Powys County Councillor Update

The project will deliver fast, reliable and future-proof full-fibre broadband to business parks that currently lack access to gigabit-capable connectivity. This investment will help local businesses grow, improve productivity and remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.

Network rollout has commenced, with businesses encouraged to sign up to the Growing Mid Wales newsletter for further updates as the project progresses. https://www.growingmid.wales/Newsletters

Wales to host two stages of the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women

The host venues for the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women have been revealed with Wales hosting stage three and four on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 August, with stages from Mold to The Great Orme, Llandudno, and Llanidloes to Hay-on-Wye, respectively. The host venues for the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women have been revealed with Wales hosting stage three and four on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 August, with stages from Mold to The Great Orme, Llandudno, and Llanidloes to Hay-on-Wye, respectively.

The full list of stages is:

Stage 1: Cockermouth – Cockermouth

Stage 2: Clitheroe – Blackpool

Stage 3: Mold to The Great Orme, Llandudno

Stage 4: Llanidloes to Hay-on-Wye

Stage 5: Royal Leamington Spa – Royal Leamington Spa

Further announcements, including the detailed routes for the five stages of the women’s and men’s race, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Interested in volunteering at the Lloyds Tour of Britain? You can register your interest here and play a part in the biggest free to spectate event in the UK

Marches leaders take growth and resilience message to Westminster

Leaders from the Marches Forward Partnership (MFP) are heading to Westminster to press ministers to back a practical, locally led approach to economic growth and resilience across the Marches.

As part of its Westminster discussions to be held in person on Tuesday 1 September, the MFP is asking for funding to help scale up delivery, along with closer working with Government to test new ways of getting things done. It is also calling for clear sponsorship at national level to reflect the programme’s contribution to growth, energy and long-term resilience.

Mid Wales projects pave the way for net zero solutions

With the support of Growing Mid Wales, the Welsh Government Climate Innovation funded Whole System Research and Innovation for Decarbonisation (WSRID) programme has successfully completed Phase 2, where a series of innovative projects were developed and tested at prototype stage to support the transition to net zero in rural Wales.

WSRID Phase 2 explored how rural and agricultural communities can decarbonise while managing increasing demand on constrained electricity networks. The programme brought together public bodies, industry, academia and rural stakeholders to develop practical, whole-system solutions grounded in real-world conditions.

Rather than focusing on a single technology, Phase 2 examined how decentralised energy generation, flexible energy use and digital tools can work together to reduce pressure on the grid while supporting farming, forestry, rural businesses and local economic growth.

Here’s what the four Phase 2 projects focused on:

HARVEST (Centre for Energy Equality and partners) – Developed a socially inclusive, community-led energy model through a Social Virtual Power Plant (SVPP), designed to share benefits across rural communities and provide local flexibility. The project also delivered a demonstrator in Llanidloes with Ynni Cymru funding.
Water to Water – RuraVolt – Delivered a user-friendly digital feasibility tool enabling farms to assess on-farm smart energy options, including renewables, storage and green hydrogen. The tool is now live for Welsh dairy farms and can be accessed at https://watertowater.co.uk/ruravolt/
Challoch Energy – VREM Cymru (Devil’s Bridge) – Explored the use of curtailed wind energy to produce green hydrogen, supporting the decarbonisation of forestry and timber operations – an economically important but hard-to-decarbonise rural sector.
Lafan – Developed a proposal to utilise excess livestock nutrients through anaerobic digestion and biochar production. Slurry would be dried on-farm and transported to a central hub, with energy generated either injected into the gas grid or converted into electricity for storage and grid use.

The completion of Phase 2 marks an important milestone, with findings helping to shape future programmes, funding and policy to ensure rural Wales plays a central role in the transition to net zero.

Growing Mid Wales will now look at how these ideas can be tested further, scaled up and rolled out across the region.

