08/03/2013 BBC Wales Today

Good evening. The headlines: your Good evening. The headlines: your

Good evening. The headlines: your council services - which will

council services - which will council services - which will

remain after they have dealt with remain after they have dealt with

�145 million short fall? �145 million short fall?

�145 million short fall? For the man who represents all

For the man who represents all For the man who represents all

Welsh councils tells me, get used Welsh councils tells me, get used

Welsh councils tells me, get used Welsh councils tells me, get used

to councils doing much less. A we to councils doing much less. A we

to councils doing much less. A we to councils doing much less. A we

seem to be obsessed in Wales with seem to be obsessed in Wales with

structures. How many structures. How many

reorganisations have occurred in reorganisations have occurred in

reorganisations have occurred in the National Health Service over

the National Health Service over the National Health Service over

the last 20 years? Structures the last 20 years? Structures

the last 20 years? Structures rather than outcomes. Let us

rather than outcomes. Let us concentrate on outcome as.

concentrate on outcome as. concentrate on outcome as.

One outcome is that Brynmawr says One outcome is that Brynmawr says

One outcome is that Brynmawr says One outcome is that Brynmawr says

it can no longer fund the cinema. it can no longer fund the cinema.

it can no longer fund the cinema. Its future is under threat.

Its future is under threat. Its future is under threat.

Its future is under threat. He has gelled was put at risk

He has gelled was put at risk He has gelled was put at risk

buying Hywel Dda Health Board's failure.

failure. The chief-executive of Caerphilly

The chief-executive of Caerphilly Council is suspended.

Council is suspended. Council is suspended.

And the manager of Swansea City And the manager of Swansea City

And the manager of Swansea City signs and you deal. Can Scott

signs and you deal. Can Scott Johnson mastermind a famous

Johnson mastermind a famous Scottish victory tomorrow

afternoon? afternoon?

afternoon? Good evening. They have had their

Good evening. They have had their Good evening. They have had their

meetings, done their sums, and now meetings, done their sums, and now

meetings, done their sums, and now meetings, done their sums, and now

all of our 22 councils have come up all of our 22 councils have come up

all of our 22 councils have come up with their budgets for next year.

with their budgets for next year. with their budgets for next year.

While they face a range of While they face a range of

While they face a range of pressures, there is one thing in

pressures, there is one thing in pressures, there is one thing in

common - less money for services. common - less money for services.

common - less money for services. Our councils will be spending �145

Our councils will be spending �145 Our councils will be spending �145

million less. Some of the savings million less. Some of the savings

million less. Some of the savings will be achieved by job cuts.

will be achieved by job cuts. will be achieved by job cuts.

Services might be scrapped are Services might be scrapped are

Services might be scrapped are charges may be made for them.

charges may be made for them. charges may be made for them.

Council tax will also rise by nearly 3%.

nearly 3%. nearly 3%.

The quarter ever correspondent at The quarter ever correspondent at

The quarter ever correspondent at Brynmawr. -- we go to our

Brynmawr. -- we go to our correspondent. Those turning up

correspondent. Those turning up correspondent. Those turning up

correspondent. Those turning up tonight at the cinema nor full well

tonight at the cinema nor full well tonight at the cinema nor full well

that the council cuts have a that the council cuts have a

practical implication for them. practical implication for them.

practical implication for them. Brynmawr council says it can no

Brynmawr council says it can no Brynmawr council says it can no

longer fund this cinema. Some longer fund this cinema. Some

longer fund this cinema. Some months our councils, all of us,

months our councils, all of us, months our councils, all of us,

wherever we live, have been going wherever we live, have been going

wherever we live, have been going through the menu share of their

through the menu share of their through the menu share of their

budgets. -- menu shy. -- details. budgets. -- menu shy. -- details.

budgets. -- menu shy. -- details. Across Wales the councils have had

Across Wales the councils have had Across Wales the councils have had

a battle putting together a Budget a battle putting together a Budget

a battle putting together a Budget plan. With Ince need emptying,

plan. With Ince need emptying, plan. With Ince need emptying,

schools have to stay open, services schools have to stay open, services

schools have to stay open, services are cutting -- costing more.

are cutting -- costing more. are cutting -- costing more.

