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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 10th June, 2026 be signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED that the Standards Committee Annual Report 2025/2026 be received.
RESOLVED to adopt the revised protocol approved by the Standards Committee on the 2nd June 2026.
RESOLVED that the Job Profile and Person Specification appended to the report be approved.
RESOLVED that the composition of the Council’s Scrutiny, Regulatory and Other Committees as appended to the report be approved.
RESOLVED that the appointment of the Chairs and Vice Chairs be approved.
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 1st June, 2026 be received.
RESOLVED that the Substantive Notice of Motion be adopted and referred to Cabinet for consideration.
RESOLVED that the Substantive Notice of Motion be adopted and referred to Cabinet for consideration.
Resolved that the Notice of Motion be supported and referred to Cabinet for consideration.
RESOLVED that Councillor Dot Jones be appointed to take the Unaffiliated Member Vacant Seat on the Corporate Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors L.R. Bowen, P. Cooper, S.A. Curry, A. Davies, G. Davies, Ll. M. Davies, A.D. Harries, R. James, G.H. John and R. Sparks.
Councillor Item Nature of Interest M. Palfreman Agenda Item 8 – To Seek Council’s endorsement of the job profile for the recruitment to the post of Head of Children and Families. Runs a social services Consultancy. Cllr Palfreman has been granted dispensation by the Standards Committee allowing him to speak and submit written representation but not vote. S.L. Davies Agenda Item 12.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillors Nysia Evans & Rob Evans. Works for Dolen Teifi. H. Shepardson Agenda Item 11 - To receive the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 1st June 2026 (Item 7). His daughter is a teacher within the County.
The Chair reflected on a busy month for him and his consort and referred to the array of events attended across the county. These included attending the launch of the ‘More in Common’ partnership supported by the Jo Cox Foundation and then the following day he greeted the King’s Baton Relay at Pentre Awel for the Commonwealth Games. The Chair also attended the National Armed Forces Day event at Pembrey Country Park. The Chair took the opportunity of congratulating Johnstown Primary School which is one of only three schools in the UK who have been awarded Registered Restorative Organisation status by the Restorative Justice Council. Councillor Michael Thomas recognised the outstanding success of Wales Armed Forces Day, which was held at Pembrey Country Park on 27th June. He requested to place on record his thanks, both personally and on behalf of SSAFA, to everyone involved in its delivery. Following the recent bus collision on the A484 outside Kidwelly, Councillor Lewis Davies, requested to place on record his thanks to the emergency services and all those residents and local businesses who responded so quickly to support those affected by the incident. The Chair welcomed Councillor Iwan Griffiths to his first Council meeting following his election as Councillor for the Llangennech Ward.
There were no announcements made.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 10th June, 2026 be signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 10th June, 2026 be signed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Standards Committee Annual Report 2025/2026 be received.
The Chair welcomed to the meeting Mrs Daphne Evans, the Chair of the Standards Committee. Council received the Standards Committee Annual Report for 2025-2026. The report provided information regarding the activities of the Standards Committee during the year in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 which placed a duty upon political group leaders to promote compliance with the code by their group members. This Act also placed a requirement upon Standards Committees to report on how well group leaders had complied with those duties. The Chair of the Standards Committee provided an overview of the issues addressed by the Committee during the reporting period. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Standards Committee Annual Report 2025/2026 be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to adopt the revised protocol approved by the Standards Committee on the 2nd June 2026.
The Council received a report, presented by the Leader of the Council on the revised Local Resolution Protocol for low-level Code of Conduct complaints between members which had been approved by the Standards Committee on 2 June 2026. Members were advised that the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales expected local authorities to maintain such protocols to help resolve complaints locally and reduce referrals to the Ombudsman. It was noted that the Council's existing protocol had operated successfully for several years. Following a review undertaken by the Ombudsman in 2025 and subsequent recommendations to Monitoring Officers, the Standards Committee reviewed the protocol and proposed several amendments based on the Ombudsman’s guidance and operational experience. RESOLVED to adopt the revised protocol approved by the Standards Committee on the 2nd June 2026.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Job Profile and Person Specification appended to the report be approved.
