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

Following further site investigations, design development and discussions with the landowner, we’ve concluded that unfortunately it is no longer realistic to complete the works this autumn. The scheme requires a number of outstanding agreements and approvals, including landowner agreements, SSSI assent and Ordinary Watercourse Consent, and unfortunately the time needed to secure these means we are unable to undertake the in-channel works before the environmental restrictions come into force in October.

We believe the best approach is to use the coming months to finalise the necessary consents and agreements, review the remaining sections of the route, and ensure the scheme is fully prepared for delivery. Our aim is then to undertake the works once the environmental restrictions are lifted in spring next year (and landowner agreements are in place).

On a positive note, maintenance works have recently been completed on the U0472 and C0117, including replacement of the culvert crossing within the village. This removes the risk of a potential failure at that location and provides greater resilience for local residents.

I had hoped to be providing you with a more positive update, and I appreciate this is disappointing news for all, particularly as we had hoped to deliver the works this year, and I apologise for that. We will continue progressing the outstanding matters over the autumn and winter so that we are in the best possible position to proceed next spring.

Powys Council News

Powys County Council Leader calls for funding formula to better recognise rurality

Powys is Wales’ largest county, with communities spread across a wide area, an ageing population, a smaller working-age population and one of the largest local road networks in the country. These factors mean services such as social care, education, waste collection, transport and highways cost more to deliver than in more densely populated areas.

Cllr Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said: “Powys faces the same national pressures as councils across Wales, but rurality makes those pressures more acute. Our services are spread much more thinly, our staff often have to travel further between visits, and we have more roads and infrastructure to maintain across a relatively small population.

“We set a balanced budget this year and we will continue to manage our finances carefully, but it is future years where the gap is widening. Through our Sustainable Powys approach, we are changing how we work, using technology and focusing on prevention, all of which supports our ambition to build a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys. But fair funding will be essential if councils are to protect the services residents rely on.”

The council’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy identifies a £9.708 million funding shortfall in 2027/28 and a cumulative shortfall of £28.777 million to 2030/31. Powys has already delivered around £146 million of savings over the previous fourteen years, with a further £12 million of savings built into the 2026/27 budget.

Visitor Levy Engagement

Powys County Council’s Visitor Levy engagement will open on Monday 24 August and close on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

This initial engagement is asking residents, businesses and visitors for their views on whether Powys should consider introducing a Visitor Levy in the future. The council has agreed a cautious approach and is not proposing to introduce a levy at this stage. The feedback will be shared with Cabinet and Council to inform consideration of any future approach, with any decision on whether to introduce a Visitor Levy in Powys being a matter for the next Administration to consider following the elections in May 2027.

If a Visitor Levy was introduced in Powys in the future, there would need to be a further formal consultation process. The earliest it could be introduced in Powys would be 2028.

The levy rates are set by Welsh Government for the whole of Wales. Current rates are 75p per person per night for campsites, pitches and hostels, and £1.30 per person per night for all other visitor accommodation types. Some exemptions apply.

The survey asks about the principle of a levy, possible impacts on communities, businesses and visitors, and how any income should be used if a levy was introduced in the future.

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

Share the bilingual survey and encourage feedback from residents, businesses, visitors, community groups and local networks in your ward.
Please let people know that paper copies are available from Powys libraries. Once completed they can be returned to library staff or scanned and emailed to haveyoursay@powys.gov.uk
Promote the survey through your networks and social media. We have provided you with promotional materials to make sharing easy, please see attached poster, and a suggested social media post below:

Powys County Council is asking residents, businesses and visitors for their initial views on whether the council should consider introducing a Visitor Levy in the future. The survey is open until Wednesday 30 September 2026. Have your say: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/visitor-levy

Please also take the time to complete the survey yourself. If you have any questions, please do let me know.

Final start list confirmed for 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women

The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, began this morning (Wednesday 19 August) and will be heading for Powys on Saturday 22 August).

The penultimate stage, Stage Four, begins in Llanidloes at 11am, with the riders powering through 138.3km of beautiful Mid Wales countryside, before finishing in Hay-on-Wye at around 2.50pm. They will face a series of tough climbs – including in the Elan Valley – on what is this year’s Tour stage with the most ascent (2,280m).

