News

Welsh Government gives way on Council Tax

Published

8 years ago

January 24, 2018

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has told Pembrokeshire County Council that a proposed Council Tax rise is ‘a matter for local determination’.

The letter from the Local Government Minister suggests that the Welsh Government will not stand in the local authority’s way if it seeks to raise Council Tax above the 5% ceiling which the Welsh Government has ‘suggested’ should be the maximum increase.

The current administration has advanced three proposals for raising next year’s Council Tax: 5%, which it claims will result in massive service cuts and job losses; 8%, which will result in some cuts; and 12.5%, which will allow the local authority to tread water and fund commitments without significant cuts and redundancies.

In an interview with The Herald before Christmas, Cabinet Member for Finance Bob Kilmister said a dramatic rise was necessary Pembrokeshire’s huge funding gap. He blamed the gap on previous administrations’ pursuit of the totemic ‘lowest Council Tax in Wales’ policy.

The effect of that policy on Pembrokeshire’s public finances has been stark.

When Dyfed demerged in 1996 and counties drew up their own budgets, Council Tax levels for Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire were pegged at the same level. As a result of a deliberate policy of budgetary restraint (described to us by one councillor as ‘sado-monetarism’), Pembrokeshire’s Council Tax base is now over thirty percent behind both of west Wales’ other counties. And the effect of continuing restraint means that the gap is growing.

While holding down Council Tax was superficially attractive while there was – compared to now – plenty of money washing around the local government system, operating a lean service profile and tight budget has meant that while other councils are able to trim fat, Pembrokeshire faces cutting services down to the marrow.

This situation was foreseen by then Council Leader Jamie Adams and current Finance Director Jon Haswell several years ago. There was, however, no political will to make steps towards the increases in Tax needed to close the funding gap or to tangle with the Welsh Government on the issue.

Responding to the initial announcement that the County Council was contemplating a 12.5% increase in Council Tax, Cllr Jamie Adams was forthright in his criticism, saying: “We cannot be wedded to the idea that because we have provided a service in the past, we can or should continue to provide it now or in the future. You need to start with a complete overhaul of what we do and what we deliver as an authority.”

However, at a subsequent Council meeting on December 14, Cllr Adams and his administration came in for heavy fire from some members of the current Cabinet, while Cabinet Member for Finance was dryly dismissive of criticism of the Council’s plans.

At that December 14 meeting, Cllr Kilmister reminded councillors that the proposed budget was up for consultation and that they were welcome to make contributions whether individually or as a group.

The Herald understands that there is no unanimity within either the Conservative group or IPG, and certainly no current consensus around an alternative budget.

What is hanging over councillors is the thought of significant redundancies.

An 8% increase would need to be balanced by a 5% cut in the education budget, with a knock on effect on schools’ staffing.

At 5% those potential redundancies would be accompanied by over 100 further redundancies in year one alone with a knock-on effect on Pembrokeshire’s economy.

At 12.5%, there would be no redundancies and no cut in education.

Charity

Tenby Freemasons donate £400 to cancer care charity

Published

60 minutes ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TENBY Freemasons have donated £400 to Tenovus Cancer Care following a raffle held during the lodge’s annual installation banquet.

The raffle took place on the night Damian Brown was installed as Master of Tenby Freemasons Lodge.

As is tradition at the annual installation meeting, the incoming Master chooses a charity to receive the proceeds.

Mr Brown selected Tenovus Cancer Care, a Wales-based charity which supports people affected by cancer through expert advice, counselling and mobile support units.

The charity also funds research into new cancer drugs, improved treatments, and better ways to diagnose and prevent the disease.

Mr Brown later visited the Tenovus shop in Pembroke with lodge charity steward Steve Thurgood, where he presented the donation to volunteer Elena.

Pictured: Damian Brown and Steve Thurgood present the donation to Tenovus volunteer Elena.

Charity

Local cycling legend Ted celebrates 90th birthday

Published

1 hour ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Much-loved GTBAL regular inspires community with stories of adventure, resilience and kindness

A WELL-KNOWN face at one of Pembrokeshire’s best-loved community cafés is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Ted turns ninety.

For the last seven years, Ted has been a familiar presence at GTBAL — short for Get The Boys A Lift — the Haverfordwest-based community coffee shop and mental health support hub on Dew Street.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after the gym, Ted and friends make their way in for an extra hot cappuccino, conversation and companionship.

Staff and customers say Ted has become part of the “fabric of the community”, with many captivated by the extraordinary stories he shares from a life packed with adventure.

Ted’s experiences have included working as a fine jewellery designer, sailing around the world and raising his family while living aboard a boat.

But perhaps one of his most inspiring achievements came later in life.

At the age of eighty-five, Ted completed a solo and unsupported cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End on his famous trike, raising money for GTBAL along the way. He crossed the finish line on his eighty-sixth birthday.

Many local residents will recognise Ted from his distinctive trike, which has become something of a symbol of his determination and adventurous spirit.

GTBAL said: “What makes Ted so special isn’t just what he’s done. It’s his kindness, his positivity, his curiosity, and the way he can brighten someone’s day with a simple conversation.

“If you see Ted in the shop or out and about, stop and say hello. Spend a few minutes listening to his stories. You’ll leave richer for it.”

As Ted celebrates his ninetieth birthday, friends and customers alike have paid tribute to a man described as an inspiration — proof that age is no barrier to living life with purpose, adventure and generosity.

Cover image:

Ted on his famous trike during one of his fundraising adventures for GTBAL (Pic: GTBAL).

Community

Hospital staff to climb Pen y Fan for Ward 4 fundraiser

Published

4 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

STAFF from Ward 4 at Withybush Hospital are preparing to climb Pen y Fan to raise money for their surgical ward.

The team will take on the challenge on Saturday, September 5, 2026, climbing the highest peak in South Wales in Bannau Brycheiniog.

The fundraiser aims to raise £500, with money going directly towards improving the ward environment for patients.

Staff said: “We have organised this event to raise funds that will go directly towards enhancing the ward environment for patients, including purchasing items such as TVs to improve comfort and wellbeing during their stay.

“We’re hoping to raise £500.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “A huge thank you to the team on Ward 4 for embracing the challenge and choosing to raise funds for their ward. We hope you have a fantastic day and truly enjoy the experience.

“The generous charitable donations we receive do not replace NHS funding. Instead, they support additional items and activities outside core NHS expenditure. These small extras make a big difference, and we are so grateful for every donation we receive.”

Donations can be made to the Ward 4 Pen y Fan fundraiser at: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/cf/ward-4-staff-at-withybush-hospital-s-pen-y-fan-cha

For more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities and how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit: hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales

Pictured:

Staff from Ward 4