“The school’s senior leadership team know the steps that need to be taken to secure the necessary improvements and they have already started work to make that happen.

“The Estyn recommendations are clear on what the school needs to focus on and the council is already working closely with the school to identify the additional support package required in order to address the issues highlighted in this visit.”

The report and recommendations, which have been accepted by the school’s governing body and senior leadership team, will form the basis of a detailed action plan to address key areas requiring improvement.

Officers will work with the school and its governing body to identify reasons for the inspection outcome and work together to deliver significant and rapid improvement. Staff, pupils and parents will be fully supported during the improvement journey.

Rhiannon Evans, Chair of Governors at Brecon High School, said: “As Governors we are obviously very disappointed that Brecon High School has been moved into special measures.

“We appreciate there is still work to do to improve standards within the school, but there were many positives within the report which show we are moving in the right direction.

“We have full confidence in our staff and their ability to continue the positive progress the school has been making since the end of Covid restrictions.

“We would like to reassure parents we are wholly committed to improving standards and ensuring pupils have the best education possible whilst at Brecon High School.”

To view the inspection report visit www.estyn.gov.wales

13 December 2022

Following the recent UK Government announcement on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the regional investment plan for Mid Wales has received formal approval.

A report, setting out the strategy on the Mid Wales UKSPF was presented to both Ceredigion and Powys County Council’s Cabinets where members approved the governance and management arrangements for the Mid Wales allocation of the fund. Confirmation has since been received from UK Government that the investment plan has been approved. This now leaves the authorities to review, finalise and agree the terms and conditions of funding – before looking to implement it with local partners as soon as possible.

Following Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet meeting on 6 December, Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration said: “The Mid Wales application for the funding was submitted on the 1^st of August so this is very welcoming news from UK Government. It means that we will be able to start using this funding to progress key initiatives as part of our economic strategy.

“Officers from both Ceredigion and Powys have been working together for the last four months to prepare for a decision. But, until this confirmation was made, it has been impossible to finalise the details. Clearly, because of the delays in approval, the allocation for spending in the first year has changed and this will need to be reflected in our plans.”

The UKSPF will support the UK Government’s wider commitment to level up all parts of the UK by delivering on each of the levelling up objectives:

• Boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards by growing the private sector, especially in those places where they are lagging
• Spread opportunities and improve public services, especially in those places where they are weakest
• Restore a sense of community, local pride and belonging, especially in those places where they have been lost
• Empower local leaders and communities, especially in those places lacking local agency
• Through the Multiply Programme, increase levels of functional numeracy in the adult population (Multiply is an adult numeracy programme announced by the UK Government as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.)

Following Powys County Council’s Cabinet meeting on 13 December, Councillor David Selby, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys said: “This news has been thoroughly welcomed and positively received. With Powys and Ceredigion working together to unlock this funding for Mid Wales, we will be able to see investment in priority areas and make the improvements in the communities and businesses needing it the most.”

As set out in the SPF guidance, Ceredigion and Powys will deliver their SPF allocations by investing across the investment priority areas listed below:

a)    Communities and Place

b)    Supporting Local Business

c)    People and Skills

d)    Multiply

It will take time to finalise the processes around applying for funding and put together agreements. Both councils will look to issue calls for applications when ready. Keep an eye on our social media feed for updates.

More information, including the Plan, can be found on the Mid Wales Regional Investment Plan for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2022-25 page on our website Mid Wales Regional Investment Plan .

13 December 2022

Powys residents who have signed up to three community broadband schemes – Llanfan Fawr and Llanwrthwl, Aberedw and Glascwm, and Dwyriw and Manafon – are to get their ultrafast fibre connections in the new year.

The new network in Llanafan Fawr and Llanwrthwl will reach 353 properties, with 170 of these already registered to receive the improved service, following an investment of more than £250,000.

In Aberedw and Glascwm the plan is to reach 240 properties, with 134 of these already registered, following an investment of more than £200,000.

