News
Cost of Living Support Scheme payments begin

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has started making £150 payments to local households under the Cost of Living Support Scheme.
The Welsh Government scheme provides a payment of £150 per household for:
- Households in Council Tax Bands A-D on 15 th February 2022
- Or households in receipt of support via the Council Tax Reduction Scheme on 15 th February 2022
Payments began on Friday, May 6 and are continuing.
In the first instance, payments are being made to those who pay Council Tax by Direct Debit.
There are approximately 18,000 households that fall under this category and these payments should be completed within two weeks.
When the payment is received, it will show up as PEMBROKESHIRE CC £150.00.
Please be patient as the payments are processed.
Once all payments to households who pay Council Tax by Direct Debit are completed, the next stage of the payment process will begin.
Letters will be sent to households who do not pay by Direct Debit outlining the registration process to ensure payment of the £150.
More details on how to register will follow in due course.
Please wait for further information on the registration process before contacting the Council.
Please see https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support-scheme for further information on the Cost of Living Support Scheme.
Crime
Haverfordwest retailer accused of Bounce Back Loan fraud

A HAVERFORDWEST businessman has been accused of committing fraud by making false representations to multiple banks in applications for Government-backed Bounce Back Loans.
Zahid Afzal, 36, of Albert Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 6), where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of fraud by false representation.
The court heard that Afzal, listed on Companies House as a director of Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, allegedly made false statements to secure loans intended to support businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors claim that on May 12, 2020, he falsely stated to Barclays Bank that the application for a Bounce Back Loan was Phone Bits Ltd’s only application. It is further alleged that he made similar false claims to Starling Bank on July 23, 2020, and to Metro Bank on November 22, 2020, in relation to Phones Onn Ltd.
The alleged misrepresentations included inflating the company’s turnover to £200,000 and falsely claiming the loans would be used solely for business purposes.
Afzal’s case has been sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial, with a hearing scheduled for March 10. He was granted unconditional bail.
An interpreter will be required for the proceedings, as Afzal requires assistance in Urdu.
Charity
Young fundraiser’s incredible efforts for RNLI

THE CREW of Tenby RNLI have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 5-year-old Archie Garland for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the station.
Archie took part in the Advent Challenge with the Tenby Aces over Christmas, running a minimum of one mile every day throughout Advent. His dedication saw him cover an impressive 47.3 miles, raising a remarkable £552.25 thanks to generous donations from the local community.
Archie is pictured with (L-R): Deputy Coxswain Gary Waring, his dad and Deputy Coxswain Rob Garland, Deputy Coxswain Dan Young, station full-time mechanic Will Horton, and his mum, Tenby Aces member Claire Thomas.
Crime
Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn launches ambitious four-year policing plan

Public trust at the heart of new strategy
DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has unveiled his four-year Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, outlining his vision to strengthen public trust and confidence in policing.

The plan, shaped by extensive public consultation, sets out priorities for policing, crime prevention, and the criminal justice system across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Powys. It follows feedback from surveys and focus groups, where residents highlighted their key concerns.
The three core priorities of the plan are:
- Supporting victims and preventing victimisation
- Preventing harm to ensure safer communities
- Enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system
Llywelyn formally launched the plan on Tuesday (Feb 13) at an event attended by key partners and commissioned services. The event focused on collaboration, with discussions on how joint efforts can strengthen crime prevention, victim support, and justice delivery.
Victims at the centre

Commissioner Llywelyn emphasised the importance of ensuring victims receive the right support.
“This plan is built on the views of our communities, focusing on what truly matters to the people of Mid and West Wales,” he said. “Victims must be at the heart of our policing and justice system. It is essential that those affected by crime have access to timely, effective support to help them recover and seek justice. Strengthening services that prevent victimisation is just as important as responding to crime itself.”
Tackling root causes of crime

The plan also prioritises crime prevention by addressing underlying issues.
“By tackling antisocial behaviour and vulnerability, we can reduce harm and build a more resilient society,” Llywelyn said. “A proactive, problem-solving approach will ensure resources are used effectively to protect our communities.”
A joined-up approach to justice
Llywelyn stressed the need for stronger collaboration across the justice system.
“A fair and efficient justice system relies on agencies working together. I will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that policing, the courts, and support services deliver justice fairly and effectively for victims and communities alike.”
The Police and Crime Plan sets out a clear vision for Dyfed-Powys policing over the next four years, focusing on improving public safety, supporting victims, and delivering an efficient justice system.
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