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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 26th February, 2025 be signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED that subject to the above amendment, the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 5th March, 2025 be signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED that Councillor D. Jones be nominated Chair Elect of Carmarthenshire County Council for the 2025/26 Municipal Year.
RESOLVED that Councillor A. G. Morgan be nominated Vice-Chair Elect of Carmarthenshire County Council for the 2025/26 Municipal Year.
RESOLVED that Siwan Davies be appointed as a Co-opted Independent member of the Standards Committee for a full initial term of office.
RESOLVED THAT : 9.1 the responses received to the initial consultation are considered; 9.2 the draft recommendations as set out in the report, are approved; 9.3 the proposed new boundary as highlighted on Appendix B is approved; 9.4 the review process moving to the final consultation stage is supported.
RESOLVED THAT the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: 10.1 the Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG): Landscape Character Assessment Revised Local Development Plan as set out in the report be approved for formal public consultation; 10.2 provide officers with delegated authority to update or amend any minor factual, typographical or grammatical changes.
RESOLVED THAT the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: “ the amended Gambling Policy be approved.”
RESOLVED that the Substantive Motion, be supported.
RESOLVED that in accordance with Corporate Procedure Rule 10.16 the petition be referred to the Cabinet for consideration.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors, P. Cooper, S. Curry, A. Davies, S. Davies, D. Harries, G.R. Jones, E. Rees and P.T. Warlow
Councillor Minute Number Nature of Interest S. Allen 9. – Review of Communities and electoral arrangements – Whitland Abbey, Whitland. Council appointed member to Committee of Canolfan Hywel Dda, which is related to the Abbey. B.D.J. Phillips 9. – Review of Communities and electoral arrangements – Whitland Abbey, Whitland. He is a member of the Community Council of Llanboidy and was consulted on process. J.P. Hart 10.2 – Review of Gambling Policy He is the manager of licenced premise which hosts a number of gambling activities.
· The Chair reflected on a busy month for him and his consort and referred to his attendance at the ‘Speak Up’ International Womens Day event in Llanelli ; the launch of the annual Daffodil Cycle Ride Charity event at Llandovery Castle and on the same evening attended the outdoor Covid Remembrance service in Carmarthen Park; the inauguration of the new High Sheriff of Dyfed in Llanddewi-Brefi and the two charity events in Llanelli organised by Llanelli Rotary Club and Llanelli Town Council. · The Chair announced the success of Llandovery RFC who won the Welsh (Super Rugby Cymru) Cup for the 4th time. Upon winning this trophy Llandovery RFC simultaneously uniquely held the full set of four titles namely Premiership Champions of Wales, Welsh Cup Champions and current Welsh 7 a side Champions of Wales. · The Chair extended his gratitude for the support in raising over £10,000 for his two charities LATCH and Prostate Cymru. The final fundraiser for the Chair is to walk 100 miles in May for Prostate Cymru. · The Chair, on behalf of the Council, conveyed condolences to Councillor Linda Davies Evans, following the passing of her father. · Condolences were extended to the family of Councillor Anthony Leyshon following his recent passing. A minute’s silence was held in his memory. · The Chair, on behalf of the Council welcomed Councillor Shone Hughes to his first meeting, having recently been elected to represent the Llanddarog Ward. · Councillor Sean Rees congratulated Llanelli Wanderers RFC who won the WRU Championship cup final on the weekend. He also congratulated Llanelli Town AFC who recently became Cymru South Champions and have been promoted to the Cymru Premier. · Councillor Edward Thomas congratulated Llandeilo RFC Youth for winning the WRU National Youth Cup. He also congratulated Llandeilo AFC on becoming champions of league two. · Cllr Hazel Evans announced that at the Wales Tourism Award, for the south-west Wales region, held at the end of March, there were three business winners for Carmarthenshire. The best B&B, Inn and Guest House was awarded to Glangwili Mansion. The Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award was awarded to Stangwrach Holiday Cottages. The Bro Byd Award, for those going the extra mile for environmental sustainability, was awarded to Cambrian Cottages. · Cllr Jane Tremlett announced at the West Wales Regional Awards, the volunteer award was awarded to Councillor Michael Thomas. The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Avril Bracey, Head of Adult and Social Care for Carmarthenshire County Council.
There were no announcements made.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 26th February, 2025 be signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 26th February, 2025 be signed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that subject to the above amendment, the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 5th March, 2025 be signed as a correct record.
It was noted that Councillor Fiona Walters, had remained in the meeting during consideration of item 6 and her name would be removed from the list of persons who had withdrawn during considering of this item. RESOLVED that subject to the above amendment, the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 5th March, 2025 be signed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Councillor D. Jones be nominated Chair Elect of Carmarthenshire County Council for the 2025/26 Municipal Year.
RESOLVED that Councillor D. Jones be nominated Chair Elect of Carmarthenshire County Council for the 2025/26 Municipal Year.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Councillor A. G. Morgan be nominated Vice-Chair Elect of Carmarthenshire County Council for the 2025/26 Municipal Year.
