Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

What the Child Benefit rate rise means for you

Published

on

MILLIONS of families who claim Child Benefit will automatically receive increased payments from 6 April 2024, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed.

Families with one child will now receive up to £1,331 a year – an annual increase of £83.20, and up to £881 a year per additional child – an annual increase of £54.60. There is no limit to how many children families can claim for.

Parents will receive £102.40 every 4 weeks (£25.60 per week) for the first or only child and £67.80 every 4 weeks (£16.95 per week) for each additional child.

Families with ongoing claims do not need to contact HMRC, as the increased benefit payment will continue to be paid directly into their bank accounts. Anyone who needs to update their personal details, such as a change of bank account or address, can do so using the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK.

Parents with a newborn baby are encouraged to make a claim online as soon as possible and could receive their first payment in as little as three days. Child Benefit claims can be backdated by a maximum of three months.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said:

“The increase in Child Benefit rates for existing claimants is automatic and families do not need to contact us. New claimants should apply online or using HMRC’s app. Search ‘child benefit’ on GOV.UK for more information.”

HMRC is reminding parents yet to benefit from Child Benefit that it is quick and easy to claim on GOV.UK or via the HMRC app, which can be used to:

·         apply online  

·         backdate claims for up to 3 months 

·         add a new baby to a claim 

·         tell HMRC about a change in circumstances  

·         update details i.e. change of address/bank details 

·         view or print proof of entitlement to Child Benefit 

From 6 April 2024, families where the highest earner has a salary of up to £60,000 a year will not be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). Previously, a person who had an annual income of £50,000 or more would be liable to pay the charge if they or their partner were receiving Child Benefit.

Laura Trott, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said:

“We are ending the unfairness in the child benefit system, and as a result 170,000 families will no longer have to pay back child benefit, and nearly half a million families will save an average of around £1,300 next year.

“The legacy of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine has put pressures on everyone’s cost of living. But, by taking difficult decisions, the economy is starting to turn a corner, and we can now provide further support to parents.”

For those earning between £60,000 and £80,000, the amount of Child Benefit they are entitled to receive reduces as income increases within this range. If an individual’s income exceeds £80,000 the HICBC will be equal to the Child Benefit payment. Parents who make a claim and then choose to opt-out of receiving Child Benefit payments can still receive National Insurance credits if one parent is not working.

Parents with an income above £50,000, who reinstate their Child Benefit before 6 April 2024, may be subject to HICBC charges if they choose to start payments in the 2023 to 2024 tax year. For new claimants who claim Child Benefit on or after 6 April 2024, any HICBC liability will be based on the new 2024 to 2025 threshold of £60,000 to £80,000.

More information can be found on GOV.UK. Search ‘High Income Child Benefit Charge.’

Charity

Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station celebrates refurbishment and RNLI bicentennial

Published

on

The Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station recently marked two significant milestones with a grand reopening after extensive refurbishment and a special visit as part of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary celebrations.

On Saturday, 7th September, RNLI volunteers, supporters, and crew members gathered to celebrate the lifeboat station’s official reopening following major refurbishment work carried out over the winter months. The updated facilities, designed to bring the station into the 21st century, were unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by the children of the operational crew and supporters. This heartwarming gesture symbolised the passing of responsibility to the next generation of lifesavers.

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Andy Grey, expressed his pride in the station’s transformation and the success of the event: “The station opening was extremely successful. Not only did the weather hold out, but personnel from the station, including officers and crew, branch members, and shop volunteers, were in attendance, along with guests from our neighbouring RNLI stations. The occasion truly represented the ‘One Crew’ philosophy. To make it even more special, the children of the crew were invited to formally open the new refurbishment of the station. A lovely gesture but also a great memory.”

The upgraded station now provides state-of-the-art facilities, including a modernised lifeboat shop, which will improve working conditions for the dedicated volunteers. Roger Bryan Smith DL, Area Operations Manager, also highlighted the importance of the refurbishment: “I am absolutely delighted that Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station has been refurbished to such a high standard. The crew devote an immense amount of their spare time to training to save lives at sea, and it’s marvellous that they now have such great facilities.”

Among the attendees were Gemma Gill, Coxswain of Fishguard Lifeboat, and Will Chant, Coxswain of St Davids Lifeboat Station, who showed their support and helped with presentations. The day was filled with a sense of community and celebration of the station’s lifesaving mission.

