News

Fees and charges to rise above inflation for Pembrokeshire County Council services

Published

2 years ago

March 16, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

INCREASING discretionary fees and charges at above inflation rates – including entrance to Scolton Manor – could net cash-strapped Pembrokeshire nearly £50,000 a year, senior members of the council heard.

At the March meeting of the council’s Cabinet members considered a report listing increased fees and yields for land charges, highways searches, street naming and numbering, street works licences, highways charges and admission to Scolton Manor House.

The proposals follow a public consultation that took place in January and February of this year.

Proposals for new Withybush Airport fees and charges will be presented to Cabinet in April.

A report for Cabinet members said: “Fees and charges are a large contributor to the Authority’s projected income stream for 2023-24, with circa £13.5m coming in from discretionary fees and charges and circa £14.1m from statutory fees and charges.

“Services are now looking to increase well above inflation as in some cases fees have not been increased, even by inflation, for many years. During these tough times it is imperative that services look at their fees and charges annually and make at least inflationary increases in line with the budget strategy.”

Pembrokeshire currently has 71 areas which charge for services, with over 1,500 separate fees and charges. Some of these are either statutory fees or are fees set by other bodies.

Full costs are not being recovered in the majority of cases in the discretionary areas, the report said.

It was recommended the entry charges to Scolton Manor House increase from £3.50-£5,50 for adults, from £2.35-£450 for concessions/seniors, from £2.35-£3.25 for children, with family tickets rising from £9.35-£15.

This is expected to net up to £5,000 a year.

Members unanimously backed the increases, with Councillor Michelle Bateman pointing out that the Scolton Manor charges related to accessing the house itself rather than visiting the site.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

23 hours 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.