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Pembrokeshire 21% council tax rise would be ‘kick in the teeth’

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A POTENTIAL Pembrokeshire council tax rise of as much as 21 per cent has been described as “a kick in the teeth for hard working families across Pembrokeshire”.

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 raise 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.

The latest proposed increases would see the basic part of those bills rise to £1,561.98, £1597.30, and £1,624.69 respectively.

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.

Cllr Aled Thomas, Conservative group spokesman for finance reacted to the potential council tax increases, laying the blame at the current ruling administration, led by Councillor David Simpson.

“The recommended council tax increases put forward to cabinet are a stark reality check on how badly this administration has failed to plan for a stable financial future.

“It’s beyond belief that this administration – which has prioritised vanity projects over the needs of Pembrokeshire people – feels that’s it’s acceptable to ask the taxpayer for more money, while heavily cutting services.

“Cllr Simpson’s tenure as leader is becoming increasingly untenable, and the people of Pembrokeshire deserve a new leader as soon as possible that will deliver for their priorities.”

The potential rises also drew the ire of current Conservative Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb, who is standing in the new seat of Pembrokeshire Mid and South.

“I was disappointed to see reports that Pembrokeshire County Council, currently run by a coalition of unaffiliated councillors, as well as Labour, Plaid and Liberal Democrats members, has proposed council tax rises of between 16 per cent and 21 per cent,” said Mr Crabb.

“At a time when the UK Government in England has capped rises at five per cent, this will be a kick in the teeth for hard working families across Pembrokeshire.

“We all recognise the cost pressures the council are under which is why the Welsh Labour Government should be doing more to support local authorities, not squandering money on increasing the number of politicians in the Senedd.”

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “The potential council tax hike of 21 per cent is a damning indictment of both a flawed local authority funding formula imposed by the Labour Government and councillors who are all too happy spending taxpayers’ money on pet projects rather than the priorities of Pembrokeshire’s people.  

“The delivery of statutory services must be the absolute focus of the council and I’m pleased that our Conservative councillors are holding this rainbow coalition to account in County Hall.”

Paul Davies MS added: “These potential council tax rises are totally unacceptable. Hard pressed taxpayers should not have to face such a steep increase in their council tax bills, without a referendum taking place. Any increases beyond five per cent, should be put to local people in a referendum, similar to what has been practiced in England since the 2012/13 financial year.

“It’s also time that the Local Government funding formula is reformed by the Welsh Government to ensure that all Welsh Councils get treated equally. Our council needs strong leadership to fight for the best deal from the Welsh Government, something that it clearly does not have at the moment.”

Cllr Simpson has been contacted for a response.

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 recommended to increase its council tax by up to 13.9 per cent, with the final decision there made on February 29.

News

Coastguard called to Goodwick breakwater after items found

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HM COASTGUARD teams from Fishguard and Moylegrove were called into action on Tuesday morning (Mar 25) after personal belongings were discovered on Goodwick breakwater.

The lifeboat crew from RNLI Fishguard also launched, as emergency services responded to concerns that a person may have entered the water.

The incident began at around 10:34am when Dyfed-Powys Police requested assistance in conducting a coordinated search of the area, both by land and sea.

After a full search involving Coastguard teams and the lifeboat, no missing person was found and the operation was stood down.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “If you’re ever out and about and see something that doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it. Call 101 to report non-emergencies or dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if there’s any danger to life on the coast.”

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Education

County’s musical talents celebrated at annual music festival

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PEMBROKESHIRE MUSIC SERVICE welcomed pupils from across the county to share their musical talents with a delighted audience at the Primary Valero Music Festival. 

The overall winner of the festival, held at Ysgol Caer Elen on March 22nd, was Ysgol Bro Penfro pupil Wolfgang Evans on the piano, with his rendition of “Jackson Street Blues” by Martha Mier.

Wolfgang was also winner of the Open Brass class, performing “Rondino” by Allan Street on trumpet.