RESOLVED that Councillor A. G. Morgan be nominated Vice-Chair Elect of Carmarthenshire County Council for the 2025/26 Municipal Year.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Siwan Davies be appointed as a Co-opted Independent member of the Standards Committee for a full initial term of office.
The Council considered a report recommending the appointment of Siwan Davies as a Co-opted Independent Committee member of the Standards Committee, following one of the existing community committee members leaving the Committee in April 2025. It was noted that following a formal recruitment process, undertaken in accordance with the procedures prescribed by regulations, a recruitment panel comprising of three County Councillors, one Town/Community Councillor and one Independent Lay Member, was recommending to Council the appointment of Siwan Davies, as co-opted member of the Standards Committee for a full initial term of office UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that Siwan Davies be appointed as a Co-opted Independent member of the Standards Committee for a full initial term of office.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED THAT : 9.1 the responses received to the initial consultation are considered; 9.2 the draft recommendations as set out in the report, are approved; 9.3 the proposed new boundary as highlighted on Appendix B is approved; 9.4 the review process moving to the final consultation stage is supported.
[Note: Councillors S. Allen having earlier declared an interest in this matter, re-declared that interest and left the meeting during its consideration. Councillor B.D.J. Phillips declared an interest at start of item and left the meeting during its consideration] The Cabinet Member for Organisation and Workforce, informed Council of responses received to the initial consultation and Draft recommendations for the proposed new boundary between Whitland Community Council and Llanboidy Community Council. Under the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 each principal council has a duty to monitor the communities in its area and, where appropriate, the electoral arrangements of such communities for the purposes of considering whether to make recommended changes. These changes are brought about by means of a community review. The Council was informed that a request was made to review the current boundaries to see if there was support to realign the boundaries. At Full Council on 11th December, 2024 it was agreed to commence a review. All submissions to the consultation have been considered, as set out in Appendix A, appended to report. The proposed new boundaries are set out in Appendix B, appended to report. A final recommendation report will be submitted to Cabinet and Full council and then formally submitted to the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales for them to consider and produce an Order. RESOLVED THAT : 9.1 the responses received to the initial consultation are considered; 9.2 the draft recommendations as set out in the report, are approved; 9.3 the proposed new boundary as highlighted on Appendix B is approved; 9.4 the review process moving to the final consultation stage is supported.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED THAT the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: 10.1 the Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG): Landscape Character Assessment Revised Local Development Plan as set out in the report be approved for formal public consultation; 10.2 provide officers with delegated authority to update or amend any minor factual, typographical or grammatical changes.
The Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 31st March, 2025 (minute 10 refers) had considered a report which set out a Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) in the form of a Landscape Character Assessment of the County for public consultation. The Cabinet Member advised that the draft SPG would be subject to a 6-week public consultation and following the consultation, the representations received would, along with any recommended amendments, be reported back through the democratic process ahead of Council consideration and approval. It should be noted that the SPG relates to the emerging Revised LDP. In this respect it will support the implementation of the emerging Revised LDP, anticipated for adoption in Autumn 2025 UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: 10.1 the Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG): Landscape Character Assessment Revised Local Development Plan as set out in the report be approved for formal public consultation; 10.2 provide officers with delegated authority to update or amend any minor factual, typographical or grammatical changes.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED THAT the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: “ the amended Gambling Policy be approved.”
[Note: Councillor J.P. Hart having declared an interest in this matter, left the meeting during its consideration.] The Council was informed that the Cabinet at its meeting held on 31st March, 2025 (minute 11 thereof refers) had considered a proposed revised Gambling Policy which reflected the results of the consultation and review process and complied with relevant legislation and guidance. The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability informed that the Gambling Policy was adopted by the authority in March 2022. The legislation required that it be reviewed at least every three years to ensure that it reflected feedback from the local community and that the statutory objectives were being met. The consultation was held between the 27th September 2024 and 10th November 2024. The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, informed that the authority’s licensing section in conjunction with the council’s legal department had reviewed the policy document and in light of the consultation responses and the Gambling Commission advice, no significant amendments had been made to the Policy document. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: “ the amended Gambling Policy be approved.”
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Substantive Motion, be supported.
Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillors M. Palfreman and D. Cundy:- “In spite of the recent massive additional cash injection into Wales by the UK Government and the sustained focus by the Welsh Government on supporting those most in need, the journey out of austerity will not be achieved overnight. We all recognise that the cost of living continues to present real challenges for people and communities across Carmarthenshire. This council is, and has been, committed to using its powers and competencies to alleviate and address poverty and deprivation across the County through a number of strategic initiatives and recognises the work of the many community-based organisations, including foodbanks, clothing banks and furniture exchange, in serving and supporting people at their point of need across the County. The Multibank initiative, championed by former Prime Minister and anti-poverty champion Gordon Brown, has been rolled out across different parts of the UK and plays a critical role in directing surplus goods – including clothes, bedding and furniture to those most in need. In line with its commitment to tackling poverty, this Council agrees to: 1. Actively explore, with relevant partners, the potential for expansion into Carmarthenshire of the hugely successful Cwtch Mawr Multibank currently operating in Llansamlet, Swansea, and identify sources of funding to support this expansion 2. Identify opportunities for the initiative to operate in partnership with, and supplement, other similar ventures already in place in the County 3. Progress this work through the cross-party Tackling Poverty Advisory Panel 4. Develop firm, costed proposals for consideration and approval by full Council “ 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 Alun Lenny and was duly seconded: “In spite of the recent massive additional cash injection into Wales by the UK Government and the sustained focus by the Welsh Government on supporting those most in need, the journey out of austerity will not be achieved overnight – a situation recognised by the cross-party Welsh Local Govt Association (WLGA) which has stated that the cash allocation by both governments is insufficient to fully fund the essential services on which our residents depend. We all recognise that the cost of living, aggravated by recent benefits cuts, continues to present real challenges for people and communities across Carmarthenshire. This council is, and has been, committed to using its powers and competencies to alleviate and address poverty and deprivation across the County through a number of strategic initiatives and recognises the work of the many community-based organisations, including foodbanks, clothing banks and furniture exchange, in serving and supporting people at their point of need across the County. In particular, we commend the successful “Claim What’s Yours” programme, which has been pivotal in providing support for those in need in Carmarthenshire, including addressing rural poverty through the Hwb Bach y Wlad initiative. The Multibank initiative, championed by former Prime Minister and anti-poverty champion Gordon Brown, has been rolled out across different parts of the UK and plays a critical role in directing surplus goods – including clothes, bedding and furniture to those most in need. In line with its commitment to tackling poverty, this Council agrees to: 1. Proceed with the prearranged meeting due to take place on April 16th to actively explore, with relevant partners, the potential for expansion into Carmarthenshire of the hugely successful Cwtch Mawr Multibank currently operating in Llansamlet, Swansea, and identify sources of funding to support this expansion 2. Identify opportunities for the initiative to operate in partnership with, and supplement, other similar ventures already in place in the County, while ensuring that would not be detrimental to existing successful ventures 3. Progress this work through the cross-party Tackling Poverty Advisory Panel and ask the Panel to develop costed proposals for consideration and approval by Cabinet, including the options for securing external funding 4. Recognise that it is a poor reflection on successive UK Governments that so many people still depend on foodbanks in 21st century Britain and calls for concerted action at the highest level to eradicate the need for foodbanks and multibanks in the UK “ The motion was duly seconded. A number of statements were made on the amendment following which the proposer and seconder of the motion, confirmed that they were happy to accept the amendment as submitted, and it was agreed that the substantive motion be put forward for consideration. Following votes it was RESOLVED that the Substantive Motion, be supported.
The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that in accordance with Corporate Procedure Rule 10.16 the petition be referred to the Cabinet for consideration.
The Chair invited Councillor Lewis Davies to present the petition to Council on the following petition :- “We, the undersigned, call on Carmarthenshire County Council to abandon plans to introduce parking charges at the car parks in Burry Port, Ferryside, and Kidwelly. These proposed charges will have serious and far-reaching consequences for residents, visitors, and local businesses. Moving from free to paid parking will discourage tourism, disrupt communities, and harm the local economy. Inevitably, many people will try to avoid these charges, leading to increased on-street parking in residential areas, congestion on local roads, and potential safety hazards. During peak times, such as weekends and holidays, this will worsen, making roads difficult for emergency vehicles to navigate and restricting access for essential services.” Councillor Lewis outlined to the Council the rationale for the petition. The Cabinet Board Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services advised that the issues raised in the petition would be investigated by the department and a report would then be presented to a future meeting of the Council’s Cabinet. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that in accordance with Corporate Procedure Rule 10.16 the petition be referred to the Cabinet for consideration.
“What process has Carmarthenshire County Council put in place that ensures this year’s Easter Holiday refuse and recycling collection, as well as all subsequent holiday collections, will be an acceptable undertaking for the delivery of this service to Carmarthenshire’s Council Tax paying residents?” Response by Councillor Edward Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services:- Thank you Cllr. James for your question. As all members are acutely aware, bank holiday waste collection services have faced multiple challenges for several years. The service has conducted trials of various solutions to improve collection performance. However, the primary challenge remains staff availability, as our employees have no contractual obligation to work on bank holidays or the weekends following them. We are very appreciative of the staff who choose to work during these times to deliver a vital public service. Moving forward, officers have been working directly with trade unions and staff to develop a solution for the upcoming Easter bank holidays aiming to encourage more volunteers from the waste and recycling team, in an attempt to minimise service disruption while continuing to work on developing a long-term solution. Additionally, the service has recently employed several casual drivers and loaders to support the service during staff annual leave, absences, and bank holiday collections. For the next two bank holidays, we will be undertaking Saturday collections, and communications to the public were issued this week. Right now, the number of staff who have volunteered is promising, and we thank them for their commitment. In addition to waste staff, the workforce may also be supplemented by the new casual workforce, teams from other services, and potentially additional temporary staff. While bank holidays present challenges, we cannot guarantee there will be no disruptions. However, rest assured that every effort has been made to improve service delivery on bank holidays. Supplementary Question by Councillor James: there was no supplementary question.
The Chair stated that the minutes outlined on the agenda under 15.1 – 15.8 were available for information on the Council website.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.