PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has expressed disappointment following a court decision that denied its request for an injunction against Resources Management UK Ltd (RML), operators of the Withyhedge Landfill site.

The case, held on October 21 at the Swansea Civil Justice Centre, was brought by the Council in response to ongoing complaints from residents about severe odours emanating from the landfill.

The judge acknowledged that the odour from Withyhedge constituted a public nuisance, accepting evidence presented by the Council, which included multiple witness statements from affected residents. Despite the ruling, the judge cited precedents from higher Court of Appeal cases, noting that alternative actions, rather than a public nuisance injunction, should be pursued.

The Council had previously sought legal advice from King’s Counsel, who supported taking action under common law public nuisance instead of relying solely on Environmental Protection Act provisions. However, the court’s decision suggested that different legal remedies should be explored to address the issues at Withyhedge.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, commented on the ruling: “While we are disappointed with the ultimate decision, the Authority is pleased that the judgment emphasised that Resources Management UK Ltd (RML) caused a significant nuisance to the community surrounding Withyhedge as a result of landfill activities.”

Sinnett also noted steps taken by RML to mitigate the odour, including substantial investment at the landfill and halting waste acceptance since May. “We continue to liaise with Natural Resources Wales, Public Health Wales, and RML and remain committed to achieving a satisfactory outcome for all local residents and businesses,” he added.

Pembrokeshire County Council is now reviewing the court ruling to determine its next steps.

The Council says remains resolute in finding a solution that alleviates the impact of the landfill on the surrounding community.

PEMBROKSEHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Cabinet has agreed an additional £1.4m of capital funding, alongside grant funding, to support a Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange.

Subject to confirmation of further funding contributions from Welsh Government, work could start to begin on site next year and be completed in 2026.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We have been working closely with Welsh Government, Network Rail and the train operating companies for some time now and am delighted to be able to bring these proposals forward.

“This project is important in its own right but it’s also a key enabler for dramaticallyimproving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.

“A new station will do much more than simply improve the station. It will also allow for more frequent services to and from Milford Haven.

“As well as more frequent services, we are working hard with Welsh and UK Governments as well as Great Western Railways to secure the return of direct, high speed, intercity services to the town and this project includes the realignment of the platform to allow the new Hitachi High Speed Services to serve Milford Haven directly.”

The scheme involves improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a, taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.

The scheme will also work in synergy with the Port Authority’s initiatives to improve walking and cycling access to the Milford Haven Dock, further encouraging tourism and urban development and links to the pre-existing retail area within the town.

Local Member and Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “If this bid is approved by Welsh Government, it will be fantastic news for Milford Haven and go a long way towards increasing and improving transport connectivity both for those visiting the town but more importantly for the residents of the area.

“The associated works with the scheme to enhance safety and parking measures as well as provide a focal point for a public transport interchange with bus services much needed in our town.”

The scheme, if supported by Welsh Government, will be delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council.

A draft design package was developed and submitted to Network Rail in December 2023 with a revised design ready for resubmission.

Cabinet approved the inclusion of the Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange as part of the Local Transport Fund Bids Grant application for 2025/26 for the sum of £6million to continue the development and phased delivery of the project.

Capital funding totalling £1.4million over 2025-26 and 2026-27 has been committed by the Cabinet.

Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell said: “It’s fantastic to see changes being made to Milford Haven Train Station. Good public transport and associated facilities are vital to communities in Pembrokeshire. I am pleased to be working alongside the Council and Welsh Government to positively impact Milford Haven.”

THE Chancellor is poised to announce a significant increase in National Insurance contributions for employers, aiming to generate £20 billion in additional funding for public services, including the NHS in England.

The Budget, set for Wednesday, will likely feature a lowered threshold for employer contributions to National Insurance, allowing these combined measures to become the largest revenue drivers in the upcoming Budget. However, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is not expected to apply the increase to employers’ pension contributions.

Currently, employers pay 13.8% on earnings over £175 a week. A two-point hike to 15.8% would yield an estimated £18 billion annually, though the threshold adjustment may push that figure higher.

A government source commented: “There is a universal consensus that the NHS needs more money. That means asking businesses to help out. The choice is investment versus decline.”

Tough choices for NHS funding

Speaking at a news conference during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remarked that the government is prepared to make “tough decisions” to support the NHS. However, he declined to provide further Budget details.

National Insurance represents the UK’s second-largest revenue stream after income tax, encompassing contributions from employees, the self-employed, and employers. The Chancellor has signaled that while the Labour manifesto promised not to increase National Insurance for “working people,” this was intended to shield employee contributions, not those of employers.

Wider budget implications and business concerns

As Labour prepares for its first Budget in nearly 15 years, concerns are rising about the potential for further tax changes, including a freeze on income tax thresholds, a possible hike in taxes on asset sales, and revisions to inheritance tax.

In a recent International Monetary Fund meeting, Reeves underscored the need for responsible spending, hinting that a return to austerity is off the table. Instead, she emphasized that day-to-day expenses must align with tax receipts, given the current state of critical services like the NHS and prisons.

Yet the potential impact of these changes has sparked concerns among businesses, who argue that a National Insurance hike could dampen job creation and wage growth, ultimately hampering economic expansion. The government, however, maintains that these funds are essential to rescue the NHS, even as critics argue the increase is a “tax on jobs” and breaches the Labour manifesto.

Addressing the housing crisis

In addition to healthcare funding, the Chancellor is expected to unveil a £500 million initiative to build up to 5,000 affordable homes in England, aimed at addressing the national housing crisis. This will be accompanied by a consultation to limit Right to Buy, protecting council housing stock for future generations.

Meanwhile, the Fire Brigades Union has called on Reeves to deliver a Budget that ends what they describe as the “catastrophic austerity era.” In a letter to the Chancellor, Union leader Matt Wrack warned of potential strike action if the Budget does not provide substantial funding, citing severe hardship among firefighters due to prolonged real-term pay cuts.

As Wednesday approaches, Labour faces the task of balancing its commitment to economic growth with the urgent demands of public services. The Conservatives, however, have criticized the impending National Insurance hike, accusing Labour of redefining the term “working people” as the Budget deadline looms.