Pembrokeshire recently tripled its council tax for second homes. Wales permits its local authorities to increase council tax rates by 300 per cent. While the rule has been in place since April 2023, it has taken time for councils to commit to the hikes. The recent move by Pembrokeshire to bump to 300 per cent – a 200 per cent rise – has freed up what were many second homes.

Naturally, the major move has had mixed feedback. Some second homeowners see it as a counterproductive move. Others, predominantly people who don’t own second homes, welcome the move to make more properties available to local people. On paper, it’s a positive move at a time when demand for first-home buyers greatly outweighs availability. Even with Pembrokeshire relying on tourism, housing local people is more important.

Homes hit the market after tax increase

Council tax increased by 200 per cent following Wales’ new rules to make it easier for people to buy homes where they grew up. In July alone, 135 second homes in Pembrokeshire hit the market. In July 2023, only 38 were put up for sale. The rate of houses hitting the market was the highest this century, per analysts. Those who remain now need to commercially rent out a property for 182 days per year – up from 70 – to get lower business rates.

If the house goes up for sale, the owner can sidestep council tax for a year. However, as the figures show, many second homeowners now want to sell swiftly. Getting out before the increase becomes too taxing is very much a desire for many. The options to do so quickly have offered an outlet to the exodus of second homeowners. Now, selling your home can be done for free. Anyone can get a free cash offer and then sell without hidden fees.

Furthering the mission to get local homes to local people, a new allocation policy could be of use. The county council met back in April to discuss the social housing allocation policy. Seen as outdated, the 2014-made policy utilises an open housing register. Tighter eligibility criteria are now being sought. Part of this could be that applicants need stronger proof of their connection to the county.

Some movement on the housing development front

As reported earlier in September, a new housing development in Tenby has been unanimously approved. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park had been receiving submission bids for the Brynhir development through the summer. This autumn, a pre-construction service agreement will likely be awarded. Once work gets underway, the plan is to have 125 new homes. Social housing has been highlighted as a particular need in Pembrokeshire.

Of the 125 homes, 93 will be retained by the council. The other 32 will go to the open market and shared ownership deals. As outlined before, there will be a way to prioritise the letting process from the council. Priority will be given to those connected to Tenby and the local villages. Of course, not all plans go as swimmingly. In the summer, a Narberth housing development was refused due to major concerns.

Pembrokeshire’s seeing the intended results from its second home tax hike. With additional housing on the way, on paper, it’s getting easier for those who grew up in the county to stay there.

PEMBROKESHIRE’S Ascona Group has been shortlisted for another prestigious Great British Entrepreneur Award, this time in recognition of its philanthropic efforts.

The company, which has already been acknowledged for its high-quality customer service and operational excellence, is now a contender for the ‘Randal Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year Award’, part of the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Darren Briggs, CEO and Founder of Ascona, has been named as a finalist for this new category, which celebrates businesses that reflect The Randal Foundation’s mission: saving lives, improving life chances, and positively contributing to local communities.

Ascona, the 7th largest independent forecourt operator in the UK, has seen rapid growth in recent years, becoming one of the fastest-growing companies in Wales. Since its inception, the group has remained committed to giving back, launching the Ascona Foundation in 2020. The group’s philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact, donating over £375,000 to local, national, and community organisations since 2017.

A new initiative with Pennies, a leading UK charity that protects and grows micro-donations, is set to raise over £250,000 annually for Ascona’s charity partner, the Wales Air Ambulance. By the end of 2025, the company expects to have donated over £500,000 in total through its charitable activities.

In addition to this latest nomination, Darren Briggs was also a finalist earlier this year in the ‘Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year’ category. The awards’ shortlist includes businesses with a combined turnover of nearly £2.9 billion and approximately 20,000 employees, highlighting their role in driving economic growth and community support.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Grosvenor House in London on Monday, 18th November 2024.

Darren Briggs commented: “It’s a great honour to be named a finalist in such prestigious categories at this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards. I’m incredibly proud of everything Ascona has achieved, and this recognition is a testament to our team’s hard work and commitment over the years.

“However, our charitable endeavours are what make me most proud. Giving back is close to my heart, and we remain dedicated to supporting our charity partners, including the Wales Air Ambulance, as we continue our fundraising efforts across the group.”

A NEW Home Bargains store is set to open in Pembroke Dock, promising a welcome boost to local employment and retail offerings. The discount retailer will officially launch on Friday, 26 October, occupying the site formerly held by Wilko on Pier Road.

The arrival of Home Bargains is expected to generate over 50 new jobs, with the majority being filled by local residents. Job openings range from store managers to team members, cleaners, and team leaders, with vacancies having been advertised online.

The store will take over the premises that Wilko vacated last September, following 15 years of service in the town. Wilko’s closure was part of a nationwide shutdown of 400 stores, following the company’s entry into administration.

Plans for the site have been approved by Pembrokeshire County Council, with permission granted for external changes to the building. These include a new shopfront, the installation of goods doors, and various refurbishments. The addition of condensers has also been greenlit to support the store’s operations.

Home Bargains, owned by TJ Morris Limited, has rapidly grown into one of the largest privately-owned companies in the UK, now boasting over 550 stores nationwide. The company’s expansion plans aim to surpass 1,000 outlets in the near future.

The announcement has sparked excitement in the local community, with many residents looking forward to the store’s opening. One enthusiastic shopper remarked on social media, “Book the day off, we have plans!”

Local officials have also expressed support for the new development. A report prepared for planners stated that the proposal would “enhance the functionality of the site, without detracting from or preventing the development of identified retail zones within the town centre.”