Short video clips showcasing each of the projects are now available to view on the Growing Mid Wales YouTube channel, giving a closer look at how the ideas work in practice: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLawiFEKPPl4iOXz9P2hTYXso7U7puH30R&si=xNVR7H1iJ2QaCpPw

Businesses, farmers and organisations interested in future opportunities can keep up to date and get involved by signing up to the Growing Mid Wales newsletter, www.growingmid.wales/Newsletters

Fast Track Powys brings sexual health testing to local libraries

Fast Track Powys, led by partnership organisations are working together to pilot a new approach to make sexual health support easier to access across the county.

Powys County Council and Powys Teaching Health Board are offering discreet sexual health tests and post kits in several libraries across Powys.

The pilot aims to help normalise conversations around health and wellbeing and reduce stigma that can still exist around sexual health and testing.

Residents can collect free sexual health testing kits directly from participating libraries and complete at home, offering a private and accessible option.

The pilot will initially take place in Machynlleth, Welshpool, Presteigne, Rhayader, Brecon and Ystradgynlais, with learning from the project helping to shape future community-based health initiatives.

The initiative forms part of the wider Fast Track Powys partnership programme, which brings organisations together to improve health outcomes, increase awareness and access to HIV and sexual health testing, and tackle stigma within communities across Powys.

CIW Report Highlights Progress in Powys Adult Services

Powys County Council has welcomed the publication of a Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) assurance check of its Adult Services, which recognises strong leadership, effective partnerships and a dedicated workforce, while identifying areas where further improvement is needed.

The report highlights a number of strengths, including supportive leadership, strong safeguarding arrangements, meaningful engagement with people and carers, investment in staff development and effective partnership working with health and third-sector organisations. It also recognises that Adult Services are delivering services during a period of significant transformation and organisational change.

While acknowledging progress, CIW identified the need for greater consistency in frontline practice, including care planning, support for unpaid carers, advocacy, the Welsh language active offer, timeliness of assessments and reviews, and aspects of safeguarding and Mental Capacity Act practice.

The council will continue working with staff, partners, carers and people who use services to build on the strengths identified and drive further improvements across Adult Services.

Mid Wales businesses awarded investment through Commercial Property Investment Fund

A number of businesses across Mid Wales have secured investment through the Mid Wales Commercial Property Investment Fund (MWCPIF), supporting projects that will help strengthen the region’s commercial infrastructure, unlock growth and create new employment opportunities.

Launched in May 2025 and delivered through the Mid Wales Growth Deal, the Fund is designed to leverage private sector investment in commercial premises, using targeted support to enable established businesses across Powys and Ceredigion to develop, extend, refurbish or repurpose sites and unlock new opportunities for business investment and expansion.

The projects are at various stages, finalising their business cases and developing their investment plans – but some are already progressing into delivery. Those successful projects that are now about to move forward are:

· Moduron Strata Motors, Ceredigion

· MWP, Powys

· Pent Haus Innova Mill, Powys

· Williams Coaches, Powys

Together, the projects represent a significant investment in Mid Wales’ commercial property landscape, supporting sectors including manufacturing, construction and the motor trade.

The original bids represented a combined project value of approximately £11.12 million, with an estimated Fund contribution of around £3.96 million. Across the projects, proposals included the creation of more than 10,000 sqm of commercial floorspace, the safeguarding of existing jobs and the potential creation of over 100 new roles.

While funding has been awarded to a select number of projects, the wider aim of the Fund is to strengthen the business environment across Mid Wales — helping increase the availability and quality of commercial premises, supporting local supply chains, creating employment opportunities and encouraging further private sector investment in the region.

Royal response to rural growth programme

Council leaders have received a response from His Majesty The King, welcoming the work of the Marches Forward Partnership and offering his support for its long-term vision for the region.

Council celebrates Armed Forces community during national week of recognition

Through its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, the council works to ensure that serving personnel, veterans and their families are treated fairly and have access to the support they need. Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity to recognise their service, dedication and contribution to communities across the UK.

Armed Forces Day provides an opportunity for communities across the UK to come together in support of the men and women who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces. It also marks the culmination of Armed Forces Week, during which people across the country show their appreciation for the Armed Forces community.

