Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Business

Carmarthenshire approves adoption of ‘premiums’ on second homes and empty properties

Published

on

IN RESPONSE to the need for more affordable housing in neighbouring Carmarthenshire, the county council there has confirmed it will introduce council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties. These will come into effect from April 1, 2024.

There are concerns at both a local and national level about the impact of second homes and empty properties on our communities.

The Council is working on increasing the provision of affordable housing in Carmarthenshire to bring long-term empty homes back into use and provide safe, secure and affordable homes that will enhance the sustainability of local communities.

A recent consultation drew responses from residents, second homeowners and owners of empty properties on proposals to introduce a Council Tax Premium on properties that are largely empty. The majority of respondents agreed that long-term empty property have a negative effect on local communities in Carmarthenshire.

Welsh Government research in 2021 indicated that second homes can increase local property prices by raising the demand for houses. Together with house price inflation, the clearest direct impact of second homes was to reduce the housing stock.

The Welsh Government announced a three-pronged approach to address what they call a second homes crisis.

  • Support – addressing affordability and availability of housing,
  • Regulatory framework and system – covering planning law and the introduction of a statutory registration scheme for holiday accommodation;
  • A fairer contribution – using national and local taxation systems to ensure second home owners make a fair and effective contribution to the communities in which they buy.

The Government gives local authorities the power to charge, or vary, a council tax premium of up to 300% above the standard rate on second homes and long-term empty properties.

At present, the Council do not apply a council tax premium scheme; second homes and long–term empty properties are charged at the standard council tax rate.

Currently, half the local authorities in Wales apply a premium scheme with the level set by each authority varying from 25% to 100%.

Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny said: “There are over 800 second homes in Carmarthenshire and 1,800 houses that have been empty for at least over a year – and a number for many years. Both categories of properties have an adverse effect on local communities.

“The intention of introducing a premium on second homes and long term empty houses is to either encourage greater use of these properties, or ensure that their owners contribute more towards our communities.

“In the case of the long-term empty houses, they have a negative effect on streets, can be the target of vandalism, and are a waste of a resource.

“In our consultation, 61% of respondents agreed that long-term empty housing adversely affects local communities, and a majority agree with charging a premium.

“We intend to charge a 50% premium on houses that have been empty from one to two years, rising to 100% between two and five years, and 200% after five years.

“On the issue of second homes, the answer lies, in part, in the legislation passed by Welsh Government in 2014 which has recently been amended and strengthened. The legislation aims to ensure that second homes, which are holiday lets, either get quality use by being let for at least 182 days a year, which will boost the tourism industry – or that owners pay a premium on the council tax as a contribution towards alleviating the negative impact second homes can have.

“As a Council, we want to tackle this problem in a measured and reasonable way. We’re proposing to charge second homes a 50% premium to start, with a view to raising it to 100% in April 2025. In addition to the seven exemption classes, stipulated in the legislation, we will also consider any other valid reasons for exemptions.

“By the year 2025/26, the total premium for both classes could potentially raise anything up to £3m, or release houses to become homes for Carmarthenshire residents, depending on the response of owners. These additional funds would be a valuable contribution towards helping the County Council maintain essential services at a time of great financial pressure – although, I must emphasise, that the primary aim is to encourage better use of housing in our county.”

Continue Reading

Business

Stephen Crabb leads inquiry on retaining community bank services  

Published

on

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP, and Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee Stephen Crabb is leading an inquiry in Parliament that will investigate the closure of high street banks in Wales, as well as access to cash.

In November 2023, Pembrokeshire saw the closure of Lloyds Bank in St Davids, and in the coming months both Barclays Bank and Halifax in Haverfordwest are set to close. In recent years, Wales has experienced a rapid decline in the number of high street banking services available to the public. Already in 2024, 23 high street bank closures have been announced in Wales, while automated teller machines (ATMs) declined by nearly a quarter between 2018 and 2023.

The Committee willconsider how declining high street banking services are impacting vulnerable people and small businesses across Wales, who are often more reliant on cash than digital banking. It will also examine how Wales is being affected by the loss of high street bank services, and whether the problem is worse in Wales than other parts of the UK.

Mr Crabb is a staunch advocate for retaining community banking facilities, especially in rural communities like Pembrokeshire where many local branches remain the only source of face-to-face banking provision for miles.

Recently Mr Crabb challenged Barclays Bank senior management on their decision to close the bank branch in Haverfordwest– a move that will see Barclays not only pull out of the county town, but means they won’t have a branch left anywhere in Pembrokeshire. He has also engaged with LINK – the UK’s largest cash machine network – and continues to campaign on the basis that a Banking Hub is established and that ATM machines should be retained or installed, especially in areas worst affected by the closures.  

Following the launch of the inquiry, MP Crabb added: “It is really sad to see so many banks across Wales closing as online banking grows in popularity. Despite the advantages of online banking, for a rural community with an ageing population like Pembrokeshire, bank branches hold huge importance as they offer face-to-face customer service.”

“I am acutely aware of the inconvenience that the bank closures locally have already caused following hundreds of replies from constituents to my ‘online banking survey’ ”

“I am looking forward to gathering further evidence on this subject through the committee’s inquiry, and will continue to put pressure on the relevant stakeholders to ensure that adequate alternative provisions are made through the establishment of banking hubs as well as the instalment of ATM machines where necessary.”

