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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 11th December, 2024 be signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.2.1 that the Draft Strategies, as set out in the report, be approved for formal public consultation; 6.2.2 that officers be authorised to update or amend any minor factual, typographical or grammatical amendments necessary to improve the clarity and accuracy of the Draft Strategies.
RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.3.1 that the Draft SPG, as set out in the report, be approved for formal public consultation; 6.3.2 that delegated authority be provided to officers to update or amend any minor factual, typographical or grammatical changes.
RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.4.1 to increase the average housing rent by 2.7% (£2.85) per dwelling per week within the parameters of the WG Social Housing Rents Policy (inclusive of progression for tenants below target rents). This produces a sustainable Business Plan, maintains the CHS+ and delivers our Housing Regeneration and Development Delivery Plan; 6.4.2 to continue with a maximum progression of £1 for rents below the proposed rent for each stock type; 6.4.3 to increase garage rents by 2.7% from £9.60 to £9.86 and garage bases from £2.22 to £2.28; 6.4.4 to apply the amended Service Charge Policy to ensure tenants who receive the benefit from specific services pay for those services; 6.4.5 to increase charges for using our sewerage treatment works in line with rent increase; 6.4.6 to approve the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2025/28 (2026/27 & 2027/28 being soft budgets) as set out in Appendix A; 6.4.7 to approve the proposed Capital Programme and applicable funding for 2025/26 and the indicative spends for 2026/27 to 2027/28 as set out in Appendix B.
RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.5.1 to confirm the vision, priorities and areas for improvement for the Council’s housing investment programmes over the next three years; 6.5.2 to agree that the 2025/26 Business Plan can be submitted to Welsh Government; 6.5.3 to note the Council’s approach to estate and tenancy management, ensuring that housing officers are more visible and accessible on the Council’s estates, balancing the support required by tenants and the need to take enforcement action when required; 6.5.4 to note the Council’s commitment to working with tenants to help shape future services and improve tenant satisfaction levels; 6.5.5 to note the Council’s commitment to ensure the highest standard of compliance with legislative, regulatory and local policy requirements; 6.5.6 to confirm the Council’s commitment to improve the repairs service and reduce the backlog of non-urgent repairs; 6.5.7 to note the Council’s commitment to keeping the number of void properties as low as possible; 6.5.8 to note the Council’s priority to increase the supply of affordable homes in all areas of the County, including building large sites exclusively for Council housing, increasing the supply of single person/temporary supported/specialist accommodation and supporting wider regeneration initiatives including Town Centres and Tyisha; 6.5.9 to note the Council’s commitment to make all our homes more energy efficient for tenants by increasing thermal insulation, installing solar panels through our planned works programmes and supporting the Council’s net zero carbon principles; 6.5.10 to note the importance of the investment included in the plan and its role in stimulating the local economy and creating local jobs and training opportunities.
RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.6.1 that the standard all-Wales Council Tax Reduction scheme provided for in the Council Tax Reduction Schemes and Prescribed Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2013 be formally adopted; 6.6.2 to implement the annual up-rating figures (used in entitlement calculations) and other technical amendments, included in the Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements and Default Scheme) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2025 due to come into effect 24th January 2025 and these Regulations apply in relation to a council tax reduction scheme made for the financial year beginning on 1 April 2025; 6.6.3 to continue to exercise its discretion with regard to the limited discretionary elements of the prescribed scheme as outlined in the Executive Summary to the report”.
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 2nd December, 2024 be received.
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 16th December, 2024 be received.
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 13th January, 2025 be received.
RESOLVED that Councillor R. James take the vacant seat on the Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee.
RESOLVED that Councillor E. Skinner take the vacant seat on the Planning Committee.
RESOLVED that Councillor D. Nicholas take the vacant seat on the Planning Committee.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D. Price, B.A.L. Roberts, J. Seward, H.B. Shepardson, J. Williams and S. Williams.
Councillor / Officer Minute Number Nature of Interest Councillors J.P. Hart E. Rees P.M. Hughes H. Jones A. Evans J.D. James S.L. Rees 6.4 - HRA and Housing Rent Setting 2025/26 and 6.5 Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2025-28 Carmarthenshire’s Housing Investment Programme Close family member / close personal associates rent a property within the County. Councillor H.A.L. Evans 6.4 - HRA and Housing Rent Setting 2025/26 and 6.5 Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2025-28 Carmarthenshire’s Housing Investment Programme Close family member is the Chief Executive of a Housing Association. Councillors J. Lewis P. Cooper D. Nicholas 6.4 - HRA and Housing Rent Setting 2025/26 and 6.5 Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2025-28 Carmarthenshire’s Housing Investment Programme Has a personal and prejudicial interest Councillor E. Skinner 6.4 - HRA and Housing Rent Setting 2025/26 and 6.5 Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2025-28 Carmarthenshire’s Housing Investment Programme Holds a lease with the Authority. Councillor G.B. Thomas 6.4 - HRA and Housing Rent Setting 2025/26 and 6.5 Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2025-28 Carmarthenshire’s Housing Investment Programme Owns a property which he rents out through the Authority. Councillor S. Allen 6.4 - HRA and Housing Rent Setting 2025/26 and 6.5 Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2025-28 Carmarthenshire’s Housing Investment Programme Voluntary Board Member of a Housing Association. Councillor A.C. Jones* 7.1 Report of the Cabinet meeting held 02.12.24 (minute 8) Lives in the area affected by the flooding. Councillors A. Lenny * E. Skinner* 7.1 Report of the Cabinet meeting held 02.12.24 (minute 8) Close family members live in the area affected by the flooding. *interest declared at the commencement of agenda item 7.
• The Chair reflected on a very busy period and referred to his attendance at numerous events, including the Christmas Carol service in Pentreawel, the Plygain service at Nantgaredig and the Llanelli Rotary Speakers Competition at St John Lloyd school. • The Chair extended birthday wishes to Olive Tarr of Ammanford whom he had recently visited on the occasion of her 100th Birthday. • The Chair referred to his attendance the very successful Pembrey Walrus Dip which raised £1,495 for charity. The Chair extended his gratitude to those who had contributed to the fund-raising efforts. • The Chair was delighted to have had the privilege of presenting awards at the Carmarthen Town Sports Awards along with his wife and consort who had the pleasure of receiving an award on behalf of their daughter, Angharad, who lives in Spain. • The Chair referred, with sadness, to the recent passing of Mary Leticia Keir, who at 112 was Wales’ oldest person. Members joined the Chair in paying tribute to Mrs Keir and extended the Council’s condolences to her family. • Condolences were extended to the families of two former Carmarthenshire Councillors, namely Hugh Evans, who represented the Pantyffynnon Ward in Ammanford and Eryl Morgan, who represented the Bigyn Ward and was former Chairman of the Council for the year 2016/2017. Council observed a minute’s silence in recognition of the Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January 2025 which marked 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. The Chair reflected on the atrocities of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur and honoured the victims and survivors.
· The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes extended her gratitude to all who had assisted and contributed to the 2024 Christmas Toy Box Appeal. It was noted that a total of 9,600 Christmas gifts had been given to 1,607 children within the county as part of the appeal, which would not have been possible without the generous donations and support provided by individuals, organisations, churches and chapels.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 11th December, 2024 be signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 11th December, 2024 be signed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.2.1 that the Draft Strategies, as set out in the report, be approved for formal public consultation; 6.2.2 that officers be authorised to update or amend any minor factual, typographical or grammatical amendments necessary to improve the clarity and accuracy of the Draft Strategies.
Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on 16 December 2024 [minute 7 thereof refers], considered the draft strategies on Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI) and Allotment and Community Growing. The Draft Strategies individually set out strategic visions which recognised the value of both place-based and nature-based solutions for addressing current, and preventing future, well-being issues within communities, alongside tackling the climate and nature emergencies previously declared by Council. The GBI strategy provided a transformative vision for securing the future provision of the county’s natural and semi-natural assets and was centred upon 9 objectives under the themes of people, place and nature to create an environment which was reflective of the aspirations and values of communities to ensure a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future. The Draft Allotment and Community Growing Strategy had been prepared in accordance with Welsh Government guidance and set out 4 objectives to maximise the opportunities available for residents to participate in growing, including a partnership approach through the Public Land for Community Growing Partnership. RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.2.1 that the Draft Strategies, as set out in the report, be approved for formal public consultation; 6.2.2 that officers be authorised to update or amend any minor factual, typographical or grammatical amendments necessary to improve the clarity and accuracy of the Draft Strategies.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.3.1 that the Draft SPG, as set out in the report, be approved for formal public consultation; 6.3.2 that delegated authority be provided to officers to update or amend any minor factual, typographical or grammatical changes.
Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on 13th January 2025 [minute 13 refers], considered proposals to consult on the draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) documents for the Revised Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (LDP) 2018-2033 in respect of Green and Blue Infrastructure. The SPG had been prepared to support the implementation of the Revised LDP and reflected recent amendments made to Chapter 6 of Planning Policy Wales Edition 12. RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.3.1 that the Draft SPG, as set out in the report, be approved for formal public consultation; 6.3.2 that delegated authority be provided to officers to update or amend any minor factual, typographical or grammatical changes.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.4.1 to increase the average housing rent by 2.7% (£2.85) per dwelling per week within the parameters of the WG Social Housing Rents Policy (inclusive of progression for tenants below target rents). This produces a sustainable Business Plan, maintains the CHS+ and delivers our Housing Regeneration and Development Delivery Plan; 6.4.2 to continue with a maximum progression of £1 for rents below the proposed rent for each stock type; 6.4.3 to increase garage rents by 2.7% from £9.60 to £9.86 and garage bases from £2.22 to £2.28; 6.4.4 to apply the amended Service Charge Policy to ensure tenants who receive the benefit from specific services pay for those services; 6.4.5 to increase charges for using our sewerage treatment works in line with rent increase; 6.4.6 to approve the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2025/28 (2026/27 & 2027/28 being soft budgets) as set out in Appendix A; 6.4.7 to approve the proposed Capital Programme and applicable funding for 2025/26 and the indicative spends for 2026/27 to 2027/28 as set out in Appendix B.
[NOTE: Councillors J. P. Hart, E. Rees, P.M. Hughes, H. Jones, A. Evans, J.D. James, S.L. Rees, H.A.L. Evans, J. Lewis, P. Cooper, D. Nicholas, E. Skinner, G.B. Thomas and S. A. Allen having declared an interest in this item, left the meeting prior to the consideration and determination thereof.] Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 13th January 2025 [minute 8 thereof refers], had reviewed the Housing Revenue Account and Housing Rent Setting proposals for 2025/26 prior to the consideration of Council. The report, prepared by the Director of Corporate Services in conjunction with officers from the Communities Department, brought together the latest proposals for the Revenue and Capital Budgets for the Housing Revenue Account 2025/26 to 2027/28 and detailed proposed increases to housing rents for 2025/26. In presenting the report, the Cabinet Member for Resources expressed the challenges faced by the Authority in achieving the fine balance of setting the rent within current Government policy at an affordable level for tenants whilst also delivering on its housing aspirations. Furthermore, it was emphasised that adoption of the Cabinet’s recommendations by the Council would represent an average increase of 2.7% to housing rent, which was in line with the Welsh Government cap. The Cabinet Member for Resources clarified that the increase would equate to an average housing rent of £108.59 per week for its tenants and represented one of the lowest rent levels out of the 11 stock-retaining Welsh Authorities and was significantly below the private sector housing rents. Reference was made to the ‘no eviction’ policy which could be implemented by the Authority within applicable circumstances. In closing, the Cabinet Member for Resources reported that the proposals sought to balance the pressures on households during a cost of living crisis with the need to continue with the Authority’s Housing Development Programme, while ensuring that properties continued to be maintained to the Carmarthenshire Homes Standard Plus (CHS+) standard. RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.4.1 to increase the average housing rent by 2.7% (£2.85) per dwelling per week within the parameters of the WG Social Housing Rents Policy (inclusive of progression for tenants below target rents). This produces a sustainable Business Plan, maintains the CHS+ and delivers our Housing Regeneration and Development Delivery Plan; 6.4.2 to continue with a maximum progression of £1 for rents below the proposed rent for each stock type; 6.4.3 to increase garage rents by 2.7% from £9.60 to £9.86 and garage bases from £2.22 to £2.28; 6.4.4 to apply the amended Service Charge Policy to ensure tenants who receive the benefit from specific services pay for those services; 6.4.5 to increase charges for using our sewerage treatment works in line with rent increase; 6.4.6 to approve the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2025/28 (2026/27 & 2027/28 being soft budgets) as set out in Appendix A; 6.4.7 to approve the proposed Capital Programme and applicable funding for 2025/26 and the indicative spends for 2026/27 to 2027/28 as set out in Appendix B.