The Place, Sustainability & Climate Change Scrutiny Committee reviewed the council's financial performance and progress on key objectives. Discussions included budget monitoring, performance reports, and the impact of national policies on local services. The committee unanimously resolved to receive the Revenue Budget Monitoring Report as at 31 December 2025 in respect of 2024/25 and noted the 2023/24 Quarter 3 Performance Report.

Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2024/25

The committee received and noted the 2024/25 Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring reports for the Place & Infrastructure and Public Protection Services. A projected underspend of £6.6m was identified in the capital budget, primarily due to delays in the fleet replacement programme and the Tywi Valley Path project. The report highlighted that the first 4-mile section of the Tywi Valley Path had opened to public enthusiasm.

Several queries were raised regarding the budget:

• The vacant position of the environment enforcement officer was being addressed through an ongoing recruitment process.
• An overspend in school transport was attributed to the timing of the Easter period, with work underway to balance finances over the coming years.
• Concerns were raised about underachievement of licence income in Animal Welfare, with a Task and Finish Group finding that current costs do not cover service delivery expenses. This issue will be forwarded to the Cabinet.
• Consultation for the bin rationalisation programme was underway, and members were advised to contact the Waste team with any concerns.
• Preparations for the new Blueprint waste model included social media communications and resident engagement.
• Regarding highway maintenance, the director confirmed that verge mowing cuts would be reduced in 20mph areas, with safety remaining a priority.
• The criteria for School Crossing Patrols were to be provided to members, with national guidelines and amended criteria from the budget-setting process being adhered to.

The committee unanimously resolved to receive the Revenue Budget Monitoring Report as at 31 December 2025 in respect of 2024/25.

2024/25 Quarter 3 Performance Report

The committee reviewed the performance report for the third quarter of 2023/24, assessing progress against actions linked to the Corporate Strategy 2022-2027 and Well-being objectives.

Key points from the discussion included:

• Regarding measure PP/FOOD/001, the Head of Leisure and Public Protection acknowledged challenging targets and noted that despite two vacancies affecting assessment numbers, all high-risk premises assessments would be completed by year-end. A Level 4 apprenticeship scheme would be introduced to address national shortages of environmental health and food officers.
• The Head of Leisure and Public Protection clarified that business type would be the primary factor in determining whether premises conduct self-assessments without formal visits, with the risk and priority list continuously reviewed.

The committee unanimously resolved to note the 2023/24 Quarter 3 Performance Report.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2025 were signed as a correct record.