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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 Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring report for 2025/26 be noted.
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET that the Highway Asset Management Plan – Annual Statement Report 2025 be approved.
RESOLVED that the recommendations and the outcomes within the Climate Change and Nature Emergency Advisory Panel Draft Report to Cabinet on Transport and EV Infrastructure report be noted.
RESOLVED that the Truecall© Update and Progress report be noted.
RESOLVED that the non-submission report be accepted.
RESOLVED that: 9.1 the list of forthcoming items for the Committee meeting to be held on the 29th January 2026 be agreed with the inclusion of the following non-submission items as agreed at Agenda Item 8: · Carmarthenshire Community Transport Strategy · Q2 Performance Monitoring Report (Scrutiny by e-mail) · Carmarthenshire County Council Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy Update (Scrutiny by e-mail) 9.2 the department business plans be included on the Committee’s FWP to be presented at the meeting on 29th January 2026.
There were no apologies received.
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 that the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring report for 2025/26 be noted.
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 31st August 2025. The following observations and queries were raised in regard to the report:- • In observing the number of vacant posts, it was asked, how much of an efficiency saving is attributed to vacant positions? The Cabinet Member for Resources stated that Council when setting its budget agreed that current vacant posts were an opportunity to make savings. Additionally, clarification was sought regarding the distinction between savings achieved and expenditures incurred. The Group Accountant provided an overview of the areas of overspending, highlighting school transport as a variable cost subject to annual changes due to procurement of tenders. Furthermore, it was noted that there exists an unachievable income target within public protection, which is expected to be addressed in the next fiscal year's budget, as the growth pressure has resulted in licensing income targets not being met due to national regulatory constraints. A further question was raised about whether there is a link between staff vacancies and sickness. It was noted that vacancies may increase pressure on other officers who have to handle additional workloads. The Cabinet Member replied that a direct correlation was uncertain but said relevant data could be shared at a later meeting. • Reference was made to Appendix B - Income targets for Licensing. The Head of Healthy Communities & Public Protection reported that legal and licensing fees were the primary challenges facing public protection. It was reiterated that these fees were determined at the national level, and that rising costs have led to budget overspend. Efforts to advocate for change at the national level continue. While full cost recovery had not been achieved, other licensing areas including taxi license charges were currently under review. In addition, work to acquire external funding is ongoing in an effort to offset some to the pressures. • In response to a query seeking clarification in regard to who decides where street lighting is located, the Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that the placements of street lights is determined by the Council’s street lighting policy. Reference was made to Appendix D – Tywi Valley Path. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that the overspend on the Tywi Valley Path project was due to additional and change management costs incurred by the principal contractors. Members were informed that efforts were underway to work collaboratively with the contractors to mitigate and reduce these expenses. Furthermore, alternative sources of funding were being pursued to minimise the financial impact on the Council's budget. A query was raised regarding the existence of a Council policy mandating the integration of solar panels during roofing work on the Council's social housing stock. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure responded that he was not aware of any specific policy currently in place but assured the Committee that he would consult with the relevant officer and share the information accordingly. The Cabinet Member for Climate Change stated that the net zero plan focuses on four sectors: non-domestic buildings, street lighting, transport, and other areas identified by the Council to support decarbonisation. Regular discussions occur with various teams, including housing, and he stated that he would be happy to share updates on housing decarbonisation with Committee Members. RESOLVED that the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring report for 2025/26 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET that the Highway Asset Management Plan – Annual Statement Report 2025 be approved.