For more information about Armed Forces Day, please visit the Armed Forces Day website: https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk

Final phase of Young People’s Engagement Strategy consultation

The council is launching the final phase of consultation on the ‘Your Voice Matters’ Young People’s Engagement Strategy, inviting feedback from young people aged under 25 across the county before the strategy is finalised. The consultation will be open from: Monday 22nd June to Friday 31st July.

Are you under 25 and live, study or work in Powys? Or do you know someone who is? We’re asking young people to take part in a short survey to help shape the new Young People’s Engagement Strategy. This is a chance for young people to share their views on how they want to be listened to, involved and kept informed in the future. If you know anyone aged under 25 please share this with them! The closing date for responses is 31st July 2026 https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/your-voice-matters-powys

How young people can get involved:

They can complete the online survey: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/your-voice-matters-powys
Paper copies are available to pick up from Powys libraries
We will also be asking for feedback on the strategy across our youth groups and young people’s forums.

If you have any questions, please do let us know by emailing the working group at: yourvoicematters@powys.gov.uk

Powys Building Control retains international quality accreditation

Powys County Council’s Building Control service has successfully renewed its ISO 9001 quality management system accreditation, following a comprehensive renewal audit.

Warm Powys wins four national awards for partnership working

Warm Powys, delivered by Powys County Council, Warm Wales and other key partners, has been recognised across the UK for turning national funding into practical local support.

The awards add to growing national recognition for Warm Powys, which continues to support residents by helping to reduce energy costs, improve home energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty, while contributing to Powys County Council’s commitment to becoming a net zero organisation and building a stronger, fairer and greener county.

Report Launch: Age Cymru 2026 Annual Survey headlines report

Age Cymru is launching its report on the seventh ‘What matters to you?’ annual survey of people aged 50 and over in Wales: https://www.agecymru.wales/our-work/policy/annual-survey/

This survey ran across March-April 2026 and received responses from over 1,400 people across all 22 local authorities in Wales. As in previous years, we asked them about their experiences of health and social care, the cost of living, public transport, access to information, housing conditions, and much more.

This year, we’ve drawn up a short ‘headlines’ report of the key issues reported in the annual survey, covering the priority areas of:

Cost of living
Health
Social care
Unpaid care
Transport and travel
Housing
Accessing information

Each section contains the most important statistics and comments drawn from survey data. These headline results offer a vital insight to anyone seeking to understand the state of older people’s lives in Wales.

If you have any questions regarding this report or would like to order a paper copy, please contact publicaffairs@agecymru.org.uk

Resilience and investment in spotlight at national environmental consortium

The ambitions of the Marches Forward Partnership (MFP) have been presented at a national environmental consortium conference in Newtown.

The “Unlocking Finance for Farm and Landscape Recovery in Wales” conference, organised by the Land Use for Net Zero Hub (LUNZ), brought together policymakers, farmers, landowners and finance specialists to explore how investment can better support nature recovery, resilient farming and rural growth.

Representing MFP, Powys County Council officers shared a cross-border perspective on how partnership working is helping to connect environmental outcomes with economic opportunity across the region.

Cabinet to consider ambitious new economic strategy for Powys

At its meeting on Tuesday, 14 July, Cabinet will consider adopting the revised ‘GROW Powys Economic Strategy 2026-2040’, following a county-wide consultation with residents, businesses, partners, town and community councils and young people.

Waste and recycling service improving following route optimisation changes

Powys County Council’s waste and recycling service is continuing to improve following the introduction of new collection routes earlier this year, with missed collections reducing and service performance becoming more stable across the county.

A report being presented to the scrutiny and governance and audit committees next week (15 July) outlines the reasons for the route optimisation programme, the challenges experienced during implementation and the actions taken to improve service delivery.

The route changes were introduced in March 2026 as part of wider work to modernise the service and create a more efficient and resilient operation capable of meeting growing demand across Powys, where more than 71,000 properties receive waste and recycling collections.

