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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 8th June, 2026 be signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED that the report be received.
RESOLVED that Julie James and Moira Saunders be appointed as Co-opted Independent members of the Standards Committee for a full initial term of office.
RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: That the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2025/26 in Carmarthenshire be approved.
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 29th June 2026 be received.
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 27th July 2026 be received.
RESOLVED that the Motion be supported and referred to the Cabinet.
RESOLVED that the Motion be supported and referred to the Cabinet.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors S.A. Curry, A. Evans, D.C. Evans, S. Godfrey-Coles, J.D. James, R. James, M.J.A. Lewis and D. Nicholas.
Councillor Minute Number Nature of Interest K. Madge Agenda Item 8.1 - Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2025/26 Daughter works as a manager in Social Care. M. Palfreman Agenda Item 8.1 - Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2025/26 He runs a Health and Social Care Consultancy. Cllr Palfreman has been granted a dispensation to speak but not vote at meetings of Carmarthenshire County Council in relation to the provision of social care services in Carmarthenshire and across the South West Wales Region. N. Lewis* 10.2 Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen and Lewis Davies. Employed by Ynni Sir Gar. Cllr Lewis has been granted a dispensation to speak but not vote at meetings of Carmarthenshire County Council in relation to council business regarding renewable energy, electric vehicles, energy efficiency and decarbonisation. E.M.J.G. Schiavone* 12.2 Question by Councillor Martyn Palfreman to Councillor Emlyn Schiavone, Cabinet Member for homes His wife volunteers with the Carmarthen food bank and Councillor Schiavone has tried to help them recently with some of the challenges they face. *Declaration made during consideration of item.
• The Chair extended the Council’s condolences to Councillor Carys Jones and her family following the recent passing of her sister. • The Chair referred, with sadness, to the recent passing of Councillor Peter Cooper who represented the Saron Ward. Members joined the Chair in paying tribute to Councillor Cooper and extended the Council’s condolences to his family. A minute’s silence was held in his memory. • Councillor F. Walters referred to the recent wildfires on Mynydd Cynros which had burned for 5 days and smouldered for a further week. The Community worked tirelessly together to bring the wildfires under control, with up to 50 volunteers out on the mountain at any one time. Councillor Walters extended her gratitude to all those involved, including firefighters, farmers and volunteers for their sterling efforts to protect local communities. • Councillor P Hughes-Griffiths thanked the residents of Carmarthenshire for their excellent support to Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, including all those who had been involved in its preparation over a two-year period. Councillor P Hughes-Griffiths congratulated the competitors and winners and was proud of the good work which took place across the county to ensure the success of the significant cultural event. • Councillor H. Davies conveyed his appreciation for the endeavours of all those involved in responding to the recent significant wildfires in Rhandirmwyn. Alongside the firefighters’ tireless efforts to protect local communities, it was reported that vital early support was also provided by local farmers to contain the fires along the perimeter covering an area of over 250 hectares. The support and kindness from the local communities was also acknowledged, whereby the local Royal Oak pub became the temporary headquarters for food, sleep and rest as well as the command control centre base. • Councillor J. Tremlett highlighted the recent achievements of the Manor Road Learning Disabilities Day Centre attendees, including Steffan who won the Bronze Medal for Bowling at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Furthermore, the Gardening team were awarded the silver medal at the Royal Welsh Show for their designed and grown garden. Councillor H.A.L. Evans highlighted the Carmarthenshire athletes who achieved unprecedented success at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, winning a total of seven medals - 4 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze. The achievements of the athletes at the 2026 Commonwealth Games demonstrated the growing strength and depth of elite sporting talent emerging from Carmarthenshire, with five local athletes representing Team Wales in cycling and para bowls, namely Emma Finucane, Jessica Roberts, Steffan James, Rory Gravelle and Steffan Lloyd.
