The Carmarthenshire Council Cabinet met on Thursday 31 July 2025 to discuss several key issues, making decisions on the future of special educational provision in Llanelli, the phased rollout of a new waste strategy, and the re-ballot for the Llanelli Business Improvement District. The meeting also addressed updates to nursery provision and the council's recruitment and retention strategy.

Review of Special Educational Provision in Llanelli

The Cabinet decided to proceed with Option 4 for the review of special educational provision in Llanelli, which involves building a new special school with an enhanced capacity for 150 pupils with severe learning difficulties (SLD) and profound learning difficulties (PMLD). This decision followed further costings and design feasibility work. The estimated cost for this option ranges from £27.5m to £34.8m. The Cabinet noted that demand for pupils with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) would be met through alternative means. Councillor L.D. Evans declared an interest in this item due to a family relation working at the school and left the meeting prior to the discussion and decision. Councillor R. James asked for reassurance regarding the availability of spaces for pupils with ASC, and the Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language confirmed that existing specialist provision was being expanded and new provision was being developed across several mainstream primary and secondary schools in the area.

Waste Strategy Update

A phased rollout of the Welsh Government's Kerbside Collections Blueprint was approved, with approximately one-third of the county transitioning to the new service in Autumn 2026. The remaining two-thirds will continue with the current waste collection method until an alternative solution is developed, with full countywide implementation targeted for Autumn 2028. Existing depots will be utilised for the initial phase, with an operational decision to be made on whether the fleet will be managed centrally or distributed across sites. Nine Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) procured for the Blueprint rollout will be introduced as part of the full countywide implementation. The implementation of four-weekly residual waste collections will coincide with the full countywide rollout. This revised strategy aims to address statutory recycling targets, high contamination rates, and forthcoming legal requirements such as the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Llanelli Business Improvement District (BID) - New Ballot

The Cabinet agreed to support the Llanelli Business Improvement District (BID) by facilitating a formal ballot for its third term on 23 October 2025. The council will vote yes for its 30 affected rateable properties within the BID area, which are estimated to incur an annual levy charge of £18,422.25 plus inflation. The council also approved the principle of conducting the BID levy collection on behalf of the Llanelli BID Company at no charge for the new five-year term and endorsed the Statement of Baseline Services. Furthermore, the council agreed to oversee the BID ballot process at no fee. The BID initiative levies business rate payers to fund non-statutory services in the town centre, and the proposed levy rate for the new term is 1.5% on the rateable value of commercial properties exceeding £5,000.

Modernising Education Programme - Nursery Provision in Ammanford

The Cabinet unanimously resolved to discontinue Ammanford Nursery school. Additionally, the age range at Ysgol Bro Banw and Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman will be extended from 4-11 to 3-11. These changes are a response to the council's decision to remove its rising 4s Policy, meaning children will be eligible for full-time school from the term following their fourth birthday.

Recruitment and Retention Strategy

The Cabinet unanimously approved the Recruitment and Retention Strategy, which aims to address challenges in attracting and retaining quality candidates, managing turnover, and reducing reliance on agency staff. The strategy is designed to ensure the council can attract, recruit, and retain a skilled workforce, deliver high-quality services, and reduce recruitment costs. It also focuses on promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity, enhancing employer branding, and improving data-driven decision-making. The council is committed to increasing apprenticeships provided through the medium of Welsh.