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Leader denies piling on the pressure

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jamieadamsTHE COUNCIL’s leader Jamie Adams has denied putting pressure on Cllr Alison Lee to join the Council’s ruling group. Cllr Jacob Williams asked: “In response to my question at last year’s (2014) October full Council meeting the Leader said he was happy for former Labour Councillor Alison Lee to serve in his Cabinet as an unaffiliated Member, that he was committed to maintaining cross-party relations, and placed “on record” that he would put “no pressure” on Cllr. Lee to join his ruling group, the IPPG.

“Despite previously telling the media she wouldn’t, Cllr. Lee recently joined the leader’s IPPG days after Cllr. Pearl Llewellyn’s resignation cost the group its majority. “Does the Leader remain indifferent to his Cabinet Members’ political affiliations like he put on record last year, or did the disastrous consequences of losing his group’s majority cause him to have a rethink?” The question was put to the leader at Thursday’s, December 10, meeting of full Council. Following Cllr Pearly Llewellyn’s resignation from the IPPG, the ruling group had lost its majority within the council. Cllr Lee joined the group days later despite earlier comments that she would not. At the meeting, it was also revealed that Cllr Owen James (Scleddau) had also joined the IPPG.

Council Leader Jamie Adams said: “Councillor Lee’s membership of the Independent Plus Group is a matter for her, my position remains unchanged.” Cllr Jacob Williams responded: “The announcement of Cllr Lee’s promotion to the Cabinet was sent out in a press release on October 13 but in there it says Cllr Adams says he ‘looks forward to working constructively with a member of the opposition in Cabinet’, he went on “As a labour councillor, Alison has shown great commitment to her council ward and her constituents, she also recognises that to operate effectively in Cabinet one must put political considerations to one side and consider the wider picture and the greater benefit of the people of Pembrokeshire.

“I hope that council members and the public will recognise the appointment as a sign of my determination to ensure that a cross section of voices and opinions are heard in Cabinet. “Following that the Pembrokeshire Herald interviewed Cllr Lee in its October 24 edition, Cllr Lee is quoted ‘I will not be joining the Independent Group, Jamie Adams made it very clear that it was not a problem and I will be sitting in the Cabinet as an unaffiliated member of the council’.

“So we couldn’t wish for clearer evidence that the leader, at one point in time, had no problem with having an unaffiliated member on the Cabinet so something’s changed there. “Could the Leader look into the camera lens and promise, in all honesty, that after Cllr Llewellyn resigned from the IPPG, removing its majority, he made no attempt, either himself or through anybody else, to persuade Cllr Lee to join his ruling group or to explain that her position in the Cabinet would be in jeopardy if she remained an unaffiliated member. “Will the Leader look into the camera lens and make the solemn pledge he didn’t do that?” The leader responded: “My position on the political affiliation of any member of my Cabinet has not changed, I reiterate that response.”

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Business

Milford Haven: Wales’ energy hub embraces green transformation

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ONCE synonymous with oil and gas, Milford Haven is now poised to lead Wales into a cleaner, greener future—powered by hydrogen.

Green energy pioneer Haush Ltd has chosen Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters, marking a significant step towards establishing the area as a hub for hydrogen innovation. The company’s ambitious plans aim to decarbonise land, sea, and air transport, while also exporting green hydrogen to Europe.

Backed by the Welsh Government through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR), Haush’s initiative will kick off immediately. The HyPR project supports trials to accelerate hydrogen production and create refuelling solutions for both onshore and offshore vessels. A key part of this effort is designing a permanent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at the Port of Milford Haven, unlocking its potential as a green energy leader.

For over 65 years, Milford Haven has been a cornerstone of the UK’s oil and gas sector, processing 20% of the nation’s oil and gas. Now, this latest investment signals the beginning of a transformative shift toward renewable energy.

Welsh Government Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the move, saying:
“Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted that Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK headquarters. The company’s ambitious growth plans align perfectly with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy generation.”

Milford Haven’s journey from oil and gas to hydrogen innovation could set a blueprint for green energy transformation in the UK and beyond.

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News

Council Tax Premium set to increase for long-term empty properties

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PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a significant change to the council tax premium on long-term empty properties, aiming to address housing shortages and community impacts.

Starting April 1, 2025, a single premium rate of 300 per cent will be applied to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. This replaces the previous system of incremental increases.

Councillor Joshua Beynon, cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much-needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”

Details of the premium

The premium is an addition to the standard council tax charge and applies across all three elements:

  • Pembrokeshire County Council
  • Police and Crime Commissioner
  • Town and Community Councils

Exemptions and discounts

Property owners undergoing renovations can apply for a council tax exemption if their property requires major repair works or structural alterations. This exemption allows the property to be tax-free for up to 12 months.

If the exemption has already been granted, owners may apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the value of the long-term empty property premium. However, the standard council tax charge remains payable in these cases.

Applicants must provide written details of the required works, supported by photographic evidence. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the discretionary discount is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months.

National Empty Homes Grant Scheme

Pembrokeshire County Council is also taking part in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which offers grants of up to £25,000 to owners of eligible empty properties. This funding aims to bring more properties back into use and alleviate housing pressures in the county.

For more information about the grant, visit the National Empty Homes Grant website.
To apply for a council tax discount, contact Revenue Services via:

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News

Heavenly Host of Angels Event at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

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THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.

When:

  • Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
  • Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
  • Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.

Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.

Additionally, on Sunday, January 12, a special Mass at 9:30am will celebrate the Second Sunday of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ.

Come along and experience this beautiful event – “Come and See.”

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