In the morning the children performed in the Open Classes and in the afternoon the audience enjoyed the Spotlight Concert that featured performances winners:

Open woodwind – Saxophonist Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands, who played “Bye Bye Blackbird by Ray Henderson

Open Strings – violinist Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot School, who played “Gavotte” by Couperin.

Open Drums – Ifan Murphy, Ysgol Caer Elen, who played “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”

Saundersfoot CP School’s orchestra won the Ensemble category but sadly could not perform in the afternoon due to a variety of commitments. Earlier in the day they performed “Drive Time” by Jock McKenzie. 

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service Philippa Roberts said: “Congratulations to our dedicated primary pupils for their wonderful performances at the music festival. Their hard work and dedication shone through in a truly inclusive and supportive atmosphere, where every child was celebrated. 

“It was a fantastic showcase of music and teamwork supported by dedicated tutors, parents and carers.”

Karin Jenkins, who adjudicated the strings classes, echoed Philippa’s sentiments, and added: “How amazing today’s music festival was for Pembrokeshire’s primary pupils. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in musical talent and I loved every moment. Everyone seemed to be having such a great time performing, and their energy was fantastic.” 

Pembrokeshire Music Service Primary Valero Music Festival 2025 Results:

Woodwind

Initial Grade flute:

1st – Lyra Constable, Spittal

2nd – Maisie Parkin, St Oswalds

3rd – Lara Morgan, Wolfscastle

Initial Grade clarinet & saxophone:

1st – Maya Cunliffe, Cleddau Reach

2nd – Ellis Roberts, Bro Ingli

3rd – Lois Morgan, Wolfscastle

Grade 1:

1st – Mia John, Mary Immaculate

2nd – Ethan Stoney, Prendergast

3rd – Iolo Thomas, Bro Ingli

Grade 2:

1st – Eva Evans, St Aidans

2nd – Paige Youngs, Johnston

3rd – Phoebe Rees, Coastlands & Skyla Fletcher, Johnston

Open:

1st – Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands

2nd – Osian Kite, Roch

3rd – Hattie Phillips, MHCPS

Brass:

Initial Grade:

1st – Sam Triggs, Llandudoch

2nd – Wilf Davies, Llanychllwydog & Leila Mundy-Kearns, Llandudoch

3rd – Jaxon Price, PDCS

Lower Brass Grade 1:

1st – Phoebe Jones, Hafan y mor

2nd – Gwennan Davies, Bro Preseli

3rd – Eliana Barder, Hafan y mor

HC – Alfie Chester, Cleddau Reach & Molly Thomas, St Teilos

Trumpet & Cornet Grade 1:

1st – Noah Lewis, Wdig

2nd – Llion Davies, Bro Preseli

3rd – Penny de Wreede, Roch

HC – Olivia Conroy-Thornberry, Johnston & Chester Price, Tenby VC

Grade 2:

1st – Isaac Phillips, Saundersfoot

2nd – Edward Skidmore, St Teilos

3rd – TJ Stewart, Glannau Gwaun

Open:

1st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro

2nd – Carys Meiring, Hafan y mor

3rd – Ella-May Kirby, MHCPS

HC – Mali McFarlane, Caer Elen & Iolo Simms, Caer Elen

Strings

Initial grade:

1st – Archie Hayden, Redhill

2nd – Sara Thomas, Bro Preseli

3rd – Tillie Ward, Bro Preseli

HC – Phoebe Harries, St Oswalds, Nia Owen, Ger y Llan, Maisie Gray, Ger y Llan, Poppy Armstrong

Grade 1:

1st – Esme Phillips, Penrhyn Dewi

2nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran

3rd – Rebecca Lowe, Caer Elen

HC – Huw Tamplin – Narberth, Efa Britton – Johnston, Suki Heulwen – Bro Penfro, Gracie Jones – Waldo Williams, Patsi Reynolds – Caer Elen, Ashley Cristabel – Prendergast, Aled Hooper – Caer Elen, Saskia Winton – Narberth, Maisie Torok -St Oswalds & Harper Wallis – Hafan y mor

