News
Council chief’s tax-dodge
H E R A L D E X C L U S I V E
An obscure Council Committee, meeting in secret session, decided to help Pembrokeshire County Council top boss Bryn Parry-Jones help himself to a tax break, The Pembrokeshire Herald has exclusively revealed in this week’s edition.
The hard-hitting story reveals that the tax dodge allows Bryn-Parry Jones to opt out of the Local Government Pension Scheme and get paid the equivalent of the Council’s contribution every year to invest or do with as he wished.
The minutes of the secret meeting show that current IPPG supremo Jamie Adams, former IPPG leader John Davies, former IPPG deputy John Allen-Mirehouse, current IPPG Cabinet member Sue Perkins, former Tory leader Stan Hudson and now-retired Councillor and former IPPG Cabinet member David Wildman, unanimously backed the deal.
Unusually, the meeting was held in Bryn Parry-Jones’ office at County Hall.
The BBC has followed up The Herald’s story and confirmed that Bryn Parry-Jones was at the meeting where his own pay and conditions of employment were discussed. He was the only Council employee to take advantage of the tax avoidance scheme in the last tax year.
The editor of The Pembrokeshire Herald, Thomas Sinclair, said:
“The Welsh Audit Office has determined that a very similar tax avoidance scheme in Carmarthenshire is unlawful. We say that whether the scheme is unlawful or not is only part of the story. The main point is that this is a big tax break given to the well-off and well-paid when ordinary workers are having their pay and hours cut. Whether lawful or not, this tax dodge scheme is immoral.”
Local UNISON Branch Secretary Vic Dennis agreed and expressed shock at news of the tax dodge. “UNISON members at County Hall who have taken large cuts in their wages will be appalled.”
FOR MORE: READ THE FULL STORY EXCLUSIVELY IN THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD THIS WEEK
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
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
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.
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Tomos
October 1, 2013 at 8:31 am
Do you have no decency left Sir?
RESIGN!
Alan Wilkinson
October 8, 2013 at 7:13 am
So, the highest paid council official in Wales can award himself and his cronies a ‘bonus’ amounting to more than most people in Pembrokeshire earn in a full year. Is that what public service is about now? Why is this man still in his job?
Mark Llewhellin
November 24, 2013 at 8:24 am
Two Very good points from Thomas & Alan.
I have no bad feelings towards Bryn Parry Jones but he is simply not the right man for the job.
The people set up Government & council to “Serve” them. Not award yourself pay that you dictate & cut services and other people’s pay.
There needs to be transparency with decisions in the council & the “People” should vote who they want to run their county!!