Recycling Rewards is Bryson Recycling’s community giving initiative designed to ensure that the environmental services they provide also deliver meaningful social value. For every tonne recycled at the four Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) they manage in Powys, they will donate £1 to local charities.

Funding Allocation

Powys HRCs: £6000 is available (2 x £2000 donations – one in North Powys, Mid and South Powys)

We are currently seeking charity nominations for the Mid Powys region. Once selected the donation will be made and publicised through a press release and on online.

To nominate a charity, please send an email to waste.contracts@powys.gov.uk

Police and Crime Commissioner Annual Report

Key Statistics for 2025-26

The office reported:

5,838 victims engaged and supported
2,684 offenders supported
Over 2,850 survey responses
Over 500 visitors attending engagement events
60,000 website views
56 public campaigns supported
9 Policing Board meetings held.

Budget and Funding

For 2026-27:

Total policing budget: £165.1 million
Council Tax precept increase: 7.47%
Equivalent to approximately £2.25 per month for an average Band D household.
Investment targeted toward neighbourhood policing, victim services, crime prevention, safeguarding, rural crime and road safety.

Full report available here. annual-report-2026-en-digidol.pdf

Age Cymru Annual Report

Key New and Expanded Services

Home Help Service: A paid-for service offering regular home visits, companionship, cleaning, laundry, shopping assistance, paperwork help, prescription collection, and respite sitting. The same carer visits each time, fostering trust and continuity. Staff are trained in mental health, dementia, and safeguarding, and all have enhanced DBS checks. The service is currently available in Newtown, Montgomery, and Welshpool, with plans to expand.
Housing Support Service: For residents aged 55+, this new service provides personalized, practical support to help manage housing situations, understand rights, and access help to stay safe and settled at home. Accredited advisers offer free, confidential, one-to-one support for homeowners, private renters, and those in social housing.
Wills & Power of Attorney (POA) Appointments: Free, no-obligation appointments with local solicitors help older people understand and arrange wills and POA. These sessions are designed to empower individuals to protect their loved ones and make informed decisions.
Energy Services: The Energy Roadshow and free Home Energy Check service are expanded, with new Energy Officers (David and Andrew) joining the team. The service offers practical advice on energy efficiency, cost-saving, and free home energy gadgets. The Rural Advice Van brings expert support directly to communities.

Community Recognition and Partnerships

Warm Powys Project: Age Cymru Powys is a key partner in the award-winning Warm Powys initiative, which recently won a national sustainability award for its collaborative approach to rural home energy efficiency. The project is recognized for its resident-first ethos and measurable impact on comfort and wellbeing.

Additional Services and Support

Bereavement Support: The Bereavement Service, led by Amy, offers compassionate, practical support for people aged 70+ who have experienced loss. The service is flexible (phone, online, or home visits) and focuses on early-stage help with paperwork, financial support, and emotional reassurance. Staff are trained by Cruse Bereavement Support.
Independent Living Products: Through Age UK Trading, a range of products such as stairlifts, bathing solutions, personal alarms, and incontinence protection are available. Profits support the charity’s work locally.
Advice and Advocacy: The Advice Team provides expert, impartial guidance on a wide range of issues, including welfare benefits, cost-of-living, care at home, and digital switchover for landlines.

Post 16 update

Post-16 update

The Council’s review of sixth forms has now evolved into the Future Pathways Programme, which brings together education, skills and economic development.

This new Programme is focusing on four workstreams:

rapidly improving the current system in terms of the curriculum offer and educational outcomes
developing a single approach to providing clear learning pathways for 14 – 19 year olds
considering the future sixth form structure to create a sustainable model
developing an Education Business Partnership to better align economic and business needs with education.

A Future Pathways Forum has been established, and two meetings have been held. The Forum brings together schools, further education and training providers, Careers Wales, Regional Skills Partnership and businesses, with the aim of developing a single approach to education and the economy, to improve learning pathways for our learners.

Council honoured with prestigious Ministry of Defence Gold Award

Powys County Council has been awarded theEmployer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award 2026 for its outstanding support towards the Armed Forces. It is one of only eight employers in Wales, and 162 across the UK, to receive it.

To find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme and how your business can benefit from supporting the Armed Forces Community visit here

Growing Mid Wales highlights strong partnership working and regional progress at the Royal Welsh Show

Highlights from the week included:

· Exploring the Regional Skills Partnership’s emerging Digital Skills Strategy, which will help shape how digital skills are developed across Mid Wales and will be shared publicly in the coming months.

· Hearing from members of the Mid & North Wales Agri-Tech and Food-Tech Launchpad community about how Innovate UK support has helped businesses develop, test and grow innovative ideas with commercial potential.

· Showcasing how the Mid Wales Growth Deal’s Digital Programme, including the LoRaWAN Business Grant, is helping businesses adopt smart technologies to improve efficiency, productivity and decision-making.

· Learning how funding and regional partnerships are helping projects within the agricultural and timber sectors research, test and prototype new approaches that support decarbonisation and long-term sustainability.

