This week in Carmarthenshire:

Housing Development Decisions Shape Local Communities

Carmarthenshire Council's Cabinet Member for Homes met on Monday 21 September 2026 to discuss Local Lettings Policies (LLPs) for new housing developments in Ammanford and Pemberton. These policies are crucial as they determine who gets priority for new social rented homes, directly impacting families in housing need and the formation of sustainable communities.

In Ammanford, a new development at Pen Y Maes will provide 31 social rented homes. The proposed LLP prioritises 62% of these homes for applicants in Band A with the greatest housing need and a connection to the Ammanford area. A further 38% will go to those in Bands B or C with a community connection, including key workers and those under-occupying their current homes. This approach aims to ensure that new developments benefit local residents and address specific community needs.

Similarly, in Pemberton, LLPs were considered for two developments: Rhyd Y Cerrig at Cwm Mawr (20 homes) and Waun Groes (70 homes). For Rhyd Y Cerrig, 60% of homes will be allocated to Band A applicants with a connection to the Gwendraeth area, and 40% to Bands B and C. The Waun Groes development follows a similar pattern, allocating 60% to Band A applicants with a connection to the Llanelli East area. Both policies emphasise the importance of supporting sustainable communities and ensuring tenants are tenancy ready through the Starting Well process.

• Why this matters: Local Lettings Policies are vital for ensuring that new affordable housing benefits those most in need within the local community. They can help prevent displacement and build stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.
• What's next: These policies will guide the allocation of new social housing, directly impacting the lives of many families in Carmarthenshire.

You can find more details in the Cabinet Member for Homes meeting.

Council Faces Significant Budget Pressures

Carmarthenshire Council's Cabinet met on Monday 21 September 2026 and received a stark warning about the council's financial health. The Revenue Budget Monitoring Report for 2026/27 forecasts an alarming overall departmental overspend of £15.9 million, with a projected deficit on the authority's net revenue budget of £11.3 million.

The most significant pressures are in schools, with a forecast overspend of £6.9 million, and in Children's Services, with a further £5.4 million overspend primarily due to high-cost residential placements. Adult Social Care also faces substantial pressures, with an overspend exceeding £2 million. Councillor Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources, stressed the seriousness of the situation, noting that the projected deficit on school balances could exceed the authority's general fund balance if no corrective action is taken. He urged schools projecting deficits to cease all non-essential expenditure.

The Revenue Budget Outlook report highlighted volatile external economic and political environments, with higher energy costs and inflation posing significant risks. The council is preparing for difficult decisions ahead, emphasizing the need for early planning and transparent discussion of risks.

• Why this matters: These budget pressures have real-world consequences. Overspends in schools and children's services can impact the quality of education and support available to vulnerable children and young people. Increased demand in adult social care highlights the growing needs of an ageing population. The council's financial stability is essential for maintaining all public services.
• What's next: The Cabinet has endorsed the continued work to improve the year-end outturn and has agreed to the proposed budget planning assumptions for 2027-28. The council is aligning with the Bank of England's inflation assumptions and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

You can find more details in the Cabinet meeting.

Safeguarding Remains a Top Priority

The Carmarthenshire Council Cabinet, meeting on Monday 21 September 2026, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children and adults at risk by approving the Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report for 2025/26 and a revised Corporate Safeguarding Policy.

The annual report detailed the council's ongoing efforts to ensure robust corporate arrangements for safeguarding, noting that all actions identified in a previous Wales Audit review have been completed or are nearing completion. The Corporate Safeguarding Group has focused on areas such as safe governance, workplace practices, and partnerships. Councillor Donald Davies commended the report, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable people.

The revised policy, Safeguarding People in Carmarthenshire, 2026, sets out how the council will meet its safeguarding obligations, emphasizing that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Councillor Jane Tremlett, Cabinet Member for Integrated Health and Children and Adult Social Services, stressed the importance of continuously reviewing and updating policies.

In a separate but related development, the Cabinet also unanimously approved the adoption of a new Neurodiversity Policy. This policy aims to foster a neuro-inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring. It outlines the council's commitment to raising awareness, promoting inclusive practices, and providing reasonable workplace adjustments.

• Why this matters: Strong safeguarding practices are essential for protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. A clear and updated policy ensures that all staff understand their responsibilities and that appropriate support is in place. The Neurodiversity Policy promotes equality of opportunity and a more inclusive working environment for all.
• What's next: The council will continue to implement and monitor its safeguarding arrangements and promote its new Neurodiversity Policy.

You can find more details in the Cabinet meeting.