More information on Stage Four: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/tourofbritain/women/stagefour

Powys political group leaders thank everyone responding to wildfires

Political group leaders at Powys County Council have come together to thank everyone working tirelessly to respond to the recent wildfires across Powys and neighbouring areas.

The fires have placed significant pressure on communities, emergency services and partner organisations. In response, individuals and organisations have worked around the clock to help protect lives, property, livelihoods and the natural environment.

We pay particular tribute to the dedicated crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, whose professionalism, courage and determination have been central to the response. Many firefighters serve on a retained basis, balancing emergency duties with their day-to-day jobs. We recognise the sacrifices they and their families make, and we thank the employers who have supported staff to answer the call and serve their communities during this exceptionally demanding period.

We also thank council staff, farmers, landowners, emergency service colleagues and the many others who have stepped forward to support affected communities and help tackle these difficult fires. Their dedication, resilience and willingness to help others show the very best of Powys.

We have been heartened by the many messages of support and encouragement shared with those involved in the response. These gestures of appreciation have meant a great deal to firefighters, staff, volunteers and everyone working on the frontline and behind the scenes.

Across Powys, people have come together in remarkable ways, providing specialist skills and equipment, supporting emergency operations, helping each other and keeping communities informed. Every contribution has made a difference and shown the strength of community spirit and partnership in times of need.

On behalf of all Powys County Council councillors, we thank everyone who has played a part in the response and continues to support those affected. We are deeply grateful to everyone who have worked so hard to protect our communities, our countryside and one another.

Have your say on the future of a Visitor Levy in Powys

Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to share their views on whether Powys County Council should consider introducing a Visitor Levy in the future.

The Visitor Levy is a small charge on overnight stays in visitor accommodation. It has been introduced by Welsh Government legislation and councils in Wales can decide whether to introduce it locally. Before making any decision, the council wants to understand local views and the possible effects on communities, businesses and visitors.

Powys County Council has agreed a cautious approach and is not proposing to introduce a levy at this stage. Instead, the council is carrying out initial engagement to understand views from across the county. The feedback will be shared with Cabinet and Council to inform consideration of any future approach, with any decision on whether to introduce a Visitor Levy in Powys being a matter for the next Administration to consider following the elections in May 2027.

If Powys were to introduce a Visitor Levy in the future, there would need to be a further formal consultation process. The earliest it could be introduced in Powys would be 2028.

The rates are set by Welsh Government for the whole of Wales. Current rates are 75p per person per night for campsites, pitches and hostels, and £1.30 per person per night for all other visitor accommodation types. Some stays would not be subject to the levy, including longer stays of more than 31 days, stays at someone’s sole or main residence, and certain emergency or temporary housing situations.

This initial engagement asks people what they think about the principle of a Visitor Levy, the possible impacts on communities and businesses, and how any income should be used if a levy was introduced in the future. Potential uses could include visitor facilities, public toilets, footpaths, signage, environmental protection, visitor information, events and destination management.

The survey is open from Monday 24 August until Wednesday 30 September 2026. It should take around 10 minutes to complete and is available in Welsh and English.

Complete the survey online at https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/visitor-levy

Printed copies will also be available from Powys libraries

Applications open for secondary school places for September 2027

Parents and carers of children due to start Year 7 in September 2027 can now apply for a secondary school place.

Applications are open from Tuesday 1 September 2026 until Friday 30 October 2026.

Parents and carers will receive the results of their application on Monday 1 March 2027.

Further information and application details are available on the council’s website: Applying for a School Place – Powys County Council

New rules for temporary campsites come into force

Landowners, farmers, campsite operators and rural businesses in Powys are being reminded about important changes to planning rules for temporary campsites that take effect today (1 September 2026).

The Welsh Government has introduced new permitted development rights for temporary campsites which change how they are operated and regulated across Wales. The changes are designed to support tourism while ensuring campsites are managed safely and responsibly.