Later that month, on Wednesday, 25th September, Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station received a special visit as part of the RNLI’s bicentennial year. The RNLI 200 ‘Connecting our Communities’ scroll, which bears the lifeboat pledge, arrived at the station as part of its seven-month journey around 240 RNLI locations across the UK and Ireland. The pledge, printed in Welsh, English, and five other languages, celebrates the dedication of RNLI volunteers and their mission to save lives at sea.

Andy Grey, along with other key members of the station, including Shireen Thomas from the shop, Peter Erte from the fundraising branch, and Water Safety Officer Sue Christopher, had the honour of signing the scroll on behalf of the Little and Broad Haven lifeboat community. The scroll, made from materials significant to the charity, will conclude its journey in October on the Isle of Man, where RNLI founder Sir William Hillary was born. Once the journey is complete, the scroll will bear around 700 signatures and be displayed at the RNLI College in Poole.

Anjie Rook, RNLI Associate Director, overseeing the 200th anniversary programmes, said: “The Connecting our Communities relay is one of the most significant events of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year as it’s all about our people. For 200 years, it is people who have made the RNLI what it is – from our brave lifesavers who risk their lives to save others, to the committed fundraisers and generous donors who fund our lifesaving work.”

By coincidence, the RNLI Porsche 911 Challenge also arrived at the station on the same day. Belinda and James Richardson, who are travelling 8,500 miles in their Porsche 911 to visit all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations within 911 hours, were delighted to encounter the scroll for the first time on their journey. The couple is raising funds for a new D class inshore lifeboat, which is critical to the RNLI’s lifesaving work. In 2023 alone, D class lifeboats saved 96 lives and assisted over 2,000 people in distress.

Andy Grey reflected on the unique timing of the two events: “Today we had a special visit from the RNLI 911 Challenge and the RNLI Scroll. To happen at the same time and on the same day was unique in itself. The beautiful Porsche of the 911 Challenge presented a jigsaw and a special RNLI-themed version of Top Trumps in memory of their visit to all lifeboat stations in the UK. Four members from the station were asked to sign this wonderful scroll, which will be a memory and recognition of the 200-year celebration of the RNLI.”

Jayne George, RNLI Director of Fundraising, expressed her gratitude for the Richardsons’ efforts: “We are so grateful to Belinda and James for taking on this huge challenge and look forward to welcoming them at all our lifeboat stations around the coast. We are only able to save lives at sea thanks to the generous support of people taking on challenges like this.”

As the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea, Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station continues to play a vital role in this enduring mission, with new facilities and a strong community spirit driving them forward into the future.

Continue Reading

Community

Portfield Fair is back with a bang as mayors check out rides

Published

on

THE HISTORIC Portfield Fair made a grand comeback this week – and this time the fair is at Rifleman’s Field Car Park, moving away from the recent location at Scotchwell.

The event was graced with the presence of the mayors of both Haverfordwest and Milford Haven, illustrating the fair’s importance to the local heritage and community spirit.

The fair’s opening was marked by traditional ceremonies, including blessings from the Mayor’s Chaplain and a special presentation to the Mayor’s Crier by the Guild of Showmen. The first evening of the fair saw the Mayors and guests enjoying a series of classic fairground rides like dodgems, waltzers, and the twister.

The relocation of the fair has allowed for a more expansive setup, greatly enhancing its presence in the town. The new venue offers ample space for the fair to flourish, accommodating a larger array of attractions and activities that cater to families and visitors of all ages.

The fair will continue through Saturday, with opening hours extending from 6 PM to late on weekdays, and from 2 PM to late on Saturday.

The Haverfordwest Town Council has extended their gratitude to all attendees and participants for a splendid opening night and hopes the enthusiasm will persist throughout the fair’s duration. With such a warm reception and renewed connection to its historical roots, the Portfield Fair is set to remain a key highlight in Haverfordwest’s cultural calendar.

Images courtesy of Tim Evans/Haverfordwest Town Council

Continue Reading

Community

Fishguard Bay Food Festival: A celebration of local food, sustainability, and wellness

Published

on

FISHGUARD and Goodwick are gearing up for a weekend of culinary delights, community wellness, and sustainable living, as the Fishguard Bay Food Festival returns from 11th to 13th October. Hosted by the Fishguard Bay Sustainable Food Initiative, this three-day extravaganza promises a celebration of local flavours and a focus on community well-being.

Eilish Blade, Chairperson of the Fishguard Bay Sustainable Food Initiative, said: “The Festival is going from strength to strength with its vision to create a one-of-a-kind food festival that celebrates this coastal community and paves the pathway to a more sustainable future.”

