Wales headlines 8 February: Possible 21% council tax hike for Pembrokeshire

TATA steel’s chief executive has said that there is no way they can keep a blast furnace open despite suggestions from the Welsh government that it is a feasible plan. The closure would mean losing over 2000 jobs and changing to an electric furnace which needs fewer workers. A Senedd committee called the decision devastating.

Residents in Pembrokeshire could be given the highest council tax raise in the country as the local council proposes an up to 21% increase. The local authority has traditionally had some of the lowest rates in Wales, but have warned that it was facing its most challenging financial situation in its history.

A number of schools across North Wales have closed due to an amber weather warning of snow, despite there being no snow fallen. In Flintshire, 78 schools have closed, but the weather warning failed to materialise, leading to anger and frustration among parents. Schools have blamed the local authority for the decision.