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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED to approve: 1. the revised Model Teachers’ Pay Policy 2025/26 and to commend to Governing Bodies for adoption within schools in Ceredigion 2. the revised Unattached Teacher Pay Policy 2025/26 for centrally employed teachers.
RESOLVED to: 1. approve an increase in the employee and Members’ business mileage rate to 55 pence per mile; 2. agree that the revised rate is backdated to 1 April 2026; 3. delegate authority to the Corporate Lead Officer – People & Organisation and Corporate Lead Officer – Democratic Services, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, to implement the necessary changes to policy and processes, including volunteering mileage rate of 27.5 pence per mile.
RESOLVED to: 1. approve commencement of the recruitment process for x2 lay members to the Governance & Audit Committee; 2. approve the Role Description and Person Specification (Appendix 1); 3. approve the proposals for the Shortlisting/interview Selection Panel.
RESOLVED to approve the appointment of Caroline Whitby as Vice-Chair from 25 September 2026, pending successful recruitment or until 30 May 2027, whichever is the earlier.
RESOLVED to: 1. Approve the changes to the Constitution (Appendix 1-6); 2. Approve the changes to the Constitution Guide (Appendix 7); 3. Authorise the Monitoring Officer to update the Council’s Constitution.
RESOLVED to approve the following from 2027: • Merging the 50+ Member Champion role within the Age Friendly Member Champion role; • Merging the Biodiversity Champion with that of the Sustainability to include Conservation and Climate Change; • Merging the Equalities and Diversity Member Champion roles; • Amending the title of the Member Champion for Domestic Violence to Member Champion for Domestic Abuse; • Removing the reference to Member Champion for Member Development; • Removing the reference to Member Champion for Public Health; • Removing the reference to Member Champion for Health and Safety; • Amending the title of the Member Champion for Learning Disabilities to Member Champion for Additional Learning Needs; • Create a new ‘Rural’ Member Champion role; • Retaining the following Member Champion roles: o Member Champion for Anti-slavery and ethical employment; o Armed Forces Member Champion; o Member Champion for Carers; o Member Champion for Children and Young People; o Combating Poverty Member Champion; o Digital Champion; o Member Champion for Mental Health; o Menopause Member Champion; and o Peace Ambassador.
RESOLVED to exclude the public and press during consideration of item 16 below on the basis that the application contained personal information which should not, on balance, be disclosed to the public and press.
RESOLVED to offer the post to Mr Hywel Dafydd. Consideration was given to the salary that would be offered. It was proposed and seconded that the post be offered on the first incremental point on the Corporate Lead Officer pay scale. Following a vote, it was RESOLVED that the post be offered on the first incremental point on the Corporate Lead Officer pay scale. Mr Hywel Dafydd, on being offered the post, accepted the position on the first incremental point of the Corporate Lead Officer pay scale; to commence as soon as possible. The public and press were then invited to enter the meeting. The Chairman confirmed that Mr Hywel Dafydd had been offered and accepted the position starting on the first incremental point of the Corporate Lead Officer pay scale; to commence as soon as possible.
· Councillors Bryan Davies, Euros Davies, Gwyn Wigley Evans, Hugh Hughes, Gwyn James, Ceris Jones, Gareth Lewis and Gareth Lloyd apologised for their inability to attend the meeting, however Councillor Gareth Lloyd joined the meeting at the commencement of agenda items 15; · Elin Prysor apologised for her inability to attend the meeting.
a) Councillors Endaf Edwards, Rhodri Evans and Chris James declared a personal and prejudicial interest in relation to item 6 and withdrew from the meeting during discussion; b) Eifion Evans, Chief Executive declared a personal and prejudicial interest in relation to item 6 in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Local Government and withdrew from the meeting during discussion; c) Councillor John Roberts, Chair of the Council declared a personal interest on behalf of all Councillors in relation to item 7; d) Eifion Evans, Chief Executive declared a personal interest on behalf of all officers in relation to item 7 in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Local Government; e) Councillor Gareth Davies declared a personal and prejudicial interest in relation to item 16 and withdrew from the meeting during discussion.
