News

Independent Group opposed to ‘unprecedented’ Council Tax hike

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2024

CABINET proposals recommending a significant increase in Council Tax rates by 16.31% for the fiscal year 2024/25 AND the following three years have been met with stern opposition by Independent Group of councillors, The Herald has learned.

The proposed year-or-year hikes, aimed at addressing the financial challenges faced by the cash-strapped County Council has sparked a wave of concern amongst many families who are already facing the cost-of-living crisis.

Councillor Andrew Edwards said: “The proposed increase in council tax stands as an unjust burden on the citizens of Pembrokeshire, particularly during a period marked by an escalating cost of living crisis and the onset of a confirmed recession.

Why is Pembrokeshire looking at a massive council tax hike?

“Despite a fall in inflation, the decision by the current administration to implement a significant tax hike seems not only disproportionate but also detrimental to the financial stability of our community.

“Such an increase is far from being just or sustainable, placing an undue strain on households already navigating the challenges of tightened budgets and economic uncertainty. Our communities deserve a lot better.”

Councillor Huw Murphy, representing the Independent Group, is completely against the proposed large hikes, highlighting the disproportionate burden it would place on Pembrokeshire’s residents compared to other Welsh counties.

According to the proposal detailed in the “Notice of the Meeting of Cabinet” published last week (Feb 13), a Band D property’s Council Tax would increase by £4.20 per week or £219.02 per annum, amounting to a 16.31% hike annually until 2027. This stark increase is a departure from last year’s indication of a manageable 7.5% rise over the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

The implications of adopting such a recommendation are profound, with a Band D property owner in Pembrokeshire facing an increase of £930.68 by 2027/28 compared to a scenario where Council Tax rises by just 7.5% annually. Cllr. Murphy has criticised the Cabinet’s rationale, citing a lack of evidence to justify such an “extraordinary amount” and points out the potential for Pembrokeshire to become the highest Council Tax authority in Wales, surpassing even Blaenau Gwent, currently holding that title.

The financial strain is attributed mainly to the Social Services Department’s increasing costs for ‘Out of County’ placements. However, Cllr Murphy told The Herald that most other departments are operating within budget, many even presenting a surplus. The stark contrast in proposed tax increases across Wales further fuels the debate, with Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, and Swansea proposing much lower increases, casting Pembrokeshire’s approach as exceptionally burdensome and potentially unfair to its residents.

Cllr Murphy says there is a broader concern regarding the impact of such increases on local households, potentially driving working families and pensioners into poverty.

The proposed tax rise starkly contrasts with the current inflation rate and projected pay increases, raising questions about the council’s consideration for the economic realities faced by its residents and the potential adverse effects on the county’s ability to attract and retain essential workers, including teachers.

The Independent Group has proposed amendments to the budget in hopes of mitigating the impact on residents but finds the reduction offered insufficient to address community concerns.

In a letter to Cllr Alec Cormack, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance for Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Huw Murphy said that there is no justification to support an annual Council Tax rise of 16.31% up to and including 2027.

He explained the matter had already resulted in fear and desperation entering many households and will drive many working families and pensioners on fixed incomes into poverty.

He wrote: “I am informed there appears to be no likely easing of pressure on PCC in respect of funding ‘Out of County’ placements by Social Services, with the presumption this will continue rising exponentially until 2027/28? Homelessness was a topic of conversation twelve months ago. However, homelessness numbers have decreased by 24% between March and December 2023. Therefore, there will come a point when (no one knows when), ‘Out of County’ placements will plateau if not decrease.

He continued: “I would be grateful for a written response providing an explanation with supporting evidence as to the need for applying a 16.31% Council Tax increase for not only 2024/25 but also for the following 3 years (MTFP), moving away from the presumption of a 7.5% Council Tax for the MTFP as recommended on Feb 13, 2023.

“The Independent Group met the Director of Resources and proposed amendments to your budget on Feb 13, and aspects of our proposals were deemed appropriate to offer a lower Council Tax rate than 16.31%. We are grateful for the assistance provided to us at this time.

“However, the reduction offered was insufficient to allay community concerns and we withdrew our proposals, leaving your Cabinet recommendation as the only current option.”

Cllr Murphy continued: “The need to consider imposing a higher than 7.5% Council Tax for 2024/25 will be debated and voted upon on March 7. However, I currently see no justification to ALSO recommend a 16.31% Council Tax rise for the following 3 years. If we go down this path I foresee significant community tension and disengagement between residents and PCC and a brief glance at social media over the last week will confirm this.

“There is huge concern by a majority of Councillors across the whole chamber with regards to the proposed 16.31% rise in Council Tax for 2024/25 and I am gravely concerned at your desire to now factor in an annual 16.31% Council Tax rise into the MTFP (until 2027).”There is huge concern by a majority of Councillors across the whole chamber with regards to the proposed 16.31% rise in Council Tax for 2024/25 and I am gravely concerned at your desire to now factor in an annual 16.31% Council Tax rise into the MTFP (until 2027).

