Conservative calls to ditch Welsh tourism tax rejected

Published

7 months ago

May 23, 2024

THE SENEDD roundly rejected Conservative calls to ditch plans for a tourism tax.

Laura Anne Jones led a debate on the Welsh Government’s plans to roll out a visitor levy – a small fee for visitors staying overnight in tourism accommodation – from 2027.

The Tory MS warned the tax could make people think twice about holidaying in Wales, which would have a significant impact on tourism and hospitality businesses.

Ms Jones also raised concerns about the threshold for self-catering properties to qualify for business rates increasing from 70 to 182 days.

Calling for a reduction to 105 days, she warned the target has been difficult to achieve for many self-catering businesses, leaving owners at risk of 300% council tax premiums.

Ms Jones argued Visit Wales should be made independent of the Welsh Government.

The shadow culture secretary said: “The current Visit Wales system is not working and is struggling to attract people to Wales.”

Ms Jones, who represents South East Wales, told the chamber a tourism barometer published in February showed visitor numbers in decline since 2022.

Raising concerns about a significant hit to the Welsh economy, she said international visitor spending was £515m in 2019, which tumbled to £391m in 2022.

She accused the Welsh Government of “attacking” the tourism sector, saying ministers have nothing to offer besides empty words and ill-thought-out policies.

Luke Fletcher, for Plaid Cymru, stressed the importance of sustainability, raising concerns about communities becoming ghost towns in off-seasons.

The shadow economy secretary backed plans for a tourism tax because it would raise additional money to maintain attractions, streets and services.

Mr Fletcher argued a small levy would not deter visitors, raising Barcelona as an example, and he called for any money raised to be ring fenced for tourism.

He suggested a tourism levy will be rolled out elsewhere in the UK, with Manchester having brought in a £1-a-night charge which raised about £2.8m in its first year from April 2023.

The South Wales West MS urged the Welsh Government to restore rates relief for tourism businesses from 40% to 75% to take the pressure off the sector.

Peter Fox said tourism businesses in his Monmouth constituency, which are separated by mere miles from competitors in England, want a level playing field across the border.

He warned: “Businesses are facing the impending tourism tax, additional waste charges, the highest business rates in the UK, and reduced non-domestic rates support.

“All of these are causing real concern and anxiety to so many businesses that are already finding things really difficult at the moment.”

Mr Fox, who led Monmouth council for more than a decade, said local authorities will use revenue raised by a tourism tax to meet other pressures such as social care and health.

“That’s what will happen, guaranteed,” he told the Senedd.

Janet Finch-Saunders accused Labour and Plaid Cymru of “smothering” Welsh tourism with rules and regulations, which are having a detrimental impact on the industry.

The Aberconwy MS described plans for a tourism tax as a “horrible” idea dreamt up in the “ludicrous” cooperation agreement between the two political parties.

Sam Rowlands, a fellow Tory, warned a tourism tax will make Wales less competitive within the UK and send an unwelcome message to would-be visitors.

But Plaid Cymru’s Cefin Campbell said tourist levies are commonplace around the world, pointing to Croatia, Greece, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain and the Caribbean.

“They haven’t crippled tourism in any of these countries,” said the Mid and West Wales MS. “Instead they’ve empowered destinations to offer a better visitor experience.”

Responding to the debate on May 22, Jeremy Miles said the best way to protect the sector is to ask visitors to make a very modest contribution to the costs of tourism.

Wales’ economy secretary said the letting criteria for self-catering properties was changed to ensure owners are making a fair contribution and maximise the use of properties.

Mr Miles, who came into post in March, highlighted the Welsh Government’s tourism strategy as he outlined his vision for a sustainable tourism sector.

Accusing the Tories of running Wales down, he said: “I do deplore the way in which we heard some speakers … compare Wales unfavourably with other tourist destinations.”

MSs voted 13-33 against the Tory motion, with Plaid Cymru’s amendments also falling. The motion as amended by the Welsh Government was agreed, 24-22.

Wales’ biggest Specsavers store opens in Haverfordwest

Published

2 days ago

December 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS HAVERFORDWEST has relocated to a larger, state-of-the-art premises in the Riverside Shopping Centre, becoming the largest Specsavers store in Wales following a £1.2 million investment by local partners.

The grand opening of the new landmark store took place on Monday 16 December, with customers and local dignitaries, including several mayors, in attendance.

On arrival, guests were welcomed with performances from the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and local musician and dispensing technician, Kyle Kirkhouse, followed by a ribbon cutting by one of the store’s long-standing customers, Madaline Roberts, who runs the Milford Haven branch of the Macular Society.

William McNamara, owner of Bluestone National Park Resort and patient of Specsavers Haverfordwest was also in attendance.

To encourage guests to explore the new store and learn fun facts about optometry and audiology, staff organised an interactive treasure hunt.

‘After years of planning and preparation, we are delighted to officially open our brand-new store,’ says Wayne Jones, retail director. ‘We are confident that this investment will bring lasting benefits to the local community for years to come.’

***Bosses Andy Britton and Wayne Jones survey the plans during the construction of the new store***

He adds, ‘A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our relaunch event. It was incredible to see so many customers, both familiar faces and new ones, celebrating with us. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to our incredible team, whose hard work and dedication made this all possible. Without their commitment, none of this would have materialised.’

The new premises at 21 Riverside Quay offers cutting-edge facilities and enhanced services to meet growing community needs with 14 test rooms, including two dedicated audiology suites.

As the largest Specsavers practice in Wales and one of the largest in the UK, the store is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to deliver exceptional care. These services will also help alleviate pressure on local NHS resources, providing convenience and vital support to residents who previously had to travel significant distances for specialised treatment.

Narbeth local, Sandra Tarrant, previously needed private consultations in Swansea, but she was referred to ophthalmic director, Andy Britton by her consultant earlier this year, who recognised his expertise and the store’s advanced diagnostic equipment.

Mrs Tarrant explains: ‘The staff at Specsavers Haverfordwest are highly trained and genuinely care about your eye health. I no longer face long journeys for tests, and the team’s professionalism gives me complete confidence in their care. You feel like you’re in good hands, with staff who take you seriously and don’t pass you around.’

Partners Andy Britton and Wayne Jones are also passionate about shaping the future of optometry. The new store will provide hands-on training opportunities for optometrists pursuing advanced qualifications such as Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing certificates, ensuring they gain essential clinical experience in a world-class facility.

The new Specsavers Haverfordwest store will be open seven days a week, offering flexible appointment times to cater to the community’s needs. To book an appointment or learn more about the services available, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.

Business

Ferry traffic surges at Pembroke Dock due to Holyhead closure

Published

4 days ago

December 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FERRY traffic at Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal has surged following the temporary closure of Holyhead Port due to severe damage caused by Storm Darragh. The Port of Milford Haven, which owns and operates the terminal, has implemented measures to manage the increased volume of vehicles and minimise disruption in the area.

Holyhead Port, a key hub for ferry services between Wales and Ireland, has been closed since December 7. Repairs to storm-damaged infrastructure are ongoing, with reopening not expected until at least Thursday, December 19. The closure means more lorries in Pembroke Dock.

Irish Ferries has temporarily replaced the Isle of Innisfree ferry with the larger James Joyce on its Rosslare route..

**The James Joyce has been diverted whilst repairs are carried out at Hollyhead, she will be operating from Pembroke Dock for a few months (Pic: Martin Cavaney)**

***Drivers in their lorries waiting to board ferry at Pembroke Port (Image: Martin Cavaney)***

Traffic management plans in place

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “We are expecting to see ongoing increased traffic to Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal. To manage traffic in the area, we have opened up different areas of the Port to reduce the number of vehicles queueing at the Port entrance. We have also been liaising with Pembrokeshire County Council’s Emergency Planning team to identify other areas for longer-term parking, if needed, so that traffic around Pembroke Dock is managed as effectively as possible.”

Sawyer acknowledged the inconvenience to local residents and businesses and expressed gratitude for their understanding: “Our priority is to ensure the safe and effective operation of all traffic on the Milford Haven Waterway. We’d like to thank everyone, particularly those living in and around the Pembroke Dock area, for their understanding and support. We will endeavour to take all actions possible to keep the area as uncongested as possible.”

Concerns over Christmas delays

The closure of Holyhead Port has raised concerns about delayed Christmas deliveries, as the route is a critical link for goods between Ireland and the UK. An Post, the Irish postal service, has reassured customers that alternative routes are being utilised, and the backlog of parcel trucks at Holyhead is decreasing.

A spokesperson for Holyhead Port stated: “Safety is of paramount importance to Holyhead Port, and a thorough investigation into the extent of the damage and repairs required is ongoing. At this point, it is estimated that the berths will reopen for ferry traffic on Thursday, December 19, at the earliest.”

Local impact and advice

Residents near Pembroke Dock have reported increased congestion due to the diversion of ferry traffic. The Port of Milford Haven continues to monitor the situation closely, working with local authorities to alleviate the impact on the community.

Photo Caption: Increased ferry traffic at Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal due to Holyhead Port closure (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald).

Business

Global green hydrogen pioneers choose Milford Haven as new HQ

Published

5 days ago

December 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAUSH LTD, a leading green energy and technology company specialising in green hydrogen, has announced Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters. The move marks a significant step toward making the area a global powerhouse for green hydrogen production and innovation.

Pioneering green hydrogen solutions

Haush Ltd aims to be the first company of its kind to provide green hydrogen solutions for decarbonising land, sea, and air transportation, as well as exporting fuel to Europe. The company’s new headquarters will be established at Fleet Surgeons House, where work is set to begin immediately. The project will create local jobs and includes plans for an education centre to promote skills development in the community.

The Welsh Government is backing Haush through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR). This initiative focuses on fast-tracking hydrogen production and refuelling services for onshore and offshore fleets, including the design of a permanent hydrogen refuelling solution for the Port of Milford Haven.

High-profile visit to Milford Haven

Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans toured the new site on Thursday (Dec 12). She was accompanied by Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne, Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver, Chief Operating Officer Adam Hill, and Chief Financial Officer Peter Kristensen.

Rebecca Evans said: “Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK head office.

“The company’s ambitious growth plans align with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy. This investment will benefit both our climate and economy, generating quality, skilled jobs.

“Haush has committed to training local residents to the highest standards and expanding their educational initiatives to benefit the wider community.”

Driving green innovation

Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne expressed excitement about the project:
“Haush is delighted to make this announcement and move forward with this groundbreaking green hydrogen production project. We look forward to working closely with the Welsh Government to maximise training and educational opportunities for the local community, equipping a future workforce with valuable, transferable skills.”

Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver emphasi sed the company’s innovative approach:
“Haush is operating at the forefront of green hydrogen technology and aims to play a significant role in advancing the local green energy transition.”

A brighter, greener future

Haush’s decision to base its UK headquarters in Milford Haven underscores the town’s growing importance as a hub for renewable energy innovation. With strong support from the Welsh Government and a focus on local job creation, the project promises to boost the regional economy and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

(Photos by Martin Cavaney/Herald)