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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED: 1. To note that in the opinion of the Executive Corporate Lead Officer: Finance & Procurement (Section 151 Officer): · the Budget estimates have been prepared in a sufficiently robust manner. · the proposed level of Earmarked Reserves and General Balances is adequate in respect of the forthcoming financial year. A recorded vote was taken, as agreed and in accordance with Rule 14.5 of the Council Procedures Rules contained in the Council’s Constitution on item 2. For: Shelley Childs, Bryan Davies, Catrin M S Davies, Clive Davies, Gareth Davies, Gethin Davies, Meirion Davies, Rhodri Davies, Amanda Edwards. Endaf Edwards, Elaine Evans, Elizabeth Evans, Eryl Evans, Keith Evans, Keith Henson, Ceris Jones, Gareth Lewis, Maldwyn Lewis, Sian Maehrlein, Caryl Roberts, John Roberts, Mark Strong, Wyn Thomas, Matthew Vaux, Alun Williams and Ann Bowen Morgan (26) Against: Euros Davies, Marc Davies, Gwyn Wigley Evans, Raymond Evans, Rhodri Evans, Hugh Hughes and Carl Worrall (7) Abstain: Ifan Davies, Chris James, Gwyn James and Gareth Lloyd (4). 2. Following a recorded vote it was RESOLVED to approve, collectively, the following in relation to the Budget: a) The Revenue Budget Requirement for 26/27 of £221.499m, as set out in Appendix 1, which includes the Budget Reductions outlined in Appendix 2. b) The detailed Updated 25/26 Budgets and Forecast 26/27 Budgets, as set out in Appendix 3. c) To levy a Band D Council Tax of £1,976.18 for 26/27 for Ceredigion County Council purposes, representing an increase of £89.61 (4.75%) for the year (being an increase of £7.47 per month). d) The Capital Strategy, as set out in Appendix 4. e) The Multi-year Capital Programme, as set out in Appendix 5. f) The Prudential Indicators, as set out in the Appendix 6. g) To delegate authority to the CLO: Finance & Procurement to effect movement within the total of the Authorised limit of external borrowing, and the Operational boundary.
RESOLVED: 1.1 That the Council notes that: · At its meeting on 02/12/25 the Cabinet formally approved the Council Tax Base for 2026/27 of 34,492.54. · The Precept amounts issued to the Council by Town & Community Councils for 2026/27 are shown in Schedule 1. · The Precept amounts issued to the Council by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys for 2026/27 are shown in Schedule 2. · The amounts set by the Council for the Ceredigion County Council component for 2026/27 are also shown in Schedule 2. 1.2 That the Council approves the amounts calculated by the Council for the 2026/27 financial year, in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as set out in Schedule 2 (a) to (g), Schedule 3 (h) and Schedule 4 (i). 1.3 That the Council, in accordance with Section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the amounts, as set out in Schedule 5, as the amounts of Council Tax for the financial year 2026/27 for each of the categories of dwellings (The Council having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at Schedule 4 (i) and the Precept amounts issued to the Council by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys (Schedule 2)).
RESOLVED: That Council agree to the: a) approval of the Treasury Management Strategy for Borrowing and Investments for 2026/27 b) approval of the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2026/27; and c) delegate authority to the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement, to amend the Treasury Management Strategy, and Investment Schedule, during the course of the year.
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the appointment of Mary Dodd and Andrew Lemmon in place of Carol Edwards and Llinos as Independent / Lay Member(s) of the Ethics and Standards Committee, from 3 March 2026, for one term of 6 years (up to 2/3/2032) 2. To approve the revised Person Specification.
Councillor Wyn Evans apologised for his inability to attend the meeting.
a) Councillor Keith Henson declared a personal interest in relation to item 5; b) Councillors Elizabeth Evans and Keith Evans noted that they had been granted dispensation to speak and to vote by the Ethics and Standards Committee on item 5.
Councillor Ann Bowen Morgan, Chair of the Council extended her condolences to Miss Sara Edwards, Lord Lieutenant following her recent bereavement; The Chair of the Council congratulated the following: a) Cliff Beaumont-Dowse on being inducted to the British Harness Racing Club Hall of Fame; b) Deian Gwynn on being selected co-captain of the Wales Under 20 Rugby Team, and to Caio James who was selected to the main squad, and Steffan Jac Jones who has been selected to the extended squad; c) Congratulations to the Parenting and Family Support Team on being awarded the Bronze Carer Award which recognises their ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive environment, embedding good working practices and promoting a culture that prioritises wellbeing; d) The St David’s Day ‘Gŵyl Ffrinj Byddwch Lawen’ was a huge success. Thank you very much to all those that were involved with the arrangements and to those who decorated shop windows; e) A Ceredigion Marine Conference was held at Cardigan Castle on 18 February, where there was a focus upon the Marine Nutrients Monitoring project. Thank you to all the officers and volunteers involved with this project; f) Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Ceredigion Young Farmers' Club Half Hour Entertainment and congratulations to Clwb Felinfach who won the competition; g) Congratulations to Mr Dan Potter who has recently retired after volunteering for 32 years as 'Station Coxwain' with New Quay Lifeboat; h) Congratulations to Councillor Euros Davies and members of the Llanwenog Parish Appeal Committee on raising £43,600 for Emlyn and Tivyside Parkinson Support charities; Geraint Hatcher Memorial Fund; and Llanwenog YFC.
It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 22 January 2026. Matters arising There were no matters arising from the minutes.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note that in the opinion of the Executive Corporate Lead Officer: Finance & Procurement (Section 151 Officer): · the Budget estimates have been prepared in a sufficiently robust manner. · the proposed level of Earmarked Reserves and General Balances is adequate in respect of the forthcoming financial year. A recorded vote was taken, as agreed and in accordance with Rule 14.5 of the Council Procedures Rules contained in the Council’s Constitution on item 2. For: Shelley Childs, Bryan Davies, Catrin M S Davies, Clive Davies, Gareth Davies, Gethin Davies, Meirion Davies, Rhodri Davies, Amanda Edwards. Endaf Edwards, Elaine Evans, Elizabeth Evans, Eryl Evans, Keith Evans, Keith Henson, Ceris Jones, Gareth Lewis, Maldwyn Lewis, Sian Maehrlein, Caryl Roberts, John Roberts, Mark Strong, Wyn Thomas, Matthew Vaux, Alun Williams and Ann Bowen Morgan (26) Against: Euros Davies, Marc Davies, Gwyn Wigley Evans, Raymond Evans, Rhodri Evans, Hugh Hughes and Carl Worrall (7) Abstain: Ifan Davies, Chris James, Gwyn James and Gareth Lloyd (4). 2. Following a recorded vote it was RESOLVED to approve, collectively, the following in relation to the Budget: a) The Revenue Budget Requirement for 26/27 of £221.499m, as set out in Appendix 1, which includes the Budget Reductions outlined in Appendix 2. b) The detailed Updated 25/26 Budgets and Forecast 26/27 Budgets, as set out in Appendix 3. c) To levy a Band D Council Tax of £1,976.18 for 26/27 for Ceredigion County Council purposes, representing an increase of £89.61 (4.75%) for the year (being an increase of £7.47 per month). d) The Capital Strategy, as set out in Appendix 4. e) The Multi-year Capital Programme, as set out in Appendix 5. f) The Prudential Indicators, as set out in the Appendix 6. g) To delegate authority to the CLO: Finance & Procurement to effect movement within the total of the Authorised limit of external borrowing, and the Operational boundary.
Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of the Council presented the report to Council, providing an outline of the Budget process to date and the lobbying of the Welsh Government which resulted in increased funding. He thanked the Finance Team for all their work in preparing the financial reports. Councillor Gareth Davies, Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement thanked Officers, and he thanked Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees for their work to review and scrutinise the Budget. He noted that during the Cabinet meeting held on 10 February 2026 all Scrutiny feedback reports were considered, which included a proposal by the Healthier Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee to provide funding of £30k towards the Calon Tysul Swimming Pool, and an additional £11k towards the Aberaeron Community Swimming Pool. He noted that the meeting of Cabinet also considered the responses to the public engagement held during December 2025 to January 2026; the update to the Welsh Government funding which resulted in an additional £6k; and confirmation of additional Welsh Government grant funding equivalent to £38k to offset the cost of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service levy. He gave an overview of the investment included within the proposed revenue budget which included £200k towards the Graduate Employee Scheme; £600k towards the overall Delegated School Budget providing an overall increase of 4.1% to schools; £1m set aside for upcoming match funded projects such as the Aberystwyth Coastal Defence Scheme, agricultural vocational training provision in Lampeter and wider Lampeter campus aspirations; and future requirements at Aberaeron, Rhydypennau and Penparc Primary Schools and the additional funding for the 2 Voluntary Trust run swimming pools. He also noted the £1.6m of savings resulting from the reduction to the Employers’ Pension Contributions following the latest triennial evaluation of the Dyfed Pension Fund and he confirmed that all of the above had been reported to the Overview and Scrutiny Committees. He noted that 75% of the Council’s Budget is spent on Schools and Lifelong Learning; Through Age Social Care and Wellbeing and Highways and Environmental Services; and after removing other largely fixed costs such as Members’ Allowances, the Fire Authority Levy, Capital Financing Costs and the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, only 14% remains to fund all other Council Services. Finally, he noted that circa 5,100 households in Ceredigion benefit from the Council Tax Reduction Scheme which provides protection to those on low incomes and/or claim Benefits by means of a reduction of up to 100% of their Council Tax liability and that this was an investment of £8.1m within the budget. He also noted that not raising Council Tax would mean that the Council would need to introduce cuts to services. Duncan Hall, Executive Corporate Lead Officer: Finance and Procurement and Section 151 Officer confirmed that the General Balances of £7m falls within the planned range of 3% to 5%. He noted that Earmarked reserves were expected to reduce by 2027 in a carefully managed way as the planned use of earmarked reserves occurred, aligned to match-funding commitments, but that Earmarked reserves would still remain above pre COVID levels. The Section 151 Officer confirmed that from his perspective, the proposed Budget estimates have been prepared in a sufficiently robust manner and that the proposed level of Earmarked Reserves and General Balances is adequate in respect of the forthcoming financial year. Councillor Bryan Davies concluded the presentation by noting that his priority was to keep the Council Tax levels as low as possible whilst maintaining the important services provided to the residents of Ceredigion. Councillor Rhodri Evans welcomed the proposal from Scrutiny for a cash injection to the two community swimming pools as they provide essential services which is valued by the community. However, he did not feel that this merited the 4.75% increase. He referenced Welsh Government data which he stated showed that Council Tax increases for a Band D property have gone up nearly £550 since 2022/23 which was nearly a 40% increase over the last 4 years, with Ceredigion now having the 7th highest average Band D Council Tax in Wales. He noted that a new collective leadership pay model had been approved which he understood was partly intended to provide sufficient headroom for the Council to introduce a more competitive pay structure for all staff which would aid recruitment and retention. However, there was no provision in the budget towards increased salaries costs, which suggested that this would not be implemented during the forthcoming financial year. Duncan Hall, Executive Corporate Lead Officer: Finance and Procurement and Section 151 Officer confirmed that the two relevant forums considering the impact of any potential amendments to the pay scales, were the Corporate Employee Forum which included representatives from Unison, GMB and Unite, and a specific Task and Finish Group that had now been established to undertake the detailed work, which also include representatives from each of the 3 Unions. He noted that the initial data review stage was underway, and that it would take some time to work through the modelling exercise as it was a complex data driven process. He also noted that the Pay Agreement for 2026-27 was yet to be agreed, which in itself would also be considering the implications upon the nationally agreed structure and the consolidation at the lower-end of the payscale. Councillor Alun Williams, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Through Age Wellbeing noted that in terms of neighbouring authorities, Pembrokeshire County Council were considering an increase of 4.6% with a shortfall of £22.58m to be