The Cabinet of Carmarthenshire Council met on Monday 29 July 2024, approving a new Digital Strategy, endorsing a pollinator-friendly grassland management strategy, and making key decisions on the Carmarthenshire Waste Strategy. The meeting also saw the approval of several funding applications for the Ten Towns Programme and a restructure of a loan to Parc y Scarlets.

Digital Strategy 2024-2027 Approved

The Cabinet unanimously approved the new Digital Strategy 2024-2027, which outlines the council's strategic digital priorities and aspirations for the next three years. The strategy, titled Designed for people, enabled by technology, focuses on five key priority areas: Digital Services, People & Skills, Data & Decision Making, Technology & Innovation, and Digital Communities & Economy. These priorities are aligned with local and national well-being goals, aiming to enhance public services, improve resident well-being, foster a conducive business environment, and invigorate the local economy. The strategy will be reviewed annually, with progress reported in the Council's Annual Report.

Strategy for Grassland Management for Pollinators Endorsed

A Strategy for Grassland Management for Pollinators on the Carmarthenshire County Council (CCC) Estate 2024-29 was endorsed by the Cabinet. This strategy aims to maximise wildflower-rich grassland habitat on council-managed land by adapting cutting regimes and removing arisings to reduce fertility. This approach supports the Council's commitment to mitigating the Nature and Climate Change Emergencies and aligns with the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015. The strategy represents a shift in grassland management practices to benefit biodiversity and support pollinating insects.

Carmarthenshire Waste Strategy – Blueprint Implementation Plan Approved

The Cabinet received an update on the Council's Waste Strategy Blueprint Implementation Plan, noting that the Authority had narrowly met its 70% recycling target for 2024/2025. To achieve the anticipated 80% target by 2030, address contamination issues, and provide a cost-effective service, the second phase of the Waste Strategy will introduce a new collection system. Key decisions included:

• Service Location: Agreement to progress with a Centralised Depot (Option 2 Modular Build) at Nant Y Caws.
• Operational Shift Working: Consultation to progress on a proposed 4-day working week.
• Residual Waste Collection Frequency: Implementation of four-weekly residual waste collections.
• Recycling Collection Streams: Agreement to the full blueprint configuration for recycling collection streams, including separate weekly collections for cans, plastic, food waste, glass, paper, cardboard, textiles, and batteries.
• Vehicle Procurement: Agreement to proceed with vehicle procurement in July 2024, including the implementation of 9 Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) RRVs (approximately 25% of the waste fleet).
• Implementation Timeline: An implementation timeline of June 2026 was agreed.
• Fleet Maintenance: Continued development of a solution for a co-located or centralised corporate fleet maintenance unit.
• Finance: Agreement to fund the £4,905,017 shortfall through savings generated in the first two years of implementing the blueprint.

Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) for Local Development Plan Approved for Consultation

The Cabinet considered proposals to consult on draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) for the Revised Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (LDP) 2018-2033. The guidance covers three key areas focused on Built Heritage and Conservation: Plastering, Rendering and Insulating Traditional Buildings: Guidance for Sustainability, Carmarthenshire Shopfront Design Guide 2022, and Conservation Areas: An Essential Guide to their Enhancement. The Cabinet unanimously resolved to recommend to Council that the draft SPG documents be approved for formal public consultation, with delegated authority granted to officers to make minor factual, typographical, or grammatical amendments.

Predictable Working Pattern Policy Adopted

A draft Predictable Working Pattern policy and procedure was considered, detailing the Council's procedure for managing statutory requests from employees or workers for more predictable working patterns, in line with the Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023. The Cabinet unanimously resolved to adopt the policy and procedure.

Ten Towns Programme Funding Approved

Several applications for funding from the Ten Towns Programme were considered:

• Newcastle Emlyn: An application from Newcastle Emlyn Town Council for £55,340 from the Shared Prosperity Fund was approved for the redevelopment of the former Courthouse into a community hub.
• Ten Towns Capital Development Fund: Five applications were approved for funding, subject to legal charge and formal valuation:
  • Thel Group Ltd (Laugharne): £50,000 for the redevelopment of Ty Glo, Market Lane.
  • Andrew Islwyn Davies (Llandovery): £35,288 for 23 Stone Street.
  • Sian Foster (Llandovery): £50,000 for 10 Stone Street.
  • Sian Foster (Llandovery): £50,000 for 2-4 Garden Lane.
  • Montague Fox Ltd T/A Emlyn Kitchens (Newcastle Emlyn): £75,546 for 1 and 2 Gwalia Stores. Six further applications were recommended for further development of their proposals, pending detailed costings.
• Whitland: An application from Whitland Town Council for £150,000 from the Ten Towns Capital Fund and Shared Prosperity Fund was approved for the purchase and refurbishment of The Studio. An additional recommendation was made to assure improved parking in discussions with Network Rail.

Parc y Scarlets Loan Restructure Approved

The Cabinet considered a request from Scarlets Regional Ltd to extend and restructure an outstanding loan of £2.616 million. The loan, which matured on 31 March 2023, was approved for restructuring on the following basis:

• The loan term will be extended for 15 years from 1 April 2023, with a 3-year deferral of payments.
• Repayment of the loan principal will commence on 1 April 2026, with equal annual instalments of £218,000.
• Interest will continue to be charged at a rate of 2.2% above the bank base rate.

This decision was made in recognition of the significant economic impact of the Scarlets on the County area and the need to ensure the club's sustainability.

Questions on Notice

Councillor Rob James asked two questions regarding ALN (Additional Learning Needs) education and the progress on a new Ysgol Dewi Sant. Councillor Darren Price, Leader of the Council, responded that an independent review of ALN provision in Llanelli would commence in autumn 2024, with a range of options expected to be presented. Regarding Ysgol Dewi Sant, he stated that work is ongoing to secure a site and develop plans, with a report to Cabinet expected before the end of the year.

Other Business

The Cabinet also received minutes from the previous meeting held on 17 June 2024, which were signed as a correct record. Apologies for absence were received from Councillor G. Davies. Councillor H.A.L. Evans declared a personal interest in the Ten Towns Programme – Newcastle Emlyn item and left the meeting for its consideration. The Chair congratulated Councillor Ann Davies on her election as the Member of Parliament for Caerfyrddin.

Items 17, 18, and 19 were considered in private session due to containing exempt information. These related to the Pendine Outdoor Education Centre site, Shared Prosperity Fund applications, and Plot 3, Trostre Retail Park, Llanelli.