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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED to note the report for information.
AGREED to note the report for information.
AGREED to note the information provided.
AGREED to note the progress and confirm ongoing or planned actions.
AGREED to recommend that Cabinet:- (i) support a refresh and a relaunch of the Community Housing Scheme, to include further branding considerations; and (ii) note that a recommendation was previously made to Cabinet (7.10.2025). and a report was scheduled to be presented at the 16 February 2026 Committee meeting covering the following recommendations: • The Committee requested that the Council explored the possibility of converting vacant upper floor accommodation, above commercial premises already in Council ownership, into residential (rental) use. The conversion of accommodation above shops etc could also support the growth of town centre economies. • The opportunity of developing new build homes on Council owned land should be explored. The aim being to provide affordable housing to respond the significant need for quality affordable homes in Ceredigion. • The Committee required further insight into these possibilities and whether social housing grant could be allocated to support such initiatives.
AGREED to note the Forward Work Programme subject to noting that the following would be presented to the special meeting which will be held on the 16th February 2026 at 2pm. • Engagement and Participation Policy – post Consultation and Pre-Cabinet • Drone Policy – post consultation and Pre-Cabinet • Annual SIRO report covering R009, R023, R024 – Pre-Cabinet and item on Risk Register • Report covering the following: The Committee requested that the Council explores the possibility of converting vacant upper floor accommodation, above commercial premises already in Council ownership, into residential (rental) use. The conversion of accommodation above shops etc could also support the growth of town centre economies/ The opportunity of developing new build homes on Council owned land should be explored. The aim being to provide affordable housing to respond the significant need for quality affordable homes in Ceredigion. The Committee requires further insight into these possibilities and whether social housing grant could be allocated to support such initiatives.
Councillor Elizabeth Evans and Ceris Jones apologised for their inability to attend the meeting.
Mrs Dwynen Jones declared a personal interest in item 9, Community Housing Scheme.
None.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the report for information.
Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection presented the report upon the Coroner service. It was reported at the meeting of the 15 July 2025 the Committee considered issues relating to the Coroner’s service. The Senior Coroner was required to provide a Local Authority report to the Council to be published on the Council’s website to include relevant statistics on current/concluded cases (with comparison figures for previous years), an update on Coroner work and relevant issues, a summary of the Coroner’s team and staffing arrangements, and any future plans. Currently, the Ceredigion Coroner Statistical Return for 2023 was submitted to the Ministry of Justice for information. The return would be published on the Council' website separately. In relation to the Ceredigion Coroner Statistical Return for 2024, it was reported that it would be submitted to the Ministry of Justice for information. The return would also be published on the Council' website separately. In relation to the report of the Chief Coroner to the Lord Chancellor: Annual Report for 2024, the Chief Coroner had prepared an annual report and the key messages were highlighted as follows in relation Ceredigion:- Cases over 12 months 2024, reporting period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024: •Ceredigion:31 By comparison: •Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire:54 It was reported that during the period 15.7.2025 – 23.11.2025: 22 inquests were held, of which: •Inquests in writing held: 18 •Inquests in person concluded: 4 Outstanding 12m+: 21 The Coroners pay for 25/26 was reported to Cabinet on 7.10.25 - Ceredigion County Council and Coroners Pay for 26/27 was set to be presented to Cabinet on 2.12.25- Ceredigion County Council. Reference was also documented that Hillsborough Law- Public Office (Accountability) Bill –Hillsborough Law Bill which stated the following:- •placed a new legal duty on public servants to act truthfully and fully support investigations into the state, ensuring wrongdoing was not concealed and delivering justice for victims. •replaced the current Misconduct in Public Office offence. •Bereaved families would benefit from non-means-tested legal help and representation for inquests. •new duty on public authorities to ensure any spend on legal advice and representation at inquests was necessary and proportionate. The duty would also guide the conduct of lawyers at the Coroner court, ensuing families are always treated with sensitivity and respect. A letter from the Chief Coroner dated 16/9/25 was presented to the Committee for information; and it was reported that the Coroner had sight of this report. It was AGREED to note the report for information.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the report for information.
