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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 13th July, 2022 be signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED, as a result of changes to the overall political composition of the Council, 5.1 to adopt the changes to the number of seats held by the Independent Group and Unaffiliated Members as detailed within Tables 1, and 3 of the report; 5.2. to approve, in accordance with Corporate Procedure Rule CPR 2 (2) (n), changes in Committee membership as a result of recommendation 5.1 above (as detailed within the report); 5.3 to note that there are no changes to the number of seats held by the Plaid Cymru and Labour Groups; 5.4. to note, in accordance with Part 6 of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011, that the existing arrangements for the allocation of the 5 Scrutiny Chairs remains unchanged.
RESOLVED, as a result of changes to the overall political composition of the Council, 6.1 that the allocation of seats on Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (5) be amended as follows:- Plaid Cymru (3) Labour (1) Independent (1); 6.2 that the allocation of seats on the Council’s Constitutional Review Panel (10) be amended as follows:- Plaid Cymru (5) Labour (3) Independent (2); 6.3 to approve the membership changes as detailed within the report/reported at the meeting as a result of recommendations 6.1 and 6.2 above; 6.4 to note that there are no political balance changes required to the membership and allocation of seats for the: Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Dyfed Powys Police & Crime Panel and the Pay Policy Advisory Panel.
RESOLVED to approve the amended wording for Council Procedure Rule 12 ‘Motions on Notice’ as recommended by the Constitutional Review Working Group.
RESOLVED to approve the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Working Group and that Scrutiny remits be amended with each Scrutiny Committee being responsible for the overview and scrutiny of specific Cabinet Portfolios and their respective services as detailed within Option 2 of the report.
RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: “9.1 that the Draft Street Naming and Property Numbering Policy for a period of public consultation of 28 days be approved; 9.2 that any representations received to the consultation, along with officer recommendations, be reported back to the Council for deliberation.”
RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: “that the Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report for 2021-22 be adopted.”
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 4th July, 2022 be received.
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 18th July, 2022 be received.
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 25th July, 2022 be received.
RESOLVED that the Motion be supported. [NOTE: The above item was taken prior to the last item on the agenda – ‘Minutes for Information’ - in view of the number of members who would have to leave the meeting due to having made an ealier declaration of interest.]
RESOLVED that the Motion, as amended, be supported.
RESOLVED to note that the unaffiliated members have nominated Councillor John Jenkins to fill their vacancy on the Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A. Davies, H.L. Davies, K. Davies, S.L. Davies, R. Sparks, A. Vaughan-Owen and P.T. Warlow.
Councillor Minute Number Nature of Interest R. James 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Partner works in Council’s Library Services; D.C. Evans 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Wife works for the Council; T.A.J. Davies 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Sister-in-Law works for the Council; L. Bowen 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Wife works in Council’s Translation Unit; J. Hart 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Partner works for the Council; M. Palfreman 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Friends work for the Council; M. James 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Close Friend works as a classroom assistant; B.A.L. Roberts 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Daughter and Son-in-Law work for the Council; B. Davies 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Wife works in the Community Services Department of the Council; H. Jones 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Family members and friends work for the Council; K. Madge 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Daughter works in Social Care section of the Council; H.A.L. Evans 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Friend works for the Council; N. Evans 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Daughter works for the Council; A. Evans 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Mother works in the Council’s Democratic Services Section; S. Godfrey-Coles 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Partner works for the Council; D. Nicholas 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Daughter and Son-in-Law work for the Council; T.M. Higgins 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Niece works in the Council’s Libraries section; D.M. Cundy 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies A number of relatives work for the Council; A. Leyshon 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Daughter works for the Council; E. Rees 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Brother works for the Council; P. Hughes 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Family member works for the Council; C. Jones 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Daughter-in Law works for the Council; G.H. John 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Daughter works in the Council’s Communities Department; T. Davies 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Friends and family work for the Council; J. James 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Son-in-Law works for the Council; M.D. Cranham 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Son works for the Council; L. Davies 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Sister-in-Law works as a teaching assistant; F. Walters 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Family members work for the Council; M. Donoghue 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Family and friends work for the Council; C.A. Davies 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Family member works for the Council; J.M. Charles 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Family member works for the Council; R. Evans 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Daughter works for the Council; D. Price 11.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies Family member works for the Council.
· The Chair referred to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and stated that, on behalf of members, staff and residents, he had conveyed the County’s deepest sympathies to the Royal family. He added that he had also had the honour of announcing the Proclamation of the new Sovereign on the steps of County Hall, Carmarthen; · The Chair referred to the recent passing of former County Councillor Jan Williams who had represented the Lliedi Ward and who was also a former Mayor of Llanelli Town Council and, on behalf of the Council, extended his sincere condolences to her family; Whereupon Members and Officers observed a two minute silence; · The Chair stated that he and his consort had had the pleasure of attending a number of events over the last month including the Llanelli Model Railway fair at Pembrey Country Park; · Cllr. Ann Davies expressed condolences to the family of Maldwyn Harris who had recently died following a tragic accident on the family farm at Penybanc, Llandeilo; · Cllr. Ann Davies congratulated members of Carmarthenshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs on their recent successes in numerous competitions at national level over the last few months including winning the Public Speaking competition in Stafford and winning a cup for the biggest increase in membership over the past year. Cllr. Davies paid tribute to all those volunteers who helped train the young farmers in various skills and disciplines, including Cllr. Jean Lewis, and congratulated Carmarthenshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs on the excellent work it did for young people; · The Leader, at the Chair’s invitation, commented that in spite of recent Government changes, including a new Prime Minister, some of the challenges, such as the cost of living, continued and had indeed, worsened, following decisions made in London. The impact of those decisions would, he considered, have a big impact not just individually but on households, businesses and the public sector across the county and also for the County Council. He stated that, mindful of next year’s budget, officers had already started the work of planning and that Cabinet would be considering a report next week outlining the challenges faced by the Council including inflation, energy prices and other factors with the Council looking at a £22m gap in its budget. The Leader advised that there was a need for everybody to work together to understand the situation and find solutions. This, he added, was not a challenge unique to Carmarthenshire but throughout the country and those discussions between the WLGA and Welsh Government had already commenced. Leaders and Cabinet members across Wales were concerned about the impact on services across Wales and if there was no additional money from either Welsh Government or Westminster there was a tremendous risk for some services that residents required. The Leader was of the view that there was a moral duty on the Council to do all it could to support residents and businesses through this period and he added this was being done and would continue to be done. He referred to the fact that since the previous Monday payments of about £200 were going to those households who were eligible as part of the winter fuel payment. In addition Cabinet was due to consider a report on the cost of living - under the discretionary cost of living fund there was £1.5m in Carmarthenshire to be used hopefully to provide additional support for individuals and those organisations that supported them. The Leader reminded Council of the idea of supporting those individuals who had difficulty in terms of heating their homes and officers had been requested to start on the work of planning and delivering on that. He added that the county council also had assets such as libraries, leisure centres, etc which could potentially be used over the winter months. Furthermore there were other organisations such as community councils and organisations in the sector who were keen to be part of that agenda. The county council’s task therefore, in the Leader’s opinion, was to make sure that such assets were used and offered but that it also worked with the other sectors to ensure that there was provision across the whole of the county over the winter months. The Leader stated that the Council was very keen to work with organisations across the county and with that in mind an event was being organised in the next month where there would be an opportunity for members and officers of the council and officers from other organisations to come together to make sure that the challenges could be met. On a final note he expressed the view that the Council could not face this challenge by itself but had to collaborate across all sectors and plan what could be done.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 13th July, 2022 be signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 13th July, 2022 be signed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED, as a result of changes to the overall political composition of the Council, 5.1 to adopt the changes to the number of seats held by the Independent Group and Unaffiliated Members as detailed within Tables 1, and 3 of the report; 5.2. to approve, in accordance with Corporate Procedure Rule CPR 2 (2) (n), changes in Committee membership as a result of recommendation 5.1 above (as detailed within the report); 5.3 to note that there are no changes to the number of seats held by the Plaid Cymru and Labour Groups; 5.4. to note, in accordance with Part 6 of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011, that the existing arrangements for the allocation of the 5 Scrutiny Chairs remains unchanged.
In line with the requirements of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) regulations 1990, as amended, consideration was given to a report detailing the outcome of a review of the composition of the Council’s Scrutiny, Regulatory and other Committees following receipt of a notice from Councillors Sharen Davies, Jason Hart and Louvain Roberts that they had joined the Independent Group. RESOLVED, as a result of changes to the overall political composition of the Council, 5.1 to adopt the changes to the number of seats held by the Independent Group and Unaffiliated Members as detailed within Tables 1, and 3 of the report; 5.2. to approve, in accordance with Corporate Procedure Rule CPR 2 (2) (n), changes in Committee membership as a result of recommendation 5.1 above (as detailed within the report); 5.3 to note that there are no changes to the number of seats held by the Plaid Cymru and Labour Groups; 5.4. to note, in accordance with Part 6 of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011, that the existing arrangements for the allocation of the 5 Scrutiny Chairs remains unchanged.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED, as a result of changes to the overall political composition of the Council, 6.1 that the allocation of seats on Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (5) be amended as follows:- Plaid Cymru (3) Labour (1) Independent (1); 6.2 that the allocation of seats on the Council’s Constitutional Review Panel (10) be amended as follows:- Plaid Cymru (5) Labour (3) Independent (2); 6.3 to approve the membership changes as detailed within the report/reported at the meeting as a result of recommendations 6.1 and 6.2 above; 6.4 to note that there are no political balance changes required to the membership and allocation of seats for the: Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Dyfed Powys Police & Crime Panel and the Pay Policy Advisory Panel.
In line with the requirements of Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 consideration was given to a report detailing the outcome of a review of the appointment of members to serve on Council advisory panels and outside bodies subject to political balance requirements following receipt of a notice from Councillors Sharen Davies, Jason Hart and Louvain Roberts that they had joined the Independent Group. The Leader of the Labour Group confirmed that Cllr. Rob Evans would be relinquishing his seat on the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority RESOLVED, as a result of changes to the overall political composition of the Council, 6.1 that the allocation of seats on Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (5) be amended as follows:- Plaid Cymru (3) Labour (1) Independent (1); 6.2 that the allocation of seats on the Council’s Constitutional Review Panel (10) be amended as follows:- Plaid Cymru (5) Labour (3) Independent (2); 6.3 to approve the membership changes as detailed within the report/reported at the meeting as a result of recommendations 6.1 and 6.2 above; 6.4 to note that there are no political balance changes required to the membership and allocation of seats for the: Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Dyfed Powys Police & Crime Panel and the Pay Policy Advisory Panel.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the amended wording for Council Procedure Rule 12 ‘Motions on Notice’ as recommended by the Constitutional Review Working Group.
The Council considered a report detailing the recommendations of the cross-party Constitutional Review Working Group on a proposed revised wording of Council Procedure Rule 12 ‘Motions on Notice’ as set out in Appendix 2 to the report which essentially allowed two or more members to submit a Notice of Motion and to be awarded equal standing. RESOLVED to approve the amended wording for Council Procedure Rule 12 ‘Motions on Notice’ as recommended by the Constitutional Review Working Group.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Working Group and that Scrutiny remits be amended with each Scrutiny Committee being responsible for the overview and scrutiny of specific Cabinet Portfolios and their respective services as detailed within Option 2 of the report.
The Council considered a report detailing the recommendations of the cross-party Constitutional Review Working Group following a review of the remits of the Scrutiny Committees so that they were more closely aligned with the portfolios of the Cabinet Members. RESOLVED to approve the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Working Group and that Scrutiny remits be amended with each Scrutiny Committee being responsible for the overview and scrutiny of specific Cabinet Portfolios and their respective services as detailed within Option 2 of the report.
RESOLVED that Cllr. B.A.L. Roberts be elected Vice-Chair of the Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: “9.1 that the Draft Street Naming and Property Numbering Policy for a period of public consultation of 28 days be approved; 9.2 that any representations received to the consultation, along with officer recommendations, be reported back to the Council for deliberation.”
The Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 18th July 2022 (minute 8 thereof refers), had considered a Draft Street Naming and Property Naming Policy. The policy provided a framework for Carmarthenshire County Council to operate the Street Naming and Numbering function effectively and efficiently for the benefit of Carmarthenshire residents, emergency services, businesses, and visitors. In addition it ensured that the Council reflected the relevant legislative powers and duties, including The Welsh Language Act 1993, the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, the Well Being of Future Generations Act 2015 and Sections 17 to 19 of the Public Health Act (1925). UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: “9.1 that the Draft Street Naming and Property Numbering Policy for a period of public consultation of 28 days be approved; 9.2 that any representations received to the consultation, along with officer recommendations, be reported back to the Council for deliberation.”
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: “that the Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report for 2021-22 be adopted.”
The Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 25th July 2022 (minute 8 thereof refers), had considered the Council's Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report for the 2021-22. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: “that the Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report for 2021-22 be adopted.”
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 4th July, 2022 be received.
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 4th July, 2022 be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 18th July, 2022 be received.
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 18th July, 2022 be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 25th July, 2022 be received.
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 25th July, 2022 be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Motion be supported. [NOTE: The above item was taken prior to the last item on the agenda – ‘Minutes for Information’ - in view of the number of members who would have to leave the meeting due to having made an ealier declaration of interest.]
[NOTE: Councillors R. James, D.C. Evans, T.A.J. Davies, L. Bowen, J. Hart, M. Palfreman, M. James, B.A.L. Roberts, B. Davies, H. Jones, K. Madge, N. Evans, H.A.L. Evans, A. Evans, S. Godfrey-Coles, D. Nicholas, T.M. Higgins, D.M. Cundy, A. Leyshon, E. Rees, P. Hughes, C. Jones, G.H. John, T. Davies, J. James, M. Cranham, L. Davies, F. Walters, M. Donoghue, C.A. Davies, J.M. Charles, R. Evans and D. Price had earlier declared personal interests in this item and were not present during consideration thereof.]. Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lewis Davies:- “This Council: a. Calls on the Westminster Government to devolve to the Welsh Government the authority for deciding on bank holidays in Wales (through the Banking & Financial Dealings Act 1971) in the same way as at present in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and that we ask all Councils in Wales to make a similar request through the Welsh Local Government Association. b. Notes that there is public support for the creation of a bank holiday on St. David’s Day in Wales, and that the Welsh Government has on numerous occasions asked the UK Government to devolve the necessary powers. c. Asks Cabinet to investigate the possibility and implications of denoting St David’s Day as an additional day of paid leave for its staff on March 1st annually. d. Asks Cabinet to consider how the Council can further support St. David’s Day celebrations on and around March 1st, working in conjunction with Town and Community Councils and other key partners to deliver cultural and economic benefits.” The motion was duly seconded. The proposer and seconder of the Motion were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and outlined the reasons for its submission, as set out in the Motion. A number of statements were made in support of the Motion. RESOLVED that the Motion be supported. [NOTE: The above item was taken prior to the last item on the agenda – ‘Minutes for Information’ - in view of the number of members who would have to leave the meeting due to having made an ealier declaration of interest.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Motion, as amended, be supported.
Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor John James:- “That this Council acknowledges the severe negative impact the cost of living crisis is having already on the everyday life of Carmarthenshire residents and in this instance on families sending their children to school and paying for items such as uniforms, stationery, food, as well as coping with the lack of transport to school. Also, that this Council respectfully requests the Council’s Cabinet to reinstate the School Transport Advisory Panel made up of a political balanced membership as well as the appropriate Cabinet Member and supported by all relevant personnel to investigate all options that could help these families.” The motion was duly seconded. The proposer and seconder of the Motion were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and outlined the reasons for its submission, as set out in the Motion. The following amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor Edward Thomas and was duly seconded: “This Council acknowledges the severe negative impact the cost-of-living crisis is having already on the everyday life of Carmarthenshire residents and in this instance on families sending their children to school and paying for items such as uniforms, stationery, and food. This Council requests the cross-party Tackling Poverty Advisory Panel, made up of a political balanced membership as well as the appropriate Cabinet Member and supported by all relevant personnel, considers school transport costs as part of its Forward Work Plan. Council recognises that the WG are undertaking a review of the Learner Travel Measure and its resulting costs, and that Cabinet write to WG seeking clarity as to when the final review will be published. Council notes that the Cabinet’s Vision Statement has already called on the Tackling Poverty Advisory Panel to review their terms of reference to ensure that they have the necessary scope to undertake a review of the work required in relation to tackling poverty and has already requested that the panel immediately begins an additional strand of work in relation to the current cost of living crisis.” The Proposer and Seconder of the Amendment were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and outlined the reasons for its submission, as set out in the Amendment. A number of statements were made in support of both the motion and the amendment. Council was advised that if the Amendment was carried it would become the substantive motion. Following votes it was RESOLVED that the Motion, as amended, be supported.
Council was advised that the Notice of Motion had been withdrawn.
The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.
“I would like to know from the Leader of the Council what action is going to be taken to put the Garnant Workman’s Hall in a safe condition before winter and resolve the biggest eye sore in the Amman Valley, in addition it is the biggest fire risk in Carmarthenshire and a danger to all local residents?” Response by Councillor Darren Price – Leader of the Council:- “I passed through Garnant Sunday – the building is an eyesore and I accept that. But unfortunately it is a legacy we see all too often throughout the South Wales coalfields – these old working men’s halls, institutes, areas that have been central to the community over decades now lying there in rack and ruin. But it’s not always the case we have seen some good examples here in Carmarthenshire where community groups and individuals have taken on these institutions and they are thriving. But unfortunately that isn’t the case in Garnant. As the Member will be aware, the property was actually sold to a new owner in December 2021. I am aware there is an application pending with the Land Registry, which officers believe relates to this site and as soon as the transaction is registered with the Land Registry office, officers within the council will be able to identify and engage with the new owners concerning the building. With regards to the safety aspects rightly raised Building Control officers from the council’s planning department have attended the property on a number of occasions to assess the structural integrity of the wall on site. The last inspection took place on the 19th May 2022 and the conclusion that officers came to was that they do not consider the wall to be dangerous at the current time in line with sections 77 and 78 of the Building Act 1984. Officers will however continue to monitor the situation over the next 12 months. As the member will be aware, and as any member of the Planning Committee will be aware, planning permission was sought and approved a few years ago for a care home on the site and I have asked officers to pursue discussions with the new owners once their identity is known. It’s absolutely important that we know what their plans are for the site. But clearly there are a number of derelict properties, I’ve got some in my own ward and I’m sure members across the chamber have got similar properties, which are in private ownership. Now if we need a discussion in terms of the Council’s strategy on that then that’s a different discussion but I would hope that members would refrain from bringing individual examples to the chamber. But I think that the issue that is raised in principle is something we need to look at and I would be more than happy to have that discussion with members across the chamber. But with regard to this specific example in Garnant , Cllr. Madge, officers have undertaken a safety assessment and are looking to engage with the new owners.” Supplementary Question by Councillor Kevin Madge:- “If we can find out who the new owner is can we serve a notice on them to make sure the roof is safe?” Response by Councillor Darren Price – Leader of the Council:- “The safety issues are absolutely paramount and I know that council officers are keen to engage and keen to ensure the safety of the community and they have done that over the years. The centre has been empty for over a decade over which time officers had visited the building on over 30 occasions and remained focused on ensuring its safety. There is the wider question of the economic regeneration of the Amman Valley and as a Cabinet we have outlined our mission to see economic prosperity across the county and that includes the Amman Valley and Ammanford as a town as well. One of the key things for me I think, obviously we’ve done a lot – there’s been investment in the Glanamman workshops, there’s been investment in other parts of the valleys, we’re a major employer as a council, we’ve got the Glanamman depot, we’ve got the day centre, so as a council we’re a major employer in the area along with the schools, but there is more that needs to be done I absolutely accept that. For me one of the key things is transport links. If we are going to tackle economic development in the Amman Valley improving the awful and abysmal transport links in the Amman Valley area is fundamental. How can we expect to attract business and inward investment with what we have got at the moment? Part of that will be reopening the Amman Valley railway line. As a council, cross-party, we have been supporting that for some years and we need to see progress. One of the meetings I had over the summer was through the CJC which brings together Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire and as part of that there’s a key discussion on the Swansea Bay Metro. Quite frankly I think we are being short-changed at the moment as to the plans for the Swansea Bay Metro – Carmarthenshire is getting next to nothing for it so there are discussions that need to be had with other local authority leaders and Welsh Government as to where we sit in that picture. If we crack that I am of the firm belief that we will see investment and economic development in Amanford but without it it will be a challenge.”
