16 December 2022

We have heard and listened to the views expressed by Members and the people of Powys since the Cabinet decided earlier this week to close some of our leisure facilities between January and March. The decision was made to try and address the additional financial challenges faced by Freedom Leisure in light of the significant increase in energy cost which are compounded by the decision to remove public sector organisations from the UK-wide Energy Support Scheme from March 2023.   

On Wednesday we received information about the funding that will be provided to the County by Welsh Government next year. The settlement is better than anticipated. In light of this, we have decided not to implement the decision made by Cabinet on the 13th of December to temporarily close three Leisure Centres and three swimming pools between January and March 2023.

This will lead to additional pressure on our budget this year, and we will use some of the money from next year’s settlement to cover the additional costs incurred this year. This will be done by drawing on Reserves this year but replenishing them next year from the increased funding provided by Welsh Government. 

Many of the leisure facilities across the County are in need of investment due to their age and condition. Before we spend any significant capital funds, we will undertake a comprehensive review of the facilities and we will fully engage with local communities, those who use our services and County Councillors, as well as by working closely with Freedom Leisure.

To make sure that we allocate sufficient time for this comprehensive review, it will begin early in the New Year and we will share the Terms of Reference with our Scrutiny Committees. Cabinet and Scrutiny will consider the recommendations of the review in due course.

There is some urgency to undertake this review to make sure that our leisure services are sustainable in the future, particularly since we expect significant cuts in public expenditure from 2025 onwards.

Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Leader of Powys County Council

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys

Cllr David Selby, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys

Cllr David Thomas, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation

16 December 2022

A Powys County Council service is to invoke its business continuity plan as a preventative measure, it has been announced.

The council’s Adult Services is to invoke its plan as high demand across the health and care sector, combined with recruitment and retention issues and increasing levels of sickness in key areas, is impacting on service delivery.

The service will now stand down non-critical work so that it can redeploy current staff to meet business critical activities in a smooth and planned transition.

The service has set up daily meetings where it can monitor the situation and take appropriate actions to ensure business critical services are maintained.

The council will continue to prioritise those adults who need vital social care services as a matter of urgency but is asking residents for their patience and support while the business continuity plan is in place.

However, if anyone is concerned about an adult and think they are at risk, or if a person’s situation is unsustainable, they should contact the council immediately on 0345 602 7050.

Nina Davies, the council’s Interim Director of Social Services and Housing, said: “The decision to invoke the business continuity plan for Adult Services has not been taken lightly but is necessary to meet the current challenges that is impacting on service delivery.

“We will stand down non-critical work within the service so that we can redeploy current staff to meet business critical activities. We may need to rely on the support of other council departments to help us through this challenging period.

“We will be reviewing the position after one month, but our aim is to keep this period of business continuity as short as possible.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to ask for patience at this critical time and to assure all our residents that we will prioritise those adults who need vital social care services as a matter of urgency.”

If you or someone you know needs practical help with daily living, there are organisations that can provide help and support. Visit Get help at home with daily living to search for organisations that can help support you.

AskSARA (https://powys.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/language) is an online self-help guide providing expert advice and information on products and equipment for older and disabled adults. Answer some questions about yourself and your environment and you’ll receive a free personalised report, providing clear, tailored advice written by experts on ways to help with your daily activities.

If you want information or advice about your well-being – or you want to know how you can help somebody else, visit Dewis Cymru’s website https://www.dewis.wales/

14 December 2022

Leisure centres in Powys will have an extended break over the Christmas and New Year with some temporarily closed until the end of March to counter escalating energy costs.

Powys County Council’s Cabinet and not-for-profit leisure operator Freedom Leisure agreed the action yesterday (Tuesday) in response to the cost-of-living crisis and a catastrophic increase in energy costs.

Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, Cllr David Selby said, “The current energy crisis is having a devastating impact on our leisure services and the short-term action is needed to reduce overall costs and give us time to conduct a thorough review of leisure service provision in the county.

“The decision was not taken lightly but is essential to ensure the long-term viability of the service. We very much hope that it is short-term pain for long-term gain. To delay or take no action would risk the future of all leisure provision and put an unacceptable burden on the Council’s budget.

