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Council heard a budget update from Councillor A. Lenny, who said the Council forecasts a £16m overspend for 2026/27. It agreed to publish four draft planning guidance documents for public consultation. Council received two Cabinet reports and approved two committee membership changes.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors K.V. Broom, S. Godfrey-Coles, S.L. Davies, W.T. Evans, J.D. James, H. Jones, J. Seward, E.G. Thomas, G.B. Thomas, M. Thomas, P.T. Warlow,
Councillor Minute Number Nature of Interest L. Davies 6.2 – Modernising Education Programme – To Consider the Objection Report for Ysgol Y Fro Personal & Prejudicial – Currently Governor at Ysgol Glan y Fferi, member of staff currently on secondment at the school A.C. Jones 6.3 – Modernising Education Programme – To Consider the Objection Report for Ysgol Meidrim As Local Authority Governor for ‘Ffederasiwn Ysgolion Bancyfelin, Llangain a Llansteffan’ which may be impacted by the decision. On legal advice will leave for duration of item. M.J.A. Lewis 6.3 – Modernising Education Programme – To Consider the Objection Report for Ysgol Meidrim Local Authority Governor for Ysgol Meidrim and will be speaking The Head of Law, Governance and Civil Services advised members on declarations of interest relating to agenda items 6.2 and 6.3. It was noted that LEA governors were required to declare a personal interest but could remain in the meeting and vote. Non-LEA governors, where the proposals related to or were likely to affect their school, were required to declare both a personal and prejudicial interest and withdraw from the meeting for the relevant item. Members holding a dispensation were also required to declare this.
The Chair reflected on a number of events he attended with his consort over the past month, which included: • a vigil for Nepalese friends, to show support after the terrible flooding over in Nepal; • an enjoyable evening for Carmarthen Symphonic Wind Band 30th Anniversary at the Lyric, Carmarthen; • an interesting citizenship ceremony for 10 new British citizens; • LARS Round of Applause for Rising Stars concert in The Ffwrnes; • Prostate Cymru fundraiser in Llanarthne; and • Service at Llandaff Cathedral for the opening of the 7th Senedd.
Councillor A. Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources, provided an overview of the Council’s budgetary position. An overspend of £16m was forecasted for the 2026/27 Revenue Budget, with the main factors attributable to school deficit and increasing demand and costs associated with Children's and Adult Care Services. Members were advised that further details had previously been reported to Cabinet and the relevant Scrutiny Committees. It was noted that a number of external factors were continuing to place financial pressures on the Authority, including increases in fuel and energy costs. Reference was made to the increase in mileage allowance for staff using their own vehicles to 55p per mile in line with HMRC guidance, resulting in additional costs to the Authority. Members were also advised of increased costs relating to the Council's vehicle fleet and the impact of rising inflation on the wider economic environment The Council was informed that the forthcoming UK Government Budget and subsequent Welsh Government Budget would be of particular significance in informing the Authority's financial planning and budget preparations for 2027/28, given the Council's reliance on Welsh Government grant funding. In concluding, Councillor Lenny welcomed the agreement reached between the Welsh Government and the Labour Group in the Senedd regarding funding arrangements within the supplementary budget.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 9 September, 2026 be signed as a correct record.
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 9 September, 2026 be signed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Cabinet be accepted: “that the Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance, as set out in the report, be approved for publication for formal public consultation; that delegated authority be granted to officers to update or amend any non-substantive factual, typographical or grammatical changes.”
The Council was informed that Cabinet, at its meeting held on 7th September, 2026 (minute 10 refers) had considered a report on the draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) revised Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan 2018 – 2033. The four specific SPGs for a 6-week public consultation were: • Biodiversity and Nature Recovery • Burry Inlet: Compensatory Surface Water Removal in the Llanelli Wastewater Treatment Works Catchment • Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows • Health Impact Assessments The Cabinet Member for Communities, Rural Affairs and Welsh Language reported that the SPGs would act as companion documents to the LDP and would provide greater clarity for applicants prior to the submission of planning applications. Members raised questions regarding the Health Impact Assessment SPG, scrutiny consideration of the draft SPGs, and sewerage infrastructure capacity. Officers advised that applications were considered on their individual merits and that planning enforcement powers were available where conditions were breached. It was noted that regional partnership working was ongoing to address shared issues and future legislative requirements. Officers also undertook to provide details of scrutiny consideration of the draft SPGs following the meeting. It was noted that following the consultation, the representations received together with any recommended amendments to the SPG, would be reported through the democratic process prior to being submitted to Council for consideration and approval. RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Cabinet be accepted: “that the Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance, as set out in the report, be approved for publication for formal public consultation; that delegated authority be granted to officers to update or amend any non-substantive factual, typographical or grammatical changes.”
