Community

Council tax hike triggers surge in Pembrokeshire second homes for sale

Published

1 year ago

September 6, 2024

The number of second homes for sale in Pembrokeshire has surged dramatically following a substantial council tax increase. New figures reveal that in July, there were 135 second homes listed for sale, a significant rise from just 38 in the same month last year, marking an increase of 255%.

This spike comes after Pembrokeshire County Council introduced a 200% council tax premium in April, effectively tripling the bills for second home owners. In response, many property owners have opted to put their homes on the market, with the number of listed second homes in the county rising by 97 in just 12 months. As of 1 July, the total number of second homes registered in the area has dropped slightly from 3,364 in 2023 to 3,271.

The Welsh Government’s recent policy changes have granted local authorities the power to charge up to 300% in council tax premiums on second homes, aiming to make housing more affordable for local residents. These measures have been particularly controversial in coastal and picturesque areas, where holiday homes are prevalent.

Neil Evans, owner of West Wales Properties estate agents, highlighted the significant impact of the council tax premium, especially in towns like St Davids and Newport. “We’re seeing properties come on the market at such a volume that I’ve never seen in 30 years,” he said. Evans noted that second home owners could easily relocate across the Severn Bridge, where such premiums do not apply, adding that the policy has also had a detrimental effect on the local holiday trade.

The issue of second homes has long been contentious in Wales, particularly in areas like Gwynedd, where the local council has been accused of “playing Russian roulette” by imposing a 250% council tax premium on second homes. Earlier this year, Gwynedd went a step further, requiring new second homes to obtain planning consent—a measure that will come into effect on 1 September.

Cyngor Gwynedd has justified these policies by citing the “huge housing crisis” in the area, with many young people supporting the move as they find themselves priced out of the housing market by wealthy second home owners. Other Welsh councils, including Anglesey and Conwy, have also implemented council tax premiums, albeit at lower rates of 100%. Ceredigion is set to increase its premium from 100% to 150% in 2025, while Carmarthenshire currently charges a 50% premium.

Campaigners like Hedd Ladd Lewis, who advocates for housing market reform, welcomed the increase in second homes on the market as a positive sign but remained sceptical about whether local residents could afford these properties. “What we have is an open market and local people who earn wages – on average around £28,000 a year – will not be able to compete [for houses],” he said. Living in Newport, where 30% of properties are second homes or holiday lets, Lewis called for a legal act to ensure that the local community has the right to buy homes.

However, Aled Thomas, a local Conservative councillor, opposed the council tax premium, warning that it could harm the local economy. “Tourism is one of the things that brings money into the economy, but people are going out of business because of these policies,” he said. Thomas argued that the solution lies in building more homes, criticising the local council for constructing only 20 to 30 houses over the past 30 years. “That is disgraceful,” he added.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

23 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

23 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).