“I would like to know from the Cabinet member what action is going to be taken to repair the footbridge at Golwg yr Amman to Cwmamman Park? It is 26 years old and is rusting away and needs urgent re painting and cleaning before it rust away and needs replacing”. Response by Councillor Edward Thomas – Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services:- “Thank you Cllr. Madge for your question. You will be aware of course that from the mid to late 2000s onwards, available budgets for the upkeep and maintenance of our bridges and structures assets have been very much utilised and prioritised with respect to essential maintenance works to ensure our highway network remains functional and serviceable. Our assets in this respect comprise of some 800 bridges and a further 1073 other structures. Routine type activities such as painting and other relatively smaller scale interventions are generally undertaken when the need is identified and wider priorities considered, within the allocated budget. In the case of this particular footbridge linking Cwmamman Park and Parc Golwg yr Amman, there have been very positive discussions between officers of this Council and the Town Council as part of the general asset transfer arrangements with respect to the parks. However, it is now clear that the footbridge structure that you refer to will remain in the ownership of the County Council. Irrespective of this, and in the spirit of the positive discussions held to date with the Town Council, the maintenance needs of the footbridge will now be reviewed and the extent of repainting that may be required will be assessed, with a view to addressing some of the concerns raised, as appropriate. A visual inspection of the bridge will be undertaken by officers in the next few weeks to establish what may be required. I will be more than happy to have a further discussion with you Cllr Madge and even visit the site if necessay when the outcome of the inspection is known.” There was no supplementary question.
“Could I have an update regarding the Cwmamman Day centre? When are the County Council planning to open the Day centre for the whole week providing 30 clients with services? In addition, what are your plans to open the kitchen at centre for local people to enable the provision of meals on wheels and a luncheon club on a Thursday for local pensioners?” Response by Councillor Jane Tremlett – Cabinet Member for Health and Social Services:- “Cwmamman Day Centre reopened originally two days a week. At the beginning of September we increased this to three days a week with 20 attendees and this meets current demand for the service. We are reviewing the position of demand on a regular basis but there are no plans to increase provision to five days at the present time. There is capacity, however, on existing days to meet any additional demand that may be identified. We have successfully sourced meals for the attendees from Ty Dyffryn Extra Care Scheme and this will save £100,000 per year. Clearly meals can be delivered more cost effectively currently from Ty Dyffryn and it is intended this will continue. Also, there are upgrading works that would be required to reopen the kitchen which would cost the Council an additional £150,000. Whether to invest will, no doubt, be discussed as part of the forthcoming budget setting consultations and decisions. As a result we are not in a position to offer the kitchen for use by the community for other purposes such as community meals and luncheon clubs at the present time. We would, however, welcome opening other elements of the provision to the community and would be open to discussions about that. Cllr. Madge has already discussed options with me and officers at a series of meetings held in the day centre pre-pandemic and I’m sure, by agreement, those discussions could be resumed. Members of the community are able to contact Delta Wellbeing for information and advice about local businesses that can provide hot meals delivered to their door as well as community groups who can support them with socialising in their communities.” There was no supplementary question.
“It is noted that Carmarthenshire will receive £38.6m over the next 3 years through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and that a high-level regional Investment Plan has been submitted for approval. Please could the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism advise on the following: 1. The process for agreeing which local projects go forward and who will be involved in these decisions. 2. Arrangements for ensuring that the needs and priorities of all communities across Carmarthenshire are reflected in the approved projects. 3. Whether safeguards in place to ensure that local priorities are not subsumed into those set at regional level, and what these safeguards are. 4. The state of preparedness of proposed projects, which will obviously need to ‘hit the ground running’ to optimise spend and outcomes, particularly in Year 1. 5. Whether the spend profile for the Fund is split proportionately across each year, with a smaller allocation in Year 1 because approved projects are unlikely to start until late 2022 at the earliest.” Response by Councillor Gareth John – Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism:- “Thank you for the question and also for the opportunity of updating Council and the wider public as to the state of play with regards to Carmarthenshire’s plans to maximise the benefits and opportunities afforded by the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund [SPF]. Cllr. Palfreman has been, and will continue to be, regularly updated during our regular one-to-one briefings which I, and hopefully Cllr. Palfreman, find beneficial and really productive. In Wales the SPF will be delivered via 4 regional areas with local government being given responsibility for developing a high level regional strategic investment plan and thereafter its delivery. So turning to the question: 1. Whilst it has been agreed that Swansea Council will serve as the Lead Local Authority for the administration of the £138m UKSPF allocation for the region, decision making is very much at local level, with each Local Authority adhering