THE HERALD FRIDAY JANUARY 27 2017
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13 News Holiday home tax rise Friendships and fun at ALN youth clubs SECOND home owners in
Pembrokeshire are reacting to the proposed changes by Pembrokeshire County Council to introduce an increase to their council tax contribution, according to a local holiday home firm. Currently, holiday home owners
who use their properties for their own use will be hit with a 50% increase to their council tax charges. People who have a holiday home in Pembrokeshire already pay a 100% contribution to the council for services. FBM Holidays, part of the FBM
group, based in Tenby and who work with holiday home owners across the county, have noticed an increase in the amount of applications for second home owners seeking advice on how they can circumvent these charges by opening up their available weeks for rental. The recently announced 50% rise
in council tax, which is due to come into force on April 1, is primarily aimed at people who have a second home for their own personal use and do not holiday let that property. As an owner, if a holiday property is available for 140 days and is let for a minimum of 70 days, they would qualify for business rates and therefore pay no council tax at all.
A spokesperson for FBM
Holidays said: “Since the decision by the council was made, enquiries from people who have holiday homes in Pembrokeshire and now want to consider letting their properties have soared. “We’re always happy to advise
and give illustrations to would-be owners of holiday homes. We can advise how to switch to business rates and we let thousands of weeks of holiday rental each year. For those new to the idea of holiday letting, I think they’ve been surprised at the level of return they can get from their property, and with these new charges, they see this as the time to take the plunge.” The council-led changes stem
from concerns from various Local Authorities throughout Wales, where second homes make up large proportions of local tourist areas. Due to the rise in holiday home ownership in these areas, it has become harder for first-time buyers to buy homes in their desired locations, and also had an impact on council budgets. New measures brought in by Gwynedd and Pembrokeshire specifically aim to change these trends. As such, the impact on holiday
home owners is starting to see a ripple effect.
AN AMBITIOUS new project
offering children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN) or disabilities in Pembrokeshire a chance to play, make new friends and build their confidence is to be launched at the end of January. The Pembrokeshire Trinity Project
will provide Saturday morning youth clubs in a friendly, safe environment for children and young people with ALN and disabilities between the ages of five and 18.
The first club to launch will be at
Haverfordwest, who will hold their first session at Bethesda Baptist Church this Saturday (Jan 28). Meetings will be held weekly for the first two months, and fortnightly after that. Further clubs will open at Pembroke Dock and Fishguard in the spring. Pembrokeshire County Council is
coordinating the project and is providing registration packs to any interested parents or carers. “The aim of the Trinity Project is to
provide great activities, the opportunity to build new friendships, and a real sense of belonging,” said organiser Jonathan Bell, Early Help Inclusion Officer. “We have a wonderful group of
volunteer play workers who will be organising fun activities from art and craft to dance, music, and computer play – or even just enjoying a board game, or a chat. “The project will give young people
Some of the Trinity Project’s volunteer play workers: Will be providing activities at the Haverfordwest club
with ALN and disabilities a chance to do their own thing, while offering parents and carers the valuable opportunity to do just the same. “We understand the challenges faced
by parents and that a few hours respite and relaxation on a weekend can make a big difference to a family’s life.” A local mother said that apart from
sports clubs, there are no other options in Pembrokeshire for children with ALNs to socialise in a safe environment outside school with the support from young and enthusiastic volunteers. She said: “I commend Jon Bell’s
research, foresight and innovation to action what will be a fantastic opportunity to connect the youth in the local community – for those who need support to socialise and for those who volunteer their support. “I know my son is looking forward to
getting the paints out with someone other than mum!" The clubs also offer a fantastic
opportunity for volunteers who would like to further their experience of working with young people and develop their skills within an ALN setting. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds
are being sought to help deliver dynamic, child-centred and play-based sessions in which positive relationships are developed and the needs of each individual is met. Emma Sutton said volunteering had made a huge difference to her life. “It also gives parents and carers a bit of
‘time off’ which we all need from time to time! And most importantly for the young people themselves, it gives them that bit of independence from their families which is so important in their development.”
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