News
Thousands receive incorrect Cost of Living Payment text from DWP
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.
News
Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.
Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.
Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.
Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.
The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.
Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.
“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”
For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]
News
Storage container fire in Newcastle Emlyn
AT11:48am on Friday (Jan 24), Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Llandysul and Carmarthen fire stations were called to a fire in Capel Iwan, Newcastle Emlyn.
The fire involved a 40-foot by 8-foot storage container and was confined to a generator inside. Firefighters used a hose reel jet, two breathing apparatus sets, a thermal imaging camera, and a positive pressure ventilation fan to extinguish the blaze.
Crews remained on site to dampen down the area before departing at 12:57pm.
Crime
Pembrokeshire man accused of assault and perverting justice remanded in custody
A PEMBROKESHIRE man accused of assaulting a woman has been remanded in custody after allegedly offering her money to drop the charges.
Lohan Chapman, 19, of Primrose Close, Neyland, is accused of intentionally strangling a female during an alleged incident in Milford Haven on August 1, 2024, and of assaulting her by beating. He denies both charges.
This week, Haverfordwest Magistrates Court heard that Chapman was remanded in custody on January 18 after being accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice by offering his alleged victim an undisclosed sum of money to withdraw the charges.
District Judge Mark Layton declined jurisdiction in all three matters.
Chapman, who appeared via video link from Swansea Prison, will now face trial at Swansea Crown Court on February 17.
He was remanded in custody pending his appearance.
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