· Discussing how Mid Wales can continue to build on its strengths in areas including agriculture, food and drink, manufacturing, tourism, energy and digital innovation to create future opportunities for the region.

Caught on CCTV fly-tipper hit with £400 penalty

A £400 fixed penalty notice (FPN) has been issued following an incident of fly-tipping at the Global Centre of Rail Excellence’s Nant Helen Site.

The notice was issued after Powys County Council officers investigated the illegal dumping of waste at Onllwyn, near Ystradgynlais, which happened on 23 December 2025.

Read to the Beat with the Summer Reading Challenge

Children and families across Powys are being encouraged to turn up the volume on reading this summer by taking part in the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat.

Delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries, this year’s challenge celebrates the connection between stories and music, inspiring children to explore how reading and sound can spark imagination, creativity and self-expression.

To take part:

Sign up for the challenge at your local Powys library – Visit us – Powys
Sign up online via the Summer Reading Challenge website
Set a reading goal and enjoy reading anything they like, from story books and comics to information books and audiobooks

Powys care team praised in exceptional inspection report

Powys County Council’s domiciliary support service has received an exceptional inspection report from Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), achieving the highest possible rating of “Excellent” in every area inspected.

The service, which supports adults to live independently in their own homes across Powys, was rated Excellent for Well-being, Care and Support, and Leadership and Management. Inspectors praised the service’s highly personalised, compassionate approach, skilled workforce and strong leadership.

Council recognised for commitment to fair pay

Powys County Council has become an accredited Real Living Wage employer.

The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate based on living costs and this accreditation recognises the council’s commitment to being a fair, ethical and responsible employer.

As one of the largest employers in Powys, the council recognises that fair pay makes a real difference in attracting and retaining talented people who are passionate about making a difference in Powys.

It also helps support the financial wellbeing of its employees and their families, while contributing to stronger communities and a more resilient local economy.

Tour de France Grand Départ trophy handed to Great Britain as the ‘next hosts’

Great Britain has officially become the next host of the Tour de France after receiving the Grand Départ Trophy in Paris following the final stage of this year’s race. Powys will play a key role in the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ, with stage three of the men’s race starting in Welshpool and finishing in Cardiff on Sunday 4 July.

Powys continues to make progress despite ongoing challenges

The council’s Money Advice Team helped nearly 1,500 people last year, bringing almost £3 million into the pockets of Powys residents. At the same time, waiting lists for domiciliary care reduced by 60%, housing energy efficiency improvements were delivered to more than 1,000 properties, and 133 families received support with essential items during a critical period.

The full Annual Corporate Self-Assessment Report is available on the Powys County Council website. – Annual Corporate Self-Assessment Report – Powys County Council

Proposed Modular Housing Scheme to Strengthen Homelessness Support in Powys

Powys County Council is progressing plans for a new modular housing development at County Hall in Llandrindod Wells to provide safe, modern temporary accommodation for people experiencing a housing crisis.

The proposed scheme will deliver high-quality, self-contained temporary homes, giving households a stable place to stay while they are supported to secure settled, long-term accommodation.

The council is currently supporting 31 households in emergency housing under its homelessness duties. The new homes will help reduce reliance on costly emergency placements and provide greater privacy, independence and stability for individuals and families.

By increasing the availability of suitable temporary accommodation, the council would be better able to support households locally, ease pressure on emergency housing and create a more sustainable homelessness system.

The development would also support younger people who may be “sofa surfing” or living in insecure housing, offering an important pathway towards settled housing and better long-term outcomes.

New Pothole Pro arrives in Powys as highways crews begin specialist training

Powys County Council’s first Pothole Pro machine has arrived in the county, marking an important milestone in the council’s wider investment in highway maintenance.

The specialist machine forms part of the council’s £2.5 million investment in highways maintenance and will help highways teams deliver more effective, longer-lasting pothole repairs across Powys’ 5,500km road network.

The Pothole Pro helps prepare damaged road surfaces before repairs are carried out. By cutting, cropping and cleaning defects more effectively, it helps crews complete stronger and more durable repairs while making more efficient use of resources.

The machine has now arrived in Powys and highways crews are currently receiving specialist training to ensure it can be used safely and effectively before entering service. Two further machines are expected to join the fleet once they have been manufactured and delivered.

The Pothole Pro will not repair potholes on its own and will not solve every road condition issue immediately. Instead, it will support highways teams as part of a wider maintenance programme that includes resurfacing, drainage improvements and structural repairs. Once training has been completed, the machine will begin operating across the county as part of planned highways maintenance activities.

Do you have a question about council services?

They must relate to the county and the services the council provides, and if accepted by the Chair of Powys County Council they will be added to the agenda in the order in which they are received.

The council provides a 20-minute slot at the start of all full council meetings for public questions and only four valid questions will be considered in the order that they were received.

If the council receives more than four questions, other valid questions will be held over until the full council meeting in October.

