News

Minister calls for more information

Published

11 years ago

December 19, 2013

THE WELSH Government says it is being affected by a lack of information from the UK Government about proposed changes to the welfare system.

They say it is hampering their ability to plan how it supports some of the most vulnerable people in Wales through schemes such as free school meals and free dental treatment. That’s the warning from the Communities & Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert following talks with the UK Government about their welfare reform plans. He met Lord Freud, the Minister in charge of the welfare system on Monday and one of the topics for discussion was Westminster’s plans to replace a number of welfare benefits with Universal Credit.

The Communities Minister raised his concerns that the continued problems and uncertainties around the introduction of Universal Credit across Wales throw a question mark over the delivery of the support the Welsh Government provides to vulnerable people, including those with health problems and the disabled.

In Wales, the receipt of various welfare benefits is used to assess an individual’s entitlement to Welsh Government support such as the school uniform grant scheme and free NHS dental treatment, known as ‘passported’ benefits.

Next year Shotton in Flintshire is due to become the first place in Wales where Universal Credit will be introduced for some new jobseekers. Following the meeting, Jeff Cuthbert said: “We urgently need more information about how the UK Government’s welfare plans will work in practice because there is just a cloud of confusion over the future arrangements. This makes it very difficult to plan the changes we will need to make in order to maintain the support we provide in Wales for vulnerable people.

“I don’t think the UK Government is refusing to answer, they just don’t appear to have the answers. We are determined to make sure people continue to receive the help they are entitled to. The support we provide, such as free school meals, to already hard pressed families squeezed by the welfare changes, is really important.”

The Minister also raised concerns about the impact of the changes to housing policy known as the under occupation charge or ‘bedroom tax’.Last week the Herald published an article by Simon Hart MP who gave his views on the matter.

In it he said: “The reform of the benefit system was largely seen as essential by all parties, but we differed on the detail. For me benefits are there for people in need; for that time when life goes wrong, when you lose your job or your health; for old age or some other unexpected hardship. They should not be a lifestyle choice, or a cosy alternative to work if work is available.”

News

Rent in Pembrokeshire rises 7% over past year

Published

1 second ago

November 22, 2024

Design Team

NEW figures reveal that private rental costs in Pembrokeshire have climbed by 7% in the past year, with the average monthly rent reaching £625 in October. This is a significant increase from £582 a year earlier and represents a 22% rise over the past five years, where the average rent was estimated at £511.

The data, collected by Rent Officers Wales as part of the Housing and Regeneration Division, highlights growing pressure on tenants amidst rising costs. The collection aims to cover approximately 15% of the rental market by gathering data from landlords and letting agents.

Across Wales, the average monthly rent has risen 8% year-on-year to £766. Cardiff recorded the highest rental cost in the country at £1,062 per month, while Powys had the lowest at £556.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, commented on the challenges faced by renters in a press statement sent to The Pembrokeshire Herald. She said: “Getting good news about your rent is about as common as discovering your housemates have washed up for you, or your landlord suggesting you get a dog. For many, the only way out of the endless cycle of rising costs is to buy, but that’s far easier said than done when rents absorb so much of your income.”

The situation is compounded by a lack of available rental properties. Nathan Emerson, chief executive at Propertymark, explained: “As we continue to see further increases in rental prices across the UK, our members emphasize the lack of rental stock versus an ever-growing number of tenants. Selling up or turning to the short-term letting market has become a more attractive option for landlords due to challenging legislative changes and increased financial liabilities.”

Breakdown of Rental Costs in Pembrokeshire

The figures show a range of costs depending on property type and size in Pembrokeshire:

– A one-bedroom property: £462 per month

– A two-bedroom property: £576 per month

– A three-bedroom property: £732 per month

– Homes with four or more bedrooms: £934 per month

By property type:

– Detached houses: £768 per month

– Semi-detached houses: £653 per month

– Terraced houses: £629 per month

– Flats or maisonettes: £521 per month

In October, the average rent for private properties across Great Britain stood at £1,307 per month—up 9% compared to the same period last year. This equates to an increase of £105 per month.

As landlords adapt to changing regulations and financial pressures, the shortage of rental properties continues to push prices higher, creating further challenges for tenants across Pembrokeshire and beyond.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

10 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

11 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!