Mr Duncan Hall, Corporate Lead Officer Finance & Procurement provided Members with an Oversight of in year Financial Matters. He reported that the information enabled the Committee to scrutinise the financial matters pertinent to the areas of Service falling within its remit. At any point during the year, the Committee may choose to explore any area of the Budget within its remit via the Forward Work programme. He reported that the latest budget reflects the amended 2025/26 programme approved by Cabinet on 1 July 2025, together with new schemes and budget changes up to 30 September 2025. An update on the New Schemes approved and budget changes were provided. In relation to the Aberaeron Coastal Protection Scheme the following information was also provided:- • The scheme reached practical completion on 30 September 2025, with all site areas returned to the Council on 10 October 2025. • A 12-month defect liability period was in place, during which any defects would be rectified by the main contractor. Under the contract terms, 2.5% (£848k) of the main contract sum was retained by the Council to ensure compliance. • The original budget of £31.6m was funded by Welsh Government (£26.9m, 85%) and the Council (£4.7m, 15%). • At the time of reporting, the full cost of the overspend fall to the Council; however, external funding options were being actively explored and discussions remain ongoing. A prudent approach was taken during the 2024/25 Capital Programme closedown, and a further update would be provided when the final funding position was confirmed. • Approximately 175 compensation events occurred during the main construction contract, comprising both savings and additional costs. Of these, four adverse variations exceeded £500k individually, relating to: o Pwll Cam works (including inner Harbour gate and Hive building area) o River Aeron Wall grouting o Utilities apparatus on Quay Parade • Additional costs included extension of time allowances due to the delay in completion (original date: 02 December 2024; actual completion: 30 September 2025, an overrun of approximately 43 weeks). • A comprehensive report on the scheme will be presented to the Thriving Communities Overview & Scrutiny Committee as part of its forward work programme in the new year. Other Emerging Matters were also reported as follows:- • A budget provision of £300k exists in the 2025/26 Capital Programme for replacing Screwpumps at Glan yr Afon Industrial Estate, part of the Council’s inherited surface water drainage infrastructure. • Existing Screwpumps failed during Q2, and a temporary solution was installed with assistance from Dŵr Cymru. • The temporary solution incurs considerable weekly costs, which were being covered through earmarked revenue funding in the short term. • Capital replacement costs are expected to exceed the current budget provision. • Work is ongoing to determine the full cost and timeline for replacement to inform further financial decisions. • In relation to Capital Receipts , the following was reported:- • General Fund: £26k achieved by end of September 2025, mainly from vehicle sales and housing grant repayments. • Education: £159k achieved by end of September 2025. • The Capital Programme is monitored bi-monthly by the Capital Monitoring Group, which reviews project progress, virements, slippage, and related implications, and reports to the Development Group. Following questions from the floor, it was AGREED to note the report for information.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the information provided.
Consideration was given to the Civil Contingencies report and power point presentation by Officers on the work of their Unit. It was reported that Civil Contingencies were governed by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, which replaced the Emergency Powers Act 1920 and provided a single framework for civil protection in the UK. Part 1: Establishes local arrangements for civil protection, setting clear roles and responsibilities for emergency preparedness and response at the local level. Part 2: Governs emergency powers and the use of special legislative measures. In relation to Local responders, they were divided into two categories: • Category 1 responders: Core organisations in emergency response, including Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Health Boards, Local Authorities, and Natural Resources Wales. • Category 2 responders: Co-operating bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive, Transport, Military, and Utility Companies. It was reported that the Emergency Planning in Wales was overseen by the Wales Resilience Forum, which sets the strategic direction. Operational delivery was through four Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) aligned to police force areas of North Wales; Dyfed-Powys, Gwent and South Wales. Their responsibilities included: • Risk assessments via the Community Risk Register • Multi-agency planning for response and recovery • Exercising and training • Coordinating major incident response Information was also provided on the Local Authority Civil Contingencies Unit which operated within and feeds into the LRF structure. It provided local planning, business continuity, and emergency response coordination; and work with partners including health boards, emergency services, and the voluntary sector. Their responsibilities included: • Assessing threats and risks to Ceredigion • Planning for local response and recovery • Preparing contingency plans and organising major incident training and exercises It was reported that plans were based on scenarios identified in the Community Risk Register and refined locally. In Ceredigion, the Unit convenes an Emergency Business Continuity Management Group to review Business Continuity Plans and responses to incidents, including debriefs and lessons learned. It also maintained a network of Emergency Rest Centre’s across the county, supported by trained volunteers to assist with emergency evacuations. It was AGREED to note the information provided.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the progress and confirm ongoing or planned actions.
Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader and Cabinet Member for Democratic Services, Policy, Performance and People and Organisation presented the report updating Members on the Workforce Plan 2023–2028, which was approved by Cabinet in September 2023. The Plan was developed following a strategic workforce planning exercise across corporate services, starting with an analysis of the current workforce and identifying future requirements, skills, and competencies needed to deliver new or improved services. The challenges identified during development were grouped into four themed priorities: • Candidate Experience and Talent Attraction • Our Culture • New Ways of Working • Realising Potential It was reported that the key achievements since September 2023 significant progress had been made in implementing actions to build a skilled, motivated, and resilient workforce. Highlights included: • Employer branding protocol implemented, including promotional videos and recruitment packs. • Introduction of job alerts and streamlined application processes (shorter forms, CV uploads). • Improved candidate and new starter experience, with positive survey feedback. • Enhanced apprenticeship marketing and increased candidate numbers. • Graduate scheme developed and implemented. • Expanded work experience opportunities (42 since February 2024). • Team Ceredigion values and behaviours framework embedded. • Recognition frameworks and employee engagement activities ongoing (People Survey, Health & Wellbeing indicators). • Hybrid working model formalised. • Digital upskilling programme delivered (462 staff trained). • Ongoing review and update of People & Organisation policies. • Succession planning and leadership development initiatives underway (ILM, coaching scheme). Members were informed that the average applicants per campaign increased from 4.76 (2023) to 9.92 (2025). • Employee turnover reduced from 13.94% (2023) to 10.25% (2025). • Corporate vacancies reduced from 573 to 227. • Sickness absence rates show a positive trend. • 84% of employees feel the Council cares about their health and wellbeing (2024 survey). • 402 employees improved Welsh language skills. 13 apprentices and 5 graduates recruited since 2023. It was noted that the areas for further development was:- • Continue developing a sustainable succession planning model. • Develop and implement a digital skills framework to support the Council’s Digital Strategy. • Progress a supportive approach for employees to meet language standards, aligning with potential transition to the CEFR language framework during the life of the Plan. Following questions from the floor, it was AGREED to note the progress and confirm ongoing or planned actions.
Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader and Cabinet Member for Democratic Services, Policy, Performance and People and Organisation provided a comprehensive overview of all Compliments and Complaints received by the Council during the first half of the financial year (01/04/2025 – 30/09/2025).Information about all complaints that were received via the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales were also reported. Members were pleased to note that the volume of Complaints received during this 6-month period had reduced by 50% compared to the previous reporting period. This suggested that investment in resources had improved Customer Service delivery and satisfaction; leading to a reduction in complaints received. Following discussion, Committee Members agreed to recommend that Cabinet notes the contents of this report. Members welcomed the report so that they were aware of the Council’s performance for the first half of 2025/26, in respect of Compliments and Complaints activity and performance.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to recommend that Cabinet:- (i) support a refresh and a relaunch of the Community Housing Scheme, to include further branding considerations; and (ii) note that a recommendation was previously made to Cabinet (7.10.2025). and a report was scheduled to be presented at the 16 February 2026 Committee meeting covering the following recommendations: • The Committee requested that the Council explored the possibility of converting vacant upper floor accommodation, above commercial premises already in Council ownership, into residential (rental) use. The conversion of accommodation above shops etc could also support the growth of town centre economies. • The opportunity of developing new build homes on Council owned land should be explored. The aim being to provide affordable housing to respond the significant need for quality affordable homes in Ceredigion. • The Committee required further insight into these possibilities and whether social housing grant could be allocated to support such initiatives.
