News

Pembrokeshire residents to see highest rise in council tax, but will still pay the least

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2023

PEMBROKESHIRE ratepayers are facing the highest council tax increase percentage-wise in mid and west Wales, but will still pay the least.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, meeting last week, agreed on a 7.5 per cent increase, which would increase the annual bill of the average Band D property by £62.46, to £1,311.63.

The 7.5 per cent increase – which will be considered by full council on March 2, would be coupled with budget savings of £8.055m, using funds from the second homes council tax revenue, an estimated use of £1.6m of reserves, and budget savings.

They were warned the council tax increase would have to be raised to 12.9 per cent to balance the budget if full council didn’t support using revenue from the second homes council tax premium.

At the February meeting of neighbouring Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet, members agreed to a 7.3 per cent increase in the council tax level for 2023-24.

This would equate to a Band D cost for county council purposes of £1,553.60; an increase of £105.70, which would make Ceredigion’s average bill more than £240 higher than Pembrokeshire’s.

A final decision on the increase will be made at the March 2 meeting of Ceredigion’s full council, the same day as Pembrokeshire.

Carmarthenshire’s council tax is expected to increase by 6.8 per cent this year, lower than anticipated, following the council’s widest-ever budget consultation.

The final rise in Carmarthenshire is due to be discussed next month.

An expected five per cent hike to council tax levels in Powys will be decided at a full council meeting on February 23.

At the February meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members were told that, despite increases of 12.5 per cent, 9.92 per cent, five per cent, 3.75 per cent and five per cent since 2018-19, the council continues to have the lowest council tax ‘Band D’ in Wales for 2022-23 at £1,249.17.

Neighbouring local authorities Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire were at £1,447.90 and £1,396.04 respectively.

Pembrokeshire ratepayers are still forecast to have the lowest council tax bills after all local authorities have set their levels.

A report for members stated: “Having the lowest council tax ‘Band D’ means that any council tax percentage increase in Pembrokeshire generates less income than the equivalent increases in other Welsh local authorities.”

Based on the current 2022-23 figures, a one per cent increase in council tax would net Pembrokeshire an extra £12.49 a year for each Band D property, £1.99 less than neighbouring Ceredigion, £1.47 less than Carmarthenshire; and £5.19 less than highest council tax authority Blaenau Gwent.

Leader David Simpson has said historically low council tax rates in the county had been “a mistake”.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.