Latest news with #JaneDodds
South Wales Argus
11-07-2025
- Climate
- South Wales Argus
Call for 'cool hubs' to open in Wales ahead of heatwave
The call comes from Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS, who says the hubs should be set up ahead of a forecasted heatwave. The Met Office has warned that temperatures could reach 33C in some parts of Wales this weekend. Ms Dodds said: "The imminent hot weather could be very difficult for vulnerable and elderly people, and it also carries the risk of wildfires, which we have already seen breaking out across Wales in recent years. "It is only right that public spaces, which are there to serve their communities, are used to provide some much-needed relief during the sweltering temperatures." Ms Dodds also called for measures to help prevent wildfires, encouraging the public to avoid lighting fires outdoors and to be mindful of glass and cigarettes. She urged the Welsh Government to take action and properly resource the fire service.
Wales Online
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Calls for Welsh Government to open 'cool hubs' in public spaces during heatwave
Calls for Welsh Government to open 'cool hubs' in public spaces during heatwave It comes as the Met Office has said temperatures could climb to 33°C in parts of Wales this weekend People enjoy the sunny, warm weather at Barry Island (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) The Welsh Government has been called upon to take "practical measures" during the heatwave in Wales by opening up 'cool hubs' in public spaces with air-conditioning and supporting the fire services to deal with the threat of wildfires. Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS put forward the calls as the Met Office has said temperatures could climb to 33°C in parts of Wales this weekend. She said that the temperatures will put the elderly and those in inadequate housing are particularly at risk, stating that UK Government data estimated 2,295 deaths were associated with heatwaves in summer 2023, with spring 2025 already the warmest and sunniest on UK record. The MS added that Wales has also suffered numerous forest and grass fires in recent heatwaves, primarily in Mid Wales and the south Wales valleys, and that community spaces with air conditioning such as gyms, leisure centres and libraries could provide "much-needed respite" from soaring temperatures in summer months, following similar 'cool bank' schemes in other countries. Jane Dodds MS has made the calls (Image: Matthew Horwood ) Ms Dodds MS said: 'The imminent hot weather could be very difficult for vulnerable and elderly people, and it also carries the risk of wildfires, which we have already seen breaking out across Wales in recent years. 'It is only right that public spaces, which are there to serve their communities, are used to provide some much-needed relief during the sweltering temperatures. Article continues below 'I would also urge ministers to do everything they can to make the public aware of how they can mitigate the risk of wildfires, including by avoiding lighting fires outdoors where possible and being careful with glass and cigarettes. 'Heatwaves and other extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, but too often the Welsh Government is caught on the hop. "That's why I want to see ministers taking practical steps to keep everyone safe and cool, as well as properly resourcing the fire service so that they can tackle the threats that confront our planet today.' Met Office chief meteorologist, Jason Kelly, said: 'High pressure from the Atlantic will lead to a build in temperatures over the coming days, with heatwave criteria reached by the weekend. "Whilst temperatures are expected to build day on day, becoming widely hot, they are unlikely to surpass those recorded at the start of the month. This heatwave is expected to be longer lived and extend further north and west into a larger part of the UK than previously seen this summer. "Temperatures are expected to peak over the weekend and ease early next week. "They are expected to reach 30°C in some areas today and exceed 30°C more widely tomorrow (Friday), with peak temperatures on Saturday of 33°C possible in parts of England and Wales.' 'Scotland is also expected to meet heatwave criteria over the weekend. "This hot spell is forecast to last longer and cover a broader area than previous ones so far this summer and pollen and UV levels will be very high in some areas. For updates, do keep an eye on the Met Office forecast as the picture develops.' Article continues below
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
£1 bus fares in Wales have been announced for young people, but there's one big problem
