Strategic proposal calls for temporary suspension of rates to support shops and businesses during town centre regeneration

A PROPOSAL for Haverfordwest to become the Welsh Government’s national pilot for the temporary suspension of business rates has been presented to local politicians and business representatives.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner unveiled the 24-page strategic report following 18 months of work and more than two years of discussions with residents and traders.

He said business rates had repeatedly been identified as one of the greatest obstacles facing Haverfordwest town centre, particularly while major regeneration work is taking place.

The proposed pilot would temporarily suspend business rates during the regeneration programme, with the aim of attracting new investment, supporting existing traders and bringing vacant premises back into use.

Councillor Thomas-Turner said the initiative could also create jobs, increase footfall and help the town maximise the economic benefits of projects including the redevelopment and reopening of Haverfordwest Castle.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting attended by Henry Tufnell MP, Paul Davies MS, county councillor Dai Clements, Plaid Cymru representative Billy Shaw, Deputy Mayor Councillor Adam Benson-Davies, Hedi Lewis of Haverfordwest Business Circle and independent business owner Ben Evans.

Councillor Thomas-Turner said Paul Davies MS had pledged his support, while representatives from Labour and Plaid Cymru had also engaged positively with the proposal.

He said: “This is not about party politics. It is about securing the best possible future for Haverfordwest and ensuring businesses are supported while the town undergoes significant regeneration.

“A temporary suspension of business rates could encourage new businesses to invest, protect existing traders, create jobs and help fill empty shops.

“Today was not the finish line. It was the beginning of the next stage of the campaign.”

He added that the proposal would require support from residents, businesses, Haverfordwest Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, Members of the Senedd, the local MP and the Welsh Government.

No representative from Reform UK attended the meeting.

CAPTION:

Political representatives and members of Haverfordwest’s business community met to discuss the proposed business rates pilot.

Council commits a further £2m after 18 households helped to buy homes during first year

A SCHEME aimed at helping local people buy homes in Pembrokeshire has been extended following what the council described as a successful 12-month pilot.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet unanimously agreed to continue and expand Homebuy Pembrokeshire, which offers eligible buyers an equity loan to bridge the gap between the mortgage they can secure and the cost of a suitable property.

The scheme was launched in June 2025 with £1m raised through the Second Homes Council Tax Premium.

It had initially been expected to support up to 15 households during its first year, but ultimately helped 18 households purchase properties across the county.

A total of £814,000 was invested through the pilot.

Applicants must demonstrate a local connection to Pembrokeshire, meet income and property criteria, and show they can afford the ongoing financial commitments associated with owning a home.

The scheme is primarily intended to help first-time buyers who have savings and can obtain a mortgage, but are unable to afford a suitable property in the area where they live or have established local ties.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman, said: “Homebuy Pembrokeshire has provided an important opportunity for local buyers to access suitable homes that meet their needs.

“The scheme has made a positive difference to households across the county and supports the council’s wider commitment to increasing housing choice and improving access to affordable housing.”

Following Cabinet approval, the programme will continue with a number of changes intended to reflect current mortgage lending and housing market conditions.

A further £2m has been approved for the scheme over the next two years, subject to satisfactory delivery.

Cllr Bateman added: “This is a clear demonstration of how income generated through the Second Homes Council Tax Premium can be used to support housing opportunities in Pembrokeshire.

“Homebuy Pembrokeshire helps people who have savings and access to mortgage finance, but who are unable to secure a suitable home because of challenging market conditions.”

One household supported through the scheme said: “Using the scheme to purchase a property has massively helped my family, as we have been able to own a property as well as creating a space for us to grow.”

Further information is available from Pembrokeshire County Council’s housing team by emailing [email protected] or calling 01437 764551.

PEMBROKESHIRE’S leader is to write to Welsh Government to push for a review of the contentious 182-day rule for self-catering holiday properties which otherwise have to pay second homes tax.

Self-catering businesses not meeting the 182-day criteria end up paying the second homes council tax premium, currently 125 per cent on top of the general rate, in the county, along with similar premiums for the other elements of the overall bill such as the police precept.

In a submitted question heard at the July 16 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Huw Murphy asked: “Most councillors are aware that much of Pembrokeshire relies on tourism and hospitality for its economic success. A key element of a successful Pembrokeshire tourism industry is the self-catering sector.

“Plaid Cymru in its manifesto made several pledges for its first 100 days in office, one under the headline of ‘Unleashing Wales Economic Potential’ which made no specific mention of the 182 letting day rule that was introduced by the previous Labour Government under their co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru.

“However, Plaid Cymru prior to Senedd elections in May 2026, stated that they would review the 182-day threshold which has been a disaster for many self-catering businesses, many of whom are in rural and coastal communities. I have raised this matter on several occasions since being elected.

“Through speaking to those operating in the self-catering sector there is a clear need to reduce the 182-day threshold. I should point out that in the past I have suggested it be reduced to 140 days and still hold that view.

“Over 50 days have now passed since the Senedd Elections, but we have not heard any details of a review of the 182-day letting rule.

“Therefore, will the Leader [Cllr Tessa Hodgson] write off to the First Minister outlining the concerns of many Pembrokeshire county councillors with regards to the 182 days letting rule and ask for a reply setting out when Welsh Government intend to commence a review of this policy, which is much needed?”

Responding to the submitted question, Cllr Hodgson said she was happy to write a letter pressing the issue, adding she understood a Welsh Government review was expected, but was not aware of the timeframe for that at the current moment.

Cllr Murphy said, since his submitted question was publicised, he had been “inundated with emails” from constituents, “confirming the urgency” of a review.

Back in 2023, Cllr Murphy submitted an unsuccessful notice of motion to full council calling for the 182-day rule in Pembrokeshire to be lowered, proposing a figure of 140 days.

At the time of the 2023 call it was instead agreed to review the situation and for the council to raise its concerns to Welsh Government.