News
Council Tax bills in Pembrokeshire could rise by nearly 21%
COUNCIL TAX in Pembrokeshire could rise by nearly 21 per cent, adding nearly £300 to the average bill.
Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, meeting on February 12, are asked to recommend one of three options for a council tax increase, ranging 16.31 per cent, 18.94 per cent, and an eye-watering 20.98 per cent increase.
These increases would increase the annual council tax rate by £219.02, £254.34, and £281.73 respectively to the average Band D property.
Pembrokeshire is currently facing a projected funding gap of £31.9m, partly due to a lower-than-expected Provisional Local Government Settlement.
That figure has increased from £27.1m in December, and £28.4m in January, when it was described as “by far the highest funding gap in our history,” by Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance Cllr Alec Cormack.
Pembrokeshire currently has the lowest basic Band D Council Tax in Wales, at £1,342.86 a year for 2023-’24, compared to Ceredigion’s £1,553.60 and Carmarthenshire’s £1,490.97, despite having increases of 12.5 per cent, 9.92 per cent, five per cent, 3.75 per cent, five per cent and 7.5 per cent since 2018-19.
The latest proposed increases would see the basic part of those bills rise to £1,561.98, £1597.30, and £1,624.69 respectively.
The final council tax bill for residents would be higher than this as town and community council precepts and the police precept would be added; with second home-owners and empty property owners facing even higher bills as both have a premium rate.
The premium rate on second homes for the next financial year is 200 per cent, effectively a treble rate, with a more complicated approach on empty properties of 100 per cent after 24 months, 200 per cent after 36 months, and 300 per cent after five years.
It is proposed to use of 85 per cent of the second homes premiums and 100 per cent of empty properties to fund the budget.
In a report before Cabinet members, the three general council tax options are outlined, with warnings that challenging cuts to council expenditure would still have to be made, even with these huge increases.
It says it would take a Band D Council Tax increase of an astronomical 42.4 per cent to bridge the projected funding gap without the use of council tax premiums, any budget savings or use of reserves.
The highest rate, 20.98 per cent, would require £9.3m of budget savings, and £0.2m of reserves, the report adding: “This will be challenging with high level of impact to service delivery, including, but not limited to, the loss of 19.3 non-school staff (including contact centre staff), one per cent reduction of school budgets (26.0 school staff) closure of two older persons day centres, reduced library opening hours and an increase in a number of fees and charges.”
The 18.94 per cent option would require £10.9m of budget savings, and £0.6m of reserves.
“This will result in more significant impact to service delivery, including, but not limited to, the savings above plus a reduction of routine highway maintenance, closure of two learning disability Day Centres, closure of St David’s waste and recycling centre, reduction in music and sport Pembrokeshire budgets, reduction of the events budget, review of Holly House provision and the loss of a further 13.4 non-school staff and 0.2 school staff.”
The lesser increase, 16.31 per cent, would require £12.8m of budget savings, and the use of £0.6m of reserves.
“This will result in more significant impact to service delivery, to include, but not limited to, the savings above plus a further one per cent reduction in school budgets (to two per cent) further reduction in highway and bridge maintenance, move to four weekly residual waste collection, complete closure of all adult care older person’s day centres and further reduction of 15.3 support service staff.”
The report said any lower council tax increases would have a “very significant impact, including statutory failure in some service areas, and so is not considered to be a financially sustainable option”.
One small glimmer of hope in the council budget is an announcement today, February 7, is a £25m consequential allocation for Welsh local authorities, which the Cabinet report hopes could ease financial pressure to the tune of some £1m.
The extra funding will form part of the Welsh Government’s Final Budget proposals, which will be published on February 27.
The final decision on the council tax level will be made by full council when it sets the annual budget on March 7.
Neighbouring Ceredigion is being recommended to increase its council tax by 13.9 per cent, with the final decision there made on February 29.
Crime
North Court drug dealer who offered NHS and OAP discounts jailed
A DRUG dealer who styled himself as a “professional businessman” and offered so-called discounts to NHS workers and the elderly has been sentenced to a total of three years and four months in prison.
Nathan Murdoch, previously of North Court, Haverfordwest was given his custodial sentence at Swansea Crown Court after police dismantled his drug distribution network, which involved cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA.
Police uncover drugs and cash in raid
On June 16 last year, officers visited Murdoch’s property, where he initially admitted to possessing “a small amount” of cannabis. However, a detailed search revealed over £3,000 worth of cannabis and cocaine, £2,800 in cash, and digital weighing scales, according to prosecutor Sian Cutter.
Analysis of Murdoch’s mobile phone exposed text messages detailing his drug dealing, which had been ongoing since at least October 2021. The messages suggested he had also enlisted someone else to distribute drugs, with records of threats and demands for payment.
Targeting NHS workers with deals
The court heard that 35-year-old Murdoch referred to himself as a “businessman” and ran his operation with a veneer of professionalism. He promoted discounts for NHS workers, pensioners, and individuals facing financial hardship.
Defence barrister Dan Griffiths argued that Murdoch had turned to drug dealing after experiencing personal difficulties, describing the venture as “financially motivated.” Griffiths added: “He acknowledges the seriousness of his actions and views his arrest as a turning point.”
Judge: ‘Your choices have consequences’
Judge Paul Thomas KC told Murdoch: “You made a calculated decision to profit from illegal drug sales. You saw it as easy money, but the reality is clear: you gambled, and you lost. Now, you must face the consequences.”
Murdoch, now residing in Swansea, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis, as well as being involved in the supply of cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis. The court heard he had five prior convictions for six offences.
Community
Thousands still without power as storm recovery continues
THOUSANDS of homes across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire remain without power as recovery efforts following Storm Darragh face significant challenges. Tree-cutting specialists are working around the clock in some of the toughest conditions seen in decades to clear fallen trees from power lines.
Speaking exclusively to The Pembrokeshire Herald, Jeff Birch, director of Birch Utility Services, detailed the scale of the task his team faces.
“This is one of the most challenging periods we’ve seen in years,” he said. “I can understand people’s frustration as we rely so heavily on electricity, but the devastation is immense. I’ve been in this job for 40 years, and the last time I experienced anything like this was during the hurricane of October 1987.”
Birch Utility Services, established 16 years ago in Pembrokeshire, has grown to become the UK’s largest utilitarian tree-cutting company, with over 300 employees. Their work supports National Grid by clearing trees from power lines, a task made harder by widespread road blockages.
“A lot of the equipment is on the ground, and many power lines are at the end of long private lanes,” explained Birch. “In some cases, we spend an entire day clearing debris before we can even start on the trees. It’s not just about reconnecting wires — the work requires isolation, shutting off power, earthing, and permits. This all takes time, and we’re dealing with thousands of incidents across a vast area.”
Non-stop recovery efforts
Birch’s team has been working 24/7 since the storm hit on Friday night, bringing in additional teams from the Midlands to assist.
“Our staff are rotating shifts to maintain round-the-clock operations,” Birch added. “Their dedication is remarkable. They’re motivated by the knowledge that people out there have no power, no heating, and may be feeling scared. We’re doing everything we can to restore power as quickly as possible.”
National Grid response
National Grid confirmed that 26,959 customers across South Wales are still without power, with teams working tirelessly to restore supplies.
“Our engineers, control rooms, contact centre, and support teams have been working around the clock to maintain power,” said Emma Philpin, National Grid’s director of Customer Excellence.
“We’ve seen extremely high call volumes, and it’s taking longer for customers to get through. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding. Rest assured, we are doing everything possible to restore power across the region as quickly as we can.”
Storm Darragh’s aftermath has left communities grappling with widespread disruption, but recovery teams remain committed to restoring essential services under challenging circumstances.
News
Carmarthenshire issues Storm Darragh update
THE AFTERMATH of Storm Darragh continues to disrupt life across Carmarthenshire, with many residents still without power and essential services despite the storm having passed.
Since Friday evening, Carmarthenshire County Council staff, alongside local communities, have been working tirelessly to address the extensive damage caused. Efforts to clear approximately 300 fallen trees have seen significant progress, with most A and B roads now reopened. However, work on minor and unclassified roads is expected to take several more days.
Support centres open late
To assist those affected, Carmarthenshire’s leisure centres in Amman Valley, Carmarthen, Llandovery, Llanelli, Newcastle Emlyn, and St Clears are open as drop-in centres until 10:30pm tonight.
Services available include:
- Warm spaces and hot drinks
- Charging points for electronic devices
- Hot water for filling flasks
- Shower facilities
Community effort praised
Council home care staff have been commended for going beyond their usual duties to support vulnerable residents. However, the Council has reported an unprecedented number of property-related issues following the storm. Residents are encouraged to report non-urgent repairs online and to contact the emergency line at 01267 234567 for urgent concerns.
Cllr Darren Price, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, praised the dedication of staff and residents:
“I am humbled by the efforts of our staff who have gone above and beyond to deliver essential services during this challenging weekend of Red, Amber, and Yellow Weather Warnings. On behalf of the County Council, I want to thank them for their incredible work. You are a credit to Carmarthenshire, and we are deeply proud and grateful. Diolch o waelod calon.”
Stay updated
Residents are urged to follow the Council’s website and social media channels for the latest updates on recovery efforts and available support.
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