Call to end ‘wild west' of estate maintenance charges in Wales

Pembrokeshire Herald

21-05-2025

NRW accused of risking long-term damage to Welsh environment
A SENEDD committee has issued a scathing report on Natural Resources Wales (NRW), accusing the body of failing to uphold its environmental responsibilities and mishandling both public funds and public trust.
The report, published this week by the Senedd's Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, raises 'grave concern' over NRW's decision to stop responding to so-called low-category incidents—including fly-tipping, minor chemical spills, and low-level water pollution.
NRW claims these incidents, which form the bulk of reports to its front-line teams, usually result in no serious environmental harm. The agency says it wants to focus instead on major breaches and preventative work.
But the Committee warned that such an approach risks allowing cumulative damage to the Welsh environment.
'We are gravely concerned that Natural Resources Wales is adopting a higher tolerance of risk,' the report states. 'Low-level pollution can still have a damaging impact, especially over time. This change in approach could result in real harm to our natural environment.'
Stretched resources, legal obligations
The report acknowledges that funding pressures have left NRW 'stretched too thin' to meet its legal duties. However, it insists that consistent enforcement and visible presence across Wales are essential.
Visitor centre closures criticised
The Committee also condemned NRW's decision to close three key visitor centres—at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Ynyslas, and Coed y Brenin—without a clear plan to replace services.
Although NRW is now seeking commercial partners to take over food and beverage operations at the sites, the report states the closures were 'premature' and have damaged public confidence.
'New proposals should have been developed before the centres were closed,' the report says. 'We urge NRW to publish a clear timetable and communicate transparently with affected communities.'
£19 million tax blunder
A separate section of the report highlights a serious financial error. NRW's failure to correctly follow IR35 tax rules for contractors led to the Welsh Government being forced to pay £19 million to HMRC.
'This is a serious governance failure,' the Committee said. 'It is highly regrettable that taxpayers' money is being diverted from vital services to pay for such errors.'
NRW said it has since overhauled its procedures and used external consultants to avoid a repeat. But the Committee is calling for a full independent review and further reassurances.
NRW defends changes
In a statement issued on Tuesday (May 20), interim chief executive Ceri Davies defended staff and emphasised ongoing reforms.
'We are not standing still,' she said. 'We're focused on building a more agile and future-ready organisation. Our goal is to make sure every pound we spend delivers maximum environmental value.'
NRW confirmed it will prioritise incidents that pose the greatest risk to public health or the environment, with an increasing focus on prevention and compliance.
While some visitor centres are now unstaffed, public access to trails, car parks and play areas remains open. NRW says it is working with local businesses and communities to provide replacement services.
With Wales facing intensifying threats from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, the report concludes that robust and proactive environmental oversight is more vital than ever—and that NRW must urgently rebuild trust and capacity.