Councils say they are protecting Councils say they are protecting

Councils say they are protecting frontline services. But the rest of

frontline services. But the rest of frontline services. But the rest of

frontline services. But the rest of their budgets, what we pay and the

their budgets, what we pay and the their budgets, what we pay and the

services that we get, can vary services that we get, can vary

services that we get, can vary considerably. Here we have two

considerably. Here we have two considerably. Here we have two

extremes coming together. This is a extremes coming together. This is a

extremes coming together. This is a village where the council is not

village where the council is not village where the council is not

putting up taxes are making cuts, putting up taxes are making cuts,

putting up taxes are making cuts, though the people living here will

though the people living here will though the people living here will

though the people living here will in future have to pay for services

in future have to pay for services in future have to pay for services

in future have to pay for services that until now they have had for

that until now they have had for that until now they have had for

free. Their neighbours over the free. Their neighbours over the

free. Their neighbours over the hell have seen their council taxes

hell have seen their council taxes hell have seen their council taxes

hell have seen their council taxes hell have seen their council taxes

go up by 4.6 % and the council is go up by 4.6 % and the council is

go up by 4.6 % and the council is go up by 4.6 % and the council is

making cuts of 4 million. That is making cuts of 4 million. That is

making cuts of 4 million. That is what has led to the controversial

what has led to the controversial what has led to the controversial

decision to stop funding Brynmawr's decision to stop funding Brynmawr's

decision to stop funding Brynmawr's cinema and cut library hours.

cinema and cut library hours. cinema and cut library hours.

cinema and cut library hours. Cinema is really important to me. I

Cinema is really important to me. I Cinema is really important to me. I

Cinema is really important to me. I went there when I was younger. My

went there when I was younger. My went there when I was younger. My

went there when I was younger. My first by an Sun is not quite old

first by an Sun is not quite old first by an Sun is not quite old

first by an Sun is not quite old enough to go, so I came today

enough to go, so I came today enough to go, so I came today

enough to go, so I came today because I want them to keep it open

because I want them to keep it open because I want them to keep it open

-- my first by Nissan. -- my first by Nissan.

-- my first by Nissan. -- my first by Nissan.

This man looks after his wife and This man looks after his wife and

This man looks after his wife and is already a dipping into his

is already a dipping into his is already a dipping into his

is already a dipping into his savings, that is before a rise in

savings, that is before a rise in savings, that is before a rise in

savings, that is before a rise in council tax. Will it go up now at

council tax. Will it go up now at council tax. Will it go up now at

council tax. Will it go up now at or the year after? By the time it

or the year after? By the time it or the year after? By the time it

or the year after? By the time it owns -- comes to pensions, I do not

owns -- comes to pensions, I do not owns -- comes to pensions, I do not

owns -- comes to pensions, I do not know if I will have any money left.

know if I will have any money left. know if I will have any money left.

Some councils are making people pay Some councils are making people pay

Some councils are making people pay directly for some services for the

directly for some services for the directly for some services for the

first time. From next month, first time. From next month,

first time. From next month, first time. From next month,

householders will have to pay �40 a householders will have to pay �40 a

householders will have to pay �40 a year for garden waste collected in

year for garden waste collected in year for garden waste collected in

year for garden waste collected in a wheelie bin. People are going to

a wheelie bin. People are going to a wheelie bin. People are going to

look for their cheapest way to look for their cheapest way to

look for their cheapest way to look for their cheapest way to

dispose of their rubbish. I do not dispose of their rubbish. I do not

dispose of their rubbish. I do not know whether we will be putting

know whether we will be putting outbacks any more.

outbacks any more. outbacks any more.

The council has decided to spend The council has decided to spend

The council has decided to spend The council has decided to spend

�200,000 a year on what it calls �200,000 a year on what it calls

innovation, developing ideas innovation, developing ideas

innovation, developing ideas amongst its staff. We have to

amongst its staff. We have to amongst its staff. We have to

amongst its staff. We have to change and invest in the future so

change and invest in the future so change and invest in the future so

that we can provide as many that we can provide as many

valuable services as possible valuable services as possible

valuable services as possible without having to cut anything away.

without having to cut anything away. without having to cut anything away.

What unites the councils is that What unites the councils is that

What unites the councils is that there are winners and losers. In

there are winners and losers. In there are winners and losers. In

Powys, spending has been protected Powys, spending has been protected

Powys, spending has been protected on local businesses. But within the

on local businesses. But within the on local businesses. But within the

council 125 posts will be lost. council 125 posts will be lost.

council 125 posts will be lost. Newport is putting up council tax

Newport is putting up council tax Newport is putting up council tax

will house holders will see even will house holders will see even

will house holders will see even more money slipping away from their

pockets. pockets.

pockets. But some cancer -- but some

But some cancer -- but some campaigns have been successful.

campaigns have been successful. campaigns have been successful.

Piecing together a range of Piecing together a range of

Piecing together a range of priorities and savings has been

priorities and savings has been priorities and savings has been

painful this year. Councils are painful this year. Councils are

painful this year. Councils are widely except that a picture is

widely except that a picture is widely except that a picture is

forming that suggests a bleak forming that suggests a bleak

forming that suggests a bleak future for council finance for the

future for council finance for the next eight years.

next eight years. next eight years.

