Author: Rhys Gregory

Freelancers and self-employed individuals often face complexity with taxes. The good thing is that you can plan your taxes. While it might seem intimidating at first, it’s an essential tool for managing your finances when you’re working for yourself. Strategic tax planning involves making informed decisions to reduce tax liabilities, understanding the tax system, identifying suitable deductions, and preparing for tax season. All these might initially appear complex, but they are crucial components of financial management for the self-employed. In this guide, we’ll break down the key steps to help you get started with tax planning. This guide will cover…

The Welsh commercial property market offers unique opportunities for investors. It’s a sector characterised by its diversity, with a range of properties from retail spaces and offices to industrial units. Understanding the nuances of this market is key to making informed investment decisions. The landscape here is influenced by various factors including economic trends, regional development projects, and the evolving needs of businesses. To truly thrive in this market, it’s essential to stay abreast of the latest developments. This includes being aware of government initiatives that impact commercial properties, such as zoning changes or development grants. It’s also important to…

Welsh Labour leadership candidate Jeremy Miles has set out his pledges for Wales’ future, including plans to spend more money on schools and practical help to cut NHS waiting times though dedicated orthopaedic treatment centres.Mr Miles, who officially launched his leadership campaign at an event in Swansea, has made six key pledges on issues that matter the most to the people of Wales – the economy, the NHS, schools, housing, transport, and strengthening Welsh democracy.The six pledges are his policy priorities for the government he would like to lead. They are a set of choices that will reshape the Welsh…

The RSPCA has revealed that it has found loving new homes for more than 17,000 animals in a decade across Wales, with the remarkable rehoming feat revealed to mark its 200th birthday in 2024. The charity has come a long way since 1824 – when founding members of the charity met in a coffee shop in London determined to change animals’ lives, creating the then SPCA and sparking an animal welfare movement that spread around the world. Now – as the RSPCA enters its landmark 200th anniversary year – the charity wants to inspire a one million strong movement for…

A remarkable 15 world premieres will be performed at a top music festival in North Wales. Some of the pieces have been especially commissioned by critically acclaimed Bangor Music Festival and many have been written by young composers based in Wales. The event which focuses mainly on contemporary music has been a cultural highlight on the city’s calendar for nearly a quarter of a century. This year it will be staged mainly at the Pontio Arts Centre at Bangor University from Thursday, February 15, to Sunday, February 18. Artistic Director Guto Pryderi Puw, who has been involved with the festival…

Hundreds of people across Wales are getting behind a man living with motor neuron disease by running, walking, cycling, rowing and swimming in January. Now, dad-of-two Mark Williams, who was diagnosed with MND 18 months ago after he began experiencing slurred speech and muscle twitching, has issued a call to arms to get even more people in Wales to help him fundraise for a cure. Since his diagnosis, the 39-year-old from Abertillery has been praised as a beacon of light for others as he refuses to be defined by the limitations and difficulties of the disease: he continues to go…

On-street parking across Cardiff could change if a new parking plan for the city gets given the go-ahead following consultation with the public. The proposal – to introduce ‘parking zones’ within Parking Management Areas – would give residents a better chance to park on their street, or on adjoining roads close to their home – while reducing opportunities for commuter parking. As well as increasing the number of parking spaces available to residents, blue badge holders, cycle & car clubs, and local businesses could also benefit from the plan. Under the new scheme all on-street parking bounded within the areas…

Members of Pembrokeshire County Council have voted for a 200% Council Tax premium for second homes in the county. At a 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 1st April 2024. Pembrokeshire has the second highest number of second homes in Wales. Changes have also been made to the Council Tax premium on long-term empty properties (from 1st April, 2024). Following an amendment from Cllr Huw Murphy there was broad support across the chamber for the following:…

Road users will notice works activity on the A4058 between Trealaw and Dinas from this week, as part of a Resilient Roads drainage improvement scheme. The work will start at the pictured location (opposite Pinetree Car Sales) from today, Monday, January 8, lasting around five weeks. Two-way traffic flow will be maintained during the scheme, with temporary speed restrictions being applied through the works area to ensure safety. The scheme will construct a new filter drainage system within the grass verge, to reduce the risk of the road flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. The scheme is using Resilient Roads…

Two women are in custody after an assault and robbery of a 72-year-old female on High Street, Swansea on Friday morning (5th January). The victim was physically assaulted before her purse, containing bank cards, coins and photos was stolen. A 31-year-old female and a 34-year-old female, both from Swansea, have been arrested and are now in custody. Detective Chief Inspector Michael Owens said: “Incidents like this will not be tolerated in our community. We have acted quickly to bring two suspects into custody, and the victim is being supported by family. “We are not looking for anyone else in connection…