News

Council Tax reform update: Slower pace favoured

Published

7 months ago

May 15, 2024

THE Welsh Government has provided an important update on council tax reform, sharing the outcomes of the recent Phase 2 consultation and outlining plans to make the system fairer and more contemporary.

In a written statement, Rebecca Evans, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution, and the Cabinet Office, emphasised the Government’s commitment to a fair council tax system. “Our goal is to create a system that is fair in operation and fair in implementation,” she stated.

Plaid Cymru was commended for its collaboration on this initiative, reflecting a shared determination to reform council tax. Local government partners were also acknowledged for their engagement, which is vital for developing solutions that balance protecting services and managing significant pressures.

The Phase 2 consultation received 1,676 responses from the public and expert organisations. An impressive 67% of respondents supported some form of change, with the greatest support (32%) for minimal reforms. A significant group (23%) preferred more extensive reforms.

Regarding implementation pace, the majority of respondents (35%) favoured a slower timeline, starting in 2028. Only 24% preferred the fastest timetable (2025), and 17% supported staged implementation.

“Having listened carefully to the consultation responses and the broader public conversation, I intend to deliver council tax reform over a slower timeline in line with the majority view,” Evans said. Consequently, structural reforms to the council tax system will begin in 2028, with other improvements targeted for delivery by the end of the current Senedd term.

The Welsh Government is also planning for regular revaluation cycles, as outlined in the Local Government Finance (Wales) Bill, which is under Senedd scrutiny. An amendment will introduce five-yearly revaluations from 2028 to keep council tax fair and responsive to economic changes.

Evans highlighted the excellent progress made on revaluation. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has developed new technology to provide comprehensive property value data, advancing the path to 2028 implementation.

Additionally, regulations to improve the appeals process and aid households in arrears will be in place by the end of the Senedd term. The goal is to make the appeals process more streamlined and effective, ensuring fair treatment for struggling households while maintaining contributions from those who can afford to pay.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies’ significant contribution was acknowledged, with its report providing an in-depth assessment of reform possibilities. The Welsh Government will continue working with the VOA, local government, and the public to design and implement a fairer council tax system.

The Local Government Finance (Wales) Bill will also provide additional flexibility on discounts and reductions, ensuring they remain effective. Currently, nearly half of Welsh households benefit from reduced council tax bills, with essential support provided to low-income households through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. The Government is consulting on measures to simplify access to this scheme and will retain the one-adult discount, reducing council tax for half a million households.

Finally, efforts are underway to improve public awareness of council tax, highlighting its role in funding essential services such as education, social care, housing, and policing.

Council tax remains a crucial part of funding local government in Wales, benefiting almost everyone. However, ensuring fair and accurate collection is essential, especially given the current financial pressures on households.

The Welsh Government is dedicated to protecting local services amid budget constraints while working towards a fairer council tax system. This commitment reflects the Government’s aim to create arrangements that are just in both operation and implementation.

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

20 mins ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand. Despite these measures, the terminal remains overwhelmed by the volume of traffic.

From our position at the terminal, we have captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion. The atmosphere is one of both frustration and resilience as passengers await their departures.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

59 mins ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”