The Committee received for consideration the Highway Asset Management Plan – Annual Statement Report 2025. The Cabinet member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services presented the report to Members highlighting that Carmarthenshire's highway network was over 3500 km long and was the second largest in Wales. Despite being largely rural, it has the fifth highest traffic levels in the Country and accommodates various road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicles up to 44t. The highway network suffers from the increasing effects of Climate change, with more frequent storm events sometimes resulting in flooding and affecting the structural condition of highways. The report stated that at the last valuation for whole of government accounts in 2018, the Highways asset was valued more than £3.2 billion. The Report provided a detailed commentary on the following three key highway asset areas: • Highways (carriageways, drainage, footways, and cycleways) • Bridges and Structures • Highway Lighting and Traffic Signals In addition, the report outlined the condition of each asset category, how its condition had changed since the previous report, and projected changes based on different funding scenarios presented within the report. Members noted that like other highway authorities, Carmarthenshire faced a growing highway surface maintenance backlog exceeding £77m details of which were appended to the report at Appendix B. It was reported that in order to keep the County’s road network functional, the County Council needed at least £8m annually just to maintain current conditions. Planned capital investment for 2025/26 and 2026/27 totalled £1.2m, or £170/km per year, covering about 14km of road treatments. The following observations and queries were raised in regard to the report:- · In acknowledging the financial challenges, it was commented that from a local Member's perspective there had been a significant improvement in pothole repairs since the introduction of the hotbox. However, it was surprising to observe that the figures indicate an anticipated increase in pothole repairs in 2025. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure noted that repairs conducted using the hotbox method demonstrate significantly greater longevity compared to earlier approaches. Nevertheless, the deterioration of the highway network continues to accelerate at a high rate. · In respect of the unclassified roads which 35% of the budget was attributed to it was asked how much actually spent on unclassified roads? The Highways Asset Manager stated that, although risk management efforts had focused resources on the busier parts of the highway network, rural roads which account for 80% of the network were an important asset. A determined effort has been made to secure funding to improve the rural roads most in need. Furthermore, active lobbying for additional funding for rural roads continued to take place. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure confirmed that circa 75% of the revenue spend was on class 3 and 4 roads. · A concern was raised regarding the efficacy of reactive mechanical road sweeping, especially given the accumulation of leaves and debris that obstruct drains during adverse weather conditions. It was noted that this approach may result in increased long-term costs for the Authority, as blocked drains can lead to secondary damage to the road infrastructure. He acknowledged the importance of proactively using the mechanical road sweep, noting that this would be the preferred approach. However, due to budget constraints limiting the revenue available to sustain such a level of service, the department had transitioned to a reactive intervention strategy. In response to a further query regarding the number of mechanical road sweepers, the Head of Environmental Infrastructure, supported by the explained that both contracted and in-house highway sweepers, as well as road sweeping services within the cleansing service, are utilised. The relevant data, along with the schedule for sweeping across the county, will be provided to Members of the Committee. Reference was made to road gullies; it was raised that the issue lay with the grids covering the gullies being covered by leaves and debris. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure stated that a proactive approach took place in respect of gully cleansing, unfortunately at this time of year blocking at the grid point was inevitable. · Reference was made to page 5 of the report—Carbon Impact. It was suggested that there would be a benefit in presenting the actual monetary terms and figures associated with carbon savings. Providing this data would offer the public a clearer understanding of the financial benefits achieved, such as the cost savings resulting from initiatives like converting to LED lighting. · In noting that mapping of the drainage systems of 220km of the highway network in Carmarthenshire had been carried out to date and acknowledging the reduction in funds it was asked what the future ambition was to inspect further drainage systems. The Highways Asset Manager explained that specialist companies were required to carry out surveys and due to the expensive nature of the survey’s, problematic areas were prioritised. · A query was raised regarding the Authority's readiness for a potentially severe winter. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure assured Members that sufficient stock levels have been established and that all teams are thoroughly prepared to manage the challenges posed by unpredictable weather conditions. · A question was raised about whether the nappy recycling initiative had achieved any financial savings or if the benefits were solely environmental. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that, at present, there have been no financial savings because of the investment needed for the technology. However, as processes advance, it is expected that savings will be realised in the years to come. · When asked about placing bird boxes on or under bridges, the Highways Asset Manager explained that their team is actively involved in this initiative. They regularly meet with environmental colleagues to look for suitable locations. Currently, they are mapping the existing bird box sites to help find additional opportunities for placement. · Reference was made to page 42 of the report – 4.3 Illuminated Traffic Signs. In response to a query regarding the future need for the illuminated signs, the Head of Environmental Infrastructure stated that road safety guidelines were available and would be shared with the Committee. The Highway Asset Manager clarified that should an illuminated traffic sign become damaged the procedure is to replace with a standard LED which would in turn reduce energy consumption. · In raising concern about the safety of the A48 and the speed of traffic particularly in adverse weather conditions, it was asked if there were any opportunities to make our representation to improve signage to slow traffic down. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that regular meetings with Welsh Government colleagues in regard to safety improvements across the A48 from Crosshands to Carmarthen. It was anticipated that road safety schemes would be announced towards the end of the year. · Reference was made to Appendix C appended to the report - Adjacent Landowners and the Public Highway. It was asked if this could be shared on social media to reach out to as many landowners as possible. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure stated that he would liaise with the Communications and Media Team. RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET that the Highway Asset Management Plan – Annual Statement Report 2025 be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the recommendations and the outcomes within the Climate Change and Nature Emergency Advisory Panel Draft Report to Cabinet on Transport and EV Infrastructure report be noted.
The Committee received for consideration the Climate Change and Nature Emergency Advisory Panel Draft Report to Cabinet on Transport and EV Infrastructure. In presenting the report, the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability explained that the panel had been a strong group to offer advice, support and challenge the delivery against the Climate and Nature Emergency declarations. In 2024, the panel commenced a review commenced a review into the Authority’s approach to decarbonising its fleet transport emissions. The deep dive was a strategic analysis of the policy, programmes and intervention approach to the reduction of carbon equivalent emissions from transport within its direct control including business, fleet milage. It was reported that Transport remained one of the biggest contributors to the Council’s carbon footprint accounting for around 23% of the Authority’s corporate emissions. Moving towards electric and ultra-low-emission vehicles was a statutory expectation required by the Welsh Government with clear deadlines for the transition of cars, vans, and heavy vehicles. Evidence provided showed that the transition offered real financial benefits. Electric vehicles had already provided significant savings on fuel and maintenance across the public sector with electricity being significantly cheaper per mile than diesel, servicing costs were considerably lower and fleet electrification reduces exposure to volatile global fuel prices. It was highlighted that the prevalence of misinformation regarding electric vehicles was a matter of concern. Any issues raised should be substantiated with credible data and reputable sources. The following observations and queries were raised in regard to the report:- · With respect to maintaining an all-electric fleet, an query was raised regarding the existence of contingency plans should a storm result in a loss of electricity, rendering vehicle charging unavailable. The Cabinet Member explained that as stated a fleet policy would require adopting ULEV as the default choice for fleet renewals with commissioning services undertaking a TEEP analysis taking into account the specific context and needs of the service from a Technical, Economic, Environmental, Practical standpoint to provide a robust rationale if it was not possible to adopt. Additionally, the Head of Environmental Infrastructure clarified that if a TEEP analysis finds a situation to be unfeasible, for example, if gritters cannot be converted to electric due to insufficient technological development it may not be considered possible and therefore that level of the fleet would remain diesel. To enhance electricity resilience, ongoing reviews will assess whether buildings and assets include battery storage for harnessing wind and solar energy providing a contingency in the case of power outages during periods of inclement weather. · To address misconceptions regarding electric vehicles, it was proposed that staff members be given the opportunity to use an electric car for up to one week, allowing them to gain firsthand experience with the vehicle's features and performance. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure stated that electric vehicle demonstrations were underway in several locations using trial vehicles. For instance, part of the highways fleet had switched to electric vans after successfully proving their effectiveness. · A question was raised about whether there were enough charging points to power the fleet overnight. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure responded that, at present, there aren’t sufficient charging stations for the whole fleet. However, efforts are underway to determine if staff can charge vehicles at home. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions with the Public Service Board in Carmarthenshire, now expanded to cover South West Wales to explore investment in regional charging infrastructure. RESOLVED that the recommendations and the outcomes within the Climate Change and Nature Emergency Advisory Panel Draft Report to Cabinet on Transport and EV Infrastructure report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Truecall© Update and Progress report be noted.