[NOTE: Councillor Martyn Palfreman, having earlier declared an interest in this item, re-iterated his declaration and in accordance with his dispensation, remained in the meeting but did not partake in the voting thereof.] The Council received a report, presented by the Cabinet Member for Integrated Health and Children and Adult Social Services on the Recruitment to the Post of Head of Children and Families. Council was advised that following the departure of the previous substantive Head of Children and Families and subsequent interim arrangements, the Council would need to approve the arrangements to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Chief Officer. It was noted that approval was required to comply with the Authority’s Constitution, and to comply with the revisions to the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, as set out in the enclosed summary report. RESOLVED that the Job Profile and Person Specification appended to the report be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the composition of the Council’s Scrutiny, Regulatory and Other Committees as appended to the report be approved.
The Council received a report, on changes to the Composition of Committees and membership of the new Appointments and Investigation Committee and the Disciplinary Appeals Committee. Council noted that in accordance with the Constitution, the Council was required to appoint members to serve on its committees and to allocate those seats so that they reflected the overall political composition of the Council. Council at its meeting on the 20th May 2026 agreed to make changes to the composition of its committees and noted that the report had been produced to reflect that decision and the requirement to reduce the overall number of seats for allocation. The report also took into consideration the recent Llangennech By-election result where Councillor Iwan Griffiths was elected. RESOLVED that the composition of the Council’s Scrutiny, Regulatory and Other Committees as appended to the report be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the appointment of the Chairs and Vice Chairs be approved.
The Council received nominations on the appointment of Chairs and Vice Chairs as follows: Committee Councillors Appointments and Investigation Committee Linda Evans - Chair Jane Tremlett – Vice Chair Disciplinary Appeals Committee Ken Howell - Chair Llinos M Davies – Vice Chair RESOLVED that the appointment of the Chairs and Vice Chairs be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 1st June, 2026 be received.
[NOTE: Councillor Hugh Shepardson, having earlier declared an interest in this item, re-iterated his declaration and remained in the meeting during consideration of this item.] The Labour Group raised concerns regarding the revenue budget and asked the Leader of the Council what plans were in place to reduce the overspend and when the matter would be debated by the Council. In response, the Leader advised that revenue had been decreasing and the overspend had been increasing, which was why Members had been meeting in the Chamber to consider the issue. It was noted that Cabinet had been required to make difficult decisions in order to achieve savings, as outlined in the Cabinet report. The Leader highlighted that schools had been facing significant financial pressures and that proposals were being developed to address these challenges. Reference was also made to the additional pressures on social care services, whilst recognising the Council’s statutory duty to provide those services. The Leader stated that efforts would continue to be made to control revenue expenditure whilst safeguarding and supporting the most vulnerable residents. Members were encouraged to work together constructively and engage in dialogue to address the challenges facing the Council. The Cabinet Member for Resources advised that budget monitoring reports were presented to the relevant Scrutiny Committees on a quarterly basis, providing Members with an opportunity to contribute to the process. Members serving on Scrutiny Committees were encouraged to bring forward ideas and suggestions for Cabinet’s consideration. RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 1st June, 2026 be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Substantive Notice of Motion be adopted and referred to Cabinet for consideration.
Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Michelle Beer:- “This Council notes the ongoing work of the HMO Task and Finish Group established following concerns previously raised by Members regarding the growth and concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across Carmarthenshire. Council further notes with concern recent decisions by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) to allow appeals for HMOs on Trinity Road, Llanelli, overturning the refusal of those applications by Carmarthenshire County Council's Planning Committee. Council recognises the concerns expressed by local residents and elected members regarding the cumulative impact of HMOs on established residential communities, including issues relating to community cohesion, parking pressures, residential amenity and neighbourhood character. Council believes that local communities must have confidence that their concerns are properly recognised within the planning system and that planning policies adequately support sustainable, balanced and cohesive neighbourhoods across Carmarthenshire. Council therefore resolves to write to the Welsh Government and Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) requesting: 1. A review of whether current planning policy and guidance provide sufficient weight to cumulative impacts, community cohesion, parking pressures and local evidence when determining HMO applications and appeals. 2. Greater recognition of local evidence and community representations when assessing the cumulative effects of HMO developments. 3. A review of whether current arrangements appropriately recognise local evidence and democratically accountable decision-making within the planning and appeals process.” The proposer and seconder of the notice of motion, as set out the Council Summons, confirmed that they were happy to accept the amendment as submitted, and agreed that the substantive motion be put forward for consideration. The proposer and seconder of the Motion were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and the proposer proceeded to outline the reasons for its submission, as set out in the Motion. The following Amendment to the Motion was proposed by Councillor Alex Evans and duly seconded:- “This Council notes the ongoing work of the HMO Task and Finish Group established following concerns previously raised by Members regarding the growth and concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in certain communities in Carmarthenshire. Council further notes recent decisions by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) to allow appeals for HMOs, overturning the refusal of those applications by Carmarthenshire County Council's Planning Committee. Council recognises the concerns expressed by local residents and elected members regarding the potential cumulative impact of HMOs on established residential communities, including issues relating to community cohesion, parking pressures, residential amenity and neighbourhood character. Council believes that local communities must have confidence that their concerns are properly recognised within the planning system and that planning policies adequately support sustainable, balanced and cohesive neighbourhoods across Carmarthenshire. In light of the ongoing work of the HMO Task and Finish Group, Council therefore resolves to write to the Welsh Government and Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) requesting assurance that: 1. Current national planning policy and guidance provide sufficient weight to cumulative impacts, community cohesion, parking pressures and local evidence when determining HMO applications and appeals. 2. Local evidence and community representations are fully recognised when assessing the cumulative effects of HMO developments. 3. Current arrangements appropriately recognise local evidence and democratically accountable decision-making within the planning and appeals process. 4. Welsh Government and PEDW will formally consider the findings of the Task & Finish Group as endorsed by this Council." The proposer and seconder of the Amendment were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and outlined the reasons for its submission. A number of statements were made both in support of and against the Amendment and the Motion. Following a vote, it was RESOLVED that the Substantive Notice of Motion be adopted and referred to Cabinet for consideration.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Substantive Notice of Motion be adopted and referred to Cabinet for consideration.
[NOTE: Councillor Sharen Davies, had earlier declared an interest in this item but had left the meeting prior to consideration of this item.] Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Nysia Evans:- “This motion seeks to give a voice to the concerns of families across Carmarthenshire, particularly in our rural communities, who feel that the current school transport eligibility criteria no longer reflect modern circumstances. With a new Welsh Government now in place and given the strong relationship between this administration and the new Welsh Government, this is a timely opportunity to revisit this long-standing issue and consider whether the current three-mile threshold remains appropriate for the needs of today’s learners and their families. I therefore ask this Council to recognise the importance of ensuring that all learners have safe and equitable access to education, and to acknowledge concerns regarding the current statutory three-mile eligibility threshold for secondary school transport. In many rural communities, routes that technically meet the legal distance requirements may nevertheless be lengthy, isolated, or impractical for pupils to walk on a daily basis, despite meeting the statutory criteria. Given the election of a new Welsh Government and the opportunity for a fresh approach to policies affecting learners and families across Wales, I therefore, ask this Council to lobby the Welsh Government to review the current three-mile eligibility threshold for secondary school