The Carmarthenshire County Council meeting on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, saw councillors discuss and pass motions concerning rail investment in West Wales and support for the Scarlets rugby team. The council also approved the Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report for 2024-2025.

Rail Investment in West Wales

A notice of motion, submitted by Councillors Alun Lenny and Glynog Davies, was unanimously supported and referred to the Cabinet. The motion expressed dismay at the disparity in rail investment between Wales and other parts of the UK, and within Wales itself. It highlighted concerns that the £445m rail investment package for Wales was insufficient compared to HS2 development in England and that the majority of this funding was earmarked for south-east and north Wales by 2030, with no clear details for other areas. The council resolved to write to the Welsh Government's Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates, requesting greater clarity and accelerated investment in West Wales' rail infrastructure. Furthermore, the motion supported the devolution of railways in Wales to ensure a fairer share of funding.

Support for the Scarlets Rugby Team

The council unanimously supported a notice of motion submitted by Councillors Sharen Davies and Giles Morgan, reaffirming its support for the Scarlets rugby team. The motion acknowledged the team's significance to the Llanelli community and the wider Carmarthenshire region, citing its cultural importance and substantial economic impact. It also noted the potential severe and lasting negative consequences for the local economy, community cohesion, and Carmarthenshire's cultural identity should the Scarlets face relocation or loss of professional status. In response, the Chief Executive was tasked with writing to the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and the Welsh Government to advocate for the Scarlets' retention within the professional rugby framework. The council also committed to engaging with Scarlets management and publicly expressing its support to residents and fans. It was noted that the council had already submitted an economic and social impact assessment for the Scarlets and a joint letter to the WRU as part of the consultation process.

Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report 2024-2025

The council unanimously approved the Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report for 2024-2025, as recommended by the Cabinet. The report detailed the council's treasury management activities for the year, confirming compliance with the Code of Practice. It also confirmed that the actual Prudential Indicators were within the limits set by the 2024-2025 Budget and the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy. The report indicated that the council's investments during the year returned an average rate of 4.93%, with a total investment balance of £96.5m at the year-end. Borrowing for the capital programme amounted to £15m, with total external interest paid being £16.23m, which was favourable compared to the budget.

Questions from Members

Coastal Monitoring and Burry Port Harbour: Councillor John James questioned Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, about the council's efforts to track sand dune movement and other environmental factors in the Carmarthen Bay area, particularly concerning Burry Port Harbour. Councillor Vaughan Owen explained that the council had regained management of Burry Port Harbour and committed £2m to dredging works, with a license application underway. He also detailed the ongoing coastal monitoring programme, including the Coast Snap project and the appointment of a coastal adaptation officer. Councillor James invited Councillor Vaughan Owen to meet with local experts to discuss the issue further.

Home to School Transport: Councillor Martyn Palfreman asked Councillor Edward Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, about the council's actions to address the need for safe and affordable home-to-school transport for children living within the three-mile limit for free school passes. Councillor Thomas stated that the council provides transport to approximately 25% of learners and offers spare seats on contracted school buses. He expressed concerns that the Welsh Government's Bus Reform Bill, while aiming for improvements, lacked sufficient funding and might pose risks to existing school transport services. He added that the council would continue to lobby the Welsh Government for reform and funding. Councillor Palfreman sought further justification for the council's stance and asked if the council would investigate the link between the lack of school transport and high absenteeism rates. Councillor Thomas agreed to address this in a written response.

Other Matters

The council also approved an amendment to the minutes of the previous meeting held on 10th September 2025, regarding the wording of a recorded vote. The Chair announced various community events and extended well wishes to councillors in hospital. Councillor Linda Evans launched the 2025 Christmas Toybox Appeal. Councillor Jane Tremlett congratulated the Integrated Services Communities Team on achieving a Silver Award in the Investment in Carers programme.