“I do not want to see this authority reject a budget and the consequences this will bring upon Officers and ourselves.

“However, in life we sometimes have to make decisions that appear controversial, possibly unthinkable but if done in the best interests of our residents then that is what has to be done, and your recommended Council Tax rise of 16.31% is taking us to this point. Through many recent conversations it’s clear your Council Tax proposals needs to be reduced by a significant percentage to have the support of Council on March 7th, 2024.

“Therefore, should Council fail to agree a budget on March 7th, 2024 through the the loyalty of the majority of Councillors to the people of Pembrokeshire in defending them from an unaffordable Council Tax rise; then you as Cabinet lead for Finance, along with the Leader and other Cabinet members must bear full responsibility and with it the consequences as all Cabinet members voted for a 16.31% Council Tax rise in 2024/25 and the recommendation of an annual 16.31% Council Tax rise into the MTFP.

“Independent Group Councillors we are willing to work with Councillors across the Chamber to achieve the goal of protecting residents of all ages, be they rural or urban from the impact of your current proposals which will have far reaching and negative consequences if passed on March 7th”, Cllr Murphy added.

The Herald understands that the recommended 16.3% increase is for the tax year 2024-25 and not for future years.

This is at odds with the IPG’s letter.

Any Council Tax increases for future years were not, as The Herald understands, discussed at Cabinet.

Currently, the finance team and Pembrokeshire County Council is predicting increases of 7.5% from 2025-26 onwards continuing up to 2027-28.

However, this could be subject to change – of course.

Entertainment

Plan your journey to Eisteddfod y Garreg Las

Published

9 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THOUSANDS of visitors are expected to travel to Eisteddfod y Garreg Las from communities across Wales and beyond.

Whether you are arriving by car, bus, train, coach or taxi, planning your journey in advance will help ensure you reach the Maes safely and in good time.

Travelling by car

Drivers should follow the yellow ‘Eisteddfod’ signs, which will direct traffic to the Maes and the free visitor car parks.

The Eisteddfod site at Llantwd is situated a few miles south of Cardigan.

From Fishguard

Follow the A487 north through Newport and continue towards the Maes entrance, following the yellow Eisteddfod signs as you approach the site.

From Narberth or Carmarthen

Leave the A40 at the Penblewin roundabout and take the A478 towards Cardigan.

Continue to the junction with the B4332 at Postgwyn, turn left and travel west for approximately two miles. Follow the Eisteddfod signs, which will direct traffic north from the B4332 before reaching Eglwyswrw.

From Crymych and Boncath

Travel to the junction of the B4332 and A478 at Postgwyn, then continue west and follow the Eisteddfod signs.

From Cardigan and the north

Travel south from Cardigan and follow the yellow Eisteddfod signs to the Maes.

Visitors should use the designated free car parks and must not park on the roadside. Parking restrictions will be in place around the site.

Travelling by bus

Additional bus services will make it easier for visitors to leave the car at home during the Eisteddfod.

TrawsCymru T5

The TrawsCymru T5 service will take passengers directly to the Maes at Llantwd, with regular services operating between Haverfordwest and Cardigan via Fishguard and Newport.

More frequent buses and late-evening services will operate between Fishguard and Cardigan throughout Eisteddfod week.

Service 430

The 430 bus provides a link between Narberth and Cardigan via Crymych.

Thanks to support from Pembrokeshire County Council, the service will operate every day during the Eisteddfod, with all journeys running to and from Narberth.

An additional late-evening bus will leave directly from the Maes at 11.15pm. Passengers travelling onwards will need to change at Cardigan.

The special T5 and 430 timetables can be downloaded from:

https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/bus-routes-and-timetables/planned-bus-service-changes

Travel is free for passengers with an All-Wales Concessionary Bus Pass.

Young people aged 21 and under can travel for £1 per journey, with a maximum daily fare of £3. Passengers aged between 16 and 21 will need a MyTravelPass.

Special Eisteddfod fares are also available from Transport for Wales:

https://traws.cymru/en/catch-the-t5-bus-straight-to-the-eisteddfod

Free shuttle from Cardigan

Visitors can also use Bws yr Arglwydd Rhys, a free shuttle bus operating between Finch Square in Cardigan and the Maes.

The service will run every hour, on the hour, from 7am until midnight.

Travelling by train

Transport for Wales will operate regular free shuttle buses between Carmarthen railway station and the Maes.

Further information about rail services is available at:

https://tfw.wales/ways-to-travel

Visitors can also plan their journeys through Traveline Cymru:

https://www.traveline.cymru

Special coach excursions

Several operators are organising dedicated trips to the Eisteddfod.

Jones Login

Jones Login will operate excursions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The coach will leave Carmarthen at 7.35am, with pick-up points in St Clears, Whitland, Penblewin, Narberth and along the A478.

Information and booking:

https://www.joneslogin.co.uk/Tour/Eisteddfod-Genedlaethol-Cymru

Windy Corner Coaches

Windy Corner Coaches will operate trips on Monday and Friday, as well as a special excursion on the first Saturday for the Super Furry Animals concert.

