News

Council tax could go up by 12.5% [UPDATED]

Published

8 years ago

November 27, 2017

RESIDENTS in Pembrokeshire could see an increase of up to 12.5% in council tax if the Council is to maintain a number of its services.

Cabinet members were presented with a draft budget at a meeting today (Nov 27), but Cllr Bob Kilmister said if they did not raise the council tax, they could see cuts to a number of important services.

Cllr Kilmister highlighted the areas of Adult Social Care and Education which make up 67% of the entire budget and said he could not make the budget without hitting those areas.

He said: “We’re in a really difficult position, whatever we do, if we increase council tax by these very large figures, we are going to hurt large sections of the community within this county, I have no wish to do that whatsoever, the working poor in particular, will be damaged by that.

“The alternative is that we hit the most vulnerable and the most important in our society with cuts and that is something that all members of this council are going to have to consider.”

Pembrokeshire has historically had a low council tax base but Cllr Kilmister said they were paying the price for that and added that their council tax was 30% lower than that of Ceredigion and Carmarthen.

If Pembrokeshire’s Council tax was the same as those two, they would have an additional £15m.

He went on to say that at the next Council meeting on December 14, they would have to effectively present two budgets, one showing what they would need to balance the books on 5% council tax and the other showing what it would be like if they raised the council tax to 12.5%.

Cllr Kilmister, who jokingly described himself as becoming the Cabinet Member for doom and gloom, said: “Currently, we have asked all services to provide a 5% cut. It is essential that we start to deliver transformation services rapidly.

“I am more confident that we now have a very good plan starting to come into fruition and it is essential that it is in place to actually deliver our Medium Term Financial Plan.

“The Capital programme will also impose financial demands on the revenue budget and whilst borrowing is currently very cheap we still have to pay this back.

“The new Capital programme, as detailed, may not be affordable, drawing attention to the Swansea Bay City Region Deal, 21st Century Schools and economic regeneration budgets. All these projects provide us with opportunities but also huge pressures in terms of what it does to the revenue budget.

“Currently, on next year’s budget, after asking for the 5% cuts from the various departments, we have a shortfall of £3.64m and we still need to identify where those savings are going to come from.

“That’s based on other things that Cabinet and Council will have to determine is whether or not we make further cuts which I fear could be draconian in terms of the effect on the £3.64m or whether we impose a higher council tax above the 5%.

“That is something that, at the present moment, we are going to have to do.”

Community

Classic car show returns to Carew airfield this summer

Published

3 minutes ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hundreds of vehicles, family attractions and local traders set for popular annual event

THE PEMBROKESHIRE CLASSIC CAR CLUB will once again bring a spectacular display of vintage motoring to Carew Airfield this summer, as its annual show returns on Saturday (June 6).

The much-anticipated event, running from 10:00am to 3:00pm, is expected to attract large crowds from across Pembrokeshire and beyond, with organisers promising a full day of entertainment for all ages.

Hundreds of classic cars will be on display, ranging from iconic British models to American classics, offering enthusiasts the chance to get up close to some of the finest vehicles on the road.

Alongside the cars, visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions including craft stalls, food vendors, trade stands and free face painting for children, making it a popular day out for families.

The event will take place at Carew Airfield, a location well known for hosting large-scale gatherings, with easy access and ample space for exhibitors and visitors alike.

Organisers are encouraging car owners, traders and exhibitors to get involved, with applications now open for those wishing to showcase vehicles or run stalls on the day.

Admission prices have been kept affordable, with family tickets priced at £10, while adults and OAPs pay £5 and children £3. Both cash and card payments will be accepted.

A spokesperson for the club said the show continues to grow year on year, adding: “It’s a great opportunity to bring the community together, celebrate classic cars, and support local traders in a fantastic setting.”

For exhibitor and trade enquiries, contact [email protected]. Stall holders and car boot sellers can apply via [email protected].

Community

Residents evacuated after Carmarthenshire fire as investigation continues

Published

39 minutes ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

EMERGENCY SERVICES remain at the scene of a serious property fire in Kidwelly as investigations continue and efforts are made to make the building safe.

The fire broke out on Lady Street in the early hours of Tuesday (March 24), prompting a multi-agency response involving Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Carmarthenshire County Council.

As a precaution, neighbouring properties were evacuated due to safety concerns, with residents temporarily displaced while the structural integrity of the affected building is assessed.

Safety work underway

Contractors were due to begin work at 9:00am on Thursday (March 27) to stabilise the structure and allow investigators to safely access the site. Authorities say the priority is to ensure the building is secure so residents can return to their homes as soon as possible.

However, officials have stressed that this will not happen until the site is deemed safe.

Lady Street remains closed while the work is carried out, with disruption expected to continue in the area.

Appeal for information

Police have thanked the local community for their patience and support during the ongoing incident.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage recorded between 11:00pm on Monday (March 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (March 24).

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Community

Cwm Arian to showcase work at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026

Published

48 minutes ago

March 28, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

CWM ARIAN Renewable Energy has confirmed it will host a stand at this year’s Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, set to take place from Friday, August 1 to Friday, August 8, 2026, at Llantwd in north Pembrokeshire.

The 2026 event is expected to be one of the most significant in recent history, marking 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod in 1176 at Castell Aberteifi. With the Maes located close to the original site, organisers anticipate a landmark celebration for both the region and Wales as a whole.

The National Eisteddfod is regarded as Europe’s largest cultural festival, drawing around 175,000 visitors each year. It celebrates Welsh language, literature, music and the arts through a packed programme of competitions, performances, exhibitions and community events.

Communities across Pembrokeshire, alongside neighbouring parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, have been working together to fund the festival. Organisers set a target of £400,000, which is now close to being reached, reflecting strong local support.

Anna Mounteney, Communications Coordinator at Cwm Arian, said: “We are delighted to be part of Eisteddfod y Garreg Las in such a significant year. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to share our work, connect with visitors, and celebrate the rich culture and community spirit of west Wales.”

Cwm Arian will be present on the Maes throughout the week, welcoming visitors from all backgrounds.

Cwm Arian is a community benefit society based in west Wales. Its work began with a community wind turbine in Llanfyrnach, which continues to generate renewable energy. The organisation now supports homes, community centres and local groups to install renewable systems, improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.