News
Cabinet to review proposal for exemption from empty homes tax
A CALL to allow council officers the ability to suspend the empty properties council tax premium for Pembrokeshire homes under renovation is to be considered by senior councillors.
In addition to the normal council tax, which saw a 12.5 per cent increase in the county recently, second homes and empty property owners pay a premium rate.
Second home-owners in the county are now paying a 200 per cent premium, effectively a treble council tax level.
Owners of empty properties pay on a sliding scale in Pembrokeshire, with a 100 per cent premium after 24 months, 200 per cent after 36 months, and a whopping 300 per cent after five years.
A call for an exemption for ‘empty’ properties currently being uninhabited, but in the process of being brought back to use, has been made by Merlin’s Bridge county councillor John Cole.
Cllr Cole, in his notice of motion before the May 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, asked: “With the council’s unanimous decision to increase the empty property council tax, at the last March council meeting, it would appear that even though the decision was right and proper, as empty homes serve no purpose in the community etc it would seem that a number of such properties are in fact under renovation by owners to bring back into use, as per an email received by one family in that position outlying their concerns of having such a charge on the property, putting their renovation plans and dreams in jeopardy.
“Renovation is a costly and time-consuming in many instances, and having to use funds for renovation to pay such an additional cost, as they are already liable for council tax, will lead to delays, and abandonment of renovations.
“I would like to put forward the following: That council revenue officers have the authority to exempt such properties proved to be under renovation for eventual use as a main home from the extra charges on top of the standard property charge; time frame on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with such projects undertaken.”
At the May meeting of full council, members heard the matter would be considered by the council’s Cabinet at a later date.
A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.
Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.
She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.
Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.
The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.
High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.
To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.
To enter the competition, participants must:
- Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
- Like the competition post
- Comment with their favourite Welsh word
The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.
For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.
Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.
Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.
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