Councillor A. Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources provided an overview of the Council’s budgetary position, noting the requirement to meet the increasing demand for essential services with approximately £150m less than ten years ago. It was reported that the UK Government would announce its budget at the end of October, and the revenue grant for the Council would be announced thereafter. An overspend of £16m was forecasted for the 2026/27 Revenue Budget, with the main factors attributable to: • Children's Services forecasting an overspend of £5.4m – driven by increased demand for residential care for young people with very complex needs. • The growing demand for Adult Social Care indicated an overspend of £2m. The 2025/26 budgetary position culminated in a schools delegated budget deficit of £9.5m. The current forecast indicated an in-year overspend of £7m and the overall deficit on school balances could increase to £16.5m by year end, which would destabilise the corporate budget. The Cabinet Member for Resources emphasised his concerns regarding the severity of the situation and noted that direct intervention measures were being considered by the Cabinet.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 8th June, 2026 be signed as a correct record.
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 8th June, 2026 be signed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report be received.
The Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee, Mr Malcolm MacDonald was welcomed to the meeting to present the Governance and Audit Committee Annual Report 2025/26. The report provided a reflection of the range of issues considered by the Governance and Audit Committee, and the effectiveness of its work throughout the 2025/26 municipal year. The report detailed information on the Committee’s performance and provided assurance on the role, effectiveness and the work of the Committee in ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective governance. Acknowledgement was given to the contributions made by the members of the Committee and the Audit team and Officers in assisting the Committee to discharge its duties effectively. In considering the range of documents reviewed by the Committee to ensure effective systems of risk, financial and performance management, it was highlighted that the budgetary position of schools remained a concern. A letter had recently been submitted to the Leader of the Council to reflect the Committee’s concerns, together with a range of recommendations to assist in addressing the issue. In response to a request, the Leader reported that the contents of the letter could be shared with members and that she would be considering the information therein. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Julie James and Moira Saunders be appointed as Co-opted Independent members of the Standards Committee for a full initial term of office.
The Council considered a report recommending the appointment of two Co-opted Independent Committee members of the Standards Committee. In accordance with recruitment procedures prescribed by regulations, a recruitment panel was formed and the vacancies advertised in local papers and online. Following interviews the recruitment panel selected Julie James and Moira Saunders as their recommended candidates. Council was advised that both had considerable prior experience serving on Standards Committees and therefore had the required knowledge to undertake the role. It was therefore requested that Council appoint Julie James and Moira Saunders as co-opted independent members of the Standards Committee for a full initial term of office. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that Julie James and Moira Saunders be appointed as Co-opted Independent members of the Standards Committee for a full initial term of office.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: That the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2025/26 in Carmarthenshire be approved.
[Note: Councillors K. Madge and M. Palfreman, having earlier declared an interest, remained in the meeting for its consideration]. Council received for consideration the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2025/26. The report had been developed in accordance with the statutory requirement for the Director of Social Services to report annually to Council on the delivery of services and performance, as well as plans for the improvement of the whole range of social services. The Annual Report examined each service area within Social Care and demonstrated how service strategies, actions, targets and service risks would be addressed and delivered operationally by the service based upon the approved budget. The report would be published and subject to analysis and review by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) and the Welsh Government. Accordingly, a formal meeting with CIW was scheduled for October to consider their findings and proposed actions. This would be followed by an Annual Letter to Council in late November or early December, confirming their analysis and inspection plan. The process was noted to align with the Wales Programme for Improvement and the Annual Letter issued by the Wales Audit Office. Council was advised that the report had been considered by the Health and Social Services Scrutiny Committee on 9th June 2026 and the Cabinet at its meeting held on 27 July 2026. In response to a query, the Director of Social Services and Housing advised that with proper implementation, he was confident that the investment in preventative approaches and early help to support families would stem the increasing demand for services. It was emphasised that the processes, projects and activities would take time to embed, however the impact would be realised in the longer-term. Reference was also made to the recent opening of the Pentre Awel facility and Tywi Valley cycle path, along with proposals for a new leisure facility within the former Debenhams site, all of which sought to promote health and wellbeing and aligned with the council’s prevention strategy. It was confirmed, in response to queries raised, that Welsh Government had confirmed funding for the Plas Y Bryn care home. An assurance was provided that the vision for sheltered accommodation would be considered in conjunction with site managers going forward to gain an understanding of the provision required. Provision of luncheon club day services would also be considered within the context of the involvement from the third sector in supporting older people with those activities. RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted: That the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2025/26 in Carmarthenshire be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 29th June 2026 be received.