The report acknowledges that some residents experienced disruption as the new routes were introduced, including missed collections and delays. Challenges around vehicle availability, staffing pressures and bank holiday periods contributed to these issues in some areas. Approximately five per cent of households were affected during the bedding-in period.

Since then, a recovery plan including additional vehicles, strengthened management support and improved communications has helped bring the service back on track. The rate of reported missed collections has continued to improve, falling from 0.47% in March to 0.24% by the end of June and returning to the levels typically seen before the route changes were introduced. Reported missed collections also reduced from 3,494 in March to 1,759 in June.

Residents urged to have their say on future of well-being in Powys

Residents, organisations and community representatives across Powys are being asked to share their views on what well-being means to them, as part of the latest countywide survey.

The survey will help shape the updated Powys Well-being Assessment, a key document required under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which provides an assessment of well-being across Powys, looking at current conditions, what influences people’s well-being, and how this may change in the future.

The Well-being Assessment considers four key themes:

Social
Economy
Environment
Culture and community

The Powys Public Services Board (PSB) has already gathered a wide range of data and insight but is now calling on local people to share their lived experiences and priorities.

The short survey asks residents about:

What well-being means to them
What affects their day-to-day lives
What should be improved now and in the future

Responses will be used to help shape the final Well-being Assessment, due to be published in early 2027, and will be used to inform the next Well-being Plan.

How to get involved:

Complete the online survey: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/powys-well-being-assessment
Paper and Easy Read copies of the survey are available to download or can be picked up from a Powys library. Please return completed forms to library staff, or scan and email them to haveyoursay@powys.gov.uk.

The closing date for responses is 30th September 2026

Home of 260 bicycles hoping to be among Tour de France beneficiaries

With just one-year-to-go until the Tour de France arrives on Powys roads, the National Cycle Museum in Llandrindod Wells is hoping to be among the organisations and businesses that benefit.

On 4 July 2027, the best cyclists in the world and 10s of thousands of visitors will be descending on the county, as stage three of the world’s biggest annual sporting event races between Welshpool and Cardiff.

In between it will travel along the Severn Valley to Newtown, through Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells and Brecon – after climbing Mynydd Epynt – before heading out of Powys through the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

It is expected to provide a massive boost to Powys’ economy and ensure more visitors than ever are aware of what the county has to offer for years to come.

The National Cycle Museum, run purely by volunteers and sitting directly on the race route, is among the tourist attractions hoping to benefit from increased visitor numbers.

More information on its visit to Powys is available through the council’s website: https://en.powys.gov.uk/countdowntotourdefrance2027

Progress highlighted at Child Poverty Task Force Annual Conference

A wide range of practical action is making a difference to Powys children living in poverty, but more work is needed a conference has been told.

That’s because 3,713 children in the county are still living in low-income households, including 2,244 who are below the poverty line.

Despite this, the Powys Child Poverty Task Force Annual Conference held last month, in Newtown, heard about significant progress. Initiatives highlighted included:

Expansion of Integrated Family Centres, with further provision planned, including in Llandrindod Wells in 2027.
Growth of the Food and Fun summer programme, which will reach 10 schools in 2026.
Community Focused Schools delivering support in 52 locations, alongside thousands of targeted interventions for families.
The Low-Income Family Tracker (LIFT) tool which is enabling more proactivetargeting of financial support to households most in need.
Direct financial support schemes which exceeded expectations, supporting 133 families against an initial target of 100.

Have your say on the Council Tax Premium for empty properties in Powys

The people of Powys are being invited to have their say on the future of the Council Tax Premium for long-term empty properties.

Powys County Council has launched a six-week public consultation today (29 June) to gather views that will help shape future decisions on how the scheme operates.

Currently, a 100% Council Tax premium is charged on properties that have been empty and unfurnished for more than one year.

Welsh Government regulations allow local authorities to charge a maximum Council Tax premium on long-term empty properties of up to 300%, and the council is seeking views on whether to introduce a stepped approach that increases over time or to keep the current system.

There are currently 897 long-term empty properties in Powys subject to the premium, representing around 1.3% of all homes in the county.