Consideration was given to the report upon the Community Housing Scheme. It was reported by Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection that the Community Housing Scheme (CHS) was established to address local housing needs by providing financial support primarily through loans to bring properties back into use, improving housing standards, and increase the supply of affordable homes following a proposal from Members of the Independent Group in March 2022, which Cabinet agreed to explore. Members were requested to consider the Community Housing Scheme Proposal. ‘Community Housing’ to seek to support people to meet their affordable housing needs in their local communities by creating a pathway to home ownership. Cabinet then endorsed the Community Housing Scheme Proposal. Mr Greg Jones, Corporate Lead Officer for Porth Cymorth, reported that take up had been slow, and whilst engagement had been wide, the number of applications remains relatively modest (19) in total, with 16 approvals. Internally Officers collaborated to run the scheme across planning, housing, legal and finance and this collaboration had worked well with each team clear on their role. Regular discussions occurred and more recently ways to boost the scheme had been considered. It was stated that it was important to outline that take up of the scheme being low was not entirely down to the scheme parameters and/or the authority with external influences a significant barrier. In recent years, the housing market in Ceredigion had faced significant constraints driven by a combination of structural and external pressures. Following discussion, it was AGREED to recommend that Cabinet:- (i) support a refresh and a relaunch of the Community Housing Scheme, to include further branding considerations; and (ii) note that a recommendation was previously made to Cabinet (7.10.2025). and a report was scheduled to be presented at the 16 February 2026 Committee meeting covering the following recommendations: • The Committee requested that the Council explored the possibility of converting vacant upper floor accommodation, above commercial premises already in Council ownership, into residential (rental) use. The conversion of accommodation above shops etc could also support the growth of town centre economies. • The opportunity of developing new build homes on Council owned land should be explored. The aim being to provide affordable housing to respond the significant need for quality affordable homes in Ceredigion. • The Committee required further insight into these possibilities and whether social housing grant could be allocated to support such initiatives.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the Forward Work Programme subject to noting that the following would be presented to the special meeting which will be held on the 16th February 2026 at 2pm. • Engagement and Participation Policy – post Consultation and Pre-Cabinet • Drone Policy – post consultation and Pre-Cabinet • Annual SIRO report covering R009, R023, R024 – Pre-Cabinet and item on Risk Register • Report covering the following: The Committee requested that the Council explores the possibility of converting vacant upper floor accommodation, above commercial premises already in Council ownership, into residential (rental) use. The conversion of accommodation above shops etc could also support the growth of town centre economies/ The opportunity of developing new build homes on Council owned land should be explored. The aim being to provide affordable housing to respond the significant need for quality affordable homes in Ceredigion. The Committee requires further insight into these possibilities and whether social housing grant could be allocated to support such initiatives.
It was AGREED to note the Forward Work Programme subject to noting that the following would be presented to the special meeting which will be held on the 16th February 2026 at 2pm. • Engagement and Participation Policy – post Consultation and Pre-Cabinet • Drone Policy – post consultation and Pre-Cabinet • Annual SIRO report covering R009, R023, R024 – Pre-Cabinet and item on Risk Register • Report covering the following: The Committee requested that the Council explores the possibility of converting vacant upper floor accommodation, above commercial premises already in Council ownership, into residential (rental) use. The conversion of accommodation above shops etc could also support the growth of town centre economies/ The opportunity of developing new build homes on Council owned land should be explored. The aim being to provide affordable housing to respond the significant need for quality affordable homes in Ceredigion. The Committee requires further insight into these possibilities and whether social housing grant could be allocated to support such initiatives.
It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Meeting of the previous meeting.
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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