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RESOLVED that the Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee Annual Report for 2025/26 be received.
RESOLVED that the Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Plan for 2026/27 be endorsed.
RESOLVED that the Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2025/26 be received.
RESOLVED that the Sickness Absence Monitoring Report – End of Year 2025/26 be received.
RESOLVED that the 2025/26 End of Quarter 4 Performance Report be received.
RESOLVED that the Carmarthenshire Public Services Board (PSB) Annual Report 2025-26 be received.
RESOLVED that the Transformation Programme – Progress Report be received
RESOLVED that the minutes of the PSB meeting held on 24th March 2026 be received.
RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Actions Update be received.
RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting be received.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Gareth John and Deian Harries.
Councillor Agenda Item Declaration Giles Morgan 8 - 2025/26 End of Quarter 4 Performance Report He is the Chair of Governors at the Federation of Bryngwyn and Glan-y-Mor Secondary Schools. There were no declarations of any prohibited party whips
There were no public questions received.
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RESOLVED that the Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee Annual Report for 2025/26 be received.
The Committee received its Annual Report on the work undertaken during the 2025/26 municipal year. The report had been prepared in accordance with Article 6.2 of the Council’s Constitution and was presented by the former Chair of Place, Sustainability and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee. The Annual Report provided an overview of the work programme and key issues addressed, whilst also incorporating any issues referred to, or from, the Cabinet, Task and Finish reviews and development sessions. An expression of gratitude was provided to Committee members for their work and commitment throughout the year and to officers for their invaluable assistance and support. RESOLVED that the Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee Annual Report for 2025/26 be received.
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RESOLVED that the Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Plan for 2026/27 be endorsed.
The Committee, in accordance with Article 6.2 of the Council’s constitution, considered its draft Forward Work Plan for 2026/27. Members having developed the Committee’s Forward Work Plan at its informal meeting considered the issues and subjects of concern that lay within the remit of the Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee. In addition, throughout the year the Committee would refer to the Cabinet’s Forward Work Plan to identify pre-decision reports they wish to place on the Scrutiny Forward Work Plan. RESOLVED that the Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Plan for 2026/27 be endorsed.
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RESOLVED that the Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2025/26 be received.
The Committee considered the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report for the period April 2025 to February 2026. The Cabinet Member for Resources in presenting stated that the report provided an update on the latest budget monitoring position based on actual data to the end of February, extrapolated to the end of the financial year. Members were advised that the report had been prepared during March, but that, due to the pre-election period and the timing of democratic meetings, this was the first opportunity for it to be presented to the Committee. In presenting the report, the Cabinet Member highlighted a possible overspend position of approximately £10.6m, once the draw on departmental reserves was included. It was noted that, although this represented an improvement of nearly £1m since the December monitoring position, the overall financial position remained a matter of serious concern. Scrutiny Members noted that the main pressures contributing to the overspend continued to relate to high levels of demand and complexity within adult social care, further pressures within Children’s Services arising from high-cost residential placements, and increased costs associated with school transport and school meals suppliers. The Cabinet Member also drew attention to the financial impact of flooding in parts of the county in November. Members were informed that positive engagement with Welsh Government had secured £6m towards capital repairs, primarily in relation to highways and culverts. It was further noted that the impact on revenue budgets was approximately £1.8m, of which the Authority was required to meet the first £1m under the Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme, thereby contributing directly to the overspend position. Members noted that the largest forecast overspend within services related to schools, which were forecasting expenditure of £8.9m in excess of delegated funding. The Committee also noted the position in respect of non-departmental costs, including a slight increase in the capital charges underspend. In relation to the areas within the Committee’s remit, Members noted that the Chief Executive’s Department was forecasting an underspend of £717,000, mainly due to vacancies across a range of service areas, partially offset by undelivered efficiency savings. Members also noted that Corporate Services was forecasting an underspend of £844,000, which had reduced slightly since the previous report due mainly to adverse movement on rent allowances based on estimated claims. The Committee considered the position in relation to savings delivery for the Chief Executive’s Department and Corporate Services, noting that two current-year savings proposals totalling £100,000 were currently showing as off target, in addition to £141,000 of prior-year savings which remained outstanding. Members further noted the capital position, which indicated a forecast underspend of £35m against a gross budget of £235m, primarily relating to the phasing of education capital projects and slippage on economic development grant schemes. Within the Committee’s remit, Members noted slippage of £3.7m relating to delays in third-party business grants, together with other economic development underspends where funding had been slipped to the 2026/27 financial year The issues/observations raised by the Committee were addressed as follows:- • The Head of Financial Services, responding to a query concerning the acronyms mentioned within the Private Housing section—specifically ‘An award of additional £150k HCF funding for DFG’s’—clarified that DFG refers to Disabled Facility Grants. This scheme enables the Council to assist private homeowners with adaptations to their properties, facilitating individuals with specific needs to remain at home rather than requiring specialist residential accommodation. • Following recent media reports of ongoing funding cuts, a question was raised about potential uncertainty for local government in Wales in the coming year. The Head of Financial Services responded that the only available information is from media sources, and a definitive answer cannot be given until the Welsh Government releases the devolved budget. • Regarding the Empty Properties Initiative mentioned in Appendix D, a question was raised about how the Council planned to return empty properties to use. The Leader clarified that applications are submitted to Carmarthenshire Council, which then forwards them to the local authority responsible for determining grant eligibility. In some instances, properties may not meet the criteria for the grant. • Appendix E received praise for its substantial capital regeneration. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2025/26 be received.
