News

Average council tax bill will raise by up to £100

Published

3 years ago

March 6, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PEMBROKESHIRE ratepayers will see rises of up nearly £100 on average in council tax bills despite a defeated call for a lower rate.

A 7.5 per cent increase, subsidised in part by funds from the second homes council tax premium, was agreed by a full meeting of the county council on March 2.

A late counter-proposal of a 5.5 per cent increase, made by former council leader Jamie Adams was defeated by just six votes at the March 2 meeting.

Presenting the budget, Alec Cormack, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance, said the 7.5 per cent rise represented a real-term cut in the money available, based on inflation running at a just over 10 per cent.

“If it were not for the cost-of-living crisis I would’ve been strongly recommending a 10 per cent increase,” he added.

Councillor Jamie Adams, in his proposal for a lower 5.5 per cent increase, saying: “I believe we, as a council need to reflect the situation facing our residents.”

The proposed lower council tax rate would have been funded by using more money from the council’s reserves, which has been described as “a sticking plaster” by nay-sayers.

Cllr Adams also hit out at contentious capital projects such as Haverfordwest’s transport interchange, suggesting costs could have been saved there.

Cllr Adams later said: “It’s been described as a ‘sticking plaster’. On behalf of your communities, I’m just asking for a little more help; what does a plaster do? It keeps a wound clean until it is healed.”

He was backed by Cllr Aled Thomas, who said: “If there’s ever been a 12 months when we need a ‘sticking plaster’ it is this one.”

Another backer was Cllr Reg Owens, who said the 5.5 per cent proposal would offer “a bit of relief” to the “working poor,” adding: “This isn’t a big help, but at least it shows we as councillors care.”

Cllr Cormack warned that using reserves as “a sticking plaster” for a lower council tax this year could lead to a “double-digit” council tax increase next year.

Council chair Pat Davies said she could not support Cllr Adams’ 5.5 proposal, saying historic low council tax rates in Pembrokeshire had “come back to haunt us.”

That view was echoed by Council Leader David Simpson, who said: “If you think 5.5 per cent is the answer, I’m afraid I will not be supporting it, 7.5 per cent if quite a good balance, we could’ve gone to 10 per cent,” adding: “We are in the position we are in today because we’ve had low council tax increases for many years.”

The 7.5 per cent increase in council tax was passed by 33 votes to 26.

The rise in council tax, set against a funding gap of £18.6m, will be coupled with budget savings of £8.055m and an estimated use of £1.6m of reserves.

It will see the base annual bill of the average Band D property rise by £93.69, to £1,342.86, before the police precept and town or community council bills are added.

Members also agreed to use funds from the second homes council tax premium, following a previous warning that ratepayers would be facing a 12.9 per cent increase if they were not used.

News

Former West Wales MS says Starmer resignation felt ‘increasingly inevitable’

Published

58 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Samuel Kurtz says public frustration has grown after two years of Labour controversies and policy decisions

FORMER West Wales MS Samuel Kurtz has said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation felt “increasingly inevitable” after months of controversy and public frustration.

The Welsh Conservative said he watched the Prime Minister’s Downing Street statement with “genuine frustration”, adding that he wanted the UK to be respected regardless of which party was in government.

Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and Labour leader, just 12 days before the second anniversary of Labour’s 2024 general election victory.

Mr Kurtz said: “As a British citizen, I sighed genuine frustration while watching this morning. Whatever the political colour of the Government, I want our country to be respected at home and on the international stage.

“But, in truth, this moment has felt increasingly inevitable as the weeks turned into months.”

He pointed to a series of controversies and policy decisions, including the Lord Alli gifts row, winter fuel allowance cuts, the Family Farm Tax, rising National Insurance, defence spending and domestic energy production.

Mr Kurtz said people “simply feel worse off”, adding that confidence in the economy remained low.

He said: “A Government should ultimately be judged on whether life is getting better for the people it serves.

“After two years marked by the controversies and a series of damaging policy decisions mentioned above, it’s difficult to argue this Government has passed that test.”

Mr Kurtz also questioned what would happen next, asking whether Labour would see an “Andy Burnham coronation”, whether Wes Streeting could build enough support, or whether an outsider could emerge.

He added that he would be watching the leadership contest “from the sidelines with interest”.

Labour is expected to open nominations for a new leader on July 9, with Starmer remaining in office until his successor is chosen.

Community

Haverfordwest lounge praised for charity work

Published

1 hour ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.

Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.

Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.

Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”

The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.

Caption: Community support: Thomas Tudor, Stephanie Davies and Henry Tufnell MP outside The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

News

Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

Published

2 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.

Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.

The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.

The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.

On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.

Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.