News

New rates charges to hit charities

Published

11 years ago

March 17, 2015

A WELSH GOVERNMENT scheme to impose business rates on charity shops could have a serious impact on charities across the county.

The plans, which are currently under consultation, would mean that business rates for charities, which are at present treated on a discretionary basis, will be imposed. Around 200 groups, from national organizations like the British Heart Foundation and the Citizens Advice Bureau, to locally focused charities like PATCH, and numerous community groups will be affected.

At present, the Welsh government pays 80% of business rates for charitable organizations, with the other 20% being split between Pembrokeshire county council, who pay 15% and a donation of 5% from the Welsh Government. Under the new system, paying the latter 20% would be the responsibility of the charities concerned. The proposed rates could apply to all charities, although an option under consultation is to exempt local voluntary organizations from the charges.

Tracy Olin from PATCH said that if the proposal goes ahead it could cause ‘real problems’ for the charity. Speaking to the Herald, she said:

‘The rates on our headquarters, estimated at 20% would cost us £2300 pa. In addition to our monthly outgoings of £3000 we sometimes have to spend this much on provisions. This week, for example we have already spent £500 on food. The people of Pembrokeshire are so generous, but there are so many in this county in devastating circumstances, it would be a massive blow if these rates meant we could not provide the amount of assistance we do now.’

As an example of the crises clients of PATCH face, Ms Olin told the Herald about a couple who have been living on £81 a fortnight since last summer:

‘The lady in question turned up for a disability assessment meeting. While she was in the building they told her that the meeting was cancelled. This happened last July, and another meeting still hasn’t been arranged. On top of this, deductions are being taken from her benefits for reasons that aren’t entirely clear. PATCH has been providing assistance for this couple since before Christmas.’

Urging anyone concerned by these changes to contact the council, she said: ‘We would love anyone who has been helped by PATCH to get in touch with the council and describe how we helped them.’ She also urged people to fill out the questionnaire at www. pembrokeshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay.

Sue Lennard of the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary services said that the proposed charges ran a real risk of ‘derailling’ a potentially fruitful partnership between local government and the third sector: ‘On behalf of the voluntary sector, we firmly reject these proposed changes, both for local and national charities,’ she said. ‘We completely understand that the council has a real need to make savings, but this seems to offer short term gains rather than working together with the voluntary sector more efficiently which would in the long-term lead to far greater savings. New Welsh government proposals place achieving well-being increasingly on local government, and this is an area where the third sector can come in and do a great deal.’

MsLennard also pointed out that many of the buildings affected by the changes were not high street retail outlets, but local community centres and sports groups.

The list of organizations that would be affected by the change includes virtually every sporting organization in Pembrokeshire, including boxing, cricket, bowls and football clubs.

The Consultation ends today(Feb 27) and members of the public, sports teams and those charities who will be affected by the change are being urged to respond to the proposals via the County Council’s website. From the home page, simply click on the text “Have Your Say” and the consultation is near the end of the page to which you will be then directed.

News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

Published

4 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Herald Sport

A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

Published

4 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

Published

5 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.