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Council accused of coercing councillors into approving historic tax increase

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IN AN UNFOLDING scandal at Pembrokeshire County Council, councillors are reportedly being pressured to endorse what could be the UK’s most substantial council tax hike, according to documents revealed by the TaxPayers’ Alliance.

Allegations of “strong-arm” tactics being used to secure approval for the proposed budget have surfaced, intensifying the debate.

This development, first reported in The Daily Telegraph, and Yahoo News, precedes a critical budget meeting set for the 7th of March, where the council will deliberate on a budget incorporating a 16.31% increase in council tax.

This proposed hike is unprecedented in magnitude for the 2024/25 period and would impose an additional £219 on Band D households. This rate of increase has not been seen in Wales since 2000-01 and is the most significant for both England and Wales since the introduction of referendum principles in 2012-23.

E-mails obtained from the TaxPayers’ Alliance shed light on the intense pressure being exerted on councillors by high-ranking officials, including the S151 officer and the monitoring officer.

These communications explicitly state that opposing the budget could be deemed unlawful and would contravene the Principles of Public Life as outlined in the Constitution. Specifically, such opposition is cited as a potential violation of the principle of Stewardship, risking the council’s reputation and constituting a code of conduct issue.

Moreover, the correspondence underscores a clear directive that no amendments affecting the 2024-25 council tax increase level will be entertained at the upcoming council session on March 7th.

In a related event, Max Caller, the lead commissioner for Birmingham City Council, reportedly gave a “pep talk” that left councillors with a stark warning about the legal implications of failing to set a budget, underscoring their statutory duties.

Elliot Keck, the TaxPayers’ Alliance’s head of campaigns, expressed grave concerns over the undue influence reported, highlighting the severe impact such a tax increase could have on household finances. Keck advocates for councillors’ autonomy in decision-making, free from undue influence.

Independent Councillor Mike Stoddart has voiced opposition to the tactics employed, suggesting that pressuring elected officials to support the significant tax increase could backfire. Stoddart remains committed to acting in his constituents’ best interests, irrespective of external pressures.

The TaxPayers’ Alliance, established in 2004 by Matthew Elliott and Andrew Allum, has been vocal in opposing the proposed tax rise. The organisation, dedicated to tax reform, public service improvement, and the reduction of waste, has been actively campaigning in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, highlighting the issue to the public and media.

As the debate intensifies, the eyes of Pembrokeshire residents and the wider UK public are keenly focused on the upcoming council vote, which could set a precedent for future tax policy and governance locally.

 

News

Crackwell Street set to reopen after five-month closure

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ROADWORKS linked to structural repairs at Goscar House in Tenby are nearing completion, with Crackwell Street expected to reopen to through traffic today (Wednesday, June 24).

Scaffolding has now been removed from the property, with contractors carrying out a general clearance of the area.

The road has been closed for around five months while structural repair work has been taking place.

Local residents, businesses and visitors are expected to welcome the reopening, with Crackwell Street forming an important route through the town.

Pembrokeshire County Council has indicated that, all being well, the road will reopen later today.

Gareth Davies, of Gareth Davies Photography Tenby, said it was “good to see the removal of scaffolding today and general clearance on the property”.

He added that locals and visitors would be “so pleased” to see the road open once again.

Photo caption:

Clearance work: Contractors at Crackwell Street, Tenby, as scaffolding is removed from Goscar House (Pic: Gareth Davies).

 

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Crime

Dock woman given mental health treatment order after supermarket thefts

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A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has been placed on a mental health treatment requirement after repeatedly stealing meat, cheese and other grocery items from local supermarkets.

Lisa Stewart, 45, admitted three theft offences when she appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

The first offence took place on March 11, when Stewart stole Vanish, Lenor and three packs of Persil capsules from Home Bargains in Pembroke Dock, with a total value of £58.41.

The following month, she stole four small beef joints, four steaks and three blocks of cheese from Asda in Pembroke Dock, worth £55.68.

Seven days later, she stole four legs of lamb from Farmfoods in Pembroke Dock, valued at £99.96.

Stewart, of Truscott House, London Road, Pembroke Dock, also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to police bail on or around May 26.

She was represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries, who told magistrates the thefts involved items of relatively low value and were not the result of “sophisticated offending”.

“The defendant has had an exceptionally difficult time, as last year she lost her partner to cancer and has struggled profoundly to process that grief,” said Ms Harries.

“Instead, she has attempted to cope by taking more of her prescribed medication than she should. And this is what has led her to be here today.”

Ms Harries said Stewart is now motivated to address her issues.

Magistrates sentenced Stewart to an 18-month community order. She must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

The order will include monthly reviews in court.

Stewart must also pay £214.05 compensation to the supermarkets, together with a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

 

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Crime

Grandmother banned after cocaine drug-drive offence

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A GRANDMOTHER has been banned from the roads after being caught behind the wheel with 800 mcg of a cocaine metabolite in her system.

Eleri Phillips, 57, was stopped by police in the early hours of December 18 as she drove her Audi Q5 along Derwent Avenue, Steynton.

A roadside drugs swipe proved positive, and further blood tests carried out at the police station showed she had 45 mcg of cocaine in her system and 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.

The legal limits are 10 mcg and 50 mcg respectively.

Phillips, of Brook Close, Steynton, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. She was legally represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“She is absolutely ashamed of what has happened,” Mr Kelleher told the court.

“She had been out with friends that evening and someone offered her cocaine. Very foolishly, she took it.

“As a result, she is now going to be disqualified from driving, which is going to cause problems not only for her but for her family, as she regularly helps look after her grandchildren with general pick-ups from school.”

Phillips was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £120. She must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.

 

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