How to get involved:

Complete the online survey: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/council-tax-premium-scheme
Paper copies of the survey are available to download or can be picked up from a Powys library. Please return completed forms to library staff, or scan and email them to haveyoursay@powys.gov.uk.

The closing date for responses is 19th August 2026

Compost now available to buy from Household Recycling Centres

Residents can now buy locally produced compost at Household Recycling Centres in Lower Cwmtwrch, Brecon, Llandrindod Wells and Newtown.

Major infrastructure and utilities sign regional business resilience coalition agreement

Key infrastructure, utilities and food production organisations from across the Welsh/ English border have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a new regional business resilience coalition.

The newly formed coalition will provide a structured way for major employers and infrastructure operators to work alongside public sector partners to identify shared risks, align investment priorities and support long‑term growth.

Businesses help shape the next chapter of regional resilience plans

Businesses and organisations from across the Marches have come together to help shape the next stage of work to strengthen the region’s long-term resilience, economic growth and environmental security.

The Marches Business Resilience Coalition (MBRC), established through the Marches Forward Partnership, met to review progress made since its inaugural meeting in March.

Powys schools celebrate national reading success

Learners from schools across the county achieved impressive results in this year’s Gornest Lyfrau and Bookslam competitions, prestigious national initiatives that encourage children and young people to read for pleasure, think critically about literature, and collaborate creatively.

Residents urged to share their views as part of Better Together consultation later this year

Powys communities and PTHB staff are passionate about health services, and they have a special place in the life of our county.

But together we face some important and complex choices about the future. An ageing population, growing burden of ill health, fewer people of working age – all these factors mean that bold ideas are needed.

As a health board we care deeply about the health and wellbeing of our residents. This is why we have established the Better Together programme, working with staff, patients, communities and partner organisations to explore potential options for safe, high quality and sustainable services in the future. This work is helping us develop and test ideas, understand the benefits and risks of different approaches, and guide further work to secure the future of NHS services in Powys.

It is vital that we take the time to carefully consider a wide range of options – looking at how we strengthen primary and community services, how we improve prevention and public health, and how we provide bed-based care in the best possible way for the future.

No decisions have been made, and none will be made until there has been full and meaningful consultation with our staff and the public, which we expect to take place from September.

More information will be available later this summer and we strongly encourage everyone to get involved and share their views.

As we move into consultation, people will have the opportunity to look at the proposals, challenge our thinking, tell us what we have got right, tell us what we have got wrong and help shape the decisions that follow.

This is about ensuring that the people of Powys continue to have access to safe, high-quality health services for many years to come.

And that’s why these conversations matter so much.

This information is also available from our public website: Powys Residents urged to share their views as part of Better Together consultation later this year.

Why is the Better Together programme so important?

As we look ahead to the next ten years and beyond we know more people in Powys are living longer, often with multiple and more complex health needs. At the same time, the proportion of working-age people is reducing, which has real implications for our workforce and the sustainability of services. We also know that new technologies and treatments will become available, and that a concerted focus on prevention will be needed if we are to stem the tide of ill health that risks overwhelming the future of the NHS.

This presents all of us in Powys with both opportunities and challenges. So, through our Better Together programme, we have been listening carefully to the voices of staff, patients, citizens and partner organisations to help shape a safe and thriving future for health care in our rural county.

The feedback from patients, residents, communities and partner organisations shows a clear desire for ambitious steps to provide more care in the county, to provide more care in people’s own homes and to focus more strongly on primary & community care and on prevention, so that the NHS can continue to meet people’s needs into the future. 

What has happened so far?

This work is initially focusing on adult physical and mental health community services. Future phases will review Planned Care, and Women & Children’s Services.

We are tremendously grateful to the thousands of voices that have contributed to this work so far:

Bringing your experience and insights to help us understand the Case for Change
Sharing your views on potential ways to provide health services in the future
Providing detailed feedback that has helped us understand the opportunities and challenges for community services, primary care, mental health, and diagnostics
Sharing your thoughts during our listening events

What ideas are being considered?

