Rate relief ‘needs to stay’

Published

10 years ago

February 24, 2016

‘PATCH could close’: Stopping rate relief could hurt important local charities

MEMBERS of the Economy Overview and Scrutiny have said that the council should not look at reducing the amount of rate relief for charities.

The committee met on Tuesday, February 2, but before discussions could begin, a number of councillors had to leave the room because of their interests in various charities.

The Council currently gives a mandatory rate of 80% which is funded by the Welsh Government and also has discretion over whether or not to award a 20% supplement.

In December 2014, the Council’s Cabinet met to discuss the possibly reduction or removal of the 20% supplement and a consultation exercise was undertaken.

A report concluded that the reduction of the 20% relief for a charity like P.A.T.C.H. would mean they could have to cease their charitable activities.

Cllr Jonathan Nutting said: “If we do it for one, we must do it for all. We could take the 20% back but we are not intending to do that.

“We could reduce this by 10% and that way everybody would take the pain together.”

Cllr David Lloyd added: “I am full of admiration of the desire to look at every area of expenditure and make savings.

“This provides a hurdle for us. These charities are there for a given purpose and we need to ensure the purpose of the charitable status for the vulnerable in our society.

“I feel that this is completely wrong to go down this route to seek savings from this area.”

Cllr Gwilym Price said: “There is a reason why we support these charities. Any hit they are going to take is not welcomed.”

The committee voted that the rate relief should not be reduced or removed but Cllr Nutting voted against as he felt there should have been a reduction.

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.