Under the new regulations, temporary campsites for tents will generally be permitted to operate for up to 60 days per calendar year, compared with the current 28-day allowance. However, sites located within National Parks, National Landscapes and World Heritage Sites will continue to be limited to 28 days per year.

From today (1 September 2026), anyone wishing to operate a temporary campsite under the new permitted development rights must first notify their local planning authority to determine whether Prior Approval is required.

New notification process

Before opening a temporary campsite, operators will need to submit information to their local planning authority, including:

A site layout plan.
Details of pitches and amenities.
Information on toilet and wastewater facilities.
Waste storage and disposal arrangements.
Highway access arrangements.
Proposed dates of operation.

Ensuring safe and sustainable camping

When considering whether Prior Approval is required, planning authorities will assess matters such as wastewater management, refuse disposal and vehicular access to ensure campsites operate safely and without unacceptable impacts on neighbouring communities, the environment or the highway network.

Further information

The Welsh Government’s guidance on the new permitted development rights for temporary campsites is available on its website: https://www.gov.wales/planning-permission-permitted-development-rights-temporary-campsites

Powys residents and prospective campsite operators can also contact Powys County Council’s Planning Department for advice on the new notification and prior approval process: https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/6400/Planning

Record live viewing figures for Lloyds Tour of Britain Women

The biggest Lloyds Tour of Britain Women brought world-class women’s cycling into Powys and created more opportunities for people to watch, experience and engage with elite sport.

Nearly a quarter of a million people watched the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women on the official YouTube channel across the five-stage event. This figure is five times higher than the 2025 edition, showing the accelerated growth, ambition and reach of women’s sport in the UK.

Find out more about the Lloyds Tour of Britain here.

Find ways to get active in Powys on the Let’s Go Powys website:
https://letsgopowys.co.uk/

Get into cycling with Beicio Cymru: Get Involved – Beicio Cymru

Enforcement action taken against unauthorised poultry sheds near Penybont

An enforcement notice has been issued by Powys County Council, requiring the removal of two poultry sheds that were constructed without planning permission on land near Penybont.

The notice follows an investigation by Planning officers, which found that the development had been carried out without the necessary planning consent.

Planning regulations help to make sure that potential impacts on local communities, the rural landscape, biodiversity, highways, and neighbouring properties are properly assessed before development takes place. They play an important role in balancing economic development with the protection of our environment and communities.

Where development takes place without the required permission, the Council has a responsibility to investigate and, where appropriate, take formal enforcement action.

Anyone considering development is encouraged to contact the Council’s Planning Service through its pre-application enquiry service for guidance on whether planning permission is required before work commences.

Access pre-application application advice:

www.en.powys.gov.uk/article/5927/Pre-planning-application-advice

Powys County Council expresses solidarity with Nepal following devastating floods

We are deeply saddened by the devastating flooding that has affected communities across Nepal, causing loss of life, destruction of homes and widespread disruption.

Powys is proud to be home to a valued Gurkha community, and many local families have close ties to the areas affected. At this difficult time, our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the disaster, including those here in Powys who may be worried about loved ones and friends.

On behalf of Powys County Council, I want to express our solidarity with the people of Nepal and our sincere condolences to those who have lost family members, homes or livelihoods.

For anyone wishing to support the humanitarian response, donations can be made through the following appeals:

British Red Cross: https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/nepal-floods

Government of Nepal: https://pmdrf.nchl.com.np

The generosity and compassion shown by communities across Powys during times of crisis is always remarkable, and I know many residents will want to offer their support to those affected.

Growth Grants worth up to £25k available for Powys businesses

Businesses across Powys are being encouraged to apply for a new round of Business Growth Grants worth between £2,500 and £25,000 to help them invest, innovate and grow.

The Powys Business Growth Grant aims to increase capital investment in businesses with high growth potential, helping them improve productivity, innovation and competitiveness, while also supporting business expansion, job creation and workforce development.

Expressions of Interest open today (3 September) and close on 28 September: https://en.powys.gov.uk/Powys-Business-Growth-Grant

For further information about the Powys Business Growth Grant, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the Powys County Council website: https://en.powys.gov.uk/Powys-Business-Growth-Grant

Have your say on Powys County Council’s budget priorities

Residents are being invited to have their say on Powys County Council’s budget plans and priorities for the years ahead.

