Wrthi'n llwytho
Y penderfyniadau fel y mae cofnodion y cyngor yn eu cofnodi. Bydd crynodeb mewn iaith glir yn dilyn pan fydd wedi'i ysgrifennu.
RESOLVED: 6.1 that the budget monitoring report be received and the budgetary position and appropriate corrective action taken be noted; 6.2 that, in respect of significant overspends on specific budget areas, Chief Officers and Heads of Service critically review options available to them to address the ongoing impact.
RESOLVED: 7.1 that the capital programme update report 2025/26 be received; 7.2 that the new projects, as detailed within the report, be noted and agreed.
RESOLVED to agree to proceed with the formal consultation on Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro. [Note: At this point, Councillor Alun Lenny left the meeting in accordance with his Declaration of Interest.] The Cabinet Member for Education, in presenting the report explained that the report sets out a clear summary of the school's situation, the options, as well as the preferred option. In order to address concerns raised regarding the new housing developments in Llansteffan and Llangain potentially affecting pupil numbers at local schools. It was reported, that currently, there had been no new applications for places at Ysgol Llansteffan and only one at Ysgol Llangain, with one pupil from the Llansteffan development registered already at Ysgol Llangain. It was emphasised that parental choice determined applications, so any impact remained hypothetical. Ysgol Llangain has capacity for 64 pupils but currently has 40, with 42 expected in January 2026, meaning it could easily accommodate any pupils displaced by a possible closure of Ysgol Llansteffan. The number of children in Llansteffan has recently increased from 8 to 14. It was reported that each January, the Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC) figures are collected, which enabled analysis of trends over time. This data is used to forecast future demand and informs decisions about opening or closing schools. The PLASC figures offer a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the education sector. 8.2 It was further UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to agree to proceed with the Statutory Notice on Ysgol Llansteffan.
RESOLVED that the Carmarthenshire County Council Environmental Act Forward Work Plan 2023-2025 be approved and that as required by Welsh Government, be published on the Council’s website.
RESOLVED that the Carmarthenshire County Council Environmental Act Forward Work Plan 2026-2028 be approved and submitted to Welsh Government.
RESOLVED that the progress of the Notice of Motion referred to Cabinet by County Council on the 8th October 2025 be agreed.
RESOLVED that the membership of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act Sub Committee stated in the report be agreed.
RESOLVED THAT THE PLAID CYMRU NOMINATION FOR COUNCILLOR MEINIR JAMES TO REPLACE COUNCILLOR LIAM BOWEN ON THE WELSH LANGUAGE ADVISORY PANEL BE NOTED.
There were no apologies for absence. The Chair, in highlighting that a more formal statement would be made at the next meeting, took the opportunity to formally acknowledge the dedication demonstrated by the former Leader, expressing appreciation for his commitment and hard work in the role.
Councillor Minute Number Nature of Interest A. Lenny 8 – Modernising Education Programme A close relation is a pupil in Ysgol Llansteffan. A.C. Jones 8 – Modernising Education Programme She is a school governor in the Federation of Bancyfelin and Llansteffan.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 13th October, 2025 be signed as a correct record.
The Chair advised that whilst she had not received any questions on notice submitted by members, she had received notification from Councillors Meinir James and Jean Lewis that they would like to make representations in relation to agenda item 8 – Modernising Education Programme and that this would be addressed under the appropriate item later in the meeting.
The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: 6.1 that the budget monitoring report be received and the budgetary position and appropriate corrective action taken be noted; 6.2 that, in respect of significant overspends on specific budget areas, Chief Officers and Heads of Service critically review options available to them to address the ongoing impact.
The Cabinet considered the revenue budget monitoring report which provided the latest budgetary position as at 31st August 2025, in respect of 2024/25. Overall, the monitoring report forecast an overspend for the year at departmental level of £13.2m, with a forecast overspend on the Authority’s net revenue budget of £11.8m. Among the recent developments, the Cabinet Member for Resources noted that Canolfan, the new sports facilities and swimming pool at Pentre Awel, have now opened. This achievement exemplifies the council's commitment to realising its vision. Initial public feedback has been positive, with several hundred individuals enrolling in the leisure facilities for the first time. Furthermore, it was announced that Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen town was due to officially reopen Wednesday, 19th November following extensive redevelopment. This was in final part of the cultural vision to the revamp of the library and the provision of a brand-new County Archive Unit. It was anticipated that Oriel Myrddin would be a great attraction to visitors and residents alike, and also bring two long-term empty shops back into use. The Housing Revenue account set out at Appendix B to the report forecasted an overspend of £1,817k for 2024/25. Cabinet noted that the situation would be reviewed as the significant issues identified become clearer from a financial perspective. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED: 6.1 that the budget monitoring report be received and the budgetary position and appropriate corrective action taken be noted; 6.2 that, in respect of significant overspends on specific budget areas, Chief Officers and Heads of Service critically review options available to them to address the ongoing impact.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: 7.1 that the capital programme update report 2025/26 be received; 7.2 that the new projects, as detailed within the report, be noted and agreed.
