Neighbourhood policing priority

DYFED-POWYS POLICE Chief Constable Ifan Charles has responded to sweeping reform proposals outlined by the UK Government, as ministers signal significant changes to how policing operates across England and Wales.

The statement follows an announcement in the House of Commons by Shabana Mahmood, who set out plans aimed at reshaping policing to meet changing patterns of crime and rapid advances in technology.

Chief Constable Charles said police leaders were united in calling for “bold and ambitious reform” that delivers a world-class service for communities, officers, staff and volunteers.

He stressed that the focus of Dyfed-Powys Police would remain firmly on victims of crime and the communities the force serves, adding that it would be “business as usual” for now across the force area.

“Crime is changing, technology is evolving, and we need to be set up in the best possible way to tackle crime in the modern world,” he said.

The Chief Constable also underlined the importance of maintaining strong neighbourhood policing while ensuring forces are equipped to respond to national threats, particularly within the large and diverse Dyfed-Powys policing area.

“I am committed to doing my utmost to ensure any changes to policing are right for the people of Dyfed and Powys,” he said. “Together with my fellow Chief Constables in Wales, we will continue to deliver the best possible service to Welsh communities.”

Further details of the proposed reforms are expected to emerge in the coming weeks, with Welsh forces closely monitoring how any changes may be implemented at a local level.

LOCAL businesses from across West Wales have voiced serious concerns about the impact of business rates at a dedicated roundtable hosted by Senedd Members Samuel Kurtz MS and Paul Davies MS.

The online Business Rates Forum brought together businesses from the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors, alongside representatives from UK Hospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), PASC UK and the Federation of Small Businesses. Officials from the Welsh Government and the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) also took part.

The forum was convened in response to the forthcoming business rates revaluation in Wales, due to come into force on 1 April 2026. It gave businesses the opportunity to speak directly to policymakers and officials about the pressures facing high streets and employers across West Wales, including rising costs, changing consumer behaviour and ongoing economic uncertainty.

Since December, Samuel Kurtz MS has been examining the likely impact of the revaluation on small businesses in Pembrokeshire, an issue that has attracted significant attention. The move to update rateable values in line with current property market conditions has left some businesses facing substantial increases in their business rates.

Participants heard from the Valuation Office Agency, including Nicola Broadbent, Head of Non-Domestic Revaluation Delivery, who explained how business rates are calculated in Wales, the reasons for the revaluation and how the checks, challenges and appeals process operates. Key differences between the Welsh system and arrangements in England were also outlined.

Industry representatives from UK Hospitality, the BBPA and PASC UK set out what the new rateable values could mean for businesses from April 2026, with a particular focus on small businesses and the hospitality and tourism sectors. Practical examples were shared, alongside common issues being raised by businesses across West Wales.

Welsh Government officials addressed the forum on the reliefs and transitional support currently available, while businesses questioned whether existing schemes go far enough to protect employers facing sharp increases in their rates bills.

A wide-ranging question and answer session followed, during which businesses spoke candidly about the challenges they face, warning that higher business rates could put jobs, investment and long-term viability at risk.

The forum concluded with closing remarks from Paul Davies MS and Samuel Kurtz MS, who committed to ensuring that the concerns raised would inform ongoing representations to the Welsh Government. The Members of the Senedd have arranged dedicated business surgeries and circulated a Business Impact Form to gather further evidence in support of reform. The form is available at: https://www.samuelkurtz.wales/campaigns/business-owners.

Commenting after the forum, Samuel Kurtz MS said:
“Businesses in West Wales are at a cliff edge. That is the clear message we are hearing. Employers are telling us that the current business rates system is placing real strain on high streets at a time when they are already dealing with rising staffing, energy and supply costs. It is vital that the Welsh Government listens to those on the ground who take the risks, provide the jobs and drive the local economy. Policy should encourage investment and growth, not penalise it.”

Paul Davies MS added:
“This forum provided an important opportunity to bring businesses, industry bodies and government officials together for an honest discussion about the pressures facing our local economies. Many firms are already navigating rising costs and uncertainty, and sudden increases in business rates could be the final straw. We need a system that reflects economic reality and supports the small and medium-sized businesses at the heart of our communities.”

THE POLICE part of the council tax bill in Dyfed and Powys is to rise by nearly 7.5 per cent, following a near nine per cent last year, meaning the average household will be paying £390 this coming year for that element alone.

The overall council tax bill for residents in the counties of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Powys is made up of the county council element of the council tax, the Dyfed-Powys Police precept, and individual town or community council precepts.

At the January 23 meeting of the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel, held at County Hall, Haverfordwest, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn called for a raising of the precept by 7.474 per cent for the 2026-’27 financial year, a rise of £26.95 for the average Band D property, bring that element up to £387.63 for an average band D property in 2024-’25.

Any property paying a premium of council tax, such as second homes, also pays that premium on the police precept as well, meaning their bills for this element are proportionately higher.

Of the force’s funding, 56 per cent, or some £93m, comes from the precept.

Last year saw an 8.6 per cent increase on the force’s precept.

Speaking at the meeting, Pembroke county councillor Cllr Jonathan Grimes asked: “what can council tax-payers expect to see in terms of their council tax payments, what will they see in terms of value for money?”

Mr Llywelyn said it would support efficiencies helping a “more visible and accessible police service”.

Members backed the recommendation of a 7.47 per cent increase.

This year’s near-eight per cent increase follows a public consultation.

Local authorities are due to decide their council tax levels in the next few months.

Ceredigion is currently mooting a 4.75 per cent increase in that element of the overall council tax bill.