News

Plans for taxation powers: Purpose, principles and priorities published

Published

11 years ago

December 9, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Secretary: Aims for successful devolution.

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT is in preparation for the recommendations of the Silk Commission, and the impending devolution of tax and borrowing powers. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The Finance and Government Business Minister has today published a Welsh Government Treasury paper setting out its purpose, principles and priorities for the taxes to be devolved.

The paper outlines the tax powers coming to Wales; how the Government is approaching the development of its tax policies; the principles for these taxes and the broader priorities for future devolution for Wales. It also sets out essential facts and figures about the taxes that will be devolved along with key forthcoming dates.” Government Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, went on to say: “I have been clear that the development of our tax policy must be based on firm principles. The devolution of tax powers provides us with the opportunity to develop taxes that are based on fairness and reflect the needs, circumstances and priorities of the people of Wales.

Borrowing powers will also enable us to fund our infrastructure across all sectors, helping businesses to grow in line with our Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan. This Welsh Treasury paper comprehensively sets out our approach to tax devolution and how we are – and will be – engaging with people and businesses. Balancing the need to maintain vital public services with the responsibility to manage our new taxation powers will be vital. That is why I am determined to ensure that everyone in Wales has the opportunity to contribute to the debate.

I hope this paper will provide a wider understanding of the new powers and taxes that will help us deliver our economic and social goals for Wales.” A Wales Office spokesperson said: “The Secretary of State for Wales set out his vision for devolution on Monday: powers for a purpose, to grow the Welsh economy and make the Welsh government more accountable.

We’ll continue to work with the Welsh Government to make devolution successful for the people of Wales – including on issues such as these, which were discussed at the Joint Exchequer Committee in Cardiff last month.” The Welsh Government is currently consulting on its White Paper ‘Collection and management of devolved taxes in Wales until December 15. Further White Papers – on a Welsh tax on transactions involving interests in land and on a Welsh tax on disposals to landfill – are expected in Spring 2015.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

2 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of serious allegations following his appearance in the latest magistrates’ court register.

David Guy, 49, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared in court facing multiple charges, all of which have now been deemed too serious for summary trial.

Multiple charges listed in register

The new magistrates’ register shows Guy charged with several offences arising from the same case file. Although individual charge descriptions were not expanded in open court, the register confirms the allegations include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second assault charge
Criminal damage
A further interpersonal violence allegation
A public order offence

All entries relate to the same incident and prosecution reference, presented as a multi-count case.

Defendant remanded into custody

Magistrates ruled that their sentencing powers were insufficient and sent the entire case to Swansea Crown Court for trial.

Guy was remanded in custody, with the register stating: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A hearing date will now be fixed administratively by the Crown Court. Until then, Guy remains remanded.

The Herald will provide updates once the Crown Court listing is confirmed.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

8 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string of alleged offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, 40, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, faces six linked charges arising from incidents reported to have taken place earlier this year. Alcock, who did not enter pleas during the administrative hearings, appeared on several occasions as the court dealt with bail issues and case management.

Multiple assault allegations
The charges listed before magistrates include:
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional strangulation
Common assault of a woman
Criminal damage relating to a domestic incident
Further assault allegations linked to the same complainant
A breach of bail conditions

The court heard that Alcock had previously been granted conditional bail. However, he was brought back before magistrates twice during the same reporting period for alleged breaches of those conditions, resulting in updated bail decisions.

Bail breached — defendant remanded

On two separate entries in the court register, Alcock was listed as having breached his bail, leading magistrates to remand him into custody pending the next hearing. On other dates within the same week, he was again re-released on conditional bail, with strict terms imposed, including restrictions on contact with the complainant and exclusions from certain locations.

He is now remanded on conditional bail with his next appearance set for Swansea Crown Court, where the more serious matters — including the alleged non-fatal strangulation — will be dealt with.

Case sent to Crown Court

Magistrates directed that the case is too serious to be heard locally and must proceed to the Crown Court for trial or sentence.

The Herald understands that all listed charges fall under the same prosecution reference, indicating they form part of a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution. No further details were opened in court at this stage.

Crime

Rogue roofer conned homeowner out of thousands

Published

24 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Caerphilly investigation leads to court conviction

A ROGUE trader from Pembroke has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after duping a homeowner into handing over thousands for unnecessary roofing work.

Douggie Whitbread, aged twenty-five and living at Coldwell Terrace, Pembroke, persuaded his victim that he “probably needed a new roof” before charging £4,350 for work that was either unnecessary or not carried out properly.

Whitbread admitted two counts of fraud relating to a property on Griffiths Street, Ystrad Mynach, with the offences taking place between August 12 and October 16, 2023.

He appeared before Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, where he was ordered to pay a total of £6,130. That includes £4,350 in compensation, £1,500 in prosecution costs, a £200 fine, and an £80 victim surcharge.

The case was brought following an investigation by Caerphilly Trading Standards, who urged residents to be cautious of unsolicited offers of home maintenance work.