News

Davies and Kurtz back stamp duty cut to help rural homebuyers

Published

44 seconds ago

April 24, 2026

Local Senedd candidates say scrapping Land Transaction Tax would ease pressure on first-time buyers

LOCAL Senedd candidates Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz have backed Welsh Conservative plans to scrap Land Transaction Tax, saying the move would help more people in rural west Wales get on the housing ladder.

Mr Davies and Mr Kurtz, who are standing in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, said housing affordability remained one of the biggest pressures facing local communities, particularly for young people and first-time buyers.

Land Transaction Tax is the Welsh equivalent of stamp duty and is paid by people buying property in Wales. The Welsh Conservatives say removing it would reduce upfront costs for buyers and make it easier for families to purchase homes in their own communities.

Paul Davies said: “Across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, too many local people are being priced out of the communities they grew up in.

“High upfront costs such as stamp duty are a real barrier, especially for first-time buyers trying to take that first step on to the housing ladder.

“Scrapping Land Transaction Tax would make it significantly easier for local people to buy a home, keep families together, and support the long-term sustainability of our rural communities.”

Samuel Kurtz added: “Affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing our rural communities.

“By removing this tax, we can help more people buy locally, boost the housing market, and ensure that Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion remain vibrant places to live and work.

“These plans are about giving local people a fair chance and supporting the future of our communities.”

The Welsh Conservatives say the proposal forms part of a wider plan to boost home ownership, support local communities and ease cost-of-living pressures across Wales.

Local Government

Milford Haven Town Council to elect new mayor at key meeting

Published

2 minutes ago

April 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW mayor for Milford Haven is set to be elected next week as councillors gather for a full council meeting on Monday (Apr 27).

The meeting will take place at the Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets Unit at Havens Head Business Park from 6:00pm.

Councillors are expected to elect both the town mayor and deputy mayor for the 2026–2027 civic year.

Three councillors have put themselves forward for the position of deputy mayor — Councillor K. Gray, Councillor N. Harteveld, and Councillor C. Stevens.

The meeting will also include public questions, updates from the current mayor, reports on community activities, and feedback from councillors who sit on outside bodies.

Planning matters will be noted for information, while several local organisations are set to be considered for financial support.

These include Milford Haven Men’s Shed, Milford Haven Business Circle, Milford Haven Pickleball Club, and The Rotary Club of Milford Haven.

Members of the public can attend, with remote access available on request under Welsh local government rules.

News

Independent group backs Anji Tinley for council leadership

Published

22 minutes ago

April 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Councillors urged to choose ‘a fresh direction’ amid growing dissatisfaction with current administration

THE INDEPENDENT GROUP has announced that Councillor Anji Tinley will be its candidate for Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council.

The group said the move follows growing concern over the direction of the current administration and discussions across the council chamber about the need for change.

A spokesperson for the Independent Group said Cllr Tinley represented “a fresh direction” for local government in Pembrokeshire, with a focus on accountability, openness and serving residents across the county.

The spokesperson said: “The choice for councillors is clear: continue with the status quo, or support a new era of leadership for Pembrokeshire.

“Anji Tinley has the experience, determination and commitment needed to help restore confidence in the council and ensure that the voices of all residents are properly heard.”

The leadership contest is expected to be watched closely, with the future direction of the authority likely to be a key issue for members across the chamber.

Entertainment

The Big Retreat announces 2026 line-up for Pembrokeshire festival

Published

45 minutes ago

April 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

REBECCA FERGUSON, Craig Charles, DJ Fat Tony and Catrin Finch are among the names confirmed for this year’s Big Retreat Festival in Pembrokeshire.

The four-day event will return to Lawrenny, in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, from Friday, May 22 to Monday, May 25, bringing together live music, wellbeing, food, talks and outdoor experiences.

Organisers say the 2026 festival will feature more than 300 experiences designed to help visitors relax, recharge and reconnect, combining the atmosphere of a boutique music festival with the restorative feel of a wellness retreat.

Leading the announced line-up is chart-topping singer-songwriter Rebecca Ferguson, alongside BBC 6 Music favourite Craig Charles, blues guitarist Jack Broadbent, and DJ Fat Tony.

Festival-goers can also expect performances from harpist Catrin Finch, Rick Parfitt Jnr’s Big Rock Show, and Women In Rock, an all-female collective celebrating some of the biggest rock anthems.

Emerging artists including Chloëbeth and DJ Ladyshift are also set to appear across the weekend.

Wellbeing and culture

Beyond the music stages, The Big Retreat will once again host a broad programme of speakers, instructors and experts.

Highlights include wellness expert and author Jules Von Hep, dance psychologist Dr Peter Lovatt, chef and broadcaster Tonia Buxton, and fertility expert Professor Joyce Harper.

The festival, set against the riverside landscape of Lawrenny, has become known for its mix of live music, yoga, wild swimming, creative workshops, talks, food experiences and family-friendly activities.

Organisers describe the event as one of the UK’s most uplifting and immersive festivals, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a long weekend of music, movement and wellbeing in one of Wales’ most scenic locations.

The full line-up, including acts, instructors and speakers, is available on The Big Retreat Festival website.

Tickets are on sale now.