The County Council of Carmarthenshire met on Wednesday 11 December 2024, approving several key reports and strategies, including the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report, the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, and the Council's Annual Report for 2023-24. The council also approved electoral arrangements for Whitland Abbey and Whitland, and confirmed the recruitment process for a new Head of Adult Services.

Financial Pressures and Welsh Government Funding

The Council's financial situation was a significant point of discussion, with the Cabinet Member for Resources highlighting the impact of austerity. It was reported that the council is approximately £150 million worse off in real terms than in 2010, while demand for statutory services, particularly in adult and children's care, has grown substantially. This has resulted in a projected £25 million gap for Carmarthenshire, even after identifying £10.5 million in departmental savings. The shortfall includes costs associated with teacher pay awards, school pressures, and social care, as well as a potential £4 million National Insurance shortfall for commissioned care services due to recent changes in the Chancellor's Budget. An additional £7-8 million is anticipated for directly employed council staff, with the UK Government expected to announce an allowance for this in due course.

The projected £11 million overspend by schools was also highlighted as a serious concern, with an intervention team visiting over 50 schools in deficit to discuss cost-reduction measures. A report on this matter is expected in the New Year.

The Cabinet Member for Resources also addressed the council's funding structure, explaining that 75% of income for social care and education comes from the Revenue Support Grant (RSG) and Non-Domestic Rates allocation from the Welsh Government. An increase of 1% in this funding equates to £3.5 million for the council, while a 1% decrease in RSG necessitates a 3.5% increase in Council Tax. The remaining income is primarily derived from Council Tax, with a 1% increase generating £1 million.

The recent announcement of the Welsh Government's interim budget revealed a 10% increase for the Health Service but only a 4.3% increase for Local Government. The interim settlement for Carmarthenshire was expected later that day, and the council planned to lobby the Welsh Government before February to ensure a fair allocation.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

The Council approved the Carmarthenshire County Council's Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) for publishing. This strategy, produced in accordance with Section 10.7 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, outlines the council's approach to flood and coastal erosion risk management up to 2030. The strategy includes a formalised strategic aim to reduce the number of properties at risk of flooding, which currently stands at 12,600 addresses. It also sets out five strategic objectives: modernising a risk-based approach to flood and coastal risk management, becoming data-rich for better decision-making, championing nature-based solutions, educating and empowering communities for resilience, and promoting community adaptation and partnership working. Ten measures have been agreed to deliver these objectives.

Section 19 Investigation into Llansteffan Flooding

The Council adopted the Carmarthenshire County Council's Section 19 report, which details the outcome of an investigation into the flooding of approximately 34 properties in Llansteffan over the New Year period of 2023/24. The investigation concluded with 10 actions related to Flood Risk Management, 6 recommendations for Community Resilience, and 11 actions concerning Operation and Maintenance. The council will manage the delivery of these actions through a multi-agency project group, which it will continue to chair. Councillors C. Jones, A. Lenny, and E. Skinner declared personal and prejudicial interests in this matter and left the meeting during its consideration.

Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2023/24

The Council unanimously approved the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2023/24 for Carmarthenshire. This report, developed in accordance with statutory requirements, details the delivery of services and performance within Social Care, along with plans for improvement across the full range of social services. It examines each service area, outlining how strategies, actions, targets, and risks will be addressed operationally within the approved budget. Councillors thanked the Director of Community Services for his dedication and the comprehensive report, and paid tribute to the staff working in the portfolio.

Council's Annual Report 2023/24

The Carmarthenshire County Council's Annual Report for 2023-2024 was approved. This report aligns with the Corporate Strategy 2022-2027 and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, requiring the publication of an annual report on well-being objectives. It also fulfils the duty under the Local Government and Elections Act (Wales) 2021 to report on performance through a self-assessment approach. The report details progress against well-being objectives, thematic and service priorities, key measures, and includes case studies highlighting the difference made to residents' lives, as well as identified areas for improvement.

Panel Performance Assessment

The Council noted the requirements for the Panel Performance Assessment (PPA), agreed to the Carmarthenshire Scoping Document, and approved the proposed timescales for undertaking the PPA between 10-13 June 2025. The Leader and Chief Executive were delegated authority to confirm the appointment of the Panel and the Terms of Reference for the assessment, following discussions with relevant stakeholders. This assessment, mandated by the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, evaluates the council's effectiveness in exercising its functions, using resources economically, efficiently, and effectively, and maintaining effective governance.

Review of Communities and Electoral Arrangements - Whitland Abbey, Whitland

The Council approved the electoral arrangements for Whitland Abbey and Whitland. This decision followed a report on the review of community boundaries between Llanboidy and Whitland Community Councils, undertaken in accordance with the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013. The process involved an initial investigation, a six-week consultation, and the preparation of draft proposals and final recommendations. Councillor S. Allen declared a personal interest in this matter due to being a council-appointed member of Canolfan Hywel Dda, which is related to the Abbey.

Recruitment to the Post of Head of Adult Services

The Council unanimously approved the Job Profile and Person Specification for the Head of Adult Services, and agreed to implement proposed interim arrangements if required. The current Head of Adult Services is due to leave on 31 March 2025. The Job Profile and Person Specification have been updated to strengthen responsibilities around Safeguarding, with the statement Safeguarding is everyone's business. All of us have a responsibility for protecting children and adults at risk, working in a way that promotes and supports their best interests and for reporting any concerns now included in all standard Job Profile templates.

Appointment of a New Community Committee Member of the Standards Committee

Jeanette Gilasbey was unanimously appointed as a Community Committee member of the Standards Committee for a full initial term of office. This appointment followed a formal recruitment process, including expressions of interest from town and community councils, and a recruitment panel comprising three County Councillors and one Independent Lay Member.

Mid-Year Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report

The Council approved the Mid-Year Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report, which provides an update on treasury management activities from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024.

Other Business

The Council received reports of the Cabinet meetings held on 4 November 2024 and 18 November 2024. No public questions or questions from members were received. The minutes for information, covering items 13.1 to 13.8, were noted as available on the Council website.