Powys County Council Report – March 2026 – Vale of Grwyney Community Council

Crickhowell & Villages Community Transport Project – I have drafted a grant application with Dial A Ride for a community bus to cover the area. This will be submitted at the end of this week
Transforming Towns Funding for Crickhowell Town Centre – Welsh Government have agreed to fund work on costings for town centre improvement identified in the place plan
Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau – I am in discussions with PCC around how to find a sustainable funding solution for the bureau which is in a precarious position at the moment
Crickhowell Library – I supported the set up of the Community Fridge in the library and am working with Cllr Claire, PCC and community organisations to find the best long-term options for the running of the building
Housing Estate Inspection – I joined the PCC housing team in their estate inspection on Friday.
Banking Hub – I am beginning discussions around a banking hub in Crickhowell

In addition, I sit on the following committees and working groups in the council:

Economy, Residents & Communities Scrutiny Committee – recently scrutinised the review of the changes to recycling centres (i.e. introduction of booking system and charges for DIY waste). Have also reviewed the Routemap to Net Zero.
Health & Care Scrutiny Committee – no meetings since January
Farm Estate Advisory Group – met recently to review the work plan of a consultant on the Powys County Farm to assess current state and provide some options.
Climate and Nature Advisory Group – this group responds to the climate and nature emergency as declared by PCC. The group reviewed the councils Routemap to Net Zero and is also in the process of putting together an annual report.

Openreach have confirmed that the Crickhowell exchange build programme, which commenced in September 2025, remains ongoing. This confirms that fibre deployment activity is progressing within the wider exchange footprint.

We (PCC) rely on the Open Market Review (OMR) data to inform intervention status. OMR data is typically a minimum of three months in arrears for Local Authorities; we are presently working from the September 2025 dataset which we received in late December – we do not anticipate receipt of the January update for at least another month.

Welsh Government procurement clarity is unlikely before the summer period, with more detailed guidance on any additional intervention areas expected later in the autumn.

Whilst the exchange build is ongoing, sequencing and inclusion of individual premises are determined by BDUK and Openreach under the national contract framework. The overall programme runs through to 2032, and address-level confirmation is typically only provided once detailed survey and network design stages are complete.

In the interim, where existing connectivity is materially affecting home or business activity, residents may wish to consider alternative temporary solutions. Satellite broadband services may provide short-term resilience, subject to eligibility and contract terms. For example, Starlink currently offers an unlimited 100Mb service at approximately £35 per month, with equipment typically provided without upfront cost subject to a 12-month commitment. Installation is often offered at a competitive fixed fee (circa £75), and promotional offers are periodically available. The Welsh Government Access Broadband Cymru (ABC) scheme may also assist with installation costs, subject to eligibility criteria.

Starlink

Access Broadband Cymru Grant scheme (ABC): guidance | GOV.WALES

Powys Council News

Time to have a say on draft strategy for water management

The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme has now concluded its latest programme of nine public drop‑in events across the upper Severn catchment, with the final sessions held in Llanfyllin and Llanidloes.

For more information, including consultation materials and feedback forms, visit: www.severnvalleywatermanagementscheme.commonplace.is

Enquiries can be directed to: SVWMS@environment-agency.gov.uk

Community champions honoured at Silver Kite Awards ceremony

At a presentation held on Friday 16 January in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, the Chair of Powys County Council, Cllr William Powell, awarded Silver Kites to community volunteers, youth leaders, charity workers, event organisers and long‑serving carers who have each made an exceptional contribution to life in Powys.

The latest recipients that have been recognised are:

Hay Youth Club: for creating a safe, inspiring and volunteer‑run space for more than 120 young people, offering free weekly sessions, activities and trips
David Vaughan: for decades of service to the Mid Wales off‑road biking community, championing events, nurturing young riders and raising substantial funds for local causes
Alan Crowe: for transforming the Welshpool 1940s Weekend into a major annual event that boosts the local economy and brings history to life for residents and visitors
Andrew Powell: for leading major community events such as the Brecon Beacons Food Festival and Crickhowell Summer Weekend, promoting Powys and supporting local businesses
Cathy Warlow: for over 30 years of exceptional leadership of Builth Wells Community Support, guiding the charity to become a vital community lifeline
Mo Lloyd: for her dedicated leadership in Painscastle, producing the community newsletter, organising talks, visits and heritage activities, and supporting local environmental work
Barbara Anderson: for decades of service to education and St Cynog’s Church, safeguarding and managing a community hub that continues to benefit Ystradgynlais residents daily
Liz Reynolds and Mike Hiles: for their long‑standing voluntary service in Knighton, supporting community groups, local facilities, events and charitable causes
Hamish Stonebridge: for more than 40 years of service to the Royal British Legion in Llandrindod Wells and dedicated volunteering across the town
Rachel Jones: for her dedicated support to children and families in Churchstoke through long‑term involvement in early years education and community activities
Rhayader Carnival Committee: for organising the iconic nine‑day Rhayader Carnival for more than a century, bringing the town together and boosting community pride
Powys Animal Welfare: for longstanding support to vulnerable animals and residents on low incomes, providing compassionate and practical assistance without seeking recognition
The Reverend Canon Nia Wyn Morris: for exceptional service to Newtown, leading civic events and offering inclusive support to families, bereaved residents and community groups
Leigh O’Connor: for transforming Llandrinio Village Hall through major improvements, grant funding, new events and tireless hands‑on work, revitalising a key community hub
Mair and Roy Wilson – for over 30 years of life‑changing fostering, providing stability, love and advocacy for vulnerable children across Powys
David Corfield: for outstanding voluntary service to Welshpool, improving local environments, supporting disabled people, and raising major funds through community events
Mo Hand and June Derrick: for exceptional dedication as Shared Lives Carers, providing person‑centred support that enables vulnerable adults to live more independently and confidently

New clean energy project explores green hydrogen for sustainable forestry in Mid Wales

A new clean energy project in Devils Bridge, Ceredigion, has joined a growing portfolio of innovation activity supported through Growing Mid Wales, exploring how locally produced green hydrogen could help cut emissions in the forestry sector.

Plans for health and social care integration in Powys receive £7.1m boost

Projects essential to the next stage of integrating health and social care in Powys have received a £7.1 million boost, with agreement reached on funding priorities for 2026-27.

The decision by the county’s Regional Partnership Board will see money directed towards key aims of the Health and Care Strategy, focused on:

Children and young people
Prevention and early help
Helping people return home from hospital/out-of-county placements
Integrated, whole system working
Short-term cost avoidance and system enablers (e.g. workforce)

This investment represents the final year of guaranteed support from Welsh Government’s Regional Integration Fund and, as well as investment in testing new and innovative ways of working, it will help successful projects move towards mainstream funding where appropriate.

These plans build on the successes of the past four years when schemes supported by funding have delivered real changes in the community, including:

Emotional health and wellbeing support to 3,600 children
Welfare checks, help after falls, and support with daily tasks in the home to elderly people on more than 14,000 occasions (2024-25)
Advice on careers in health and social care given to 5,500 learners

In addition, responses by the Home Support services in East Radnor and Builth and Llanwrtyd Wells to emergency call outs last year (2024-25), eliminated the need for ambulances to attend the home of an elderly Powys resident on almost 280 occasions.

To receive a copy of the Powys Regional Partnership Board Delivery and Resource Plan 2026-27, email: prpb@powys.gov.uk stating your language preference (English or Welsh).

Budget approved to protect vital services and support Powys residents

A balanced budget for 2026 27 has been approved today, setting out how Powys County Council will continue to protect frontline services, support vulnerable residents, and invest in key priorities despite sustained financial pressures.

At the heart of the budget are commitments to keep Council Tax rise to a minimum, increase investment in education, and provide additional funding to tackle homelessness.

The budget includes a 4.9% Council Tax increase, lower than many expected in the current financial climate. This rise will help the council manage significant cost pressures while limiting the impact on residents as far as possible.

Schools across Powys will see a 5.7% uplift in delegated budgets, providing an additional £5.56m to meet rising costs and support school improvement. An additional £1.76m investment will support wider education services, reflecting the council’s priority to improve outcomes for learners.