to their own constitutional arrangements and protocols. Carmarthenshire’s confirmed allocation is £38.6m which comprises of £32m core funding and £6.6m for the multiplied skills programme. There is an expectation that project proposals are taken to local Regeneration Partnerships (made up of public, private and third sector representatives) in each Local Authority for approval prior to Cabinet sign off. In Carmarthenshire, this Partnership has already been established, has met twice, and is made up from up of local stakeholders from the public, private and third sectors. It has been agreed to establish 3 thematic sub groups concentrating on communities and place, supporting business and people and skills. All projects will be considered initially by the Regional Partnership Sub Groups, then to the Regional Partnership itself before consideration and approval by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet. Since the submission of the plan our officers have been working with the regional team to develop a consistent process, procedure and delivery model for the funding. The outline delivery models agreed at last Friday’s Carmarthenshire Regeneration Partnership are basically fundamentally the same throughout the whole region and indeed as I understand it those being developed in the other 3 regions within Wales. We anticipate that the way which projects will be invited to apply is likely to be a combination of grants schemes and open calls for applications. The process will be agreed at the regional level to ensure a high degree of communality and also, importantly, consistency with implementation of the statement in the regional investment plan. 2. A Carmarthenshire Local Investment Plan detailing the needs and priorities of the County has been developed, which feeds into the wider Regional Investment plan. This was considered and approved by Cabinet on the 25th July 2022. All applications for funding will be assessed against the priorities identified within the Carmarthenshire Local Investment Plan to ensure local needs are fully supported. 3. The Shared Prosperity Fund is very much concentrated on local priorities and Carmarthenshire will be responsible for the way the SPF is delivered within Carmarthenshire. Whilst Swansea Council will serve as the Lead Local Authority for the administration of the SPF, decision making will be made at a local level. The Carmarthenshire Regeneration Partnership will be consulted on all applications for funding. In addition, as part of the application and assessment process, applicants will be required to demonstrate alignment with our Local Investment Plan. 4. The whole programme has been run within an incredibly tight timeline and it is testament to our officers here in Carmarthenshire and indeed the regional team that all timeline deadlines have currently been met. We recognise that the need to proceed matters as soon as formal approval is issued by UK Government and we hope that the approval will come through sometime during October. Work progresses as I speak to ensure the County will be able to open up opportunities for funding via a series of grant schemes and open calls as soon as the approval is received so that we can ensure that our allocations are fully taken up each year. 5. And finally the spend profile. Yes your comment with regards to a smaller allocation in year 1 is correct and Carmarthenshire’s spend profiles are as follows: 2022/23 - £3.8m Core SPF, £2m Multiply; 2023/2024 - £7.7m Core SPF, £2.3m Multiply; 2024/25 - £20.3m Core SPF, £2.3m Multiply. These have been set by UK Government recognising the late start which is reflected by the modest year 1 funding allocation. I hope that addresses your question”. Supplementary Question by Councillor Martyn Palfreman:- “Given that Carmarthenshire is going to have a lot of control over its own destiny in this case will there be opportunities for members represented in this chamber to have an active part in the dialogue deciding what priorities or what projects actually go forward potentially, for example, through the Community and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee and I think that would be very much in keeping with the commitment the Leader gave at the beginning of the meeting today to a proactive approach to policy development and implementation?” Response by Councillor Gareth John – Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism:- “I can assure you that the answer is yes. The key thing we await at the moment is the approval and we anticipate that sometime in October. After that then it’s a matter of inviting the bids and after that it’s the scrutiny of the bids as they are submitted. The process as I’ve outlined earlier with regards to analysing and scrutinising the bids that are made will be undertaken through the process I have outlined which is the all important Carmarthenshire Regeneration Partnership and the stakeholder groups, there will be 3 sub-groups – they will be reporting to the full Partnership, and the Partnerhip will be making recommendations through to Cabinet and Cabinet will be making the final decisions. That said there is an important role within Scrutiny as well and that’s where the members will have the opportunity of scrutinising. I would also say that up until now all our meetings have been on a consultative basis which have included all elected representatives, including UK Parliament representatives locally and the Senedd. Once we get the approval we go into the decision making stage and the politicians will not be invited only the main stakeholders who will be determining and making recommendations and our officers and ourselves, as an authority, will be ensuring that it meets the policies already identified within our local investment strategy.”
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to note that the unaffiliated members have nominated Councillor John Jenkins to fill their vacancy on the Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to note that the unaffiliated members have nominated Councillor John Jenkins to fill their vacancy on the Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee
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