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Pembrokeshire second home council tax bills under scrutiny

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A CALL for clarity about when Pembrokeshire councillors learned the second homes council tax premium also applied to the police precept for Dyfed-Powys as a whole was heard at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council.

Second homes in Pembrokeshire are to pay a 150 per cent council tax premium from the next financial year, down from a previous 200 per cent premium, what was effectively a treble council tax rate, after a drop was recently backed.

That premium also applies to the police precept and the town or community council precept.

In two related submitted questions heard at the meeting, member of the public Sian Evans asked: “When Pembrokeshire councillors first agreed to impose a [second homes] premium on council tax in 2016, they voted to apply the premium (initially 50 per cent) to the basic council tax rate.

“However, council tax bills for second homeowners have always multiplied all three elements of the council tax bill: the basic council tax, the town/community council precept and the police precept.

“This year the police precept (Band E) was £400. With the premium this increased to £1,200. It should be remembered that the collection of the premium was intended to offset the negative effects of second homes in Pembrokeshire.

“Given that councillors were unaware of the need to multiply all three components of the council tax bill when they voted for the adoption of the council tax premium, when were councillors subsequently informed – in the intervening seven years – of this requirement?”

Her second question asked: “Precept collected from second homeowners in the name of Dyfed Powys Police is allocated widely across four counties [Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Powys]. Those who should be able to, find it difficult to explain the calculation, allocation and application of the precept, or how the charging of extra precept that is spent in three other counties, can offset the negative effects of second homes in Pembrokeshire.

“Would the council make an undertaking to provide a simple yet thorough explanation of this extra police precept to the satisfaction of those who pay it, and those who agreed to it, in readiness for the new financial year?”

Responding at the December meeting, Cabinet Member for Finance Cllr Joshua Beynon said: “The rate is up to 300 per cent of amount payable for that dwelling, with no distinction for police and town or community council. The premium does not increase overall funding for the Dyfed-Police and Crime Commissioner but it does change the proportion Pembrokeshire County Council has to fund.”

He added: “Whilst it may not have always been explicit in reports to members that the council tax precept applied to all three elements of the council tax; this is an element of the legislation.”

He told members the council had asked for the police authority to produce a simpler explanation of its precept for the 2025-26 financial year.

Members have previously heard the police part of the overall council tax bill for ordinary taxpayers in Pembrokeshire was lowered by a small amount as second-home-owners pay a premium.

On last year’s rates the police precept for a non-second-home average Band D property would have increased from £290.16 to £296.12 without the additional revenue from the second homes tax premium.

News

Debate over 20mph speed limit continues in Pembrokeshire

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CONCERNS over road safety and public backlash have led Wrexham Council to take a cautious approach to increasing speed limits on dozens of roads—but will Pembrokeshire follow suit?

Following widespread opposition to the Welsh Government’s blanket 20mph policy, councils across Wales, including Pembrokeshire, have been reviewing the limits. In Wrexham, a public consultation revealed overwhelming support for restoring 30mph limits on 52 roads, but councillors are proceeding with caution, citing safety concerns.

Pembrokeshire residents voice frustration

While Wrexham moves toward changes, Pembrokeshire County Council has yet to announce a firm decision on altering its 20mph zones, despite strong opposition in key areas such as Johnston, Haverfordwest, and Milford Haven.

A public consultation in Pembrokeshire allowed residents to request changes up until October 2024, and many raised concerns about longer journey times, impact on businesses, and emergency response delays. A petition was even submitted calling for the A4076 in Johnston to be exempt from the lower limit, arguing that the road is a major route with suitable pedestrian infrastructure.

One local business owner in Haverfordwest told The Herald: “It’s just not practical on some of these roads. We need sensible speed limits, not a blanket approach.”

20mph sign at St Dogmaels was welcomed by many residents

Government admits mistakes

The Welsh Government introduced the 20mph speed limit in September 2023, claiming it would reduce accidents and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Initial data suggests there were 100 fewer deaths or serious injuries on affected roads.

However, in December 2024, government officials admitted that mistakes had been made in rolling out the policy, following widespread backlash across Wales. Pembrokeshire councillors, including Paul Miller, cabinet member for economy and transport, have acknowledged public frustration but stress the need to balance safety with practicality.

Will Pembrokeshire follow Wrexham’s lead?

In Wrexham, Councillor Dave Bithell has urged caution, warning that increasing speed limits could heighten accident risks. Wrexham aims to finalize its review by May, working alongside North Wales Police to manage any changes.