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RESOLVED that the Sickness Absence Monitoring Report – End of Year 2025/26 be received.
The Committee received the Sickness Absence Monitoring Report – End of Year 2025/26 for consideration. The Cabinet Member for Resources presented the report in the absence of the Cabinet Member for Organisation and Workforce. Members were informed that the Authority’s Performance Indicator for sickness absence measured the number of working days lost due to sickness absence per full-time equivalent headcount per annum. It was noted that the target set by Corporate Management Team (CMT) for improvement for 2025/26 had been reviewed based on the average over the previous three years, less 5%, and had been set at 10.68 FTE. The report provided detailed information in relation to performance for the reporting period April 2025 to March 2026. In presenting the report, the Cabinet Member advised that the Quarter 4 Performance Summary provided a comprehensive overview of sickness absence trends, departmental and divisional performance, and the organisational response in supporting staff wellbeing. The report had been structured to assist leadership monitoring and strategic decision-making, with a focus on both the challenges faced and the proactive measures undertaken across the Authority. Members noted that sickness absence rates varied across departments, with Social Services and Housing and Education and Leisure continuing to record the highest absence rates. The Authority’s overall absence rate had increased slightly compared with previous years, reaching 11.78 FTE days lost per employee in 2025/26. The Committee further noted that several divisions and teams had been identified as areas of concern due to absence rates exceeding the Authority average. These included Adult Social Care, Healthy Communities and Public Protection, and Environment and Infrastructure, together with teams such as Catering and Environmental Services. It was also noted that short-term absences in certain areas were above the industry benchmark and required focused attention. In relation to schools’ performance, Members noted that both primary and secondary schools had shown a decline in performance, with primary schools experiencing a reduction in average FTE days lost, whilst secondary schools had seen a slight increase. The Cabinet Member highlighted that Occupational Sick Pay costs had risen by 5.66% compared with the previous year, with marked increases in Social Services and Housing. It was reported that this increase was attributed to higher absence rates in frontline operational areas, which tended to have lower pay grades. Members were informed of the work undertaken by the Employee Wellbeing Team in promoting a healthy and resilient workforce. It was noted that almost 37% of employees had received support during the year, with an 8.4% increase in attended Occupational Health appointments. Proactive initiatives included manual handling training and the continued expansion of the network of Health and Wellbeing Champions and Mental Health First Aiders. The Committee also noted that Occupational Health referral and appointment rates were higher in departments with larger frontline workforces, particularly Education and Social Services. In addition, charged non-attendances at Occupational Health appointments had risen by 13.9%, with Social Services and Housing and Place, Infrastructure and Economic Development showing the largest increases. Members were advised that these issues were being actively monitored and addressed in order to maximise attendance and support. It was further noted that nearly 500 staff members had received manual handling training during the year, aimed at reducing musculoskeletal injuries and promoting safer working practices. The Health and Wellbeing Team remained committed to delivering practical solutions and ongoing support for both physical and mental health. Members acknowledged that the report demonstrated the continued need for a strategic, evidence-led approach to managing sickness absence across the Authority. Whilst positive steps had been made in supporting employee wellbeing and providing targeted training, persistent challenges remained in certain departments and teams, highlighting areas for immediate action. The issues/observations raised by the Committee were addressed as follows:- • Reference was made to Education and Leisure and key area of pressure in respect of catering services. Concern was expressed that this area recorded the highest absence level within the division and felt that this required further exploration and requested that a deep dive into the issues be carried out with a further report be presented to Committee. • Disappointment was expressed in regard to the reported increase in sickness levels despite the investment and work to reduce levels. It was asked if management were aware how to refer to the services of Occupational Health? The Assistant Chief Executive explained the importance of ensuring that the basic principles of the sickness absence policies and procedures where being adhered to in the first instance. • The Heads of Services from Adult Social Services, Environment and