Other Matters

• Waste and Recycling Service Policy: The Cabinet approved a revised Carmarthenshire Waste and Recycling Service Policy, which incorporates planned changes to waste services in the western part of the county from Autumn 2026. This aims to improve kerbside collections and increase recycling performance, supporting the council's commitment to Welsh Government targets and a circular economy. Councillor Emlyn Schiavone noted that Carmarthenshire is one of the last councils in Wales to adopt this model, acknowledging that change can be difficult but necessary. Cabinet meeting.
• Treasury Management and Capital Programme: The Cabinet reviewed the Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report for 2025-2026, confirming compliance with relevant codes and policies. They also received an update on the Capital Programme for 2026/27, noting forecasted net spend and new grant funding offers for various projects, including housing, coastal protection, and economic development. Cabinet meeting.
• Wales Pension Partnership: The Wales Pension Partnership Joint Governance Committee met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to discuss updates on investments, risk management, and policy reviews. Key developments included the operationalisation of the WPP Investment Management Company (IM Co) and positive performance reports for most sub-funds. Wales Pension Partnership Joint Governance Committee meeting.
• Dyfed Pension Fund: The Dyfed Pension Fund Committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026. Discussions included budget monitoring, pensions administration, and updates on the Wales Pension Partnership. A key decision was to increase the threshold for pensioner payslip variances from £5 to £20 to reduce printing costs. Dyfed Pension Fund Committee meeting.
• Planning Committee Decisions: The Planning Committee met on Friday 25 September 2026. Decisions included deferring a decision on caravan and camping pitches at Parc y Bocs, Kidwelly, to address pedestrian access concerns. Planning permission was granted for a new dwelling in Drefach Felindre and for a change of use to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 84 Llwynhendy Road, Llanelli, against officer recommendations in the latter case. A new access road to Sarnau Mansion was also granted permission, again against officer recommendations, with the decision focusing on safety improvements. Planning Committee meeting.
• Licensing Sub-Committee B: This committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026 and agreed to a variation of the premises licence for Chick King takeaway at 32 Lammas Street, Carmarthen. The variation included changes to operating hours and the removal of the requirement for door supervisors on Fridays. Licensing Sub-Committee B meeting.

This week in Carmarthenshire:

Home Education Surge Puts Pressure on Council Services

Carmarthenshire Council is facing increasing pressure to support a growing number of children being educated at home. The Education, Young People and the Welsh Language Scrutiny Committee heard that 713 learners are now registered as electively home-educated (EHE), a significant rise from previous years. While many parents choose this path for lifestyle or ideological reasons, a growing number are citing anxiety, neurodiversity, and unmet Additional Learning Needs (ALN) as key factors for withdrawing their children from school.

This surge is straining the council's dedicated EHE team, which consists of only three officers. Concerns have been raised about the adequacy of the £119,000 grant received from Welsh Government, which equates to less than £180 per learner and may not be sufficient to cover staffing costs and essential support.

Safeguarding remains a critical focus, with officers explaining multi-agency working arrangements to monitor the wellbeing of EHE learners. While most families engage positively, some parents are resistant to engagement, posing a challenge for the council in ensuring suitable education is provided. The upcoming Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 is expected to provide greater powers for oversight.

The financial strain is also evident in the Revenue Budget Outturn Report for 2025/26, which revealed an overall overspend of £7.441 million across the Education, Young People, and Welsh Language scrutiny remit. A substantial £7.7 million of this overspend was attributed to schools' delegated budgets, a situation described as unsustainable and requiring urgent action.

• Why this matters: The rise in elective home education highlights a growing need for tailored support for children with complex needs and anxieties. The council's ability to provide this support is directly linked to funding, and the current grant appears insufficient. This could impact the quality of education and safeguarding for these children.
• What's next: The council is making representations to Welsh Government for additional investment. The Education, Young People and the Welsh Language Scrutiny Committee will continue to monitor the situation, with future discussions planned on Estyn inspection recommendations, school survey results, and the Modernising Education Programme.

You can find more details in the Education, Young People and the Welsh Language Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Housing Service Charges Under Review: Balancing Affordability and Sustainability

The Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee is grappling with the complex issue of housing service charges, aiming to balance the financial sustainability of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) with the affordability for tenants. Rising costs for housing management, utilities, and maintenance have necessitated a review of the current policy, which was last updated in September 2023.

The committee discussed three options for future service charge increases:

• Option 1: Existing Approach (Phased Removal): Continue with phased cap increases over three years, followed by full removal in 2028/29.
• Option 2: Extended Incremental Removal: Extend phased increases over a longer period (four or more years) before full removal.
• Option 3: Remove the Cap: Remove the cap entirely, allowing service charges to immediately reflect the full cost of service provision.

Councillor Terry Davies highlighted the particular impact on sheltered housing tenants in areas like Tisha, many of whom are on fixed incomes and already facing rising costs. He advocated for Option 2, arguing it offers the best balance between financial sustainability and affordability, giving tenants time to adjust and reducing the risk of arrears and hardship. The HRA currently subsidises approximately £285,000 for sheltered housing service charges due to the cap preventing full cost recovery.

The committee ultimately recommended Option 2 for further consideration by the Cabinet, emphasizing the need for a controlled and fair transition that protects vulnerable tenants and supports tenancy sustainment.

• Why this matters: Changes to service charges can significantly impact the finances of vulnerable residents, particularly those in sheltered housing. A balanced approach is crucial to ensure they can afford to remain in their homes while also ensuring the long-term viability of housing services.
• What's next: The Cabinet will consider the committee's recommendation. The next Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee meeting on 12th November 2026 will include a Rent Affordability Assessment Report and a 2025/26 Budget Outturn Report.

