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Thousands receive incorrect Cost of Living Payment text from DWP

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NUMEROUS residents of Pembrokeshire have said they were perplexed by a text message from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on Tuesday (Jan 30). The message incorrectly stated that the February Cost of Living Payment would be delayed until October.

The message, distributed around noon to thousands of benefit recipients, read: “The £300 Cost of Living Payment will be paid automatically from 31 October to 19 November. For more information search online for DWP Cost of Living Payment.”

This newspaper received numerous inquiries from concerned locals, predominantly benefits recipients, alarmed by the prospect of not receiving their anticipated funds in a timely manner.

Upon investigation, and after direct communication with the DWP, it has been determined that the message was erroneously sent and is a replication of a notification from the previous year.

The DWP intended to inform eligible individuals that the forthcoming payment, now valued at £299, is scheduled for disbursement between February 6 and 22.

A spokesperson for the DWP commented on the matter: “We’re aware that earlier today, a number of individuals eligible for the upcoming Cost of Living payment received a text with incorrect information. The issue has been resolved, and we confirm that the forthcoming payment, amounting to £299, will be disbursed between February 6 and 22.”

The text message led to widespread confusion, with many voicing their frustrations on social media platforms. Alex Griffiths, one of the recipients, expressed dismay: “Typical, can’t they get even this simple thing right?”


Key dates for 2023 Cost of Living Payments

Most people entitled to the payment will get:

  • £301 paid between 25 April 2023 and 17 May 2023 if you’re on DWP benefits
  • £301 paid between 2 and 9 May 2023 if you get tax credits only
  • £300 paid between 31 October and 19 November if you get DWP benefits
  • £300 paid between 10 and 19 November if you only get tax credits
  • £299 paid between 6 and 22 February 2024 if you’re on DWP benefits
  • £299 paid between 16 and 22 February 2024 if you get tax credits only.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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.

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