Leisure/Public Protection supported by officers from Human Resources were given a chance to update Scrutiny Members on efforts to reduce and control sickness rates. Their initiatives include: Increasing management awareness Appointing Well-being Champions Training Mental Health First Aiders Regular monitoring, with sickness as a standard item on team meeting agendas Distributing newsletters Promoting charity awareness Providing targeted support to unpaid carers Launching the 'Your Health Matters' initiative Investment in Manual Handling courses Access to the services of Occupational Health During the discussion, feedback from Heads of Services indicated that maintaining consistency in sickness reporting and management continues to be challenge. It was highlighted that a full-service review had been initiated focussing on more fundamental structural issues. The outcome of the review and how to address some of the issues would be presented to the Committee in due course. • Regarding bereavement support, a question was raised about the availability of face-to-face counselling for staff in addition to virtual options. The Assistant Chief Executive clarified that compassionate leave had been doubled, and employees experiencing bereavement are triaged; where a need for face-to-face counselling is identified, arrangements will be made accordingly. • Addressing concerns about increased sickness rates in Home Care, the Head of Adult Social Care clarified that the policy remains unchanged, but there is now a greater emphasis on protecting vulnerable people. Staff are advised to refrain from their regular responsibilities when ill to prevent spreading germs. Consequently, this may result in higher sickness statistics compared to other departments. • Regarding monitoring, the Assistant Chief Executive indicated that sickness is consistently reported across managerial channels, including Departmental Management Teams and the Corporate Management Team, with the Chief Executive conducting thorough reviews of these reports. • The Head of Environment Infrastructure stated that direct support was provided to depots including the arrangement of flu vaccinations being provided in the workplace. • In response to a query regarding support for schools, the Senior Business Partner explained that each school has access to a designated HR Business Partner who is available to advise / signpost as well as provide support at absence monitoring meetings. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Sickness Absence Monitoring Report – End of Year 2025/26 be received.
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RESOLVED that the 2025/26 End of Quarter 4 Performance Report be received.
[Note: During consideration of this item, Councillor G. Morgan declared an interest in respect of the school budget deficit. Councillor Morgan remained in the meeting and took part in the voting.] The Committee received the 2025/26 End of Quarter 4 Performance Report for consideration. The Cabinet Member for Resources presented the report stating that the report included the progress made as at the end of Quarter 4 2025/26 in relation to actions and measures linked to the Council’s Corporate Strategy and Well-being Objectives relevant to the remit of the Committee. In presenting the report, the Cabinet Member reminded Members that the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 required the Authority, as a public body, to take reasonable steps to meet its Well-being Objectives. It was also noted that the Authority was required to demonstrate to citizens, Members and regulators how performance was managed and how appropriate interventions were implemented. Members noted that the report monitored progress against the Council’s Corporate Strategy 2022–2027 and Well-being Objectives, including priorities relating to enabling children and young people to have the best possible start in life, enabling residents to live and age well, supporting healthy, safe and prosperous communities, and further modernising and developing the Council as a resilient and efficient organisation. The Cabinet Member highlighted that 82% of actions and measures were on target. Members were advised that the report provided narrative in respect of those actions and measures which were off target, including an explanation of the reasons and the proposed remedial actions. The issues/observations raised by the Committee were addressed as follows:- • In highlighting the influence of living costs and substantial council tax obligations on individuals, it was asked, how Carmarthenshire Council compared with other councils in Wales, particularly considering the slight deviation from targets for council tax and business rates collection. The Head of Revenues and Financial Compliance acknowledged the effects of the current economic climate on residents. Individuals experiencing debt were provided with appropriate support, such as payment plans. The department employs a Budget Officer who collaborates closely with the Hwbs. It was reported that Carmarthenshire Council maintains a top quartile position for collection rates across Wales despite the economic climate. • Reference was made to Action 1876, which is to ensure that