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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET that the Council’s Annual Report 2024/2025 be approved.
RESOLVED that the Revenue Budget Outturn report for 2024/25 be approved.
RESOLVED that the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring report for 2025/26 be approved.
RESOLVED that the 2025/26 End of Quarter 1 Performance Report be approved.
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET that the Carmarthenshire County Council Environmental Act Forward Work Plan 2023-2025 be approved.
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET that the Carmarthenshire County Council Environmental Act Forward Work Plan 2026-2028 be approved.
RESOLVED that the non-submission report be accepted.
RESOLVED that: 11.1 the list of forthcoming items for the Committee meeting to be held on the 19th November 2025 be agreed; 11.2 the comments received on the reports circulated for scrutiny by e-mail be noted; 11.3 The Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP) as agreed in Agenda Item 10 be included onto the PS&CC Scrutiny Committee’s Forward Work Plan for consideration at the meeting on 19th November 2025.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors T. Higgins and G.B. Thomas.
There were no declarations of interest. There were no declarations of prohibited party whips.
The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET that the Council’s Annual Report 2024/2025 be approved.
The Committee received the 2024/25 Council’s Annual Report for approval. The report highlighted that this Annual Report was based on the Council’s four Well-being Objectives as outlined in the Council’s Corporate Strategy for 2022-27. The Annual Report had adopted a slightly different structure to its predecessors, in that progress had been noted under the ‘outcomes we hope to achieve’ which form the well-being objectives. This aimed to ensure a greater and more seamless alignment between the Council’s Corporate Strategy and how progress was reported. The following observations and queries were raised in regard to the report:- • Reference was made to page 82 of the report which addressed the implementation of suitable and proportionate flood defences. In recognition of the heightened risks associated with climate and nature emergencies, which posed a significant threat to those vulnerable to flooding, the Council was praised in their proactive work in introducing multiple flooding interventions. A comment was raised suggesting that members of the public also bear responsibility for anticipating increased risks to their properties and should take appropriate measures to implement effective flood defences. Additionally, it was raised that further efforts could be directed towards improving the design of homes and developments to mitigate flooding risks, such as incorporating larger drainpipes and optimizing roof structures to enhance water flow and direction management. The Head of Place and Sustainability stated that there was a myriad of support available in respect of flooding which covered specific items including materials and build construction. In response to a question about efforts to retain and reinforce roadside banks, the Head of Place and Sustainability explained that, based on assessments, specific planting will be implemented along with other measures, such as the possible construction of wetlands to manage excess water flow. • Reference was made to page 83 of the report, Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Transformation Fund. Praise was extended to the work Officers had already carried out. An explanation on the Kerbo Charge Gully system was provided. In utilising the Kerbo Charge Gully system, 13 residents with on-road parking had been fitted with charging facilities. Members were informed that phase one of the trial had been a success, with users recording positive experiences based on installation and maintenance together with an improvement in the understanding of EV charging solutions. It was reported that the trial had provided an insight into the scalability and adoption of EV solutions within the County, and whilst the impact of the trial was still being assessed the intention was to achieve full adoption. It was reported that phase two of the trial had recently commenced with a further 10 systems installed. Regarding Nutrient Management Plans on page 85 of the report, it was questioned why the issues relating to high levels of nitrates was not included. The Cabinet Member stated that the current report focused on work completed in 2024/25 and that further information on this topic would be provided in the next Annual Report. After the condition assessment of Marine Special Areas of Conservation conducted by Natural Resource Wales, published on 25th June 2025, it was noted that a funding application had been submitted to the Welsh Government to support this work with partner local authorities. • In reference was made to the recycling of waste data on page 102 of the report, it was asked why the average municipal waste per person not recycled had remained static at 122Kg at the end of 2024/25, compared to 121Kg in 2023/24. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that the total amount of kilograms per household had increased. It was highlighted that there had been an increase in the number of properties from 95% to just over 99% now receiving a kerbside glass collection. Members were informed that, beginning in autumn 2026, the initial phase of implementing the new blueprint would commence across one third of the County. This initiative was expected to enhance the efficiency of extracting recyclable materials from residual waste. In addition, it was reported that CWM Environmental’ s new recycling facility would be in operation at the end of the year, this would help to extract more waste out of the blue bags which was currently going into residual waste through rejection. Therefore, this facility would increase the recycling capture of residual waste. The Committee were pleased to note the efforts taking place to improve the County’s waste recycling. • Reference was made to the data in respect of food hygiene standards on page 94 of the report. It was asked out of the 99.2% of food establishments in Carmarthenshire that met food hygiene standards during 2024/25, how many was self-assessment and how many establishments were visited? The Head of Leisure & Public Protection indicated that, as the specific information requested was not immediately available, it would be distributed to members after the meeting. • Congratulations were extended to the officers and staff for successfully opening the Tywi Valley Path on page 107 of the report, which is now enjoyed by many. The Cabinet Member reported that work was progressing at speed, and it was hoped that by the end of January, the entire section of the Carmarthen to Llandeilo footpath will be open. • Reference was made to the £500k, Welsh Government Resilient Roads Fund on page 108 of the report. It was commented that whilst all funding was welcomed this amount was drop in the ocean considering there was 3500km of road network within Carmarthenshire. It was asked over what period would this be available for? The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that the Resilient Road fund was an annual grant intended for highway infrastructure improvements, but its availability in future years was uncertain. RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET that the Council’s Annual Report 2024/2025 be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Revenue Budget Outturn report for 2024/25 be approved.