transport, with consideration given to reducing it to two miles, particularly in rural areas where pupils face significant challenges in accessing education. By doing so, this Council can help ensure that the experiences of Carmarthenshire families are fully reflected in any future review of school transport policy across Wales.” The Motion was duly seconded by Councillor Rob Evans. The proposer and seconder of the Motion were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and the proposer proceeded to outline the reasons for its submission, as set out in the Motion. A number of statements were made both in support of, and against the Motion. The following Amendment to the Motion was proposed by Councillor Hefin Jones and duly seconded:- “This Council notes that Carmarthenshire County Council has, over a number of years, raised concerns with Welsh Government regarding the statutory learner transport eligibility distances of two miles for primary pupils and three miles for secondary pupils, and the challenges faced by families in both rural and urban communities. The Council further notes that the previous Labour Welsh Government did not amend these statutory distances due to the cost implications and capacity concerns of expanding learner transport across the whole of Wales. Council welcomes the commitment made by the new Welsh Government, as set out in the Plaid Cymru 2026 Senedd Election Manifesto, to review the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure and work with local authorities to maximise access to home-to-school transport. This Council recognises the importance of ensuring that all learners have safe and equitable access to education, and over recent years has invested significant monies into developing Active Travel routes. However, we acknowledge concerns that in many areas, routes that technically meet statutory requirements can nevertheless be lengthy, isolated or impractical for pupils to walk. Council therefore resolves to write to the Welsh Government welcoming its commitment to review the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure and request that the review gives full consideration to the current two-mile eligibility threshold for primary school transport, and the current three-mile eligibility threshold for secondary school transport, including consideration of reducing the qualifying distance. By doing so, this Council can help ensure that the experiences of Carmarthenshire families are reflected in the forthcoming review of learner travel policy.” The proposer and seconder of the Amendment were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and outlined the reasons for its submission. The proposer and seconder of the notice of motion, as set out the Council Summons, confirmed that they were happy to accept the amendment as submitted, and agreed that the substantive motion be put forward for consideration. A number of statements were made both in support of and against the Amendment and the Motion Following a vote, it was RESOLVED that the Substantive Notice of Motion be adopted and referred to Cabinet for consideration.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that the Notice of Motion be supported and referred to Cabinet for consideration.
Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Hugh Shepardson:- “There are serious widespread concerns regarding the overgrown state of the County’s verges, roundabouts, and public rights of way, which are compromising the safety of pedestrians and vehicles. Carmarthenshire has some of the most beautiful landscapes and backdrops in Wales and encourages holidaymakers and visitors alike to visit but this unchecked growth can only have a negative visitor experience, including making roadside signage difficult to read, which will have a detrimental effect to the tourist industry we promote and want to grow. The high number of popular Rights of Ways are so overgrown that two people cannot walk side by side, which is extremely difficult when walking with young children. Currently, the policy for annual cuts is down to one. Since this was agreed extreme weather conditions have become a regular occurrence and are scientifically proven to speed up the growth of vegetation, which signifies the one cut a year policy is not fit for purpose. We therefore ask Council to support a recommendation to Cabinet that the current policy be amended and that from the 2027 financial year the Authority adopts a policy whereby two cuts are introduced as a minimum each year and that Cabinet furthermore examines ways of meeting the additional cost of this recommendation even if it means funding the additional cost from reserves.” The Motion was duly seconded by Councillor John James. The proposer and seconder of the Motion were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and the proposer proceeded to outline the reasons for its submission, as set out in the Motion. A number of statements were made both in support and against the Motion. Following a vote, it was: Resolved that the Notice of Motion be supported and referred to Cabinet for consideration.
The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.
‘’The redevelopment of Tyisha has been promised for the last 10 years and substantial monies were allocated to the project. Could you please tell me when we will see a comprehensive diagram of the planned development and a timescale for the start and completion of the redevelopment?’’ Response by Councillor Emlyn Schiavone, Cabinet Member for Homes:- “We are nearing the end of the competitive dialogue process for Tyisha and are optimistic about appointing a preferred partner this Autumn. As soon as this process is complete, we will be ready to share plans and details. Providing any additional information at this time would jeopardise the legal process. For information, two members of the Housing Team, Laura Aitchison, Places Transformation Manager, and Lorena Alvarez, Tyisha Project Development Officer, will provide an update on their work and ambitions at tomorrow afternoon's Poverty Panel meeting.”
