THE FUNDING of schemes already underway has been threatened by the change in government in Westminster.

The Labour administration has changed the criteria for funding under the Shared Prosperity Scheme, meaning that Pembrokeshire has suffered a cut in funding from it of over 40%. The change means that some projects must either be shelved or reduced in scope.

As projects previously part-funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund include controversial schemes such as the new pedestrian bridge in Haverfordwest town centre, opposition councillors on Pembrokeshire County Council will be delighted at the loss of central government funding for the county.

The UK Government has already announced that the Shared Prosperity Fund will close in March 2026. Although Labour claims it will undertake a review of local growth funding beforehand, that sounds more like a loaded rifle cocking with each passing day.

If funding falls to a Barnett consequential level (i.e. strictly pro rata to the English settlement) from 2026- 27 onwards, the result would be a massive cut in public investment and capital projects undertaken by all Welsh councils. As the Welsh Government has kicked local government finance into the long grass until after the next Welsh Parliamentary election in 2026, there is a void and uncertainty over future funding settlements beyond that date.

Moreover, the Welsh Government’s magic circle of mutual back-scratching with its Valleys and urban councils means Pembrokeshire and other rural areas are likely to suffer major real-terms funding reductions across the board.

A PLAN to regenerate Pembroke town centre must be cut following delays caused by the General Election and an almost one-third increase in the cost of construction.

The Council’s Cabinet will consider an update on the Westgate to Eastgate scheme on Monday, January 13.

The County Council originally applied for around £11.5m from the Levelling Up Fund in June 2022. Although that bid was unsuccessful, the Council was invited to reapply in a further funding round and succeeded. The £11.5m cost of the project is 90% funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The Council is due to contribute 10% of that figure.

However, even though the Council succeeded in resubmitting its application early in 2024, the General Election in July stalled further progress. At the end of November last year, the Labour Government in Westminster issued a final memorandum committing to the expenditure.

In the two years since the original application, inflation has increased the project’s construction costs by 30%, underlining – again – that the consumer price index is a nonsensical measure for determining public authorities’ costs.

The Council contends that interventions at Pembroke would help stimulate the town’s economy. The town is experiencing increasing market failure due to increased vacancies in the retail centre, a poor mix of uses and significant leakage to other centres. The regeneration scheme would strengthen the visitor market and capitalise on the current visitor economy for Pembroke Castle, which bypasses the town centre.

Pembroke has the smallest number of commercial units (81) of Pembrokeshire’s six main towns and a high proportion of vacant units (17.3%).

The Cabinet report says: “The private sector will not provide the improvements to wayfinding and public realm improvements that are required to change the nature of the visitor experience. The lack of private sector development resulting from low values and low demand means that the potential of any private sector contributions is limited.”

In the absence of private sector interest, the Council believes public funding is the only tool it has to regenerate Pembroke’s ailing town centre and support new enterprises.

The project has three work schemes. Its primary focus is improving connections between the Commons Road, where most visitors park, and the town centre. The alleys and cut-throughs will be improved, and visitors will be signposted towards Pembroke’s Main Street and Mill Pond.

To increase visitors’ time spent in the town centre, the Council will improve its public spaces and green spaces and fund the renewal of St Mary’s Bells, a noted feature of Pembroke town.

At the town’s East End, the former school building will be stripped back to a shell state and partially refitted in readiness for future use, while steps will be taken to improve vehicular access along Well Hill.

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION is inviting Second World War veterans and their families to register for commemorations marking the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day in 2025. These events aim to honour the service and sacrifice of the generation that contributed to the Allied victory.

Milestone anniversaries

This year marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War, with Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 1945 and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August 1945. Registration is now open on the RBL website for veterans, their families, or carers to join commemorations at both national and community events.

The RBL is organising a series of events to ensure the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation are forever remembered. The celebrations will recognise the critical role played by Allied Forces from Britain, the Commonwealth, and beyond.

National unity in remembrance

Last year, the nation came together for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, with major events attended by members of the Royal Family, political leaders, and the public. In 2025, the RBL hopes the nation will unite again to honour the generation that fought for the freedoms enjoyed in modern Britain.

D-Day veteran Jim Miller, 100, from Merthyr Vale, shared his perspective:
“2025 is an important year for my generation, with anniversaries for both VE and VJ Day. It is always an honour being part of a Royal British Legion event, joining with comrades to remember and pay tribute to those we lost. I encourage all who served to register on the RBL website to ensure they are involved.”

Preserving a legacy

Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the RBL, highlighted the importance of these commemorations:
“These 80th anniversaries are likely to be among the last opportunities to come together as a nation with Second World War veterans to honour their bravery and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Everyone in modern Britain has a connection to those who experienced the War, whether through family or community. It’s vital we mark these anniversaries with commemorations in communities across the UK and with national moments of gratitude.”

Rawlinson also emphasised the importance of sharing veterans’ experiences:
“We are inviting all Second World War veterans to register so their contributions, including ‘forgotten stories,’ can be shared and remembered. Their service shaped the world we live in today.”

Honouring contributions from all walks of life

The RBL invites registration from British and Commonwealth Armed Forces veterans and those who supported the war effort, such as munitions workers, Bevin Boys, and individuals from reservist occupations or the Special Operations Executive. Registrants will receive updates on commemorative plans and invitations to events.

A time for reflection

While VE Day 80 will reflect the celebratory street parties marking victory in Europe, VJ Day 80 will honour the conclusion of six years of global conflict.

The RBL, working with the Government and other stakeholders, is developing educational resources and community projects to ensure younger generations understand the legacy of the Second World War.

For more information and to register, visit the Royal British Legion’s website.