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Wales Online
a day ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Government update announced for those with energy meters
Government update announced for those with energy meters Hundreds of thousands of households will be affected The technology is becoming obsolete (Image: Matthew Horwood / Media Wales ) The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch-off is to be delayed, the Government has announced, following warnings that it was likely to cause considerable disruption to hundreds of thousands of households. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said there will be a 'managed and more controlled start' to the RTS phaseout from June 30, and those with an affected meter will not face any unexpected disruption to their heating or hot water at the end of the month. The RTS system, used by older electricity meters to control heating and hot water, uses a longwave radio frequency to switch between peak and off-peak rates. The technology is becoming obsolete and energy companies had a deadline to change their customers' meters by June 30. However, firms have admitted that current rates of replacement meant it was likely that thousands of RTS meters would not have been upgraded before the technology is switched off. Energy UK, which represents firms, said 392,000 households still had the meters as of mid April. Industry regulator Ofgem has said the risks associated with not having a functioning meter include heating and hot water left continually on or off, electric storage heaters charging at the wrong time of day, possibly leading to higher bills, and the supplier being unable to confirm electricity usage during peak or off-peak times. Article continues below In a written statement on Wednesday, energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said the pace of RTS replacements by industry had been 'too slow', leaving 314,935 RTS meters still in homes as of May 30. She said: 'My department has worked to ensure industry will pursue a more controlled approach to the phaseout, beginning with a very small number of homes and businesses in carefully targeted local areas. "During this process, Government and Ofgem will closely monitor supplier readiness to ensure the process is smooth and vulnerable consumers are identified and protected. 'These steps will help ensure suppliers are ready to respond quickly in case of any issues and that working families and the elderly are protected throughout the phaseout process. 'The Government is working closely with industry and Ofgem to ensure this next period is planned effectively and consumers, particularly those who are vulnerable, are protected.' She added: 'Suppliers will continue contacting consumers to book replacement appointments and consumers are urged to respond as soon as possible. 'In most cases, this will involve replacing the RTS meter with a smart meter, which can work in the same way as RTS meters, with automatic peak and off-peak rates, and the ability to turn heating and hot water systems on and off, ensuring minimal disruption to households. 'In advance of any phaseout activity in their area, households and businesses will be contacted by their energy supplier to inform them well ahead of time, if their meters will be affected.' Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, which wrote to Ofgem and the Government to raise concerns about the pace and communication of the meter replacement effort, said: 'The RTS switch-off process was doomed to failure after it became clear that the deadline was simply unachievable. 'Ministers are right to be getting a grip on the situation and holding Ofgem and the energy industry to account. 'We now need to see a plan published that sets out how the gradual switch-off will take place, including which regions will be affected and when. Article continues below 'Crucially, we also need firm and binding reassurances that no customers will be left without heating or hot water, and that no household will face higher bills as a result of the changes. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here .
Wales Online
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Major roads closed in Cardiff ahead of stadium event
Major roads closed in Cardiff ahead of stadium event Thousands are heading to the Principality Stadium for an event on Thursday, June 19. Here is everything you need to know A number of roads will be closed on Thursday due to a concert in the Principality Stadium (Image: Matthew Horwood ) There are a number of major road closures in Cardiff on Thursday due to an event being held in the city. Thousands are expected to be in the Welsh capital so travel and parking disruption should be expected. American singer Chris Brown will be performing at the Principality Stadium as part of his Breezy Bowl XX tour in the first of a number of major concerts being held at the stadium this summer, including Oasis, Lana Del Ray, Kenrick Lamar and SZA and Stereophonics. On Thursday, the gates will open from 5pm and there will be a full city centre road closure from 3pm until midnight to ensure all ticket holders can get into and out of the stadium safely. Fans are strongly advised to plan their journey and arrive early. You can read more about the gig here Ticketholders are also asked to pay attention to the list of prohibited items, in particular the bag policy - no large bags permitted - before travelling into the city. Motorists are being warned to expect the M4 to be very busy as people travel to the concert. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here People are asked to plan ahead and avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using the park & ride at the car park by the Vindico Arena on International Drive in the Sports Village (CF11 0JS). Article continues below Full list of road closures From 7am, Scott Road and Park Street will be closed because of the need to prepare gate five and protect queuing fans. The following roads will be closed as part of the full city centre road closure which will take place at 3pm until midnight: Kingsway from its junction with North Road to its junction with Duke Street. Cowbridge Road East from its junction with Cathedral Road to its junction with Westgate Street. Tudor Street from its junction with Clare Road to its junction with Wood Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted via Fitzhammon Embankment). Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street from their junctions with Despenser Place to their junctions with Tudor Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted). The following roads will be closed in their entirety: Duke Street, Castle St, High Street, St Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street, Central Square, Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Park Street, Havelock Street and Scott Road. Station Terrace and Guildford Street from the junction with Newport Road to the junction with Churchill Way will be access for buses only during the times of the road closures. This is to ensure that there is reliable access for buses to the satellite points in Churchill Way. Additionally, Penarth Road will be closed 30 minutes before the concerts finish and for up to an hour after they finish, on safety grounds for train passengers arriving and departing from the train station. Access to part of the Civic Centre will be controlled throughout the day, with access allowed only for event parking, limited commuter parking, loading and access to private car parks. Roads affected include King Edward VII Avenue, Museum Avenue, City Hall Road, College Road and Gorsedd Gardens Road. Trains TfW) and Great Western Railway (GWR) will operate additional and strengthened services (trains with more carriages than usual) to get customers to and from the events smoothly. However, some engineering works will impact services which means passengers should plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey. Until Friday June 20, Network Rail are replacing track in the Filton and Stoke Gifford areas, as well as completing other work between Pilning and Severn Beach. This means that there are no direct trains between Bristol and South Wales during these dates, including for the Chris Brown Concert. Customers travelling between Bristol and South Wales should change at Gloucester or Cheltenham Spa, where trains will still run to and from South Wales. GWR will operate an extra service from Cardiff to Bristol Temple Meads (via Gloucester) after the concert, supported by rail replacement buses. Those unaffected by these works are still warned to check the time of their last train home, and to allow plenty of time. A queuing system will begin from 10pm and the queuing for mainline rail services will be on Central Square with the Valley queues at the rear of the station. People should also note that Cardiff Bus Interchange will close at 3pm and Cardiff Queen Street Station will close at 10pm, unless customers have accessible requirements or are travelling to Cardiff Bay. Park and Ride facilities The event park and ride facilities will be using the car park by Vindico Arena on International Drive in the Sports Village, Cardiff Bay - CF11 0JS. The drop off point in the city centre is on Tresillian Way. The park and ride site will open at 8.45am, with the first bus leaving at 9am. The last bus from the city centre will be at 7pm with the site closing at 7.30pm. The cost is £15. Cash only. Civic Centre Event Day Parking Getting there: Exit Junction 32 of the M4, head south on the A470 towards the city centre and follow signage to the civic centre. Cost: £20 payable on the day for cars and £30 for coaches - card payments are also now available. Parking time: The car park will open at 8am and closes at 12 Midnight. Event Day Parking at Sophia Gardens (Cars) It is around 0.5 miles to walk from this location to the Principality Stadium, Gate 2. To get there Exit junction 32 off the M4. It will cost £20 for cars and £30 for coaches - card payments are now available. The car park opens at 8.00am and closes at 12am. Please note Sophia Gardens car park will be staffed until 7pm all vehicles are left on site at the owner's risk. Cardiff Council said it will not be held responsible for any theft or damage to motor vehicles or personal possessions. Any vehicles left in the car park after closing time will be fined. Bus Local buses: Bus services will be diverted while the city centre road closures are in place Please visit the relevant bus operator's website for more information about your specific bus routes. National Express: National Express coaches will use Sophia Gardens as usual. Can you cycle or walk? The cycleways and the pop-up cycleways within the road closure area will remain open for cyclists to use during the event, but due to the number of people expected to attend the rugby match, the council is urging all cyclists to take due care and attention. Shopping Parking The following city centre car parks are also available: North Road Car Parks, St David's Shopping Centre, John Lewis, Capitol Shopping Centre, and NCP (Adam Street, Dumfries Place and Greyfriars Road.) Disabled parking Disabled drivers are advised to use Sophia Gardens. Disabled parking is also available at various private car parks. Please check individual websites for availability, Cardiff council advises. Article continues below Taxis St Mary Street taxi rank (outside the former House of Fraser building) will close at 11am and will re-open at 7pm.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Politics
- Wales Online
Let me tell you why Pride matters, 40 years after the first parade in Wales
