Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: I’ve recently found myself living alone after the breakdown of my relationship. My council tax bill is due soon, and I’m worried I won’t be able to afford to pay it on my own. I’m already struggling to cover the cost of my other bills. What can I do?

A: You’re not alone in worrying about struggling to pay your bills. It’s a difficult time for people who are battling rising costs for food and essentials - as well as seeing their bills creep up.

Fortunately, there are options available to people struggling to pay their council tax, but you’ll need to find out if you’re eligible first. You might be entitled to pay less, or not at all, depending on your circumstances, because councils offer discounts and other reductions.

Firstly, because you’re the only adult living in your home, your council tax bill can be reduced by a quarter. For example, if your bill is £1,000 for the year, you’ll only have to pay £750 now that you live on your own. You’ll need to tell your council someone has moved out of your home and the date that they left. You’re entitled to the discount from when they moved out - even if it was a while ago.

When the council works out how many people live in a property, there are certain people that don’t count - they’re called ‘disregarded people’. This includes under-18s, full-time students, long-term hospital patients, people with severe mental impairments, and many more. You can check our website for more information on disregarded people.

In Wales, some care leavers (under the age of 24) are disregarded too. You can find out more about paying less council tax in Wales here.

In some situations, everyone living in a home is disregarded. If this is the case, the council tax bill will be reduced by half. If everyone in a home is a student or severely mentally impaired, there’ll be no council tax to pay.

If you live with an adult who isn’t disregarded, but who is on a low income or receives certain benefits, you might be able to get a discount called a ‘second adult rebate’. You can find out more about getting a second adult rebate on our website. This discount is not available in Wales.

If you or someone you live with is disabled, this can also affect your council tax banding. If your home has been adapted, you can ask to be placed down one band. For example, if you’re living in a band C property that has been adapted for a disabled resident, you should only be charged council tax for a band B property.

There’s also something called Council Tax Reduction, which is designed for people on low incomes. Your council will ask for details about your income and circumstances, to check if you’re eligible. If you are, they’ll reduce the amount of council tax you have to pay.

When it comes to Council Tax Reductions, different rules apply depending on whether you’ve reached State Pension age. You can check your State Pension age on GOV.UK.

And lastly, if you’re struggling to pay for essentials, your council can reduce your bill further, or cancel it altogether, under what’s known as a ‘discretionary reduction’. This usually only happens if you can provide evidence that you’re suffering severe hardship and can’t afford to pay council tax. If you’re in this situation, ask your council for help.

If you’re not given a discretionary reduction, you might be able to appeal to a valuation tribunal. If the tribunal agrees with you, they can order your council to reduce or even cancel your council tax bill. You can find out more about how to appeal here.

Whatever circumstances you’re in, if you’re struggling with your council tax payments, it’s important to let your council know. You can find your council's contact details on GOV.UK. Citizens Advice is also here to help you find a way forward, should you need our support.

Twenty Club choose stylish comedy for their latest production

* Twenty Club cast members in rehearsal for The Importance of Being Earnest.

Llangollen Twenty Club are gearing up for their next production at Llangollen Town Hall - Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest.

Described as a "trivial comedy for serious people," it was first performed on February 14th 1895 and tells the tale of two young men-about-town.

They lead double lives in order to avoid certain social gatherings, both taking the false name Ernest, whilst trying to catch their respective young ladies. 

The play was a great success for Wilde but also was the start of his downfall, legal trials and subsequent imprisonment. Following his release in 1897 he published the play from exile in Paris but, unfortunately and very sadly, never wrote another comedic or dramatic play. 

There are nine actors in the Twenty Club production - the two friends Jack Worthing (Mat Oswald-Haggett) and Algernon Moncrieff (Tom Cutler), Lady Bracknell (Emily Swindley), her daughter the Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax (Darcy Badwick), Jack's ward Cecily Cardew (Jessica Fidler), Cecily's governess Miss Prism (Hilary Woodward), butler to Algernon, Lane (Chris Williams), butler to Jack, Merriman (Mike Connolly) and the rector, the Rev Canon Chasuble (Malcolm Graham). 

