News

Where the money went

Published

11 years ago

August 5, 2014

TIME and time again, IPPG leader Jamie Adams and other Cabinet members have repeated the mantra that it was necessary to make the unlawful pay supplements to Bryn Parry Jones (and other officers) to encourage recruitment and retention of senior council officers.

The inference to be drawn from their words is that Bryn and other officers would walk away if they were not helped to avoid future tax liabilities on their blue chip final salary pension (the LGPS). The express purpose of the unlawful payments was to enable the CEO to invest that money in his own retirement fund outside the LGPS; to replace the payments that would otherwise have been made into it on his behalf by his employer. Instead, in the letter leaked last week, Mr Parry Jones claims that he gave the money to his wife to invest in her own retirement fund, and replace her LGPS pension benefits that he surrendered. What Bryn did with the unlawful payments runs a coach and horses through the retention argument and underlines the true purpose of the scheme: to avoid tax on a seven-figure pension pot. No special pleading on the CEO’s behalf by Jamie Adams can obscure the tax avoidance purpose any longer. Given the money for one thing, Bryn did another. In doing so, he has laid bare the overriding consideration of the paper before the Senior Staff Committee in September 2011. If Councillor Adams feels embarrassed by the revelations, he has done remarkably well to conceal it. But those who have clung to the IPPG party line as though it would haul them to shore, now find themselves holding a noose instead of a life preserver.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.