Each year the council must set a budget to fund essential services such as schools, social care, roads, waste and recycling. Like many councils across Wales, Powys is facing significant financial pressures due to rising costs, increasing demand for services and ongoing economic challenges. The council is therefore seeking feedback to help inform future budget decisions.

The survey explains the financial challenges facing the council, including the need for additional funding to meet rising costs and continued savings requirements. It also asks residents what services matter most to them, where investment should be prioritised and how the council should balance spending, service delivery and Council Tax levels.

Feedback will help councillors understand the issues that are most important to residents as work continues on developing the council’s budget for 2027/28 and beyond.

The survey is open until Wednesday 30 September 2026. It should take around 10 minutes to complete and is available in Welsh and English.

Complete the survey online at https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/budget-2026

Printed copies are also available from Powys libraries and can be returned to library staff or emailed to haveyoursay@powys.gov.uk once completed.

Powys Well-being Assessment– Have you had your say?

There is still time for residents, organisations and community representatives across Powys to share their views on what well-being means to them as part of a countywide survey, the county council has said.

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.

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.

Dementia service expansion helps 100 more people remain independent at home

A specialist dementia service helping people across south Powys to remain safely in their own homes is demonstrating significant benefits for patients and their families.

The South Powys Dementia Home Treatment Team (DHTT), part of Powys Teaching Health Board’s community-based dementia care services, supported 108 people last year (2025-26), including 96 people accessing the service for the first time.

The service provides specialist interventions for people living with dementia who are experiencing complex needs and complements a longer-established service covering the north of the county. Their work helps avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and allows more Powys residents to maintain their independence.

A total of 102 people supported by the South Powys DHTT last year were able to maintain their independence and avoid hospital admission. Just two hospital admissions were recorded during the reporting period, highlighting the effectiveness of the team’s person-centred approach.

The DHTTs works closely with patients, families, carers and partner organisations, providing rapid support, with face-to-face contact typically taking place within 24 to 48 hours of referral. The teams use specialist dementia care approaches, including the internationally recognised Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care model, which has now been embedded into care planning across the service.

Recent developments have strengthened the service further, including the addition of an experienced qualified social worker with expertise in safeguarding, discharge planning and mental capacity legislation. The team has also continued to work closely with Powys County Council Social Services to ensure coordinated support for people living with dementia.

Looking ahead, the service plans to further expand specialist training opportunities for staff, including Teepa Snow training and dementia mapping, while continuing to develop and share best practice in dementia care mapping across Powys.

The South Powys Dementia Home Treatment Team (DHTT) is funded through the Welsh Government’s Regional Integration Fund (RIF), supported by the Powys Regional Partnership Board and Age Well Board. The team covering the north of the county is funded through Powys Teaching Health Board’s core budget.

The DHTTs are accessed by referral from a health professional

Service launched to help children, young people and families access emotional wellbeing support

A new service designed to make it easier for Powys children, young people and families to access emotional wellbeing support has been officially launched.

Powys SPACE (Single Point of Access for Children’s Emotional wellbeing) was launched on Thursday (3 September) and provides a single, coordinated route to advice, information, early help and emotional wellbeing support for babies, children and young people aged 0 to 25 and their families.

The service acts as a multi-agency virtual front door, bringing together partners from across education, health, social care and support services to ensure families receive the right support, at the right time, without having to navigate multiple referral pathways.

Through one point of contact, families, young people and professionals can access advice, guidance and support. Following a referral or enquiry, the SPACE team will hold a ‘What Matters’ conversation to better understand individual needs, strengths and circumstances before connecting people to the most appropriate support.

Powys SPACE aims to provide:

Early access to advice, information and guidance
Faster connections to appropriate services and support
A more joined-up experience for families
Consistent decision-making through a multi-agency approach
Reduced duplication and clearer support pathways for professionals

The service is available through:

Online referral forms: https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/22396/Emotional-Health–Wellbeing-support-for-your-family
A public-facing webpage: https://en.powys.gov.uk/powysspace
A dedicated telephone number: 01873 377758

Both self-referrals from families and young people, and referrals from professionals, feed into the same coordinated system.

The development of SPACE has been informed by work across Powys which identified the need for a simpler, more joined-up approach to emotional health and wellbeing support. The service builds on the principles of the Nyth/Nest framework and aims to ensure children and young people receive help before issues escalate.

Routes into existing services remain and SPACE does not replace routes into emergency or crisis services, safeguarding procedures or CAMHS referral routes. If you need urgent support, call NHS 111, option 2, or 999 in an emergency.

Families, young people and professionals can find out more and access the service via the Powys SPACE webpage: https://en.powys.gov.uk/powysspace

Powys SPACE has been developed with the help of Welsh Government’s Regional Integration Fund (RIF) investment, supported by the Powys Regional Partnership Board and Start Well Board.

Free wellbeing events coming to Powys this autumn

The ‘Keeping Healthy in Powys’ project is a joint initiative between Powys County Council and Powys Teaching Health Board, bringing together local services and resources to strengthen communities and help people make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.

The events will give local people the opportunity to find out what support is available in their communities, speak directly with local organisations and access practical advice and information.

By bringing multiple organisations together in one accessible location, the events aim to:

Increase awareness of local health, wellbeing and support services.
Connect residents with organisations and community groups.
Provide information and advice to support healthier lives.
Strengthen community links and collaboration across Powys.

Everyone is welcome to attend, speak with participating organisations and find out what support is available locally. Free refreshments will also be available.

The events will be free to attend and will take place:

Llanfyllin – Thursday 17 September 2026, 10am-2pm

Llanfyllin Public Institute, High St, SY22 5AA

Knighton – Thursday 8 October 2026, 10am-2pm

Knighton and District Community Centre, Bowling Green Lane, Knighton, LD7 1DR

Rhayader – Thursday 12 November 2026, 10am-2pm

Rhayader Leisure Centre, North St, Rhayader, LD6 5BU.

Those already taking part in the events include, PAVO, Powys County Council, Powys Teaching Health Board, Care & Repair, and many more.

Organisations that wish to take part can sign up for free by emailing healthprotection@powys.gov.uk

For more information, please visit https://en.powys.gov.uk/wellbeingevents

Help Us Promote the “Let’s Talk: Living in Powys” Annual Resident Survey

I am writing to inform you about the upcoming “Let’s Talk: Living in Powys” Annual Resident Survey, which will be live from 9am Monday 14 September 2026 until midnight on Saturday 31 October 2026.

This survey is part of a collaborative initiative led by Data Cymru and the WLGA Improvement Programme, offering a consistent approach to gathering resident feedback across Wales.

What’s Happening?

The core survey covers key themes: about your local area, about your local council, about you, and about the survey itself.
Data will be collected at postcode level, enabling us to understand trends across different geographies and communities.
The survey is designed to be accessible to all residents, with digital, paper, and easy-read versions available.
It is bi-lingual and can be accessed via our haveyoursay.powys site, QR codes on posters and bus stop adverts in the community.
Paper and Easy Read copies of the survey are available to download or can be picked up from your local library. Please return completed forms to library staff, or scan and email them to haveyoursay@powys.gov.uk.

How You Can Help:

Please share the survey with your networks and encourage participation across your communities.

Y Gaer and Radnorshire Museum celebrate accreditation success

Two of Powys’ leading cultural attractions are celebrating a major milestone after achieving Museum Accreditation, the national quality standard for museums across the UK.

y Gaer Museum and Art Gallery in Brecon and Radnorshire Museum in Llandrindod Wells have both successfully attained Accredited status, recognising their commitment to excellence in museum management, collections care, learning and public engagement.

Museum Accreditation is the benchmark for professionally run museums, demonstrating that institutions meet rigorous standards in governance, collection stewardship, visitor services and organisational sustainability. The achievement highlights the quality of the work being undertaken across both museums to preserve and share Powys’ rich heritage and cultural collections.

y Gaer Museum and Art Gallery, located within the historic Shire Hall building in Brecon, showcases the history, archaeology, art and natural heritage of Brecknockshire. Meanwhile, Radnorshire Museum in Llandrindod Wells cares for significant collections that tell the story of Radnorshire’s people, places and traditions.

