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.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

4 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

14 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

14 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.