The Committee considered the Revenue Budget Outturn Report 2024/25 in respect of the Place & Infrastructure and Public Protection Services falling within its remit. It noted that, overall, the services reported a £1,243k overspend. The following observations and queries were raised in regard to the report:- • Reference was made to Appendix B – Environmental Enforcement. Concerns were raised in regard to the notes which stated that the vacant post not filled due to recruitment freeze plus flexi retirement within the team. In noting that there was a forecasted variance of £92k, it was asked if the recruitment freeze impacted on the ability to fulfil its statutory function and a deleterious effect on the performance of the department? The Head of Environmental Infrastructure clarified that the Environmental Enforcement related to fly tipping and litter enforcement and not planning enforcement. He reported that the posts had since been filled following a recent recruitment campaign. An explanation of the successful performance in relation to fly-tipping was provided. Additional clarification was requested regarding the implications of work associated with contaminated land. The Head of Leisure and Public Protection acknowledged this was a concern, noting that only one full-time officer was currently assigned to manage contaminated land issues. Recognising the resulting risk to organisational resilience, it was reported that alternative strategies were being considered to enhance resilience, such as leveraging technological solutions. • Reference was made to Appendix B – Pest Control. Concern was expressed in regard to the escalating numbers of rodents. The Head of Leisure and Public Protection shared the concern and stated that additional funding through external health protection grant funding was being sought as well as multi-agency work with Welsh Water to manage the rising number of rodents in sewers. In addition, a plan to grow the capacity of the team was in place. • Reference was made to Off Target – Waste, blue bags/food liners. During the discussion regarding the projected savings of £140,000 by year-end, clarification was sought on officers' confidence in achieving this target. Additionally, data was requested concerning a possible increase in contact centre demand. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure reported that savings had already been realised in relation to blue bag deliveries and acknowledged an increased workload for delivery crews, which was currently being managed within existing resources. Furthermore, the introduction of a click-and-collect system at the HWBs was under consideration, allowing residents to request blue bags online or by phone and arrange a convenient collection date and time. RESOLVED that the Revenue Budget Outturn report for 2024/25 be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring report for 2025/26 be approved.
The Committee considered the 2025/26 Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring reports for the Place & Infrastructure and Public Protection Services falling within its remit. The Cabinet Member for Resources presented the report which provided the latest budgetary position as at 30th June 2025. RESOLVED that the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring report for 2025/26 be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the 2025/26 End of Quarter 1 Performance Report be approved.
The Committee received the Performance Report for quarter 1 of the 2025/26 year for consideration. This report was presented to the Committee to review and assess the information contained within and provide any recommendations, comments, or advice to the Cabinet Member and/or Director. RESOLVED that the 2025/26 End of Quarter 1 Performance Report be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET that the Carmarthenshire County Council Environmental Act Forward Work Plan 2023-2025 be approved.
