News

Huge Council Tax hikes in Wales while Councils sit on £2 billion cash reserves

Published

10 months ago

March 5, 2025

Pembrokeshire residents could see nearly 10% rise amid calls for funding reform

COUNCILS across Wales are sitting on more than £2 billion in usable reserves while residents face an average council tax rise of 7.36%. Many households have seen their council tax bills double since 2010, yet local authorities continue to accumulate significant financial reserves.

In Pembrokeshire, residents could be hit with a 9.85% increase, which would add over £140 to a Band D property’s annual bill, bringing it to around £2,000 before town, community council, and police precepts. Alternative proposals include a 9.35% rise from the Independent group, which looks lost likely to pass, and a 7.5% increase put forward by the Conservatives. The final decision, initially scheduled for February 20, has been deferred to March 6.

***A decision will be made on a Council Tax rise at PCC on Thursday (Mar 6)***

Meanwhile, Pembrokeshire County Council could be sitting on u to £82.6 million in usable financial reserves, amounting to 28.4% of its annual service expenditure. This is a sharp increase from £45.75 million in 2019-20, rising to £62.64 million in 2020-21, and reaching £83.02 million in 2021-22. The council’s rising reserves have sparked debate over whether such large sums should be used to ease financial pressures rather than imposing significant council tax hikes.

Debate in the Senedd

Today (Mar 5), the Welsh Conservatives are calling for an independent review of the Local Government Funding Formula. Their motion urges the Welsh Government to:

Commission an independent review into the funding formula.
Work with councils to use reserves to keep council tax low.
Introduce referendums for council tax hikes over 5%.
Improve efficiency in local government by reducing bureaucracy, increasing digitalisation, and promoting cross-council collaboration.
Cut spending on unnecessary projects and promote a business-like approach to public funding.

‘Broken system’

***Laura Anne Jones MS says Local Government Funding Formula is not fit for purpose***

Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Laura Anne Jones MS, said: “Under the Welsh Labour Government, the Local Government Funding Formula is broken. It cannot be right that people in Wales are facing a hike in their council tax while councils sit on over £2 billion in reserves.

“We are calling on the Welsh Government to fix local government in Wales by reviewing the funding formula and ensuring councils use reserves to keep tax rises to a minimum.”

With Pembrokeshire residents bracing for one of the highest tax increases in Wales, the debate in the Senedd will determine whether the Welsh Government is willing to take action—or if councils will continue raising taxes while holding vast reserves.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.