News
Coronavirus: Financial support for Pembrokeshire residents highlighted
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Leader, Cllr David Simpson, has highlighted the financial support which the Council can provide for local residents in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
“This is a difficult time for everyone, and we want residents to know there is help out there,” he said. “We can provide financial assistance that may help people whose incomes are reduced by illness, job loss, a reduction in work hours or the need to self-isolate.”
Anyone whose income is likely to be reduced significantly in the coming weeks and months is advised to check if they may be eligible for the following.
- Council Tax Reduction
You can apply for a council tax reduction whether you are unemployed or working. However if you have savings of £16,000 or more you will not normally be entitled to a reduction.
To apply for council tax reduction you must be a person whose name is on the council tax bill.
You may qualify if you are:
- On Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit
- On Pension Credit, Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit
- Working and on low pay (including people who are self-employed)
- On a low income.
- Discretionary Housing Payment to pay a shortfall in your rent.
The Council is looking to make maximum use of this to assist people over the next three months. You must be in receipt of housing benefit or universal credit housing costs to qualify for this. To find out more and whether you are eligible, please view: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/housing-benefit/discretionary-housing-payments
The Council is also undertaking a range of measures to help ease the financial burden on residents including suspending all court action for three months.
“If you’re having difficulty paying your council tax or business rates, please let us know,” said Cllr Simpson.
News
Man remanded in custody following alleged assault in town centre
A PEMBROKE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged assault against a woman in Pembroke town centre last Thursday.
Morgan Ralph, 38, is accused of assaulting a female, occasioning her actual bodily harm during the alleged altercation on March 14.
Ralph, who appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday morning via a video link from Swansea Prison, pleaded not guilty to the offence.
His solicitor Tom Lloyd, informed magistrates that Ralph was acting in self defence during the alleged incident.
The matter was adjourned to May 23 when Ralph, of St Oswalds, Main Street, Pembroke, will be tried before Haverfordwest magistrates.
He was remanded in custody.
News
Retaining wall collapse in Haverfordwest crushes van
A RETAINING wall at Spring Gardens Lane, behind the site of the former Pembroke House Hotel in Haverfordwest, has collapsed following a period of heavy rainfall, causing damage to vehicles parked in the vicinity.
The incident has left two vans damaged, one severely.
The collapse of the wall sent debris sprawling across the car park, illustrating the force of the collapse and the substantial volume of water contributing to the structural failure.
Witnesses described hearing a loud rumbling noise before discovering the aftermath of the collapse.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
The collapse serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and the importance of maintaining and monitoring ageing infrastructure.
Business
People in Wales are worried about running out of money in retirement
FEAR of running out of money in retirement is rising among those in Wales with more than half (55%) concerned their savings will not last them through retirement, new research from Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) shows (please see the attached press release).
In general, women are more worried about running out of money compared to men. More than half (54%) of women surveyed are concerned about how long their money will last in retirement, compared to only 44% of men. Around 46% of men who are not worried about running out of money in retirement say it is because they have a final salary pension scheme – compared to just 38% of women who have this.
The study by Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), part of Rathbones Group, among people with stock market investments including pensions, paints a bleak picture – around 55% of those living in Wales are concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This is similar to the UK average of 56%.
Women are more worried than men that they do not have enough money for retirement. Almost two thirds (61%) of women surveyed are concerned, with 18% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This compares to just over half (53%) of men surveyed, with 14% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement.
The Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) study shows that those living in Wales who have yet to retire are realistic about what will happen to their incomes in retirement – 64% expect their monthly incomes to drop on retirement and 36% did not know.
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