The Carmarthenshire County Council Cabinet met on Monday 2 December 2024 to discuss a range of important issues. The Cabinet resolved to recommend the approval of the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy for publishing, approved the Local Toilet Strategy 2024/26, and resolved to recommend the approval of the Council's Annual Report for 2023/24. The Cabinet also resolved to recommend the approval of the Section 19 investigation report into flooding in Llansteffan and recommended to Council that the Leader and Chief Executive have delegated authority to confirm the appointment of the Panel and its Terms of Reference for the Carmarthenshire Panel Performance Assessment. The Cabinet also resolved to recommend the approval of the Mid-Year Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report and reaffirmed the Council's commitment to Fairtrade, appointing Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen as the Council's Fairtrade Champion.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) Recommended for Approval

The Cabinet received for consideration the Council’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) for publishing. This strategy, developed in accordance with Section 10.7 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, outlines the authority's approach to managing flood and coastal erosion risk up to 2030. Key purposes of the strategy include setting out a strategic assessment of flood risk, identifying that 12,600 addresses are at risk of flooding, formalising the aim to reduce the number of properties at risk, and establishing five strategic objectives. These objectives focus on modernising flood risk management, becoming data-rich, championing nature-based solutions, educating communities, and promoting community adaptation and partnership working. The strategy also agrees on 10 measures to deliver these objectives. The Cabinet unanimously resolved to recommend to Council that the LFRMS be approved for publishing.

Local Toilet Strategy 2024/26 Approved

The Cabinet considered and approved the Authority’s Local Toilet Strategy for 2024/26. This strategy was produced in accordance with Part 8 of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017, which places a duty on local authorities in Wales to prepare and publish such a strategy. While there is no statutory requirement for local authorities to provide public toilets, the Act mandates a strategic approach to how these facilities can be provided and accessed by the public. The strategy considers a full range of options for making facilities available, acknowledging the importance of adequate provision for health, well-being, business, and tourism. The strategy also addresses key issues such as council budget constraints, the need for improved health and well-being, meeting statutory duties, and the provision of disabled facilities and Changing Places toilets. The Cabinet unanimously resolved that the Local Toilets Strategy 2024/26 be approved.

Llansteffan Flooding Investigation Report Recommended for Council Approval

The Cabinet considered a report on the outcome of a Section 19 investigation into the flooding of approximately 34 properties in Llansteffan during two storms over the New Year period of 2023/24. The investigation concluded that the flooding was primarily caused by increased surface water flows overwhelming local watercourses, exacerbated by buried outfalls on the beach and saturated ground conditions. The report identified 10 actions relating to Flood Risk Management, 6 recommendations for Community Resilience, and 11 actions for Operation and Maintenance. The Cabinet unanimously resolved to recommend to Council that the report be approved, with Carmarthenshire County Council managing the delivery of these actions through a multi-agency project group.

Council's Annual Report 2023/24 Recommended for Council Approval

The Cabinet reviewed the Council’s Draft Annual Report for 2023-24, prepared under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Local Government and Elections Act (Wales) 2021. The report provides an overview of progress against the Council's four well-being objectives: 'Start Well', 'Live and Age Well', 'Prosperous Communities', and 'Our Council'. It details progress against thematic and service priorities, including case studies and areas for improvement. The Cabinet unanimously resolved to recommend to Council that the draft report be approved.

Carmarthenshire Panel Performance Assessment (PPA) Requirements Noted and Delegated Authority Recommended

The Cabinet considered a report regarding the Carmarthenshire Panel Performance Assessment (PPA), a requirement under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021. This assessment will evaluate the Council's effectiveness in exercising its functions, using resources economically, efficiently, and effectively, and the strength of its governance. A scoping document has been prepared to inform the selection of an independent panel, and the assessment is proposed to take place between 10-13 June 2025. The Cabinet unanimously resolved to recommend to Council that it note the requirements for the PPA, agree the scoping document and timescales, and approve that the Leader and Chief Executive have delegated authority to confirm the appointment of the Panel and its Terms of Reference.

Mid-Year Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report Recommended for Council Approval

The Cabinet considered the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report, providing an update on treasury management activities from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024. The report detailed investment and borrowing activities, confirming that no Prudential Indicators were breached during the period. The Cabinet unanimously resolved to recommend to Council that the report be approved.

Fairtrade Commitment Reaffirmed and Champion Appointed

The Cabinet considered a Notice of Motion from the County Council regarding Fairtrade. The Council resolved to reaffirm its commitment to supporting Fairtrade within Carmarthenshire, recognise the achievements of Fairtrade towns, support a Fairtrade Steering Committee, and appoint a Cabinet Member as a Champion for Fairtrade. The Cabinet unanimously resolved to reaffirm the Council's commitment, work with the existing Carmarthenshire Fair Trade Group, and appoint Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen as the Council's Fairtrade Champion.