The Carmarthenshire County Council meeting on Wednesday 14 October 2026 discussed significant changes to the education landscape, proceeding with the closure of Ysgol y Fro and Ysgol Meidrim. The council also received reports on income and charging policies, treasury management, and the farm estate. Discussions were held regarding the establishment of a new Transformation and Innovation Fund and updates to the Waste and Recycling Service Policy.

Modernising Education Programme: School Closures

A major focus of the meeting was the Modernising Education Programme, with decisions made regarding the closure of two primary schools: Ysgol y Fro and Ysgol Meidrim.

Ysgol y Fro, a rural Welsh-medium primary school, faced significant challenges including low pupil numbers, high surplus capacity, and a projected budget deficit. Despite objections from the community, the council resolved to proceed with implementing the proposal to discontinue its closure from 31 December 2026, with pupils transferring to Ysgol y Dderwen. The decision was based on a comprehensive assessment of educational, financial, and organisational factors, acknowledging the school's community role but deeming closure necessary for long-term sustainability. The council noted that all pupils had already accepted places at other schools by September 2026.

Similarly, Ysgol Gynradd Meidrim, another rural primary school, was also proposed for closure from 31 December 2026, with pupils transferring to Ysgol Griffith Jones or Ysgol Hafodwenog. The council cited low pupil numbers, high surplus capacity, budget deficits, and leadership instability as key reasons for the proposal. While acknowledging the school's community value and Welsh language contribution, the council concluded that these factors were outweighed by the need for sustainable educational provision. The proposal noted that Ysgol Griffith Jones is a dual-stream school, while Ysgol Hafodwenog is Welsh-medium, offering continued Welsh-medium education options.

Revised Income and Charging Policy Discussed

The council received information regarding a revised Income and Charging Policy, first established in 2017. The update aims to maximise income generation, align fees with corporate strategies, ensure cost recovery, minimise debt, and maintain quality and consistency while complying with legal requirements.

Transformation and Innovation Fund Discussed

A new Council Transformation Fund was discussed in relation to supporting projects linked to the revised Transformation Strategy. The fund aims to have £2 million available at the start of each financial year. Services and schools can apply for funding, which will be available as either an interest-free loan or an investment grant. Projects will be assessed based on alignment with corporate objectives, customer outcomes, risk mitigation, and financial impact. Bids under £250,000 will require delegated approval from the Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services, while larger bids will need Cabinet Member for Resources approval.

Waste and Recycling Service Policy Updated

The Waste and Recycling Service Policy was updated, providing an overview of strategic and operational changes to be implemented in Autumn 2026. These changes aim to improve recycling performance and provide a clear framework for delivering the Welsh Government's Collections Blueprint, maximising reuse and recycling rates.

Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators

The Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report for 2025-2026 was received, detailing treasury management activities and confirming Prudential Indicators. The report noted that total investments made and repaid amounted to £1,985.50 million, with an average return of 4.08%, exceeding the investment benchmark by 0.03%. Borrowing stood at just over £434 million, well below the set ceiling of £600 million.

Revenue Budget Monitoring Report

The Revenue Budget Monitoring Report for 2026/27 indicated a forecasted overspend of £11.3 million on the Authority's net revenue budget, with departmental overspends totalling £15.9 million, including schools. Key pressures were identified in Children's Services, Adult Social Care, and savings delivery. The report also noted that the authority was approximately £150 million worse off in real terms compared to ten years prior, highlighting ongoing financial risks.

Capital Programme 2026/27 Update

A positive update on the Capital Programme 2026/27 was presented, detailing approved budgets for new housing, redevelopment projects like Plas y Bryn care home, a new children's home, the Pentre Awel leisure centre, the Tywi Valley Path, and the Oriel Myrddin redevelopment. The total gross capital budget for 2026/27 was £213.2 million, with a net spend of £106.7 million.

Committee Membership Changes

Councillor Sharen Davies was nominated to fill a vacant seat on the Place, Sustainability and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee, and Councillor Nysia Evans was nominated to the Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee.

Other Business

The meeting also included the receipt of information on the revised Income and Charging Policy and the Carmarthenshire County Council's Farm Estate Plan. There were no urgent items of business or public questions on notice.