And in Dwyriw and Manafon the new network will reach 461 properties, with 173 already registered, following an investment of more than £200,000.

All three schemes have been funded by the UK Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme and the Welsh Government’s top-up (now closed) and are being delivered by supplier Broadway Partners.

Broadway Partners will also be delivering a further 18 community projects in Powys, which could see a further 8,000 properties in rural areas given access to ultrafast fibre broadband. This includes schemes at Rhayader and Nantmel, and Painscastle, which are next in line.

Powys County Council (PCC) is supporting the schemes as part of its Digital Powys project, which aims to help businesses and communities to stay connected.

“Once completed, these community broadband schemes, which are drawing in an investment of more than £650,000, will deliver much better connectivity for residents and businesses in some of the most rural parts of our county,” said Cllr Jake Berriman, the council’s Cabinet Member for a Connected Powys. “They are also helping us to achieve our aim of creating a stronger, fairer, and greener Powys.

“Improving digital access in some of our most sparsely populated communities will put them on a more even footing with those living in urban areas and give them access to a greater range of services that can help with wellbeing, learning and remote working.”

All the community broadband schemes being supported by PCC are listed here: Community Broadband Schemes 

If you want help to set up your own community broadband scheme in Powys, or to join an existing one, contact PCC’s community broadband officer, within the council’s Regeneration Team, at: [email protected]

Further information on improving your broadband connection, including grants and support, can also be found here: Broadband – enabling a Digital Powys

There are also Facebook pages for the three community broadband schemes:

PICTURE: Members of the Llanafan Fawr and Llanwrthwl Community Broadband Scheme project group (from left), Steve Ellis, Andrew Powell and David Price, with Reece Simmons (thumbs up), Broadway Partners’ Community Liaison Manager, at the installation of the new mini exchange (green cabinet) in Newbridge-on-Wye, which will act as a hub for the new fibre network.

13 December 2022

Waste and recycling collections will move on a day during Christmas week but will take place as normal over the New Year bank holiday.

This year, the crews will be able to enjoy Christmas Day and Boxing Day with friends and family, returning to work on Tuesday 27 December. The waste and recycling collections will all move on a day, with the crews working on Saturday 31 December to complete the weeks rounds.

Collections will take place as normal over the New Year bank holidays.

Christmas week

Normal collection day                             Revised collection day
Monday 26 December (bank holiday)      Tuesday 27 December
Tuesday 27 December (bank holiday)      Wednesday 28 December
Wednesday 28 December                          Thursday 29 December
Thursday 29 December                              Friday 30 December
Friday 30 December                                   Saturday 31 December

New Year week

Normal collection day                              Revised collection day
Monday 2 January (bank holiday)              No change
Tuesday 3 January                                       No change
Wednesday 4 January                                 No change
Thursday 5 January                                     No change
Friday 6 January                                           No change

All Household Waste Recycling Centres will be closed on Christmas Day (25 Dec), Boxing Day (26 Dec) and New Year’s Day (1 Jan). Centres will be open as normal at other times, please check online for full details of the normal opening times.

“Our crews are always so hard working, especially in the recent difficult circumstances faced by the service due to staff shortages.” Explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys. “Often working long hours to try and ensure rounds are completed, and bins are emptied.

“With collections scheduled throughout the festive period, we are encouraging households to make use of the service and reduce, reuse, and recycle as much of their household waste as possible.

“We all generate more waste than normal over Christmas and New Year, but most of it can be recycled – tin foil, food, glass jars and bottles, real Christmas trees, plain Christmas cards and wrapping paper, batteries, plastic pots, and bottles.”

Please check our website and keep an eye on our social media pages for any service changes needed because of extreme winter weather or any other unforeseen circumstances.

12 December 2022

Powys residents are being reminded they only have a few days to comment on the new vision for the future – Stronger Fairer Greener.

The vision is simple the delivery is not and will challenge the county council in more ways than ever before.

