A LOCAL Senedd Member has welcomed over £6 million to boost social care and reduce hospital delays across mid and west Wales.

Labour Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, Joyce Watson, said:

“This extra funding will help local authorities to strengthen community-based social care services and improve hospital discharge systems.”

The funding is part of a £30 million Welsh Government package across Wales. The grant allocation for the 2025/26 financial year is being distributed directly to local authorities, based on adult population. It breaks down as 1,196,976 for Pembrokeshire, 1,808,641 for Carmarthenshire, 726,503 for Ceredigion, 1,149,449 for Gwynedd and 1,308,915 for Powys - a total of 6,190,484.

The local authorities will use the extra funding to support timely assessments and care packages, helping to reduce the number of delayed hospital discharges.

Dawn Bowden MS, Minister for Children and Social Care, said:

“The funding we are making available to local authorities will make a real difference to people across Wales who need care and support.

“By investing in community-based support, we can help more people return home from hospital when they're medically ready and enable others to remain independent in their communities.

“This will not only improve experiences for individuals but also help patient flow through our hospitals.”

Local authorities will focus on preventative work and early intervention, as well as actions that enable people to leave hospital as soon as they are clinically able, helping people live healthier lives at home and within their communities.

Community-based social care and support services will help people to stay well at home. Targeted support to individuals in care homes and the wider community will reduce hospital admissions.