News

Consultation on Pembrokeshire second homes tax to take place later this year

Published

2 years ago

April 5, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is expected to hold a consultation later this year which could see as much as a treble rate of council tax for second homes in future.

This follows new local tax rules introduced by Welsh Government earlier this month, which saw local authorities being able to set and collect council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties at up to 300 per cent.

Pembrokeshire is currently operating a 100 per cent council tax premium for second homes.

The rules have become operational following national and local consultations.

At the time, Rebecca Evans, Minister for Finance and Local Government, said: “The changes to the local tax system form one strand of a wider package of measures being introduced – encompassing the planning, property and taxation systems – to address the impact of second homes and unaffordable housing affecting many communities in Wales. Ultimately, these changes are about fairness.

“We want to ensure councils have the powers available to them to strike the right balance in local housing supply.”

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: “Pembrokeshire County Council has not proposed to increase the council tax premium on second homes or long term empty properties for 2023/2024.

“A consultation on potential future premium levels for financial year 2024/25 will take place this year.

“Pembrokeshire County Council introduced a 50 per cent council tax premium on second homes in 2017; the premium increased to 100 per cent from April 1, 2022.

“A premium for long term empty properties was introduced in 2019 for properties that have been empty for three years or more.

“This premium is increased incrementally, and the rate of premium starts at 25 per cent rising to 50 per cent for properties that have been empty for four years or more and a 100 per cent for properties that have been empty for five years or more.”

New planning use classes and the ability of local authorities to make local amendments to the planning system, where they have evidence, are also now in force.

The criteria for holiday lets being liable for non-domestic rates instead of council tax has also been strengthened.

Information recently published by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park showed that in some parts of the county more than 60 per cent of homes were second homes.

Crime

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

Published

8 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

22 hours 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

22 hours 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!