“The cabinet has been discussing the vision since the summer, it will be the foundation of the Corporate and Strategic Equality Plan, the most important plan for the county council for the next five years,” said Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Leader of the Council and Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader of the Council.

“But the vision has to be more than a branding statement that can be written on the side of a council vehicle – it is a commitment to the communities and people of Powys, and we want to know what you think.

Engagement on the strategy, which was presented to full council on Thursday, will run until Friday December 23, 2022.

To get involved:

Leave your feedback online through our survey here: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/corporate-plan-survey, or download and complete the survey and email it to [email protected] or drop it off at your local library.

Only have one minute? Share your ideas with us here: https://en-gb.padlet.com/haveyoursaypowys/CIP

12 December 2022

All Powys leisure centres could have an extended break over the Christmas and New Year period, and some could be temporarily closed until the end of the financial year to counter escalating energy costs.

The action is being proposed by Powys County Council and not-for-profit leisure operator Freedom Leisure in response to the cost-of-living crisis and a catastrophic increase in energy costs and will be considered by the Cabinet tomorrow (Tuesday).

Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, Cllr David Selby said, “The current energy crisis is having a devastating impact on our leisure services at a time when many are struggling to recover from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“While some activities have good participation and are growing, others including membership and fitness remain considerably below budget. The loss of income is being compounded by inflation with increased cost of supplies, services and wages.

“But the greatest impact is escalating energy costs. It is an industry-wide challenge that shines a light on swimming pools and their energy demands and something that is being experienced by all providers – both public and private.

“Freedom Leisure have already implemented a wide range of operational and energy efficiency measures to significantly reduce consumption, however, the additional costs for providing a leisure service in Powys is going to be more than £1m going forward.

“These eye watering levels of increased costs without additional targeted local or central government support are unsustainable.

“The Council is working closely with Freedom Leisure to implement temporary measures to reduce the deficit and investigating options for long-term provision.

“We know the options we are proposing will be disappointing but to take no action would risk the future of all leisure provision and put an unacceptable burden on the Council’s overall budget. Leisure provision will still be available in many other locations throughout the county.

“The temporary closures, both leisure centres and swimming pools, are based on those centres with the lowest public use, the highest costs and the greatest level of public subsidy. We are also taking into consideration the availability and distance to alternative centres.

“The action will buy us time, but we will have to carry out a thorough review of all leisure service provision in the county. The current model is unsustainable, and we must work with the people of Powys to create a structure that we can afford,” he added.

Proposals in detail

Christmas closure of all leisure centres December 23 – January 3, 2023

Temporary closure of Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfyllin and Presteigne (to the public): December 23 – March 31, 2023 (swimming pools closed to public and schools)

Temporary closure of swimming pools at Llanidloes, Rhayader and Builth (to the public and schools) December 23 – March 31, 2023

All Saunas to close

Leisure Centre fees & charges to increase for some activities from January 1, 2023

The proposals will be considered by a meeting of Powys County Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday December 13 at 10am.

9 December 2022

Three drop-in sessions are to be held to find new carers that can support vulnerable adults to live thriving and independent lives.

Powys County Council is looking for people in the county with a spare room and an interest in caring to become Shared Lives carers.

The council’s Shared Lives Service, where vulnerable adults can get support and develop their independence, have arranged the drop-in sessions.

The sessions take place on:

• Tesco, Welshpool: Monday 19 December – 10am to 3pm
• Morrisons, Newtown: Friday 13 January 2023 – 10am to 3pm
• Tesco, Llandrindod Wells: Wednesday 15 January 2023 – 10am to 3pm

Cllr Sian Cox, Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys, said: “I think that Shared Lives is one of our most innovating and inspiring projects, bringing people who require some support to live independently together with people who have space in their homes and time and support to offer.

“People living or staying with Shared Lives carers live independently and with real choice about how they want to live, in real homes, and are supported to live their best lives.  Being able to live our best life is what we want for everyone in Powys.

