Community

Bailiffs enforcing in Milford Haven as more say they can’t afford council tax

Published

12 months ago

July 3, 2025

Vulnerable residents left frightened as arrears reach £263 million

COUNCIL TAX debt in Wales has soared to £263 million, with Pembrokeshire now among the top ten counties for arrears per household. As enforcement agents were attending properties in Milford Haven last month, concerns are growing over the treatment of vulnerable residents.

Figures released by the Welsh Government show that arrears have risen by 139 per cent since before the pandemic. Of the total, £103 million relates to the most recent financial year, with a further £160 million carried forward from previous years.

In Pembrokeshire, the amount of unpaid council tax rose to £8.75 million by the end of March 2025—an increase of £370,000 on the previous year. With around 70,000 chargeable properties in the county, this equates to approximately £125 per household.

Across Wales, Gwynedd has the highest average arrears per household at £373, while Neath Port Talbot has the lowest at £64.

Magistrates issuing more liability orders

The Herald understands that magistrates in west Wales have been busy issuing liability orders to local residents who have fallen behind on payments. The lists of names appearing in court each month appear to be getting longer.

A liability order allows the council to pass a case to enforcement agents—commonly referred to as bailiffs—who are then authorised to recover the debt using statutory powers.

Woman left terrified after bailiff threat

A woman in Milford Haven contacted The Pembrokeshire Herald in tears after a bailiff from Excel Civil Enforcement Ltd told her he would break into her home if she did not pay £400 immediately.

The woman, who has asked not to be named, said she is currently under the care of the NHS Crisis Team following a recent domestic abuse incident. She offered to pay £150 on Tuesday, when she is next due to receive money, but the offer was allegedly refused.

She has since submitted a safeguarding referral to Pembrokeshire County Council and is receiving support from local services.

Allegations of misrepresentation

The Herald has seen evidence suggesting that misleading information has been given by enforcement agents operating in the county. In one case, a bailiff told a resident he could enforce a council tax debt by attending a business premises simply because the debtor was a company director. This is not legally correct.

There have also been concerns raised about the application of fees. In one case, a payment of £400 was taken before the resident was told that the enforcement fee had not been added—despite suggestions to the contrary during initial contact.

Calls for a more compassionate approach

The Welsh Government is currently consulting on proposals to reform the council tax enforcement system, including extending the period before a resident becomes liable for the entire year’s bill from two weeks to two months.

Finance Minister Mark Drakeford said the current enforcement rules were “too aggressive” and needed to change. A national revaluation of council tax bands—last reviewed in 2003—has also been delayed until 2028.

Council tax remains the largest source of locally raised income for Welsh local authorities. In Pembrokeshire, the council collected around £97 million in 2024–25, but rising arrears have placed increasing reliance on enforcement action.

What residents should know

Council tax is a priority debt and cannot be ignored. However, residents are entitled to help and advice. Pembrokeshire County Council offers payment plans and reduction schemes for those on low incomes. Debt charities including Citizens Advice and StepChange also provide free confidential support.

If a resident is vulnerable—due to health, disability, or mental distress—they can request that the council pause enforcement and handle the matter directly.

Bailiff rules: Know your rights

Bailiffs cannot simply break into a home to collect unpaid council tax. They may only enter through an unlocked door and cannot use force unless they have a court-issued warrant and have previously gained peaceful entry. Even then, strict rules apply.

If no entry has previously been made, bailiffs must not threaten forced entry. Residents who feel intimidated or are misled by enforcement agents should report the matter to the council and the enforcement firm involved.

If you have been treated unfairly by a bailiff in Pembrokeshire, contact us on [email protected]

Your information will be treated confidentially.

Community

Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration

Published

17 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK MARKED WITH MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND INCLUSION IN PEMBROKE DOCK

THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was filled with music, laughter and energy as visitors came together to celebrate Learning Disability Week.

The event saw popular entertainer Bongo Clive lead a lively session of singing, drumming and participation, with those attending joining in throughout the day.

The gallery said the session had created a joyful atmosphere, with music helping to bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.

A spokesperson for The VC Gallery said: “The smiles said it all. A huge thank you to Bongo Clive for bringing your incredible energy, enthusiasm and positivity to The VC today. You certainly had everyone moving to the beat.”

Learning Disability Week celebrates inclusion and the abilities, creativity and individuality of people with learning disabilities.

The Pembroke Dock event highlighted the role of community spaces such as The VC Gallery in supporting wellbeing, friendship and confidence through shared creative activities.