next eight years. The curtain may come down on the

The curtain may come down on the The curtain may come down on the

The curtain may come down on the cinema in Brynmawr and it is the

cinema in Brynmawr and it is the leisure facilities and other

leisure facilities and other leisure facilities and other

services that they councils do not services that they councils do not

services that they councils do not have to provide that face the

have to provide that face the have to provide that face the

greatest risk. Earlier I spoke to greatest risk. Earlier I spoke to

greatest risk. Earlier I spoke to the chief-executive of the Welsh

the chief-executive of the Welsh Local Government Association and

Local Government Association and Local Government Association and

Local Government Association and asked him what we can expect from

asked him what we can expect from asked him what we can expect from

our councils over the next few our councils over the next few

our councils over the next few our councils over the next few

years. By 2020 we would be looking years. By 2020 we would be looking

years. By 2020 we would be looking at education, social care and waste.

at education, social care and waste. at education, social care and waste.

at education, social care and waste. Sadly, some of the things that are

Sadly, some of the things that are non-statutory services such as

non-statutory services such as non-statutory services such as

leisure services and a range of leisure services and a range of

leisure services and a range of other services that do not fall

other services that do not fall other services that do not fall

into that category may be into that category may be

undertaken by community enterprises, undertaken by community enterprises,

undertaken by community enterprises, may be undertaken by the private

may be undertaken by the private may be undertaken by the private

sector. Lots of people watching sector. Lots of people watching

sector. Lots of people watching last why they are paying their

last why they are paying their last why they are paying their

local council to provide things local council to provide things

local council to provide things like cinemas and a riding school.

like cinemas and a riding school. like cinemas and a riding school.

like cinemas and a riding school. Councils do not have to do those

Councils do not have to do those Councils do not have to do those

kinds of things, private business kinds of things, private business

kinds of things, private business kinds of things, private business

can do that as well. If the can do that as well. If the

can do that as well. If the services are not based in

services are not based in services are not based in

services are not based in legislation, in that we do not have

legislation, in that we do not have legislation, in that we do not have

to provide them, those other to provide them, those other

to provide them, those other services that are most at risk.

services that are most at risk. services that are most at risk.

services that are most at risk. Wales has a population of about 3

Wales has a population of about 3 Wales has a population of about 3

million. Birmingham has a similar million. Birmingham has a similar

million. Birmingham has a similar population. It has one council,

population. It has one council, population. It has one council,

Wales has got 22 local authorities. Wales has got 22 local authorities.

Wales has got 22 local authorities. 22 chief-executive as being paid

22 chief-executive as being paid 22 chief-executive as being paid

more than the Prime Minister, 22 more than the Prime Minister, 22

local education authorities. Wales local education authorities. Wales

local education authorities. Wales does not have to do local

does not have to do local does not have to do local

government like this, does it? government like this, does it?

government like this, does it? government like this, does it?

last time I looked Wales had 3 last time I looked Wales had 3

last time I looked Wales had 3 million people, Birmingham had one

million people, Birmingham had one million people, Birmingham had one

million people. Wales is a massive million people. Wales is a massive

million people. Wales is a massive geographical area in comparison. In

geographical area in comparison. In geographical area in comparison. In

that, there are vastly different that, there are vastly different

characteristics and people want characteristics and people want

characteristics and people want local democracy. There was a move

local democracy. There was a move local democracy. There was a move

local democracy. There was a move over two years ago to put large

over two years ago to put large over two years ago to put large

parts of Anglesey services with parts of Anglesey services with

parts of Anglesey services with others. Let's have got the public

others. Let's have got the public in a debate.

in a debate. in a debate.

We are seeing salami-slicing of We are seeing salami-slicing of

local government services and local government services and

local government services and increases in council tax, it cannot

increases in council tax, it cannot increases in council tax, it cannot

increases in council tax, it cannot go on like this, someone has to

go on like this, someone has to go on like this, someone has to

make a big, bold decision. make a big, bold decision.

make a big, bold decision. budgets are being cut serially in

budgets are being cut serially in budgets are being cut serially in

budgets are being cut serially in this period, we have to take into

this period, we have to take into this period, we have to take into

account welfare reform. We have to account welfare reform. We have to

account welfare reform. We have to take into account the huge ageing

take into account the huge ageing take into account the huge ageing

population across Wales. It is good population across Wales. It is good

population across Wales. It is good population across Wales. It is good

news on one hand, but costly on the news on one hand, but costly on the

news on one hand, but costly on the news on one hand, but costly on the

other. We need to look at new other. We need to look at new

options for delivering services, options for delivering services,

which require service which require service

which require service transformation. It is difficult to

transformation. It is difficult to transformation. It is difficult to

transformation. It is difficult to do in a climate of ill a austerity.

do in a climate of ill a austerity. do in a climate of ill a austerity.

-- in a climate of austerity. -- in a climate of austerity.

-- in a climate of austerity. -- in a climate of austerity.

You can find out more on the Web site.

site. site.