Demand for housing support, particularly temporary accommodation, continues to rise sharply.

To respond to this, the council has allocated additional funding of £499,000 to strengthen homelessness services and ensure households in crisis receive timely and appropriate help.

To support those most affected by financial pressures, the council has also added £600,000 to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, helping low income households manage their Council Tax bills while the council continues to protect vital frontline services.

This additional investment sits alongside the wider Council Tax Reduction Scheme budget of more than £13m, which provides vital help to residents across the county.

With over 53% of Powys households receiving some form of support – whether through discounts, exemptions or Council Tax Reduction Scheme – more than half of households in the county do not pay the full amount of Council Tax, reflecting the council’s ongoing commitment to support those facing financial pressures.

To balance the budget, the council has identified £12m in savings through service remodelling, digital transformation, income generation and efficiency measures. These have been designed to minimise the impact on frontline services, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable.

Developers invited to engagement event as council seeks turnkey homes to meet Powys’ housing need

Developers building new homes in Powys are being invited to work with the council to help tackle the county’s growing housing need – including attending a dedicated engagement event next month.

As part of its commitment to tackling the housing crisis, Powys County Council is looking to purchase affordable turnkey properties which meet Powys County Council and Welsh Government Design Requirements (WDQR) – homes that are fully completed and ready for people to move into without further construction or refurbishment.

The council has already purchased 11 turnkey properties – seven in Llanigon and four in Ystradgynlais – and another 16 will be purchased in Penybont up completion later this year.

To support this work, the council has arranged an engagement event for housing developers on that will be held on Tuesday, March 24 at Llandrindod Wells Sports Centre between 9am and 1pm.

Developers will be able to meet the council’s Housing Service, discuss opportunities, and learn more about the type of schemes the council is looking to bring forward.

Developers with suitable opportunities are also encouraged to contact the council directly by emailing affordable.housing@powys.gov.uk

Cabinet approves landmark plans for future of education in mid Powys

Powys County Council’s transformation proposals for Ysgol Calon Cymru and Builth Wells C.P. School as part of its Transforming Education programme were approved by Cabinet on Tuesday, February 24.

To read the updated Strategy for Transforming Education 2020–2032 and details of the Transforming Education Programme – Wave 2 (2022–2027), visit: https://en.powys.gov.uk/transformingeducation

To find out more about Welsh-medium education in Powys, visit https://en.powys.gov.uk/schools and click on Welsh medium education

Powys tenants urged to share their voices in new private renting survey

Private housing tenants from across Powys are being invited by the county council to share their experiences of renting and help shape how the county’s private rented sector could work better for them.

Powys County Council wants to better understand what life is like for private tenants and how well the sector is working for them on a day-to-day basis. It has launched a survey to give private tenants a stronger voice and to explore whether there is interest in creating a county wide Private Tenants Forum that would ensure their views directly influence future housing policy.

Almost 23,000 people in Powys currently live in private rented accommodation, representing around 10,760 homes across the county. But because tenants are spread across many communities and rent from a large number of mostly small landlords, it can be difficult for their experiences and concerns to be heard collectively.

The survey asks tenants to share views on the suitability and condition of their home, communication with landlords or letting agents, affordability, and any barriers that make it hard to find or move to suitable accommodation. Previous tenants and others with experience of the sector are also encouraged to take part.

The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is open to:

current private tenants
people who have rented privately in the past
others with experience of the private rented sector.

Contact details are only requested from those who may wish to be involved in shaping the forum.

To have your say and help shape the future of private renting in Powys, visit https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/private-tenant-survey

The closing date is 5 April 2026.

For questions about the survey, contact the Housing Service at housing@powys.gov.uk or call 01597 827 464.

Pre-school admissions round opens in March

An admissions round for children starting pre-school in 2027 will open next month, Powys County Council has said.

On Sunday, March 1, parents or carers of children born between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024 will be able to apply for a place in an early year setting ready to start in 2027.

Applications must be completed and submitted by Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The Welsh Government funds the council to ensure that all children in Powys have access to free part-time early years education from the beginning of the term following the child’s third birthday.

