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Crime

Record number of Pembrokeshire residents in court over council tax arrears

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Over 1,200 liability orders issued in a single day at record-breaking hearing

MORE than 1,200 Pembrokeshire households were hit with court orders on Monday (July 7) for non-payment of council tax, The Pembrokeshire Herald can reveal.

At Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, a total of 1,270 liability orders were granted to Pembrokeshire County Council in a single session – according to a justice source this is the most ever in a single day. The court heard complaints relating to 1,500 defendants — one of the largest mass enforcement actions ever.

With an estimated 48,200 homes in Pembrokeshire, the figures suggest that more than 1 in every 40 households faced court action for unpaid council tax on the same day.

Court records show:

  • 1,270 orders were granted,
  • 142 cases were withdrawn, and
  • 85 accounts were marked as paid before the hearing.

The council was represented by officer Dafydd Thomas, who gave evidence under oath. The session was conducted under Regulation 34 of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992.

Enforcement action expected

A liability order gives the council the legal power to take further steps to recover the debt, including:

  • Deducting money from wages or benefits,
  • Placing charging orders on property, or
  • Passing the case to bailiffs (enforcement agents).

The Herald has already reported on recent enforcement activity in Milford Haven, where vulnerable residents say they were threatened with forced entry by bailiffs — something that is not permitted under council tax law unless a specific legal process has been followed.

Council tax arrears at record levels

The court hearing follows recent Welsh Government figures revealing that council tax arrears across Wales now stand at £263 million, a 139% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Pembrokeshire County Council was owed £8.75 million in unpaid council tax as of March 2025 — up from £8.38 million the previous year.

Finance Minister Mark Drakeford recently described current enforcement rules as “too aggressive” and confirmed that the Welsh Government is consulting on proposals to extend the period before court action from two weeks to two months.

Pembrokeshire County Council have been contacted for comment.

Bailiff powers — know your rights

Council tax is a priority debt, meaning non-payment can lead to court action and enforcement — but residents still have rights.

Bailiffs cannot break into a home to collect council tax unless they’ve previously been inside and signed a Controlled Goods Agreement. They cannot force entry on a first visit and must not enter if a vulnerable person is home alone.

If you are struggling to pay or have been contacted by a bailiff, you can:

  • Contact Pembrokeshire County Council directly to arrange a payment plan.
  • Ask about the Council Tax Reduction Scheme or discounts such as single person discount.
  • Get free help from Citizens Advice, StepChange, or National Debtline.
  • If you are vulnerable, request that the council recall the case and apply its vulnerability policy.

If you have received a court summons or have been contacted by an enforcement agent, The Pembrokeshire Herald would like to hear from you.
Contact the newsroom at [email protected]

 

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

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A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

 

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Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

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A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

 

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Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

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A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.

 

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