Freshwater West Beach in Pemba Freshwater West Beach in Pemba

Freshwater West Beach in Pemba share could have been hit by

share could have been hit by share could have been hit by

machine gun fire and a training machine gun fire and a training

machine gun fire and a training machine gun fire and a training

exercise in which I showed you were exercise in which I showed you were

exercise in which I showed you were exercise in which I showed you were

shot dead. The soldier was shot by shot dead. The soldier was shot by

shot dead. The soldier was shot by a single machine gun bullets that

a single machine gun bullets that a single machine gun bullets that

a single machine gun bullets that was fired from over half a mile

was fired from over half a mile away. The inquest continues.

away. The inquest continues. away. The inquest continues.

A convention centre and a new A convention centre and a new

transport system linking Cardiff transport system linking Cardiff

transport system linking Cardiff transport system linking Cardiff

Bay and the city centre are amongst Bay and the city centre are amongst

Bay and the city centre are amongst some of the proposals published in

some of the proposals published in some of the proposals published in

some of the proposals published in a new plan for the Welsh capital.

a new plan for the Welsh capital. Council leaders appealed for

Council leaders appealed for Council leaders appealed for

private sector backing as they private sector backing as they

private sector backing as they presented the scheme to business

leaders. leaders.

leaders. A father has accused her help

A father has accused her help A father has accused her help

border putting his daughter at risk border putting his daughter at risk

border putting his daughter at risk of physical harm by failing to

of physical harm by failing to comply with child-protection lob

comply with child-protection lob comply with child-protection lob

back. The public services ombudsman back. The public services ombudsman

back. The public services ombudsman has upheld complaints against Hywel

has upheld complaints against Hywel has upheld complaints against Hywel

Dda Health Board, which came after Dda Health Board, which came after

Dda Health Board, which came after Dda Health Board, which came after

a patient in its care threatened to a patient in its care threatened to

kill the girl. kill the girl.

kill the girl. Having the life of your child

Having the life of your child Having the life of your child

threatened his every parent's worst threatened his every parent's worst

threatened his every parent's worst nightmare. This father, who cannot

nightmare. This father, who cannot nightmare. This father, who cannot

identify, as things made worse when identify, as things made worse when

identify, as things made worse when identify, as things made worse when

Hywel Dda Health Board did not warm Hywel Dda Health Board did not warm

Hywel Dda Health Board did not warm Hywel Dda Health Board did not warm

hand about a patient in his care hand about a patient in his care

hand about a patient in his care threatening to kill his daughter.

threatening to kill his daughter. threatening to kill his daughter.

threatening to kill his daughter. He said that by ignoring the rest

He said that by ignoring the rest He said that by ignoring the rest

He said that by ignoring the rest the pit his doctor at further risk

the pit his doctor at further risk the pit his doctor at further risk

the pit his doctor at further risk of harm. -- the Pate his daughter

of harm. -- the Pate his daughter of harm. -- the Pate his daughter

of harm. -- the Pate his daughter at further risk of harm. I did not

at further risk of harm. I did not at further risk of harm. I did not

know how seriously I should take know how seriously I should take

know how seriously I should take know how seriously I should take

that risk or how I could manage it. that risk or how I could manage it.

that risk or how I could manage it. that risk or how I could manage it.

They would never tell me that. They would never tell me that.

They would never tell me that. ombudsman says that medium --

ombudsman says that medium -- Pharma child protection referral

Pharma child protection referral should have been made.

should have been made. should have been made.

On one occasion the patient was On one occasion the patient was

On one occasion the patient was On one occasion the patient was

threatening the life of a child but threatening the life of a child but

threatening the life of a child but was discharged from hospital. The

was discharged from hospital. The was discharged from hospital. The

was discharged from hospital. The father says that the way he found

father says that the way he found father says that the way he found

father says that the way he found out was through a letter from the

out was through a letter from the out was through a letter from the

out was through a letter from the health board St -- sent by second

health board St -- sent by second health board St -- sent by second

health board St -- sent by second class post. It is a wake up call

class post. It is a wake up call class post. It is a wake up call

for the health board. Training must for the health board. Training must

for the health board. Training must for the health board. Training must

be in place, that is crucial. We be in place, that is crucial. We

be in place, that is crucial. We assume that professionals need to

assume that professionals need to assume that professionals need to

assume that professionals need to know how to do their jobs, but they

know how to do their jobs, but they know how to do their jobs, but they

need support as well. The report need support as well. The report

need support as well. The report recommended that Hywel Dda Health

recommended that Hywel Dda Health recommended that Hywel Dda Health

recommended that Hywel Dda Health Board wrote a letter of apology and

Board wrote a letter of apology and Board wrote a letter of apology and

paid compensation to the father, he paid compensation to the father, he

paid compensation to the father, he has so far received nothing. Hywel

has so far received nothing. Hywel has so far received nothing. Hywel

Dda Health Board declined an interview.

interview. interview.

interview. The father says he is worried about

The father says he is worried about The father says he is worried about

The father says he is worried about what the future may bring for other

children. children.

