News

Self Assessment: one week to go till ‘payments on account’ deadline

Published

2 years ago

July 23, 2024

MILLIONS of Self Assessment customers are expected to make a ‘payment on account’ to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by the 31 July deadline in a bid to spread the cost of their tax bill for the 2023 to 2024 tax year.

More than 12 million people need to file a Self Assessment return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year and pay any tax owed before 31 January 2025.

However, to help spread out payments throughout the year, many people have to pay their tax by making 2 payments on account. If the previous year’s tax bill was over £1000, each payment is half that amount with the first payment having been made on 31 January and the second one due on 31 July.

If there is still tax to pay after customers have made their payments on account, they will need to make a ‘balancing payment’ by 31 January 2025.

Payments can be made securely via the HMRC app at any time of day or night.

Those who have yet to file their tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year, can do it early so they know what they owe and can decide how best to make the payment in full by the deadline. Filing early also means that if a tax refund is due, they can receive it sooner.

There are a range of payment options, including weekly and monthly payment plans, available on GOV.UK. Customers can set up a plan before they have filed their tax return and the payments will be used against their next tax bill.

Those who are new to Self Assessment will need to register to get their Unique Taxpayer Reference before they can file their tax return. Anyone who is unsure about whether they need to file a tax return can use the online checking tool on GOV.UK.

Further information

Visit GOV.UK to find out more about Self Assessment and how to file a tax return.

Visit GOV.UK to download the HMRC app

HMRC has updated guidance on filing tax returns early and help around paying tax bills on GOV.UK.

Online help and support is available for customers who need support in completing their Self Assessment tax return.

Charity

Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look

Published

6 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.

The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.

The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.

Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.

Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.

“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.

At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.

With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.

Photo caption:

Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

7 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

7 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.