Tom, Darcy and Malcolm have performed many times on stage, but this will be their Twenty Club debut. 

Directed by Ian Wright, assisted by Lizzie Clifford and co-produced by Bev Maier, Helen Belton and Elaine Wright, the play promises to contain the usual intricacies of a Twenty Club enterprise. 

Producer Helen Belton said: "The set is coming along beautifully and will gradually build to a Manor House in the country and a flat in Victorian London, not to mention a delightful country garden for the end of Act 1. The attention to detail by Steve Hughes and his set and props team always impresses audiences. 

"Businesses are most welcome to sponsor a performance with five already gratefully secured. Please contact me via the Twenty Club if you are interested. For a reasonable price, sponsors receive four tickets, four drinks, two programmes, VIP seats, a dedicated hostess and a chance to advertise in the foyer. 

"The raffle has some fantastic prizes already, with all proceeds going to the charities to be named each night." 

The Importance of Being Earnest is showing from Thursday to Saturday, March 27- 29 at 7.30pm with the Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. 

* Tickets, priced £14 and £12 concessions, are available from Cwtch, Courtyard Bookshop and Llangollen Oggie Shop in the town centre as well as online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollentwentyclub

Lexus aims for younger audience with new LBX

Lexus LBX drive by Steve Rogers

Times are changing at Lexus with sights set on a younger audience.

And here is the car they think will win them over. The LBX is a compact crossover and the smallest car yet from the premium brand.

It has even got a new face, losing the huge grille that has been the Lexus design signature for the past decade. If the bigger models look set for battle, LBX is ready to party. This is the new casual approach.

Hopes are high for the halo model which, if all goes to plan, will scoop around 6,000 sales, that’s more than a third of last year’s UK sales, and the optimism is no doubt based on the popularity of the Yaris Cross, its cousin at Toyota.

They are almost identical in size although the LBX has a new more powerful version of the three-cylinder 1.5 litre self charging hybrid engine and is a full two seconds quicker to sixty than Yaris Cross. The engine is a tad noisy with foot to the floor but is not unpleasant and throttle response is generally on the money. I was even satisfied with the CVT gearbox, which is a first, and even more satisfied with the handling. I regularly drive a twisting country road which separates the good from the not so good and the LBX is a peach. Grippy with nicely weighted steering, and suspension that is more than up to the job of absorbing pothole thuds.

Economy fell some way short of the official 60mpg hovering around 51-54mpg. Its less powerful Yaris cousin easily topped 60mpg when tested last year.

Lexus clearly does not want to miss out on the rising demand for economical compact crossovers hence the change in direction and although small LBX is no poor relation of the plush, bigger models in the range.

You still get all the high tech special effects, including electronic door opening which is pretty cool, a barrel full of safety aids, and high end trim covering the dashboard and doors.

The layout could be said to be a bit old school with the touchscreen sitting flush in a horizontal display unlike the more fashionable tablet style screen perched atop the dashboard. It is tilted back with an anti glare covering and blends in well creating a clean line with no intrusions.

It makes for a busy centre console but is straightforward after a couple of minutes taking it in. Heating control switches are small and delicate but separate from the touchscreen which is also logically laid out with a vertical strip of menus.

It was day two before I found the most useful switch that took me into a bank of frequently used features like the dreaded lane departure which is often buried in a sub menu.

Not so popular with me, or my wife, were the touch tracers on the steering wheel for selecting a variety of functions. A bit like stopping fast forward at the right time on the TV. Patience is needed or just say, Hey Lexus, and the kind lady will change the heating temperature, find a radio station or navigation destination, as long as it is not an awkward Welsh name. That floors her.

Equipment level is good across the four model range, although avoid the entry model to get those special touches. My Premium Plus is a middle of the road choice, powered seats are all that was missing. It even had a washer for the rear camera which is a rarity. Safety features are more or less standard with the safe exit an excellent addition, locking the door if a vehicle is approaching.