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.5.1 to confirm the vision, priorities and areas for improvement for the Council’s housing investment programmes over the next three years; 6.5.2 to agree that the 2025/26 Business Plan can be submitted to Welsh Government; 6.5.3 to note the Council’s approach to estate and tenancy management, ensuring that housing officers are more visible and accessible on the Council’s estates, balancing the support required by tenants and the need to take enforcement action when required; 6.5.4 to note the Council’s commitment to working with tenants to help shape future services and improve tenant satisfaction levels; 6.5.5 to note the Council’s commitment to ensure the highest standard of compliance with legislative, regulatory and local policy requirements; 6.5.6 to confirm the Council’s commitment to improve the repairs service and reduce the backlog of non-urgent repairs; 6.5.7 to note the Council’s commitment to keeping the number of void properties as low as possible; 6.5.8 to note the Council’s priority to increase the supply of affordable homes in all areas of the County, including building large sites exclusively for Council housing, increasing the supply of single person/temporary supported/specialist accommodation and supporting wider regeneration initiatives including Town Centres and Tyisha; 6.5.9 to note the Council’s commitment to make all our homes more energy efficient for tenants by increasing thermal insulation, installing solar panels through our planned works programmes and supporting the Council’s net zero carbon principles; 6.5.10 to note the importance of the investment included in the plan and its role in stimulating the local economy and creating local jobs and training opportunities.
[NOTE: Councillors J. P. Hart, E. Rees, P.M. Hughes, H. Jones, A. Evans, J.D. James, S.L. Rees, H.A.L. Evans, J. Lewis, P. Cooper, D. Nicholas, E. Skinner, G.B. Thomas and S. A. Allen having declared an interest in this item, were not present during the consideration and determination thereof.] Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 13th January 2025 [minute 9 thereof refers], had considered the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2025-28 Carmarthenshire’s Housing Investment Programme which set out the vision and detail of the Council’s Housing Investment Programme over the next three years to maintain its housing stock improvement plans and the new build programme and provision of more affordable homes to help meet the unprecedented demand for social housing in the County. The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes summarised the five key themes set out within the business plan and provided an overview of the priorities which would define the Authority’s direction of travel over the next three years, as follows: · Enhancing the quality and sustainability of the Council’s housing stock through targeted investment, development and maintenance programs; · Improving customer satisfaction by delivering responsive and efficient services; · Supporting the well-being and independence of our residents through tailored support services; · Promoting community engagement and participation to ensure that the Council’s services are shaped by the needs and aspirations of residents; · Making sure the Council’s investments and developments maximise wider Council strategic priorities and objectives. The Communities, Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee had also considered and endorsed the proposals at its meeting held on the 7th January 2025, as part of the budget consultation process. The report noted that the income received from tenants’ rents and other funding sources would enable the authority to build an investment programme exceeding £282m (Capital - £114m and Revenue - £168M) to deliver services that were inclusive and sustainable over the next three years. The plan was based on a projected rent increase to 2.7% for 2025/26, in line with the current Welsh Government Rent Policy set by the September inflation rate of 1.7%. Most tenants would receive a 2.62% average rent increase, which was considered to be within the affordability limits for tenants. Furthermore, the plan would enable the Council to apply for Welsh Government’s Major Repair Allowance (MRA) grant, which equate to £6.2m for 2025/26. In response to a query regarding the installation of solar panels, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes confirmed that the Authority utilised a fabric-first approach to improving the energy efficiency of its housing stock in line with Welsh Government requirements. It was explained that while this method increased the thermal efficiency of homes in prior to the introduction of technology and improved heating systems, the utilisation of a non-fabric first approach could realise cost efficiencies for the Authority. Accordingly, an impact assessment was currently underway to evaluate both approaches. In response to comments made in respect of the availability of bungalows for the elderly, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes emphasised the need to ensure suitable accommodation to meet the needs of all age groups within the county and the Authority provided assistance to meet the requirements of tenants where possible. Work was also ongoing to explore suitable land development opportunities in accordance with the Authority’s Housing Regeneration and Development Delivery Plan. In respect of the provision of temporary accommodation, it was clarified that the council would explore the acquisition of existing private properties and aimed to provide appropriate support for tenants with complex needs to facilitate improved outcomes for individuals and families. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.5.1 to confirm the vision, priorities and areas for improvement for the Council’s housing investment programmes over the next three years; 6.5.2 to agree that the 2025/26 Business Plan can be submitted to Welsh Government; 6.5.3 to note the Council’s approach to estate and tenancy management, ensuring that housing officers are more visible and accessible on the Council’s estates, balancing the support required by tenants and the need to take enforcement action when required; 6.5.4 to note the Council’s commitment to working with tenants to help shape future services and improve tenant satisfaction levels; 6.5.5 to note the Council’s commitment to ensure the highest standard of compliance with legislative, regulatory and local policy requirements; 6.5.6 to confirm the Council’s commitment to improve the repairs service and reduce the backlog of non-urgent repairs; 6.5.7 to note the Council’s commitment to keeping the number of void properties as low as possible; 6.5.8 to note the Council’s priority to increase the supply of affordable homes in all areas of the County, including building large sites exclusively for Council housing, increasing the supply of single person/temporary supported/specialist accommodation and supporting wider regeneration initiatives including Town Centres and Tyisha; 6.5.9 to note the Council’s commitment to make all our homes more energy efficient for tenants by increasing thermal insulation, installing solar panels through our planned works programmes and supporting the Council’s net zero carbon principles; 6.5.10 to note the importance of the investment included in the plan and its role in stimulating the local economy and creating local jobs and training opportunities.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.6.1 that the standard all-Wales Council Tax Reduction scheme provided for in the Council Tax Reduction Schemes and Prescribed Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2013 be formally adopted; 6.6.2 to implement the annual up-rating figures (used in entitlement calculations) and other technical amendments, included in the Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements and Default Scheme) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2025 due to come into effect 24th January 2025 and these Regulations apply in relation to a council tax reduction scheme made for the financial year beginning on 1 April 2025; 6.6.3 to continue to exercise its discretion with regard to the limited discretionary elements of the prescribed scheme as outlined in the Executive Summary to the report”.
Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 13th January 2025 [minute 10 thereof refers], considered a report which outlined information in regard to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme introduced by Welsh Government in 2013/14. Despite being an all-Wales scheme, individual Councils were required by the Prescribed Requirements Regulations to formally adopt a Council Tax Reduction Scheme by 31st January each year. Details pertaining to the limited areas of local discretion and the policy adopted by Council in respect of those discretions were set out in the report. The report sought formal adoption of the Council Tax Reduction scheme for 2025/26. It was noted that subsequent to the Cabinet meeting the scheme regulations had been approved by Welsh Government and had come into force on 24th January 2025. RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Cabinet be adopted: 6.6.1 that the standard all-Wales Council Tax Reduction scheme provided for in the Council Tax Reduction Schemes and Prescribed Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2013 be formally adopted; 6.6.2 to implement the annual up-rating figures (used in entitlement calculations) and other technical amendments, included in the Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements and Default Scheme) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2025 due to come into effect 24th January 2025 and these Regulations apply in relation to a council tax reduction scheme made for the financial year beginning on 1 April 2025; 6.6.3 to continue to exercise its discretion with regard to the limited discretionary elements of the prescribed scheme as outlined in the Executive Summary to the report”.
