A county councillor for Saundersfoot has voiced his disapproval over a decision by the Local Authority that will no longer see the lion’s share of grant money raised from the Pembrokeshire second homes tax premium scheme go to those areas most affected.

Pembrokeshire County Council introduced a second homes premium on council tax, initially at 50 per cent and now at 100 per cent, in 2017.

An ‘Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund’ was established to use money from that premium, to provide grants to enhance the sustainability of local communities.

Grants distribution has historically seen 75 per cent targeted at local wards proportionate to the number of second homes, with the remaining 25 per cent at multiple ward strategic projects.

However, members of PCC’s Cabinet, heard at their July meeting that it was now proposed to have a county-wide approach of larger and smaller schemes, with the smaller schemes of up to £15,000 to be decided by officers, and the larger still coming to Cabinet for a final decision.

County councillor for Saundersfoot’s south ward, Cllr Chris Williams has stated that he strongly disagrees with the decision.

“Over the years Saundersfoot has benefited from applying to the Pembrokeshire ‘enhancement scheme’ for community funding/projects due to the number of second homes in the village,” he said.

“Second homes tax is rightly collected as this is having an impact on the community of Saundersfoot. This is also having a major effect on all costal resorts, and villages in the county.

“Coastal destinations from Amroth to St David’s will all be affected with the recent decision made by the cabinet of Pembrokeshire County Council. They have decided that 75% of the revenue raised in the community from second homes tax should now be distributed across the whole of Pembrokeshire.

“I strongly disagree with that decision. I’m confident that a second home owner in Saundersfoot or Tenby, would want their money spent on initiatives to enhance or improve facilities in the location where they have bought a property,” he continued.

Cllr Williams said that last year alone Saundersfoot benefited with nearly £60,000 through the scheme, which allowed for the successful bid of the new speed awareness cameras costing £27,000 and the new roof at Saundersfoot Sports changing rooms which were £31,000.

“Over the years there have been many projects undertaken, but under this new process it will be very difficult to get the level of funding it once received, and Saundersfoot will definitely have to be very proactive under the new system,” explained Cllr Williams.

“Overall it’s disappointing for the residents and for the home owners who would like to see their money spent locally.

“This money will sit in a bigger pot and Saundersfoot like any other community will have to bid for any additional funding through this new process,” he added.