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED THAT the following recommendation of Cabinet be adopted: “after considering the responses to the proposal as outlined in the objection report, Council proceeds with implementing the proposal to discontinue Ysgol y Fro as laid out in the statutory notice.”
[NOTE: Councillor L. Davies having earlier declared an interest in this item left the meeting during consideration of this item. Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 5th October, 2026 [minute 7 thereof refers], had considered the Objection report relating to discontinue Ysgol y Fro. The Council considered the report and was appraised of the process undertaken to date, as detailed within the report and in accordance with both legislative requirements and council procedures. It was reported that the preferred option remained to discontinue the school on 31 December 2026 and transfer pupils to Ysgol y Dderwen from 1 January 2027. Members noted that, as of September 2026, all pupils previously on roll had secured places at alternative schools and no pupils remained registered at the school. The Council noted that the majority of consultation responses opposed the proposal, citing concerns raised regarding community impact, the Welsh language, educational standards and wellbeing, travel arrangements, effects on the Cylch Meithrin, access to wraparound care, school capacity, the financial case and the consultation process. The Cabinet Member for Education assured Council that the Authority had given careful consideration to the valuable feedback submitted and robust, evidence-based responses had been provided to address the concerns raised, as detailed within the report. In this regard it was acknowledged that consideration of a school closure was both difficult and emotive, however the Council had a duty to ensure that resources are allocated responsibly and fairly for the benefit of all pupils within the county. The school had faced ongoing challenges, including low pupil numbers, a high level of surplus places, increasing financial pressures and the transfer of all pupils to other schools. It was highlighted that financial considerations formed part of the overall assessment, alongside other factors. It was also noted that declining pupil numbers were affecting both rural and urban schools and that this trend was not unique to rural areas and reflected challenges being experienced by other authorities. Local Members expressed sympathy for the staff, pupils, families, governing body and wider community. It was acknowledged that councillors were elected to represent their communities and that decisions of this nature were particularly challenging. Concern was expressed regarding the proposed closure date and the implications of closure during an academic year. Officers advised that the proposed date reflected financial year requirements. Reference was made to the future of the Welsh-medium nursery provision and the potential community use of the building. Officers advised that, subject to the Council’s decision, discussions would with the community regarding future arrangements and opportunities for continued community use of the site would continue. The Council recognised that the absence of pupils on roll and the continuing decline in pupil numbers raised challenges for the school's long-term viability. RESOLVED THAT the following recommendation of Cabinet be adopted: “after considering the responses to the proposal as outlined in the objection report, Council proceeds with implementing the proposal to discontinue Ysgol y Fro as laid out in the statutory notice.”
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED THAT the following recommendation of Cabinet be adopted: “after considering the responses to the proposal as outlined in the objection report, Council proceeds with implementing the proposal to discontinue Ysgol Meidrim as laid out in the statutory notice.”
[NOTE: Councillor A.C. Jones having earlier declared an interest in this item left the meeting during consideration of this item. Councillor M.J.A. Lewis redeclared an interest and remained for duration and voted] Councillor G. Davies advised that as Cabinet Member for Education he participated in support of the Council’s position during the recent judicial review proceedings. Following legal advice Councillor Davies advised that that he would be withdrawing from the meeting to avoid perception of bias or predetermination. He was not present at the meeting during consideration of this item. Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 5th October, 2026 [minute 6 thereof refers], had considered the Objection report relating to discontinue Ysgol Meidrim. In presenting the report, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism highlighted the significant challenges faced by Ysgol Meidrim, these included low pupil numbers, high surplus places, declining enrolment and an unsustainable financial position. Members noted that all statutory requirements under the School Organisation Code 2018 had been followed, including consideration of the presumption against the closure of rural schools and the assessment of alternative options. The preferred option remained the discontinuation of the school, with pupils transferring to Ysgol Hafodwenog or Ysgol Griffith Jones from January 2027. Reference was made to falling birth rates, surplus school places and the increasing financial pressures across the education sector. It was emphasised that the need to ensure educational provision remained sustainable and fit for the future. The local member spoke against the proposal, highlighting the efforts of the Governing Body to develop alternative options and secure additional funding. She questioned the level of financial savings that would be achieved and referred to the impact on the community, the Welsh language and pupils. During the debate, Members acknowledged the difficult nature of the decision. Discussion focused on the role of rural schools in supporting Welsh-speaking communities, community cohesion, environmental considerations, pupil numbers, financial sustainability and the objectives of the Modernising Education Programme. RESOLVED THAT the following recommendation of Cabinet be adopted: “after considering the responses to the proposal as outlined in the objection report, Council proceeds with implementing the proposal to discontinue Ysgol Meidrim as laid out in the statutory notice.”
