This week, the Carmarthenshire Council held several meetings, with the most significant discussions and decisions occurring during the Dyfed Pension Fund Committee meeting on Wednesday 19 June 2024. Other meetings included the Cabinet meeting on Monday 17 June 2024 and the Planning Committee meeting on Thursday 20 June 2024.

Key Discussions and Decisions at the Dyfed Pension Fund Committee Meeting

1. Audit Plan for 2024 The committee received the Audit Plan for 2024, presented by Jason Blewitt from Audit Wales. The plan outlines the audit work to be performed, the team involved, and the timing and fees. Key dates include the production of draft accounts by 30 June and audited accounts by 30 November. The audit will be conducted in August and September, with the report expected at the September audit committee.

The fee is shown on page 12. You'll note on page 12 there's been an increase to our fees this year of 6.4% for inflation, which for the pension fund is an approximate increase of about £2,000. — Jason Blewitt, Audit Wales

1. Final Budgetary Position for 2023/24 Martin Owens, Pension Investment Officer, presented the final budgetary position as of 31 March 2024. The report highlighted an underspend of £2.2 million, with expenditure exceeding the budget by £5.6 million due to lump sum retirement benefits and transfers out. However, income exceeded the budget by £7.8 million, resulting in a positive variance.

Overall total expenditure was £128.4 million and total income £130.6 million. — Martin Owens, Pension Investment Officer

1. Pensions Administration Report Kevin, the Pensions Manager, provided an update on various administrative aspects, including the progress on the McCloud case, the implementation of the pensions dashboard, and the iConnect update. The committee discussed the importance of timely data provision and the challenges faced by some employers in implementing iConnect.

We continue to work with colleagues at GAR, PEMS College, and colleague Cara De Gionne in respect of assisting them to implement iConnect. — Kevin, Pensions Manager

1. Risk Register Review Anthony Parnell, Treasury and Pension Investment Manager, presented the review of the risk register, focusing on governance and regulatory risks. The committee discussed the importance of training for investment officers and committee members to mitigate risks associated with a lack of expertise.

The risks have been reviewed and there have been no changes approved at the previous committee meeting. — Anthony Parnell, Treasury and Pension Investment Manager

1. Carbon Intensity Analysis The committee received an update on the fund's carbon intensity, highlighting a significant reduction in carbon intensity over the past year. The analysis showed that the fund's carbon intensity is now significantly below the market index.

As of March 2024, the portfolio's carbon intensity was 84 against a market index of 130. — Anthony Parnell, Treasury and Pension Investment Manager

Key Discussions and Decisions at the Cabinet Meeting

1. Commercialization Strategy The Cabinet approved a new commercialization strategy aimed at generating income through innovative and ambitious approaches. The strategy includes expanding existing services and introducing new ones to maximize income generation and safeguard jobs.

Commercialization is an integral part of the transformation strategy, our digital strategy, and our workforce strategy. — Councillor Phil Hughes

1. Local Area Energy Plan The Cabinet approved the Carmarthenshire Local Area Energy Plan, developed in collaboration with City Science and funded by the Welsh Government. The plan aims to decarbonize the local energy system by 2050 and includes detailed scenarios and potential changes required to achieve net zero.

The aim of this report is to be a dynamic report that gives local and regional options and ultimately a national plan to transform energy systems. — Councillor Alan Vaughan-Owen

Key Discussions and Decisions at the Planning Committee Meeting

1. Residential Dwelling in Hross The committee reviewed an application for the erection of a residential dwelling in the village of Hross. The application was contentious due to its location outside the settlement boundary and its size. Despite the applicant's local connections and need for a larger property, the committee ultimately refused the application due to its scale, which was deemed incompatible with affordable housing policies.

We have to ensure that this property remains affordable for future generations, and the scale of this dwelling does not meet that requirement. — Helen Price, Planning Officer

Implications and Ongoing Themes

The discussions around the Dyfed Pension Fund reflect ongoing themes of financial management and responsible investment. The council's commitment to prudent financial management is evident in its handling of budgetary positions and audit plans. The focus on reducing carbon intensity aligns with broader sustainability goals.

The Cabinet's approval of the commercialization strategy and the local area energy plan highlights the council's proactive approach to financial sustainability and environmental responsibility. These strategies aim to generate income and decarbonize the local energy system, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.