There are categorically no plans to close any hospitals in Powys. But it is right that we take the time to carefully consider a wide range of options – looking at how we strengthen primary and community services, and how we provide bed-based care in the best possible way for the future.

Detailed options are due to be shared for consultation later this year following thorough assessment. These options reflect the scenarios and ideas that have been put forward by staff, public and stakeholders – looking at how we strengthen primary and community services, how we improve prevention and public health, and how we provide bed-based care in the best possible way for the future.

Last summer we undertook a major programme of listening and engagement to consider a range of scenarios put forward by staff, public and stakeholders included:

No change – “no change” is not feasible option, as change is needed to ensure that health services are safe and sustainable for the future.
Minor changes and developments to the way we provide physical and mental health community services.
More services provided within “centres of excellence” including in Rural Regional Centres. This would mean that some of our services (such as hospital beds) are provided in fewer locations than now.
Developing and expanding the range of services available at home through strengthened primary and community teams.

Inpatient care, including community hospital beds, is provided outside the county in neighbouring health boards.
Provide a District General Hospital in Powys – this is not an option as the sparsely populated nature of Powys means there are no safe or feasible options for providing District General Hospital in Powys.

Since last summer, scenario 5 has also been discounted and community hospital beds will continue to be provided in the county.

Full information about the scenarios put forward during our community engagement last summer are available from our Better Together engagement website.

How can I get involved now?

We would strongly encourage everyone to read and respond to our Case for Change. Your views, your experiences and your ideas are essential in helping us shape the right solutions for the future. You can share your feedback by writing to us at Better Together, Glasbury House, Bronllys Hospital, Bronllys LD3 OLY or by email to powys.bettertogether@wales.nhs.uk

You can also sign up for our regular newsletters to keep you up to date with the latest news at Sign up to our free email news bulletins.

What happens next?

No decisions have been made, and none will be made until there has been full and meaningful consultation with our staff and the public about the future of community services in Powys. We expect this consultation to take place from September and ask important questions such as:

How do we ensure a greater focus on preventing ill health?
How do we strengthen primary and community services so that more people are supported to stay well in the county, and fewer people need admission to hospital?
What is the right way to provide bed-based services in the future?

Plans for this consultation are currently being developed. We will ensure that more information is shared later this summer, with opportunities across the county for residents to find out more and get involved. In the meantime, please sign up for our regular newsletters to stay up to date with the latest news at Sign up to our free email news bulletins.

It will take courage and vision to make the right decisions for the future of Powys, and we are committed to working with you to do this.

Powys Well-being Assessment Consultation

As a part of the Public Services Board (PSB), we are inviting residents, businesses and visitors to share their views on what well-being means to them, as part of the consultation on the updated Powys Well-being Assessment.

The Well-being Assessment considers four key themes:

Social
Economy
Environment
Culture and community

While a significant amount of data and insight has already been gathered, it is essential that we hear directly from our communities to help us understand:

What well-being means to them
What affects their day-to-day lives
What should be improved now and in the future

The consultation starts on Monday 6th July at 9am and will run until Wednesday 30th September.

The responses will be used to shape the final Well-being Assessment and inform the next Well-being Plan.

How you can help – We would be grateful if you could:

Share the survey and encourage feedback from residents, businesses, and community organisations in your ward

Take part:

Complete the online survey: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/powys-well-being-assessment
Paper copies of the survey are available to download or can be picked up from a Powys library. Please return completed forms to library staff, or scan and email them to haveyoursay@powys.gov.uk.

