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Kurtz raises concerns over ‘below-average’ funding rise for Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion

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Welsh Government says funding formula is agreed with councils and reflects wider economic pressures

RURAL councils in West Wales could face renewed financial pressure after Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion received below-average funding increases in the Welsh Government’s draft 2026–27 Local Government Settlement.

Both counties will receive a 2.3% uplift—below the Wales-wide average of 2.7%—at a time when local authorities say they continue to face rising costs in social care, education and other essential services.

Under the draft settlement:

  • Pembrokeshire County Council will receive £244.3m
  • Ceredigion County Council will receive £150.7m

Concerns from local MS

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz said the figures were “deeply unfair” to rural areas and warned that councils may have to consider council tax rises or service reductions.

“Rural Wales continues to be left behind,” he said. “A below-average settlement during a period of high inflation puts vital services at risk.”

Wider context and Welsh Government view

The Welsh Government said this year’s settlement has been delivered in a “very challenging financial climate”, with ministers managing real-terms pressures on their own budget.

A spokesperson said the funding formula—used to distribute money to councils—is developed jointly with local authorities, reviewed annually, and “aims to reflect need as fairly as possible across Wales”.

Ministers also emphasise that all 22 councils will see an increase in core funding next year.

Call for further review

Mr Kurtz has urged ministers to revisit the funding formula to better account for the higher cost of delivering services in sparsely populated rural counties.

Councils, public bodies and stakeholders have until early next year to respond to the consultation before the final settlement is confirmed.

 

Local Government

Major improvement works completed at Fleming Crescent

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NEW roofs, structural upgrades and solar panels have been installed across three residential blocks at Fleming Crescent as part of a major housing improvement scheme.

Pembrokeshire County Council said the project has delivered safer, warmer and more energy-efficient homes for residents, with the full replacement of roofs serving 54 flats.

The works also included structural improvements designed to support the long-term performance of the buildings, alongside the installation of solar panels to help improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs for tenants.

The council received a funding contribution from the Welsh Government through the Optimised Retrofit Programme, which supports energy-efficiency improvements alongside wider investment works.

The scheme was completed on schedule, with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd appointed as the main contractor.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman said: “Delivering a project of this scale on schedule is a significant achievement.

“The new roofs and external upgrades will help reduce future maintenance issues and improve the long-term resilience of the buildings, while the solar panels form an important part of our wider decarbonisation programme.

“By working closely with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, we have delivered high-quality improvements that will benefit tenants both now and in the future.

“Pembrokeshire County Council continues to invest in housing improvements across the county, ensuring homes remain safe, modern, energy efficient and fit for the future.”

The project has also received national recognition after being shortlisted for a Constructing Excellence in Wales Award.

Neil Griffiths, Managing Director of W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, said: “We are proud to have delivered this important project at Fleming Crescent to a high standard and within the agreed timescales.

“The combination of full roof replacement and solar panel installation will provide long-term value, improve the performance of the buildings and support better outcomes for residents.

“It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council on this scheme.”

 

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Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

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A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.

 

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Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

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THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

 

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