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News

Council chief’s tax-dodge

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on

bryn

H E R A L D  E X C L U S I V E

An obscure Council Committee, meeting in secret session, decided to help Pembrokeshire County Council top boss Bryn Parry-Jones help himself to a tax break, The Pembrokeshire Herald  has exclusively revealed in this week’s edition.

The hard-hitting story reveals that the tax dodge allows Bryn-Parry Jones to opt out of the Local Government Pension Scheme and get paid the equivalent of the Council’s contribution every year to invest or do with as he wished.

The minutes of the secret meeting show that current IPPG supremo Jamie Adams, former IPPG leader John Davies, former IPPG deputy John Allen-Mirehouse, current IPPG Cabinet member Sue Perkins, former Tory leader Stan Hudson and now-retired Councillor and former IPPG Cabinet papermember David Wildman, unanimously backed the deal.

Unusually, the meeting was held in Bryn Parry-Jones’ office at County Hall.

The BBC has followed up The Herald’s story and confirmed that Bryn Parry-Jones was at the meeting where his own pay and conditions of employment were discussed. He was the only Council employee to take advantage of the tax avoidance scheme in the last tax year.

The editor of The Pembrokeshire Herald, Thomas Sinclair, said:

“The Welsh Audit Office has determined that a very similar tax avoidance scheme in Carmarthenshire is unlawful. We say that whether the scheme is unlawful or not is only part of the story. The main point is that this is a big tax break given to the well-off and well-paid when ordinary workers are having their pay and hours cut. Whether lawful or not, this tax dodge scheme is immoral.”

Local UNISON Branch Secretary Vic Dennis agreed and expressed shock at news of the tax dodge. “UNISON members at County Hall who have taken large cuts in their wages will be appalled.”

 

FOR MORE: READ THE FULL STORY EXCLUSIVELY IN THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD THIS WEEK

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3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Tomos

    October 1, 2013 at 8:31 am

    Do you have no decency left Sir?

    RESIGN!

  2. Alan Wilkinson

    October 8, 2013 at 7:13 am

    So, the highest paid council official in Wales can award himself and his cronies a ‘bonus’ amounting to more than most people in Pembrokeshire earn in a full year. Is that what public service is about now? Why is this man still in his job?

  3. Mark Llewhellin

    November 24, 2013 at 8:24 am

    Two Very good points from Thomas & Alan.

    I have no bad feelings towards Bryn Parry Jones but he is simply not the right man for the job.
    The people set up Government & council to “Serve” them. Not award yourself pay that you dictate & cut services and other people’s pay.

    There needs to be transparency with decisions in the council & the “People” should vote who they want to run their county!!

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Community

Police assist as loose horses cause concern near Pembroke Leisure Centre

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A GROUP of loose horses caused alarm near Pembroke Leisure Centre on Sunday (March 30), prompting a police response and reigniting concerns over the ongoing issue of fly-grazing in Pembrokeshire.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended the scene to ensure public safety and attempt to secure the animals, which had been spotted wandering in the area.

This latest incident comes amid growing frustrations over repeated occurrences of horses roaming freely on roads and public land, or on private land without the landowner’s permission.

The problem of fly-grazing—where horses are left to graze on land without consent—has become a serious issue across the county, with multiple cases reported in recent months including at St Daniels Hill in Pembroke. In that case, horses were eventually removed following a long struggle by landowner Paul Hay, who said the situation had caused significant distress and called for new legislation to protect the public.

Last month, one local resident reported her father suffered head injuries and wrote off his car after hitting a loose horse on the A477 in the dark. Despite the severity of the incident, no further police action was taken, fuelling anger among residents.

Fly grazing has become a huge problem in recent years, with a large increase in incidents in the last few months (Image: File)

County Councillor Jonathan Grimes has been liaising with local authorities and police in a bid to address the issue, while members of the public have also come forward to share experiences of property damage and road closures.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for a statement about the latest incident.

Anyone with concerns about loose horses which may cause a danger to traffic or pedestrians can call the police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

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Community

Funeral arrangements confirmed for popular local entertainer, Matt Baker

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THE FUNERAL arrangements have been announced for Matt Baker, affectionately known as ‘Mr Good Times’ of Haverfordwest.

Matt passed away on March 15 aged 49. He was the much-loved son of Phyllis and stepson to Aad, and son to the late Paul. He was a devoted brother to Reuben, his wife Cath, and Simeon, and a beloved uncle to Aston, Dylan and Axel.

Matt was well known in the local community for his cheerful nature, positive outlook and ability to bring people together. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

His funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 12 at 11:00am at Pembrokeshire College Theatre. This will be followed by interment at Freystrop Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Matt, in aid of mental health causes, can be made via a donation box at the wake following the interment.

All enquiries should be directed to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors on (01437) 763821.

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Charity

Emergency services unite for charity at Pembroke Dock Fire Station

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A CHARITY car wash at Pembroke Dock Fire Station drew crowds on Saturday (Mar 29), raising money in support of The Firefighters Charity.

The event, organised by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, ran from 10:00am to 4:00pm and saw a steady stream of local residents turning out to support the cause. Visitors were able to get their vehicles washed by firefighters, with all proceeds going towards helping fire service personnel and their families.

Among those showing support were local police officers, with PCSOs 8020 and 8112 from Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Police making an appearance. The officers not only lent their encouragement to their emergency service colleagues but also had their police vehicle given a good hosing down.

“It was very busy with lots of local people supporting such a good cause,” a police spokesperson said. “Well done to Phil and the team, and a special thank you for hosing down our police vehicle whilst we were there.”

The event highlighted the strong sense of camaraderie between emergency services in the area and the ongoing support from the community for their efforts.

For more information on future events and ways to support The Firefighters Charity, visit tancgc.gov.uk or mawwfire.gov.uk.

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