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 29th June 2026 be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 27th July 2026 be received.
Reference was made to minute 8 regarding the proposals on the redevelopment of Friars Park, Carmarthen whereby concerns were raised regarding the perceived lack of public consultation, costings and value for money. The Leader clarified, in response to inaccurate information and speculation, that the building was not being demolished to support the redevelopment of the car park. In this regard it was explained that further information would be made publicly available at the appropriate time on conclusion of the ongoing legal requirements and associated formal procedures. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 27th July 2026 be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Motion be supported and referred to the Cabinet.
Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillors Linda Evans and Jane Tremlett:- “Notice of Motion – World Suicide Prevention Day Today is the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day. Marked globally each year on the 10th of September. The current theme adopted by the World Health Organisation for World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’. The WHO notes - ‘This theme calls on us all to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster open, compassionate conversations about suicide. It is about shifting from silence and misunderstanding to openness, empathy, and support — creating environments where people feel able to speak up and seek help. Changing the narrative also means driving systemic change. It calls for suicide prevention and mental health to be a priority in public policy, urging governments and institutions to take action. This includes developing and implementing evidence-based strategies, improving access to quality care, and ensuring that those in distress receive the support they need.’ This motion recognises the importance of promoting positive mental health and raising awareness of suicide prevention across our communities. It also highlights our collective responsibility to support those who may be struggling, encourage early intervention, and help reduce the stigma associated with seeking support. Also, through this motion we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a compassionate and supportive environment where individuals know that help is available and that they are not alone. This Council notes: • The devastating impact that suicide has on individuals, families, friends, workplaces, and communities. • That suicide is a significant public health issue and that every death by suicide represents a tragic loss of life. • The importance of early intervention, mental health support, community awareness, and reducing stigma associated with mental health challenges. • The work undertaken by statutory services, voluntary organisations, community groups, and national campaigns to support suicide prevention and improve mental wellbeing. This Council believes: • That suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility and requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach. • That raising awareness and encouraging open conversations about mental health can help to save lives. • That communities should be supported to identify and assist those who may be at risk of self-harm or suicide. This Council resolves to: 1. Reaffirm its commitment to supporting suicide prevention initiatives within the county. 2. Continue to promote awareness of available mental health and crisis support services to residents and staff. 3. Further encourage members and officers to undertake appropriate suicide awareness and prevention training where available. 4. Develop further initiatives and work with health, social care, education, emergency services, and voluntary sector partners to strengthen local suicide prevention efforts. 5. Secure future funding for the current Suicide Prevention Officer post, to continue beyond March 2027.” The motion was duly seconded. The proposer and seconder of the Motion were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and outlined the reasons for its submission, as set out in the Motion. A number of representations were made in support of the Motion. Council was advised that if the motion was supported it would be referred to the Cabinet. Following a vote, it was: UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Motion be supported and referred to the Cabinet.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Motion be supported and referred to the Cabinet.
