News

Tory appeal on bedroom tax heard

Published

9 years ago

March 15, 2016

Dan Lodge talking to Paul Rutherford bedroom tax campaigner (pic: Mike Hillen)

THE SUPREME COURT in London was where disability campaigner Paul Rutherford found himself this week.

Paul, who with his wife Susan cares for their profoundly disabled grandson Warren, was in Court to hear the Department of Work and Pensions’ controversial appeal against the Appeal Court’s decision to rule elements of the government’s bedroom tax illegal and discriminatory.

Paul and Susan Rutherford from Pembrokeshire who care for their 14-yearold grandson Warren in a specially adapted home that includes a room for professional carers to stay in overnight, had their housing benefit reduced as they were deemed to have a spare bedroom. Warren, suffers from Potokoi-Shaffer Syndrome, a very rare genetic disorder which means he is unable to walk or talk, and needs 24 hour care by at least two people at all times.

The Conservatives’ bedroom tax meant that a bedroom used by overnight carers who look after him was counted as an additional bedroom whose presence in the family home was surplus to the family’s requirements.

The Conservatives claim that a discretionary housing payment, to which it is not committed and which is paid out by local councils, is adequate to negate any discriminatory effect of the bedroom tax.

After the last Court hearing, Conservative MP Stephen Crabb sought to justify the government’s position, claiming: “The discretionary housing payments system (DHP) is an effective safety net that helps support vulnerable residents as welfare reforms are introduced. Local councils must act fairly and reasonably when considering whether to offer the discretionary payment.”

It is legal argument over whether a discretionary and temporary policy, such as DHP, can displace the absolute requirement not to discriminate against members of an easily identifiable group under UK law, which is behind the Conservative’s appeal to the Supreme Court.

At that hearing, Lord Justices Vos and Tomlinson held that the ‘admitted discrimination’ by the DWP was not overcome by the DHP policy.

Preseli Pembrokeshire Labour Assembly candidate Dan Lodge has criticised the Westminster Conservative Government for what he described as ‘wasting public money defending the ‘bedroom tax’.

Mr Lodge said: “The Rutherfords have suffered unnecessary heartache and stress because of the actions of this uncaring Tory government.

Look how much the Tories are wasting on trying to save the hated Bedroom Tax, £50,000 on legal fees so far. Conservative cuts from Westminster are hurting vulnerable local residents in Pembrokeshire and throughout the UK.’

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”