It chief-executive of Caerphilly It chief-executive of Caerphilly

It chief-executive of Caerphilly Council has been suspended tonight

Council has been suspended tonight Council has been suspended tonight

as police investigate the way in as police investigate the way in

as police investigate the way in as police investigate the way in

which he was awarded a �25,000 pay which he was awarded a �25,000 pay

which he was awarded a �25,000 pay rise last year. The council has

rise last year. The council has rise last year. The council has

rise last year. The council has already pay -- changed its mind on

already pay -- changed its mind on already pay -- changed its mind on

the pay rise, but auditors said the pay rise, but auditors said

the pay rise, but auditors said that they had still acted

that they had still acted that they had still acted

unlawfully. This all started last unlawfully. This all started last

unlawfully. This all started last year when Mr O'Sullivan decided

year when Mr O'Sullivan decided year when Mr O'Sullivan decided

year when Mr O'Sullivan decided that he wanted the pay rise. He

that he wanted the pay rise. He that he wanted the pay rise. He

decided his pay should increase to decided his pay should increase to

decided his pay should increase to �153,000 per year. When that became

�153,000 per year. When that became �153,000 per year. When that became

public, workers at the Council public, workers at the Council

public, workers at the Council walked out in progress -- protest.

walked out in progress -- protest. walked out in progress -- protest.

This week, the Audit Office said This week, the Audit Office said

This week, the Audit Office said that the council acted unlawfully.

that the council acted unlawfully. that the council acted unlawfully.

that the council acted unlawfully. He should not have sat in on the

He should not have sat in on the He should not have sat in on the

meeting which decided his own pay meeting which decided his own pay

meeting which decided his own pay rise, for example. A police have

rise, for example. A police have decided that while that

decided that while that decided that while that

investigation is going on it would investigation is going on it would

investigation is going on it would not be appropriate for Mr

not be appropriate for Mr not be appropriate for Mr

not be appropriate for Mr O'Sullivan to go to work, so he has

O'Sullivan to go to work, so he has O'Sullivan to go to work, so he has

been suspended. The timing is not been suspended. The timing is not

been suspended. The timing is not been suspended. The timing is not

good on this. Why has it touched a good on this. Why has it touched a

good on this. Why has it touched a nerve? The workers at Caerphilly

nerve? The workers at Caerphilly nerve? The workers at Caerphilly

nerve? The workers at Caerphilly council have had a pay freeze. �5

council have had a pay freeze. �5 council have had a pay freeze. �5

council have had a pay freeze. �5 million worth of cuts had been made

million worth of cuts had been made million worth of cuts had been made

in this financial year. It also in this financial year. It also

in this financial year. It also in this financial year. It also

brings us back to this issue of brings us back to this issue of

brings us back to this issue of whether Wales really needs 22

whether Wales really needs 22 whether Wales really needs 22

councils, 22 chief executives on councils, 22 chief executives on

councils, 22 chief executives on very high salaries. That is a

very high salaries. That is a very high salaries. That is a

debate that is not going away. debate that is not going away.

debate that is not going away. Still to come: a new contract

Still to come: a new contract extension to Swansea's Cup-winning

extension to Swansea's Cup-winning extension to Swansea's Cup-winning

extension to Swansea's Cup-winning manager. He is now signed up to

manager. He is now signed up to manager. He is now signed up to

some or 2015. -- Sumner, 2015. some or 2015. -- Sumner, 2015.

some or 2015. -- Sumner, 2015. some or 2015. -- Sumner, 2015.

It is nearly a century since a It is nearly a century since a

It is nearly a century since a It is nearly a century since a

woman won the right to vote, but woman won the right to vote, but

woman won the right to vote, but according to the Electoral Reform

according to the Electoral Reform according to the Electoral Reform

according to the Electoral Reform Society when in -- Wales is going

Society when in -- Wales is going Society when in -- Wales is going

Society when in -- Wales is going backwards when it comes to women in

backwards when it comes to women in backwards when it comes to women in

backwards when it comes to women in public life. We ate one woman who

public life. We ate one woman who public life. We ate one woman who

is now deputy police and crime is now deputy police and crime

is now deputy police and crime commissioner for South Wales and

commissioner for South Wales and commissioner for South Wales and

another who has just become a another who has just become a

another who has just become a councillor for the first time, to

councillor for the first time, to councillor for the first time, to

councillor for the first time, to tell us while they think we have

tell us while they think we have tell us while they think we have

tell us while they think we have this problem. I am 45 years old. I

this problem. I am 45 years old. I this problem. I am 45 years old. I

am local councillor for Caerphilly am local councillor for Caerphilly

am local councillor for Caerphilly am local councillor for Caerphilly

Council. I am a businessman in and Council. I am a businessman in and

Council. I am a businessman in and Council. I am a businessman in and

Council. I am a businessman in and I am a mum of five children. As a

I am a mum of five children. As a I am a mum of five children. As a

woman it is difficult, because woman it is difficult, because

woman it is difficult, because politics is still portrayed as

politics is still portrayed as politics is still portrayed as

being very wide -- of white, being very wide -- of white,

being very wide -- of white, middle-class and male. Women can

middle-class and male. Women can middle-class and male. Women can

middle-class and male. Women can often feel like they do not have a

often feel like they do not have a often feel like they do not have a

place within the political arena. place within the political arena.

place within the political arena. place within the political arena.