The Committee received a report which provided the progress on the delivery of actions the Council had undertaken across its services over the plan period (Jan 2023-Dec 2025) to deliver the Biodiversity Duty placed on it by the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. This report, presented by the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability provided the Committee the opportunity to review and assess the information contained within and provide any recommendations, comments, or advice to the Cabinet Member and/or Director. The following observations and queries were raised in regard to the report:- • The Chair on behalf of the Committee expressed sincere thanks to the officers for their hard work over the last 3 years. Acknowledging that the effect of climate change has had a devastating impact on nature it is important to ensure that work continues to protect all species. • It was commented that the level of ambition in terms of decarbonisation had noticeably increased, and the Council was commended in not shying away from the challenging tasks. • In relation to the placement of pollinators on roadside verges on trunk roads concern was expressed that this may pose a risk to bees being struck by vehicles being so close to the road. The Biodiversity Officer stated that trunk roads were the responsibility of the South Wales Trunk Road Agency (SWTRA) and that data in relation to the matter was not available. RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET that the Carmarthenshire County Council Environmental Act Forward Work Plan 2023-2025 be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET that the Carmarthenshire County Council Environmental Act Forward Work Plan 2026-2028 be approved.
The Committee received a report which was set out to advise the Committee on the scope and opportunities to address the Nature Emergency in CCC’s next 3-year Environment Act Forward Plan, from January 2026 to December 2028. This report set out the requirement under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 that all public bodies ‘must seek to maintain and enhance biodiversity in the proper exercise of their functions and in doing so promote the resilience of ecosystems’. The Act required all public authorities to prepare an Environment Act Forward Plan detailing how they intend to demonstrate that they will be complying with the Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Duty referred to in the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. This plan was the third three-year Environment Act Forward Plan. This report, presented by the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability provided the Committee the opportunity to review and assess the information contained within and provide any recommendations, comments, or advice to the Cabinet Member and/or Director. The following observations and queries were raised in regard to the report:- • Reference was made to the work in regard to the installation of swift colony boxes. An update on the progress of this was requested. The Biodiversity Officer stated that the Carmarthen Bird Club had been monitoring movements of Swift for a while and a decline in the number of Swifts had been noted year on year and nationally Swifts were the most rapidly declining bird population in the UK. The team collaborated with Housing Officers to locate appropriate sites for installing nesting boxes to support the Swift population. Site visits were conducted, particularly at buildings identified as being at risk of demolition. Placement of nesting boxes followed specific criteria aimed at ensuring colony sustainability. RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET that the Carmarthenshire County Council Environmental Act Forward Work Plan 2026-2028 be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the non-submission report be accepted.
The Committee noted the absence of the scrutiny report regarding the Condition of Rural Roads and reviewed the explanation provided. The report was initially requested during the Committee’s Forward Work Plan development session at the beginning of the scrutiny municipal year. After discussing the matter, the Committee agreed to add the Highways Asset Management Plan (HAMP) to its Forward Work Plan, with the condition that information related to potholes and road edging would be included. RESOLVED that the non-submission report be accepted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that: 11.1 the list of forthcoming items for the Committee meeting to be held on the 19th November 2025 be agreed; 11.2 the comments received on the reports circulated for scrutiny by e-mail be noted; 11.3 The Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP) as agreed in Agenda Item 10 be included onto the PS&CC Scrutiny Committee’s Forward Work Plan for consideration at the meeting on 19th November 2025.
The Committee considered the list of forthcoming items to be placed on the agenda for the next meeting scheduled to take place on 19th November, 2025 and was afforded the opportunity to request for any specific information that Members may wish to include within the reports. In line with the Place, Sustainability and Climate Change Committee’s decision to receive and scrutinise reports outside of the formal committee process, the following reports were forwarded to all members of the Scrutiny Committee by e-mail on 2nd September 2025: • 2024/25 End of year performance Report (01/04/2024-31/03/2025) Relevant to this scrutiny Members noted that queries raised in respect of the abovementioned report together with responses in Appendix 1 appended to the report. As agreed at Agenda Item 10, it was formally proposed and seconded to add the Highway Asset Management Plan, along with information regarding potholes and road edging, to the Committee Forward Work Programme. This inclusion will enable thorough scrutiny before consideration by Cabinet. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that: 11.1 the list of forthcoming items for the Committee meeting to be held on the 19th November 2025 be agreed; 11.2 the comments received on the reports circulated for scrutiny by e-mail be noted; 11.3 The Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP) as agreed in Agenda Item 10 be included onto the PS&CC Scrutiny Committee’s Forward Work Plan for consideration at the meeting on 19th November 2025.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 15th July, 2025 be signed as a correct record.
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