Community

Sir Karl Jenkins named Eisteddfod President for 2026

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SIR KARL JENKINS has been named President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for 2026.

The internationally acclaimed Welsh composer, one of the world’s most performed living composers, will take on the role as the festival prepares to welcome performers, competitors and visitors from across the globe.

Sir Karl is best known for works including The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Adiemus and Requiem.

His appointment comes in a landmark year after The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was voted the most popular work in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026.

Opening night return

Sir Karl’s presidential year will begin with the opening night concert, Uniting Nations: One World, on Tuesday, July 7.

The concert had been due to take place in 2025 but was postponed, causing disappointment for volunteers, performers and audience members who had travelled from across the UK and overseas.

The Eisteddfod has now brought the event back with support from the Arts Council of Wales.

Sir Karl said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the Llangollen Festival this year and especially honoured to do so in the role of President.

“Llangollen is always a very special place to be, with its unique sense of community and international spirit.

“I’m greatly looking forward to conducting my most recent choral work, One World, particularly following the postponement of last year’s performance.

“It’s a piece that I feel reflects the very essence of the festival, bringing together outstanding musicians from across the globe to form one powerful collective voice.”

Global chorus

The evening will feature a full performance of One World, conducted by Sir Karl and performed by an international massed chorus made up of WorldChoir and NEW Voices, accompanied by the Llangollen International Orchestra.

The work blends Jenkins’ distinctive musical style with themes of humanity, compassion and environmental stewardship.

The concert will also include a complete staging of Peace Child: The Musical, which places young people at the heart of its message of peace and global citizenship.

Opening the evening will be the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn, a newly commissioned bilingual work by emerging Welsh composer Sam Buttler.

The piece was written for the 2026 Eisteddfod through the Harmony Without Borders initiative, continuing Llangollen’s tradition of supporting new talent and giving Welsh composers an international platform.

‘Great cultural ambassador’

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sir Karl Jenkins has agreed to serve as President of the Eisteddfod for 2026.

“Few musicians have done more to promote the values of peace, friendship and international understanding that lie at the heart of our festival.

“Sir Karl is one of Wales’s greatest cultural ambassadors and his music has inspired audiences across every continent.

“The fact that The Armed Man has just been voted the nation’s favourite classical work is a testament not only to his extraordinary talent, but also to the universal appeal of the messages of peace, hope and humanity that run through so much of his music.”

Mr Gambles added: “The postponement of One World last year was heartbreaking for everyone involved.

“We knew how much the concert meant to audiences, performers and volunteers alike, and we were determined to find a way to bring it back.

“Thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales, we can now finally give this extraordinary concert the audience it deserves.

“With Sir Karl as our President, the return of One World, the world premiere of a major new Welsh composition and the powerful message of Peace Child, this promises to be one of the most memorable and significant opening nights in the Eisteddfod’s history.”

Festival programme

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns for its 79th year on Tuesday, July 7.

This year’s programme includes performances from Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins, and the Choir of the World competition.

Thousands of competitors from around the world will also take part in the daytime programme, with the Parade of Nations returning on Friday, July 10.

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £33.

Further information is available at llangollen.net.

Community

Lord Rhys emerges from the mist in St Davids

Published

21 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet begins historic journey marking 850 years since the first Eisteddfod

MIST swirled around St Davids Cathedral on Friday evening as a giant Lord Rhys puppet emerged from the fog to begin a journey celebrating 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod.

Accompanied by traditional musicians and followed by crowds of spectators, the towering figure cut an imposing sight against the backdrop of the ancient cathedral.

The procession marked the start of Taith yr Arglwydd Rhys (The Journey of Lord Rhys), a cultural pilgrimage retracing the legacy of the Welsh prince whose gathering of poets and musicians at Cardigan Castle in 1176 is widely regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod.

As fog drifted across the city and church towers faded into the background, the scene felt more like a chapter from Welsh folklore than a modern-day celebration.

The giant puppet, accompanied by fellow performers and musicians, travelled from St Davids Cathedral to Oriel y Parc before beginning a wider journey through west Wales.

The travelling celebration will visit communities across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion before culminating in Cardigan, where Lord Rhys originally staged his famous cultural gathering eight and a half centuries ago.

Video and photographs shared by DrifterStDavids captured the remarkable atmosphere, with many describing the spectacle as one of the most memorable cultural events seen in St Davids for years.

Photo caption: Lord Rhys emerges from the mist outside St Davids Cathedral as celebrations begin to mark the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod

(Pic: SmallWorld – Video: Drifter St Davids)