News

Council ‘s £34m budget gap ‘the most challenging since its inception’

Published

1 year ago

December 12, 2024

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is staring down the barrel of a £34.1m funding gap for 2025-26. Despite a 3.6% funding increase from the Welsh Government, announced on Wednesday (Dec 11), councillors are grappling with tough decisions on tax increases and service cuts to balance the books.

Cllr Joshua Beynon, the Cabinet Member for Finance, described the situation as the most challenging financial landscape the authority has faced since its inception. He warned that rising costs and increasing demand for services have created an unsustainable financial outlook.

Expenditure is set to rise by 11.2%, leaving the Council with two options: raise taxes or cut services. Either way, difficult choices are ahead.

Hidden costs add millions to budget woes

The Welsh Government’s settlement does not cover increased employers’ national insurance contributions or the costs of commissioned care services. These omissions add £2m to the Council’s budget pressures, a cost that will recur annually.

Additionally, First Minister Eluned Morgan confirmed on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast that the UK Government’s level of cost coverage for the national insurance increase will not be clear until May or June, after the increase takes effect in April. This uncertainty casts doubt on the deliverability of savings and the level of Council Tax needed to fund essential services. It’s likely that by the time clarity emerges, much of the funding increase will have been absorbed by rising costs.

Statutory services face funding crunch

Cllr Beynon outlined the pressures of delivering statutory services like education, adult social care, and child social care. He highlighted the “rural premium” of delivering services in Pembrokeshire, where clients are often miles apart, compared to urban areas like Cardiff.

“The cost of delivering services has far outpaced consumer price inflation,” he said. Even a proposed 11.4% Council Tax increase would leave a significant funding gap that could only be filled by service reductions. Councillors must weigh these challenges carefully when setting Council Tax next March.

Over the past 11 years, Pembrokeshire County Council has faced a cumulative funding gap of £174.8m. This has been addressed through a combination of budget savings, Council Tax increases, premiums, and reserves. Of that, 63% has come from savings and reductions, with just under a quarter from increased taxes.

Councillors demand accountability on savings

Cllr Alan Dennison queried how the Council’s Budget Forecasting Tool assigned risk bands to budget elements, suggesting cross-party input was necessary. He questioned why reducing schools’ budgets appeared easier than cutting senior roles within the Education Directorate.

Chief Executive Will Bramble defended the process, explaining that risk assessments consider the feasibility of cuts and their impact on services. He assured members they could provide input on the process.

The exchange turned heated when Cllr Dennison challenged figures quoted by the Chief Executive about savings achieved. Mr Bramble refuted any suggestion of inaccuracy, promising to provide detailed figures after the meeting.

Investment in social care

The Council plans to divert £5m of reserves into a designated fund for investment in social care, aiming to build a provision pot and manage in-year budget pressures. Cllr Beynon said this move was critical to ensuring the sustainability of vital services.

Next steps

The Council voted to proceed with the draft budget, which will undergo extended scrutiny in January. A series of committee meetings and a further budget seminar will determine the path forward. As Pembrokeshire councillors face a gruelling budget process, the decisions they make in the coming weeks will shape the county’s financial future and impact every resident.

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

Published

11 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.

Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.

The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.

The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.

The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).

Community

Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.

A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.

The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.

Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.

She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.

The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.

One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”

Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”

Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”

The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.

Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.

Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.