If there is a downside to LBX it is rear seat legroom which is very poor but at least there is room for feet under the front seat. In contrast boot space is excellent for a compact SUV although a two level floor would avoid the drop into the well.

There is a lot riding on this little fella with its lofty sales target. It is an appealing choice for someone wanting to sample premium quality without paying 50 or 60 grand. We will find out at the end of the year if LBX has risen to the challenge.

Fast facts

LBX Premium Plus

£34,265 (starts £29,995)

1.5 litre petrol hybrid. 134bhp

0-62mph 9.2secs

61.4mpg combined

108g/km

Insurance group 25

Boot: 402-994 litres

Your questions answered about Pavilion's new management

Yesterday's announcement that Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is to gain more control over the management of the Pavilion from next month may have left people with a few questions about how it will all work.

Here, the Eisteddfod team answers some of the most likely queries:

1. What changes are being implemented at the Pavilion from April? 

The Llangollen Eisteddfod will take over the day to day running of the Pavilion from Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. (DLL) all year round, rather than just having access for a one-month period during the summer.

2. Is the lease affected?

 

No, the Pavilion will remain leased to Denbighshire County Council, who will be responsible for general maintenance, the extension, the grounds, and any major work.

3. Why the change?

 

One of the main concerns raised by volunteers and the wider Llangollen community is that the potential of the Pavilion is currently not realised. This new arrangement will allow us to become an all year round organisation, holding our own events in the Pavilion and hall.

4. How will this new arrangement benefit the Llangollen Eisteddfod?

 

The main benefit from this new arrangement is that any profit made will go into underwriting our festival. The reality is that arms-length management organisations such as DLL have other corporate priorities in other parts of the county. This new arrangement will allow us to ensure that our Pavilion reaches its full potential.

5. Will this impact existing bookings?

No, any existing bookings at the Pavilion will be honoured.

6. How will this impact volunteers?

 

The Pavilion will be run by a team of volunteers. This will lead to numerous new volunteer roles and opportunities being created all year round.

7. Are there any other events planned?

Yes, the team have been working on a number of events to take place outside of the Eistedddfod week, with one to be announced later this week. We believe that this new partnership will benefit Llangollen and the wider region, as well as putting the festival we love on a secure financial footing.

8. How do I volunteer?

* If you would like to volunteer at the Llangollen Pavilion, please email: volunteers@llangollen.net

 

Llangollen Youth FC teams take on towering challenge for charity

 

This Sunday, March 16 each Llangollen Youth FC teams from Under 11’s upwards will be aiming to conquer Mount Everest in aid of Nightingale House Hospice and their own funds. 

Although they won't actually be travelling to the Himalayas to do it their aim is to ascend and descend the equivalent height of the world’s highest mountain at 8,849 metres above sea level.

They hope to achieve this by walking to the top of Castell Dinas Brân from their base at Tower Field – an elevation change of approximately 210m – meaning that each team will need to make a collective total of 43 trips up to the castle. 

Depending on numbers partipacting, this is likely to mean that each player will make around four ascents – although some may do more than others and completing the challenge will require a team effort by all involved.

The club's Under 7’s and Under 9’s teams will be joining in on the day with a sponsored walk up to the castle.

Half of sponsorship money received will go to Nightingale House while the rest will go towards the long list of expenses involved with running a grassroots football club.

Organisers are looking for several marshals to help run the event – if you are interested in helping, please send a message on their Facebook page (CPD Llangollen Youth FC) or contact one of the coaches.

The event will be centred on Tower Field and the start time is to be confirmed to allow flexibility with weather conditions. Food and refreshments will be available.

* To sponsor the challenge, go to Gofundme at: Fundraiser by Gareth Jones : Raising money for Nightingale House and Llangollen Youth FC

Story says owners of Ponderosa Cafe have confirmed its closure

The Denbighshire Free Press has a story today which says the owners of the Poderosa Cafe at the top of the Horseshoe Pass have confirmed its closure after 42 years.