‘’Residents across Carmarthenshire have raised concerns that, while supporting the Council's biodiversity objectives, the current grass-cutting regime has in some areas resulted in overgrown verges, increased litter retention, and issues relating to safety, visibility and the appearance of public spaces. Will the Cabinet Member commit to reviewing the current grass-cutting programme, particularly in residential areas, roadside verges and community green spaces, to ensure an appropriate balance is maintained between biodiversity objectives and the safety, appearance and accessibility of our communities?’’ The Chair advised Council that Councillor Edward Thomas had left the meeting and had indicated that he would provide a written response.
‘’The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation measures relative deprivation in localities across Wales. It shows that five areas in Carmarthenshire fall within the 10% most deprived in Wales. The devastating impact of poverty should never be underestimated. The calculation of deprivation considers factors such as health, education, housing, community safety and the physical environment. With this in mind, how will this Council exercise its community leadership role, use its specific powers, target its own core resources and collaborate with key partners to fight poverty and its causes, across the County but prioritising those areas shown to be most in need?’’ Response by Councillor Emlyn Schiavone, Cabinet Member for Homes:- ‘’We are lucky that the Director of Social Services and Housing, Darren Mutter has already led on this in Pembrokeshire and we’d like to thank him for his work and his comments. The Council recognises its responsibility, alongside partners, to address poverty and improve prosperity for those most affected by the rising cost of living and widening inequalities. This work has been guided primarily by the Tackling Poverty Plan 2023 which in turn has been overseen through the Council’s well-established Tackling Poverty Advisory arrangements. Key priorities include maximising household income, improving access to advice and support, strengthening employability opportunities, preventing homelessness, supporting children and families through early intervention, and ensuring residents receive the benefits and financial assistance to which they are entitled. Central to this approach is the Council’s Hwb service and “Claim What’s Yours” initiative, which provide coordinated advice, referrals and support to residents experiencing financial hardship. Building on this success, the Council is exploring the use of a Low Income Family Tracker to proactively identify households that may be missing out on financial support and help target assistance more effectively. To strengthen delivery of the Tackling Poverty Agenda, the Director of Social Services and Housing has been tasked with establishing a cross-departmental, officer-led Tackling Poverty Group involving services such as education, social care, regeneration, and revenues and benefits, while also engaging public sector, third-sector and regional partners. Early priorities will include refreshing the Council’s poverty strategy, mapping current activity, identifying gaps, and developing a new action plan. The Council is also exploring innovative approaches, including exploring the Swansea Multibank model, to determine whether similar partnerships could benefit Carmarthenshire residents. Through these measures, and by working closely with those with lived experience of poverty, the Council will continue to target resources where need is greatest, reduce the impacts of poverty, and challenge the structures that perpetuate it.’’ Councillor Palfreman asked the following supplementary question:- “Thank you for the response. Emlyn could you just clarify, I talked about the five areas of most need happens to be in Llanelli. Will you be brave enough to commit your resources to those areas of the County that are head and shoulders above the others in terms of poverty? And would you be willing to bring regular reports back to this Council demonstrating how some of the measures you've mentioned in your answer are actually impacting on those very real factors in those communities?’’ Response by Councillor Emlyn Schiavone, Cabinet Member for Homes:- “We do recognise the poverty in the Llanelli area of course. As these statistics and data show that 40% of the worst depravation is in Glanymor, Llwynhendy and Tyisha. And it's very sad of course that families are in this situation and that's definitely one of the properties of the Council to target these areas and help those families. So definitely that is a priority of ours as a Council and I'm glad to report back to you in future on this.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Councillor Dot Jones be appointed to take the Unaffiliated Member Vacant Seat on the Corporate Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee.
RESOLVED that Councillor Dot Jones be appointed to take the Unaffiliated Member Vacant Seat on the Corporate Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee.
The Chair stated that the minutes outlined on the agenda under 16.1 – 16.8 were available for information on the Council website.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.