News

Pembrokeshire off-grid households urged not to miss out on Alternative Fuel Payment

Published

3 years ago

March 12, 2023

PLAID CYMRU politicians have urged off-grid households in Pembrokeshire not to miss out on a payment of £200 they could be entitled to.

Earlier this year, following extensive pressure from Plaid Cymru politicians at Westminster and Cardiff Bay, the UK Government announced the launch of the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme, paying £200 to households not connected to the mains gas grid, and reliant on other forms of heating – including heating oil, LPG and wood.

It was expected that most homes that are eligible for the payment would get it automatically as a credit on their electricity bills from February 2023.

Households without a direct relationship with an electricity supplier, or households in an area whereby the majority of premises in the post code are connected to the mains gas grid are expected to apply for the Alternative Fuel Payment via an online portal.

However, it has also come to light since the online portal was launched that some households who do have a direct relationship with an electricity supplier will need to apply for the support, as some postcode details have not been supplied to the energy companies.

Previous UK Government statistics suggest that over 40% of households in Pembrokeshire are off grid, and reliant on alternative forms of heating – this compares to the Wales national average of 19%.

Urging local residents to check their their eligibility, Cefin Campbell MS, Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for Mid & West Wales said:

“The UK Government’s whole approach to supporting off-grid households has been a strenuous, long-drawn out process.

We already know that a disproportionate percentage of households across Pembrokeshire do not have access to the mains gas grid, and I was heartened to learn that many residents have now received their £200 Alternative Fuel Payment via their electricity supplier.

However, I remain aware some households who do have an electricity supplier, that have seemingly fallen between the cracks, and are still awaiting payment. I would urge all households to carefully check their statements, and ensure they receive what they are entitled to.”

Off-grid households who have an electricity supplier and have not received the £200 payment have been urged by the UK Government to contact their electricity supplier.

Ben Lake MP, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster spokesperson for the Treasury added:

“I fear that those who have a direct relationship with an electricity supplier will have taken it for granted that they will receive the payments automatically, as per UK Government advice.

It now appears that some will need to make an application after all, and I would encourage all off-grid households to contact their electricity supplier if they have not yet received their payments to clarify whether they need to apply for the payment through the online portal.

“It is vital that the Government takes urgent steps to make sure that everyone who needs to make an application knows that before the scheme concludes.”

The full criteria and information regarding the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme can be found on the UK Government’s website:

https://www.gov.uk/get-help-energy-bills/alternative-fuels

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

9 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

9 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

10 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.