Business
Welsh Water customers face one of the steepest bill rises in UK
HOUSEHOLDS across most parts of Wales, including Pembrokeshire, are set to face a 27% increase in their water bills from April, with the average annual bill rising from £503 to £639. The hike marks the beginning of a five-year period of increases from Welsh Water, culminating in a total rise of 42% by 2029-30, with the steepest increase occurring at the outset.
The company has justified the rise by stating that from April, clean water will cost “an average of £1.75 a day” and that the overall increases will fund a “68% increase in investment” over the next five years. Water companies across Wales and England argue that the additional revenue will lead to improvements in infrastructure, tackling persistent issues such as leaks and sewage overflows.
However, consumer groups have expressed concerns about the financial impact on households. Rhodri Williams, deputy chair of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), has called for an end to what he described as the “postcode lottery” of support available to struggling families. The CCW has proposed a unified system of financial assistance across Wales and England, stating that under such a scheme, “there would be more money to spend on assistance for customers in Wales” due to higher poverty levels compared to England.

Higher costs along the Wales-England border
Hafren Dyfrdwy, which serves approximately 87,000 customers along the Wales-England border, will see an even steeper increase, with bills rising by 32% from April. This will take the average annual bill from £447 to £590. The company, however, insists that its customers still “have the lowest bills in Wales and one of the lowest in the UK” and has pledged support for those struggling to meet payments.
Each water company operates its own system of social tariffs, offering discounted or capped bills for eligible customers. Welsh Water currently supports 150,000 customers with reduced bills and has announced an increase in its financial assistance packages from £63 million to £73 million over the next five years.
Political backlash over rising costs
Plaid Cymru has condemned the planned increases, arguing that consumers should not bear the cost of cleaning up Welsh waters. Delyth Jewell MS, the party’s spokesperson for Climate Change, stated: “Investing in the water network is, of course, necessary, but this increase in water bills will be difficult for households across Wales who are already struggling with rising costs. Consumers should not be footing the bill to clean up our water.”
Jewell further called for Wales to have direct control over its water, arguing: “Having full control over our water would enable us to tackle soaring water bills, better manage our resources, and properly address the problem of sewage.”
Conservatives and Lib Dems criticise Welsh Water’s performance
Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, also criticised the price hikes, pointing to Welsh Water’s track record of service disruptions and environmental concerns. She highlighted a series of incidents, including a major burst pipe at Bryn Cowlyd Water Treatment Works in Dolgarrog, Conwy, that left 40,000 homes without water. Additionally, residents in Rhondda Cynon Taf were recently issued boil water notices, and Welsh beaches have recorded some of the highest levels of sewage discharge in England and Wales.
“This latest water bill hike from Dŷr Cymru is unacceptable,” said Finch-Saunders. “With Wales facing four times as many sewage discharges proportionally as England, and water bills set to become the highest in the UK, it feels like they’re flushing our money down the drain.”
She further accused the company of delaying necessary infrastructure upgrades: “Dŷr Cymru has been dragging its feet for years, and the public shouldn’t have to foot the bill for water companies’ long-standing failures and reluctance to upgrade their infrastructure until it’s far too late.”
Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick said: “Welsh customers are paying the price for Government incompetence.
“Under the last Conservative UK Government and current Welsh Labour Government in Cardiff Bay, Dwr Cymru was able to get away with minimal oversight.
“They spent years paying out excessive executive bonuses despite being a ‘non-profit’ and having one of the worst environmental records in the country.
“Welsh customers will now have the highest water bills in the UK, despite having some of the lowest incomes, it’s an absolute disgrace.
Calls for reform
As water bills continue to rise, pressure is mounting on regulators and the Welsh Government to introduce reforms to ensure fairness and accountability within the industry. With households facing mounting financial strain, consumer advocacy groups and political leaders are demanding urgent action to prevent further hardship for Welsh residents.
Business
Tudor Glen Caravan Park Pembrokeshire planning call
A CALL for a Pembrokeshire caravan site to be allowed static caravans in lieu of touring ones, which the applicant says was allowed back in 1988, has been submitted to the national park.
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Keith Stevens of Tudor Glen Caravan Park, Jameston, through agent Lambe Planning & Design Ltd, seeks a certificate of lawfulness of an existing use of the site to establish the status of a 1988 planning permission.
Essentially what that means is the applicant is seeking confirmation of details of that permission as to whether it includes static or touring caravans.
A supporting statement says: “Tudor Glen Caravan Park is a long-established family owned and operated Holiday Park. The Park extends to approximately six acres and caters for families within static caravans, touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.
“The Park is exceptionally well run and achieved the 2025 runner up award for Best Family Campsite South Wales. The Park has a range of modern purpose-built facilities including a heated swimming pool, laundrette, dedicated play area, games room and full amenity facilities.”
Covering the 1988 approval of removing two previous conditions connected to the site, granting permission for up to 50 caravans and occupancy of March 1 to January 9, it says: “It does not stipulate that the caravans must be removed from the site during the ‘close period’ as would be the case if the consent related to touring caravans,” adding: “It is therefore clear that the intentions of that planning application and the consent granted relates to the siting of up to 50 caravans and not specifically touring caravans.