The Planning Committee's decision on the residential dwelling in Hross underscores the importance of adhering to affordable housing policies and maintaining the character of local areas. The refusal of the application reflects the council's commitment to ensuring that new developments are compatible with community needs and planning policies.

Overall, this week's council activities demonstrate a continued focus on financial prudence, environmental sustainability, and community support, all critical for the sustained development and well-being of Carmarthenshire.

In the past week, the Carmarthenshire Council held several meetings, with the most significant discussions and decisions occurring during the Health & Social Services Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday 13 June 2024. Other meetings included the Member Appointments Committee on Wednesday 12 June 2024, the County Council meeting on Wednesday 12 June 2024, the Democratic Services Committee on Friday 14 June 2024, and the Licensing Sub-Committee B on Tuesday 11 June 2024. However, these meetings were either cancelled or postponed.

Key Discussions and Decisions at the Health & Social Services Scrutiny Committee Meeting

1. Children and Family Services Update The committee received a comprehensive report on the current state of children and family services. The report highlighted the increase in demand and complexity of work post-pandemic, reflecting national trends. The Budget Working Group recommended an investment of £5.5 million in 2024/25 and £1.8 million in 2026/27 to ensure the continued safe operation of these services. The Children and Families Transformation Programme is being delivered through work streams chaired by senior managers and overseen by a fortnightly programme board.

The committee discussed the goal of eliminating agency workers by March 2027. Jan Coles, Head of Children's Services, expressed confidence in achieving this target, citing the increase in traineeships and the attraction of external applicants due to competitive salaries. However, challenges such as workforce attrition and the need for experienced social workers were acknowledged.

1. Residential Services Strategic Programme The committee explored the strategic programme for residential services aimed at eradicating the use of for-profit placements by March 2026. The plan includes the development of in-house capacity, such as the near-opening of a new facility at Riedegorsk. While the goal is challenging, the committee emphasized the importance of providing stable, community-based placements for children.

2. Governance and Union Liaison Monthly union liaison meetings were discussed as a means to support the workforce through significant changes in senior management and ongoing programmes of change. The committee stressed the importance of transparent and supportive communication with staff to ensure the successful delivery of services.

3. Budget Monitoring and Reporting The committee addressed the need for careful budget monitoring to manage the increased demand within the allocated budget. It was confirmed that the budget for the transformation programme would be monitored separately and reported quarterly.

4. Traineeships and Workforce Development Details of the 18-month traineeship programme were provided, including partnerships with Cardiff University and Swansea University. The programme aims to embed trainees in teams, ensuring they are well-prepared to hit the ground running upon qualification.

Questions and Concerns

Councillor Heavens-Jones raised concerns about potential obstacles to achieving the no-agency-workers goal. Jan Coles acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the importance of workforce support and new initiatives to address these issues.

Councillor Steve Williams inquired about prioritizing local children for new placements. Jan Coles confirmed that the placements are intended for Carmarthenshire children, with exceptions for specialized provisions funded by Welsh Government.

Implications and Ongoing Themes

The discussions around children and family services reflect ongoing themes of community support and financial management. The council's commitment to prudent financial management is evident in its handling of budget allocations and the introduction of a transformation programme to manage increased demand.

The focus on residential services and the goal of eliminating for-profit placements align with broader goals of providing stable, community-based care for vulnerable children. This approach underscores the council's dedication to ensuring that children in need receive the best possible support within their communities.

Overall, this week's council activities demonstrate a continued focus on community support, financial prudence, and strategic planning, all critical for the sustained development and well-being of Carmarthenshire.

This week, the Carmarthenshire Council held several meetings, with the most significant discussions and decisions occurring during the Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday 04 June 2024. Other meetings included the Cabinet meeting on Monday 03 June 2024, the Partneriaeth Joint Committee meeting on Friday 07 June 2024, the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism meeting on Tuesday 04 June 2024, the Place, Sustainability & Climate Change Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday 06 June 2024, and multiple sessions of the Members Home to School Transport Appeals Panel on Wednesday 05 June 2024.

Key Discussions and Decisions at the Planning Committee Meeting

1. Variation of Planning Permission The committee discussed a contentious application to vary a previous planning permission for a residential development. The application involved increasing the height and depth of a building, which had already been partially constructed. Concerns were raised about the impact on neighboring properties, particularly regarding privacy and the character of the area.

