News
Overcrowding plagues Pembrokeshire homes: Census reveals troubling housing crisis
The 2021 census has exposed the distressing reality of almost 1,000 overcrowded households in Pembrokeshire, comprising 1.7% of all homes in the area. While overcrowding has often been attributed to sluggish housebuilding and surging rents across England and Wales, it is now a pressing concern in this idyllic Welsh county.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data underscores that 43,785 homes in Pembrokeshire, amounting to a staggering 78.9%, are classified as ‘under-occupied,’ indicating they possess unused rooms. The overcrowding assessment method takes into account the number of available rooms and whether they are adequate for the number of occupants.
Unsurprisingly, renters bear the brunt of this crisis, with a higher likelihood of residing in cramped conditions compared to homeowners. Social renters, in particular, grapple with a daunting 4.5% of overcrowded housing in Pembrokeshire.
Ben Twomey, the Chief Executive of the advocacy group Generation Rent, lamented the dire situation faced by private renters. He attributed the crisis to a dearth of housing construction and soaring rents, describing overcrowding as particularly stressful for families with children or older renters.
Alarming statistics reveal that around 530 households with dependent children in Pembrokeshire are grappling with insufficient living space, painting a grim picture of the housing situation. Wales at large faces a stark divide, as households led by individuals of black backgrounds report an alarming 11.9% overcrowding rate, a stark contrast to the 2.2% average among the general population. Furthermore, Muslim households are nearly seven times more likely to suffer from overcrowding.
Sam Tims, a senior economist at the New Economics Foundation, underscored the gravity of the issue, stating that every family deserves an affordable, comfortable home with access to essential amenities. Yet, over two-thirds of houses across the country remain underutilized, forcing more than a million households to endure homes that are too small for their needs. Tims also pointed out that a constrained welfare system exacerbates this crisis.
London emerged as the epicenter of overcrowded housing, overshadowing all other regions in England and Wales. The capital accounted for all the top 10 most crowded areas, with the exception of Slough, a London commuter town.
In a chorus of concern, both the New Economics Foundation and Generation Rent advocate for the construction of more social housing as the primary solution to address this pressing issue. The Pembrokeshire census revelations serve as a stark reminder that the housing crisis is far from over, necessitating urgent and comprehensive action to ensure that every household has access to safe and spacious living conditions.
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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