News
Council agrees change to long-term empty properties council tax premium
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL have voted to revise and simplify the long-term empty properties council tax premium.
Previously the premium increased incrementally. However, Members agreed in December that from April 1st 2025 one rate of 300% will apply to all properties that have been empty for two years or more.
Cllr Joshua Beynon, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”
The premium is in addition to the standard council tax charge and applies to all three elements – Council, Police & Crime Commissioner and Town & Community Councils.
Council taxpayers who are renovating their properties can apply for a council tax exemption which can be applied to the property for a maximum period of 12 months if the property requires major repair works or structural alteration.
This exemption means that no council tax is payable for this 12-month period.
If the exemption has already been awarded taxpayers can apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the level of the long-term empty property premium. In such instances the standard council tax charge is still payable.
Each case is considered on its own merits and taxpayers are required to provide written details of the works required together with photographic evidence.
This discount is normally awarded for up to maximum period of 12 months.
If you wish to apply for this discount, email [email protected] or write to Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP.
Pembrokeshire County Council is also participating in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme which will give owners of empty properties access to a grant of up to £25,000 if their property meets the required criteria and further information on this grant can be found online: https://www.nationalemptyhomesgrant.wales
Interest free loans are also available and further information on who is eligible can be found via https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/private-housing/empty-home-loans
Entertainment
Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery
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
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
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.
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