News
Cabinet recommends 100% Council Tax premium for second homes
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL CABINET has recommended placing a 100 per cent Council Tax premium on second homes, and to retain the current 100 per cent empty homes premium.
The county currently has the second highest rate of second or empty homes and long term empty homes in Wales and in 2017 the Council introduced a 50 per cent Council Tax premium on second homes and a premium of up to 100 percent on long term empty homes.
Reducing the number of second homes and long term empty homes is seen as desirable as increasing the supply of affordable housing across Pembrokeshire is a priority.
Second homes and empty properties reduce the number of houses available to local residents.
The additional money currently raised in Pembrokeshire is being used to support the development of affordable housing, such as a long- term housing project in Solva, as well as providing grants to local projects through the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant fund.
The Council is currently developing an Affording Housing Strategy that will include a range of Low Cost Home Ownership options, and have submitted an Empty Property Action Plan to Welsh Government for consideration.
Councillor Bob Kilmister, Cabinet Member for Finance wanted to thank all those who responded to its consultation which closed in July.
He said: “Following our public consultation, Cabinet met this morning, October 4 th and I proposed to recommend a 50 per cent increase in the second home surcharge to full Council, which was agreed.
“While people from elsewhere in the UK find it relatively easy to afford property in Pembrokeshire, it is much more difficult for those living and earning locally.
“A high proportion of second homes in a community also poses a threat to the viability of local schools and opportunities to nurture and grow the Welsh language.”
The final decision will be made by full Council on 14 October 2021.
Crime
Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court
A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.
James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.
He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.
Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.
Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.
He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.
News
Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly
All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene
A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.
The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.
Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.
A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”
A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.
The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.
The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.
Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.
Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.
Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.
The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.
The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
News
Major incident declared after bus crash in Carmarthenshire
Emergency services at scene as A484 closed near Parc y Bocs
A MAJOR incident has been declared in Kidwelly following a collision involving a bus.
Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were dealing with the incident on the A484 near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.
The road has been closed between the Kidwelly roundabout and Llandyfaelog, and motorists are being urged to find alternative routes.
Emergency services are at the scene, and members of the public have been asked to stay away from the area until further notice.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Officers are dealing with a major incident in Kidwelly, following a report of a collision involving a bus on the A484 near the Kidwelly roundabout.
“The road is closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog, and motorists are asked to find alternative routes.
“Emergency services are on scene and members of the public are asked to stay away from the area until further notice.”
More information is expected to follow.
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