[Note: Councillor N. Lewis declared an interest in this item and remained in the meeting for its consideration]. Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillors Aled Vaughan Owen and Lewis Davies:- “Notice of Motion - National Emergency Climate Briefing Council notes that: • Carmarthenshire County Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and a Nature Emergency in 2022, recognising the risks that climate change and biodiversity loss pose to our communities and future generations. • Carmarthenshire is already experiencing many of these pressures, including flooding affecting homes and infrastructure, periods of drought and increased wildfire risk, alongside growing pressures on farming, food production and the natural environment. As a predominantly rural county with a strong agricultural heritage, we are particularly exposed to these impacts. • The scientific evidence shows that climate change is increasing the likelihood and severity of many extreme weather events, while biodiversity loss is weakening the resilience of the natural systems on which communities and the economy depend. • A screening of the National Emergency Climate Briefing is planned in the Council Chamber in November for elected members and staff. • Clear, factual and accessible information can help people understand the risks posed by climate change and nature loss, and the actions available to address them. Council therefore resolves to: 1. Support the principle of a National Emergency Climate Briefing being made widely available to the public across television and online platforms. 2. Write to the Prime Minister calling on the UK Government to work with broadcasters and relevant organisations to facilitate a national briefing delivered by suitably qualified, independent experts. 3. Write to the First Minister of Wales, local Members of Parliament, Members of the Senedd and the Welsh Local Government Association informing them of the Council's support. 4. Encourage elected members and staff to attend the planned screening of the National Emergency Climate Briefing in November. 5. Request that, subject to the necessary permissions and accessibility requirements, the National Emergency Climate Briefing video is made available through the Council's website so that residents can view it themselves” 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. Representations were made in support of and against the Motion. Council was advised that if the motion was supported it would be referred to the Cabinet. Following a vote, it was: RESOLVED that the Motion be supported and referred to the Cabinet.
“Clos Penbont – Planning Applications E38935 and PL00176 Developer left 3 years ago having left tons of debris and building materials not in accordance with plans. 900 mm soakaway and car parking area have not been built leaving an uneven site. What action does the council propose to get developer to finish the site to agreed plans and when does it start this action?” Response by Councillor Carys Jones, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Communities and Welsh Language:- “Thank you very much Mr Davies for your question. The Local Planning Authority (LPA) is aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding the condition of the Clos Penpont development, including the presence of construction materials and the drainage infrastructure shown on the approved plans. The LPA has a range of powers available to ensure that compliance with planning permissions and which include the service of formal notices where it is considered expedient to do so. These are set out within the Council’s Enforcement Policy Planning officers have visited the site on a number of occasions in recent months to assess the current situation and to determine whether the development has been carried out in accordance with the approved planning permissions. Following engagement by officers, the developer has complied with requests to tidy parts of the site and remove some of the materials that had been left on the land. However, officers have identified that further removal of construction materials remains necessary, and this matter continues to be pursued with the developer. In relation to the “tons of debris” on the site, the Council has concluded that this element of the development has not been undertaken in accordance with the approved planning permission. As a result, a Planning Contravention Notice has been issued to the developer in relating to the “mound” with a view to ensuring that the matter is addressed according to the approved plan without delay. The Council will continue to monitor compliance with the requirements of the planning permission and engage with the developer regarding the outstanding issues at the site. Should the developer fail to comply with the requirements of the Enforcement Notice or any other relevant planning obligations, the LPA will consider the use of further enforcement powers available to it under planning legislation in the public interest. I would like to assure Members and local residents that the matter remains under active consideration and that officers will continue to take appropriate steps to secure compliance with the approved development and address the outstanding issues at Clos Penpont. Thank you very much.” Mr Trafford Davies asked the following supplementary question:- “I did ask for the ‘when’ question. You haven’t really responded to that. You said ‘it’s under consideration, it’s got to be appropriate’ etc, etc but there’s no when, there’s no date as to when you’re going to do something.” Response by Councillor Carys Jones, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Communities and Welsh Language:- “Thank you, yes as I said, enforcement action has been initiated and to quote a famous statement this is a process not an event and it takes time. That can be generally quite frustrating as we have to complete each step of a process in order to be able to rely on the legal process throughout, and at the end of that process. The aim is always to engage with the developer and to persuade cooperation on these matters. When that fails enforcement is necessary but that is then the beginning of another process which can take considerable time. I’m very happy, and the officers, to have a two-way conversation with you and pass that information on how that works, because it is not simple – it is quite complex and time consuming, but we’d be more than happy to engage with you on that. Thank you.”