The Welsh Government has published details of its £1 bus fares for young people, ahead of the scheme rolling out this autumn. The move was announced by the Welsh Government on the day it revealed the final budget for 2025-26 which it passed with the help of concessions to Lib Dem MS Jane Dodds. When the Welsh Government announced the pledge, it said the £100m deal it struck with the Lib Dem MS included "£15m to fund a pilot scheme for young people aged 21 and under to pay only £1 for a single bus fare in Wales." However, it then emerged it hadn't been fully agreed with bus operators and could have left children aged between 11 and 15 paying more for public transport compared to those aged between 16 and 21. You can read that here. READ MORE: Four arrested after cyberattack on M&S and Co-op READ MORE: July's full Buck Moon is visible in the sky tonight and this is the best time to see it Plaid Cymru's transport spokesman Peredur Owen Griffiths said that would mean younger teenagers will have to pay more to travel than their older peers for exactly the same journeys For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Here's everything we know so far: Single fares will cost £1 and there will be £3 day passes available too with any participating bus services from September 1 for a year. From September 1, 16 to 21-year-olds on participating registered bus service in any part of Wales, and on some cross border services, can get single £1 fares and £3 day tickets. The Welsh Government will extend the scheme to five to 15-year-olds from November 2025. Existing reduced fares for children will apply until then. Providing your bus journey begins or ends within Wales, you will be covered within the scheme up to and from the first bus stop in England or on some services to the end of the route. Good question, but that isn't known yet and won't be until September 1. "It is envisaged that the majority of bus operators, most of whom already offer MyTravel Pass discounts, will be part of the new scheme and we will be publishing a full list here before the 1st September". Premium-fare night buses and City Sightseeing buses, will not offer the discounted fares or accept Day Tickets. The discounted fares are not available on coach services operated by National Express, Megabus or Flix Bus. Contact the bus company before you travel if you are unsure. To get the discount, 16 to 21-year-olds will need to apply for a free mytravelpass to prove their age which they can do from July 21. You can apply online or by post. Applications normally take approximately 6 weeks to be processed but may be slightly longer at busy times such as the start of term. More details here. The discounted fares can be either purchased on bus from the driver on boarding or where appropriate via mobile ticketing apps. The Welsh Government is proving £15m over two financial years (2025-26 and 2026-27). Then an additional £7m will extend the scheme to five to 15-year-olds, from November 3. The Confederation of Passenger Transport, which represents the industry, says it still wants "urgent clarity" on how the scheme will be funded. Aaron Hill, Director of CPT Cymru, said: 'Encouraging young people to catch the bus is the right choice for Wales. Lower fares will help a new generation pick up a habit of using public transport – which will trigger more investment in bus services, benefiting communities up and down the country "In order to roll out this scheme in the autumn, bus operators need clarity on exactly how lower bus fares will be funded, and on reimbursement for individual bus companies which will be cutting fares for passengers. It is also important that the government considers how long the scheme will last, and how it can ultimately be ended without a 'cliff edge' that deters passengers."
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
£1 bus fares in Wales have been announced for young people, but there's one big problem
£1 bus fares in Wales have been announced for young people, but there's one big problem No bus operators have yet confirmed they will actually take part in the scheme It's unclear which bus operators will sign up to the scheme (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) The Welsh Government has published details of its £1 bus fares for young people, ahead of the scheme rolling out this autumn. The move was announced by the Welsh Government on the day it revealed the final budget for 2025-26 which it passed with the help of concessions to Lib Dem MS Jane Dodds. When the Welsh Government announced the pledge, it said the £100m deal it struck with the Lib Dem MS included "£15m to fund a pilot scheme for young people aged 21 and under to pay only £1 for a single bus fare in Wales." However, it then emerged it hadn't been fully agreed with bus operators and could have left children aged between 11 and 15 paying more for public transport compared to those aged between 16 and 21. You can read that here. Plaid Cymru's transport spokesman Peredur Owen Griffiths said that would mean younger teenagers will have to pay more to travel than their older peers for exactly the same journeys For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Here's everything we know so far: What will buses cost? Single fares will cost £1 and there will be £3 day passes available too with any participating bus services from September 1 for a year. Article continues below Who will get the fares? From September 1, 16 to 21-year-olds on participating registered bus service in any part of Wales, and on some cross border services, can get single £1 fares and £3 day tickets. The Welsh Government will extend the scheme to five to 15-year-olds from November 2025. Existing reduced fares for children will apply until then. What if I travel outside of Wales? Providing your bus