“The temporary closures will give us an opportunity to review provision and talk to communities, service users and residents right across Powys and develop a long-term sustainable service for the county,” he added.

Freedom Leisure’s CEO Ivan Horsfall said; “We are frankly devastated that it has come to this. Public sector leisure is one of the most exposed sectors because energy costs are such a large proportion of our overall costs particularly with swimming pools and as a not-for-profit leisure trust we operate at very low surpluses and these increases simply cannot be absorbed.”

“These increases present us and the council with a significant challenge where very difficult and painful decisions need to be made about expenditure and what effectively we can operate in the current climate.

“At Freedom Leisure we fundamentally believe in providing local communities with quality health and wellbeing services. Our programmes are designed to support rehabilitation, active ageing, the prevention of physical, mental and social ill health, and addressing health inequalities, obesity, and support long term health conditions.

“The services we provide influence both the medical and social determinants of health. As a not-for-profit trust we are fully dedicated to providing an affordable, accessible and inclusive health and wellbeing offer to local communities, including providing vital life skills to children and adults learning to swim.

“These vital services are now under threat.  The wider leisure sector needs meaningful and long-term support from the UK Government now in order to secure its future,” he added.

Decision in detail

Christmas closure of all leisure centres from Saturday December 24 – January 2, 2023 inclusive.

Temporary closure of Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfyllin and Presteigne (to the public) from Saturday 24 December 2022 – 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) from Saturday December 24 December 2022 – March 31, 2023

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

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.

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

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]

8 December 2022

This autumn at the annual Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership Board meeting, Emma Thomas was announced as the new Chair of the Board.

The Chair of the Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership plays a key role in helping the region to drive its vision for learning and skills, represent the voice of the private sector, to influence and support decision-making and to champion the Mid Wales region at a national level.

Emma Thomas is currently the HR Manager at ABER Instruments, a Life Science Manufacturer, and has been with the company for the last seven and a half years. With a Marketing & Law degree from Aberystwyth University, an undergraduate Diploma, and a Postgraduate Diploma from University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Human Resource Management, Emma is also currently in the process of completing her Masters. During Emma’s time at ABER Instruments she has worked with Careers Wales, more recently as a Values Partner with Penglais School. She has also facilitated EESW (Engineering Education Scheme Wales) for several years on engineering projects with small groups of local sixth form pupils.  

Emma Thomas said: “I’m passionate about providing good quality jobs within the local area. As part of ABER Instruments Guiding Purpose, we aim to provide long term stable employment in Aberystwyth, offering all employees the opportunity to grow and flourish. As a growing organisation, our employee headcount has increased by 80% since 2015. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity of working with local schools, providing tours of the facility and careers talks. This has provided us with a great opportunity to engage with the next generation and raise young people’s awareness of our organisation, what we do and what we can offer.

“I am excited by the role of Chair for the RSP and hope that as a group we can help to make a difference by ensuring the correct skills provision is available to meet the needs and requirements of Mid Wales. Retaining our young people with the correct skills is essential to our economy.”

The appointment was made by Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Leader of Powys County Council. They said: “We would like to extend a warm welcome to Emma as the new RSP Board Chair. This coming year will see some important areas of work for the Board such as the new 3-year Employment and Skills Plan 2022-2025 and its subsequent implementation.

“We would also like to thank Adrian Watkins for his dedication and hard work in helping to establish the RSP Board, firstly as interim Chair and then as substantive Chair until the annual meeting where he handed the role to Emma. Adrian has been instrumental in bringing the Board members together working in partnership, to collaborate on key areas for delivery, such as the Young Persons Guarantee report.”

Adrian Watkins said: “I’ve enjoyed my time as the RSP Board Chair and representing views of Mid Wales businesses and partners at Welsh Government meetings with senior civil servants. Although I’m stepping down as Chair, I will still be a Board member and look forward to working with Emma and continuing to support the work of the RSP.”

Keep up to date with the Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership and other Growing Mid Wales developments by visiting www.growingmidwales.co.uk , or following @GrowingMidWales on Twitter and Tyfu Canolbarth Cymru | Growing Mid Wales on LinkedIn.