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New rates charges to hit charities

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charity shopA WELSH GOVERNMENT scheme to impose business rates on charity shops could have a serious impact on charities across the county.

The plans, which are currently under consultation, would mean that business rates for charities, which are at present treated on a discretionary basis, will be imposed. Around 200 groups, from national organizations like the British Heart Foundation and the Citizens Advice Bureau, to locally focused charities like PATCH, and numerous community groups will be affected.

At present, the Welsh government pays 80% of business rates for charitable organizations, with the other 20% being split between Pembrokeshire county council, who pay 15% and a donation of 5% from the Welsh Government. Under the new system, paying the latter 20% would be the responsibility of the charities concerned. The proposed rates could apply to all charities, although an option under consultation is to exempt local voluntary organizations from the charges.

Tracy Olin from PATCH said that if the proposal goes ahead it could cause ‘real problems’ for the charity. Speaking to the Herald, she said: “The rates on our headquarters, estimated at 20% would cost us £2300 pa. In addition to our monthly outgoings of £3000 we sometimes have to spend this much on provisions. This week, for example we have already spent £500 on food. The people of Pembrokeshire are so generous, but there are so many in this county in devastating circumstances, it would be a massive blow if these rates meant we could not provide the amount of assistance we do now.”

5 Comments

5 Comments

  1. Malcolm Calver

    February 20, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    Many of the charity shops I am told now sell new goods, in direct competition with businesses so perhaps a exception could be made for the shops that sell only used / second second hand goods.We do seem to have an abundance of charities with some very well paid employees.

  2. samuel

    February 22, 2015 at 2:44 pm

    I don\’t know who \”told\” Malcolm this information, going by the shops I visit the only \”\”new goods\” I see are Christmas cards

  3. Lucy in the sky with diamonds

    February 26, 2015 at 7:49 am

    Samuel I can agree with Malcolm even though I don’t know him, most of the charity shop chains do sell new stock which gets sent to them by companies (Oxfam online gets stuff from M&S)

  4. tomos

    February 27, 2015 at 9:35 am

    Sorry Lucy we’re talking about business rates, both you and Malcolm seem to be talking about the electric interweb which is completely different

  5. Lucy in the sky with diamonds

    February 27, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    Tomos I have seen rows of brand new clothes (all the same label) in a shop in Haverfordwest also in Tenby.

    I know of one shop that gets a lot of brand new items through the post (clocks for example and toys etc). I have had many of these items over the past few years.

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Teenage girl dies after medical emergency at Welsh rugby club

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A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.

The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.

A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”

As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”

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Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death

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MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described as relentless online bullying. The inquest, held today, heard how Megan had attended a school meeting about a trip to France earlier that evening and appeared in good spirits.

Later that night, her parents left for Cardiff with her four youngest siblings while the four older siblings stayed at home. At 9:59pm, Megan’s brother called their parents, unable to find her in the house. His father told him to continue searching, and Megan was discovered in a locked upstairs bathroom. Despite the efforts of her family, paramedics, and hospital staff, Megan could not be saved.

A statement from her family described Megan as an intelligent, kind, and vibrant teenager. “She had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone,” the statement read. “She bought love and laughter into our home and was always full of energy. Her friends adored her, and she always stood up for what she believed in.”

The inquest was told Megan was a talented artist and hockey player who had been looking forward to attending a Justin Bieber concert. She was deeply loved by her family, who said she “poured so much love into everything and everyone around her.”

Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, has previously spoken openly about the struggles her daughter faced in silence.

Nicola admitted she hadn’t recognised the signs of Megan’s distress at the time, including disrupted sleep and a secretive attachment to her phone.

In the years following Megan’s death, Nicola has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and the dangers of social media bullying. She founded the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which provides free professional counseling and peer support to vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire.

Nicola reflected: “I see things now that I didn’t understand back then. I thought mental health struggles were always visible, but I was wrong. Megan was the life and soul of the house, and I never imagined the pain she was in.”

Through campaigns like “Step into January,” Nicola has turned her grief into action, creating a legacy for Megan that focuses on kindness and support for others.

The inquest continues.

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Teen’s tragic death linked to online bullying

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MEGAN EVANS, 14, a talented and kind-hearted teenager from Milford Haven, was found dead at home on February 7, 2017, following what her family believes were bullying messages on social media, an inquest has heard.

Described as intelligent, capable, and full of energy, Megan was a passionate artist, county hockey player, and beloved by her six siblings and parents.

On the night of her death, she had been in good spirits after attending a school meeting about a trip to France.

Later, she was tragically discovered in a locked bathroom at home.

Her family remembered Megan as brave, thoughtful, and endlessly loving, someone who brought joy and positivity to everyone she met. They vowed to honor her memory by promoting kindness and love.

The inquest continues.

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