the Council manages its budgets effectively and prudently. It was noted that a formal letter had been sent to all Headteachers and Chairs of Governors, outlining this position prior to the submission of school budgets for 2026/27. It was recalled that the majority of schools did not respond to the letter distributed in 2025/26 and that the Cabinet Member for Resources previously reported that certain schools were not fully cooperating. A query was raised regarding whether greater attention should be focused on those schools’ demonstrating non-cooperation. The Cabinet Member for Resources confirmed that 50 schools currently maintain a surplus, while the remaining schools are operating in deficit. Additionally, five schools have been granted licenses to remain in deficit due to extenuating circumstances. At present, 27 schools are actively working with education department officers to resolve their deficit situations. It is unfortunate that 3 schools have now received statutory notices from the Directors to address the issues. • It was commented that, through experience, there could be an opportunity for schools to better manage their costs and bills, focussing on high electricity expenses. Since these costs were not directly overseen by the school, it was highlighted that there was currently little incentive for reduction. Although the cost was not charged to the school's budget, it was covered by the Council. Exploring better ways to save electricity could lead to significant efficiencies. The Leader recognised that every part of the school budget should be reviewed when identifying possible savings. Rising costs and unforeseen circumstances make recovery challenging. • Regarding the employee satisfaction survey results, a question was raised about the data on staff pride in working for the Council (see page 3 of the report). Specifically, clarification was requested as to how the overall trend could be reported as increasing when the total score had decreased. The Assistant Chief Executive stated that, since he did not have the figures or reasons available, he would provide a direct response after the meeting. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the 2025/26 End of Quarter 4 Performance Report be received.
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RESOLVED that the Carmarthenshire Public Services Board (PSB) Annual Report 2025-26 be received.
The Committee received the Carmarthenshire Public Services Board (PSB) Annual Report 2025/26 for consideration. In presenting the report, the Leader explained that the Annual Report was a statutory requirement under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and summarised the progress made by PSB partners in delivering the Carmarthenshire Well-being Plan and improving outcomes for communities across the county. Members noted that there had been a change in PSB leadership during the year, with Councillor Darren Price serving as Chair until November, 2025 before the Leader assumed the role. The Leader took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank Councillor Price for his leadership and commitment to partnership working during the first part of the reporting year. Members noted that a significant area of focus during the year had been the development of the Carmarthenshire Local Food Strategy. Working collaboratively with a wide range of partners, the Board had sought to strengthen local food networks, support local producers, improve access to healthy food and contribute towards the development of sustainable and resilient communities. It was highlighted that this work demonstrated the value of collective action in delivering social, economic and environmental benefits. The Leader further reported that climate resilience had remained a key priority for the Board. Through joint working with partners in Ceredigion, a Climate Change Risk Assessment had been completed, improving understanding of the risks posed by climate change to communities, infrastructure, the natural environment and public services. Members noted that this work would provide an important evidence base to inform future planning and adaptation activity across both counties. Looking ahead, Members noted that September 2026 would mark an important milestone with the formal merger of the Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion Public Services Boards to create a new joint Board. It was reported that this would provide opportunities to strengthen regional collaboration and build upon the successful partnership working already established between the two counties. The Leader informed Members that consultation on the Well-being Assessment was currently underway and encouraged Members and stakeholders to participate in the process, emphasising the importance of community views in shaping the future priorities of the new Board. In conclusion, the Leader stated that the report demonstrated the positive impact of partnership working across Carmarthenshire and thanked PSB partners, officers and stakeholders for their continued contribution and commitment during the year. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Carmarthenshire Public Services Board (PSB) Annual Report 2025-26 be received.
