News

Pembrokeshire Tories’ £370,000 council contract call-in

Published

3 months ago

January 18, 2024

PEMBROKESHIRE’S Tory councillors have been granted a ‘call-in’ on a recently-awarded £370,000 council contract to a company linked to a rents fiasco where the council lost more than £300,000.

That revenue was lost last year after council tenants’ annual rent rise was not correctly publicised in the appropriate time.

Tenants have a statutory two-month period of notice before rent rises, which were due to take place from April 1, can come into effect.

However, statutory rent increase notices were only delivered to tenants in late March, delaying the time of rent increases to July 1.

Pembrokeshire Conservative councillors Danny Young, Steve Yelland, Rhys Jordan, Mark Carter, Jonathan Grimes, Di Clements, David Howlett, David Bryan, Aled Thomas, and Aaron Carey have signed the ‘call-in’.

Earlier this month, Cabinet member for Corporate Finance Cllr Alec Cormack backed a recommendation to award a £370,000 two-year contract to Dsi Billing for the printing and distribution of specialist documentation such as council tax billing, rents and debts.

A report recommending approval said: “There is no in-house capacity or expertise to undertake this service and an external contractor is required. Dsi Billing have undertaken the role for the council since the closure of our internal print unit and are recognised as being the market leader in this field.

“Other local authorities without in-house capacity, including neighbouring Carmarthenshire, use this company and a direct award under this government framework is allowable.”

In the event of no ‘call-in’ the decision would come into force on January 18.

Now, all 10 Conservative county councillors have signed the ‘call-in’ on that decision, addressed to Councillor Michael John, chair of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

“The Welsh Conservative group believe that this decision deserves full and proper scrutiny at committee level – given its sizeable cost estimation at around £370,000. It is of the upmost importance that in these times of unprecedented financial challenges, with a £27.1 million funding gap to be found, and expectations that the administration will ask for a council tax increase between 15-25 per cent in the forthcoming months, that we ratify every pound spent of their money.

“While there are many aspects to consider, particular focus should be around value for money to the taxpayer, competitiveness of the award and whether the awarding of such a contract would negate the council of bearing the cost should letters fail to arrive residents on time.

“The group have also expressed their concern that in a digital era, where email and MyAccount are becoming more popular by the day, what steps can – and are – the council actively taking to shift away from the need for hard copies posted to households.

“I need not remind you that the awarded company, DSI Billing, were the contractor tasked with delivering the 2023 HRA rent increase letters, which ultimately failed to arrive on time and has cost the authority’s HRA account in excess of £300,000.”

The 10 councillors are: Cllr Aled Thomas, Cllr Di Clements, Cllr Mark Carter, Cllr Rhys Jordan, Cllr Aaron Carey, Cllr Steve Yelland, Cllr David Bryan, Cllr Jonathan Grimes, Cllr David Howlett, and Cllr Danny Young.

The report with the recommendation to approve the Dsi Billing contract said: “The council is not aware of any other external print provider being used in Wales for printing and posting of these financial services documents. The council had an issue with the non-delivery of rent letters earlier this year and, while an investigation found that Dsi Billing could not be held liable as the Royal Mail deliver the ‘final mile,’ processes have since been improved to lessen the risk of such an event happening again.”

The next Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting is tomorrow, January 18.

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

16 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

16 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

17 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.