“If that consent were to be partially restricted to touring, a touring condition would have been imposed and / or a condition requiring that the caravans must be removed from the site during a close period – it doesn’t.”
It concludes: “Whilst the park has been operated on the basis of providing both Static Caravan and Touring Caravan Pitches, [the 1988] Planning Approval clearly gives permission for any type of caravan which complies with the Legal Definition of a Caravan.
“That permission does not restrict the type of unit to either static or touring caravans and does not restrict the layout of the holiday park it is therefore concluded that [the 1988 permission] allows for the siting of any unit which complies with the legal definition of a caravan, and does not restrict the layout or location of the units.
“The applicant therefore seeks confirmation from the LPA to that effect via this Certificate of Lawful (proposed) Use application.”
The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.
Business
Pembrokeshire Lydstep Beach Village development refused
A CALL for an extra sign advertising a Pembrokeshire holiday park, adding to exiting unauthorised ones, which planners say would create “visual clutter and intrusion” and a distraction to drivers, has been refused.
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, permission was sought, through Lakeside Signs Limited, for an additional sign advertising Haven’s Lydstep Beach Village, near Tenby, the sign proposed for North Lodge where the holiday park joins the main road.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways authority raised no concerns regarding the specific location of the sign, but said “there remains a broader concern regarding the cumulative impact of signage along this section of highway,” adding: “The increasing proliferation of signs in this location has the potential to create a visually cluttered environment, which may distract drivers and, in turn, give rise to road safety implications.”
A Park officer report recommending refusal said: “Currently, there are eight flagpoles, one A-frame banner type sign, one pole mounted panel sign, and a further panel sign, located behind the stone wall on the western side of the park’s entrance. None of these advertisements have the benefit of advertisement consent.”
It added: “The increasing number of signs in this location has the potential to create a distraction to drivers, which may result in road safety implications. In addition, the proliferation of signage would create clutter that would result in visual intrusion in this countryside location affecting amenity. As such, the recommendation is to refuse.”
It went on to say: “Whilst it is not deemed that the proposed advertisement would result in harm being caused to the specific special qualities of this area, there are concerns that the display of this advertisement would, along with the remainder of the advertisements, which are unauthorised, result in a proliferation of advertisements, which in turn would cause visual clutter and intrusion.
“This is especially problematic in a countryside location where development is strictly controlled. Should the existing signage be consolidated and rationalised, the Authority may support the proposed sign, however, currently, any additional signage would not be deemed appropriate.”
The application was refused on the grounds that it would, along with the exiting signage, “result in visual clutter and intrusion which would detract from the visual amenity of this countryside location, and would result in potential distraction to drivers, which in turn would rise to road safety implications”.
Business
The Cheesecake Guy store could be coming to Saundersfoot
SAUNDERSFOOT’S Coal Building interpretation centre could soon host the third store for Welsh cheesecake business The Cheesecake Guy Ltd, in plans before the national park.
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Craig Taylor of Merthyr Tydfil-based The Cheesecake Guy Ltd seeks a change of use of part of Saundersfoot’s Cambrian Terrace Coal Building interpretation centre to create a small retail unit.
On its website, The Cheesecake Guy says of its business and products: “Established in 2019, The Cheesecake Guy is all about delivering indulgent, handcrafted cheesecake desserts with a twist. While we offer a range of sweet treats, our specialty — and customer favourite — is the signature cheesecake jar.
“Made with quality ingredients and packed with rich, creamy layers, our jars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, The Cheesecake Guy brings a spoonful of happiness to every bite.”
While no supporting statement has yet been published for the Saundersfoot proposal, the application says the scheme would employ two full-time members of staff, operating 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, and 10-5 on Sundays and bank holidays.
It says the proposed site is currently a mixed-use retail and gift shop, having previously been used as office space.
It adds: “This is a space within a building that is still trading, the space we are wanting a change of use was last used by Persimmon Homes as an office space.”
Of the scheme itself it says it will involve “retail sales of pre-prepared desserts and merchandise,” adding there will be “no on-site manufacturing or heavy processing,” with “equipment limited to display fridges and freezers”.
If approved, the Saundersfoot site would be the third outlet for The Cheesecake Guy, with sites in Merthyr, and, more recently, Newport Market.
After that store opened following redevelopment of Newport’s Victorian market, Craig Taylor, of The Cheesecake Guy, said: “We are very excited to be part of the new development in Newport Market alongside some other amazing small businesses.
“We feel this is definitely the next step in the right direction after our Merthyr Tydfil store taking off so well.”
For its Newport site, The Cheesecake Guy says: “We specialise in creating a wide variety of cheesecake desserts that cater to all tastes. Our menu features popular favourites that have won the hearts of many, alongside exciting new creations designed to keep your taste buds satisfied.
“Whether you’re a classic cheesecake lover or an adventurous foodie, we promise a cheesecake experience like no other. Each cheesecake is made with the utmost care, ensuring a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavour in every slice (or jar!).”
The Saundersfoot proposal will be considered by park planners at a later date.
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