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News

‘A tax on the bereaved’ causes upset

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Screen Shot 2016-02-12 at 14.08.46AN 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.”

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News

Pembroke Dock boy walks out with Spurs captain at Stamford Bridge

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AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD boy from Pembroke Dock had the experience of a lifetime on Thursday night (Apr 4), when he was selected as the official mascot for Tottenham Hotspur in their Premier League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Joey Williams, a pupil at Pembroke Dock Community School, walked out onto the pitch hand-in-hand with Spurs’ team captain, Son Heung-min, in front of a packed stadium and millions of viewers watching around the world.

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was part of Tottenham Hotspur’s official mascot programme. Joey, who recently turned eight, travelled to London with his family to take part in the unforgettable event.

His proud mum, KatieJane Solomon, told The Herald: “My son lives in Pembroke Dock and was chosen to be mascot for the Chelsea vs Tottenham game tonight. He walked out with Son Heung-min!”

“He’s a very big Spurs fan so we signed him up to be a member on there website about a year ago and he was very lucky selected at random last month.”

The Premier League clash ended in high drama, but for Joey, the biggest highlight was walking out alongside his football heroes.

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News

Trump’s tariffs threaten Welsh exports as luxury carmakers face uncertain future

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Aston Martin and TVR among firms at risk from new US automotive import tax

WELSH exporters have been dealt a major blow after former US President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on UK goods, including a 25% tariff on all automotive imports into the United States, sparking concern across Wales’ high-value manufacturing sector.

The announcement, made on April 2, also includes a 10% baseline tariff on all UK imports into the US, taking effect from April 5. These new charges come on top of previously announced 25% tariffs on steel, aluminium and automotive parts, with only a limited number of product exemptions such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.

The United States is Wales’ second largest export market, accounting for 13.5% of total goods exports. In 2024, Welsh goods trade with the US was valued at £6.4bn, with £2.2bn in exports and £4.2bn in imports. Of the 3,188 Welsh firms that exported goods globally in 2024, over a third (33.4%) exported to the US.

While Welsh exports span sectors from steel to technology, some of the hardest-hit businesses could be those involved in high-end automotive manufacturing—a sector that Wales has been nurturing in recent years.

Luxury carmakers in the firing line

Aston Martin’s factory in St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan, opened in 2020 to manufacture the DBX luxury SUV, has been a flagship project for Welsh industry. With many of these vehicles aimed at wealthy international buyers, particularly in the US, a 25% tariff could significantly hinder their competitiveness abroad.

Similarly, TVR’s long-awaited revival, with plans to produce its new Griffith sports car in Ebbw Vale, is expected to rely heavily on overseas sales, including to American car enthusiasts. Any additional import taxes on these cars could make them prohibitively expensive in the US market—potentially delaying investment and job creation in the Welsh factory.

Both brands represent the premium end of British automotive design and were supported by the Welsh Government as part of a strategy to attract advanced manufacturing jobs.

Welsh Government: “Far-reaching impacts”

Reacting to the announcement, Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, expressed “deep concern” about the likely effects of the tariffs.

“Whilst it is a small relief to see that the tariffs applied to UK imports are lower than those imposed on the EU, a 10% tariff represents a significant rise for most products,” she said.

“These changes will affect almost all of our businesses that export to the US.”

Evans said the Welsh Government remains in close contact with Westminster and is working with business and industry leaders to assess the fallout. Support will be available through existing business support programmes, and regular updates will be provided as the full impact becomes clearer.

Could there be an upside for UK consumers?

Amid the gloom, some experts suggest UK consumers might see short-term benefits, especially in the used car market.

Aidan Rushby, CEO of car finance company Carmoola, said the tariffs could create a glut of nearly-new and unsold stock that ends up staying in the UK.

“If British manufacturers struggle to sell into the US, we could see more cars redirected to the domestic market, which may mean better deals for UK consumers,” he said.

“An economic wobble caused by global trade tensions could also push used car prices lower as demand softens. That’s good news for buyers, but for current car owners, it could mean faster depreciation.”

Rushby added that it’s more important than ever for buyers to stay informed and work with responsible lenders.

Renewable energy sector raises alarm

It’s not just manufacturing that could suffer. Jane Cooper, Deputy Chief Executive of RenewableUK, warned that the broader fallout from tariffs and trade disputes could stifle green innovation and investment.

“These tariffs, combined with the US Government’s recent moves to halt offshore wind development, will mean UK and American companies will miss out on opportunities to trade, invest and collaborate in clean technology,” she said.

While trade in renewable goods between the UK and US is limited, Cooper said many UK-based manufacturers operate across Europe, and the disruption to supply chains could be significant.

Business leaders urged to prepare

The Institute of Directors (IoD) North Wales hosted a key event last week in Bangor, where industry experts briefed Welsh businesses on how best to navigate the evolving trade landscape.

David Roberts, Chair of North Wales IoD, said: “From global trade concerns such as Trump’s tariffs, to local investment opportunities in Flintshire and Wrexham, it’s vital that Welsh firms stay informed and resilient.”

Despite reassurances, there are no current plans for the UK to retaliate. The UK Government is seeking a negotiated solution with the US and has opened a consultation to assess the impact on British businesses.

For now, Welsh exporters—and especially those in automotive and high-tech sectors—face a turbulent road ahead.

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Local firefighters to run search and rescue training exercise ‘High & Dry’

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) will be carrying out a realistic Search and Rescue training exercise on Monday (Apr 7), aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities.

The exercise, named ‘High & Dry’, will take place between 6:30pm and 8:30pm at Crown Buildings, Church Street, Llanelli. The session will allow crews to practise specialist rescue techniques, including Rescue from Height using the Turntable Ladder.

To ensure a lifelike environment, synthetic smoke will be used during the training. Members of the public may notice smoke escaping from windows and doors, or see emergency vehicles and personnel at the scene. The fire service is reassuring residents that there is no cause for concern.

Watch Manager Gavin Wilkins said: “It’s vital to utilise real buildings as it provides a realistic environment and opportunity to prepare our crews to effectively deal with incidents of this nature. We would like to thank the owners of Crown Buildings in Llanelli for the use of the premises for this exercise.”

The service also thanked the public for their cooperation and understanding while crews undertake this important training.

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