Cabinet received a report providing an update on the latest budgetary position for the 2025/26 capital programme, as at the 31st August 2025 and detailed new projects and virements for noting and Cabinet approval. Appendix A to the report indicated a forecast net spend of £102,071k compared with a working net budget of £132,323k, giving a -£30,252k variance. The net budget included the original H.R.A. and General Fund capital programmes approved together with slippage from 2024/25. Some of the budgets had also been amended to account for differences in actual grant allocations compared with the anticipated allocations at the time the programme was approved, and new grant awards received during the year to date. The project outturn for the year totalled £176m gross which is £10m more that the final outturn from 2024-25. This expenditure was attributable to higher or new spend on LGBI Highway Structures Programme, Levelling up projects and Fleet Replacement. The report detailed the new projects and virements for Cabinet consideration and approval. Appendix B to the report detailed the main variances within each department. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED: 7.1 that the capital programme update report 2025/26 be received; 7.2 that the new projects, as detailed within the report, be noted and agreed.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to agree to proceed with the formal consultation on Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro. [Note: At this point, Councillor Alun Lenny left the meeting in accordance with his Declaration of Interest.] The Cabinet Member for Education, in presenting the report explained that the report sets out a clear summary of the school's situation, the options, as well as the preferred option. In order to address concerns raised regarding the new housing developments in Llansteffan and Llangain potentially affecting pupil numbers at local schools. It was reported, that currently, there had been no new applications for places at Ysgol Llansteffan and only one at Ysgol Llangain, with one pupil from the Llansteffan development registered already at Ysgol Llangain. It was emphasised that parental choice determined applications, so any impact remained hypothetical. Ysgol Llangain has capacity for 64 pupils but currently has 40, with 42 expected in January 2026, meaning it could easily accommodate any pupils displaced by a possible closure of Ysgol Llansteffan. The number of children in Llansteffan has recently increased from 8 to 14. It was reported that each January, the Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC) figures are collected, which enabled analysis of trends over time. This data is used to forecast future demand and informs decisions about opening or closing schools. The PLASC figures offer a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the education sector. 8.2 It was further UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to agree to proceed with the Statutory Notice on Ysgol Llansteffan.
[Note: • Councillor Alun Lenny having earlier declared an interest in this item, re-iterated his declaration, remained in the meeting during the debate and voting for Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol Y Fro but withdrew from the meeting during the debate and voting of Ysgol Llansteffan. • Councillor Carys Jones, having previously declared an interest in this matter, was of the opinion that there was a potential overlap involving all the schools mentioned in that any potential changes could affect the catchment area of Llansteffan school. Consequently, she chose to leave the Chamber prior to the discussion of this item.] The Cabinet considered a report on Modernising Education Programme (MEP) which provided information in respect Ysgol Meidrim, Ysgol Y Fro and Ysgol Llansteffan. Cabinet Members were reminded that at the Cabinet meeting on 29th January, 2024 a draft MEP Strategy was considered in order to formulate an investment and school organisation programme in line with Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. Following a consultation, the Council’s MEP strategy and Stage 0 was formulated. It was noted that Ysgol Llansteffan, Ysgol y Fro and Ysgol Meidrim have been identified for review following a Viability Assessment of all Primary Schools. The school has been assessed against the Viability Criteria as set out in the updated Modernising Education Programme (MEP) Strategy, as approved by Cabinet on 18th November 2024. It was reported that the Education and Children Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 14th October discussed the matters presented to Cabinet today. The Committee emphasised the need to make strategic and informed decisions in a timely manner, to enable the Authority to develop the education provision for pupils. Cabinet noted that the Scrutiny Committee's decision was to recommend that Cabinet proceed with the formal consultation regarding Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro, and a statutory notice regarding Ysgol Llansteffan. Whilst the case studies appended to the report covered the challenges faced by the individual schools, a high level summary was provided for context:- • Extremely low pupil numbers at each school • High surplus places • High number of pupils living within catchment are attending other schools • Pupil projections suggest that there is little likelihood of pupil numbers increasing dramatically over the next few years • Deficit budget or projected deficit budget within the next financial year resulting in unsustainable financial situation • Quality and standards of education is varied The report included that as part of the School Organisation Code 2018, Ysgol Llansteffan, Ysgol y Fro and Ysgol Meidrim had been categorised as rural schools and therefore additional steps were required to ensure that all options had been considered and to avoid the presumption against closure. Therefore, a proposal paper had been prepared for each of these schools. The appendices appended to the report provided a detailed account of the challenges faced by the schools along with a range of options. It was noted that following analysis of all options, the discontinuation of each school had been determined as the preferred option. The Cabinet considered each school in turn; The Cabinet Member for Education, in presenting the report explained that the report sets out a clear summary of the school's situation, the options, as well as the preferred option. In regard to the capacity of Ysgol y Dderwen, the preferred