Each qualifying child can receive a maximum of 10 hours per week of funded early years education if they attend an approved, funded pre-school education setting.

Children eligible for free part time education will only receive the funded place if they are attending an approved funded pre-school education setting.

Parents / carers will need to complete an online application form which can be found by searching Applying for a School Place at www.powys.gov.uk

If you have any queries or are having problems completing or submitting the application, please contact the Admissions Team on 01597 826477 or email preschooladmissions@powys.gov.uk

Workshop to increase business resilience and green growth across the Marches

Business, infrastructure providers and local authorities are meeting to discuss resilience and green growth opportunities through the Marches Forward Partnership.

Participants will explore how joint action with the MFP could improve the way the area responds to environmental and economic pressures.

The focus is on understanding common barriers and what practical steps organisations can take forward together.

The workshop sits within the MFP’s wider programme of work to support green growth and long‑term resilience across the region.

Powys residents back recycling centre booking system following major review

The council’s scrutiny committee will discuss the results of the comprehensive review of changes at Powys’ Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) at next week’s meeting (12 March).

The major review was carried out six months after the booking system and DIY charges were introduced in April 2025, and gathered views from more than 6,000 residents, alongside staff feedback, councillor workshops, and considered things like fly tipping, recycling rate and customer compliments and complaints.

Overall, the review has shown strong support for the booking system with 93% of those asked saying the booking system is easy to use, and almost three quarters (74%) wanting it to stay. Many praised the smoother visits, lack of queues, and increased support from staff on site, saying their visits are now quicker, calmer, and more efficient.

While some raised concerns about reduced flexibility, the review found that the predictability and efficiency of the system has significantly improved the way the sites operate.

The review also looked at the charges for some DIY waste. While less popular, many residents understood why the charges are needed, and importantly, incidents of fly tipping or bonfires have remained within expected levels since they were introduced. Other positive findings include:

96% of residents praised staff for being helpful
85% said the sites are cleaner, safer, and better organised
Staff say the system has made their jobs easier and improved safety

Based on the findings, the report recommends that the booking system and DIY charges remain in place. Improvements highlighted through the review have already been acted upon, including:

Extended opening times at some sites
Increased the number of booking slots available where demand is high
A new option to request assistance whilst on site via the booking form
Tweaks to the online booking process to make it easier for users
Plans in place to expand reuse opportunities at more centres

Have your say: National survey of the current experiences of people aged 50 or over in Wales

See below request from Age Cymru for feedback.

Are you aged 50 or over and living in Wales? Do you want to help make a positive difference to the lives of older people across Wales? If so, we want to hear from you!

Age Cymru launched its 7th annual survey for over-50s in Wales on 2^nd March 2026 and we want to hear what is important to you.

The Senedd elections are happening in May and it’s important that the new Welsh Government and others hear about what matters to older people in Wales.  

This is your chance to share your experiences of health and social care, employment, transport, digital access, housing conditions and much more. 

Since 2020, nearly 8000 people have shared their views both online and offline, which has provided vital information to inform Welsh Government policy and Age Cymru’s own campaigns.

Your voice matters and your responses help us make a difference to older people’s lives across Wales.

How to complete the survey:

You can complete the survey online at: https://bit.ly/agecymrusurvey
Call 029 2043 1555 for a paper copy of the survey, in English or Welsh and return via our freepost address: Age Cymru, FREEPOST RTZG-JHGC-RYJJ, Ground Floor, Mariners House, Age Cymru, Trident Court, East Moors Road, CARDIFF CF24 5TD

The deadline for completed surveys is Friday 17^th April 2026.  

We are always looking for people aged 50 or over in Wales to tell us their story and support us to raise issues that impact older people. Want to become an Age Cymru storyteller? Contact 029 2043 1555 or email policy@agecymru.org.uk

Faster support and secure homes – Powys families benefit from major improvements in housing services

Powys families are benefitting from faster support and more secure housing thanks to the continued efforts by the county council.

The work by Powys County Council’s Housing Communities Team is helping deliver the vision “Every Home a Foundation, Every Person a Future” and continues to transform lives across the county.