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RESOLVED that the Transformation Programme – Progress Report be received
The Committee received the Transformation Programme – Progress Report for consideration. The Leader presented the report in the absence of the Cabinet Member for Organisation and Workforce. Members were advised that the purpose of the report was to provide a progress update on the implementation of the Council’s Transformation Programme and to consider progress in delivering the key priorities contained within the Council’s Transformation Strategy and Work Programme. In presenting the report, the Cabinet Member highlighted that substantial progress had been made across all workstreams, resulting in positive outcomes in a number of areas including process automation, building rationalisation, workforce recruitment, retention and development, and improvements in income generation and debt recovery. It was reported that a culture of transformation was increasingly becoming embedded across the Authority and was beginning to influence organisational thinking and service delivery. Members noted that the work being undertaken through the Transformation Programme was helping to place the Authority in a stronger position to respond to future financial challenges whilst supporting the ambition of becoming a more modern and dynamic Council. The Committee further noted that one of the key aims of the Transformation Strategy was to support a sustainable financial future in the context of increasing service demands and financial pressures. Reference was made to the Panel Performance Assessment undertaken during 2025, which concluded that Carmarthenshire was a well-run and values-based organisation with strong leadership and a clear awareness of its key challenges. Members noted that Transformation and Innovation had been identified as key themes and that recommendations had been made to review, refresh and relaunch the Transformation Strategy to ensure it remained fit for purpose and adequately resourced to meet current challenges. The Committee was advised that proposals were currently progressing through the democratic process to establish a dedicated transformation fund to support the development and implementation of projects linked to a revised Transformation Strategy. Members noted that this formed part of the Council’s response to recommendations arising from both the Panel Performance Assessment and the Audit Wales Financial Sustainability Review. Members further noted that the Transformation Strategy recognised the importance of technology, workforce development, effective risk management, hybrid working, modernisation of the Council’s asset base, and the delivery of decarbonisation and biodiversity objectives as key enablers of organisational transformation. The issues/observations raised by the Committee were addressed as follows:- • In reference to the Councils aim to rationalise the Council’s accommodation portfolio it as asked if there was a strategy / plan in place to dispose of the current vacant buildings? The Leader stated that the Cabinet would be considering a report on this matter shortly. In addition, the Transformation Manager confirmed that there was an-going programme to dispose of vacant Council buildings and that the adoption of hybrid working practices in Council buildings had helped identify opportunities to rationalise its building portfolio. • The workforce strategy was referenced, and an update was requested regarding progress on reducing the reliance on agency staff within schools. The Transformation Manager stated that the current plan involves developing a business case for establishing an in-house agency to support teaching assistant provisions. Work has also been undertaken with individual schools to identify whether the demand for agency workers can be decreased by encouraging schools to explore alternative options for meeting this demand. In noting that a saving of £600k had been made on agency fees to date, an expression of thanks was extended to the Transformation team on their efforts on this matter. In response to an additional query, the Transformation Manager stated that residential care had been effectively managing an internal agency for the past two years, extending into both the waste department and cleaning services. The integration of technology was currently under consideration. The primary benefit was to ensure enhanced staffing resilience and continuity. • It was highlighted that at its meeting on 29 June, 2026 Cabinet endorsed the appointment of a new Strategic Business Manager for QE High School and Amman Valley School. This position would enable the Authority to evaluate back-office expenses, which aligned with the ongoing transformation project. The project was commended as a progressive initiative aimed at identifying methods to optimise operational efficiency. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Transformation Programme – Progress Report be received
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RESOLVED that the minutes of the PSB meeting held on 24th March 2026 be received.
The Committee considered the minutes of the meeting of the Carmarthenshire Public Services Board [PSB] held on the 24th March, 2026. The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 required that a designated local government scrutiny committee was appointed to scrutinise the work of the PSB. In Carmarthenshire, the Council’s Corporate Performance & Resources Scrutiny Committee has been designated as the relevant scrutiny committee. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the PSB meeting held on 24th March 2026 be received.
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RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Actions Update be received.
The Committee received a report which provided the Scrutiny Actions Update, presented for the purpose of updating Members on actions taken in response to decisions, requests and referrals made at previous meetings of the Committee. The report provided an update on the progress made in addressing those requests and sought to ensure that Members remained informed of actions undertaken in response to matters raised at earlier meetings. Members considered the update provided and noted the progress reported in respect of outstanding actions and requests for information. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Actions Update be received.
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RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting be received.
The Committee considered the list of forthcoming items to be placed on the agenda for the next meeting scheduled to take place on 23rd October, 2026 and was afforded the opportunity to request for any specific information that Members may wish to include within the reports. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting be received.
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on the 15th May, 2026 be signed as a correct record
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