To submit a question for the October full council meeting, email publicquestions@powys.gov.uk by 5pm on Tuesday 15 September.

The meeting at County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, which are attended by some councillors in person and by others over Zoom, can be viewed via the council’s website.

More information on public participation at council meetings is available here: https://powys.moderngov.co.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SD672&ID=672&RPID=9845814

National Eisteddfod 2026: Handover ceremony and visit from the First Minister

The baton for hosting the National Eisteddfod was officially passed from Pembrokeshire to Powys on Monday (3 August), during a ceremony involving the leaders of both counties.

Powys will be hosting the 2027 National Eisteddfod, in Glantwymyn, near Machynlleth – known as the Maldwyn Meirionnydd Eisteddfod – from 31 July to 7 August.

More information on the 2027 Maldwyn Meirionnydd Eisteddfod: https://eisteddfod.wales/festival/2027

Encouraging residents to volunteer as JOY Makers at the Tour de France 2027

Residents interested in volunteering at the 2027 Tour de France are encouraged to apply before applications close on 1 September 2026.

On 4 July 2027, one of the world’s most famous cycling events will be racing through Powys. The Tour de France will need up to 9,000 volunteers to help them deliver an event of this scale.

Volunteering at the Tour de France is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all Powys residents. Councillors are asked to particularly encourage young people aged under 25 and people with disabilities to apply.

The minimum age for volunteers is 16. Young volunteers who turn 16 on or after 1 April 2027 can still apply.

Not only will volunteering provide front-row seats to the action and great experience for everyone; 18-25 year old JOY Makers will also have the option to join the Readiness to Work programme. This free bonus will provide them with employability skills training and mentoring.

With less than four weeks until the volunteer application deadline closes, on 1 September 2026, please spread the word in your communities. The attached toolkit is for you to use on your social media to promote the opportunity.

More information on volunteering as a JOY Maker: Become a JOY Maker! | Grand Départ GB 2027

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

Powys County Council congratulates learners on A Level and Level 3 results

Powys County Council has congratulated learners across the county who received their A Level and Level 3 qualification results.

Play pods bring creativity and fun to more Powys communities after successful pilot

New play pods are being introduced across Powys to help children, young people and families enjoy more opportunities for free, accessible play in their local communities.

The idea has grown from the success of the original Machynlleth Play Pod, developed by the Powys Together project, a scheme funded by Powys Regional Partnership Board to deliver free activities in disadvantaged parts of the north of the county.

The Machynlleth model showed how a simple community resource could bring people together, support local play opportunities and make equipment available for wider community use.

Building on that success, new play pods have now been placed in Knighton and Brecon, with a further play pod due to be delivered to Ystradgynlais at the end of the summer.

The play pods have been funded through a Welsh Government Children and Communities grant.

In Brecon, the play pod has already hosted its first play sessions, where one parent commented: “Wow, what amazing things you have. I can’t wait to bring my children to more sessions.” It has also been used by Brecon Youth Club.

Brecon Play Pod, based at The Uplands, was also used for a special event to celebrate National Play Day on Wednesday 5 August, which was organised by Powys County Council’s Flying Start team, Powys Together and Brecon Youth Club.

Further sessions will also take place throughout the school holidays, with the Flying Start team and Powys Together continuing to collaborate to provide play opportunities for local families in Brecon and elsewhere.

Community groups are also encouraged to make use of the play pod resources. The pods are designed to be shared, helping local groups and organisations create more opportunities for children and young people to play, connect and be active.

For more information about using the play pod resources, or to find out about upcoming sessions, please contact Powys County Council’s Flying Start team at: flyingstart@powys.gov.uk

OPCC Youth Ambassadors Launch New Survey for Young People

Youth Ambassadors from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner have launched a new survey as part of their Future Youth Project.

The Future Youth Project aims for the Youth Ambassadors to gain an understanding of the current concerns, opinions and experiences of young people aged 14-25 in the Dyfed-Powys area. The Project will see the Youth Ambassadors conduct a survey, attend events, and visit local groups in the Dyfed-Powys area.

Youth Ambassadors have played a leading role in developing the questions, ensuring the survey is relevant, accessible, and meaningful to their peers. By taking part, respondents will directly contribute to influencing decision-making and improving support available to young people.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said:

“Your opinion really does matter. I encourage all young people to take part in this survey. Young people’s feedback is essential in helping my Youth Ambassadors, my Office and Dyfed-Powys Police gather the opinions and concerns of our young people living in our communities. Let’s continue to work together to keep Dyfed-Powys safe for young people.”

Participants will also have a chance to enter a prize draw to win a signed Swansea City A.F.C shirt signed by Gonçalo Franco. The winner will be announced in September. Find out more: https://forms.office.com/e/Fdf1aLyqZX?origin=lprLink

Take the survey here: https://forms.office.com/e/Fdf1aLyqZX?origin=lprLink

The survey closes 25th September 2026.

Please share this survey with your contacts, to capture as many opinions as possible.

August 2026

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