Over the last three years, emergency housing placements have fallen dramatically – from 63 in October 2023 to just 29 by December 2025. Weekly emergency accommodation estimated net costs have also reduced from £39,024 to £16,408, allowing more resources to be directed towards prevention, early help and long‑term support.

The use of temporary accommodation has also fallen, from 285 households in March 2025 to 259 in November 2025.

Statutory homelessness cases have also reduced from 283 to 257 since March 2025 and from 382 in August 2022 thanks to the impact of the council’s proactive prevention work.

The council is also letting homes faster than ever before with households moving into permanent homes far more quickly. Average letting times have improved from 18.16 days in June 2022 to just 6.27 days in December 2025. Faster lettings reduce the need for temporary accommodation and helps new tenant households settle sooner.

Average letting times have improved from 18.16 days in June 2022 to just 6.27 days in December 2025, outperforming the service target. Faster lettings reduce the need for temporary accommodation and help new tenant households settle sooner.

Rent collection remains strong at 92.9%, closely aligned with the same point last year. Arrears levels are stable and being well‑managed across all four areas, reflecting effective early engagement with tenants.

Since April 2025, the Housing Communities Team has:

Completed 184 new‑tenancy visits
Carried out 135 formal estate inspections,
Conducted 430 block cleaning checks and
Achieved an 86% response rate on housing calls (excluding repairs)

During November alone, staff knocked on 143 doors, completed 50 tenant surveys, and received strong positive feedback from residents.

Have your say on the draft GROW Powys Economic Strategy

The people of Powys are being invited to help shape a new long-term Economic Strategy for Powys, the county council has said.

Public engagement on its draft GROW / TYFU Powys Economic Strategy, which sets out a vision for growing a stronger, fairer and greener local economy through to 2040 has begun today (Monday 2nd March).

The draft strategy focuses on seven key growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, energy, rural and foundational economies, tourism and events, and skills development. It also places strong emphasis on sustainability, resilience, and creating better paid opportunities for people who live and work in Powys.

Cllr Glyn Preston, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “This strategy sets out an ambitious but practical vision for how we grow the Powys economy in a way that works for our communities, businesses and our environment.

We want this to be shaped by the people of Powys, which is why this engagement is so important. Whether you are a resident, business owner, or community representative, I encourage you to get involved, and help us shape the future of our county.”

How to get involved

During the engagement period, people can:

Have their say online by completing a survey on the Council’s Engagement Hub: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/grow-powys
Share views offline, with printed surveys and information available on request across Powys Libraries. Please return completed forms to library staff, or scan and email them to haveyoursay@powys.gov.uk

Alongside the wider public engagement, the Council will also be working directly with Town and Community Councils, businesses, partners and community organisations to make sure local perspectives from every part of Powys help inform the final strategy.

The closing date for responses is Wednesday 25th March.

All feedback gathered between will be analysed and used to refine the strategy before it is finalised and published

Dog owners urged to keep dogs on leads during lambing season

Residents and visitors are being reminded by Powys County Council of the importance of keeping dogs on leads while walking in the countryside during the lambing season.

Each spring, farmers face increased risks to their livestock as ewes become particularly vulnerable during lambing. Even the friendliest and most well-behaved dogs can unintentionally cause stress, injury, or fatality to sheep if not kept under close control.

Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys: Transformation delivering real improvements for local people

Transformation work across Powys is continuing to make a real difference for local people, with changes delivered between October and December helping residents into secure homes, easing pressure on families, supporting young people, reducing living costs and making everyday services easier to use.

By focusing on what matters most to communities, the council is helping people live safer, healthier and more secure lives – while ensuring public money goes where it makes the biggest impact.

