The Place, Sustainability and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 11 September 2026 to review the council's performance in the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, discuss the Environment Act Forward Plan, and address challenges in Additional Learning Needs (ALN) learner travel provision. Key outcomes included noting the Q1 performance report, accepting the deferral of the Environment Act Forward Plan discussion, and receiving an update on ALN learner travel provision.

Quarter 1 Performance Report 2026/27

The committee reviewed the council's performance for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. Councillor Neil Lewis, who works in the renewable energy industry, declared an interest in this item and was granted a dispensation to speak but not vote.

Several areas of concern were raised by councillors:

• Counter-Terrorism Strategy (Action 18539): Members inquired about the availability of recommendations from the Ysgol Dyffryn Aman learning review. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure stated he would liaise with the relevant officers to determine the report's status and circulation, acknowledging potential sensitivity.
• Fly-tipping Data (Action 18706): The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that manual recording of fly-tipping incidents was ongoing due to a transition to a new digital system, with full reporting expected by the end of October 2026.
• Recycling Rate (Measure PAM/030): Clarification was sought on the recycling target and potential fines. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure confirmed ongoing discussions with the Welsh Government regarding waste wood reporting methodology and the transition to the Welsh Government's blueprint methodology, which may offer concessions.
• Rural Roads Investment (Action 19980): Members asked about the availability of a study on road investment requirements. It was confirmed this information would be included in the forthcoming Annual Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP).
• Community Transport Strategy (Action 18694): The potential for electric car clubs was discussed, with the Modernising Transport Co-ordinator noting that available grants would be considered.
• Code of Practice for Litter and Refuse (Action 18760): The Head of Environmental Infrastructure confirmed ongoing engagement with the Welsh Government for updated guidance, noting that a change in government might lead to a review of proposed arrangements.
• Active Travel Facilities at County Hall (Action 17457): The Head of Environmental Infrastructure stated that while challenges exist regarding location, cost, and heritage protection, priority areas at County Hall are being addressed, and these facilities will be considered within future improvement works.
• Overflowing Bins: The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that bin issues are being integrated into the new digital system, allowing for better resource allocation and targeted interventions.
• Bulky Waste Services (Action 18709): The suspension on fridges and freezers was noted as a national issue due to limited contractor capacity. While storage capacity is being increased, a resolution is not expected in the near future.
• Litter Bin Responsibility: The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that replacing all bins would be a significant capital cost and that the current approach is to replace bins when they fall below standard.
• Fly-tipping Penalty Notice (Action 18773): The omission of text from the update was acknowledged and would be circulated later.
• Road Safety: Members expressed concerns about under-resourcing and limited police enforcement, urging the council to lobby the Welsh Government more actively. The Cabinet Member agreed that road safety is a serious concern and noted that the road safety intervention strategy is on the Committee's Forward Work Plan.

The committee noted the 2026/27 End of Quarter 1 Performance Report.

Carmarthenshire County Council Environment Act Forward Plan (January 2026 – December 2028)

The Chair announced that consideration of this item had been deferred to the January 2027 meeting at the request of the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability. This deferral was to allow for further refinement of the report and the inclusion of more detailed information. The committee accepted this request.

ALN Learner Travel Provision

The committee received an update on the council's Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Learner Travel Provision. The report highlighted that the service supports 646 learners with specialist transport arrangements, costing £7.5 million against a budget of £6.6 million in 2025/26, with costs projected to exceed £8 million in 2026/27. Key challenges include increasing demand, complex needs, workforce shortages, market capacity, and rising costs.

Service improvements are being progressed through a transformation programme, including Personal Travel Budgets (PTBs), route optimisation, enhanced recruitment and training for passenger assistants, a revised application process, and the proposed development of a school transport management system. PTBs reportedly delivered savings of £1.159 million in 2025/26.

In response to questions:

• Accessibility for Families: The Head of Environmental Infrastructure clarified that ALN transport eligibility follows the same distance criteria as mainstream transport (two miles for primary, three for secondary), unless a child has a specific need preventing them from walking.
• Personal Travel Budgets (PTBs): The Modernising Transport Co-ordinator reported approximately £1 million in savings to date, with efforts underway to increase uptake and gather data on reasons for non-take-up. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure confirmed ongoing work to minimise overall spending while meeting service demands, with similar expenditure expected next year. Joint planning with the Education department is also being strengthened to consider transport implications alongside educational placement decisions.
• Provider Costs: The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that budgets are reviewed regularly, and growth bids are submitted to address pressures from increased demand and provider charges.

The committee received the report on ALN Learner Travel Provision.

Implementation Report on the Task & Finish - A Review of the Dog Breeding Licensing Function of the Consumer and Business Affairs Animal Health Team

Councillor Dorian Phillips declared a personal interest as his brother owns licensed dog kennels and left the meeting before this item was discussed.

The committee received the implementation report, noting that good progress had been made on the recommendations from the Task and Finish Group's review. Work is underway to review licensing fees, improve communications, explore digital solutions, and consider future resource needs. Engagement has occurred with Welsh Government regarding national recommendations. The Animal Health and Welfare Team has been recognised as finalists in the RSPCA PawPrints Awards 2026 Special Recognition Award for their work in tackling illegal dog breeding and protecting animal welfare. Since 2022, the team has secured 15 prosecutions and over £1 million in confiscation orders, fines, and costs.

Members congratulated the team on their award nomination and commended the work of the Task and Finish Group. The letter to Welsh Government was noted, and a request was made for the response to be circulated upon receipt. The importance of creating an additional full-time position, as recommended, was emphasised.

The committee received the implementation report.

Non-Submission of Scrutiny Report

The committee received a non-submission report explaining the unavailability of the School Transport Extra-Curricular Transport report. The revised submission date was agreed as January 2027, to allow for the incorporation of details regarding the council's participation as a pathfinder authority for the new Nofio Ysgol national school swimming and water safety programme. The committee accepted the reasons stated in the non-submission report.

Forthcoming Items

The committee considered the list of forthcoming items for the next meeting on 20 October 2026. Items include the Council Annual Report, Budget Monitoring Reports, Peatland Management and Restoration, Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy Update, Adapting to the Nature Climate - Annual Report, and a Review of Licensing Policy and Taxi Policy. The committee agreed to the list of forthcoming items for the Committee meeting to be held on the 20th October 2026.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The committee resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 23 July 2026 be signed as a correct record.