found; Carmarthenshire County Council were considering an increase of 4.9% with £9.6m in service cuts; and Powys were considering an increase of 4.9% with £12m of cuts to public services. He reiterated that the Ceredigion proposed increase of 4.75% did not include any direct cuts to Services for the second year running. Councillor Elizabeth Evans noted that opportunities had been provided throughout the scrutiny process for Members to ask questions, and that they had received a detailed explanation of the cost pressures, and confirmation that there were no cuts to services within the proposals. She highlighted how little of the budget (14%) was actually left for all other Services, once the 3 main Services and fixed costs had been accounted for. She noted that the Graduate Employment Scheme, the educational capital improvements, swimming pools and supporting health and welfare were all extremely important. She noted that Ceredigion had been recognised as resilient in recent reviews and although thousands do not pay Council Tax, the 4.75% increase would still be considerable to others and should not be underestimated. She noted that there needed to be a review of income generation, noting as an example that a full Aberaeron harbour at reduced fees is better than an empty harbourand similarly for parking charges, and that opportunities were potentially being missed in relation to boat launches on the slipway. She concluded by noting that she would be voting on the information presented, rather than politics. Other Members asked whether a letter requesting voluntary redundancies from School staff had also been issued to employees in other services, and it was confirmed that financial challenges in Schools were as a result of falling pupil numbers. Members also asked about the cost of public transport for pupils that were not eligible for school buses due to their proximity to the schools, and Councillor Euros Davies asked whether savings could be found by purchasing equipment in place of hiring. The Councillor was reminded a second time that a report had been presented to the Thriving Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee upon this matter in December 2025, and that equipment such as wacker plates, hydraulic brakers and leaf blowers are now purchased, whereas larger equipment such as JCBs continue to be hired as they may not be required throughout the year (i.e. they tend to be used on a seasonable basis) and as such are not currently deemed a viable purchase, but that the Service keeps these considerations under regular review. Councillor Bryan Davies proposed a recorded vote on item 2. This was seconded by Councillor Rhodri Evans and agreed following a vote. Following a vote it was RESOLVED: 1. To note that in the opinion of the Executive Corporate Lead Officer: Finance & Procurement (Section 151 Officer): · the Budget estimates have been prepared in a sufficiently robust manner. · the proposed level of Earmarked Reserves and General Balances is adequate in respect of the forthcoming financial year. A recorded vote was taken, as agreed and in accordance with Rule 14.5 of the Council Procedures Rules contained in the Council’s Constitution on item 2. For: Shelley Childs, Bryan Davies, Catrin M S Davies, Clive Davies, Gareth Davies, Gethin Davies, Meirion Davies, Rhodri Davies, Amanda Edwards. Endaf Edwards, Elaine Evans, Elizabeth Evans, Eryl Evans, Keith Evans, Keith Henson, Ceris Jones, Gareth Lewis, Maldwyn Lewis, Sian Maehrlein, Caryl Roberts, John Roberts, Mark Strong, Wyn Thomas, Matthew Vaux, Alun Williams and Ann Bowen Morgan (26) Against: Euros Davies, Marc Davies, Gwyn Wigley Evans, Raymond Evans, Rhodri Evans, Hugh Hughes and Carl Worrall (7) Abstain: Ifan Davies, Chris James, Gwyn James and Gareth Lloyd (4). 2. Following a recorded vote it was RESOLVED to approve, collectively, the following in relation to the Budget: a) The Revenue Budget Requirement for 26/27 of £221.499m, as set out in Appendix 1, which includes the Budget Reductions outlined in Appendix 2. b) The detailed Updated 25/26 Budgets and Forecast 26/27 Budgets, as set out in Appendix 3. c) To levy a Band D Council Tax of £1,976.18 for 26/27 for Ceredigion County Council purposes, representing an increase of £89.61 (4.75%) for the year (being an increase of £7.47 per month). d) The Capital Strategy, as set out in Appendix 4. e) The Multi-year Capital Programme, as set out in Appendix 5. f) The Prudential Indicators, as set out in the Appendix 6. g) To delegate authority to the CLO: Finance & Procurement to effect movement within the total of the Authorised limit of external borrowing, and the Operational boundary.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1.1 That the Council notes that: · At its meeting on 02/12/25 the Cabinet formally approved the Council Tax Base for 2026/27 of 34,492.54. · The Precept amounts issued to the Council by Town & Community Councils for 2026/27 are shown in Schedule 1. · The Precept amounts issued to the Council by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys for 2026/27 are shown in Schedule 2. · The amounts set by the Council for the Ceredigion County Council component for 2026/27 are also shown in Schedule 2. 1.2 That the Council approves the amounts calculated by the Council for the 2026/27 financial year, in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as set out in Schedule 2 (a) to (g), Schedule 3 (h) and Schedule 4 (i). 1.3 That the Council, in accordance with Section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the amounts, as set out in Schedule 5, as the amounts of Council Tax for the financial year 2026/27 for each of the categories of dwellings (The Council having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at Schedule 4 (i) and the Precept amounts issued to the Council by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys (Schedule 2)).
