News

Are the officers revolting?

Published

11 years ago

March 17, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Cllr Jamie Adams

COUNCIL LEADER Jamie Adams called an urgent meeting for 4pm Thursday February 26, to discuss a major legal issue arising from the recruitment process for the new Chief Executive.

It appears as though the consequence of overpaying Bryn Parry-Jones for many years has come back to bite the council, as heads of service, directors have lately become aware of the possibility that they have been UNDERPAID and have potential legal claims against the council for setting their pay at too low a level.

An email sent to group leaders and members of the Senior Staff Committee from Cllr Adams headed ‘Urgent Meeting at 4.00 p.m. on Thursday, 26th February 2015 in Leader’s Room’ reads: ‘Following discussions between myself and the Section 151 Officer (i.e. Jonathan Haswell, Head of Finance) I need to discuss with you the issue of the relationship between Chief Executive (sic) remuneration and that of the Chief Officers. I trust that you will make every effort to attend this meeting. If however you are unable to attend I would be happy to contact you by telephone later on Thursday evening. Please provide me with your contact details if you are unable to attend’.

The Herald is able to confirm that, despite clear advice given by two senior officers on two separate occasions, an issue is alleged to have arisen in relation to the pay differentials between the council’s chief and other senior directors.

At a council meeting in December, the issue of pay ratios was raised by Hakin councillor Mike Stoddart. At that meeting Cllr Stoddart referred to a pay rule adopted by the council which meant that no Director’s pay could not encroach within 77.5% of the Chief Executive’s pay.

Ceri Davies, Head of HR, told councillors on that occasion: “I can advise that, having looked into the matter East Williamston’s Jacob Williams then asked for confirmation of when the provision, which he had established was passed in 1995, was repealed.

Mr Davies replied: “I don’t have the exact date for members this afternoon, but I believe it was in 2004-2005, but I would need to look into that.”

On begin asked by Cllr Tom Richards to confirm whether or not the position was as he stated, Mr Davies ducked the direct question by saying: “That’s my understanding.”

At the meeting of the Senior Staff Committee which set the £130,000 salary for a new appointee on Tuesday February 3, councillors were again advised – this time by Mr Mark Woolgar, the Corporate HR Manager, gave similar advice to council. This time advising that, although not rescinded as previously advised, the policy was ineffective as the issue of encroachment had not arisen for many years.

However, it now appears that the advice given by officers to councillors was flawed, as the restriction meant that the top end of directors’ pay should have been within 77.5% of the chief officer’s pay. In other words, if the chief officer’s pay was £200,000 per annum, the top end of directors’ pay would be £154,000 instead of the c. £115,000 per year as at the moment.

On February 5’s Senior Staff Committee meeting, it was confirmed that senior officers’ pay was set at around 66% of Bryn Parry-Jones’ eye-watering pay packet.

The council potentially faces substantial claims for the senior staff cadre who will argue that their pay has not been set according to the Council’s own policy. As a result, it is alleged that the council has potentially operated in breach of its own policies and procedures for an extended period of time.

As the salaries involved are large, the sums involved are, likewise, considerable.

A council spokesperson told The Herald: “The report on the Chief Executive’s salary was due to be considered at next week’s Full Council meeting. However, this will no longer be the case due to a significant financial risk having been identified, following a matter raised by a County Councillor. The spokesperson explained: “The Chief Finance Officer, in his role as Section 151 Officer, has determined that the matter must be re-considered. A new report on the issue will be drafted for consideration by Council in the future.”

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

50 minutes ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

55 minutes ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

1 hour ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)