The Committee received for consideration a progress report on Truecall© a call blocking project run by Trading Standards Services as part of their Financial Exploitation Safeguarding Scheme (FESS). The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability in presenting the report explained that trueCall© was first introduced by Trading Standards in 2014 and had become one of the most effective preventative tools in protecting vulnerable residents from telephone scams and financial exploitation. It was reported that following a Task & Finish review of FESS in 2019, of which the provision of the trueCall© call blocking service was part, the report provided an update on how the project had developed and expanded, including the development of a monitoring system called Seraphimbeta, which supported proactive interventions. The system designed entirely in-house, Seraphimbeta analyses call data, identifies emerging fraud patterns, and prompts proactive officer intervention. The report provided the success outcome from 2014, trueCall© units had blocked over 230,000 nuisance calls, including almost 50,000 scam attempts, saving residents £1.3 million, and avoiding £800,000 of costs to Health, Social Care, and Police. Since 2022 alone, with strengthened monitoring, devices had blocked 155,000 nuisance calls, including 33,900 scams, generating a further £1.4 million in combined savings. Members noted that these numbers were real people. Families who were dealing with distress, confusion, and relentless harassment now have peace of mind. In addition, Members were informed of the academic recognition an officer within Carmarthenshire Trading Standards had completed doctoral research on the programme and presented the findings at a major European criminology conference. It was reported that this system is proof that preventative action, innovation, and local expertise can make communities safer, healthier, and more resilient. The following observations and queries were raised in regard to the report:- · Clarification was requested regarding the system's compatibility with mobile phones. The Senior Consumer Protection Officer explained that the trueCall© devices previously used with landlines have transitioned to digital infrastructure, and that the manufacturer was currently developing a mobile phone version. It was further reported that the vulnerable residents utilising the system presently express a preference for landline use. · The Committee Members formally expressed their appreciation to the Trading Standards Department for its comprehensive report and for their ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable residents from scams and harassment. RESOLVED that the Truecall© Update and Progress report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the non-submission report be accepted.
The Committee noted the absence of the scrutiny reports regarding the Carmarthenshire Community Transport Strategy and the Q2 Performance Monitoring Report and reviewed the explanation provided. RESOLVED that the non-submission report be accepted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that: 9.1 the list of forthcoming items for the Committee meeting to be held on the 29th January 2026 be agreed with the inclusion of the following non-submission items as agreed at Agenda Item 8: · Carmarthenshire Community Transport Strategy · Q2 Performance Monitoring Report (Scrutiny by e-mail) · Carmarthenshire County Council Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy Update (Scrutiny by e-mail) 9.2 the department business plans be included on the Committee’s FWP to be presented at the meeting on 29th January 2026.
The Committee considered the list of forthcoming items to be placed on the agenda for the next meeting scheduled to take place on 29th January, 2026 and was afforded the opportunity to request for any specific information that Members may wish to include within the reports. The Chair informed the Committee that he had been notified that the departmental business plans would be available for scrutiny in January 2026. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that: 9.1 the list of forthcoming items for the Committee meeting to be held on the 29th January 2026 be agreed with the inclusion of the following non-submission items as agreed at Agenda Item 8: · Carmarthenshire Community Transport Strategy · Q2 Performance Monitoring Report (Scrutiny by e-mail) · Carmarthenshire County Council Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy Update (Scrutiny by e-mail) 9.2 the department business plans be included on the Committee’s FWP to be presented at the meeting on 29th January 2026.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 10th October, 2025 be signed as a correct record.
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