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 7th September, 2026 be received.
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 7th September, 2026 be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 21st September, 2026 be received.
RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 21st September, 2026 be received.
Due to the member of the public not being in attendance, the Chair confirmed that a written answer to the question on the agenda would be provided.
At a previous meeting, the Council considered the use of roundabouts for local business sponsorship and advertising. Can the County confirm how many businesses are currently participating in the scheme , how much income it has generated for the council to date and whether there are plans to expand it to additional roundabouts across Carmarthenshire? Response Due to Councillor Edward Thomas not being in attendance, the Chair confirmed that a written response would be provided to Councillor Steve Williams.
The Council's procurement arrangements provide for suitable office furniture already held by the Authority to be used before new furniture is purchased. Can the Executive Member confirm whether furniture and equipment remaining in vacant or surplus Council buildings is included within this existing arrangement and is recorded as available for reuse elsewhere within the Council? Response by Councillor Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources “Thank you for the question, Councillor Williams, the answer is yes. Future, furniture rather, and equipment remaining within vacant, surplus, or decommissioned Council buildings are included in our reuse arrangements. Where items are assessed as being in a suitable condition for continued use, they are removed, stored where necessary, and redistributed to Council services and buildings in response to operational requirements. This forms part of our continual approach to maximise the use of existing viable assets before purchasing new furniture and equipment. It has delivered financial savings by reducing the need for new purchases, while supporting the Council’s sustainability objectives through the reuse of existing resources and the reduction of waste. Diolch.” Supplementary question by Councillor Steve Williams “Thank you, Councillor Lenny, I appreciate the answer. Obviously, we’ve had the sad decision today with regards the schools that have been closed. I’d imagine they’re already making part of that, I’d like confirmation of that, because some of the questions come about from some of these people who’ve gone into Council properties and highlighted equipment. So I’d just like clarification that the schools will be documented and equipment passed on to the schools that’ll deal with these pupils. Diolch Chair, thank you.” Response by Councillor Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources “Yes, again the answer is yes that will happen Chair.”
Following on from the successful launch and promotion of the valuable Tywi Valley cycle path, can the County confirm whether the Council intends to replicate this successful promotional activity across other established walking and cycling routes in Carmarthenshire, such as the Millennium Coastal Path, including working with local hospitality and leisure providers to increase public awareness and usage? Response by Councillor Hazel Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism “Diolch. Thank you for your question, Councillor Williams. I did reply to this in the last meeting, although it was on the Tywi Valley Path I did cover the whole of Carmarthenshire, but happy to repeat. We are building on the success of the Tywi Valley Path by promoting Carmarthenshire’s wider network of walking and cycling routes, including the Millennium Coastal Path, the Amman Valley Riverside Path and other traffic free routes. Since opening in May, the Tywi Valley Path has attracted national coverage in the Guardian, Daily Telegraph, National Geographic and the Sun. Alongside that, targeted digital campaigns, influencer visits and partnership activity have helped promote both the path and Carmarthenshire’s wider outdoor offer. Working with Visit Wales and the Wales Coast Path, we have strengthened traffic free cycling content on visitwales.com and positioned Carmarthenshire as a leading destination for cycling and outdoor recreation. Recent campaigns have reached hundreds of thousands of people, generated millions of impressions and driven significant traffic to discover Carmarthenshire. We are determined to maintain this momentum through year-round promotion, route-specific content, seasonal campaigns and our Walk of the Week feature, which reaches more than 35,000 social media followers. We will also continue working with local hospitality, tourism and leisure businesses, including through the Carmarthenshire Tourism Ambassadors Scheme, so they can confidently champion these routes and outdoor experiences to visitors. Our ambition is clear. These routes should be recognised not only as ways to travel, but as gateways to our communities, landscapes and local businesses. By promoting them effectively and working with partners, we can encourage residents to get active, welcome more visitors and ensure the benefits are left across the county. The success of the Tywi Valley Path shows what can be achieved and we are committed to building on that success across Carmarthenshire. Diolch Cadeirydd.”
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED THAT the nomination of Councillor N. Evans to the Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee be approved.
Council were notified that the Labour Group wished to nominate Councillor Nysia Evans to fill the vacancy on the Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT the nomination of Councillor N. Evans to the Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the nomination of Councillor S.L. Davies to fill the vacant seat on the Place, Sustainability and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee be approved.
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the nomination of Councillor S.L. Davies to fill the vacant seat on the Place, Sustainability and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee be approved.
The Chair stated that the minutes outlined on the agenda under 11.1 – 11.10 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.
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