“We are looking for people with space in their homes and the ability to offer care to people who can no longer live independently without support.

“Shared Lives carers can provide long-term homes, short breaks or sessional support, depending on their capacity and preference – each of these is valuable and makes a huge difference to people’s lives. Shared Lives carers receive ongoing support, training and a regular allowance for their work.

“Shared Lives carers have the most rewarding of roles, helping people to flourish. They also come from all walks of life but share a common joy in being part of people’s success in living their best lives.

“These drop-in sessions are an opportunity to find out more about the Shared Lives service. If you or someone you know might be interested, do come and talk to us.”

If you’d like to find out more, please contact the Shared Lives team by emailing [email protected] or telephone 01597 827247

9 December 2022

A directory that lists places that can offer Powys people a warm welcome this winter has been launched by the county council.

Powys County Council’s Warm Spaces Directory is made up of libraries, community centres, churches and other places that are opening their doors to anyone who needs them.

The council has worked together with its partners as well as community groups and other organisations across the county to provide this network of warm spaces, which can offer Powys people a warm welcome this winter and a chance to socialise, work or take part in activities whilst keeping warm.

The directory can be found by visiting Cost of Living Hub – the council’s cost of living information hub. The warm spaces directory will be available in Welsh shortly.

The information hub, which was launched in October, has a wide range of information in one place to ensure people know what help is already available and how to access it.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “The cost of living crisis that the UK is experiencing is putting unprecedented pressures on people, who will be forced to make tough decisions about when and what they eat, what they can do in life, and when they can afford to heat their home.

“The warm space network can offer Powys people a warm welcome this winter and a chance to socialise, work or take part in activities whilst keeping warm.

“I would like to thank those organisations that have come forward to provide a warm space this winter.  They will be making a positive difference to our communities and will be helping Powys people during this crisis.”

Community groups and other organisations in Powys who are willing to provide a warm space can still fill in an Expression of Interest form by visiting Cost of Living Hub and clicking Creating warm spaces for Powys.

9 December 2022

An education setting in south Powys has demonstrated its commitment to keeping children and young people safe online by completing a comprehensive online safety training programme.

The New Start Centre, Powys County Council’s Pupil Referral Unit in Brecon, has received a National Online Safety Certified School Accreditation for its whole school community approach to protecting children in the online world.

National Online Safety is a multi-award-winning digital training provider with extensive resources in online safety.

Its Continuing Professional Development accredited courses and educational resources support UK schools in educating the whole school community in online safety- including all senior leaders, teachers, all school staff and parents – on how to make the internet a safer place for children.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “I’m delighted that the New Start Centre has received this award, which recognises their commitment to protecting the welfare of their learners in the online world.

“We are reliant upon technology to learn, work and communicate with those who are important to us, so it is essential that we work together to make the internet a safer place for our learners.”

James Southworth, co-founder of National Online Safety, said: “By completing our training programme, the New Start Centre has shown its strong commitment to implementing an effective whole school approach to online safety.

“It can be increasingly difficult for schools and parents to stay ahead of online threats and ensure both children and staff are safeguarded from potentially harmful and inappropriate online material. We arm schools with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react to any problems.”

9 December 2022

Residents in Powys are being asked to help the council find anyone that may be sleeping rough in the county so that help and support can be provided.

Members of the public can let Powys County Council know about rough sleeping they come across by contacting its Housing Service on 01597 827464 or by emailing [email protected]

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “With the weather turning colder, we’re asking residents to be on the lookout for anyone who is rough sleeping in the county.

“Whilst rough sleeping is the severest form of homelessness and must be avoided whenever possible, it is particularly important to pick up on when the weather is colder.

“Each time we know about a rough sleeper we will investigate and look to work with the individual to resolve their homelessness, including whenever possible, sourcing temporary accommodation.”

For those who feel their housing may be at risk, or to report an instance of rough sleeping contact the council’s Housing Service on 01597 827464 or email [email protected]