News

10% Council tax rise supported

Published

7 years ago

February 21, 2019

IN A RECORDED vote, Pembrokeshire County Council has approved its draft budget for 2019/20, which will see a 10% rise in council tax.

The budget was approved at Thursday’s (Feb 21) Full Council meeting but was met with some opposition by some members who said other options were available.
Cabinet member for Finance, Cllr Bob Kilmister described his role as a ‘poisoned chalice’ but went on to say: “We are still cheaper in Pembrokeshire than any other local authority in Wales. I have heard that increasing the council tax may have a burden on many who fit into the category of working poor.
“However, if we cut more services it will affect these people the most.”

He went on to highlight a number of outcomes should council tax not be increased by 10% and added: “An additional £1.89 a week avoids these outcomes.”

There is also an extra £1m to cover Brexit but Cllr Kilmister said he had ‘no idea’ if that would be enough.

Cllr Brian Hall asked how many redundancies would be made if certain services were changed but Cllr Kilmister said they were looking at what they have got in the council and looking to train for those people who are leaving vital jobs.

Cllr Hall said that the majority of staff were really concerned, and Cllr Kilmister said they could not start that process until a decision was made on the budget.

Cllr Jamie Adams said they needed to come up with a budget that was more ‘wider-thinking’ and said it was about ‘delivering value for money for Council Tax payers.
He said he was unable to support the budget that demands 10% and challenged other members saying: “Don’t be afraid of doing that, there are different ways to square the circle.”

Cllr Josh Beynon said that while a 10% rise was not the most popular it was the right thing to do.

Cllr Phil Kidney said he was finding it tough to get his head round the customer service centre closing and said they would ‘disenfranchise’ a lot of people by doing so.
However, Cllr Kilmister later said that the service would still be provided but in a different way.
He also said that the current administration was doing more of getting rid of buildings that the previous administration ever did. He added: “This is not something I am doing out of choice, I am doing it out of necessity.”

Cllr Pat Davies said she was ‘dismayed’ to find the previous administration had no strategic plan and said that she had done a lot of catching up over the last 18 months.
Speaking on the transformation program, Cllr Michelle Bateman said progress was being made and that she didn’t want to be part of a council that cuts services and keeps council tax low.

Cllr John Davies explained that the council does have other options and Cllr Kilmister challenged him saying he was welcome to make a new proposal but told Cllr Davies he would have to tell him where the money would be coming from.

Cllr Kilmister went on to say they could only do the budget on the information they have.
Council Leader Cllr David Simpson praised Cllr Kilmister for what he had done over the past 12 months saying he had done an ‘exceptional job’.
He went on to say that he was ‘proud’ of his whole cabinet who had the ability to answer any questions that came their way.

Cllr Simpson then said: “The staff we have in this building are superb, do we want to slash their jobs? No we don’t. We are looking at departments and making cuts where we can.”
When it was put to the vote, 37 members voted in favour of the budget, with 21 voting against.

News

Hakin Motors asks for patience after owner’s wife injured in ‘drink-drive crash’

Published

29 minutes ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAKIN MOTORS has asked customers for patience after the owner’s wife was injured in a collision involving a suspected drink-driver on Friday evening (Jul 11).

The owner, Alex Nel, said his wife was travelling home from the garage when her Mercedes was struck, leaving the vehicle badly damaged.

Although her injuries are not believed to be serious, she has been left battered and bruised and is currently unable to drive.

As a result, the garage’s opening hours may vary temporarily while the owner takes responsibility for school runs, appointments and other family commitments.

In a message to customers, Hakin Motors said: “Friday evening, my wife was hit by a drunk driver on her way home from the yard.

“Fortunately, the injuries aren’t too serious, but she is battered, bruised and not able to drive currently.

“This means that the garage hours are going to be a little different, with me doing school drop-offs, pick-ups and all the driving around for a while.

“I will do my utmost to ensure everything booked in is completed, but I ask for everyone’s patience while I try to balance the garage with looking after my family.”

The business thanked customers for their understanding and said it would continue working through existing bookings wherever possible.

Community

Public invited to have say on Council Tax premiums for second homes

Published

45 minutes ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is asking residents and other interested parties for their views on Council Tax premiums for the 2027-28 financial year.

The consultation focuses on the future level of additional Council Tax charged on second homes and long-term empty properties across Pembrokeshire.

A Council Tax premium is charged on top of the standard Council Tax bill, which also includes contributions towards the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner and town and community councils.

The council said feedback received through the consultation would help inform future decisions about the level of the premiums and how any additional income raised should be used to support local priorities.

Councillor Jon Harvey, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible on this important issue.

“By taking part in the consultation, residents and stakeholders can help shape future decisions and ensure that a wide range of views are considered before any recommendations are made.

“Please have your say by the closing date of Monday, August 10, 2026.”

The consultation includes background information on Council Tax premiums, the current position in Pembrokeshire and the legal framework within which the authority must operate.

Residents can take part online through the Council Tax Premium Setting for 2027-28 consultation on Pembrokeshire County Council’s website.

Paper copies are available by calling 01437 764551 or emailing [email protected].

A final decision on the premium levels and the use of any money raised is expected to be made by the full council at its meeting on October 15, 2026.

Any changes agreed will take effect from April 1, 2027.

Business

All Pets Vet Care begins new chapter under local ownership

Published

1 hour ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ALL PETS VET CARE is beginning a new chapter as ownership of the practice passes from founder Billa Schleicher to experienced local vets Alice Richards and Pete Howe.

The change will ensure the practice remains independently owned and firmly rooted in the Pembrokeshire community.

Alice and Pete have both worked as small animal vets in Pembrokeshire for more than a decade and say they are proud to build on the strong foundations already established at the practice.

They have pledged to continue providing compassionate, gentle and fairly priced veterinary care, with every animal treated as a valued member of the family.

The existing All Pets Vet Care team will remain in place, meaning clients will continue to see the same familiar faces and receive consistent, high-quality care.

Alice and Pete said the team’s longstanding relationships with clients were central to the practice’s success and that they intended to support and invest in staff as the business develops.

Alice said: “It is a privilege to take on All Pets Vet Care. There is a wonderful team here, and we are committed to maintaining the same personal and caring approach that clients and their pets know and trust.

“Remaining independent means we can stay close to the needs of our clients and the local community.”

Pete added: “We both care deeply about Pembrokeshire and the people and pets who live here.

“We want every client to feel supported, listened to and confident that their pets are in safe hands.

“That includes continuing to provide our own out-of-hours care for registered clients, so pets can be seen close to home by a familiar and trusted team when it matters most.”

All Pets Vet Care is one of only a small number of practices in Pembrokeshire to provide its own out-of-hours service for registered clients, offering continuity of care during evenings, nights and weekends.

The practice will also continue supporting local wildlife charities Tinkers Hill Bird Rescue and The Hogspital, which cares for sick and injured hedgehogs.

The partnerships have formed an important part of Billa’s legacy at the practice and will continue under the new owners.

Alice and Pete said All Pets Vet Care would remain an active part of the community, providing trusted advice, continuity of care and a genuinely personal service to pet owners across Pembrokeshire.

As the practice looks to the future, its commitment remains unchanged: providing trusted, compassionate and independent care for local pets and the people who love them.