Information and booking:

https://windycornercoaches.co.uk/day-trips

Midway Motors

Midway Motors will operate services to the Maes every day throughout the Eisteddfod.

The daytime service will depart from:

Tegryn at 10am
Llanfyrnach at 10.05am
Hermon at 10.10am
Crymych at 10.15am
Blaenffos at 10.20am
Boncath at 10.25am
Eglwyswrw at 10.35am

The return journey will leave the Maes at 6pm.

An evening service will also operate, departing from:

Tegryn at 5.15pm
Llanfyrnach at 5.20pm
Hermon at 5.25pm
Crymych at 5.30pm
Blaenffos at 5.40pm
Boncath at 5.45pm
Eglwyswrw at 5.50pm

The evening return journey will leave the Maes at 11pm.

Fares are £5 for adults and £1 for children.

To book, call 01239 831267.

Travelling by taxi

Local taxi and private-hire firms serving the Maes include:

Kyle’s Taxis, H J Taxis Ltd, Tony’s Taxis, Fishguard Taxis, Morgans Private Hire, Letterston Taxi Service, Frank’s Cabs and St David’s Taxis, A2B Minibuses and Taxis, H&S Cab Service, Robins Taxis and Home James.

Visitors are advised to book taxis and coach seats in advance, particularly for late-evening journeys and major Eisteddfod events.

Entertainment

From Sinatra to Bublé as The Story of Swing comes to Milford Haven

Published

10 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSIC lovers are invited to take a journey through the golden age of swing when SOS Big Band – The Story of Swing arrives at the Torch Theatre this August.

Presented by award-winning vocalist and world-class trumpet player Gareth John, alongside the acclaimed SOS Big Band, the show celebrates decades of iconic swing and big band music.

Audiences can expect much-loved classics made famous by Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, as well as more modern hits associated with Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Matt Goss, Paul Anka and Harry Connick Jr.

Renowned for his showmanship and passion for the genre, Gareth brings a natural warmth and energy to the stage, building an easy rapport with audiences wherever he performs.

During his career, he has shared the stage with a number of household names, including The Beautiful South and The Specials.

The production has already received enthusiastic reviews during its tour, with one audience member at the Core Theatre in Solihull describing it as “a brilliant show”.

SOS Big Band – The Story of Swing will be performed at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, on Saturday, August 1, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £28.50 and can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.

News

Pembrokeshire ‘left behind’ as top-quality 5G reaches just one in 100 premises

Published

10 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Henry Tufnell has called for urgent government action, saying unreliable mobile coverage is damaging businesses, tourism and access to essential services

ONLY one per cent of premises in Mid and South Pembrokeshire can access the highest-quality form of 5G from at least one mobile network, according to figures highlighted by the constituency’s MP.

Henry Tufnell has written to the Minister for the Digital Economy calling for an urgent meeting over what he described as a serious lack of investment in mobile infrastructure across West Wales.

In his letter, the Labour MP said the constituency remained far behind the rest of the country in both the availability and reliability of mobile services.

According to Ofcom figures cited by Mr Tufnell, 12 per cent of premises in Mid and South Pembrokeshire cannot receive a usable high-quality 5G signal from any network. That is six times the national average of two per cent.

He also said that only one per cent of premises locally could access “5G Standalone”, the highest-quality version of the technology, from at least one operator. Nationally, the equivalent figure is said to be 86 per cent.

Mr Tufnell said surveys carried out among his constituents showed the effect poor coverage was having on everyday life.

Some 98 per cent of respondents said a lack of mobile signal negatively affected them, while more than three-quarters reported having a poor signal or no signal where they lived.

The MP said unreliable connectivity was affecting residents, businesses and visitors, as well as schools, transport services and healthcare workers such as community nurses.

Mobile coverage problems were not limited to isolated rural areas, he said, with unreliable service frequently reported in Haverfordwest and persistent “not-spots” affecting Tenby during the busy tourist season.

Poor coverage can also prevent people from using banking, payment and parking applications, creating particular difficulties for visitors and businesses during peak periods.

Mr Tufnell has separately contacted VodafoneThree UK and EE about infrastructure in the Tenby and Penally areas.

VodafoneThree has advised him that it plans to upgrade the mast at Slippery Back Lane in Tenby, although the work is not currently expected to be delivered until 2028.

He has also raised concerns about a proposed 20-metre 4G telecommunications mast at Strawberry Lane, Penally.

Planning permission has been granted for the replacement mast, but the previous structure has already been removed and work on the new installation has yet to begin.

Mr Tufnell said he had written to EE in April seeking clarification about when the mast would be installed, but had not received a response by the time of his latest correspondence.

He has now asked the Government to discuss what support can be provided to accelerate the delivery of reliable mobile infrastructure across the constituency.

Mr Tufnell said: “West Wales cannot continue to be left behind. We need high-quality, reliable digital infrastructure across the whole of Pembrokeshire.

“This is not simply an inconvenience. Poor mobile coverage is affecting residents, local businesses, public services and the tourism industry.”