“Clos Penpont – Penygroes Developer left site 3 years ago not having finished site and road has yet to be adopted What remains to be done before Clos is adopted and when and what action will the council take to ensure adoption occurs without further delays?” Response by Councillor Edward Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services:- “Clos Penpont is the subject of a Section 38 Agreement under the Highways Act 1980, which is the mechanism used to enable new estate roads to be offered for adoption by the Highway Authority. Before any road can be adopted and become maintainable at public expense, Carmarthenshire County Council must be satisfied that all works have been completed in accordance with the approved specification and that all legal and technical requirements have been met. The Council's policy and guidance make clear that responsibility for completing the required works rests with the developer. The Council's role is to inspect the infrastructure, identify any outstanding matters and ensure that the agreed standards have been achieved before adoption can take place. Adoption cannot proceed until these requirements have been satisfied. In the case of Clos Penpont, the development has reached the substantial completion stage and a number of outstanding highway-related matters have been identified that require attention before the road can be considered for final adoption. The Council has formally notified the developer of these requirements and continues to engage with them through ongoing dialogue to secure completion of the remaining works. Our preference is always to work constructively with developers to achieve compliance and progress sites to adoption as quickly as possible. Where a developer does not fulfil their obligations, the Council has powers available through the Section 38 Agreement to protect the public interest. This can include, where appropriate, undertaking outstanding highway works in default and recovering the associated costs from the bond secured under the agreement. However, any such action must be carefully assessed to ensure it is legally and financially appropriate, and the Council's intervention would be limited to works covered by the highway adoption agreement. The Council remains committed to securing adoption of the road and will continue to work with the developer to bring the site up to the standards required by the Section 38 Agreement, the Council's Highway Design Guide and adoption policies. Adoption can only take place once the Authority is satisfied that all relevant highway requirements have been met and that it is appropriate for the road to become maintainable at public expense. Thank you for the question” There was no supplementary question.
“The plans submitted for planning permission for building 9 bungalows (completed 2023) indicate a 900 mm wide SUDS system running the whole length of Clos Penpont. According to certification what action will the council take to ensure this is constructed without further delay?” Response by Councillor Carys Jones, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Communities and Welsh Language:- “The Council is aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding the Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) shown on the approved plans for the Clos Penpont development, including the 900mm-wide feature referred to in your question. Officers have visited the site on a number of occasions in recent months to assess compliance of the drainage works with the approved plans and the requirements of the approved Sustainable Drainage scheme. These inspections have confirmed that the drainage infrastructure appears to have been substantially constructed. However, the developer has not yet completed all elements and therefore has not yet submitted the necessary information required to enable certification by the Sustainable Drainage Approval Board (the SAB). The Council, in its role as the SAB, has been engaging with the developer regarding these outstanding matters. The SAB has formally written to the developer seeking an update on progress and the completion of the remaining works necessary to facilitate certification of the scheme and adoption by the Council. Until the outstanding works have been completed and demonstrated to accord with the approved design, the Authority will not issue final certification. Once the scheme has been completed to the satisfaction of the SAB, certified by the Authority, and all relevant requirements of the adoption agreement have been met, the SuDS infrastructure will be adopted by the Authority in accordance with the statutory process. The SAB is also working closely with the Local Planning Authority in relation to concerns regarding the landscaping and earth mound on the site. As Members will now be aware, the LPA has instigated planning enforcement in relation to the in complete works. Given that the approved drainage design and landscaping proposals are interrelated, any changes required to address the planning concerns may have a material impact on the approved SuDS scheme. It is therefore important that these matters are considered in a coordinated manner to ensure that both the planning and drainage requirements are fully satisfied. The Council remains committed to ensuring that the approved drainage infrastructure is delivered and operates as intended and will continue to pursue this matter with the developer to secure completion, certification and eventual adoption of the scheme. Thank you.” There was no supplementary question.
“The cost of the Carmarthen Debenhams Regeneration project has increased from £19,608,000 to £41.003 million, £11,458.5 million being from County Council coffers. Unforeseen Structural defects are factored in at £4,252,826.54. Will that unforeseen overspend of £4,252,826.54 be able to be recovered?” Response by Councillor Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources:- “I am grateful to you Deryk for the opportunity to clarify the Atriwm funding situation – a development which has saved the old Debenhams building here in Carmarthen from going to rack and ruin, as in some other towns and cities in England. But as with many major construction capital schemes, the cost has risen for several reasons – including post-pandemic inflation within the construction sector and other factors I’ll touch on now. The background for context briefly - the UK Levelling Up bid was based on a conceptual design. After that initial funding was secured, further detailed work was done to deliver more services. Extra funding enabled the expansion of the original vision to include an Activity Centre, greater use of floorspace – it is a very large building of course, and additional healthcare provision. Extra design developments, especially around healthcare provision, required enhanced mechanical and electrical installations to meet clinical standards. I’ve seen the clinics – the therapy rooms and the dental clinics and so on – already kitted out to the highest standard. The Atriwm will be a medical and leisure facility without equal in any other town centre in Wales bringing great social and economic benefits for Carmarthen town and the wider area. Before acquisition, the independent building survey did not identify any significant structural issues apart from the condition of the roof; and as you mentioned further problems only came to light during refurbishment work when parts of the building were opened for construction purposes. The contractor who built the original Debenhams store has sadly ceased trading some while ago and any guarantee has expired. So money spent on the unforeseen structural remedial works cannot be recovered. However, the Council continues to work with external funders to identify opportunities to help bridge the funding gap, in order to minimise the extra investment required from Council capital funds. Cllr Deryk Cundy asked the following supplementary question:- “Can we be assured that the current amount of £41m will not be exceeded?” Response by Councillor Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources:- “I’m confident that the revised budget fully reflects the scope of the project that is now being delivered. I appreciate the frustration of the public on this matter – it was unforeseen which caused us frustration as well but it is a major development and .it will be value for money, well worthwhile when it opens early next year. There are some who will disparage the project. I’m not saying you are one of them, but we can’t make omelettes without breaking eggs Chair, and those who disparage the project now might end up with egg on their faces in the new year. Thank you.”
[Note: Councillor E.M.J.G. Schiavone declared an interest in this item and remained in the meeting for its consideration]. “18 months after the County Council committed to consider the potential expansion into Carmarthenshire of the Cwtch Mawr Multibank, we are still awaiting a decision. Meanwhile, residents most in need of support are being deprived of the help they deserve. Please can the Cabinet Member provide all Members, and those across our communities in desperate need of this facility, with an urgent update on progress, the likelihood of it being taken forward, and an indication of anticipated timescales for delivery.” Response by Councillor Emlyn Schiavone, Cabinet Member for Homes:- “Everybody is aware of foodbanks and the services they provide to disadvantaged people. We have 15 foodbanks across the county. The Multibankoffers a variety of items and are supported by Comic Relief and Amazon. Cwtch Mawr is the name of the Multibank in Swansea. The issue of poverty in our communities across Carmarthenshire is one that this administration takes very seriously. The cost of living and its impacts on our residents are persistent and significant. The cabinet is committed to ensuring that all available options that might mitigate the impacts of poverty are considered. These options are being considered in a climate of rising demand and complexity across all Council services in particular, education, children’s and adult social care. As a result, the director of Social Services and Housing has taken a particular interest in the tackling poverty agenda. During the summer the director visited Cwtch Mawr’s headquarters in order to inform an options paper that will shortly be made available for consideration by the council’s tackling poverty advisory group – a group of which Cllr Palfreman you are a member. That group will be asked to make a recommendation which will thereafter be considered by this cabinet. I