A County councillor for Saundersfoot has voiced his concerns that funding from the Council Tax premium for second homes is not being spent in areas of Pembrokeshire impacted the most.

An ‘Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund’ was established by the Local Authority back in 2017 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.

However, members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, at a meeting last summer, heard it was now proposed to have a county-wide approach of larger and smaller schemes; with members agreeing that the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund be amalgamated into a single generic funding pot, with the indicative allowance of some £700,000 annually.

Following on from that, at the meeting of Council before Christmas it was decided that the premium of 200% council tax (in addition to the standard 100% Council Tax charge) be introduced on second homes from April 1, 2024.

Ahead of the debate, Saundersfoot county councillor for the village’s south ward Chris Williams submitted a request for dispensation to speak and vote on any discussions on a tourism levy or the second homes council tax premium.

Committee members unanimously agreed that Cllr Williams could speak on the matter but not vote, due to his part-time work as a caretaker for second homes, managing up to 40 of such properties, as well as non-second homes.

Members of the committee heard there were somewhere in the region of 390-420 second homes properties in the seaside village, Cllr Williams’ work applying to some 10 per cent of them.

At the committee meeting, Cllr Williams presented his case, saying he had a balanced view, and had been inundated with calls from both second home-owners and local residents.

“I had disclosed previously to Pembrokeshire County Council and the Standards committee that I had ties to second homes/holiday homes and that I organised major charity events in Saundersfoot such as the New Year’s Day Swim, SaundersFEST, and the TenFoot Swim,” said Cllr Williams.

“While these charity events are arranged for the local residents in the village, these events also attract sponsors and individuals from outside Saundersfoot.

“Ahead of the debate, I stated that I was born and bred in Saundersfoot and fully understand the impact of tourism in the seaside village.

“I also stated that as an organiser of three major events in Saundersfoot that I fully understand that many constituents either work or run businesses in the tourist industry and I felt that I should have been allowed to vote and express my views in the debate.

“The point I was trying to get across was that Saundersfoot has developed from the coal industry where the community was employed.

“When this ceased Saundersfoot developed into a tourist destination that is enjoyed by thousands of people each day throughout the tourist season.

“Saundersfoot has developed over the last 25 years trying to extend the season by holding events through the year.

“This has worked exceptionally well and people are now coming for short breaks all year round, spending money locally and keeping jobs in place,” he continued.

Cllr Williams states that he fully supports the current 100% Second Home Council Tax, and has talked with many residents and individuals who pay the 100% tax.

“The vast majority think this is fair and they thought that their tax was going to Saundersfoot - but unfortunately this isn’t the case,” remarked Cllr Williams.

“Last year, at full council, it was voted that 75% of the Second Homes tax revenue collected locally from second/holiday homes goes into a central pot for Pembrokeshire.

“I was one of only six Councillors who voted against this decision as I feel that if revenue is collected in Saundersfoot, Tenby, Amroth or Newport, then that community should be able to access those funds for community projects!

“I strongly support the village and voted against this vote because Saundersfoot lost out. There is now only 25% available for community grants/improvements.

“Another reason as to why I wouldn’t have supported the 200% is as follows. The legislation set down by the Welsh Government stated ‘that discretion will be given to local authorities to charge a premium’.

“This is intended to be a tool to help support local authorities in increasing the supply of affordable housing and enhancing the sustainability of local communities.

“Unfortunately since this revenue has been collected, not a single house has been built in Pembrokeshire prior to this council debate.

“In my view this is unacceptable that with the money collected that this hasn’t been put into affordable/social housing to support the lower paid and younger families in our communities.

“This was Welsh Government’s aim to tackle the housing crisis at tourist destinations.”

During the debate, Cllr Williams stated that stricter planning regulations regarding second homes were needed, as well as the need for holiday/second homes to be fully licensed.

“I also stated that the second-home owners weren’t fully to blame for the shortfall in school numbers in Saundersfoot School,” he explained.

“I’m fully aware that there is a significant drop over the last ten years but I would also like to state that over the last 10 years in Pembrokeshire, there are just over 2,000 less pupils in education.

“There is also a new Welsh school in Tenby called Hafan y Mor which has a fantastic reputation. From that school they can then proceed to Crymych, which is one of the top 3 schools in Wales.

“Currently in Saundersfoot we have roughly 26% classed as holiday units. The holiday units that are on The Strand were previously built purely for the summer season and short term holidays. These properties aren’t fit for long term family living.

“Taking that into account, the figures drop to just under 20%. My personal view is that we need to build affordable/social housing to accommodate the younger families in the village and there should be greater regulations on planning and licensing. We have to find the correct balance.

“Saundersfoot wouldn’t be what it is today without our coal heritage and now tourism.

“Saundersfoot is a thriving village community and the balance has to be right going into the future to protect the residents of the future.

“One of the greatest assets to Pembrokeshire is tourism, the stunning scenery and countryside, rugged coastline and our amazing beaches.

“One of Pembrokeshire’s biggest employers is the tourism industry.

“My view is that we’re open all year round and attracting new businesses to create sustainable jobs all year round for those who wish to stay and live here.

“We need jobs, we need people to be coming into our restaurants and holiday parks.

“We’re trying to get people into Pembrokeshire 12 months of the year,” added Cllr Williams.