News

Lower town council increases in council tax than county or police

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PEMBROKESHIRE’S main town councils are expected to make a lower percentage increase in the demands of taxpayers than either the county council or the police.

Pembrokeshire County Council is expected to increase council tax by 7.5 per cent for 2023-24, subject to full council support on March 2.

The 7.5 per cent increase proposed, subsidised in part by funds from the second homes council tax premium, was agreed by the county council’s Cabinet on February 14.

It had considered three council tax options for 2023-24, set against a funding gap of £18.6m: an increase of five per cent, seven-and-a-half per cent and 10 per cent.

Members backed the 7.5 per cent increase, which would increase the annual bill of the average Band D property by £62.46, to £1,311.63.

Dyfed-Powys Police recently announced a 7.75 per cent rise in its precept for 2023-24, which will raise the average band D property precept by £22.49 per year, to £312.65.

The third element of the overall council tax bill is the town/community council element, with Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, Haverfordwest and Tenby all setting a lower percentage increase than either of the other elements.

All the larger town councils in the county have been contacted asking what their rate for the coming year is.

The precept for Milford Haven has been set for 2023/2024 at £178,596 an increase from last year of 2.95 per cent, representing a cost to a Band D property of £32.86.

Pembroke Dock Town Council – which did not have any breakdown of individual figures for Band D properties available – will raise its precept by 1.5 per cent; from £209,560 to £212,706.

Haverfordwest Town Council stated: “We have agreed our precept at £388,444.00 for the 2023-2024 financial year which equates to £78.75 per Band D household.

“The 2022-2023 precept was set at £370,000 which equated to £74.91 per Band D household.”

This represents an increase of just over the five per cent mark.

Tenby Town Council agreed to dip into reserves to keep its increase at the six per cent mark.

Tenby Town council had previously resolved “to look to an increase of the Band D equivalent of not more than six per cent,” adding: “This would mean an increase of the Band D equivalent from last year’s £69.95 to £74.15.”

Members had previously heard that would generate a precept of £225,143.12 leaving a shortfall of £25,778.24.

It was recommended, and backed, that the council accept the budget as proposed and consider utilising £25,778.24 of un-earmarked reserves to set the precept at £225,143.12.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

20 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!