Achieving Accredited status also strengthens opportunities for both museums to secure grants, develop partnerships and borrow objects from collections across the UK, helping to bring even more exciting exhibitions and activities to local communities.

Find out more about y Gaer in Brecon: https://storipowys.org.uk/visit-us/museums/y-gaer/

Find out more about Radnorshire Museum in Llandrindod Wells: https://storipowys.org.uk/visit-us/museums/radnorshire-museum/

Radnorshire Museum is currently closed to the public, 14 – 25 September, while minor refurbishments are carried out. Llandrindod Wells Library is closed for a shorter period, 14 – 18 September.

During this time library users can still access online services, including eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines: https://storipowys.org.uk/explore/digital-library/

Or they can visit another Powys branch, including those at Rhayader, Builth Wells, Presteigne and Knighton: https://storipowys.org.uk/visit-us/libraries/

There may also be a further short closure of the museum and library in Llandrindod Wells, in November

Powys celebrates Catch the Bus Month this September

Residents are being encouraged to discover affordable, convenient and greener ways to travel this September as Powys County Council celebrates Catch the Bus Month.

Whether it’s for work, shopping, appointments, or social visits, taking the bus is often cleaner, cheaper and less stressful than driving.

There are over 50 bus routes across Powys. One of these routes is the X75, which can be used to travel all the way from Newtown to Aberystwyth for just £4. It’s a great way to get to the beach without having to worry about finding a parking space.

The refurbished Powys buses have upgraded audio-visual announcements, USB charging ports and more comfortable seating.

22 September is also World Car Free Day, a global initiative which encourages people to leave their cars at home and choose sustainable travel options.

When possible, using public transport, cycling, or sharing a lift is better for the planet and can have benefits socially and for your health and wellbeing.

Residents are encouraged to leave the car at home, give the bus a try this September and see where Powys’ bus network can take them.

More information about Catch the Bus Month: www.bususers.org/catch-the-bus-month

Explore over 50 bus routes in Powys: https://en.powys.gov.uk/bustimetables

Sustainable travel on World Car Free Day

22 September is World Car Free Day, a global initiative which encourages people to leave their cars at home and travel using eco-friendly alternatives.

Sometimes driving is the only option, but there are many residents and staff who travel by bike, bus and more.

When possible, cycling, sharing a lift or using public transport is better for the planet and can have benefits socially and for your health and wellbeing.

Catch the Bus Month

As September is also Catch the Bus Month, we’re celebrating bus travel across Powys. If you would like to get involved in our communications campaign, please share:

Your pledge for World Car Free Day – how are you going to travel?
How you use the bus in Powys – whether it’s for commuting, shopping, attending appointments or for social reasons.
Photos or videos of you travelling on the bus on World Car Free Day.

Please send your text and photos/videos to: comms@powys.gov.uk

More information

More information about Catch the Bus Month: www.bususers.org/catch-the-bus-month

Explore over 50 bus routes in Powys: https://en.powys.gov.uk/bustimetables

Council to consider future of Finance Panel

Powys County Council is to consider proposals to simplify its financial governance arrangements and discontinue its separate Finance Panel.

The Democratic Services Committee will be asked to consider a report recommending that the panel be discontinued, with the final decision to be made by Full Council on 8 October. If approved, the council’s Constitution would be amended accordingly.

The Finance Panel was established in 2014 to strengthen financial scrutiny, including oversight of the council’s budget, Medium-Term Financial Strategy, financial monitoring and financial risks.

Since then, the council’s wider governance arrangements have developed. Financial scrutiny is now undertaken through its service-focused Scrutiny Committees, while the Governance and Audit Committee provides independent assurance over financial affairs, governance, risk and control.

The cross-party Budget Advisory Group, established in 2025, also gives councillors earlier involvement in developing budget proposals and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy. The group is advisory and does not replace the council’s formal, public scrutiny arrangements.