What I did was just took a deep What I did was just took a deep

What I did was just took a deep breath and walked through the door.

breath and walked through the door. breath and walked through the door.

It is changing slightly, exchanging It is changing slightly, exchanging

It is changing slightly, exchanging It is changing slightly, exchanging

as the decade moves on. We are as the decade moves on. We are

as the decade moves on. We are as the decade moves on. We are

making steps forward but it is a making steps forward but it is a

making steps forward but it is a constant battle and it is a

constant battle and it is a constant battle and it is a

constant cry for women to keep constant cry for women to keep

constant cry for women to keep encouraging women. From the time

encouraging women. From the time encouraging women. From the time

Emmeline Pankhurst did what she did Emmeline Pankhurst did what she did

Emmeline Pankhurst did what she did Emmeline Pankhurst did what she did

and opened that door for women, we and opened that door for women, we

and opened that door for women, we are still fighting the same battle.

are still fighting the same battle. are still fighting the same battle.

are still fighting the same battle. We need to keep progressing and we

We need to keep progressing and we We need to keep progressing and we

We need to keep progressing and we need to be consistent and keep what

need to be consistent and keep what need to be consistent and keep what

need to be consistent and keep what need to be consistent and keep what

we are doing. I am 35, mum of four we are doing. I am 35, mum of four

we are doing. I am 35, mum of four we are doing. I am 35, mum of four

boys and I am the deputy police and boys and I am the deputy police and

boys and I am the deputy police and crime commissioner for South Wales.

crime commissioner for South Wales. crime commissioner for South Wales.

I volunteered to work for a I volunteered to work for a

I volunteered to work for a candidate at the time and she

candidate at the time and she candidate at the time and she

inspired me to stand for Cardiff inspired me to stand for Cardiff

inspired me to stand for Cardiff inspired me to stand for Cardiff

council at the age of 21. As a council at the age of 21. As a

council at the age of 21. As a career woman, you need to be

career woman, you need to be prioritise your career here,

prioritise your career here, prioritise the children there.

prioritise the children there. Women also lack confidence

Women also lack confidence Women also lack confidence

sometimes, they need to be told sometimes, they need to be told

sometimes, they need to be told sometimes, they need to be told

that you are absolutely as good as that you are absolutely as good as

that you are absolutely as good as that you are absolutely as good as

any man that is going for this job. any man that is going for this job.

There is however some There is however some

discrimination that still exists, discrimination that still exists,

particularly in terms of particularly in terms of

particularly in terms of perceptions for women. I have found

perceptions for women. I have found perceptions for women. I have found

that in the boardroom there is that in the boardroom there is

that in the boardroom there is perceptions from some men that you

perceptions from some men that you perceptions from some men that you

perceptions from some men that you are more likely to be there making

are more likely to be there making are more likely to be there making

the tea than making the decisions the tea than making the decisions

the tea than making the decisions the tea than making the decisions

and that is a huge challenge that and that is a huge challenge that

and that is a huge challenge that society still needs to overcome.

society still needs to overcome. society still needs to overcome.

society still needs to overcome. That can only happen if more women

That can only happen if more women That can only happen if more women

put themselves forward into that put themselves forward into that

put themselves forward into that political arena and advocating on

political arena and advocating on Chief Constable under the new

Chief Constable under the new Chief Constable under the new

arrangements to be appointed. His arrangements to be appointed. His

arrangements to be appointed. His priority is that frontline cuts --

priority is that frontline cuts -- priority is that frontline cuts --

priority is that frontline cuts -- cuts do not hit frontline staff.

cuts do not hit frontline staff. cuts do not hit frontline staff.

cuts do not hit frontline staff. will do everything in my power to

will do everything in my power to will do everything in my power to

ensure that cuts are stripping out ensure that cuts are stripping out

ensure that cuts are stripping out ensure that cuts are stripping out

functions. We will look ahead to six functions. We will look ahead to six

functions. We will look ahead to six functions. We will look ahead to six

Nations in just a moment but first Nations in just a moment but first

Nations in just a moment but first good news for Swansea City. Michael

good news for Swansea City. Michael good news for Swansea City. Michael

Laudrup has signed a new contract Laudrup has signed a new contract

Laudrup has signed a new contract Laudrup has signed a new contract

which will keep him at the club which will keep him at the club

which will keep him at the club until 2015. There was speculation

until 2015. There was speculation until 2015. There was speculation

linking him with major clubs in linking him with major clubs in

linking him with major clubs in linking him with major clubs in

Europe but he has told the club's Europe but he has told the club's

Europe but he has told the club's website that he has started

website that he has started website that he has started

something he wants to continue. something he wants to continue.

