Second home owners in Pembrokeshire have hit back at the Local Authority, writing to express their concerns over the recent Council Tax rise.

At the turn of the year, members of Pembrokeshire County Council backed a Cabinet-supported 200% premium for second homes, effectively a treble rate, from April onwards.

Since the hike, some second home-owners across the county have revealed that they have been hit with a hike up to as much as £11,000 in council tax.

Correspondence has now been sent to PCC’s chief executive, on behalf of the ‘Pembrokeshire Council Tax Premium Support Group’ on Facebook, who have come together following receipt of the 2024/25 Council Tax bills.

“You have increased the council tax burden on our group to at least three times the standard council tax rate,” states the correspondence, highlighting the ‘distressing effect’ this has had on recipients.

“As those directly impacted by the premium, we request a meeting with senior officers and councillors, as a matter of urgency, to discuss amongst other things: the objectives of the Premium, the ability of many to pay the sums demanded and also concerns relating to the short notice period which appear to contravene the Welsh Government guidelines.

“As a group, we have sought to comply with previous requests for the Premium in order to contribute to the purposes of the Council and are committed to the future sustainability of the area, but we believe that there has been insufficient thought given to the unintended consequences of the latest actions, several of which we would like to explore with you.”

Voicing their opinions further, some took to social media stating that they were determined to challenge and fight the Council tax rise, moving forward.

“It will be defeated at some point. Totally discriminatory, immoral, close to being illegal, and something I'm prepared to spend money on defeating!” stated second-home owner Paul Brook.

Another hit back at comments from Tenby’s county councillor for the North ward, Cllr Michael Williams who had described previously thriving communities across Pembrokeshire, as “almost dead” outside the holiday seasons.

Tenby harbour North Walk
Tenby’s county councillor for the North ward, Cllr Michael Williams has described previously thriving communities across Pembrokeshire, as “almost dead” outside the holiday seasons. (Pic: Gareth Davies Photography)

“Look at the town centre of Tenby, even during the day it’s almost dead; there are no second home-owners this time of year,” remarked Cllr Williams.

“Walk through the towns at night, there are almost entire streets in darkness.

“To say they spend more than in their own communities, that’s cloud cuckoo land; they’re bringing their food from Waitrose.

“Second home-owners pretend they cannot see the damage they are causing to the communities, they cause huge damage,” he added.

Commenting in response to the Tenby Observer story on Facebook, Susie Parr remarked: “The 'Tenby is a ghost town' narrative is simply a political device to stir up bad feeling and distract from the fiscal mismanagement of the councils, who have totally failed to plan for sustainable and affordable housing.

“Please stop spreading these rumours that support the scapegoating of second home owners, who bring a lot to the local economy, support local businesses, tradespeople and good causes.”