Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Business

Welsh Conservatives call to reverse business rates relief rebuffed by Senedd

Published

on

THE SENEDD rebuffed calls for the Welsh Government to reverse plans to slash business rates relief for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.

Peter Fox led a Conservative debate, raising concerns about business rates relief falling from 75% to 40% under Welsh ministers’ draft 2024-25 spending plans,

The Monmouth MS urged the Welsh Government to use money from Westminster to support businesses and protect jobs by keeping the 75% rate.

Mr Fox warned that businesses in Wales will pay almost twice as much in non-domestic rates than if they were based in England.

The former leader of Monmouthshire County Council told the chamber it is vital Welsh businesses are not penalised and disadvantaged.

He said: “For years, businesses in Wales have been disadvantaged by the highest business rates in Great Britain, with both small and large businesses paying the same rate – both of which are higher than the rate that small businesses pay in both England and Scotland.”

Luke Fletcher, for Plaid Cymru, urged ministers to move away from non-domestic rates, saying the system simply does not work and has not moved with the times.

He called for greater flexibility to ensure, for example, that out-of-town shopping centres and supermarkets pay more into the system.

The South Wales West MS also raised concerns about an imbalance between brick-and-mortar businesses and those that operate online.

Janet Finch-Saunders quoted Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, as saying the trade body is seeing a 10% higher business failure rate in Wales.

The Conservative MS for Aberconwy accused Labour and Plaid Cymru of being “busy brainstorming novel ways to bankrupt our businesses”.

She said: “This represents nothing more than gross negligence, a shambles of a budget that is a death sentence to many businesses.“

Hefin David, a Labour backbencher who represents Caerphilly, highlighted the wider context of 14 years of austerity and soaring inflation.

He criticised UK Government tax cuts at a time when public services are “on their knees”, highlighting the International Monetary Fund’s call for a spending boost.

Dr David said the Welsh Government is prioritising the NHS, social care and schools: “The only way you can have functioning public services – I don’t even mean world-class or good public services, but functioning public services – is if those budgets are protected.”

Rebecca Evans, Wales’ finance minister, said business rates raise £1.1bn a year – a non-trivial contribution to the funding required to sustain public services.

She said the Welsh Government has had to make difficult decisions to refocus funding towards core front-line services but still provides £384m in rates support.

Ms Evans pointed to ministers’ decision to cap inflation of the multiplier at 5% next year, adding an additional £18m recurring cost to the Welsh budget.

She told the Senedd: “We’re also investing £78m to provide that fifth successive year of rate relief for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in 2024-25.

“And let’s remember that that was always a temporary scheme.”

Ms Evans said the Welsh Government continues to explore the idea of land value tax as a possible long-term replacement for non-domestic rates.

The Tory motion was voted down, 14-36, following the debate on January 31. While Plaid Cymru and Welsh Government amendments were agreed, the motion as amended was not.

 

Business

205-unit storage site at Pembrokeshire farm submitted to planners

Published

on

A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire farm to keep a storage facility for more than 200 caravans, boats, cars and farm machines as a form of diversification has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr & Mrs Davies, through agent A.D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, seek retrospective permission for a farm diversification scheme to accommodate the storage of caravans, boats, cars and farm machinery in four of eight agricultural sheds and on hard-standing concrete courtyards at Froghall Farm, Spittal.

The works were completed back in 2019.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “At present, four of the eight shed structures on the site form part of the caravan and boat storage scheme, with additional touring caravans stored externally on the concrete courtyards.”

It said the storage provision was split as follows: Shed 1 – farm workshop, and 30 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars; shed 2 – 16 caravans; shed 3 – 28 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars – 28; shed 8 – cubicle shed, 11 units of farm machines, motorhomes & caravans; courtyard storage of 120 touring caravans, for an overall storage of 205 units.

The statement added: “It would take place in an accessible location, would incorporate sustainable transport and accessibility principles and would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety or in traffic exceeding the capacity of the highway network; access road is a no-through road with no increase in traffic due to the nature of development.

“There won’t be a constant stream/flow of traffic as the site’s used for storage. Our client offers a towing service to sites in and around Pembrokeshire, which is used by 45 per cent of their customers, who are unable or prefer not to tow themselves. This gives our client control over the flow of traffic.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

 

Continue Reading

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

on

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.

 

Continue Reading

Business

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

Published

on

A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.

 

Continue Reading

Community14 hours ago

Broad Haven volunteers secure ‘national asset’ status for nature reserve

A SMALL stretch of woodland and former opencast coal mine has been transformed into a nationally recognised biodiversity site, in...

Entertainment2 days ago

Tenby steams up in spectacular style as crowds flock to festival

Colourful parade, towering creations and Victorian flair bring town centre to life TENBY was transformed into a vibrant Victorian fantasy...

Crime3 days ago

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for...

Local Government3 days ago

Poverty summit highlights support efforts across Pembrokeshire

A SUMMIT bringing together key organisations from across Pembrokeshire has highlighted both the scale of local poverty and the work...

Education4 days ago

Milford Haven school plans unveiled but funding not yet secured

PLANS for a new £100 million school in Milford Haven have been unveiled, but the project has not yet secured...

News4 days ago

Council unveils plans for new state-of-the-art secondary school in Milford Haven

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revealed plans for a new state-of-the-art school in Milford Haven, promising modern, inspiring learning spaces for...

Health4 days ago

NHS waiting list falls — but cancer delays and diagnostic backlog worsen

Record progress claimed by Welsh Government as critics warn key targets are still being missed THE NHS in Wales has...

Crime5 days ago

Rapist jailed after ‘abhorrent’ attacks on woman and children

Haverfordwest man told police “women won’t have sex without force” A HAVERFORDWEST man who raped a woman and a young...

News5 days ago

Reform secures first Pembrokeshire councillor in Hakin by-election win

Late Reform candidate takes seat as independent surge and Labour withdrawal shape contest REFORM UK candidate Scott Thorley has won...

News5 days ago

Scott Thorley elected as Pembrokeshire’s first Reform councillor

REFORM UK candidate Scott Thorley has won the Hakin by-election after securing 179 votes. The full result is as follows:...

Popular This Week