News

‘A tax on the bereaved’ causes upset

Published

10 years ago

February 12, 2016

AN INCREASE of cemetery fees is set to increase to 20% following a Town Council Meeting in Milford Haven on Monday (Jan 18).

Despite concerns from councillors and a local funeral director, plans are still going ahead to increase the fees in an attempt to help the Council’s rising deficit.

Monday’s meeting was the second to have talked about the rise, with the first being in November last year. At November’s meeting, Funeral Director at Tom Newing and Sons, Shane Morgan told the council that he thought the increase was “unacceptable in this economic climate.”

Shane, who has been an undertaker for 30 years, told The Herald that he had written a letter to the Council in November last year. He said that the increase would see the cost of fees being increased “way above inflation” and lead to the bereaved not being able to afford a burial and having to opt for cremation when it is not the deceased’s wish to be cremated.

He also explained that eight families have already had to opt for cremation instead of burial, as the cost is currently at £371, which is cheaper than the cost of a grave.

He said: “How can the council justify an increase of 55% in charges over the last 5 years, if this further 20% increase is implemented.

“During the last 5 years, burials have reduced by 10% at Milford Haven Cemetery. This is owing to the cost against cremation.

“I must stress that if this is implemented that as a company we may have to direct the bereaved to the council to pay for the grave when required.”

Shane also brought attention to the fact that Milford Haven Town Council is the only council to implement extra fees when the person who has died is living out of the area.

He asked the Council to consider cancelling this charge just as Neyland and Lanstadwell Burial Board and Haverfordwest Town Council have, and only charge additional fees if the deceased is living outside Pembrokeshire.

The increase was also described as a “tax on the bereaved” by Cllr Tony Eden, who was also showing emotions of disappointment.

However, prices for headstones are currently the same as they were before, and are staying at £176 for the first inscription, and £87 for the second.

Behind the decision is Town Councillor Guy Woodham, who explained that burial fees in Milford Haven are significantly lower than the Pembrokeshire County Council run cemeteries.

He said: “Unlike the Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council has not yet published its new charges applicable from April 2016 but I would anticipate a fee increase for both their cemeteries and crematorium so, Milford Haven Cemetery fees should continue to remain lower.

“It is important to consider a number of factors with regard to Milford Haven Cemetery fees.

“An initial burial includes a fee for ‘Exclusive Right of Burial’ (EROB) for 100 years – as do the higher Pembrokeshire County Council burial fees. The initial purchase of the EROB does take the fee higher than a standard cremation service but this does not apply to future burials in that grave, the charge for which is lower than a standard cremation service.

“Due to the nature of cremation, this fee does not need to be applied at the Crematorium although there are also increased Crematorium fees depending on the time of day a cremation service is held and how the cremated remains are stored.”

He also explained that the maintenance of the land and buildings at Milford Cemetery has to be covered by the burial fees otherwise this cost is passed onto Milford Haven households as part of the Town Council element of the Council tax.

For 2016/17, estimated income was over £26,000 less than the forecasted cemetery expenditure, a figure that would have been higher had there been no increase applied to Cemetery fees.

Cllr Woodham continued: “To stop the forecasted deficit being added to the Council Tax the majority of Town Councillors agreed that this cost should be covered by the Reserves held by the Council – this decision has had the effect of keeping the Council tax lower in 2016/17 than it otherwise would have been.

“However, it will not be possible to use Town Council Reserves each year to bridge the difference between the Cemetery forecasted income and expenditure and it is therefore necessary to consider increasing the Cemetery fees each year.

“For the Town Council not to increase Milford Haven Cemetery fees, which I hope will always be lower than those set by the County Council, would mean that every year the Council tax will need to include a potentially larger and larger amount to cover the shortfall in Cemetery income and expenditure. I do not believe it is fair for Milford Haven Council Tax payers to bear the cost of this without also proportionately increasing Cemetery fees.”

Cllr Woodham also expressed his final point, stating: “As less land becomes available for burials the Town Council is in the difficult position of having to identify the best way in which to continue to allow the option of burial within the town, without introducing exorbitant burial fees while at the same time not overburdening the Council tax payer all at a time when the trend is more towards cremation than burial.”

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

7 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

8 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

8 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.