The Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Communities, and Welsh Language was scheduled to consider a funding application for improvements to a town centre space and to receive the annual report on the Welsh language. The meeting was also scheduled to confirm the minutes of a previous meeting.

Ten Towns Town Centre Spaces Fund (Pride in Place Impact Fund)

The meeting was scheduled to consider an application for funding from the Ten Towns Town Centre Spaces Fund, which is supported by Carmarthenshire County Council's Ten Towns Programme and the UK Government's Pride in Place Impact fund. The purpose of this fund is to support impactful town centre community projects that align with objectives of improving health and well-being, bringing people together, and strengthening communities.

The specific application scheduled for consideration was from Newcastle Emlyn Town Council for enhancements to the King George V Playing Field. The project aims to transform the site into a modern, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable community asset. Proposed improvements include the installation of new play area and outdoor fitness equipment for various age groups and abilities, accessible and sensory play features, improved safety surfacing, a community shelter, and biodiversity enhancements such as tree planting and wildflower areas. The project is intended to increase opportunities for recreation, health, and well-being, strengthen community cohesion, support biodiversity and climate resilience, and enhance the town's visitor offer.

The report pack indicated a recommendation to award a grant of £74,989.30 to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council, subject to the completion of a full and compliant procurement exercise and the securing of all necessary statutory approvals. The report highlighted that not approving the project could put at risk the Council's ability to deliver the Pride in Place Impact fund within its timeframe.

Annual Report on the Welsh Language 2025-26

The Cabinet Member was scheduled to consider a report seeking approval of the Council's Annual Report on the implementation of the Welsh Language Standards for 2025-26. This report is a statutory responsibility under the Welsh Language Standards and forms part of the monitoring arrangements established by the Welsh Language Commissioner, with the aim of promoting and facilitating the Welsh language and ensuring it is not treated less favourably than English in Wales.

The report was expected to outline progress in promoting and facilitating the use of the Welsh language across the Council and the county. It was anticipated that the report would highlight significant activity in supporting Welsh language development through education, workforce training, community initiatives, and strategic partnerships, including a new partnership with the National Centre for Learning Welsh and the opening of a new Welsh immersion centre at Canolfan Brianne. The report was also expected to detail the progress in promoting Welsh within the Council through staff engagement, language learning opportunities, and leadership programmes, noting improvements in staff Welsh language skills. Examples of innovation and good practice, such as the Welsh language elements of the Amdani Apprenticeship Programme and the Council's Microsoft Copilot pilot, were also expected to be mentioned. Furthermore, the report was to outline Welsh Language Standards compliance activity and any complaints received during 2025-26, along with actions taken and recommendations for improvement.

The report pack indicated a resolution to approve the Annual Report on the Welsh Language 2025-26 and the Council's report on compliance with the Welsh Language Standards for the period 2025-26.

To Sign as a Correct Record the Decision Record of the Meeting Held on the 30th June 2026

The meeting was scheduled to formally approve the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet Member Rural Affairs, Communities, and Welsh Language, which took place on 30 June 2026.