understand that the original proposal was a contribution of £100,000 a year in order to facilitate an expansion of Cwtch Mawr into Carmarthenshire. This is a significant amount of money which does not describe the totality of the cost of setting up the service in Carmarthenshire. As a result, I do know that the Director has considered options which include smaller scale pilots as proof of concept, along with the exploration of funding that may be available from partners and volunteering options. This administration is committed to doing what it reasonably can, in a climate of rising demand and shrinking resources, to support those most in need in our communities. However, decisions such as this must be backed by evidence, consider existing provision across the County, the need to take account of the medium to longer term financial impacts for the council budget, and importantly the need to be sustainable in order to have lasting impact. I anticipate that this matter will be placed before cabinet within the next few weeks.” Cllr Martyn Palfreman asked the following supplementary question:- “Can you give me and the public and indication of when Cwtsh Mawr is likely to become operational in Carmarthenshire?” Response by Councillor Emlyn Schiavone, Cabinet Member for Homes:- “I think the Tackling Poverty Panel is meeting on 22nd September. It will discuss fully again there and recommendations will be made. It will then be taken to Cabinet – so the timescale is soon - 22nd September and then the subsequent Cabinet meeting”.
The Tywi Valley Path has been used extensively over the summer holidays giving local people and visitors the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful part of Carmarthenshire and have safe access to a facility that improves health and wellbeing. How does the county council plan to market and promote this great resource in the future?" Response by Councillor Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Culture, Leisure and Tourism:- “Thank you Chair and thank you Cllr Jones for the question for the question. I am very pleased to say that the Tywi Valley Path has already proved to be a real asset for Carmarthenshire. Over the summer, it has been well used by local residents and visitors, giving people safe access to our countryside and supporting health, wellbeing and sustainable tourism. Since the official opening in May, the Council has been actively promoting the path. Our marketing team has secured national coverage through visits by leading newspapers and travel media, including the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph, National Geographic and further coverage expected in the Sun. We have also worked with online travel influencers and have used targeted digital advertising across Google, YouTube and Facebook, achieving over one million views and a very strong response through the Discover Carmarthenshire website. We are also working closely with Visit Wales and Visit Britain to build wider awareness, including among group travel organisers at the UK’s largest trade show in the NEC in Birmingham. The path is already supporting activity and events too, with the Actif team organising a sold-out half marathon last month, and the weekly Parkrun attracting positive comments from runners from outside the county. As we look ahead, we know that we only get one chance to be new, so the focus now is on maintaining that momentum. Four projects have been approved to move to business plan stage through the Visit Wales cycling development fund, including potential improvements at Bishop’s Palace, Nantgaredig, and key travel connection hubs in Carmarthen and Llandeilo. We have also secured £50,000 from the Local Growth Fund for an off-season marketing campaign. This will promote not only the Tywi Valley Path, but our wider network of traffic-free paths. With more than 400 accommodation providers within five miles of one of these routes, officers will be supporting businesses with marketing materials, roadshows and familiarisation visits. Finally, the new Tourism Ambassador module for the Tywi Valley is being promoted, and I would encourage all members to take part. We all have a role to play in championing this excellent resource and in promoting Carmarthenshire as a place to visit, enjoy and return to.” Cllr Hefin Jones asked the following supplementary question:- “Does the council have a plan or a strategy in place for the next few years to develop that potential for the path?” Response by Councillor Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Culture, Leisure and Tourism:- “The marketing department have provided workshops to upscale businesses over the last 12 months, and they will continue to provide support. I have also organised a forum with tourism businesses in Carmarthenshire this month to work together for the benefit of the County and businesses. Thank you.”
The Chair stated that the minutes outlined on the agenda under 13.1- 13.10 were available for information on the Council website.
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