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 that subject to the inclusion of the amendment, the Annual Governance Statement be endorsed.
RESOLVED that: 4.1 The Pre-Audit of Statement of Accounts 2024/25 be received, subject to the inclusion of the amendments raised; 4.2 Retrospective approval be given for the movements to and from the Earmarked Reserves. In particular, the transfers to: · Major Development Fund · MEP Capital Funding · City Deal/Pentre Awel
RESOLVED that the Pre-Audit Dyfed Pension Fund Statement of Accounts 2024-25 be received.
it was resolved to suspend standing orders, in accordance with CPR 23.1, to enable the Committee to complete the remaining business on the agenda. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the audited Accounting Statement for Burry Port Harbour Authority for 2024-25 be approved.
RESOLVED that the Carmarthenshire County Council Audit Plan 2025 be noted.
RESOLVED that the 2025 Audit Plan for the Dyfed Pension Fund be noted.
RESOLVED that the 2025 Audit Plan for Burry Port Harbour be noted.
RESOLVED that the Progress Report of the Audit Wales Report – Financial Sustainability be noted.
RESOLVED that: 9.1 the current spending pressures, including school budgets position and governance as reported in the Spending Pressures Update be noted; 9.2 budget update reports be included onto the Committee’s Forward Work Plan on a bi-annual basis; 9.3 a progress report on the actions and recommendations be brought to Committee meeting in December 2025.
RESOLVED that the Internal Audit Plan Update Report 2024/25 and 2025/26 be received.
RESOLVED that the Annual Internal Audit Plan Report 2024/25 be received.
RESOLVED that: 12.1 the requirements for the PPA be noted; 12.2 the role of the Governance and Audit Committee during Stage 3 of the PPA process as outlined in the briefing document be noted.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor K. Davies and Councillor A. G. Morgan.
Member Agenda item Nature of Interest Mr M. MacDonald 5. Dyfed Pension Fund Pre-Audit Statement of Accounts 2024/25 7.2. Dyfed Pension Fund Audit Plan 2025 Member of the Dyfed Pension Fund Cllr. P. Warlow 5. Dyfed Pension Fund Pre-Audit Statement of Accounts 2024/25 7.2. Dyfed Pension Fund Audit Plan 2025 Member of the Dyfed Pension Fund Cllr. D. E. Williams 5. Dyfed Pension Fund Pre-Audit Statement of Accounts 2024/25 7.2. Dyfed Pension Fund Audit Plan 2025 Member of the Dyfed Pension Fund and Chair of the Dyfed Pension Fund Committee Cllr J. Williams 5. Dyfed Pension Fund Pre-Audit Statement of Accounts 2024/25 7.2. Dyfed Pension Fund Audit Plan 2025 Member of the Dyfed Pension Fund Cllr K.V. Broom 5. Dyfed Pension Fund Pre-Audit Statement of Accounts 2024/25 7.2. Dyfed Pension Fund Audit Plan 2025 Member of the Dyfed Pension Fund Mrs Karen Jones 5. Dyfed Pension Fund Pre-Audit Statement of Accounts 2024/25 7.2. Dyfed Pension Fund Audit Plan 2025 Member of the Dyfed Pension Fund
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that subject to the inclusion of the amendment, the Annual Governance Statement be endorsed.