school, it was clarified that Ysgol y Dderwen has additional capacity, utilising classrooms and supplementary buildings to support multiple classes per year group. While Ysgol y Dderwen was recommended in line with the Modern Education Programme, parents may still apply to other schools should places be available. The Cabinet Member for Education, in presenting the report explained that the report sets out a clear summary of the school's situation, the options, as well as the preferred option. It was reported that a preliminary discussion (Stage Zero) had been held as part of the Modern Education Programme, during which the school was invited to suggest ideas and options to address the challenges identified; however, no proposals were submitted for inclusion in the proposal paper. The school had since provided comments on potential proposals and had been informed to resubmit the comments and any further feedback during the formal consultation. It was recognised that the governors felt that the Stage Zero process was unclear and that the communication was lacking. Constructive feedback on this process was welcomed, and lessons would be used to improve the transparency and effectiveness of future discussions. The Chair advised that she had agreed for Councillors Meinir James and Jean Lewis to make statements to the Cabinet. The Chair invited Councillor Meinir James to make her representation in respect of Ysgol Y Fro. Councillor James the local Member for Llangyndyrn provided a representation opposing to the preferred option stated within the report. The salient points where as follows:- • Staff, families, governors, and the community have faced prolonged uncertainty, causing distress and concern about well-being. • Ysgol Y Fro provides unique rural and Welsh-medium educational experiences, fostering the natural use of the Welsh language among pupils. • Transferring pupils to a larger urban school could disrupt their education and well-being, with some parents considering dual stream, English schools, or home education as alternatives. • There are concerns about the closure’s impact on the Cylch Meithrin (nursery), which would affect local children and staff. • The report notes that transferring 15 pupils could result in overcapacity at Ysgol Y Dderwen, potentially creating large class sizes and limiting the opportunity for pupils to move together. • Transferring pupils in the middle of the school year (January 2027) was believed to be especially disruptive to children’s well-being. • A recent community suggestion proposes using Ysgol Y Fro as a sister, hub, or rural branch school to preserve its unique offerings and support pupils across the county. • The financial savings from closing Ysgol Y Fro were viewed as minimal compared to the negative impact on the rural community. • The proposal was seen as unfair and not in the best interests of the children, families, or wider community; further consultation with stakeholders was requested, along with consideration of alternative options. The Chair invited Councillor Jean Lewis to make her representation in respect of Ysgol Meidrim. Councillor Lewis, the local Member for Meidrim provided a representation opposing to the preferred option stated within the report. The salient points where as follows:- • Issues with the process was highlighted, including misunderstandings, poor communication, and delayed provision of meeting notes, resulting in inconsistencies between discussions and reports. • Concerns were raised about a lack of detailed consideration for alternative options, despite governors having presented federation proposals, sustainable financial models, and plans to strengthen Welsh language provision, additional learning needs, and early years education. • The proposed financial savings of approximately £13,000 were deemed minimal compared to the negative impact on rural education and the local community. • The importance of rural communities was emphasised, referencing the Well-being of Future Generations Act and warning that closing the school could accelerate the decline of the countryside, Welsh language, and community life. • A more reasonable, transparent, and constructive approach was requested including instructing officers to thoroughly complete stage zero and evaluate all options before moving to statutory consultation. The Cabinet Member for Education reported that should the Cabinet approve, a statutory consultation would commence on the 13th January 2026 and finish 24th February 2026. It was emphasised that all previously submitted comments, feedback, and representations must be resubmitted during the consultation period. 8.1 UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to agree to proceed with the formal consultation on Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro. [Note: At this point, Councillor Alun Lenny left the meeting in accordance with his Declaration of Interest.] The Cabinet Member for Education, in presenting the report explained that the report sets out a clear summary of the school's situation, the options, as well as the preferred option. In order to address concerns raised regarding the new housing developments in Llansteffan and Llangain potentially affecting pupil numbers at local schools. It was reported, that currently, there had been no new applications for places at Ysgol Llansteffan and only one at Ysgol Llangain, with one pupil from the Llansteffan development registered already at Ysgol Llangain. It was emphasised that parental choice determined applications, so any impact remained hypothetical. Ysgol Llangain has capacity for 64 pupils but currently has 40, with 42 expected in January 2026, meaning it could easily accommodate any pupils displaced by a possible closure of Ysgol Llansteffan. The number of children in Llansteffan has recently increased from 8 to 14. It was reported that each January, the Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC) figures are collected, which enabled analysis of trends over time. This data is used to forecast future demand and informs decisions about opening or closing schools. The PLASC figures offer a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the education sector. 8.2 It was further UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to agree to proceed with the Statutory Notice on Ysgol Llansteffan.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that the Carmarthenshire County Council Environmental Act Forward Work Plan 2023-2025 be approved and that as required by Welsh Government, be published on the Council’s website.