Friday, 11th October: A Toast to Local Tipples

The festival kicks off on Friday evening at 5 pm, with a “Tipple Trail” across local pubs and venues in Fishguard and Goodwick. Revellers can sample locally crafted ales, ciders, and spirits while enjoying live music, setting the tone for the weekend ahead.

Film enthusiasts can head to Theatr Gwaun on West Street, Fishguard (SA65 9AD) for special screenings. At 2 pm, “Widow Clicquot” will delve into the fascinating history of the Veuve Clicquot champagne business that began in the 18th century. Later, at 7:30 pm, the moving documentary “Six Inches of Soil” will spotlight British farmers challenging the industrial food system to transform food production in the UK.

Saturday, 12th October: A Feast for the Senses

Saturday’s activities, running from 10 am to 4 pm, promise a sensory delight. The Local Producers’ Market at Ysgol Bro Gwaun (Heol Dyfed, SA65 9DR) will feature over 40 stalls, showcasing artisanal, sustainable food and drink. From gourmet street food to cooking demonstrations by local chefs, there’s plenty to explore. Families are encouraged to bring the children, who can enjoy various activities while the adults discover new flavours.

Evening options include wood-fired pizzas at the Point Youth Centre (Popworks Parc Y Shwt, SA65 9AP) or a talk by Celtic Coasts – Sail and Trade at The Hope and Anchor Inn in Goodwick Square (SA65 9HL).

Sunday, 13th October: Wellness and Community

On the final day, the focus shifts to nourishing the body, mind, and soul. Starting at 9 am, the Phoenix Community Centre in Goodwick (1 Wern Road, SA64 0AA) and various outdoor locations will host a range of wellness-focused activities. Attendees can join guided nature walks, yoga, meditation sessions, and even a fermentation workshop.

For those keen on more hands-on experiences, cooking demonstrations and craft activities for children will run throughout the day. An afternoon sea swim organised by the North Pembrokeshire Bluetits will offer a refreshing dive into the local waters.

Food and drink will be plentiful, with a pop-up café, street food vendors, and a bar on hand. The day will close with DJ Uncle Funk providing music for the festival’s grand finale, as guests indulge in delicious dishes from the Festival Kitchen.

A Festival Not to be Missed

With free entry and a variety of workshops (pre-booking available at Eventbrite), this festival is a not-to-be-missed celebration of Pembrokeshire’s local culture, sustainable living, and culinary excellence.

For the full programme of events and updates, visit www.fishguardbayfood.co.uk or follow @fishguardfoodinitiative on social media. For additional information, contact the Fishguard Bay Sustainable Food Initiative at [email protected].

Continue Reading

News17 hours ago

Woman charged over death of four paddleboarders in Haverfordwest

NERYS Bethan Lloyd, aged 39, from Aberavon, has been charged with four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and one offence...

Entertainment18 hours ago

Anna Ryder Richardson roars back to Manor Wildlife Park after six-year break

ANNA RYDER RICHARDSON, the celebrity founder of Pembrokeshire’s Manor Wildlife Park, has returned to lead the zoo after a six-year...

Business19 hours ago

Milford Haven regeneration could return it to 50s glory days

Pembrokeshire could be “on the cusp” of an economic opportunity as great as the petrochemical industry investment in the county in the...

Crime2 days ago

Police raid cannabis grow at former Woolworths building in Pembroke Dock

POLICE in Pembroke Dock have shut down a large-scale cannabis grow in Pembroke Dock. Nearly 600 plants have been recovered,...

Charity2 days ago

Tenby’s lifeboats launch to reports of person missing on coast

BOTH of Tenby’s lifeboats were launched shortly before 6pm on Wednesday, 2nd October, following a report of a person missing...

Community2 days ago

Portfield Fair is back with a bang as mayors check out rides

THE HISTORIC Portfield Fair made a grand comeback this week – and this time the fair is at Rifleman’s Field...

Crime2 days ago

Caldey Island monk suspended amid investigation over explicit photos

A 76-YEAR-OLD monk from Caldey Island has been arrested on suspicion of sending indecent images to a local woman, Dyfed-Powys...

News3 days ago

Trust in politics ‘perilously low’ after donations scandal

CAMPAIGNERS called for greater openness, warning trust in politics is perilously low following controversy surrounding donations to the former first...

Crime3 days ago

Four young men deny involvement in Milford Haven stabbing

FOUR young men have denied their involvement in an alleged stabbing in the Victoria Road area of Milford Haven. The...

News3 days ago

Labour ‘gave up fight’ to save Welsh steel, Senedd told

LABOUR faced accusations of giving up the fight and making false promises after more than 100 years of traditional steel...

Popular This Week