Residents are already seeing real, measurable improvements, including:

More families moving into stable, long‑term homes and fewer people stuck in emergency accommodation – reducing disruption for children and giving families the security they need.
32 brand‑new flats in Newtown completed ahead of schedule, allowing individuals and families to move into warm, modern, energy‑efficient homes sooner than planned.
14 former right‑to‑buy homes brought back into council ownership, increasing the supply of affordable homes in local communities.
133 families receiving essential support, including clothing, household items and food – providing immediate relief during a time of rising costs.
More than £10,000 in additional benefits secured through targeted money advice campaigns, putting extra money in residents’ pockets.
11 more children placed with in‑house Powys foster carers, keeping them closer to their schools, friends and support networks.
Over £1.6 million in cost avoidance through the Fostering Framework, helping the council protect frontline services and reinvest in support for children and families.
Adults with support needs accessing personalised, community‑based day opportunities, helping them build confidence, friendships and independence.
Major school developments progressing, with projects at Sennybridge, Ysgol Bro Hyddgen and Ysgol Calon Cymru reaching key approval stages.
Welsh‑medium immersion expanded in both North and South Powys, giving more learners the chance to become confidently bilingual.
Solar and LED upgrades across public buildings, reducing carbon emissions while cutting future energy costs by tens of thousands of pounds.
Nine Local Places for Nature projects strengthening community green spaces, supporting wellbeing and boosting local pride.
Digital improvements making services quicker and easier to access, including clearer highways reporting, tools that speed up consultation analysis, and the rollout of Magic Notes – giving social care staff more time with residents by reducing paperwork dramatically.

Workshop resolves to boost Marches business resilience and green growth

Businesses, infrastructure providers and local authorities have come together to discuss resilience and green growth opportunities through the Marches Forward Partnership (MFP).

The workshop explored how joint action through the MFP can strengthen the region’s response to environmental and economic pressures, with discussions focusing on shared barriers and the practical steps organisations can take forward together.

There was unanimous support from participants for being part of the Marches Business Resilience Coalition and for continuing to work collaboratively through the MFP. Discussions highlighted a clear need to help bridge existing skills gaps across the region, alongside recognition that current regulatory frameworks can act as a blocker to innovation if not addressed in a co-ordinated way.

Participants also emphasised the importance of more joined‑up planning and thinking behind work pipelines, including improved data sharing between organisations, to ensure investment opportunities can be developed and delivered at scale. A strong desire was expressed to position the Marches as the Rural Capital of Britain, by adopting this pioneering, collaborative approach to green growth and resilience.

The workshop sits within the MFP’s wider programme of work to support green growth and long‑term resilience across the region.

Led by Powys County Council and Shropshire Council, the MFP is progressing a green growth programme, central to which are:

Marches Environmental Investment Platform (MEIP): A concept to attract private capital and direct it to land managers by addressing barriers such as unclear returns, risk quantification and fragmented project pipelines.
Marches Environmental Delivery Vehicle (EDV): A proposed governance model to bring together communities, buyers, investors, policy makers and delivery partners.
Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS): A pilot project led by the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Powys and Shropshire Councils to explore large‑scale water infrastructure solutions.

The workshop contributed to the green growth programme’s aim of developing a regional model for long‑term environmental investment, supported by the Marches Business Resilience Coalition.

Engagement findings shape proposed next steps for transforming post‑16 education in Powys

Feedback from more than 3,700 young people, parents, carers, staff, governors and employers has helped shape a set of proposed next steps for transforming post‑16 education in Powys, the county council has said.

Today (Wednesday 11 March), Powys County Council has set out how it will begin developing a fairer, broader and more sustainable 14+ offer for learners across the county over the coming year.

No decision is being sought at this stage regarding future delivery models. The council will continue to strengthen the existing Chweched Powys Sixth, and the report seeks approval to continue engagement with learners, families, schools, colleges and employers over the next 12 months.

The proposed programme of work, which has been informed by one of the largest engagement exercises carried out on education in the county, includes:

Continuing to strengthen the existing Chweched Powys Sixth model for current learners.
Establishing a new Future Pathways Board with Further Education, Higher Education, employers and the Regional Skills Partnership.
Creating a governor steering group and an ALN post‑16 working group to shape improved pathways for learners.
Engagement with primary schools and employers later in 2026 to ensure future pathways reflect local needs and the county’s future economy.

Alongside these proposed next steps, the council has today published the findings from the independent engagement programme delivered by Opinion Research Services (ORS). The responses provide a detailed insight into what young people and families need from future post‑16 education.

