News

Council Tax payers to bear heavier burden in Funding policing in Dyfed and Powys

Published

2 years ago

July 29, 2023

NEW figures reveal that council tax payers in Dyfed and Powys will face increased financial obligations to support policing in the region. The Police Federation of England and Wales has asserted that in order to achieve “proactive and consensual” policing standards, the Government must ensure adequate resources are allocated.

According to data from the Home Office, in the fiscal year 2023-24, £72.5 million will be raised from council tax bills for Dyfed-Powys Police, representing a real-terms increase of £3.99 million (6%) from the previous year’s £68.5 million. This marks the highest funding level since comparable local records began in 2015-16.

The total funding allocated to Dyfed and Powys for the upcoming year will amount to £137 million, up from the previous year’s £134 million, with the additional £64.2 million being supplied by the Government.

In a broader context, across England and Wales, total funding for policing has risen in real terms from £15 billion last year to an all-time high of £15.4 billion in 2023-24. Of this amount, £10.1 billion will be provided by the central government, while £5.3 billion will be raised through council tax contributions.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council expressed that the recent increase in funding has facilitated the recruitment of an additional 20,000 police officers, enabling them to address “the most pressing concerns for our communities, such as burglary and serious violence.”

Despite the positive developments, a spokesperson warned that policing is facing significant inflationary pressure due to the escalating costs of supplies and services. They emphasised that continued investment will be essential to maintain the core services expected by the public.

Steve Hartshorn, the national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, voiced concerns over the lack of sustained long-term funding, stating that police forces are struggling to plan ahead under such circumstances. He stressed that achieving proactive and consensual policing, which the public rightly deserves, relies on the government and chief officers ensuring adequate resources are available.

Mr Hartshorn further highlighted that the increase in council tax precept is worrying, as it means taxpayers will have to pay more for the same police service. He cautioned that this could create a postcode lottery, favouring wealthier areas that can allocate more resources and deploy more officers on the streets.

In response, the Home Office asserted its commitment to providing the police with the necessary resources to combat crime effectively. A spokesperson confirmed that the total funding for policing in 2023-24 will reach £17.6 billion, representing an increase of up to £556 million compared to the previous year. Additionally, the pay rise for police officers of all ranks in England and Wales, set at 7% from September, reflects the government’s recognition of their unwavering dedication and hard work.

READ THIS WEEK’S PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD HERE:

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.