* For the full story, see: Horseshoe Pass: Ponderosa Cafe confirms 'heartfelt' closure | Denbighshire Free Press

Eisteddfod to gain more control over running of Pavilion

* Madness headline at the Pavilion during last year's Eisteddfod.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will gain more control over Llangollen Pavilion next month as new arrangements are put in place for the management of the iconic site.

Festival chiefs say this will allow them to open up opportunities for year-round entertainment and other activities in the town.

Under current arrangements overall management and responsibility of the Pavilion site, home to the world-renowned International Eisteddfod, rests with Denbighshire Leisure Limited (DLL). 

This responsibility will change to the Eisteddfod, with a lease from Denbighshire County Council granted subject to agreed terms. 

This will allow the Eisteddfod, as owners of the site, greater flexibility to develop the site for the benefit of Llangollen and the wider north east Wales region, they feel.

Eisteddfod chairman John Gambles said: "We would like to thank Denbighshire Leisure Ltd for being custodians of the Llangollen Pavilion. 

* The NEW Sinfonia orchestra play on the Pavilion main stage last year.  

"I’d like to thank them for their ready co-operation managing the transition. This new arrangement with Denbighshire County Council provides a huge opportunity for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as we move towards our aim of becoming an all-year round organisation for the benefit of local people and visitors.” 

This summer, the Pavilion will host a range of world-famous acts including the Live at Llangollen Pavilion concerts which will feature headline shows by Texas, Rag’n’Bone Man, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, James, The Script, Olly Murs and The Human League.

This year's Llangollen International Eisteddfod takes place from July 8-13, which will see 4,000 competitors from 35 different countries heading for Llangollen. 

The festival also has concerts by legendary frontman from The Who, Roger Daltrey, a concert celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, featuring One World conducted by Sir Karl Jenkins, KT Tunstall, Il Divo, Choir of the World with special guest Lucie Jones and Sir Bryn Terfel and Fisherman’s Friends.

The Eisteddfod say the new arrangement will provide more flexibility and allow it to further cement its partnership with live music and event promoters, Cuffe and Taylor, to attract more entertainment acts in the future.

John Gambles added: “Last summer’s events including concerts by Sir Tom Jones, Manic Street Preachers and Bryan Adams delivered huge economic benefits to the town of Llangollen. This is something we will expand for the benefit of our wider region. 

"In any new arrangement for the site, the Llangollen Eisteddfod would honour all existing bookings at the Pavilion for 2025. 

"We are also working on a number of exciting projects that will not only safeguard the future of our iconic Pavilion and hall but also ensure we realise the exciting potential of this amazing venue.

* Manic Street Preachers take to the Pavilion stage at the 2024 Eisteddfod.

"The new arrangements will not incur any additional costs for any party but will simplify the management arrangements by ensuring fewer parties are involved."

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of DLL, said: “The team has worked closely with Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Denbighshire County Council to ensure a seamless handover for everyone involved and we’re delighted that everything has transitioned so smoothly. 

"We would like to thank Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and wish them all the best in what we expect will be hugely successful summer ahead.”

Councillor Gwyneth Ellis, Denbighshire’s Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, said: “The council is looking forward to working with the Eisteddfod as it embarks on these exciting new opportunities. 

"A core underlying principle of our Asset Management Strategy 2024-2029 is considering who best to own and operate each asset and identify opportunities for collaboration. 

"I’m proud of the collaborative approach between the council’s property team, DLL and the Eisteddfod for this site. 

"Llangollen is already one of the jewels in Denbighshire’s crown and a top-class tourist destination attracting, on average, over half a million visitors a year.

“There are exciting prospects ahead for the town and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as it looks to expand the opportunities and the use of the Pavilion. 

"This will bring significant benefits to the whole region. We’d like to thank DLL for supporting the Eisteddfod and maintaining this site over the past five years.”