Powys County Councillor Update – May 2026 – Vale of Grwyney Community Council

The Summer Reading Challenge, developed by The Reading Agency, encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read for pleasure during the summer holidays This year’s theme, Read to the Beat, celebrates music, rhythm and creativity, inspiring children to discover new stories while having fun.

Young people interested in volunteering can apply online via the Summer Reading Challenge Volunteers page at: https://storipowys.org.uk/summer-reading-challenge-volunteers/.

Estyn inspection report published for Crickhowell High School

Serving families across south Powys, Crickhowell High School has been recognised by Estyn for its positive relationships and safeguarding culture, but inspectors say further, sustained improvement is needed across several important areas of the school’s work.

To view the report visit https://estyn.gov.wales/

Powys County Council reiterates zero tolerance to abuse of staff

Residents and service users are being reminded by Powys County Council that abuse, threats, intimidation and violence towards staff will not be tolerated.

Anyone wishing to raise concerns or complaints about council services is encouraged to do so by visiting https://en.powys.gov.uk/complaints

Small moments change lives

The first time a child laughs or opens up about their day may feel like small moments, but for foster carers across Wales, they are powerful signs of a breakthrough. These moments show a child is beginning to feel safe, to heal, and to feel loved.

This year’s Foster Care Fortnight theme, This is Fostering, shines a spotlight on the real, lived experiences of foster carers and the vital role they play in helping children feel safe, valued and secure.

Visit fosterwales.gov.wales

Highways, Grounds Street Scene update

HGSS has been allocated £887,480 from the revenue budget to the ditching and drainage works and an additional £500,000 utilization of growth fund (floor budget), totaling £1.37million.

Since the start of the financial year, the following has been achieved thanks to that funding:

174,150 metres of ditching opened and cleared to improve drainage.
179,377 metres of siding cut back to restore full carriageway width.
11,142 grips reinstated to help water drain safely off the road.
10,851 gullies emptied, inspected, and repaired where needed.
1,394 gullies were jetted.
88 manholes were cleared and jetted.
A total number of 139 AMX Tickets have been completed for drainage repairs, across 2 areas of the County. Repairs included installing pipes, and gullies, creating catch pool in verge to collect drainage outfall, reinstating damaged drainage systems, and installing new road crossers and head walls.

Design the official poster for the 2027 Tour de France!

Creative students in Powys, aged 16 plus, are being invited to submit their designs for the official 2027 Tour de France poster, which will be unveiled in Paris in October.

The winner will be invited to the French capital for the official unveiling of their artwork in the autumn and enjoy a hospitality experience at one of next year’s UK stages.

Full details, including terms and conditions and how to enter, are available at: www.letourgb.com/poster-competition

New report highlights water management skills gap across Marches

A new report has highlighted a growing skills gap in Water Resources Management (WRM) across Shropshire and Powys at a time when the region is facing increasing pressure from climate change, population growth and an ageing workforce.

Click here to read the full report.

First refurbished buses welcomed to Powys in major step for public transport

Powys County Council has welcomed the first newly refurbished buses to the county.

These buses are the first of 15 vehicles to be comprehensively upgraded through funding provided by the Welsh Government, in partnership with Transport for Wales (TfW). The remaining refurbished buses will be delivered in phases between now and September.

These first buses will be operated by Tanat Valley and Lloyds Coaches, with more joining the network in other areas and with other operators over the coming months.

Powys Youth Service Celebrates Quality Mark Success

Powys County Council’s Youth Service is celebrating the successful renewal of its Bronze Youth Work Quality Mark, recognising the high standard of support provided to young people across the county.

Powys landlords invited to new forum offering clear guidance on major housing changes

Private landlords across Powys are being invited by the county council to take part in a new forum, created to offer practical support and reassurance as the housing sector faces significant legislative and regulatory change.

The Landlords Forum, which has been launched by Powys County Council, has been created specifically in response to concerns raised by local landlords, many of whom are facing new legal requirements around property standards, energy efficiency and tenant management.

The forum, which will take place from 5pm on Monday, June 29 at County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, will bring together housing specialists from the council as well as Rent Smart Wales representatives, will focus on:

Changes to housing legislation and landlord responsibilities
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and property standards
Registration, licensing and compliance
Practical steps landlords can take now to prepare for future changes.

Private landlords are encouraged to register and submit questions by emailing housing@powys.gov.uk. Any questions submitted will allow the council to shape the agenda around the issues that matter most locally.

Where possible, responses will be provided ahead of the event so that the forum itself can focus on more detailed discussion.

Citizens Advice Powys – Our Impact 25-26

Message from Citizens Advice Powys.

Over the last year April 2025 to March 2026 our service has continued to be very much in demand.

We responded to over 8,400 requests for support.

The current financial crisis continues to affect the people we support across Powys. The problems people are facing are increasingly complex and often urgent.

People – 25/26 we supported 3,964 residents of Powys with:

· 21,624 advice issues

· £3.2 million of benefit income directly secured for households.

· £1.1 million of problem debt written off.

· £4.8 million debt negotiated.

During this year we have seen a significant rise in people requiring support with their debt situation. During 24-25 we supported people to manage £3.8 million of debt, this year 25-26 this figure has risen to £4.8 million.

We have seen large increase in the following debts:

Type of Debt	Amount £ 25-26	Amount £ 24-25
Credit Card	1,076,246	892,048
Unsecured Loans	801,337	511,499
Energy	418,706	319,076
Council Tax	414,923	283,872

2026 marks the 20^th anniversary of our Accredited Debt advice project which began with the Treasury’s Financial Inclusion Fund, training hundreds of new advisers across England and Wales to provide free support to people in financial difficulty. Across Powys we have continued with this mission, supporting thousands of people facing financial challenges, making a difference to their lives and helping them find a way forward.

Our advice has a positive impact by building financial resilience, tackling poverty, and improving overall health and well-being.

90% reported they would NOT have been able to sort out their problem without us.

66% felt less stressed, depressed, or anxious after advice.

36% reported improved physical health after advice.

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