SENIOR councillors will consider a bid for Pembrokeshire to become the latest council to support the devolution of Crown Estate assets to Wales.

15 local authorities are currently backing calls for this economic asset to be placed in Welsh hands.

The latest to join the campaign are Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil (both on March 5), and Isle of Anglesey (March 6), bringing the total across Wales to 15.

The Crown Estate owns 65 per cent of Wales’ riverbeds and beaches, as well as more than 50,000 acres of land – valued at over £603m.

Proceeds from these go to the Crown Estate, funding the Royal Family and contributing to the UK Treasury.

Responsibility for the Crown Estate is already devolved to the Scottish Government, which has previously been reported as generating £103.6 million into the public coffers in Scotland in 2023.

Profits

A notice of motion submitted to the March 6 meeting by Plaid Cymru councillor Michael Williams said: “We ask PCC to support the proposal for the Crown Estate assets to be devolved to the people of Wales, so that profits can be used to invest in the economy and communities of Wales.

“A poll in 2023 showed that 75 per cent of the population were in favour of taking control of the assets of the Crown estate rather than the profits going to the Treasury and the Crown.

“Local Authorities are under huge financial pressure and placing the Crown Estate in the hands of Wales would be a significant step to address the lack of investment in our local government.

“We call upon the Welsh Government to ask Westminster to devolve the assets and revenue of the Crown Estates as a matter of urgency, as was done in Scotland in 2017.

“We demand that Wales is treated fairly and accepts management of the Crown Estate land for the benefit of the people of Wales.”

Members agreed the matter be referred to the council’s Cabinet for further consideration.

Earlier in that meeting, a submitted question by Independent Group leader Cllr Huw Murphy on the subject was heard.

Annual income

He asked: “Can PCC provide the annual income the Crown Estates derive from Pembrokeshire as the Crown Estates map indicate that the majority of the Pembrokeshire Coastline to include much of the Milford Haven waterway is owned by the Crown Estates?”

Responding to that question, Cabinet member for finance Cllr Joshua Beynon said the total amounted to £59,005, including £26,600 for foreshore lease agreements, £8,520 for the land around Haverfordwest’s Riverside Market, and £12,800 for a sailing centre and care park at Cosheston Pill near Pembroke Dock.

Late last year councillors in neighbouring Ceredigion backed a call for the Crown Estate assets to be devolved to the people of Wales, following a notice of motion by Cllr Catrin M S Davies, seconded by Cllr Alun Williams.

THE WELSH GOVERNEMNT is exploring potential changes to Wales’ income tax system, with Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford commissioning a review into whether a more flexible model, similar to Scotland’s, could be adopted.

Speaking in the Senedd during the Final Budget debate, Drakeford described the current system as too “blunt” and confirmed that “the work has already begun” to examine alternative approaches. He revealed that he had met with the Scottish Finance Secretary to discuss how Scotland has used its wider tax powers.

A more ‘progressive’ system?

At present, Wales can only adjust income tax rates within the existing basic, higher, and additional bands set by the UK Government. The Scottish model, however, allows for more variation, including:

• An intermediate rate of 21% on incomes between £26,562 and £43,662.
• A higher rate of 42% on incomes between £43,663 and £75,000.
• An advanced rate of 45% on incomes between £75,001 and £125,140.

The SNP-led Scottish Government has announced that, from April, it will impose the highest income tax rates in the UK for anyone earning over £30,318. While no specific proposals have been announced for Wales, Drakeford’s comments have fuelled speculation that a similar system could be introduced.

Opposition concerns

Welsh Conservatives have strongly opposed the prospect of increased taxation. Sam Rowlands, the party’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, warned: “Further Labour tax rises on hardworking Welsh people would be a disaster for Wales.”

Andrew RT Davies, former leader of the Welsh Tories, also voiced concerns, stating: “The last thing Wales needs is higher and more complex taxes.”

The Welsh Government has not confirmed whether any changes would mean tax rises, but Drakeford emphasised that the review aims to assess whether a more progressive tax system could benefit public services and economic growth.

No immediate changes

While discussions are ongoing, no firm decisions have been made, and any reforms would require extensive consultation. The Herald understands that the Welsh Government is in the early stages of reviewing its options, with further details expected later this year.

PEMBROKESHIRE’S leader is to meet with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service after a recent review said there was a “bullying culture” in the service.

A recent jointly commissioned Independent Cultural Review, facilitated by Crest Advisory found several serious widespread concerns being reported by staff including discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment.

Senior staff at the service have said that they will now be looking to implement the recommendations of the report.

At the March 6 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, a submitted question by Cllr Alistair Cameron asked: “On February 5, Crest Advisory published their Independent Culture Review into Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“The review was highly critical and included the following statements in its conclusion.”

Cllr Cameron’s question quoted the report: “Our findings revealed that MAWWFRS is divided along grey book (operational vs green book (support and corporate), gender and rank with a formal hierarchy fostering mistrust, disconnection, and a culture of fear and conformity, stifling open dialogue and innovation.

“Staff raised cultural issues including leadership failures, outdated management practices, and inadequate staff support across our engagement.

“These issues perpetuated inefficiencies, lowered staff morale and increased inequalities.

“High levels of bullying and harassment, a fear of retaliation and ostracism hampering confidence in reporting, and a lack of confidence on action from senior leaders, reflect a bullying culture at MAWWFRS.

“A resistance to change, particularly at the executive level, and rooted in a structure that prioritises operational firefighting over broader public safety roles, hindered attempts at positive cultural change.

“MAWWFRS must undergo transformative reforms, modernising its culture and structure to align with contemporary public safety priorities, addressing systematic issues, and rebuilding trust through decisive, bold and inclusive action.”

He added: “Whilst MAWWFRS is to be commended for commissioning this work, could the Leader of the council seek an urgent meeting between the Chief Fire Officer and council so that he can explain what measures have been put in place to address these serious issues?”

Responding, Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “I fully share the concerns of the findings in certain cultural aspects of MAWWFRS and am aware work has already started.

“I’ve already had a response back from the fire service with a meeting scheduled for March 20.”

Cllr Cameron welcomed the Leader’s response, highlighting the review’s highly critical view of a “bullying culture,” adding: “The only positive thing is the fire service did request this report.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Fire Authority Chair Councillor Gwynfor Thomas has previously said: “Members of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority are saddened to read the findings of the independent culture review of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“We are humbled by people’s courage in giving open, honest and challenging feedback, and it is with thanks to those who contributed that we can see the urgency with which we must act to tackle poor culture and behaviour where it exists.”