With strong opposition from some Pembrokeshire communities, it remains to be seen whether the county council will reverse course on certain roads or maintain the lower speed limits.

The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has acknowledged that while some communities back the 20mph policy, others remain strongly against it. The question now is whether Pembrokeshire’s roads will see similar changes to those being considered in Wrexham.

Should Pembrokeshire reconsider its 20mph limits? The Herald wants to hear your views.

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News

Former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas dies aged 78

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Tributes pour in for ‘Senedd’s founding father’

FORMER Plaid Cymru leader and Senedd Presiding Officer Lord Elis-Thomas has died at the age of 78, his family has announced.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas led Plaid Cymru between 1984 and 1991 and served as MP for Meirionydd and later Meirionydd Nant Conwy from 1974 until 1992, when he was appointed to the House of Lords.

He made history in 1999 as the first Presiding Officer of the newly established Welsh Assembly, now the Senedd, a role in which he helped shape Wales’ modern political landscape. Flags will fly at half-mast outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay as a mark of respect.

A POLITICAL MAVERICK

Known for his independent streak, Lord Elis-Thomas often clashed with Plaid Cymru’s leadership and left the party in 2016. He later served as a minister in both Carwyn Jones and Mark Drakeford’s Welsh Labour governments, despite remaining unaffiliated with the party.

He stepped away from frontline politics in 2021, retiring after decades of service to Welsh public life.

A FAMILY’S LOSS

In a statement, his family said he died “peacefully at his home” on Friday morning after a short illness. “The family request privacy at this difficult time.”

POLITICAL TRIBUTES

First Minister Eluned Morgan led tributes, calling Lord Elis-Thomas “one of Wales’ greatest political figures.”

“Dafydd was a true giant of Welsh politics and a passionate champion of our nation, our language, and our culture,” she said.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth described his passing as “a huge loss to Welsh politics and civic life.”

“Dafydd made a priceless contribution in laying the foundations of devolution. He was a ground-breaking MP and led Plaid Cymru with passion and distinction,” he said.

Senedd Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: “It is hard to imagine Welsh political life without him. Dafydd was always at the heart of our democracy, shaping and challenging it in equal measure.”

Liz Saville-Roberts, Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, said: “He was a tremendous figure in Welsh public life whose passion for our democracy inspired so many.”

Former Welsh Labour minister Lee Waters described him as “an amazing character” who played a pivotal role in modern Welsh politics. “I liked him a lot, even though he could be maddening. Very sad news.”

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS said: “Lord Elis-Thomas was a titan of Welsh politics. His deep love for Wales and its people was undeniable.”

Andrew RT Davies, his predecessor, added: “He was always forthright and robust when expressing his views, and for that, I admired him strongly.”

A LASTING LEGACY

Lord Elis-Thomas’ influence on Welsh politics is undeniable, from his leadership of Plaid Cymru to his role in establishing the Senedd. His passing marks the end of an era for Welsh political life, but his legacy will endure for generations to come.

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News

New housing plans spark sewage fears in Broad Haven

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PLANS to build 76 new homes overlooking Broad Haven have sparked fears that the local sewage system could struggle to cope, with concerns raised about potential pollution in St Brides Bay.

Mill Bay Homes has put forward proposals for a mix of apartments and houses near Marine Parade, with a portion earmarked as affordable housing. However, residents and environmental groups warn that the sewage treatment infrastructure is already under strain, with frequent discharges into local waterways and the sea.

Sewage spills impacting swimmers

Local swimmers have long complained about sewage discharges affecting water quality in St Brides Bay, with some saying they have been unable to enter the water after heavy rainfall.

One concerned resident, who regularly swims in Broad Haven, told The Herald: “We all understand the need for more homes, but the sewage system can’t handle what we already have. The last thing we need is more pressure on an overstretched network.”

Figures from Welsh Water reveal that the nearby treatment works discharged sewage into the environment for over 600 hours last year, with dozens of separate spills recorded.

Call for investment from Welsh Water

Calling for Welsh Water to invest: Cllr Nick Neumann

Local councillor Nick Neumann said that while he supports more affordable housing, it must not come at the expense of the environment or existing communities.

“Affordable homes for local people are needed, but we must ensure they do not negatively impact the landscape, the community, or our environment,” he said. “I would urge Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water) to really double down on this and invest more.”

Mill Bay Homes has said that measures will be put in place to mitigate additional pressure on the sewage system and that they will fully fund necessary improvements.

A formal planning application is expected to be submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which has stated that around 34% of the new homes should be designated as affordable housing.

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