The Chair of the Council congratulated the following: a) All those that took part in the Urdd Eisteddfod this year and to Ceredigion for ending the week at the top of the table; b) Glain Llwyd from Tal-y-bont on winning the Main Drama Prize at Eisteddfod yr Urdd in Anglesey; c) Y Seler, Aberaeron which was named Traditional Welsh Restaurant of the Year at the Welsh Restaurant Awards 2026; d) Pupils at Ysgol Bro Teifi on winning the Wales Rugby Union under 18 boys Plate for Schools and Colleges; e) Elin Wozencraft who plays for the Llanon junior team on winning her First cap for the Girls under 14 Football Team; f) Erin Jones from Bronant, who is currently training with the Wales junior football team in Spain; g) Lledrod Young Farmers’ Club on winning the Rali and to Llangwyryfon Young Farmers’ Club for hosting it; h) Ceredigion County Council am achieving a ‘Disability Confident Leader’ certificate.
Councillor Rhodri Evans noted that the minutes were a true reflection of the meeting, however he objected to the following wording in Item 4: Matters Arising from the minutes of the previous meeting: “Councillor Gareth Davies noted that the minutes showed that Councillor Rhodri Evans stated that the Council Tax for a Band D had gone up nearly £550 since 2022/23 which was nearly a 40% increase over the last 4 years. Councillor Gareth Davies noted that this was inaccurate and misleading.” Councillor Rhodri Evans stated that during the meeting of 2 February 2026, he had noted that the figures provided were ‘nearly’, as opposed to actual figures. It was his perception that the word ‘misleading’ suggested that he had lied to the Council. Councillor Gareth Davies clarified that his comments on inaccuracy and being misleading referred to the figures used by Councillor Evans, emphasising that he did not suggest Councillor Evans had lied, but was instead highlighting the gap between the figure cited and the actual percentage. Following a discussion and a vote it was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 19 March 2026. Matters arising None.
It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 15 May 2026. Matters arising None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve: 1. the revised Model Teachers’ Pay Policy 2025/26 and to commend to Governing Bodies for adoption within schools in Ceredigion 2. the revised Unattached Teacher Pay Policy 2025/26 for centrally employed teachers.
Councillors Endaf Edwards, Rhodri Evans and Chris James along with Eifion Evans, Chief Executive declared a personal and prejudicial interest in relation to this item and withdrew from the meeting for the duration of the discussion. Councillor Wyn Thomas, Cabinet Member for Schools, Lifelong Learning and Culture presented the report to the Council. He noted that the Welsh Government published a School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions (Wales) Order 2026 that came into effect on 6 March 2026 which revised the original version of the STPC(W)D 2025.He noted that this revised model pay policy takes account of the changes made in relation to the ALNCo role. Following a vote, it was unanimously RESOLVED to approve: 1. the revised Model Teachers’ Pay Policy 2025/26 and to commend to Governing Bodies for adoption within schools in Ceredigion 2. the revised Unattached Teacher Pay Policy 2025/26 for centrally employed teachers.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to: 1. approve an increase in the employee and Members’ business mileage rate to 55 pence per mile; 2. agree that the revised rate is backdated to 1 April 2026; 3. delegate authority to the Corporate Lead Officer – People & Organisation and Corporate Lead Officer – Democratic Services, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, to implement the necessary changes to policy and processes, including volunteering mileage rate of 27.5 pence per mile.
Councillor Alun Williams, Cabinet Member for Through Age Wellbeing presented the report to Council noting that the Council currently reimburses employees for business mileage in accordance with its Travel and Subsistence arrangements. He advised that the HMRC Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate had remained at 45 pence per mile for the first 10,000 miles since 2011, despite increased costs associated with fuel, vehicle maintenance, tax, MOT and other running costs. He noted that on 21 May 2026, the UK Government announced an increase of 10 pence to the HMRC rate, bringing it to 55 pence per mile, backdated to 1 April 2026, and that the overall mileage costs had remained significantly below pre-COVID levels due to hybrid working. It was also noted that the Democracy and Boundary Commission Wales required reimbursement for Elected Members to be made at current HMRC rates. Members noted that the associated costs of the increase would impact the residents of Ceredigion via the Council Tax, however it was also acknowledged that the majority of employees claiming reimbursement for travelling expenses were on lower incomes such as domiciliary care workers, which were an important part of the workforce which faced challenges in terms of recruitment. It was also noted that HMRC were changing the rate nationally, and that the Senior Management Team received monthly reports on claims for reimbursement which facilitated robust monitoring of the situation. Following a discussion and a separate vote on each of the recommendations, it was RESOLVED to: 1. approve an increase in the employee and Members’ business mileage rate to 55 pence per mile; 2. agree that the revised rate is backdated to 1 April 2026; 3. delegate authority to the Corporate Lead Officer – People & Organisation and Corporate Lead Officer – Democratic Services, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, to implement the necessary changes to policy and processes, including volunteering mileage rate of 27.5 pence per mile.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to: 1. approve commencement of the recruitment process for x2 lay members to the Governance & Audit Committee; 2. approve the Role Description and Person Specification (Appendix 1); 3. approve the proposals for the Shortlisting/interview Selection Panel.
Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection presented the report to Council noting that 2 independent lay members had recently indicated their intention to resign from the Governance and Audit Committee. It was necessary to recruit a new independent member to maintain the Committee’s composition, as set out in the Constitution, and as required by legislation. He noted that the role description, and person specification had been updated, and that the Council was being asked to endorse the membership of the Shortlisting / interview Selection Panel. Following a vote it was RESOLVED to: 1. approve commencement of the recruitment process for x2 lay members to the Governance & Audit Committee; 2. approve the Role Description and Person Specification (Appendix 1); 3. approve the proposals for the Shortlisting/interview Selection Panel.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the appointment of Caroline Whitby as Vice-Chair from 25 September 2026, pending successful recruitment or until 30 May 2027, whichever is the earlier.
Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection presented the report to Council noting that Andrew Blackmore, Vice Chair and lay member of the Governance and Audit Committee, had indicated his resignation with effect from 25 September 2026 and that Caroline Whitby, also a lay member, had agreed to act as interim Vice Chair from 26 September 2026 until a new lay member is appointed. Following a vote, it was RESOLVED to approve the appointment of Caroline Whitby as Vice-Chair from 25 September 2026, pending successful recruitment or until 30 May 2027, whichever is the earlier.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to: 1. Approve the changes to the Constitution (Appendix 1-6); 2. Approve the changes to the Constitution Guide (Appendix 7); 3. Authorise the Monitoring Officer to update the Council’s Constitution.
Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection presented the report to Council outlining the proposed changes to the Constitution which included additions and amendments to the functions and delegations of Corporate Lead Officers and amendments to the Guide to the Constitution. Members questioned why ‘and all other financial and administrative’ had been removed from document B: General delegations to the Chief Executive, Executive Corporate Directors, Executive Corporate Lead Officer and Corporate Lead Officers. They also queried whether the 2 additions to the delegations to the Corporate Lead Officer: Highways and Environmental Services were new or existed previously. It was noted that the Cross-Party Constitution Working Group had reviewed the revisions in details and Jeffrey Harries, Corporate Manager: Legal Services and Councillor Shelley Childs noted that they would look into this. Following a discussion and a vote, it was RESOLVED to: 1. Approve the changes to the Constitution (Appendix 1-6); 2. Approve the changes to the Constitution Guide (Appendix 7); 3. Authorise the Monitoring Officer to update the Council’s Constitution.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the following from 2027: • Merging the 50+ Member Champion role within the Age Friendly Member Champion role; • Merging the Biodiversity Champion with that of the Sustainability to include Conservation and Climate Change; • Merging the Equalities and Diversity Member Champion roles; • Amending the title of the Member Champion for Domestic Violence to Member Champion for Domestic Abuse; • Removing the reference to Member Champion for Member Development; • Removing the reference to Member Champion for Public Health; • Removing the reference to Member Champion for Health and Safety; • Amending the title of the Member Champion for Learning Disabilities to Member Champion for Additional Learning Needs; • Create a new ‘Rural’ Member Champion role; • Retaining the following Member Champion roles: o Member Champion for Anti-slavery and ethical employment; o Armed Forces Member Champion; o Member Champion for Carers; o Member Champion for Children and Young People; o Combating Poverty Member Champion; o Digital Champion; o Member Champion for Mental Health; o Menopause Member Champion; and o Peace Ambassador.