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Sharon James-Evans, is principal of Cardiff and Vale College and a gay woman Every year I look forward to Pride Month. It's not just to celebrate the progress we've made but to remind myself that, even in moments of joy, we have to stay vigilant. Pride has always been both a celebration and a prompt —a moment to rejoice, but also a call to action and a time to speak out. This year marks the 26th anniversary of the largest not-for-profit LGBTQ+ organisation in Wales, which will host over 50,000 people in a weekend of celebration and solidarity. It promises to be a wonderful event, but beyond the parades and festivities, it's also a reminder of the work still to be done. Everything you need to know about Pride Cymru's weekend in Cardiff is here. As a gay woman, Pride means so much more than just a celebration of who we are. It's a direct response to the ever-present danger of regression affecting many in our society, especially at a time when there is a rising tide of anti LGBTQ+ legislation is particularly affecting transgender people in the United States. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here And it's not just about trans people. The fight for trans rights is fundamentally a fight for all human rights. It echoes the same ideals that have driven other liberation movements—whether it's for racial justice, women's rights, or disability rights. At its core, the trans rights movement is about autonomy, self-determination, freedom from violence, and the ability to live without societal limitations. Indeed, I find myself increasingly concerned by what's unfolding in the United States. The attack on transgender rights and the larger LGBTQ+ community there is rippling outward, affecting not just Americans, but people all over the world. It has the potential to become a dangerous export. (Image: Matthew Horwood) Meanwhile, here in the UK, the latest Home Office data shows that transphobic hate crimes increased by 186% between 2018 and 2023. It's not right, and it's not fair. In Cardiff, where I'll be marching with my colleagues at Pride, the realities of these issues feel particularly pressing. Diversity, inclusion, and community are core values at the very heart of our Cardiff and Vale College, and I'm proud that we represent one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in Wales. As Wales' largest college, we prioritise diversity and inclusivity for our staff and our learners, and we are proud of our thriving and caring community. Our LGBTQ+ Staff Network is a safe space for staff to connect, share experiences, and support one another, enabling cross departmental collaboration and friendships to grow thus promoting an inclusive culture. There is no place for any anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. In fact, we hold the prestigious Leaders in Diversity status, and we are previous winners of the Association of Colleges (AoC) UK-wide Beacon Award. That's testament to our innovative work to embrace equality and inclusion. We also hold a WorldSkills UK Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador Award and we are second on the NCFD's Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces. This is important because research from Stonewall has shown that LGBTQ+ workers are increasingly prioritising diversity in their workplace. Three-quarters of LGBTQ+ workers want to work for companies that actively support inclusion. Yet despite this demand, bullying and harassment are still rampant in many sectors, with 49% of LGBTQ+ workers reporting unwanted sexual comments or being undermined due to their identity. Even more concerning, one in five LGBTQ+ workers contemplate leaving their job due to lack of LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts. That's why we celebrate Pride not only as a symbol of who we are but as a rallying cry for action. This is a time for solidarity, not just in marches but in real, everyday actions. As a country, we should be proud to be a safe space where people can live openly, with acceptance and without fear of judgment. We're reminded of the words of German pastor Martin Niemöller, who warned of the dangers of staying silent in the face of injustice. In his famous poem 'First They Came…', he reflects on how failing to speak out when others are targeted ultimately leaves no one to defend us when we become the target. It's a powerful message for us all. When trans rights are attacked, it is not only a trans issue—it is a human issue. Silence in the face of discrimination allows oppression to grow unchecked. We must remember that the LGBTQ+ community, including trans people, are like all people - multifaceted, with complex lives, rich relationships, careers, and communities. The struggles they face are a direct result of the prejudice, violence, and barriers that society continues to put in their way. Our collective responsibility is to remove those barriers—whether that's standing up against discrimination, advocating for better healthcare access, or simply being an ally in our workplaces and communities. Pride is our collective voice—loud, visible, and resolute in saying: we will not be silent. It's about wanting to be part of a multi-cultural and fully inclusive society and creating a world where trans people, and all LGBTQ+ people, can live freely, fully, and safely together.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Transport for Wales rail passenger numbers soar
Transport for Wales rail passenger numbers soar Latest figures from the Office for Road and Rail show that a huge rise to 31.3 million and the highest percentage rise for any UK rail operator A Transport for Wales (TFW) train at Cardiff Central Station. (Image: Matthew Horwood ) Transport for Wales (TfW) has seen the biggest percentage rise in passenger numbers of any train operator in the UK, new official figures show. TfW, which operates the Wales and Borders network, saw passenger journey numbers climb 19% from April 2024 to the end of March to 31.3 million on a year earlier. Of the 24 train operators assessed by the Office for Road and Rail (ORR), the second highest year-on-year increase was experienced by TransPennine Express, up 17% to 27.5 million and CrossCountry (whose services operate in Wales) up 15% to 37.8 million. The significant increase by TfW comes it starts to reap the benefits of the £800m of new trains across its network funded by the Welsh Government. Welsh retail footfall numbers fell in May READ MORE: Its services also operate in England, including a popular Cardiff to Manchester route. Its passenger numbers will accelerate in the future as it introduces a fleet of 35 new tram-trains on the south Wales Metro. A fully operational turn-up-and-go tram train network is expected to be fully operational by next year. The ORR figures show that the number of kilometres travelled by TfW passengers also grew 13% to 1.2 billion. TFW is the transport body of Welsh Government. Its executive director for customer and communications, Lewis Brencher, said: "The latest ORR figures are a result of the significant investment and years of hard work which are now coming