Councillor Jean Lewis highlighted the significant deviations from the original plans and their impact on the community:

Two wrongs do not make a right. If this is permitted today, then we are giving a signal to the public that they are able to change plans once they've been given permission, regardless of how that affects others. — Councillor Jean Lewis

Despite these concerns, the committee ultimately approved the application with conditions to mitigate privacy issues, including the installation of a robust privacy screen and the removal of permitted development rights to prevent further alterations without council approval.

1. Site Visit Reports The committee reviewed reports from recent site visits, which provided context for the decisions made. These visits are crucial for understanding the physical and environmental implications of proposed developments.

Implications and Ongoing Themes

The discussions around the variation of planning permission reflect ongoing themes of community impact and the balance between development and maintaining the character of local areas. The committee's decision to approve the application with stringent conditions underscores the council's commitment to mitigating negative impacts on residents while allowing for necessary development.

The approval of the application, despite significant opposition, highlights the complexities involved in planning decisions, where legal precedents and existing permissions must be carefully weighed against community concerns.

Overall, this week's council activities demonstrate a continued focus on balancing development needs with community well-being, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of residents' quality of life.

This week, the Carmarthenshire Council held several meetings, with the most significant discussions and decisions occurring during the Communities, Homes & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday 28 May 2024 and the Corporate Performance & Resources Scrutiny Committee meeting on Wednesday 29 May 2024. Other meetings included the Appointments Committee B, Licensing Committee, and Appeals Committee, though these were more procedural in nature.

Key Discussions and Decisions at the Communities, Homes & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee Meeting

1. Emergency Social Housing Allocation Update Councillor Linda Evans presented an update on the emergency social housing allocation policy, which was adopted in February 2023. The policy has been beneficial during a period of increased need for social housing, but it is temporary. The committee discussed the policy's effectiveness and the need for a new, permanent policy. Councillor Martin Power noted the policy's success but raised concerns about the number of unsuitable matches:

The number of unsuitable matches period they've been going up again and got a query over that. — Councillor Martin Power

Jonathan Morgan, Head of Housing and Public Protection, explained that the current policy allows for two refusals of reasonable offers, which can lead to repeated cycles of applications. The committee agreed to review this aspect in the new policy.

1. Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report The committee reviewed the latest budgetary position, noting significant pressures in leisure services due to disruptions over the past three years. The report highlighted an overspend of £181,000, with leisure services being a major contributor. Dylan Jones, Group Accountant, detailed the variances and the need for ongoing monitoring.

2. Adaptations Policy Task and Finish Report The committee received the findings of the task and finish group on the council's adaptations service. Key recommendations included reintroducing means testing for medium-scale disabled facilities grants to manage increased demand and ensure resources are targeted at those most in need. Councillor Derek Evans emphasized the importance of targeting resources effectively:

Isn't it far more crucial that we focus on targeting these applications and these adaptations to properties and residents that need it and need that support? — Councillor Derek Evans

Key Discussions and Decisions at the Corporate Performance & Resources Scrutiny Committee Meeting

1. Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report Councillor Philip Hughes presented the revenue and capital budget monitoring report, highlighting a potential overspend of £4.4 million due to increased demand in learning disabilities, mental health, and children's services. The committee discussed the need for ongoing prudent financial management and approved the report.

2. Commercialisation Strategy The committee reviewed the new commercialisation strategy aimed at generating more income for the council. The strategy includes expanding existing services, introducing new services, and optimizing commercial performance. Ben Cuthrins, a future leader, presented the strategy, emphasizing the need for a more business-like approach while maintaining public sector values. Councillor Gareth Jones raised concerns about the scope of commercialisation:

Would it be accurate to state that you'd have more scope with discretionary services rather than statutory services? — Councillor Gareth Jones

The committee agreed that the strategy should focus on discretionary services where there is more flexibility.

Implications and Ongoing Themes

The discussions around social housing and budget monitoring reflect ongoing themes of financial management and community support. The council's commitment to prudent financial management is evident in its handling of budget overspends and the introduction of a commercialisation strategy to generate additional income.

The review of the adaptations policy highlights the council's efforts to ensure that resources are targeted effectively to those most in need, aligning with broader goals of inclusivity and support for vulnerable residents.

The approval of the commercialisation strategy underscores the council's proactive approach to financial sustainability, balancing the need for income generation with public sector values.

Overall, this week's council activities demonstrate a continued focus on financial prudence, community support, and strategic planning, all critical for the sustained development and well-being of Carmarthenshire.