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12.5% council tax increase still an option

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A POTENTIAL 12.5% increase in council tax, as well as 5% and 8% increases, are to be debated by the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees in the New Year.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s draft budget was presented to a meeting of full council today (Dec 14).

The increases in council tax are part of the council’s budget and the Cabinet member for Finance, Cllr Bob Kilmister said this was the earliest they had presented the budget to the council and praised the work of the finance team.

He highlighted a number of issues surrounding each option but other councillors were concerned about a potential 12.5% increase and suggested they should go with the 5% increase.

Cllr Kilmister added: “With the details of the final offer made public the increased wage bill will be £957, 857 meaning that the funding gap has risen (from 17.6m) to £18.6m.

“We are £14.8m short, Welsh Government fund all authorities on the basis they charge the average council tax in Wales. The funding gap will continue to rise if we don’t do anything about it.

“We have to do something about this or face draconian cuts to services. The only option that offers protection to school budgets is option 3 but we will still need to identify savings to bridge the funding gap.

“We are £14.8m short and we need to raise our income and that requires us to make difficult decisions. 31 is the number needed to make the budget on March 8, it is in your hands, I am just pointing out what I believe is the right direction.”

A question that had been tabled later on in the agenda by Cllr John Davies was asked to be brought forward by Cllr David Bryan about how many people paid council tax in previous years.

It was revealed that the number of council tax properties in 2017/18 was 61,429. Of those paying 100% was 34,181, a percentage of 55.64%.

Those who were paying with a discount of 50% or 25% was 14,849, a percentage of 24.17%.

The number of properties with 100% discount was 8350, a percentage of 13.39%.

There were 2258 houses which had a partial reduction and 1791 exempt properties.

Cllr John Davies said: “It is disingenuous to blame the past. The last administration raised council tax by 5%.

“Just over half the tax payers pay council tax in full, it is disproportionate to put the burden on those that pay the council tax.

“We have to convince ourselves that we are part of an authority that provides efficient services. It is a false premise to believe that raising council tax will improve services.

“I am happy to support option 1, how can we justify taking more off the people in Pembrokeshire. Option 1 is a realistic and fair option, it may be painful for the executive but there has always been challenges.”

Council Leader David Simpson was questioned on what his preferred option would be by Cllr Sam Kurtz but the leader responded saying he would prefer the option that the chamber comes up with in the March meeting.

Former Leader Cllr Jamie Adams said he was not confident in the current administration to make difficult decisions adding: “To expect the public to put their hands in their pockets, which are becoming increasingly empty, is unfair. You have to be up for that challenge and I don’t believe you are. I believe we should look at 5% as it would be unfair and unsustainable for our communities to expect them to pay more.”

Cllr Michelle Bateman said: “We are talking about hits to hardworking families with a 12.5% increase but if we don’t do this the cuts are going to hit them harder. If we can’t subsidise some of the bus routes that will hit the vulnerable people. This will hit them more than an increase in council tax.”

Council voted to pass the recommendation to send the budget to all Overview and Scrutiny Committees with a small number voting against.

News

Massive search and rescue off Pembrokeshire coast for Chris Ellery

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A LARGE-SCALE air and sea search operation is currently underway off the Fishguard coast following the mysterious disappearance of a local man on a solo boating trip.

The search, which began at 3:00pm on Friday (Nov 1), has seen Coastguard helicopters and search vessels combing the area for signs of Chris Ellery, who was last in contact on Wednesday, October 30.

Family members have taken to social media in a desperate plea for assistance in locating Chris, who is known to be an experienced and well-prepared sailor. His daughter, Kenzie Ellery, shared a heartfelt post on Facebook, describing her father as “always very prepared” for potential challenges at sea, and expressed deep concern that no communication has been possible since Wednesday.

Personal belongings discovered

According to reports, police and Coastguard teams discovered some of Ellery’s belongings on a secluded cove accessible only by boat, intensifying efforts in this remote area. Despite locating personal items, there has been no sign of his boat or any further trace of the missing man himself. Kenzie revealed that her father was due to return home by midday on Thursday, October 31, but contact ceased shortly after he set off on his journey.

Public plea for assistance

Kenzie’s Facebook post included a photo of the small boat her father was last seen on, and she urged local residents along the coastline to stay vigilant and report any unusual sightings immediately. She mentioned that her father had an AirTag device with him, which last signalled in the sea near Fishguard. She noted that friends and family in Bristol have limited ability to assist physically but are sharing the information widely in the hope it reaches those closer to the search area.

In her appeal, Kenzie wrote: “We all need him to be home, and we pray that he is safe. Please share this post—we need him to be safe and home as soon as possible.”

Chris’ daughter Kenzie has shared photos of the missing boat

Ongoing rescue efforts

The coastguard operation continues, with helicopters making repeated passes over the Fishguard coastline and nearby sea. Aviation enthusiasts reported sightings of search aircraft involved in the operation, further signalling the gravity of the situation. As darkness falls, search teams are pressing on, determined to find any sign of Chris.

The FPV (Fisheries Patrol Vessel) Rhodri Morgan and FPV Gwenllian are also in the area but it is unclear if they are also involved in the search.

At one point on Friday evening there were reportedly five RNLI lifeboats involved in the operation, including both in-shore and all-weather vessels.

Police and Coastguard authorities are urging residents along the Fishguard coastline to remain alert and report any potential sightings or evidence of the missing boater.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police.

As the rescue mission progresses, family, friends, and local communities remain hopeful that Chris Ellery will be found safe.

Coastguard in action (Image: File)
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Education

Milford Haven School first to achieve gold in carer’s scheme

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MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL have been recognised for their commitment to and support for young carers and is the first school to achieve the top level award.

The school have achieved the Investors in Carers Gold Level award for its work for learners and staff who are carers.

The scheme is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The Investors in Carers initiative was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness.

This scheme has now extended to many other teams, services, and organisations. It is a scheme that provides a foundation for helping to identify and support unpaid carers of all ages.

Milford Haven School was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.

Janette Reynolds, Assistant Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Gold Investors in Carers Award, it is a testament to our commitment to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of carers within our community. It was about developing a culture that respects, empowers, and advocates for the wellbeing of carers at Milford Haven School. 

“We will continue to strive towards providing the best possible support, ensuring carers feel valued and equipped to balance their responsibilities.”  

Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion, Councillor Mike James said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Everyone at Milford Haven School should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment that has led to them becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to receive the Gold Investors in Carers award.

“The award recognises the awareness and support for carers provided by the school and this is to be congratulated.”

A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.

For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for useful advice for carers, please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers

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Crime

Pembrokeshire man admits ‘overstepping’ in stalking case

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A HAVERFORDWEST man acknowledged he ‘overstepped’ following charges of home burglary and stalking.

Spencer Lepetit, aged 35 and residing in Hawthorn Rise, faced Swansea Crown Court accused of entering a Pembroke property on August 16 with the intent to steal a mobile phone. Additionally, between September 3 and 19, he allegedly trespassed repeatedly on a woman’s property, made multiple phone calls from an unknown number, and loitered outside her home, causing her significant alarm and distress.

Lepetit denied both charges but accepted responsibility for a lesser stalking offence, which was deemed suitable by Prosecutor Thomas Scapens, leading the Crown Prosecution Service to drop the burglary charge.

Lepetit’s defence, Jon Tarrant, described the circumstances as a result of a “toxic relationship,” stating, “He attempted to reconnect but went beyond acceptable limits.”

Judge Huw Rees ordered a pre-sentence report and remanded Lepetit in custody, with sentencing scheduled for November 22.

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