The Committee reviewed the Council’s Pre-Audit Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which would accompany the Statement of Accounts to demonstrate the Authority’s compliance with the CIPFA and SOLACE framework and its seven core principles of good governance. The Head of Revenues and Financial Compliance, in presenting the report explained that the draft Annual Governance Statement (Section 3 of the Statement of Accounts) was for review by the Governance and Audit Committee to provide an opportunity for the Committee to fulfil their responsibility to provide a meaningful review of the AGS, based on knowledge of the governance arrangements, from assurances received during the year before its finalised. Following the Committee’s briefing sessions, it was reported that comments had been received from the Chair and former Chair of the Committee. It was noted that the comments in regard to Agenda Item 9, received from the former Chair, had not yet been reflected in the statement before the Committee today. Reference was made to page 43 of the report - Principle F - Managing Risks, Performance and Finance. It was proposed to amend the document by including a second bullet point to read “The Council will continue to address the risks presented by the ongoing significant overspending by Schools and Council Services.” It was felt that this amendment would add strength to the document and make it more representative in terms of the governance of the Authority. The proposed amendment was duly seconded. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that subject to the inclusion of the amendment, the Annual Governance Statement be endorsed.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that: 4.1 The Pre-Audit of Statement of Accounts 2024/25 be received, subject to the inclusion of the amendments raised; 4.2 Retrospective approval be given for the movements to and from the Earmarked Reserves. In particular, the transfers to: · Major Development Fund · MEP Capital Funding · City Deal/Pentre Awel
The Committee considered the pre-audit Statement of Accounts 2024/25 for Carmarthenshire County Council, which had been prepared in accordance with the Accounts and Audit (Wales) Regulations 2014 (as amended 2018). This was a substantial document and had been considered at a briefing earlier in the week. In addition to the briefing earlier in the week, the Committee was provided with an overview of the salient points contained within the Statement of Accounts which summarised the financial position of the Authority for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Director of Corporate Services detailed the movements which had been made to and from earmarked reserves in respect of transfers pertaining to the Major Development Fund, Modernising Education Programme (MEP) Capital Funding and the City Deal/ Pentre Awel Reserve. Reference was made to 6.39 Leases on page 127 of the Statement of Accounts. It was felt that it was important to highlight those changes following that the Authority had applied the IFRS 16 Leases as adopted by the Code of Accounting Practice 2024/2025. The Director of Corporate Services explained that CIPFA implemented IFRS 16 this year and outlined its effects on the balance sheet and financial statements. In reference to page 2 of the report, it was suggested that for clarity the Education, Children and Family Services line be split to include schools and other elements of the department. Additionally, the notes on page 3 of the report should be clarified to better explain the situation regarding schools, thereby ensuring greater transparency and openness for the reader. The Director of Corporate Services stated that this would be considered as an amendment for inclusion within the final statement. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that: 4.1 The Pre-Audit of Statement of Accounts 2024/25 be received, subject to the inclusion of the amendments raised; 4.2 Retrospective approval be given for the movements to and from the Earmarked Reserves. In particular, the transfers to: · Major Development Fund · MEP Capital Funding · City Deal/Pentre Awel
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that the Pre-Audit Dyfed Pension Fund Statement of Accounts 2024-25 be received.
[Note: Councillors K. Broom, P. Warlow, D.E. Williams, J. Williams, Mrs K. Jones and Mr M. MacDonald declared an interest in this item but remained in the meeting during its consideration.] The Committee received for consideration the Pre-Audit Dyfed Pension Fund Statement of Accounts 2024-25. The Statement included all the financial transactions of the Dyfed Pension Fund for the year, and also details the Dyfed Pension Fund assets and liabilities as at 31 March 2025. It was noted that the Net Assets of the Fund had increased by £99.8m from 2023-24 to 2024-25 and that his was mainly due to an increase in market value of the investment assets. In relation to expenditure, Benefits Payable and Transfers Out increased by £14.9m to £133.3m. Income, Contributions and Transfers In had increased by £7.1m to £115.4m. Total membership of the Fund increased by 1,115 from 55,804 in 2023-24 to 56,919 in 2024-25 which was an increase of 2%. The following queries/comments were raised as follows:- • Reference was made to section 15 – Current Assets on page 28 of the report. In respect of the ‘Contributions due from employer’ [Employer] clarity was sought on the increase. The Treasury & Pension Investments Manager explained that the increase was contributed to unprofiled contributions and pay increases which meant that some would be included into the following financial year. Due to the scale of the increase, it was felt that it would be beneficial to the Committee to look further into the breakdown of the reasons for the increase. It was agreed to circulate the explanation to Committee Members. • In response to queries raised, the Treasury & Pension Investments Manager provided a clarification / explanation in respect of the Aberystwyth contributions and the future pooled funds. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Pre-Audit Dyfed Pension Fund Statement of Accounts 2024-25 be received.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
it was resolved to suspend standing orders, in accordance with CPR 23.1, to enable the Committee to complete the remaining business on the agenda. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the audited Accounting Statement for Burry Port Harbour Authority for 2024-25 be approved.
