The Carmarthenshire County Council meeting on 26 February 2025 saw councillors approve the revenue budget strategy for 2025/26 to 2027/28, which included an 8.9% increase in Council Tax. They also approved a five-year capital programme totalling £187.9 million, with significant investments planned for schools, social care, and economic development. Additionally, draft supplementary planning guidance on planning obligations and affordable housing was approved for public consultation.

Revenue Budget Strategy and Council Tax Increase

Councillors debated and ultimately approved the Revenue Budget Strategy for 2025/26 to 2027/28. This strategy included a significant Council Tax increase of 8.9% for 2025/26, raising the Band D Council Tax to £1,745.43. This decision was made after extensive consultation and consideration of various pressures, including inflation, pay awards, and increased demand for services, particularly in social care and children's services. The Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Alun Lenny, highlighted that the council was facing considerable financial challenges, with funding from Welsh Government not keeping pace with rising costs. Amendments were made to the original proposals, including a reduction in the Council Tax increase from 9.75% to 8.9% due to minor adjustments in funding and a reduction in the contingency budget. The Medium-Term Financial Plan was also approved, outlining the need for significant budget reductions in subsequent years.

Five-Year Capital Programme

The council approved a five-year Capital Programme for 2025/26 to 2029/30, with a total projected expenditure of £187.9 million. This programme is intended to fund key projects aimed at creating jobs and improving the quality of life for residents. Significant investments are planned for schools (£44m), social care (£19m), economic development (£33m), and highways and infrastructure (£61m). Decarbonisation measures are also a priority, with £1m allocated across the first two years of the programme. The programme is projected to be fully funded through a combination of council resources, including borrowing and reserves, and external grants totalling £73.4 million. A new £11m Capital Investment Fund was also established to support future projects and attract grant funding.

Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) for Revised Local Development Plan

Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) documents for the Revised Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (LDP) 2018-2033, covering Planning Obligations and Affordable Housing, were approved for public consultation. These SPGs aim to provide clarity on how planning obligations will be secured to mitigate the impact of new developments and to maximise the supply and variety of affordable homes. The Planning Obligations SPG details requirements for contributions towards affordable housing, education, open spaces, and highways, while the Affordable Housing SPG outlines targets and mechanisms for delivering affordable homes, including on-site provision, off-site contributions, and commuted sums.

Other Decisions

• Annual Monitoring Report 2023/24 for Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (2006-2021): The council endorsed the Annual Monitoring Report, noting that its findings would inform the preparation of the Revised LDP 2018-2033.
• Treasury Management Policy and Strategy 2025-2026: The council approved the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy for the upcoming financial year, along with associated indicators, the Minimum Revenue Provision Statement, and the Investment Strategy. This ensures the prudent management of the council's borrowing and investments.
• UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) - 2025/2026 Transition Year Funding: Proposals for the delivery of the UKSPF transition year funding were endorsed, which will benefit the county from April 2025 to March 2026 through anchor programmes, standalone projects, and commissioned projects.
• Notice of Motion - Crown Estate: Progress on the Notice of Motion regarding the devolution of Crown Estate assets and revenue to Wales was agreed, with cabinet members emphasizing the potential financial benefits for Wales.
• Notice of Motion - Rural Proofing: Progress on the Notice of Motion concerning rural proofing was agreed, and relevant cabinet members will continue discussions with the Welsh Government Minister.
• Notice of Motion - Prince Philip Hospital MIU: Progress on the Notice of Motion regarding Prince Philip Hospital Minor Injuries Unit was agreed, noting assurances from the Hywel Dda University Health Board regarding ongoing evaluation and future service options.

The meeting also received reports from previous Cabinet meetings held on 2, 16 December 2024, and 13 January 2025. There were no public questions or questions from members submitted for this meeting.