something he wants to continue. Wales have gone through their final

Wales have gone through their final Wales have gone through their final

preparations ahead of their record preparations ahead of their record

preparations ahead of their record -- bid for a record sixth

-- bid for a record sixth Championship. Scotland coach Scott

Championship. Scotland coach Scott Championship. Scotland coach Scott

Championship. Scotland coach Scott Johnson who spent five years in the

Johnson who spent five years in the Johnson who spent five years in the

Welsh setup says, despite the Welsh setup says, despite the

Welsh setup says, despite the connection, it is all about his

connection, it is all about his connection, it is all about his

players tomorrow. Both sides hope to players tomorrow. Both sides hope to

players tomorrow. Both sides hope to keep up their winning momentum.

keep up their winning momentum. keep up their winning momentum.

keep up their winning momentum. want to play a high tempo game. When

want to play a high tempo game. When want to play a high tempo game. When

Scotland have hit the ball, they Scotland have hit the ball, they

Scotland have hit the ball, they have taken the opportunities as

have taken the opportunities as have taken the opportunities as

have taken the opportunities as well. Two sides going into a game

well. Two sides going into a game well. Two sides going into a game

high on confidence. You would like high on confidence. You would like

high on confidence. You would like high on confidence. You would like

to thank both sides would want to to thank both sides would want to

to thank both sides would want to to thank both sides would want to

to thank both sides would want to play rugby. I have got a lot of good

play rugby. I have got a lot of good play rugby. I have got a lot of good

friends in personal vendetta. This friends in personal vendetta. This

friends in personal vendetta. This friends in personal vendetta. This

friends in personal vendetta. This is part of the rights of life. And I

is part of the rights of life. And I is part of the rights of life. And I

is part of the rights of life. And I am going to sit and enjoy it. This

am going to sit and enjoy it. This am going to sit and enjoy it. This

am going to sit and enjoy it. This is not a personal battle and it is

is not a personal battle and it is is not a personal battle and it is

is not a personal battle and it is not about me. Things are going well

not about me. Things are going well not about me. Things are going well

not about me. Things are going well for the Wales under 20s who are

for the Wales under 20s who are for the Wales under 20s who are

for the Wales under 20s who are still in the hunt for a Grand Slam.

still in the hunt for a Grand Slam. still in the hunt for a Grand Slam.

I caught up with former Wales I caught up with former Wales

I caught up with former Wales international Dafydd Jones and asked

international Dafydd Jones and asked international Dafydd Jones and asked

international Dafydd Jones and asked him where the side will look to

him where the side will look to exploit Scotland tomorrow.

exploit Scotland tomorrow. exploit Scotland tomorrow.

exploit Scotland tomorrow. defence is going to be key. It has

defence is going to be key. It has defence is going to be key. It has

been a massive part of the been a massive part of the

been a massive part of the performance. We have to create more

performance. We have to create more performance. We have to create more

performance. We have to create more with the ball in hand and get our

with the ball in hand and get our with the ball in hand and get our

with the ball in hand and get our backs into the game. I am extremely

backs into the game. I am extremely backs into the game. I am extremely

hopeful. Murrayfield is a tough hopeful. Murrayfield is a tough

hopeful. Murrayfield is a tough hopeful. Murrayfield is a tough

place but I think we have got the place but I think we have got the

place but I think we have got the place but I think we have got the

job to do. A win might not be job to do. A win might not be

job to do. A win might not be job to do. A win might not be

enough, Wales need to win by some enough, Wales need to win by some

enough, Wales need to win by some enough, Wales need to win by some

margin to set up a title showdown margin to set up a title showdown

with England. That's mouthwatering. with England. That's mouthwatering.

with England. That's mouthwatering. with England. That's mouthwatering.

Isn't it just? We have to give Isn't it just? We have to give

Isn't it just? We have to give Scotland the respect they deserve

Scotland the respect they deserve Scotland the respect they deserve

because they are tough outfit at because they are tough outfit at

because they are tough outfit at because they are tough outfit at

home. But I think we have enough in home. But I think we have enough in

home. But I think we have enough in home. But I think we have enough in

our team to get the win. We have our team to get the win. We have

our team to get the win. We have dangerous backs. We haven't seen

dangerous backs. We haven't seen dangerous backs. We haven't seen

dangerous backs. We haven't seen them at their best yet but they

them at their best yet but they them at their best yet but they

could cut loose. Hopefully we can could cut loose. Hopefully we can

could cut loose. Hopefully we can could cut loose. Hopefully we can

rack up points out. A massive game rack up points out. A massive game

rack up points out. A massive game rack up points out. A massive game

for the under 20s. A Grand Slam for the under 20s. A Grand Slam

for the under 20s. A Grand Slam for the under 20s. A Grand Slam

still on the cards. They have got still on the cards. They have got

cutting-edge players. The forward's cutting-edge players. The forward's

cutting-edge players. The forward's cutting-edge players. The forward's

have been working hard. I cannot see have been working hard. I cannot see

have been working hard. I cannot see anything other than an away win

anything other than an away win anything other than an away win

tonight. Enjoy the game and stay warm.