to fruition, with more brand-new trains in service, new and increased services, improvements in our stations and easier and cheaper ways to pay for tickets. Article continues below "The improvements in the reliability and punctuality of our new trains, part of an £800m investment on behalf of the Welsh Government, and the better on-board customer experience are attracting more and more people to travel on the Wales and Borders network and we are proud to be the fastest growing train operating company in the UK." Like many train operators, TfW receives a public subsidy (from the Welsh Government). With its revenues increasing from fares there is potential, particularly via a turn-up-and-go Metro network, to see that subsidy reduced over the long-term. With increased services the Metro network is targeting growing passengers from ten million to 12 million per annum. However, one of the main inhibitors to growth beyond that is the fact that on the parts of the network with the highest population density, the City and Coryton Lines that running through Cardiff, the £1bn Metro electrification programme will see no uplift on the current number of services of just two per hour. In her spending review last week Rachel Reeves committed to funding a Cardiff west junction and TfW being assigned £48m for rail enhancement on the Core Valley Lines, that if deployed for a loop on the Coryton Line, that would allow for four trains an hour on both lines. Both projects would be key in helping to see passenger numbers on the Metro network moving upwards towards 20 million per annum. For the UK as a whole the ORR figures show that 1.73 billion journeys were made by rail passengers in Great Britain - up 7% (1.61 billion) on the previous year. The number of passengers was just below the pre-pandemic (2018-19) level of 1.75 billion. From April 2024 to March 2025, passenger revenues for all the train operators assessed was £11.5bn, up on the £10.6bbn in the previous year Revenues were below the £12.9bn generated pre-pandemic) (April 2019 to March 2020). Passenger revenue has been impacted by inflation over the last four years. Recently, the cap for annual regulated fare increases has been set at values below the Retail Price Index (RPI) measure of inflation, which means in real terms the cost of tickets has decreased. Article continues below Govia Thameslink Railway carried the biggest number of passengers with 298 million (up 10%) followed by the Elizabeth Line with 242.9 million (also up 10%). Operator of Paddington to South Wales services, Great Western Railway, handled 89 million passengers (up 8%).
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
You won't get DWP £300 winter fuel payment if this rule applies to you
You won't get DWP £300 winter fuel payment if this rule applies to you The winter fuel payment will be made automatically this winter. Here's everything you need to know about the changes and who will qualify for the payment and who won't and how that works More people will get the winter fuel payment than previously thought (Image: Matthew Horwood ) In a significant policy reversal, millions of individuals will receive a winter fuel payment this year. It was confirmed on Monday, June 9, that pensioners earning £35,000 or less would receive a payment of up to £300 later this year. The announcement partially rolled back a contentious policy implemented last year that introduced means-testing for the winter fuel payment. This change drastically reduced the number of pensioners receiving the aid from 11.4 million to approximately 1.5 million. The payment, typically dispatched in November or December to assist with fuel expenses during the colder months, had previously been automatic. The changes announced this week have been attributed to the Labour Party's reduced public support following its general election triumph. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here Earlier this year, the government partially reversed its stance, confirming that more people would be eligible for the payment, but did not provide additional details until now. Under the revised rules, around nine million individuals will qualify for the payment at a cost of £1.25bn. This expenditure is anticipated to be offset by reclaiming the payment from higher-income pensioners through HMRC, reports Wales Online. Article continues below Who does and doesn't benefit under the new rules? The changes will enable all pensioners in England and Wales with an annual income of £35,000 or less to receive a winter fuel payment. But if you earn more than this - you will still receive the payment but it will be clawed back by the Government by another method. You can find out more about what the rules mean for couples here. This change extends eligibility to the vast majority of pensioners, with around nine million or over three-quarters set to benefit, according to ministers' statements on Monday, June 9. What do you need to do? There's no need for any action on your part; if you're eligible, the payment will be automatically made to you this winter. For those with incomes above the threshold, you will still get the payment but it will be automatically reclaimed by HMRC without any required intervention. The automatic payment this winter will be £200 per household, or £300 for households with someone aged over 80. Additionally, over 12 million pensioners throughout the UK will gain from the Triple Lock, which promises a State Pension increase of up to £1,900 during this parliament. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said earlier this week: "Targeting Winter Fuel Payments was a tough decision, but the right decision because of the inheritance we had been left by the previous government. It is also right that we continue to means-test this payment so that it is targeted and fair, rather than restoring eligibility to everyone including the wealthiest. Article continues below "But we have now acted to expand the eligibility of the Winter Fuel Payment so no pensioner on a lower income will miss out. This will mean over three quarters of pensioners receiving the payment in England and Wales later this winter." Those pensioners who prefer to opt out and decline the payment entirely will be accommodated, with further details forthcoming.
