News

Second homes tax rise ‘leading to depression and even thoughts of suicide’

Published

2 years ago

April 1, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

SECOND home-owners are paying as much as £11,000 in council tax following the introduction of treble tax rate, which has even led to some contemplating suicide, a support group has said.

Pembrokeshire has been operating a 100 per cent council tax premium for second homes, effectively a double rate, for several years.

Back in December, members Pembrokeshire’s full council backed a Cabinet-supported 200 per cent premium for second homes, effectively a treble rate, from April onwards.

Pembrokeshire Second Homes Support Group, run by Chris Morgan, formerly of Pembroke Dock and Siân Evans of Cardiff, was formed “from a need to inform reassure and assist members to cope with the latest increase in the council tax second homes premium from 100 per cent to 200 per cent”.

They said: “As the council tax demands for 2024-25 arrive, we have discovered massive increases. Typical council tax bills are running between £5,000 and £11,000. We believe that in the extensive meetings and debate concerning the 2024-2025 budget, the effect of these premiums on those paying them has been overlooked.”

In a message to Pembrokeshire County Council, the group said: “We have been disregarded in this matter, despite the fact that your budget relies on us. Being the lowest council tax in the land seems to be the goal, but at our expense.

“Four weeks’ notice has been given for these increases. People have been left desperate. All of us have faced stress and anxiety over this, some have suffered depression on a clinical level.

“Look closely and you will see the increased level of housing stock on the market. Look past those worrying economic indicators, and consider that some of these houses have been in families for centuries and placed on the market in panic.

“Your assumption that these payments are possible is inaccurate. You chose to disregard the results of your own consultation and the requests of your own members who for more analysis of this exploitive tax and its effects.

“We are placing Pembrokeshire County Council on notice that after years of paying hugely inflated amounts, this has now come to an end. It is exploitative and in our opinion the result of poor financial management. We consider our fiscal relationship with this council to be fractured, without trust and in some cases dangerous to our members’ health.”

Chris said: “The picture of abject misery and hardship is unfolding as we speak with at least one so-called second home-owner contemplating suicide.

“These are not Rachman types caught up in this, but ordinary folk committed to our county and of long standing. More often than not, like myself, part of the diaspora.”

He added: “There is no group policy on payment and individuals will act as they will. However, some members are reporting that they cannot afford it and are putting their homes on the market. One member is so desperate that she is considering suicide.

“These are ordinary folk, vast majority Welsh, who are being treated as predatory outsiders.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has been contacted for a response.

Entertainment

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN

A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.

The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.

The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.

The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.

The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.

Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.

“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.

“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”

The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.

Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.

Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.

November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.

The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.

Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.

Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.

“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”

Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.

Climate

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair