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News

Senedd passes Bill to reform local tax system in Wales

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A BILL to reform the local tax system in Wales, including non-domestic rates and council tax, has today (16 July 2024) been passed by the Senedd.

The Local Government Finance (Wales) Bill establishes a series of changes to improve the tax systems. It will make them fairer and work better for the future needs of Wales, by ensuring local taxes reflect economic circumstances more regularly.

For non-domestic rates (also known as business rates), the Bill will:

  • increase how often the values of all non-domestic properties in Wales are updated, to once every three years;
  • provide more flexibility to make changes to reliefs and exemptions;
  • enable changes to the calculation of payments for different categories of ratepayers;
  • close known tax avoidance arrangements and increase the ability to tackle future avoidance in a more responsive way;
  • enable improvements to the information provided by ratepayers.

In relation to council tax, the Bill will:

  • establish a five yearly cycle of property revaluations from April 2028 onwards, and allow Welsh Ministers to amend future revaluation years should circumstances require this;
  • provide more flexibility for the organisation and labelling of tax bands if required, to fit future possible redesigns of the system;
  • ensure the continuation of our national Council Tax Reduction Scheme, providing essential financial help to low-income households;
  • provide more flexibility to make changes to discounts and persons disregarded from paying council tax.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Cabinet Office, Rebecca Evans, said:

This is the first Welsh local government finance bill since devolution. It introduces important changes to the local tax system in Wales, reforming the system to make it more consistent, effective, and to give us flexibility in the future. Extensive research and experience of operating the current systems for more than two decades highlighted a range of limitations and the case for change was clear.

With the Bill now being approved by the Senedd, we will have a framework designed for modern Wales, and the necessary levers to adapt local taxation in the future as circumstances and priorities change.

Community

Residents thanked as Carmarthen gas works completed on time

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ESSENTIAL upgrade works to gas pipes in King Street, Carmarthen, have been completed on time and to plan, Wales & West Utilities has confirmed.

The project, which began in early January, was part of the company’s programme to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply for homes and businesses in the area—now and for years to come.

The company worked closely with Carmarthenshire County Council to coordinate traffic management throughout the scheme and minimise disruption.

Adam Smith, who managed the project for Wales & West Utilities, thanked local residents and traders for their patience.

He said: “We’d like to thank the local community for bearing with us while we completed this essential work.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in everyday life—from heating homes and cooking meals to running hot baths. We understand how important it is that the supply is safe, reliable and there when you need it.

“This work will keep gas flowing safely to homes and businesses today, while also helping to prepare the network to carry hydrogen and biomethane in future, supporting the journey to a greener energy system.”

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Crime

Tenby man charged after robbery incident

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A MAN is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court next month after being charged in connection with a late-night incident in Tenby town centre.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that no one was injured during the disturbance, which took place at a restaurant in Tudor Square on the evening of Sunday, March 30.

Mohammed Miah, aged 44, has been charged with robbery, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and criminal damage.

He appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, where he was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, May 2.

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Farming

Pembrokeshire Show elects first joint presidents

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DAIRY FARMERS TIM AND MARGARET JOHNS HONOURED BY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

HAVERFORDWEST dairy farmers Tim and Margaret Johns have been unanimously elected as the first joint Presidents of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.

The couple, who farm at Pencnwc in partnership with their son Graham, represent the third generation of their family to work the land. Their 550-acre holding in Castlemorris includes dairy cattle and the cultivation of both winter and spring cereals.

Margaret and Tim have a long-standing association with the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and the County Show. Margaret, in particular, has achieved considerable success in equestrian showing at events including Royal Windsor, the Great Yorkshire Show, and the Royal Cornwall Show. She also founded and continues to run Castlemorris Equestrian and Pet Supplies from the farm.

Speaking following their appointment, Tim said: “Margaret and I work as a partnership. The County Show is a major part of Pembrokeshire and is an integral part of farming in the county. We are looking forward to the year ahead. We have chosen RABI and the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society as our charities to support over the next 12 months.”

During the Society’s Annual General Meeting, held recently at the Pembrokeshire Showground, Mr and Mrs James Evans were voted in as Presidents Elect.

Other appointments for 2025 include Miss Alys Owens, who was named as the Society’s Ambassador. Alys, who lives in Haverfordwest and works for Castell Howell, is an active member of Llysyfran YFC. She served as Club Secretary last year, a role for which she was named Club Secretary of the Year at County level. A talented musician, Alys plays the cornet with Goodwick Brass Band.

Outgoing President Adam Thorne used the occasion to thank all those who had supported him during his term in office.

Alys Owens, the 2025 Ambassador, is pictured between Margaret and Tim Johns, the 2025/26 Joint Presidents.

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