The County Council of Carmarthenshire met on Wednesday 28 February 2024 to approve the Revenue Budget Strategy and the Five Year Capital Programme for 2024/25 to 2028/29. The meeting also addressed the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy, and reviewed the Licensing Act 2003 policy.

Revenue Budget Strategy 2024/25 to 2026/27

The Council approved the Revenue Budget Strategy for 2024/25 to 2026/27, which included a 7.5% increase in Band D Council Tax, bringing the annual charge to £1,602.80. This decision was made amidst significant financial pressures facing local authorities, with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Alun Lenny, highlighting the difficulty of balancing frontline service delivery with rising costs and cuts from central government. The strategy aims to protect core services and prepare the authority for future uncertainties.

Adjustments were made to the budget following consultation feedback, totalling £1.95 million. These included deferring £1 million of reductions to school budgets, over £400,000 to highways and flood defence budgets, and £100,000 each to youth support and music services. An additional £1 million was allocated from the RSG reserve to support delegated school budgets. The Council also approved the use of £2 million from the RSG reserve for commissioned residential children's placements. The Medium-Term Financial Plan was also approved as the basis for future planning.

Five Year Capital Programme 2024/25 to 2028/29

The Council approved a five-year Capital Programme totalling £193 million. This programme includes £61 million for school building improvements, £12 million for Disability Facilities Grants, £34 million for regeneration projects, £16 million for the Pentre Awel project, £43 million for highways and recycling infrastructure, and £21 million for digital IT infrastructure. The programme is intended to optimise funding opportunities and maximise external funding.

Key investments include £15.5 million for Llanelli Town Centre, funded by the Levelling Up fund with £2.5 million in match funding. Over £20 million is allocated for vehicle replacement, including £14 million for new vehicles for kerb-side sorting and recycling. A £10 million loan facility will be provided to CWM Environmental for recycling provision at Nantycaws. The programme also includes £4.2 million for digital infrastructure and £1.4 million for the redevelopment of Oriel Myrddin. The Council expressed disappointment that the Welsh Government made no provision for Highway Maintenance grant funding, necessitating an allocation of £2 million from Council resources for road improvements. The Capital Strategy, which guides capital expenditure and investment decisions, was also approved.

Treasury Management Policy and Strategy 2024-25

The Council approved the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy for 2024-25, along with associated Prudential Indicators, Minimum Revenue Provision Statement, and Investment Strategy. This aligns with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management 2017.

Licensing Act 2003 Review of Licensing Policy and Cumulative Impact Assessments

The Council selected Option 3 for Cumulative Impact Assessments (CIAs), which involves adopting a new CIA for Nott Square, King Street, and Queen Street in Carmarthen, while retaining existing assessments within the updated Licensing Policy. An 'exceptions' policy will also be included. This decision aims to best promote the licensing objectives within Carmarthenshire. Councillors J.P. Hart, C.A. Jones, and P.M. Hughes declared interests and left the meeting during the deliberation and voting on this item.

Community Review under the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013

The Council adopted draft recommendations for a Community Review examining existing Town and Community governance arrangements. These recommendations, concerning Llangyndeyrn Community Council and its interactions with Llanelli Rural Council, Trimsaran Community Council, and Pontyberem Community Council, will be published for a six-week consultation period. Final recommendations will be reported to the Council on 12 June.

Recruitment to Head of Law, Governance and Civil Services (and Monitoring Officer)

The Council approved the job profile and person specification for the Head of Law, Governance and Civil Services (and Monitoring Officer) role. Interim arrangements will be implemented until a permanent appointment is made, following an expressions of interest exercise. A further report will be presented to the Council to note the appointment and designate the new appointee as the Council's Monitoring Officer.

Public Questions

Flooding in Carmarthenshire: Mr David Jenkins asked about the Council's actions to alleviate the impact of floods. Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, detailed the Council's strategic approach to flood risk management, its collaboration with various agencies, and its commitment to developing local flood action plans and community resilience. He acknowledged the challenges faced and the need for continued adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Planning Permission for Solar Panels: Dr Anthony Laxton questioned the Council's approach to planning permission for solar panels and energy-saving initiatives in conservation areas. Councillor Linda Evans, Cabinet Member for Homes, responded that the Council takes its commitment to a low-carbon economy seriously and assesses development proposals on a case-by-case basis. She highlighted that planning permission is often not required for solar panels on domestic dwellings and that the Council's training centre, Canolfan Tywi, offers advice on sustainability for pre-1919 buildings. She also confirmed that all new social housing properties in Carmarthenshire are being built with solar panels.

Towy Valley Cycle Path Funding: Ms Tara-Jane Sutcliffe inquired about contingency planning for the Towy Valley Cycle Path project should it not meet the extended funding deadline of 31 March 2025. Councillor Edward Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, stated confidence in completing the project within the deadline, noting that the Council's match funding of £1.864 million is not subject to time restrictions. He outlined the project's benefits for the environment, tourism, and the local economy.

Questions by Members

Relationship with Barclays Bank: Councillor Rob James asked about the progress of the Council's re-examination of its relationship with Barclays Bank. Councillor Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources, reported that officers have engaged with a specialist banking advisor and Barclays regarding its ethical policies. A report on the options is being compiled, with a decision on the most appropriate way forward expected soon.

Llanelli City Status Bid: Councillor Rob James questioned Councillor Darren Price, Leader of the Council, about the Council's commitment to a public consultation on Llanelli's city status bid. Councillor Price reiterated his call for an independent public consultation and expressed concerns about some of the claims made in support of the bid, such as the potential for a fully-fledged A&E. He emphasised the Council's focus on inward investment and practical improvements for Llanelli, citing the Pentre Awel development and town centre regeneration as priorities. He also acknowledged concerns about the impact of out-of-town shopping centres like Trostre.

Committee Membership Changes

Councillor Fiona Hughes was elected Vice-Chair of the Health and Social Services Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Nysia Evans was approved to fill the Labour Group's vacant seat on the Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee.