News

Second homes Council Tax contributed £9.1m to Pembrokeshire

Published

2 years ago

October 15, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

Second home-owners in Pembrokeshire, whose 200 percent Council Tax premiums have contributed more than £9m to council coffers in this financial year, are not expected to see that level rise if a recommendation before full council is backed later this week.

Second-home owners, since this financial year, have been paying a 200 percent premium on their Council Tax, effectively a treble rate, following an increase from the previous 100 percent (or double rate) premium.

Under Welsh Government legislation, local authorities are able to increase the council premium on second homes to as much as 300 percent, effectively a quadrable rate.

Long-term empty properties in the county are also currently charged a premium Council Tax rate: 100 percent after 24 months, 200 percent after 36 months, and 300 percent after five years.

At the October 7 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members backed recommending to full council, meeting on October 17, that the second homes premium remain at the current 200 percent, with the long-term empty property rates also remaining at the current levels.

The report also included a review of the council’s discretionary discount policy in relation to properties returning into the Council Tax list from non-domestic rating following the Welsh Government change to a 182 days criteria for holiday lets rate relief, with Cabinet members recommending full council write to Welsh Government asking them to reduce the 182 days let threshold.

A Pembrokeshire consultation has been undertaken on the level of Council Tax premiums, which had one of the highest responses ever received by the council, saw 2,974 responses, with 2,155 from someone whose main residence is outside of Pembrokeshire, along with 67 responses from organisations.

From October 2017-August 2024, the number of second homes paying the premium had dropped from 3,889 to 3,221, with exemptions rising from 137 to 760 over the same period.

In April 2023 councillors backed 75 percent of the funds raised from the second homes premium be used to fund elements of the council’s budget relating to affordable housing and enhancing the sustainability of local communities, the remaining 25 percent spit 75/25 for the Affordable Housing programme and the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant scheme.

From April 1 of this year, that was changed to 85 percent, the remaining 15 percent to the other two areas.

For long-term empty properties this was set at 100 percent for elements of the council’s budget relating to affordable housing and enhancing the sustainability of local communities.

In the previous two financial years the additional income had been placed into an Empty Property Reserve for bringing homes back into use.

Following the Cabinet recommendations, a report before the October 17 meeting of full council asks members to back the Cabinet recommendations, saying: “The consultation shows that some second homeowners support the need for a Council Tax premium, albeit at a lower level than current 200 percent.

“The current Council Tax premium level does seem to be changing behaviour as we are seeing a greater number of properties on the market and the overall number of self-catering units and second homes are starting to reduce. The council still has a large homelessness issue and while the market is moving the current level of Council Tax premium is achieving its aim. As such there seems little reason (or support) to look to increase it.

“Whilst the consultation demonstrates that there is little support for the current level of second homes Council Tax premium and there have been concerns raised from the tourism industry, it is potentially too soon to change a policy that would seem to be starting to achieve its intended consequences of bringing down the overall level of second homes and self-catering units.”

The report says second homes and empty properties premiums contributed £10.8m to the council’s budget relating to affordable housing and enhancing the sustainability of local communities during 2024-25, £9.1m from second homes.

It said any reduction in the premium would increase council budget pressures, listing the effects of a potential 25 percent drop for the next financial year, leading to a £1.3m drop on a potential general Council Tax increase of 11.14 percent and £1.2m for a potential 7.5 percent rise.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

8 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.