Councillor Gareth Davies, Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement presented the report to Council. He noted that the report is required by legislation to ensure the Council resolved Council Tax levels to include all component parts and that it is a ‘technical’ report required by legislation and as such it did not reopen any aspect of the Budget process. Following a vote it was RESOLVED: 1.1 That the Council notes that: · At its meeting on 02/12/25 the Cabinet formally approved the Council Tax Base for 2026/27 of 34,492.54. · The Precept amounts issued to the Council by Town & Community Councils for 2026/27 are shown in Schedule 1. · The Precept amounts issued to the Council by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys for 2026/27 are shown in Schedule 2. · The amounts set by the Council for the Ceredigion County Council component for 2026/27 are also shown in Schedule 2. 1.2 That the Council approves the amounts calculated by the Council for the 2026/27 financial year, in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as set out in Schedule 2 (a) to (g), Schedule 3 (h) and Schedule 4 (i). 1.3 That the Council, in accordance with Section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the amounts, as set out in Schedule 5, as the amounts of Council Tax for the financial year 2026/27 for each of the categories of dwellings (The Council having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at Schedule 4 (i) and the Precept amounts issued to the Council by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys (Schedule 2)).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Council agree to the: a) approval of the Treasury Management Strategy for Borrowing and Investments for 2026/27 b) approval of the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2026/27; and c) delegate authority to the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement, to amend the Treasury Management Strategy, and Investment Schedule, during the course of the year.
Councillor Gareth Davies, Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement presented the report to Council. He outlined the statutory requirements for setting out a Treasury Management Strategy which explains the Council’s policies for managing its investments and debt, and for giving priority to the security and liquidity of those investments. He also noted that the report had been considered in detail by Cabinet during its meeting held on 10 February 2026. Councillor Gareth Davies invited questions from Members however none were forthcoming. Following a vote, it was RESOLVED: That Council agree to the: a) approval of the Treasury Management Strategy for Borrowing and Investments for 2026/27 b) approval of the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2026/27; and c) delegate authority to the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement, to amend the Treasury Management Strategy, and Investment Schedule, during the course of the year.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the appointment of Mary Dodd and Andrew Lemmon in place of Carol Edwards and Llinos as Independent / Lay Member(s) of the Ethics and Standards Committee, from 3 March 2026, for one term of 6 years (up to 2/3/2032) 2. To approve the revised Person Specification.
Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection presented the report to Council noting that the report was twofold. He noted that following a recruitment process, both Mary Dodd and Andrew Lemmon were selected as Independent / Lay Members to the Ethics and Standards Committee from 3 March 2026 for one term of 6 years, with an option to reappoint for a second term of 4 years. Matthew Vaux thanked Carol Edwards and Llinos James for their contribution and wished them well for the future. Councillor Matthew Vaux noted that the second part of the report related to recommendations by the Ethics and Standards Committee to revise the Person Description by reclassifying the following criteria from Essential to Desirable: · Experience in Committee working and public accountability · Experience of a role in the public sector · Live and/or work in Ceredigion In addition, it was recommended that “spouse of civil partner” be amended to “close personal associate”. Councillor Bryan Davies asked for clarification as to whether the revised criteria required Independent / Lay Members to live in Ceredigion. The Monitoring Officer noted that the revision would expand the cohort of applicants, and due to new ways of working, they would be able to attend meetings remotely. Councillor Elizabeth Evans, Chair of the Democratic Services Committee noted that recently, a committee meeting had been cancelled due to it not being quorate and another meeting was delayed by over half an hour, advising that she would raise the matter of whether this committee should be held remotely only in a meeting of the Democratic Services Committee. Following discussion and a vote, it was RESOLVED: 1. To approve the appointment of Mary Dodd and Andrew Lemmon in place of Carol Edwards and Llinos as Independent / Lay Member(s) of the Ethics and Standards Committee, from 3 March 2026, for one term of 6 years (up to 2/3/2032) 2. To approve the revised Person Specification.
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.
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