Councillor Elizabeth Evans, Chair of the Democratic Services Committee presented the report to Council in the absence of Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Democratic Services, Policy, Performance and People and Organisation. She noted that during a meeting of the Democratic Services Committee held on 22 May 2026, the committee had considered a review to the current Member Champion roles, and she provided an overview of the considerations. Following a discussion and a vote it was RESOLVED to approve the following from 2027: • Merging the 50+ Member Champion role within the Age Friendly Member Champion role; • Merging the Biodiversity Champion with that of the Sustainability to include Conservation and Climate Change; • Merging the Equalities and Diversity Member Champion roles; • Amending the title of the Member Champion for Domestic Violence to Member Champion for Domestic Abuse; • Removing the reference to Member Champion for Member Development; • Removing the reference to Member Champion for Public Health; • Removing the reference to Member Champion for Health and Safety; • Amending the title of the Member Champion for Learning Disabilities to Member Champion for Additional Learning Needs; • Create a new ‘Rural’ Member Champion role; • Retaining the following Member Champion roles: o Member Champion for Anti-slavery and ethical employment; o Armed Forces Member Champion; o Member Champion for Carers; o Member Champion for Children and Young People; o Combating Poverty Member Champion; o Digital Champion; o Member Champion for Mental Health; o Menopause Member Champion; and o Peace Ambassador.
Councillor Elizabeth Evans, Chair of the Democratic Services Committee presented the Annual Report of the Democratic Services Committee to Council in the absence of Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Democratic Services, Policy, Performance and People and Organisation. She noted that the report gave an overview of the work of the Committee during the past year, focussing upon the training provided to Members and the preparation for the 2027 elections. She thanked the Officers for all the work undertaken supporting the committee and ensuring that Members are suitably knowledgeable to assist their residents. That Council noted the content of the report.
Councillor Wyn Evans, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Coordinating Committee during 2025-26 presented the report to Council in the absence of Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Democratic Services, Policy, Performance and People and Organisation. He noted that it had been a pleasure to present the report upon the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees to Council and he thanked Officer and Members of the Committees for their support. The Council noted the content of the report.
Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection presented the report to Council and invited Alan Davies, Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee to provide comment. Alan Davies noted that he was glad to confirm that the committee was working well and developing well also. He noted that reports had been prepared, discussions had been positive, and that the Forward Work Programme was clear and valuable. He also noted that there was a strong relationship with external organisations, and that the committee had encouraged that reports to be focussed as opposed to lengthy in order to facilitate communication and understanding. He thanked Officers for their support. The Council noted the content of the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to exclude the public and press during consideration of item 16 below on the basis that the application contained personal information which should not, on balance, be disclosed to the public and press.
The report relating to item 16 on the agenda, Enclosure B is not for publication as it contains exempt information as defined in paragraph 12 and 13 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007. If, following the application of the Public Interest Test, the Council resolves to consider this item in private, the public and press will be excluded from the meeting during such consideration, in accordance with Section 100B(2) of the Act. Members were requested, when dealing with the item, to consider whether to exclude the public and press from the Meeting. It was RESOLVED to exclude the public and press during consideration of item 16 below on the basis that the application contained personal information which should not, on balance, be disclosed to the public and press.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to offer the post to Mr Hywel Dafydd. Consideration was given to the salary that would be offered. It was proposed and seconded that the post be offered on the first incremental point on the Corporate Lead Officer pay scale. Following a vote, it was RESOLVED that the post be offered on the first incremental point on the Corporate Lead Officer pay scale. Mr Hywel Dafydd, on being offered the post, accepted the position on the first incremental point of the Corporate Lead Officer pay scale; to commence as soon as possible. The public and press were then invited to enter the meeting. The Chairman confirmed that Mr Hywel Dafydd had been offered and accepted the position starting on the first incremental point of the Corporate Lead Officer pay scale; to commence as soon as possible.
The Council received a presentation and response to set questions from the applicants who had been shortlisted for appointment to the vacant post of Corporate Lead Officer: Porth Gofal. Feedback was also provided by members of the Shortlisting Committee, Councillors Alun Williams, Elizabeth Evans and Keith Evans as well as the Chief Executive. Following a vote taken by ballot, it was RESOLVED to offer the post to Mr Hywel Dafydd. Consideration was given to the salary that would be offered. It was proposed and seconded that the post be offered on the first incremental point on the Corporate Lead Officer pay scale. Following a vote, it was RESOLVED that the post be offered on the first incremental point on the Corporate Lead Officer pay scale. Mr Hywel Dafydd, on being offered the post, accepted the position on the first incremental point of the Corporate Lead Officer pay scale; to commence as soon as possible. The public and press were then invited to enter the meeting. The Chairman confirmed that Mr Hywel Dafydd had been offered and accepted the position starting on the first incremental point of the Corporate Lead Officer pay scale; to commence as soon as possible.
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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