The Cabinet received the Council’s Environment Act Forward Plan January 2023-2024 which provided the progress on the delivery of actions the Council had undertaken across its services over the plan period (Jan 2023-Dec 2025) to deliver the Biodiversity Duty placed on it by the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Carmarthenshire County Council Environmental Act Forward Work Plan 2023-2025 be approved and that as required by Welsh Government, be published on the Council’s website.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that the Carmarthenshire County Council Environmental Act Forward Work Plan 2026-2028 be approved and submitted to Welsh Government.
The Cabinet received a report which provided the scope and opportunities to address the Nature Emergency in CCC’s next 3-year Environment Act Forward Plan, from January 2026 to December 2028. This report set out the requirement under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 that all public bodies ‘must seek to maintain and enhance biodiversity in the proper exercise of their functions and in doing so promote the resilience of ecosystems’. The Act required all public authorities to prepare an Environment Act Forward Plan detailing how they intend to demonstrate that they will be complying with the Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Duty referred to in the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. This plan was the third three-year Environment Act Forward Plan. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Carmarthenshire County Council Environmental Act Forward Work Plan 2026-2028 be approved and submitted to Welsh Government.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that the progress of the Notice of Motion referred to Cabinet by County Council on the 8th October 2025 be agreed.
The Cabinet received a progress update report on the Notice of Motion which was referred to Cabinet by County Council on 8th October 2025. Appended to the report was a letter which had been forwarded onto the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales for a response. The letter sought that the Cabinet Secretary consider the Notice of Motion and continued disadvantage faced by Welsh Government, Local Authorities, and the people of Wales due to the continued central control of transport powers In addition to the report, the Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste, and Infrastructure Services provided a verbal update. The UK Government’s £445 million rail package for Wales is considered insufficient when compared to what the Council would have received through the appropriate Barnett consequential from the £80 billion HS2 scheme. It was noted that the majority of this limited funding is allocated to South East and North Wales, with no clear indication of any allocation for Carmarthenshire. This situation was observed to perpetuate the historical funding disparity faced by South West Wales and may hinder economic and community interests in the region. It was reported that lobbying continued to take place in respect of key schemes such as the Amman Valley Line, Heart of Wales Line improvements, improved frequency and journey times on the South Wales Mainline and reintroduction of St Clears train station, but unfortunately assurances from Welsh Government were not forthcoming. It was highlighted that, as rail funding is not devolved, decisions made by both the UK and Wales Governments have not resulted in equivalent investment in Carmarthenshire. As a result, efforts will continue to encourage both governments to provide fair and transparent investment. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the progress of the Notice of Motion referred to Cabinet by County Council on the 8th October 2025 be agreed.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that the membership of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act Sub Committee stated in the report be agreed.
The Cabinet received a report which sought the establishment of a Sub-Committee of Cabinet in respect of Scrap metal Dealers Act 2013. The report stated that the Act made it a criminal offence for persons to trade as a scrap metal dealer without first obtaining a licence from the local authority. A statutory licence application process had been created which required Councils to only to grant a licence to ‘suitable persons’. The Cabinet noted that the Executive Board (now known as Cabinet) at its meeting held on the 30th September 2013 (Minute 7 refers) considered a report on the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 (SMDA) which created a new statutory regime for the licensing of scrap metal dealers which came into force in October 2013. The Authority had received an application for an oral hearing which required the Cabinet to agree a membership for a Sub Committee. The report stated that the following 5 members of the Cabinet (formerly the Executive Board) had been nominated by the Leader:- • Councillors Linda Evans, • Hazel Evans, • Alun Lenny, • Edward Thomas and • Aled Vaughan Owen The Sub Committee will receive training from the department prior to the hearing. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the membership of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act Sub Committee stated in the report be agreed.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED THAT THE PLAID CYMRU NOMINATION FOR COUNCILLOR MEINIR JAMES TO REPLACE COUNCILLOR LIAM BOWEN ON THE WELSH LANGUAGE ADVISORY PANEL BE NOTED.
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT THE PLAID CYMRU NOMINATION FOR COUNCILLOR MEINIR JAMES TO REPLACE COUNCILLOR LIAM BOWEN ON THE WELSH LANGUAGE ADVISORY PANEL BE NOTED.
The Chair advised that there were no items of urgent business.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
Caiff datganiadau eu darllen o'r cofnodion unwaith y byddan nhw wedi'u cyhoeddi.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.