In accordance with the Accounts and Audit (Wales) Regulations 2014, and the delegated powers enshrined within the Local Government Measure, the Committee considered the 2024-25 accounting statement of the Harbour Authority. Carmarthenshire County Council has a range of statutory powers and duties for the purposes of improving, maintaining, and managing the Burry Port harbour through the Burry Port Harbour Revision Order 2000. The report referred to the Harbours Act 1964 which stipulated the requirement for Harbour Authorities to prepare an annual statement of accounts relating to harbour activities. In compliance with the Accounts and Audit (Wales) Regulations 2014, the accounts were presented in the form of a separate annual income and expenditure account and statement of balances. The Committee was informed that the Authority had granted a long-term lease to the Marine & Property Group Ltd in April 2018, who had taken over the running and management of Burry Port Harbour; consequently, the activity on the statement was significantly reduced. However, in June 2023, the High Court appointed administrators for Burry Port Marina Ltd, the company which leased and operated Burry Port Marina. Following this, the Authority had entered into a funding agreement with the Administrators to enable the continued safe operation of the harbour during the period of administration. Due to this arrangement, the Authority was considered to have an element of control. It was reported that the net cost of the harbour activities in 2024-25 amounted to £281k, and all activities were fully funded by Carmarthenshire County Council. The fixed assets held at 31st March 2025 totalled £818k. The report stipulated that the increase in costs year on year of £42k consisted of an increase in other payments. The following query was raised as follows:- Several concerns were expressed regarding the Council’s involvement with the Harbour, particularly noting the associated costs and the ongoing expenditure of taxpayer funds over a period of several years. It was reported that several Port Authority’s across the coast of Wales had gone into administration. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that, in collaboration with the Head of Leisure, he is working closely with the Port Authority to enhance the area's appeal to tourists. It was acknowledged that this would not be achieved overnight and would be subject to a longer-term plan. In addition, it was reported that intense dredging was needed, and that authorisation was required from NRW. It was suggested that the Council enhance its efforts to attract tourists to the area through more effective advertising strategies and targeted social media campaigns. *SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS - At this point, the Committee’s attention was drawn to Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 9 – Duration of Meeting and, as the meeting had been underway for three hours, it was resolved to suspend standing orders, in accordance with CPR 23.1, to enable the Committee to complete the remaining business on the agenda. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the audited Accounting Statement for Burry Port Harbour Authority for 2024-25 be approved.
The Chair welcomed Audit Wales representative Mr Jason Blewitt to the meeting.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that the Carmarthenshire County Council Audit Plan 2025 be noted.
The Committee considered the 2025 Audit Plan for Carmarthenshire County Council presented by Mr Jason Blewitt, Audit Wales Representative. It was noted that the Auditor General, as the auditor for the Carmarthenshire County Council, must discharge his statutory duties and obligations under the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 and the plan detailed the work to be carried out in order to discharge those responsibilities. The plan set out the work intended to be undertaken to address the audit risks identified and other key areas of focus during 2025. It also set out the estimated audit fee, detailed the audit team and key delivery dates and planned outputs. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Carmarthenshire County Council Audit Plan 2025 be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that the 2025 Audit Plan for the Dyfed Pension Fund be noted.
[Note: Councillors K. Broom, P. Warlow, D.E. Williams, J. Williams, Mrs K. Jones and Mr M. MacDonald declared an interest in this item but remained in the meeting during its consideration.] The Committee considered the 2025 Audit Plan for the Dyfed Pension Fund that was presented by Mr Jason Blewitt, Audit Wales Representative. It was noted that the Auditor General, as the auditor for the Dyfed Pension Fund, must discharge his statutory duties and obligations under the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 and the plan detailed the work to be carried out in order to discharge those responsibilities. Accordingly, consideration was given to the risks, audit team, fees and timetable. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the 2025 Audit Plan for the Dyfed Pension Fund be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that the 2025 Audit Plan for Burry Port Harbour be noted.
