The Cabinet of Carmarthenshire Council met on Monday 7 September 2026, approving a revised income and charging policy, establishing a £2 million Transformation and Innovation Fund, and adopting a new off-street parking strategy. Key decisions also included the adoption of a revised school transport policy, approval for public consultation on draft supplementary planning guidance for the Local Development Plan, and the appointment of Councillor Alun Lenny as the sole representative for the Council on the Joint Council for Wales.

Revised Income and Charging Policy Approved

Cabinet unanimously approved the revised Income and Charging Policy, which had been reviewed by the Commercialisation Board to ensure it aligns with the Council's commercialisation strategy and modernises income collection methods. The policy aims to maximise income generation, ensure fees are cost-recovered, minimise debt, and maintain quality and consistency, while complying with legal requirements. Councillor Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources, moved the recommendation, highlighting that charging for local services makes a significant contribution to the Council's finances and supports the delivery of sustainable services amidst shrinking budgets and increasing demand.

Council Transformation Fund Established

A proposal to establish a Council Transformation and Innovation Fund was unanimously approved. The fund, initially seeded with £2 million, aims to provide a clear and sustainable source of investment for projects supporting the Council's priorities and its revised transformation strategy. Councillor Alun Lenny, Portfolio Holder for Resources, introduced the report, explaining that the fund responds to recommendations from a peer panel assessment and an Audit Wales review of financial sustainability. The fund will consolidate existing transformation, invest-to-save, and development funds, allowing all Council services, including schools, to submit applications. Funding will be available as either an interest-free loan or an investment grant, with applications assessed against criteria including alignment with corporate priorities, improved customer outcomes, risk mitigation, and contribution to addressing financial challenges. Bids under £250,000 will be delegated to the Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services, while those over £250,000 will require approval from the Cabinet Member for Resources. Updates on progress and project outcomes will be reported quarterly to the Transformation Board.

Carmarthenshire Off-Street Parking Strategy Adopted

The Carmarthenshire Off-Street Parking Strategy report was approved, introducing a simplified tariff structure, one hour of free parking, and the discontinuation of existing free parking periods and Town Council free parking days. Councillor Edward Thomas, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, presented the report, emphasising the strategy's aim to deliver a modern, fair, and sustainable parking system. The strategy, developed through extensive data analysis, aims to simplify and standardise arrangements, support town centre vitality, improve operational efficiency, ensure financial sustainability, and support carbon reduction objectives. The preferred option is projected to generate an estimated net financial benefit of £199,632.31 per annum and will support future investment in parking infrastructure and technology. Councillor Alun Lenny, seconding the report, highlighted the benefits for shoppers and traders, particularly in Ammanford, where tariffs will align with rural towns. Councillor Glynog Davies welcomed the distinction made between Ammanford and larger towns like Llanelli and Carmarthen, deeming it fair given Ammanford's smaller size and resource base. The decision was unanimous.

Revised School Transport Policy Adopted

A revised School Transport Policy was unanimously adopted, effective from 1 October 2026 for implementation in the 2027/28 academic year. Councillor Edward Thomas, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, explained that the changes are necessary to align the policy with approved school catchment changes and to provide greater clarity and consistency around transport eligibility. The key proposal is that eligibility for free home-to-school transport will be based solely on attendance at a learner's designated catchment school, subject to statutory distance and other qualifying criteria, removing the discretionary entitlement to transport to the nearest school. The policy continues to meet statutory obligations under the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 and retains the existing appeals process. Councillor Philip Hughes, seconding the report, noted that the existing policy required review to avoid ambiguity between admissions, catchment designation, and transport eligibility.

Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance for Local Development Plan Approved for Consultation

Cabinet approved the draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) documents for formal public consultation. Councillor Carys Jones, Portfolio Holder for Rural Affairs, Communities and Welsh Language, introduced the report, explaining that these guidelines are necessary to support the implementation of the revised Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (LDP) 2018-2033 by providing detailed guidance on policy interpretation and application. The four draft SPGs cover: Biodiversity and Nature Recovery; Burry Port Inlet: Compensatory Surface Water Removal in the Llanelli Wastewater Treatment Works Catchment; Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows; and Health Impact Assessments. Following a six-week public consultation, feedback will be reviewed, and amendments made before the documents are brought back for formal adoption. Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, welcomed the SPGs, particularly the Biodiversity and Nature Recovery guidance, stating that they are a positive step forward in ensuring sustainable development coincides with improvements to biodiversity and the strengthening of the natural environment.

Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report Approved

The Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report for the period 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026 was approved. Councillor Alun Lenny, Portfolio Holder for Resources, presented the report, providing an update on the Council's investment and borrowing activities. He noted that the investment balance stood at £121 million, with gross interest earned of £1.19 million during the period. Total loans outstanding were just under £434 million, which is well below the capital finance requirement indicator, indicating the Council is significantly under-borrowed. No new borrowing was undertaken during the period. Councillor Alun Von Owen seconded the report, having learned from the presentation. The report confirmed that the Treasury Management function operated within the policy and guidelines set in the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy 2026-2027 and that no Prudential Indicators were breached.

Councillor Alun Lenny Appointed to Joint Council for Wales

Councillor Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources, was unanimously appointed as the Council's sole representative on the Joint Council for Wales (JCW). The Leader, Councillor Linda Evans, proposed the appointment, explaining that a review of the JCW's constitution had led to a reduction in representation from two members to one. Councillor Jane Tremlett seconded the proposal. The JCW is an all-Wales forum for local authority employers and trades unions to discuss workforce issues.

Exclusion of the Public for Exempt Information

Cabinet resolved to consider reports relating to the Llanelli Local Regeneration Fund and Carmarthenshire County Council's Farm Estate Plan in private, as they contained exempt information. Councillor Jane Tremlett proposed the exclusion of the public, seconded by Councillor Edward Thomas. The public interest test was applied, and it was resolved that exclusion was necessary to prevent financial harm to the authority and to protect its negotiating position.

Llanelli Local Regeneration Fund Update

In private session, Cabinet noted the current position of the redevelopment of 8-14 Vaughan Street for a new Llanelli Market, including proposed stage 2 costs and funding. Delegated authority was given to the Director of Place, Infrastructure and Economic Development to enter into Stage 2 of the construction contract with Andrew Scott Ltd for demolition and construction works, and to implement the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) associated with the project.

Carmarthenshire County Council's Farm Estate Plan Adopted

Also in private session, Cabinet adopted the Carmarthenshire County Council's Farm Estate Plan. The report highlighted the extent and performance of the current County Farm Estate portfolio and outlined key challenges and issues. Councillor Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources, advised that a thriving County Farm Estate would support agricultural businesses, environmental and economic growth. The plan aims to create a progressive estate supportive of agricultural businesses, enabling environmental and economic growth while directly supporting the agricultural sector.