Claire Archibald says 182-day threshold is hurting small operators in Ceredigion Penfro

REFORM UK’s lead candidate in Ceredigion Penfro has pledged to scrap or lower Wales’ controversial 182-day rule for holiday lets, claiming it is damaging small operators, retirees and family-run tourism businesses. Claire Archibald is listed as Reform UK’s lead candidate for the constituency at the Senedd election.

The so-called 182-day rule is part of Wales’ tax system for self-catering holiday accommodation. Under the current rules, owners must show that their property was available to let for at least 252 days in a 12-month period and actually let to paying guests for at least 182 days. If it meets those tests, it can be treated as non-domestic property for local tax purposes rather than council tax.

The policy was introduced to make sure only genuine holiday businesses qualify for business rates, rather than second homes being classed as holiday lets without being let often enough to make a real contribution to the visitor economy. Critics, however, say the threshold is too high in seasonal areas such as west Wales, where smaller operators can struggle to reach 182 booked days even when they are running legitimate businesses.

In a statement, Ms Archibald said: “The 182 day rule for holiday lets has caused serious damage to small scale-operators, retirees and family businesses.

“We are absolutely clear that this threshold is too high, and we will work in consultation with the industry to lower it so that genuine holidays are not driven out of the market.”

The issue is likely to resonate strongly across Ceredigion Penfro, where tourism forms a key part of the local economy and where debate over second homes, council tax premiums and holiday accommodation has become increasingly politically charged.

The Welsh Government has already acknowledged concerns from the sector and launched a consultation on possible refinements to the rules, including options that could give holiday let operators more flexibility.

Ex-Pembrokeshire member says he will offer voters a straight-talking independent alternative at the Senedd election

FORMER Pembrokeshire county councillor Paul Haywood Dowson has announced that he is standing as an independent candidate in the Ceredigion Penfro constituency at the Senedd election.

Dowson, who previously served on Pembrokeshire County Council after being elected for the Pembroke Dock Central ward in 2017, says he is entering the race because he is frustrated by what he sees as poor decision-making and weak representation.

He later stood in the Pembroke Dock Bush ward at the 2022 local elections but was not returned.

In campaign material, Dowson presents himself as a confrontational, pro-Wales candidate prepared to take on issues others avoid and challenge what he sees as an out-of-touch political establishment.

He says his priorities include cutting waste, directing more spending towards frontline NHS services and Welsh communities, backing farmers, and opposing what he describes as restrictive and costly policy schemes affecting rural areas.

Dowson’s political career in Pembrokeshire has divided opinion, but he has remained a well-known figure in local public life. During his time on the council he spoke out strongly on a number of contentious local issues and built a reputation as a politician willing to speak bluntly and court controversy.

His latest campaign message stresses straight talking, real action, and putting Welsh communities first.

Dowson’s leaflet says he was born and raised in the constituency and is “not afraid of conflict when local people are being ignored”.

The campaign also places strong emphasis on Welsh identity, with Dowson arguing that decisions affecting Wales should be taken in the interests of Welsh people and communities.

A DRAMATIC rescue at Newgale Beach is featured in the first episode of a new RNLI podcast marking the 25th anniversary of the charity’s lifeguard service.

The podcast, titled We Are Lifeguards, tells the story of how Pembrokeshire lifeguard Matty McLeod helped save the life of holidaymaker Joanna Hicks after she got into difficulty in the sea at Newgale in July 2023.

Joanna lost consciousness in the water and her life was in danger, but Matty was able to respond quickly thanks to his RNLI training.

The five-episode series has been launched by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to celebrate 25 years since the organisation rolled out its beach lifeguarding service. It features interviews with lifeguards and people they have rescued, while also exploring how the service has helped make beaches safer since 2001.

The first episode, WE ARE LIFEGUARDS: Saving lives on the beach with the RNLI, focuses on the Newgale rescue and also gives listeners an insight into the demanding training RNLI lifeguards undergo to prepare for the summer season.

RNLI lifeguards have been helping to keep beaches in Pembrokeshire safer since 2008.

Over the past 25 years, RNLI lifeguards across the UK have carried out more than 48 million preventative actions, attended more than 330,000 incidents and aided more than 440,000 people on beaches in the UK and Channel Islands.

In Pembrokeshire, RNLI beach lifeguards have saved 164 lives, the highest number recorded anywhere in Wales. Since the service began locally in 2008, lifeguards have also aided 15,513 people and carried out 1,799 rescues.

Peter Dawes, General Manager of Lifeguard Operations, said: “Since our lifeguarding service began in 2001, we’ve seen more people visit our beaches and enjoy the water.

“Our highly-trained, capable and skilled lifeguards spend their time talking to people, sharing our safety advice and educating visitors about the dangers, as well as carrying out rescues and providing first aid.

“The launch of this podcast not only marks our 25th anniversary, but also the return of lifeguards to beaches ahead of what will be another busy summer. If you are heading to the coast, be sure to choose an RNLI lifeguarded beach.”

The podcast is available through the RNLI website and major podcast platforms.

To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, visit the RNLI website.