warm. warm.

warm. Back in 1972, a certain Barry John

Back in 1972, a certain Barry John Back in 1972, a certain Barry John

scored three tries and three scored three tries and three

scored three tries and three conversions and what turned out to

conversions and what turned out to conversions and what turned out to

be the penultimate match of his be the penultimate match of his

be the penultimate match of his career. Tonight, he speaks to Wales

career. Tonight, he speaks to Wales career. Tonight, he speaks to Wales

about his decision to retire. He about his decision to retire. He

about his decision to retire. He says he never realised how talented

says he never realised how talented says he never realised how talented

he was. It doesn't register. George he was. It doesn't register. George

he was. It doesn't register. George he was. It doesn't register. George

Best and I spoke about it. To him, Best and I spoke about it. To him,

Best and I spoke about it. To him, Best and I spoke about it. To him,

Best and I spoke about it. To him, it is like having a pint. I do not

it is like having a pint. I do not it is like having a pint. I do not

it is like having a pint. I do not think there is a rationale to it.

think there is a rationale to it. think there is a rationale to it.

think there is a rationale to it. You can see Barry John: The King

You can see Barry John: The King You can see Barry John: The King

You can see Barry John: The King tonight at 9pm. You can also see the

tonight at 9pm. You can also see the Wrexham were hoping to extend their

Wrexham were hoping to extend their Wrexham were hoping to extend their

lead in the Conference tonight but lead in the Conference tonight but

lead in the Conference tonight but their match has been postponed

their match has been postponed their match has been postponed

their match has been postponed because of a water logged pitch. In

because of a water logged pitch. In because of a water logged pitch. In

the Premier League, Swansea City the Premier League, Swansea City

the Premier League, Swansea City the Premier League, Swansea City

play West Brom on Sunday. In the play West Brom on Sunday. In the

Championship, Cardiff City don't Championship, Cardiff City don't

The weather could be very changeable The weather could be very changeable

The weather could be very changeable this weekend. Some clear spells will

this weekend. Some clear spells will develop in the south-west

develop in the south-west develop in the south-west

develop in the south-west eventually. But it will stay on the

eventually. But it will stay on the eventually. But it will stay on the

mild side. Temperatures will fall no mild side. Temperatures will fall no

mild side. Temperatures will fall no lower than four Celsius. The drizzle

lower than four Celsius. The drizzle lower than four Celsius. The drizzle

lower than four Celsius. The drizzle could be wintering in the hills. --

The change in the colder weather The change in the colder weather

The change in the colder weather brings in we will feel on Saturday.

brings in we will feel on Saturday. brings in we will feel on Saturday.

brings in we will feel on Saturday. It will be bitterly cold for Wales'

It will be bitterly cold for Wales' It will be bitterly cold for Wales'

six Nations match tomorrow. On six Nations match tomorrow. On

six Nations match tomorrow. On Saturday night, we can see these

Saturday night, we can see these Saturday night, we can see these

Saturday night, we can see these fronts heading in. We might see a

fronts heading in. We might see a fronts heading in. We might see a

fronts heading in. We might see a mix of sleet and snow on Sunday.

mix of sleet and snow on Sunday. mix of sleet and snow on Sunday.

Although it probably won't settle at Although it probably won't settle at

Although it probably won't settle at lower levels. There might be some

lower levels. There might be some lower levels. There might be some

brightness for North and West Wales brightness for North and West Wales

brightness for North and West Wales on Sunday. A lot happening this

on Sunday. A lot happening this on Sunday. A lot happening this

weekend. A transition too much weekend. A transition too much

weekend. A transition too much colder weather next week. Details

colder weather next week. Details colder weather next week. Details

colder weather next week. Details are liable to change so keep up with

are liable to change so keep up with are liable to change so keep up with

are liable to change so keep up with the forecast as we are not done with

the forecast as we are not done with the forecast as we are not done with

winter just yet. Don't forget, you winter just yet. Don't forget, you

winter just yet. Don't forget, you winter just yet. Don't forget, you

can send your pictures to us. We can send your pictures to us. We

can send your pictures to us. We would love to see them.

would love to see them. would love to see them.

The headlines: Councils across Wales The headlines: Councils across Wales

The headlines: Councils across Wales The headlines: Councils across Wales

will cut jobs and services in order will cut jobs and services in order

will cut jobs and services in order will cut jobs and services in order

to make up for a �145 million to make up for a �145 million

to make up for a �145 million to make up for a �145 million

shortfall. Council tax will go up by shortfall. Council tax will go up by

shortfall. Council tax will go up by shortfall. Council tax will go up by

an average of 3%. We will have an an average of 3%. We will have an