[NOTE: Councillors A.C. Jones, A. Lenny and E. Skinner, declared an interest in this item and left the meeting prior to the consideration and determination thereof.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 2nd December, 2024 be received.
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 2nd December, 2024 be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 16th December, 2024 be received.
In response to queries raised in respect of the Tree and Woodland Strategy set out in minute 11, the importance of the county’s farms in terms of supporting local produce, the rural economy and managing land in a sustainable way was emphasised to members. It was noted that the ambition of the strategy was to support communities in mitigating the climate emergency whilst fostering sustainable land use. An assurance was therefore provided that a collaborative approach would be undertaken with tenants to deliver multiple benefits and to develop solutions which aimed to balance productive farming with nature recovery and climate action. RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 16th December, 2024 be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 13th January, 2025 be received.
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 13th January, 2025 be received.
“A recent study published in Nature Food showed that Plant Based diets result in 75% less greenhouse emissions, water pollution and land use than diets containing more than 100g of meat a day. Plant-based diets were also shown to cut the destruction of wildlife by 66% and water use by 54%. Please can Carmarthenshire Council reach out to Edinburgh Council to learn about their experiences of endorsing the Plant Based treaty and do an impact assessment like they did?” Response by Councillor Aled Vaughan-Owen - Cabinet Member For Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability: “Carmarthenshire County Council acknowledges the findings from the study published in Nature Food and its alignment with the need for sustainable food systems. As part of our newly developing Sustainable Food Strategy, we are bringing together stakeholders from across the sectors to create an ambitious and inspiring plan for this county. Through our Local Food Strategy, we have already begun analysing the impact of our local food systems, from production to provision. Our initial assessments have focused on the public procurement in schools, leisure facilities, and care homes. These analyses aim to identify the current environmental and economic impact and pinpoint opportunities for meaningful change. Our approach is framed by our Nature and Climate Emergency Declarations and guided by the Well-Being of Future Generations Act. This ensures that any changes benefit our local economy, environment, and community well-being. One key initiative is re-designing our primary school menu, to prioritise sustainably sourced meat and vegetables from Welsh and UK farms, including from our own county farm at Bremenda Isaf. Bremenda Isaf is pioneering sustainable "in-house" regenerative food production that sequesters carbon, enhances biodiversity, and supports nature recovery. We have reviewed best-practice models, including those from Scotland, such as Edinburgh's endorsement of the Plant-Based Treaty. While we welcome collaboration and an integrated impact assessment like Edinburgh's, our rural and agricultural landscape requires a more nuanced and sophisticated approach. Rural counties like Carmarthenshire must balance sustainability with the unique challenges and opportunities of supporting local farming communities. Approximately 85% of greenhouse gas emissions from animal-based products stem from production methods and associated inputs, which vary widely. Carmarthenshire is uniquely positioned to support sustainable, local produced animal-based foods while also reducing reliance on imports. The Plant-Based Treaty, while principled, lacks the flexibility needed to support diverse rural economies like ours. Given these considerations, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with all Councils to learn from their experiences and to share ours, while advocating for an integrated and localised impact assessment tailored to Carmarthenshire's distinct context.” Supplementary Question by Ms Hsiu-Mien Wu: “I believe that Carmarthenshire Council has the ability to do more to help reduce the cooling of the planet by endorsing the Plant-Based Treaty and practices in colleges, schools and hospitals. I would like to see this action implemented as soon as possible.” Response by Councillor Aled Vaughan-Owen - Cabinet Member For Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability: “Ms Wu’s passion and knowledge around the urgency to tackle climate emergency is clear and I’m happy to meet and discuss how we can involve the wider community in shaping our county-wide approach to tackling nature breakdown”.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Councillor R. James take the vacant seat on the Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee.
RESOLVED that Councillor R. James take the vacant seat on the Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Councillor E. Skinner take the vacant seat on the Planning Committee.
RESOLVED that Councillor E. Skinner take the vacant seat on the Planning Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Councillor D. Nicholas take the vacant seat on the Planning Committee.
RESOLVED that Councillor D. Nicholas take the vacant seat on the Planning Committee.
The Chair stated that the minutes outlined on the agenda under 10.1-10.10 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.