Cwtch Mawr multibank begins pilot expansion into Neath Port Talbot

Faith in Families says the expansion marks a significant step for the Swansea‑based project, which has been battling rising need by redistributing new, surplus goods from businesses to families struggling to afford the basics. The charity says it is now moving at speed to support more households across the county.

Five hubs have been chosen for the rollout — in Port Talbot, the Afan Valley, Neath, the Dulais Valley and Pontardawe. Faith in Families says each hub will receive clothing, toiletries, nappies and household essentials, ready to be passed on through trusted local organisations.

The charity says its vans are already being loaded, with deliveries expected to begin as soon as each hub gives the green light.

A rapid response to rising need

Faith in Families says the pilot will test how fast large volumes of essential goods can be moved across a wider area while keeping support rooted in local communities. The charity says the work forms part of a wider partnership known as NPT United, bringing together public services, charities and businesses to support families under pressure.

Jon Waite, Facilities and Development Manager at Faith in Families, said:

“This pilot is about working at pace while keeping things local and practical. We know there is real need across Neath Port Talbot, and by working with established community hubs we can get essential items to families quickly, through people they already know and trust. This trial will help us understand what works best on the ground and how we can build strong, joined‑up approaches going forward.”

Expanding a model built on speed and dignity

Faith in Families says the multibank model is designed to get essential goods to families without delay, paperwork or stigma. The charity says working through schools, community groups and frontline services ensures support reaches people through organisations they already trust.

Faith in Families says the Neath Port Talbot pilot will help shape how the model can be expanded further across Wales, with the aim of making sure no family goes without the basics.

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Swansea charity calls on businesses to donate excess stock after budget VAT rule change

A Swansea-based charity is urging businesses to rethink how they handle surplus stock, following a UK Budget change that makes it cheaper to donate goods than destroy them.

Since 26 November, companies no longer have to pay VAT when donating eligible items to registered charities — a move that removes a long-standing financial barrier to giving.

Local charity Faith in Families, which runs Wales’s first Multibank, Cwtch Mawr, says the change could unlock thousands of items for families in need across South Wales.

To mark the shift, the charity has launched a new campaign: “Surplus stock? Cwtch it, don’t crush it.”

VAT rule change explained

From 26 November 2025, the UK Budget confirmed new VAT relief for business donations to charity. Under the reformed rules, qualifying goods donated to registered charities will no longer trigger a VAT charge under the “deemed supply” rules.

Previously, scrapping surplus stock could be more tax-efficient than donating it, because disposal did not incur VAT while certain donations did. The new relief reverses that imbalance, making donation cheaper than destruction.

The measure applies where goods are onward distributed to people in need or used directly in a charity’s services. Per-item value limits will apply, with higher thresholds for listed goods such as technology and household appliances. Excise goods like alcohol and tobacco are excluded.

This targeted reform is designed to encourage charitable giving, reduce waste, and support essential services, while keeping safeguards in place to deter abuse.

Cwtch Mawr redistributes brand-new items including clothing, bedding, toiletries, baby supplies and school essentials to families facing poverty, crisis or hardship.

Speaking after the VAT change came into effect, Jon Waite, Warehouse and Facilities Manager at Cwtch Mawr, said:

“Companies tell us they want to donate more, but VAT made it harder than disposing of stock. This change removes that barrier completely. Surplus stock can now flow straight into Welsh homes instead of waste streams.”

Cwtch Mawr says it already works with major brands including Amazon, Sofidel, Unilever and L’Oréal, and is now looking to expand its network of partners.

In the past year, the charity says it has distributed more than one million brand-new items through 127 partner organisations. An independent evaluation commissioned by Faith in Families estimates that every £1 invested generates £5.90 in social value, with the Swansea contribution alone valued at £27.7 million.

Faith in Families says the new VAT rule makes donation the most cost-effective option for businesses holding stock due to returns, overproduction, discontinued lines or damaged packaging.

Businesses interested in donating can contact the charity via:
📧 cwtchmawr@faithinfamilies.wales
🌐 faithinfamilies.wales

More on Cwtch Mawr

New and expanded Cwtch Mawr Multibank opens in Swansea
Faith in Families marks a major step forward in the fight against poverty with new Swansea Vale warehouse.

Local multibank helping over 120,000 people each year gets £30K cash boost
Funding supports expansion of essential goods distribution across South West Wales.

Swansea project provides over 62,000 essential items to people in need
Cwtch Mawr continues to deliver vital support to families facing hardship.

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