Learners said they value strong relationships with staff, supportive school environments and being able to study close to home. However, they also highlighted challenges such as restricted subject choice, limited vocational opportunities, variation in facilities, digital reliability and the disruption caused by travelling between school sites during the school day.

Many emphasised the importance of clearer pathways into apprenticeships, higher education and employment, particularly in areas linked to Powys’ future economic growth. Strengthening Welsh‑medium continuity and improving routes for learners with Additional Learning Needs also featured strongly in the feedback.

These findings build on work already underway to strengthen the current post‑16 offer, expand 14+ vocational pathways and design a more integrated 14+ system involving schools, Further Education, Higher Education, employers and training providers.

The report will be considered by the Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, March 19 and by Cabinet on Tuesday, March 24.

If approved by Cabinet, this work would continue throughout 2026–27, with long‑term 14+ options brought forward for further consideration in summer 2027, followed by wider engagement in autumn 2027. Any formal proposal would be considered in 2028, with implementation expected between 2029 and 2031.

Spring into action to clean up Powys

Communities in Powys are being urged to join Spring Clean Cymru 2026 and help pick up the litter that blights our local environment.

Powys County Council is working with environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy to support Spring Clean Cymru. Together they are calling on individuals, families, community groups, schools and businesses to get involved between 13 and 29 March.

Spring Clean Cymru aims to raise awareness and encourage positive action. Not only does litter cost Wales roughly £70 million to remove each year, but it also has devastating effects on marine and local wildlife. The good news is that litter picking is a simple action that anyone can do to make an immediate and visible difference to their area.

To pledge and get involved in Spring Clean Cymru, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru

Major progress bringing empty homes back into use is supporting a Stronger, Fairer, Greener future for Powys

Empty homes across Powys are being transformed into warm, safe and productive spaces once again, as significant progress is made in tackling long‑term empty properties and turning them into valuable homes and business opportunities for local communities.

This work plays a vital role in Powys County Council’s ambition to build a Stronger, Fairer, Greener county – increasing the supply of much‑needed housing, lifting the appearance and vibrancy of town centres, and reducing the environmental and social impacts that derelict buildings can create.

A dedicated Empty Property Team is now working to tackle some of the most challenging and complex cases across the county while a multi‑agency Empty Property Problem Group is focusing on the properties that have the biggest impact on local neighbourhoods, particularly in town centres.

Proactive investigations undertaken by the council have already identified 18 previously unregistered properties now liable for Council Tax, generating more than £93,000 in additional income – with over £119,000 raised through empty property work since January 2024. This income directly supports essential local services and strengthens the financial resilience of the council.

Long‑term empty homes can attract anti‑social behaviour, create safety risks and affect the wellbeing of neighbouring households. The council is responding with a mix of practical support, incentives and, where necessary, firm enforcement.

An online Empty Property Referral Form now makes it easier than ever for residents to report problem properties, helping the council respond more quickly and fairly.

Bringing existing buildings back into use is one of the most environmentally sustainable ways to create new homes. Renovation reduces waste, cuts carbon emissions linked to demolition and new‑build construction.

Owners are also being supported to improve the energy efficiency of their properties wherever possible – helping reduce energy bills and contributing to local and national climate goals.

Powys is making strong progress through the Welsh Government’s National Empty Homes Grant scheme, with 113 enquiries from owners, 64 eligible applications, 50 property surveys completed, 14 approved projects and three homes already fully refurbished and brought back into use which has resulted in almost £709,000 of total investment (including £351,682 in grant funding).

Innovative mixed‑funding models are also bringing new life to challenging town‑centre buildings – including new homes and commercial spaces in Welshpool and Newtown – supporting regeneration, local business and community vitality.

Residents can report empty properties by visiting www.powys.gov.uk and searching Report an Empty Property

Voters urged to register to vote before it’s too late

The deadline to register to vote in the Senedd elections is midnight on Monday 20 April. Voters can apply online at https://gov.uk/register-to-vote. It takes just five minutes.

Council reaffirms commitment to tackling blue-green algae risks following budget approval

Residents, visitors and the local angling community are being reassured by Powys County Council that it remains fully committed to responding swiftly and effectively should blue-green algae reappear in local waterways this year.

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