News

Council’s budget postponed as more funding received

Published

1 year ago

February 20, 2025

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’s efforts to set its budget and determine next year’s Council Tax were thrown into disarray on Thursday, February 20, as councillors voted to adjourn the decision amid uncertainty over funding from the Welsh Government.

Councillors had gathered to scrutinise the proposed budget based on forecast financial settlements. However, before discussions could begin, standing orders were suspended after it emerged that the Welsh Government planned to issue the actual financial settlement for Pembrokeshire later that same day, potentially after the budget and Council Tax had been set.

This development meant councillors were being asked to make critical financial decisions based on incomplete information. Moving for an adjournment, Cllr Jamie Adams highlighted that even a small increase in Welsh Government funding could significantly alter which cuts were necessary and the level of Council Tax required.

Cllr Joshua Beynon, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, acknowledged the point, stating he did not yet know the exact impact of the updated settlement, whether it would be an additional £100,000 or £2 million.

Following debate, councillors voted to adjourn the budget-setting meeting until March 6, by which time the Cabinet is expected to have greater clarity on overall grant funding, including allocations for specific projects outside the core budget settlement.

Scepticism remains over the process. One councillor told The Herald: “Being cynical, they hoped to get 9.85% through and, hey presto, a large chunk from the Welsh Government, for which certain Cabinet members would take credit and utilise as they see fit. One thing’s for sure, if the budget and council tax had been passed before the extra money was announced, we wouldn’t be returning for a ‘let’s lower Council Tax Day’!”

Another councillor added: “They (the Cabinet) knew the money was coming in but didn’t want to tell the public.”

The Conservative Group was even more critical. Cllr Aled Thomas, the Conservative spokesperson for finance, said: “The Cabinet have been caught red-handed playing fast and loose with public finances, asking for extortionate council tax rises today despite knowing they were likely to have additional funding tomorrow.

“As councillors, we owe it to the people of Pembrokeshire to spend their money wisely, focusing on statutory services and not vanity projects. The Cabinet and leader have clearly lost the confidence of the chamber, and they should consider stepping down for the benefit of the people of Pembrokeshire.”

Shortly after the budget meeting was adjourned, the Welsh Government confirmed a funding floor of 3.8% for local authorities, significantly increasing the money available to Pembrokeshire County Council.

In response, the council issued an official statement: Pembrokeshire County Council budget discussion adjourned. Councillors have voted to adjourn the budget decision to a future meeting, following the full announcement of Welsh Government funding for local authorities.

At a meeting of Full Council on February 20, it was agreed to reconvene to set the budget for 2025-26 on March 6. Local authorities have a statutory requirement to agree on a balanced budget before March 11.

Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, Cllr Joshua Beynon, said: “I am committed to ensuring we work across the council chamber to deliver a budget before the legal deadline.”

Speaking to The Herald, IPG Leader, Cllr Huw Murphy said: “For Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet to sanction a Council Tax setting meeting prior to knowing the full financial settlement from WG was surprising and not something the Independent Group could support hence the Notice to adjourn.

“It was clear at today’s meeting that Cabinet did not have the confidence of the majority of Council members to continue with their recommendation to debate and vote upon a Council Tax of 9.85%.

“Following a short recess it was decided that Full Council will reconvene on March 6th to debate and decide the level of Council Tax that will be imposed on the hard working residents of Pembrokeshire.

“The Independent Group has every belief that their decisive move to adjourn Full Council will ultimately result in a lower Council Tax being levied to the 9.85% recommended by Cabinet today.

“The Independent Group comprise members from all over Pembrokeshire, all steadfast in their aim of protecting essential services but not forgetting the tremendous burden Council Tax bills impose on many households, many being pensioners on fixed incomes who have no easy remedy to ever increasing bills foisted upon them and this has to be considered when raising Council Tax.

“The question for Cabinet to consider is should they now put forward an alternative budget for March 6th recommending a Council Tax of less than 9.85% why did they recommend this level of Council Tax to Full Council today when not in possession of the full financial picture?”

With tensions running high and accusations of political manoeuvring, the coming weeks will determine how the council moves forward in setting a budget that reflects the updated funding available.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

41 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

Charity

Pembroke Dock charity shop expands to support hospice care

Published

46 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SHOP NOW OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AFTER EXPANSION INTO ADJOINING UNIT

A CHARITY shop in Pembroke Dock has expanded into a neighbouring unit to help raise more money for local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home has completed a knock-through at its shop in Bierspool, London Road, creating a larger retail space and allowing the charity to offer a wider range of items, including furniture.

The expanded shop was officially opened on Friday (May 1) by the outgoing Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michelle Wiggins.

The shop team, led by Kelly Elliot and supported by volunteers, worked for several weeks to prepare the new-look store for customers.

Head of Retail Julia Brady welcomed guests at the opening, while the charity also thanked staff, volunteers and supporters who helped decorate and prepare the premises.

Special thanks were given to Gill at Pembroke Dock Tesco for donating treats for customers and staff on the day.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home operates nine retail shops and an eBay department. Income from donations and sales helps fund the charity’s clinical teams, who provide free specialist palliative care to patients and families across Pembrokeshire.

The charity says it costs £3,600 every day to deliver its free clinical services. Around 30% of that cost is funded through Hywel Dda Health Board, with the remainder raised through retail income, fundraising and community support.

The Pembroke Dock shop is now open seven days a week, giving people more opportunities to shop, donate and support local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

The charity provides care for people with any life-limiting condition, not only cancer, and supports patients of all faiths and none. It operates an open referral system, with referrals accepted from patients, families, friends and healthcare professionals.

Paul Sartori Foundation Ltd operates under the name Paul Sartori Hospice at Home. The charity was registered in 1982 and will celebrate its 45th anniversary during 2027/2028.

News

Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success

Published

54 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Herald Sport

UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE

YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.

The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.

Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.

The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.

A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.

The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.

Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.

“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.

“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”

Photo caption: Plate winners: Ysgol Bro Teifi’s under-18 rugby team celebrate their national success at Rodney Parade.