News

Time to Care Charter not adopted

Published

11 years ago

February 24, 2015

Tom Sinclair

THE TIME TO CARE CHARTER was not adopted by Councillors at Monday’s (Feb 9) Cabinet Meeting.

Cllr Paul Miller: Put forward
Notice of Motion.

A Notice of Motion put forward by Cllr Paul Miller asked that the council should adopt the Charter which would have been launched from February 16.

Cllr Miller spoke of the need for the authority to make adult care a priority for the authority but, Cabinet members were concerned of the implications of accepting the Charter and said they would need to know more information before they could sign up to it.

Cllr Paul Miller said: “What we’ve tried to do is quite clearly set out what we would like to see being delivered from the Adult Social Care team going forward in Pembrokeshire. This document talks about the flexibility of carers to support their clients and whether they are given the appropriate time within the scheduling of visits to do that.

“In terms of time allocated to visits I accept what we are asking for is a greater meeting of needs of the client to the time allocated to visits. In general that means the end of fifteen minute visits but I do accept the directors report that there are some fifteen minute visits that are appropriate. There are significant concerns from carers that their time with clients is limited by travel times not being appropriately factored into the schedule.

“We’re also convinced that there are examples in Pembrokeshire of home carers not being paid the minimum wage, that is completely unacceptable but it is something that we need to be mindful of. This is about doing more for people in Pembrokeshire but for me it is a question of priorities and this needs to be a priority for us as an authority.”

Council Leader Jamie Adams said: “I recognise that many of our ageing residents are in danger of becoming vulnerable but I think it is important that we recognise, not just the financial framework, that we get the model of care right.

“There are fundamental aspects of that model of care that need to be put in place before we consider signing up to this.”

Cllr Simon Hancock said: “This is very much a valid part of social care and wider political discourse and I agree with his comments, something we would all agree with, we want to protect the most vulnerable, we want to protect people in the community and give them low-level community services. We all share the same philosophy as to how the model of social care is and should be. There are six providers that we commission that pay the living wage but as Paul illuded to, this is a question of cost. Preliminary figures show that if we signed up to this, it would cost us a minimum of £155,000 in extra expense and a full procurement exercise would have to be carried out and that would also have significant associated costs. Everybody in this room would agree we would love to have everybody on a living wage. We don’t pay living wage to all PCC employers. We are never complacent but there is a lot more work and a lot greater understanding to receive clarity before we as an authority could bind ourselves to this charter.”

Cllr Sue Perkins added: “I support everything that has been said but we couldn’t sit here and vote for something without knowing the costs. I would like to know a huge amount more information.”

Cllr Miller responded: “I would also like to understand exactly what this would cost. This is broader than just paying the living wage although it is a key part of what we are seeking. We need to make sure we are providing the best possible level of care to people in Pembrokeshire. For me this needs to be a priority for this authority.”

Cllr Adams said: “There is not a desire to dismiss the points you have made which are valid and worthy of consideration but a quick fix is going to be very difficult. I’m a bit worried that we are being pushed into effectively signing on to a document that is slightly meaningless, simply because we’re pushed on a timescale. There is a lot of change currently within adult social care. I am keen that we keep a watching brief on this.”

Local Government

Pembroke’s Henry Tudor Centre awarded £249,813 National Lottery grant

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council, in partnership with the Henry Tudor Trust, has secured a £249,813 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the creation of the new Henry Tudor Centre at South Quay, Pembroke.

The Centre will bring to life the largely untold story of Henry Tudor – the son of Pembroke who carried the Welsh language to the English court and ultimately claimed the greatest prize of all: the crowns of Wales and England. His victory in 1485 established the Tudor dynasty, one of the most influential in British history.

The new attraction will explore Henry’s Welsh heritage, his formative years in Pembroke, and his lasting impact on the national story, Welsh identity and wider British culture.

Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will help develop the Centre ahead of its opening in Spring 2027. The grant will also support a one-year Community Programme Coordinator role to deliver an events programme, establish a volunteering scheme, and create educational resources for local schools.

The Henry Tudor Centre forms part of the wider regeneration of South Quay, which also includes a new library, community café, and an integrated healthcare, social services and supported employment hub in the adjoining buildings.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said:
“Thanks to National Lottery players, these prominent listed buildings beside the magnificent Pembroke Castle have been rescued from dereliction and given a new purpose. The new centre will celebrate Henry Tudor’s deep connection to Pembroke and will be a major draw for visitors. It is a key element of our wider regeneration of Pembroke town centre.”

Andrew White, Director for Wales at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We’re proud to support Pembrokeshire County Council and the Henry Tudor Trust in bringing the story of Henry Tudor to life. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will not only shine a light on Wales’ rich heritage and cultural identity, but also create a vibrant hub for learning, volunteering and community engagement in the heart of Pembroke.”

Crime

Man accused of Milford Haven burglary and GBH remanded to Crown Court

Published

18 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared in court charged with burglary and inflicting grievous bodily harm, following an incident at a flat in the town earlier this week.

Charged after alleged attack inside Victoria Road flat

Stephen Collier, aged thirty-eight, of Vaynor Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, Dec 5). Collier is accused of entering a property known as Nos Da Flat, 2 Victoria Road, on December 3 and, while inside, inflicting grievous bodily harm on a man named John Hilton.

The court was told the alleged burglary and assault was carried out jointly with another man, Denis Chmelevski.

The charge is brought under section 9(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968, which covers burglary where violence is inflicted on a person inside the property.

No plea entered

Collier, represented by defence solicitor Chris White, did not enter a plea during the hearing. Prosecutor Simone Walsh applied for the defendant to be remanded in custody, citing the serious nature of the offence, the risk of further offending, and concerns that he could interfere with witnesses.

Magistrates Mr I Howells, Mr V Brickley and Mrs H Meade agreed, refusing bail and ordering that Collier be kept in custody before trial.

Case sent to Swansea Crown Court

The case was sent to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Collier will next appear on January 5, 2026 at 9:00am for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing.

A custody time limit has been set for June 5, 2026.

Chmelevski is expected to face proceedings separately.

News

Woman dies after collision in Tumble as police renew appeal for witnesses

Published

19 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information after a woman died following a collision in Tumble on Tuesday (Dec 2).

Officers were called to Heol y Neuadd at around 5:35pm after a collision involving a maroon Skoda and a pedestrian. The female pedestrian was taken to hospital but sadly died from her injuries.

Dyfed-Powys Police has launched a renewed appeal for witnesses, including anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV footage, or any information that could help the investigation.

Investigators are urging anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have captured the vehicle or the pedestrian on camera shortly before the collision to get in touch. (Phone: 101 Quote reference: DP-20251202-259.)