“In this inquiry, we are particularly keen to hear from those likely to be directly affected by the shift away from cash and physical banks. I encourage anyone with first-hand experience of losing banking services to give evidence to the Committee”

Continue Reading

Business

Trains resume between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock as works end

Published

on

TRAIN services resumed this morning (Thursday 28 March) after ten days of essential round-the-clock work to upgrade track and drainage between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock.

The railway was closed from Monday 18 March to Wednesday 27 March to allow Network Rail teams to replace more than 200 metres of track and 300 tonnes of ballast (track stones) between Pembroke station and Pembroke Dock.

Work to improve the drainage between Narbeth and Kilgetty stations was also completed at the same time.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “This essential work in Pembrokeshire demonstrates our commitment to improving the reliability of the service we provide to passengers along our route.

“We know that replacing the track can be disruptive and very noisy, so I would like to thank the residents of Pembroke for their patience while our team carried out this crucial work.”

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales said: “We’re pleased that our colleagues in Network Rail have completed this essential work and that Transport for Wales rail services resumed today.

“We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this work has progressed and look forward to welcoming passengers back in time for the Easter weekend.”

Continue Reading

Business

Ocky White Travel marks 60th anniversary with luxury cruise giveaway

Published

on

IN a grand gesture commemorating six decades of unparalleled service in the travel industry, Pembrokeshire’s venerated independent travel agency, Ocky White Travel, has announced an extraordinary giveaway—a luxury cruise for two, in partnership with Pure West Radio.

Established 60 years ago, Ocky White Travel has become a staple in the lives of Pembrokeshire residents, offering dream holidays and contributing significantly to the local economy. Despite the fluctuating fortunes of neighbouring businesses and the often harsh realities of the travel sector, Ocky White Travel has stood firm, a testament to its resilience and commitment to customer satisfaction.

This resilience was further demonstrated when, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic—a period that saw many in the industry falter—Ocky White Travel not only survived but thrived by expanding its operations to include Sam Smith Travel in Cowbridge. This expansion has allowed the agency to extend its exceptional service to a broader audience across South Wales.

Celebrating this milestone, Ocky White Travel has engaged in a comprehensive multi-media campaign, underscored by its official sponsorship of the PWR Daytime Show. A central highlight of this celebration is a tiered competition, offering participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a luxury Nordic cruise for two. The competition, which has garnered thousands of entries since its launch on 21st February, underscores the agency’s dedication to rewarding its loyal clientele.

Mark White, Owner and Managing Director of Ocky White Travel, expressed immense pride in reaching this significant milestone. He emphasised the agency’s unique position in the hearts of many families across generations, attributing this success to the personalised service and deep understanding of client needs that have become the hallmark of Ocky White Travel.

Echoing this sentiment, Toby Ellis of Pure West Radio highlighted the positive impact of the partnership on local residents. He praised Ocky White Travel for its hands-on approach and the invaluable advice provided by its seasoned staff. The giveaway, featuring a 7-night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, stands as the most significant prize offered by the radio station, symbolising a “holiday of a lifetime.”

Entries for this historic giveaway will remain open until 31st March, with the lucky winners to be announced on Pure West Radio’s Daytime Show. This event not only celebrates Ocky White Travel’s 60 years of service but also its enduring commitment to creating unforgettable holiday experiences for its customers.

Continue Reading

Business16 hours ago

Stephen Crabb leads inquiry on retaining community bank services  

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP, and Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee Stephen Crabb is leading an inquiry in Parliament that...

News1 day ago

Police ask motorists to avoid A44 trunk road due to heavy snowfall

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued an appeal to motorists to avoid a 25 mile section of the A44 trunk road between...

Crime2 days ago

Woman will quit the booze after seeing shocking drunken video in court

A HAVERFORDWEST woman this week vowed to undertake ‘a complete alcohol abstinence’ after being shown court video footage of her...

News3 days ago

Family heartbroken by loss of ‘larger than life character’ in M4 crash

THE FAMILY of the man who died in a collision on the M4 motorway say ‘he will be greatly missed...

Business3 days ago

Victory for WASPI women but the fight goes on

A LANDMARK ruling by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman could benefit around 5,000 women in Ceredigion born in the...

Entertainment5 days ago

A night to remember: Symphonica Tywi’s ‘Film Fantastics’ was a triumph

ON SATURDAY (Mar 23), Haverfordwest High School was ablaze with the soaring melodies and dramatic scores of some of cinema’s...

News5 days ago

Memorial for all those affected by Covid-19 unveiled at County Hall

A LASTING tribute for Pembrokeshire loved ones lost during the Covid-19 pandemic and those working on the frontline has been...

Top News6 days ago

Princess of Wales announces cancer diagnosis and treatment

CATHERINE, the Princess of Wales, has shared her recent health struggles with the public, revealing a diagnosis that has sent...

Charity7 days ago

RNLI lifeguards back on patrol in Pembrokeshire for the Easter Holidays

RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol once again in Pembrokeshire ahead of the Easter holidays. This Saturday, 23 March 2024,...

Community1 week ago

Neglected Pembrokeshire poodles find their forever homes 

THIRTY poodle type dogs were in total rescued after they were found in an unsuitable environment where their owner also...

Popular This Week