The report concludes that the Finance Panel’s substantive functions are already being delivered through these existing arrangements. It says bringing financial and service performance scrutiny together would reduce duplication, clarify accountability and allow councillors to consider budgets alongside service pressures, risks and outcomes for residents. Maintaining effecting financial scrutiny remains essential.

If supported by the Democratic Services Committee, the recommendation will be referred to Full Council for a final decision. The council’s statutory scrutiny arrangements and Governance and Audit Committee would remain in place.

Independent panel recognises progress and highlights future priorities for Powys

Powys County Council has published its response to an independent Panel Performance Assessment (PPA), setting out a programme of action to build on the council’s strengths and drive further improvement across key areas.

The assessment, required under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, was undertaken by an independent panel in April 2026. The panel concluded that the council is fulfilling its performance duties and recognised the significant challenges facing Powys, while highlighting strengths in strategic planning, partnership working, governance, performance management, digital ambition and economic development.

The panel made nine recommendations to help the council strengthen delivery and accelerate progress in a number of areas, including communications, transformation, scrutiny, financial governance, economic development, digital innovation and education. In response, the council has developed a detailed action plan with clear milestones and target dates, many of which are already underway.

Changes to Council Tax Premium aim to bring empty homes back into use

Powys County Council is proposing changes to its Council Tax Premium scheme for long-term empty properties as part of a wider effort to bring homes back into use, regenerate communities and increase the supply of housing across the county.

Following feedback from the recent Council Tax Premium Scheme for Long-term Empty Properties consultation, the proposals will be considered by Cabinet before being referred to Full Council for a decision.

The council currently applies a Council Tax Premium to properties that have been empty for more than one year. Under the proposed new stepped approach, owners of long-term empty properties would continue to pay a 100% premium after one year, rising to 200% after five years and 300% after ten years.

The changes are intended to encourage owners to bring properties back into use while supporting the council’s wider priorities around housing, community regeneration and tackling homelessness.

Many of Powys’ towns and communities have raised concerns over a number of years about the impact of long-term empty buildings on local high streets and neighbourhoods. Bringing these properties back into occupation can help meet housing demand, increase footfall in town centres, improve the appearance of communities and make better use of existing buildings.

The council is also proposing that additional income generated through the premium is reinvested into activity that supports owners to bring empty properties back into use and increases access to housing. This could include expanding work to tackle empty homes, supporting housing regeneration projects and helping to reduce pressures on temporary accommodation services.

Housing services have highlighted the significant demand for smaller homes across Powys, with more than half of households on the Common Housing Register requiring one-bedroom accommodation. Empty homes often represent the type of housing that is most urgently needed, particularly in town centres and established communities.

The proposals will be discussed by Cabinet on 22 September before being considered by Full Council in October.

Council governance arrangements support a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys

Powys County Council’s governance arrangements have been assessed as fit for purpose in the council’s Annual Governance Statement 2025-26.

The Annual Governance Statement forms part of the council’s annual review of how it is run and how it accounts for public money. It helps demonstrate that decision-making, risk management and internal controls are reviewed regularly and transparently. The statement gives residents and stakeholders confidence that the council has arrangements in place to make decisions openly, manage risks responsibly and use public money effectively.

The latest Annual Governance Statement confirms that the council’s internal controls and arrangements operated effectively during 2025-26 and continue to support the council’s priorities and planned outcomes. The statement will be considered by Cabinet on 22 September, before being presented to the Governance and Audit Committee for approval.

The statement assesses the effectiveness of the council’s governance, risk management and internal control arrangements during the financial year. It explains how the authority operates lawfully, manages public resources responsibly and delivers services effectively. The review drew on a wide range of evidence, including internal and external audit findings, performance reports, risk management arrangements, statutory officer assurances and regulatory feedback.

With an overall assurance rating of “Reasonable”, the statement confirms that risks are generally well managed. It also identifies improvement actions for 2026-27, including strengthening the council’s governance framework, improving guidance for impact assessments and further developing digital systems to support transparency and access to information.

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