journey begins or ends within Wales, you will be covered within the scheme up to and from the first bus stop in England or on some services to the end of the route. Which bus operators are signed up? Good question, but that isn't known yet and won't be until September 1. "It is envisaged that the majority of bus operators, most of whom already offer MyTravel Pass discounts, will be part of the new scheme and we will be publishing a full list here before the 1st September". Premium-fare night buses and City Sightseeing buses, will not offer the discounted fares or accept Day Tickets. The discounted fares are not available on coach services operated by National Express, Megabus or Flix Bus. Contact the bus company before you travel if you are unsure. Do I need a special pass? To get the discount, 16 to 21-year-olds will need to apply for a free mytravelpass to prove their age which they can do from July 21. You can apply online or by post. Applications normally take approximately 6 weeks to be processed but may be slightly longer at busy times such as the start of term. More details here. The discounted fares can be either purchased on bus from the driver on boarding or where appropriate via mobile ticketing apps. What is it costing? The Welsh Government is proving £15m over two financial years (2025-26 and 2026-27). Then an additional £7m will extend the scheme to five to 15-year-olds, from November 3. Does anyone have concerns? The Confederation of Passenger Transport, which represents the industry, says it still wants "urgent clarity" on how the scheme will be funded. Article continues below Aaron Hill, Director of CPT Cymru, said: 'Encouraging young people to catch the bus is the right choice for Wales. Lower fares will help a new generation pick up a habit of using public transport – which will trigger more investment in bus services, benefiting communities up and down the country "In order to roll out this scheme in the autumn, bus operators need clarity on exactly how lower bus fares will be funded, and on reimbursement for individual bus companies which will be cutting fares for passengers. It is also important that the government considers how long the scheme will last, and how it can ultimately be ended without a 'cliff edge' that deters passengers."
Powys County Times
21-06-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Bluetongue rules 'risk devastating farmers' along the border
The Welsh Government have been warned that Bluetongue rules 'risk devastating farmers and livestock markets right the way along the border. MP for Brecon, Radnorshire and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick and Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds have demanded urgent action to support farmers in Powys and across the Welsh marches. New rules set to come into force on July 1 will see sheep unable to cross the Welsh border unless it has had a bluetongue test, even if it has been vaccinated, which can cost as much as £70 per animal. The Welsh Government has relaxed rules on cattle to allow vaccinated animals to enter, however sheep will not be subject to the change despite there being over 8 million sheep being farmed in Wales in 2024. Much of the trade taking place across the England-Wales border and local farmer James Gittins warned that "in the worst-case scenario, we are going to see the numbers of lambs produced in Wales drop by 10 to 20 per cent, from which it may never recover." Livestock markets such as Builth, Prestige and Welshpool are also set to be massively hit by the rules. In Westminster on Thursday, Mr Chadwick questioned the UK Government EFRA Minister about how it plans to prevent a de facto veterinary hard border between England and Wales and protect cross-border farms from economic harm. Chadwick warned that the cost of testing 'is a devastating burden our local farmers cannot afford to take on at a time they are already under such significant financial pressure'. While acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, the Minister declined to commit to additional support, citing devolved powers. 'These sudden and costly changes risk devastating farmers and livestock markets right the way along the border,' said Mr Chadwick. 'Cross-border movement is essential to how agriculture works in this region, it's not optional. If nothing changes, this will do serious damage to rural livelihoods and the local economy. 'We need urgent coordination between the Welsh and UK Governments to ease the burden and protect our farms.' In the Senedd, Jane Dodds raised the impact the policy is having on farmers' mental health, and urged the Welsh Government to work more closely together with a focus on vaccination over an unworkable testing and licensing scheme. Both representatives are calling for a joined-up, four-nation response to bluetongue, including surge funding for testing and vaccination. 'I've spoken with farmers, vets, and local markets and the message is clear, the current plan is unworkable,' said Ms Dodds. 'Testing is costly, slow, and does nothing to support already stressed farm communities. 'Vaccination must be at the heart of our response. We need a united approach between both Cardiff and London that puts farmers' wellbeing and practical realities first.'
