PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is asking residents and other interested parties for their views on Council Tax premiums for the 2027-28 financial year.

The consultation focuses on the future level of additional Council Tax charged on second homes and long-term empty properties across Pembrokeshire.

A Council Tax premium is charged on top of the standard Council Tax bill, which also includes contributions towards the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner and town and community councils.

The council said feedback received through the consultation would help inform future decisions about the level of the premiums and how any additional income raised should be used to support local priorities.

Councillor Jon Harvey, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible on this important issue.

“By taking part in the consultation, residents and stakeholders can help shape future decisions and ensure that a wide range of views are considered before any recommendations are made.

“Please have your say by the closing date of Monday, August 10, 2026.”

The consultation includes background information on Council Tax premiums, the current position in Pembrokeshire and the legal framework within which the authority must operate.

Residents can take part online through the Council Tax Premium Setting for 2027-28 consultation on Pembrokeshire County Council’s website.

Paper copies are available by calling 01437 764551 or emailing [email protected].

A final decision on the premium levels and the use of any money raised is expected to be made by the full council at its meeting on October 15, 2026.

Any changes agreed will take effect from April 1, 2027.

ALL PETS VET CARE is beginning a new chapter as ownership of the practice passes from founder Billa Schleicher to experienced local vets Alice Richards and Pete Howe.

The change will ensure the practice remains independently owned and firmly rooted in the Pembrokeshire community.

Alice and Pete have both worked as small animal vets in Pembrokeshire for more than a decade and say they are proud to build on the strong foundations already established at the practice.

They have pledged to continue providing compassionate, gentle and fairly priced veterinary care, with every animal treated as a valued member of the family.

The existing All Pets Vet Care team will remain in place, meaning clients will continue to see the same familiar faces and receive consistent, high-quality care.

Alice and Pete said the team’s longstanding relationships with clients were central to the practice’s success and that they intended to support and invest in staff as the business develops.

Alice said: “It is a privilege to take on All Pets Vet Care. There is a wonderful team here, and we are committed to maintaining the same personal and caring approach that clients and their pets know and trust.

“Remaining independent means we can stay close to the needs of our clients and the local community.”

Pete added: “We both care deeply about Pembrokeshire and the people and pets who live here.

“We want every client to feel supported, listened to and confident that their pets are in safe hands.

“That includes continuing to provide our own out-of-hours care for registered clients, so pets can be seen close to home by a familiar and trusted team when it matters most.”

All Pets Vet Care is one of only a small number of practices in Pembrokeshire to provide its own out-of-hours service for registered clients, offering continuity of care during evenings, nights and weekends.

The practice will also continue supporting local wildlife charities Tinkers Hill Bird Rescue and The Hogspital, which cares for sick and injured hedgehogs.

The partnerships have formed an important part of Billa’s legacy at the practice and will continue under the new owners.

Alice and Pete said All Pets Vet Care would remain an active part of the community, providing trusted advice, continuity of care and a genuinely personal service to pet owners across Pembrokeshire.

As the practice looks to the future, its commitment remains unchanged: providing trusted, compassionate and independent care for local pets and the people who love them.

MILFORD HAVEN’S popular EarthCam is back in action following a brief technical issue.

The camera, positioned on top of the Pembrokeshire Herald building at 11 Hamilton Terrace, provides panoramic views across the town, marina and the Milford Haven Waterway.

The live feed captures shipping movements and changing weather conditions along the Haven, with striking views towards the refinery and energy terminals further upstream.

Viewers can also follow the progress of the new block of flats being constructed on Charles Street, on the former Motorworld site.

The camera has proved popular with residents, former Pembrokeshire residents living further afield, maritime enthusiasts and visitors keen to check conditions around the town and waterway.