Open:

1st – Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot

2nd – Alice Ng, Caer Elen & Leila Powell

3rd – Elsa Rae Gibbons, Caer Elen & Fred Powell 

HC – Harrison Sheppard, Caer Elen & Bella Raymond, Caer Elen

Piano & Harp

Initial grade piano:

1st – Harry Brace, Penrhyn

2nd – Efa Harries, Penrhyn Dewi

3rd – Maiya Cunliffe, Redhill

 HC – Dougie Nevinson, Lamphey

Grade 1 piano:

1st – Carys Callan, Redhill

2nd – River Regelous, Penrhyn

3rd – Evelyn James, Tavernspite

HC – Michael Aulehla-Atkin, Caer Elen & Elodie Voaden, Tavernspite

Grade 1 Harp:

1st – Efa John, Maenclochog

2nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran

3rd – Ruby Robinson, Caer Elen & Bella Grove, Maenclochog

HC – Delun Hancock-Phillips, Caer Elen

Grade 2 piano:

1st – Harry Hayden, Redhill

2nd – Emily Thomas-Ward, Redhill

3rd – Ella Schwierzi, Nant y Cwm

HC – Seth Morris, Croesgoch

Grade 2 harp:

1st – Elen Davies, Bro Preseli

2nd – Olivia Davies, Caer Elen

3rd – Ffion Fenrick, Cilgerran

HC – Ethan Dunkeld, Cilgerran

Open piano & harp:

1st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro

2nd – Eva Evans, St Aidans

3rd – Gethin Wade, Maenclochog

HC – Cadi Haf Marshall-Jones, Bro Preseli

Percussion

Initial Grade:

1st – Luca Rebiga, Saundersfoot

2nd – Harper Wolverson, St Florence

3rd – Dylan Chan, Saundersfoot & Madi Wright, Saundersfoot

Grade 1:

1st – Sadie Neuman, Roch

2nd – Felix Livock, Tenby VC

3rd – Alfie Hughes, Tenby VC

HC – Harry D’Ortez, Tenby VC

Open:

1st – Ifan Murphy, Caer Elen

2nd – Ollie Holloway, Roch

3rd – Aled Hooper, Caer Elen

HC – Esme Muir, Gelliswick

Ensembles

1st – Saundersfoot School orchestra

2nd – Bro Preseli Harp ensemble & Cilgerran Harp ensemble

3rd – Violin duet (Fred & Leila Powell) & Wiston piano duet (Eva Evans & Millie Griffiths)

HC – Hook ensemble & Caer Elen harp ensemble

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Community

Loved and lost baby remembrance service to be held in Carmarthen

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THE ANNUAL Hywel Dda ‘Loved and Lost Baby Remembrance Service’ will take place at midday on Saturday (Apr 26) in Carmarthen.

The service, organised by Hywel Dda University Health Board and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy), is intended to offer comfort and reflection for parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby.

It will be held at Bethel Chapel, Hill House, Picton Terrace, SA31 3BT. The chapel is behind the Welsh Government offices and the Army Reserve Centre, with parking available nearby.

Senior Chaplain Euryl Howells said the service is an opportunity for people to come together and remember babies who have passed away, regardless of when the loss happened or at what stage of pregnancy.

A parent who attended a previous service said it meant a great deal to them in remembering their child.

Cerian Llewellyn, interim head of midwifery, said the service also allows health professionals to show support for grieving families and to honour the memory of the babies who have died.

Parents are invited to bring a photograph or a small item such as a blanket, toy, or something bearing the baby’s name to place on a memory table during the service.

Refreshments will be provided by Pastor Tim and members of Bethel Church.

Those unable to attend but who wish to commemorate their baby can email a message to [email protected] by Tuesday (Apr 22).

Further information is available by calling Euryl Howells on 01267 227563 or by email at [email protected].

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