THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced plans to end business rates relief for certain fee-charging schools, reallocating the funding to bolster local public services.

Currently, all charities in Wales benefit from at least 80% relief on their non-domestic rates bills, a policy that includes some fee-charging schools. The proposed change will align independent schools with charitable status to the same tax treatment as non-charitable independent schools regarding non-domestic rates.

Similar measures have already been enacted in Scotland, and the UK Government is planning comparable reforms in England.

Following a public consultation last year, the Welsh Government made adjustments to ensure that relief will continue to apply to independent special schools where the majority of learners are placed by local authorities as part of their additional learning provision.

If approved by the Senedd, the changes will take effect on 1 April 2025.

Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, said: “We believe independent schools with charitable status in Wales should be treated in the same way as those which are not charities.

“By removing this tax break, we can free up as much as £1.3m every year to support local public services.”

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is celebrating the completion of Phase 1 Llys Glasfryn, St Davids.

The development was built by GRD Homes, and Phase 1 consists of 4 x 2 bed bungalows, and 3 x 1 bed bungalows.

Phase 2 consists of 11 x 2 bed bungalows, which it is hoped will be completed early 2026.

All properties within Phase 1 have been allocated, and Phase 2 properties will be available for bidding a few months before completion.

A Local Lettings Policy is used to allocate these properties, which was created in conjunction with local members, St Davids City Council, and the local community.

To celebrate the completion of Phase 1, Pembrokeshire County Council is holding an open day in one of the newly completed properties.

This will be held on Tuesday 28^th January 2025, from 2pm – 6pm. This is for members of the public to view the site and one of the properties, ask questions, and provide feedback.

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing Operations, said: “These high quality homes will provide much needed housing in St Davids and form part of our wider development programme.

“Increasing the supply of affordable housing is a key priority for Cabinet and I look forward to meeting new tenants and the wider community at the open day event.”

For more information on Pembrokeshire County Council’s housing developments, or this event, please call 01437 764551, or email [email protected]

CREWS from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service stations in Tenby and Milford Haven were called to a fire on Narberth Road, Saundersfoot, at 1:05pm on Monday (Jan 27).

The blaze involved a caravan and an agricultural shed measuring approximately 15 metres by 15 metres. The shed, which contained vehicles and machinery, was completely destroyed along with the caravan.

Firefighters used two hose reel jets, two main jets, an otter pump, and a water shuttle system drawing from an open water source to bring the fire under control.

Crews left the scene at 3:20pm.