Limited support for Carmarthenshire

We do not currently provide detailed weekly summaries for Carmarthenshire Council. Running the service is expensive, and we need to cover our costs.

You can still subscribe!

If you're a professional subscriber and need support for this council, get in touch with us at community@opencouncil.network and we can enable it for you.

If you're a resident, subscribe below and we'll start sending you updates when they're available. We're enabling councils rapidly across the UK in order of demand, so the more people who subscribe to your council, the sooner we'll be able to support it.

If you represent this council and would like to have it supported, please contact us at community@opencouncil.network.

AI Generated

Summary

The meeting covered several key topics, including a public question about potential conflicts of interest involving the Dyfed Pension Fund's investment in Bute Energy, the council's revenue budget monitoring report, an update on the capital program, and a proposal to lease the former Newcastle Emlyn courthouse to the town council.

The most significant topic discussed was the public question raised by Mr. Harvard Hughes concerning a potential conflict of interest between the Dyfed Pension Fund's investment in Bute Energy and the council's role in determining aspects of Bute Energy's pylon project. The Leader of the Council clarified that the Dyfed Pension Fund is an autonomous body responsible for managing pension funds for various organizations across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire. The Leader emphasized that Carmarthenshire County Council does not have control over the pension fund's investments and that any decisions related to the Green Gem Committee proposal would be made independently by the planning committee. The Leader also reiterated the council's position that the cables should be undergrounded to protect local landscapes, in line with Welsh Government guidelines.

The council's revenue budget monitoring report was presented by Councillor Allan Lenny. The report indicated a possible overspend of £4.4 million for the year, primarily driven by increased demand and complexity of cases in learning disabilities, mental health, and children's services. The report also highlighted overspends in education and children's departments and the community's department. Councillor Lenny assured members of ongoing prudent financial management and moved the report, which was approved by the council.

An update on the capital program was also provided by Councillor Allan Lenny. The report detailed a gross budget of £244 million and a net budget of £141 million, with a forecasted net spend of just over £80 million. Key projects highlighted included the redevelopment of the former YMCA building in Llanelli, the conversion of former council offices in Carmarthen, and the completion of the new school at Pembrey. The report was approved by the council.

Finally, the council discussed a proposal to lease the former Newcastle Emlyn courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The building, which is no longer in use by the county council, is intended to be repurposed as a community hub. The council approved a 21-year lease to the town council for a peppercorn rent, with the tenant responsible for maintenance, insurance, and running costs. Councillor Hazel declared an interest in this item and left the meeting during its consideration.

Attendees

Profile image for Cllr. Darren Price
Cllr. Darren Price  Leader of the Council •  Plaid Cymru •  Gorslas
Profile image for Cllr. Glynog Davies
Cllr. Glynog Davies  Cabinet Member •  Plaid Cymru •  Cwarter Bach
Profile image for Cllr. Hazel Evans
Cllr. Hazel Evans  Cabinet Member •  Plaid Cymru •  Cenarth and Llangeler
Profile image for Cllr. Linda Evans
Cllr. Linda Evans  Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member •  Plaid Cymru •  Llanfihangel-ar-Arth
Profile image for Cllr. Philip Hughes
Cllr. Philip Hughes  Cabinet Member •  Independent •  St Clears with Llansteffan
Profile image for Cllr. Alun Lenny
Cllr. Alun Lenny  Cabinet Member •  Plaid Cymru •  Carmarthen Town North and South
Profile image for Cllr. Edward Thomas
Cllr. Edward Thomas  Cabinet Member •  Independent •  Llandeilo
Profile image for Cllr. Jane Tremlett
Cllr. Jane Tremlett  Cabinet Member •  Independent •  Laugharne Township
Profile image for Cllr. Aled Vaughan Owen
Cllr. Aled Vaughan Owen  Cabinet Member •  Plaid Cymru •  Gorslas
Michelle Evans Thomas
Profile image for Cllr. Deryk Cundy
Cllr. Deryk Cundy  Leader of the Opposition Group (Labour) •  Welsh Labour •  Bynea
Jason Jones
Eira Evans
Daniel Hall-Jones
Julie Owens

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.