News

Second homes tax rise ‘leading to depression and even thoughts of suicide’

Published

2 years ago

April 1, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

SECOND home-owners are paying as much as £11,000 in council tax following the introduction of treble tax rate, which has even led to some contemplating suicide, a support group has said.

Pembrokeshire has been operating a 100 per cent council tax premium for second homes, effectively a double rate, for several years.

Back in December, members Pembrokeshire’s full council backed a Cabinet-supported 200 per cent premium for second homes, effectively a treble rate, from April onwards.

Pembrokeshire Second Homes Support Group, run by Chris Morgan, formerly of Pembroke Dock and Siân Evans of Cardiff, was formed “from a need to inform reassure and assist members to cope with the latest increase in the council tax second homes premium from 100 per cent to 200 per cent”.

They said: “As the council tax demands for 2024-25 arrive, we have discovered massive increases. Typical council tax bills are running between £5,000 and £11,000. We believe that in the extensive meetings and debate concerning the 2024-2025 budget, the effect of these premiums on those paying them has been overlooked.”

In a message to Pembrokeshire County Council, the group said: “We have been disregarded in this matter, despite the fact that your budget relies on us. Being the lowest council tax in the land seems to be the goal, but at our expense.

“Four weeks’ notice has been given for these increases. People have been left desperate. All of us have faced stress and anxiety over this, some have suffered depression on a clinical level.

“Look closely and you will see the increased level of housing stock on the market. Look past those worrying economic indicators, and consider that some of these houses have been in families for centuries and placed on the market in panic.

“Your assumption that these payments are possible is inaccurate. You chose to disregard the results of your own consultation and the requests of your own members who for more analysis of this exploitive tax and its effects.

“We are placing Pembrokeshire County Council on notice that after years of paying hugely inflated amounts, this has now come to an end. It is exploitative and in our opinion the result of poor financial management. We consider our fiscal relationship with this council to be fractured, without trust and in some cases dangerous to our members’ health.”

Chris said: “The picture of abject misery and hardship is unfolding as we speak with at least one so-called second home-owner contemplating suicide.

“These are not Rachman types caught up in this, but ordinary folk committed to our county and of long standing. More often than not, like myself, part of the diaspora.”

He added: “There is no group policy on payment and individuals will act as they will. However, some members are reporting that they cannot afford it and are putting their homes on the market. One member is so desperate that she is considering suicide.

“These are ordinary folk, vast majority Welsh, who are being treated as predatory outsiders.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has been contacted for a response.

Community

Bishop returns to Llanelli for Palm Sunday celebrations

Published

5 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Visit described as ‘coming home’ as Bishop Dorrien joins worshippers in Bro Lliedi

BISHOP DORRIEN marked Palm Sunday (Mar 29) with a series of visits and services across Llanelli, describing his return to the area as “coming home.”

The Bishop of St Davids spent the day in the Bro Lliedi Local Ministry Area, beginning with the main parish Eucharist at St Elli Church, where he both preached and presided.

Following the service, he joined members of the local ministry area for lunch, before spending time visiting parishioners in the community.

The day concluded with a Songs of Praise service in Felinfoel, bringing together worshippers for an evening of reflection and celebration.

As a token of appreciation for his visit, Bishop Dorrien was presented with a print of St Davids Cathedral.

The Bishop has strong personal ties to the Llanelli area, having served his title there earlier in his ministry. Speaking during the visit, he said returning to the town always feels like “coming home.”

Church leaders said the visit was a valuable opportunity for the Bishop to connect with congregations across the area during one of the most significant periods in the Christian calendar.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a central time of reflection for Christians leading up to Easter.

Local Government

Oil spill update issued for Pembroke stream and Castle Pond

Published

20 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

COUNCILLOR Jonathan Grimes, representing Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, has issued an update following concerns over an oil spill affecting a stream on The Commons and Castle Pond in Pembroke.

Speaking after discussions with Natural Resources Wales, Cllr Grimes confirmed that response teams have been on site throughout the day working to contain the pollution and identify its source.

According to the latest update:

• The pollution has begun to subside, with the oil slick now breaking up
• Monitoring will continue over the weekend and into next week
• Forecast rain is expected to help disperse the remaining contamination
• The substance is believed to be domestic heating oil (kerosene), pending confirmation
• Investigators believe they have identified the source area and are taking steps to prevent further incidents

Cllr Grimes said he would continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

The incident has sparked concern among residents, particularly over the potential impact on wildlife and the environment. Some have called for further action, including opening the sea gate to help flush the affected water.

Local Government

Work begins on major housing and care scheme in Haverfordwest

Published

27 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MULTI-MILLION pound housing and care development in Haverfordwest has officially moved into the construction phase, with groundworks now underway at the Tŷ Haverfordia site.

Contractor Wynne Construction has begun work on the scheme at the former Haverfordia House site, marking the milestone with a turf-cutting ceremony attended by project partners and local representatives.

The development will provide 26 sheltered apartments for people aged over fifty-five, alongside a purpose-built twelve-bed reablement centre aimed at supporting residents returning home from hospital and regaining independence.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council and is expected to play an important role in easing pressure on local health and social care services.

Developers say they will work closely with local suppliers and businesses during the build to maximise benefits to the regional economy.

Measures have also been put in place to minimise disruption during construction, including maintaining pedestrian access and ensuring parking arrangements remain in place for nearby facilities.

Once complete, the scheme is expected to provide modern, high-quality accommodation tailored to the needs of older residents, while helping to free up hospital capacity across west Wales.