News
Government’s £5bn benefits crackdown: What It means for Pembrokeshire
New reforms could hit disability claimants hardest
THE UK GOVERNMENT has unveiled a major reform of the welfare system, aiming to save £5bn by 2030 through stricter eligibility rules for benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC). With 19.5% of households in Pembrokeshire claiming Universal Credit, these changes could have a significant impact locally, particularly for disabled residents.

However, early analysis suggests PIP claimants will be hardest hit. While Universal Credit recipients will see some structural changes, including the scrapping of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) in 2028 and a permanent above-inflation rise, PIP recipients face much tougher eligibility criteria, potentially disqualifying around a million people nationwide.
Local impact on Pembrokeshire
With 26% of its population aged over 65—one of the highest proportions in Wales—and above-average disability rates, Pembrokeshire could be disproportionately affected. Many residents rely on PIP to supplement low wages or provide financial support when work is not an option.
Pembrokeshire’s economy is heavily dependent on seasonal work, tourism, and public services, with 14% of workers self-employed—many in physically demanding jobs. Health and disability benefits play a crucial role for those unable to work year-round.
Key changes announced
Universal Credit (UC)
- Above-inflation increase – Payments will rise permanently to £775 per month by 2030.
- Work Capability Assessment scrapped (2028) – Future assessments for extra support will be through PIP instead.
- Right to Try – Claimants will be encouraged to return to work without immediately losing benefits.
- Under-22s lose incapacity top-up – Young people will no longer qualify for an additional health-related payment, a move designed to deter school leavers from going straight onto benefits.
Impact: Universal Credit claimants face mixed consequences. The removal of WCA could reduce stress for those with long-term conditions, and higher payments may help some households. However, the removal of incapacity top-ups could create financial hardship for young disabled claimants.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Stricter eligibility rules – Claimants must score at least four points in one category to qualify for PIP’s daily living element.
- Up to one million people could lose support – Early estimates suggest a significant number may no longer qualify.
- No means-testing (yet), but tougher assessments – Changes may disproportionately affect those with mental health conditions and fluctuating illnesses.
Impact: Many disabled residents in Pembrokeshire may struggle to qualify for PIP, which in turn affects their Universal Credit top-ups. Those with mental health conditions, long COVID, or conditions such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia may face difficulties meeting the new criteria.
What does this mean for Pembrokeshire?
- Higher risk for disabled claimants – With an aging population and a significant number of residents on disability benefits, many may lose essential support.
- Rural and seasonal work challenges – Physically demanding jobs in tourism, construction, and agriculture mean PIP is crucial for those unable to work due to health conditions.
- Potential rise in hardship – Child poverty in Pembrokeshire is already one of the highest in Wales (24.7%). If PIP claimants lose financial support, demand for food banks and social services could increase.
Local perspective
Pembrokeshire has a lower-than-average employment rate (73.8%) and high self-employment (14%), meaning many workers lack stable income or sick pay. The county also faces social care pressures, with 641 adults receiving domiciliary care. If PIP eligibility tightens, many claimants could lose both disability payments and their health-related UC top-ups, leaving some without financial support entirely.
Responding to the Government’s Green Paper on Welfare reforms, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said: “You don’t get more people into work by slashing support for disabled people who need it.
“If we are to reduce the welfare bill, we need to focus on prevention and get serious about fixing health and social care in Wales, alongside improving mental health treatment provisions.
“Far too many people in Wales are left deteriorating on extreme waiting lists, unable to work and often become sicker while they wait for treatment.
“We are also concerned that the Chancellor’s budget is failing to create new jobs for people to join, with the national insurance rise contributing to job losses and hiring freezes across Wales.
“This is in addition to the fact that in many former industrial parts of Wales, jobs that were lost have never been replaced which is why we need a real economic strategy to breathe new life into these communities.”
What happens next?
The government has launched a Green Paper consultation on the reforms. However, with Labour facing internal criticism over the changes, further amendments could still be made before they take full effect.
Have your say
The Herald wants to hear from Pembrokeshire residents:
- Are you worried about losing your benefits?
- Do you think the “Right to Try” scheme will help you get back into work?
- How will these reforms impact your household?
Email The Herald with your views.
Final verdict
Pembrokeshire at higher risk – With a high disability rate, older population, and reliance on seasonal work, the county may see a rise in financial hardship due to these reforms.r say
Universal Credit claimants – Some may benefit from higher payments and no longer facing Work Capability Assessments, but young disabled people will be hit hardest.
PIP claimants – The biggest losers. Many may lose their entire benefit due to stricter scoring rules, which in turn affects their UC top-ups.
We want to hear from Pembrokeshire residents affected by these changes. Are you worried about losing your benefits? Will the new support help you get back into work? Email The Herald with your views.
Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order
ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.
The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.
Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.
Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.
He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.
The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.
A pre-sentence report was ordered.
News
Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest
Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply
A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
No further details about the deceased have been formally released.
Crime
Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe
FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.
At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.
The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.
In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.
Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.
Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.
While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.
The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.
“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”
He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”
Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.
-
News7 days agoRayner and Lammy visit Wales to discuss justice and community safety
-
News6 days agoFishguard linked to allegations in Many Tears Animal Rescue investigation
-
News4 days agoEmergency services flood Haverfordwest after reports of person in river
-
Local Government7 days agoInvestigation confirmed after inspectors visit Many Tears Animal Rescue
-
Crime3 days agoMother given community order after admitting child cruelty offence
-
Community7 days agoTown hall takeover plan questioned as cost figures conflict
-
News4 days agoSenedd vote to ban greyhound racing hailed as ‘landmark moment’ by charities
-
Business7 days agoOil firm praised for putting customers first during price surge









