News
MP backs local independent beer with ‘Make it 20% pledge’

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has backed a campaign to support independent brewers and community pubs in Pembrokeshire in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget.
Stephen Crabb MP supported a Parliamentary event this week calling for the Chancellor to Make it 20% and increase the Draught Relief to 20% in his Budget on 6 March.
Introduced last year, the Draught Relief allows a lower rate of alcohol duty to apply to beer that’s sold in pubs rather than in supermarkets. Currently the Draught Relief is set at 9.2%, but a more substantial 20% rate could encourage more people to support their local community pubs by making sure tax on draught beer is 20% lower than the general rate of duty on the likes of supermarket alcohol.
This campaign comes as the sector continues to face intense pressure from energy prices and cost increases with hundreds of pubs being forced to close last year.
The event was organised by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB) and enabled Members of Parliament to engage with the views of local brewers and industry specialists to discuss the way that the government taxes beer.
At the Autumn Statement last year the Chancellor decided to freeze beer duty until 1 August. This means he’s due to make a decision on beer duty from the summer in his Spring Budget.
Stephen Crabb MP commented:
“Our independent Pembrokeshire breweries like Bluestone Brewing Company, Old Farm House Brewery and Harbwr Brewery, and local pubs are a key part of the community. I’m proud of the contribution they make to the local economy in Pembrokeshire. At a time when the brewing and pub sector is under enormous pressure it is right that the Government considers what it can do to help and increasing Draught Relief to 20% would give it the boost it needs. This is why I’m supporting the Make It 20% campaign and calling on the Chancellor to consider increasing the Draught Relief in his Budget in March.”
Andy Slee, Chief Executive of SIBA commented:
“I’m grateful to MPs for supporting local independent brewers and giving their backing to the Make It 20% campaign. The Draught Relief has been a gamechanger for the brewing and pubs sector allowing draught beer destined for the pub to have a lower rate of duty than beer sold elsewhere and there is already tentative evidence that it is working to revive draught beer in pubs. We hope that the Chancellor will look at increasing this to 20% in his Budget next month.”
Tom Stainer, Chief Executive of CAMRA, added:
“We know that pubs are at the heart of communities across Preseli Pembrokeshire, bringing people together and helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation. CAMRA members will be delighted that Stephen Crabb is working to make sure that consumers, pubs and local breweries get the support they need to survive and thrive.”
Crime
Haverfordwest retailer accused of Bounce Back Loan fraud

A HAVERFORDWEST businessman has been accused of committing fraud by making false representations to multiple banks in applications for Government-backed Bounce Back Loans.
Zahid Afzal, 36, of Albert Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 6), where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of fraud by false representation.
The court heard that Afzal, listed on Companies House as a director of Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, allegedly made false statements to secure loans intended to support businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors claim that on May 12, 2020, he falsely stated to Barclays Bank that the application for a Bounce Back Loan was Phone Bits Ltd’s only application. It is further alleged that he made similar false claims to Starling Bank on July 23, 2020, and to Metro Bank on November 22, 2020, in relation to Phones Onn Ltd.
The alleged misrepresentations included inflating the company’s turnover to £200,000 and falsely claiming the loans would be used solely for business purposes.
Afzal’s case has been sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial, with a hearing scheduled for March 10. He was granted unconditional bail.
An interpreter will be required for the proceedings, as Afzal requires assistance in Urdu.
Charity
Young fundraiser’s incredible efforts for RNLI

THE CREW of Tenby RNLI have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 5-year-old Archie Garland for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the station.
Archie took part in the Advent Challenge with the Tenby Aces over Christmas, running a minimum of one mile every day throughout Advent. His dedication saw him cover an impressive 47.3 miles, raising a remarkable £552.25 thanks to generous donations from the local community.
Archie is pictured with (L-R): Deputy Coxswain Gary Waring, his dad and Deputy Coxswain Rob Garland, Deputy Coxswain Dan Young, station full-time mechanic Will Horton, and his mum, Tenby Aces member Claire Thomas.
Crime
Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn launches ambitious four-year policing plan

Public trust at the heart of new strategy
DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has unveiled his four-year Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, outlining his vision to strengthen public trust and confidence in policing.

The plan, shaped by extensive public consultation, sets out priorities for policing, crime prevention, and the criminal justice system across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Powys. It follows feedback from surveys and focus groups, where residents highlighted their key concerns.
The three core priorities of the plan are:
- Supporting victims and preventing victimisation
- Preventing harm to ensure safer communities
- Enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system
Llywelyn formally launched the plan on Tuesday (Feb 13) at an event attended by key partners and commissioned services. The event focused on collaboration, with discussions on how joint efforts can strengthen crime prevention, victim support, and justice delivery.
Victims at the centre

Commissioner Llywelyn emphasised the importance of ensuring victims receive the right support.
“This plan is built on the views of our communities, focusing on what truly matters to the people of Mid and West Wales,” he said. “Victims must be at the heart of our policing and justice system. It is essential that those affected by crime have access to timely, effective support to help them recover and seek justice. Strengthening services that prevent victimisation is just as important as responding to crime itself.”
Tackling root causes of crime

The plan also prioritises crime prevention by addressing underlying issues.
“By tackling antisocial behaviour and vulnerability, we can reduce harm and build a more resilient society,” Llywelyn said. “A proactive, problem-solving approach will ensure resources are used effectively to protect our communities.”
A joined-up approach to justice
Llywelyn stressed the need for stronger collaboration across the justice system.
“A fair and efficient justice system relies on agencies working together. I will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that policing, the courts, and support services deliver justice fairly and effectively for victims and communities alike.”
The Police and Crime Plan sets out a clear vision for Dyfed-Powys policing over the next four years, focusing on improving public safety, supporting victims, and delivering an efficient justice system.
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