News

Senedd passes Bill to reform local tax system in Wales

Published

4 months ago

July 19, 2024

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.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

14 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!