PUBLIC services must come before second home owners, Unison urged today in response to Pembrokeshire County Council’s budget consultation.

The union called for a higher council tax, including on long-term empty properties, and the subsidy for second home owners scrapped to fund Pembrokeshire’s £34.1 million gap.

Unison criticised the reduction of the second home tax premium from 200 to 150 per cent, describing it as “deeply disappointing” and estimating the £1.2m loss in the change of plans could close 60 per cent of libraries and day centres.

The union also demanded a 5 per cent funding boost from the Welsh government, arguing that record-low council tax rates are undermining essential services and staff recruitment.

Unison Pembrokeshire branch secretary Jonathan Lewis said: “It’s deplorable that councillors have put second home owners before looking after the young and old in its communities.

“Taxpayers in Pembrokeshire shouldn’t have to shoulder an increased council tax burden to protect out-of-county homeowners.”

Branch chairwoman Manuela Hughes said: “Council staff are working hard to deliver critical services to communities across Pembrokeshire.

“Both they and local residents deserve far better.”