Stage routes announced for 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women

The riders competing in the 2026 Lloyd’s Tour of Britain Women will face the longest race in the event’s history, with a total distance of almost 650km, across the five stages

Stage 1 – Cockermouth – Cockermouth – Wednesday 19 August 2026

Stage 2 – Clitheroe – Blackpool – Thursday 20 August 2026

Stage 3 – Mold – The Great Orme, Llandudno – Friday 21 August 2026

Stage 4 – Llanidloes – Hay-on-Wye – Saturday 22 August 2026

Stage 5 – Royal Leamington Spa – Royal Leamington Spa – Sunday 23 August 2026  

Interested in volunteering at the Lloyds Tour of Britain? You can register your interest and play a part in the biggest free to spectate event in the UK: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/tourofbritain/info/volunteer

Find out more about the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/tourofbritain/women?c=EN

Council approves support for self-catering holiday let owners affected by tax changes

Powys County Council has approved new measures to support owners of Powys self-catering holiday accommodation who have been transferred from Business Rates to Council Tax following changes to national eligibility criteria.

Council also approved that the estimated £1 million cost of implementing the discount will be met from an existing £1.2 million provision that had been set aside to cover the risk of non-collection of income from these properties.

The decision follows changes introduced by the Welsh Government in April 2023, which increased the criteria that self-catering properties must meet to remain on the Business Rates list. As a result, around 250 properties in Powys have transferred to the Council Tax list, with some receiving significant backdated bills.

The new discount aims to provide proportionate support to affected businesses while maintaining liability for the standard Council Tax charge. The council says the measure will help reduce financial hardship, support the local tourism economy and improve engagement with affected ratepayers.

There is no requirement for owners that qualify for this discretionary discount to apply, the council is aware of the properties impacted and will automatically award the discount and issue a revised Council Tax bill in the coming weeks.

Powys farmer prosecuted for animal welfare offences

A Powys farmer has been prosecuted after pleading guilty to animal welfare offences involving cattle in his care.

Gareth Jones, of The Chalet, Greenhill, Pontrobert, Meifod, was prosecuted by Powys County Council after an investigation found serious failings in the welfare of cattle on his farm.

The court heard that the offences related to failures to seek veterinary assistance for sick and lame animals, failures to provide adequate treatment, and failures to provide a suitable environment for the cattle. The welfare conditions were so poor that two animals had to be humanely destroyed.

Cabinet agrees £6m investment programme for Powys leisure centres

A £6 million capital investment programme for leisure facilities across Powys, alongside a further £500,000 – £650,000 of energy efficiency measures, has been agreed by Powys County Council’s Cabinet.

Longer-term vision for an Active Powys

Alongside the investment programme, Cabinet agreed to progress a renewed leisure review to inform the future re-tender of the council’s leisure contract in 2030. The review will consider leisure provision more broadly, including community-based activities, school facilities and partnership opportunities beyond the current contract arrangements.

The review will support the development of an ‘Active Powys’ model that aims to create a sustainable, affordable and accessible approach to supporting active lifestyles and wellbeing across the county.

The process will include:

Updating leisure and locality data across Powys.
Community engagement and locality conversations from autumn 2026.
Exploration of all future delivery options, including alternative operating models.
Continued partnership working with health, social care, schools and the voluntary sector.
Ongoing member oversight through a cross-party Leisure Review Group.
Development of evidence demonstrating the wider health and wellbeing benefits of leisure investment.
Preparation for the re-tender of the leisure contract by July 2030.

Powys young people: Your Voice Matters

Young people in Powys now have more time to share their views on the council’s ‘Your Voice Matters’ Young People’s Engagement Strategy, after the consultation deadline has been extended to 6 September 2026.

The strategy aims to make it easier for young people to speak up, be listened to, and play an active role in shaping decisions that affect their lives.

Shaped by the voices and ideas of young people across Powys, the strategy has been developed by a cross-department working group. This final consultation gives young people aged under 25 a last opportunity to share their views and build on this work before the strategy is finalised and published later this year.

How to get involved

Complete the online survey: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/your-voice-matters-powys
Paper copies of the survey are available to download or can be picked up from a Powys library. Please return completed forms to library staff, or scan and email them to haveyoursay@powys.gov.uk.

The closing date for responses is Sunday 6th September 2026.

We will also be asking for feedback on the strategy in person, across our youth groups and young people’s forums.

The responses will be used to refine the final strategy, which will be published in the autumn.

Share this:

Related