You can find more details in the Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Council Grapples with Empty Properties and Planning Delays

Carmarthenshire Council is facing challenges in bringing empty properties back into use and addressing delays in planning enforcement. The Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee reviewed performance for the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year, revealing that the average time taken for planning enforcement action stood at 422 days against a target of 180 days.

Councillor Terry Davies expressed disappointment, stating that officer reports themselves did not contain the evidence required to make fully informed decisions. He specifically raised concerns about the handling of House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) applications, arguing that a lack of essential data, such as crime and antisocial behaviour statistics, parking assessments, and cumulative impact analyses, meant that committee decisions were not always based on real-world impacts. This has led to a situation where councillors feel compelled to act in favour of community safety when essential evidence is missing.

The issue of empty properties also remains a concern, with only 14 private sector empty properties returned to use in the first quarter against a target of 25. While officers are confident the annual target of 170 properties remains achievable, challenges such as complex legal processes, including probate, and owners living abroad are causing significant delays.

• Why this matters: Delays in planning enforcement can lead to ongoing issues for residents, while a slow rate of returning empty properties exacerbates the housing shortage. The lack of evidence-based decision-making in planning applications can undermine public trust and lead to negative community impacts.
• What's next: The council is working with colleagues in council tax to identify empty properties and offering financial incentives. A Task and Finish Group has been established to address evidence gaps in HMO applications. The next Planning Committee meeting on 25 September 2026 will consider several planning applications, including a controversial HMO proposal in Llanelli.

You can find more details in the Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee meeting and the Planning Committee meeting.

Other Matters

• Cabinet Member for Resources: Reports were scheduled to consider irrecoverable accounts related to housing benefit overpayments, council tax discretionary discounts, and several farm-related matters. The meeting also intended to address reports not for public consumption. Cabinet Member for Resources meeting.
• Cabinet Member for Education: The meeting was scheduled to address the appointment of Local Authority Governors to various schools and the formal signing of the previous meeting's decision record. Cabinet Member for Education meeting.

This week, the Carmarthenshire Council held several meetings, with the most significant discussions and decisions occurring during the Education, Young People & the Welsh Language Scrutiny Committee meeting on Wednesday 26 June 2024. Other meetings included the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Services meeting on Monday 24 June 2024, the Standards Committee meeting on Friday 28 June 2024, and the Appeals Committee meeting on Thursday 27 June 2024, which was cancelled.

Key Discussions and Decisions at the Education, Young People & the Welsh Language Scrutiny Committee Meeting

1. Implementation of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (ALN Act) The committee discussed the progress made in implementing the ALN Act in Carmarthenshire schools. The ALN Act creates a new framework for supporting and meeting the additional learning needs of children and young people from birth to 25 years.

Headteachers from various schools shared their experiences:

• Gethin Richards, headteacher of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Bedol, explained their three-tier system:
  • Universal provision: All pupils have a one-page profile.
  • One-page profile plus: For pupils needing more support, around 80 students.
  • Individual development plan (IDP): For pupils with more complex needs.
• Ellen Powell, headteacher of Ysgol Peniel, and Tom Eerie, the outgoing ALNCo at Ysgol Sant Ioan Lloyd, discussed the challenges and successes of implementing the ALN Act.

Key points included:

• Increased workload for ALN professionals.
• Recruitment and retention difficulties, especially in Welsh-medium schools.
• The need for a whole-cluster mindset and better support staff recognition.

Councillor Kim Broom raised concerns about the consistency of implementation across schools and the long waiting times for autism assessments.

1. Modernising Education Programme (MEP) Strategy The committee reviewed the draft MEP strategy, which outlines the council's plans for the future of education in Carmarthenshire. The strategy is guided by strategic objectives and educational principles.

Key discussions included:

• The pressure on school budgets.
• The definition of “low pupil numbers.”
• Councillor Jean Lewis proposed removing the principle of having no more than two-year groups in a teaching class, citing pressure on staff and parents.

The committee agreed to receive the report and note Councillor Lewis's proposed amendment.

Key Discussions and Decisions at the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Services Meeting

1. Increase in Non-Residential Social Care Charges Councillor Jane Tremlett agreed to increase the cost of non-residential social care provided by Carmarthenshire Council. This decision was influenced by a Welsh Government policy that limits how much councils can charge for care.

Key points included:

• The financial cap set by the Welsh Government at £100 for non-residential care.
• The necessity to increase charges to reflect inflationary costs.
• The hourly rate for care will increase from £20 to £22, and the cost of sessions from £19.55 to £21.60.

It was essential charges were increased to reflect inflationary costs. — Officers' recommendation

Implications and Ongoing Themes

The discussions around the implementation of the ALN Act and the MEP strategy reflect ongoing themes of educational reform and financial management. The council's commitment to improving educational outcomes is evident in its detailed planning and stakeholder engagement.

The increase in non-residential social care charges highlights the council's efforts to balance service provision with financial sustainability, ensuring that care services remain viable amidst rising costs.

Overall, this week's council activities demonstrate a continued focus on educational improvement, financial prudence, and community support, 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 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.