The Committee considered the 2025 Audit Plan for the Burry Port Harbour, which was presented by Mr Jason Blewitt, Audit Wales Representative. The report included a letter which set out the planned work to be undertaken during 2025 to discharge the statutory responsibilities of the Auditor General for Wales and to fulfil his obligations under the Code of Audit Practice. It included the work intended to be undertaken, the estimated audit fee, details of the audit team and key dates for delivering the audit team’s activities and planned outputs. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the 2025 Audit Plan for Burry Port Harbour be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that the Progress Report of the Audit Wales Report – Financial Sustainability be noted.
The Committee received a report on the progress of the Audit Wales Report – Financial Sustainability. The report outlined the progress of the Audit Wales carried out work on the Financial Sustainability of Local Authorities in 2024, producing both an overarching national report as well as findings for individual Local Authorities. The national and local reports were received by the Governance and Audit Committee in its meeting on 20th December 2024. Following conclusion of the 2025–2028 budget and Medium-Term Financial Planning (MTFP), it was reported that the activities set out in the report was being undertaken by officers to develop the 2026–2028 budget and MTFP. In response to a query regarding the timing of final update report, the Director of Corporate Service stated that it would be presented to Committee in March 2025. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Progress Report of the Audit Wales Report – Financial Sustainability be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that: 9.1 the current spending pressures, including school budgets position and governance as reported in the Spending Pressures Update be noted; 9.2 budget update reports be included onto the Committee’s Forward Work Plan on a bi-annual basis; 9.3 a progress report on the actions and recommendations be brought to Committee meeting in December 2025.
[Note: The Chair, upon accepting a request, consented to alter the agenda order and address this item as the first matter of business.] The Committee received a report which provided an update on the current spending pressures with a specific focus on the updated school’s position. Committee members having previously recognised the significant pressures on the budget, attended two informal briefing meetings which were held in November 2024 and March 2025 to discuss the budget position and financial implications facing Council services and schools. The workshop held in March updated Members on the financial position at the time, with a specific focus on the actions being undertaken in respect of Children and Family services, and Schools, as these service areas accounted for the largest areas of overspend within revenue budgets. It was reported that the significant overspends in both Adults and Children’s social care in the year had been offset by under spends on capital financing charges as well as significant unexpected additional one-off grant funding provided by Welsh Government late in the financial year. In recognising the additional funding pressures across these services, some £4.5m was allocated to Children’s Services, much of it in respect of a small number of very high-cost residential placements, and a further £7.1m for adult social care, reflecting a combination of increasing demand as well as price increases linked to uplifts in the foundation living wage. The report highlighted that investment and transformation in Children’s Services continued to be overseen by the programme board, which meets fortnightly with quarterly updates to the Corporate Management Team, whilst work was ongoing within adult social care to develop and grow the in-house residential capacity in order to stabilise and maintain cost certainty. The Director of Corporate Services, in presenting the report provided the Committee with the background of the delegated school budgets and the current position. Information in respect of Primary schools was also provided in the report highlighting that the work with primary schools to assist in managing their budgets which had commenced in Autumn 2024 had become a crucial scheme in supporting the financial health of schools. The key objectives at primary schools were outlined in the report. It was reported that in order to achieve the goal of improving the financial health of Primary Schools, a Budget Review Prioritisation criterion was created in October 2024, identifying twenty-three primary schools as priority schools. All priority schools had been provided targets to make necessary adjustments to budget allocations based on the evaluations to achieve improved efficiencies. These targets, together with timelines help to support the development of strategies to recover from deficit budgets. The report provided an overview of recommendations with emerging key themes for schools to improve financial planning. The overspend had been grouped into 7 overarching categories. It was reported that whilst schools had responded very well to the recommendations, it would not be possible to translate immediately to a considerable impact on their spend as the changes could not be made instantly and required future workforce and financial planning. Members noted that it was positive that early indicators had shown an improvement in the forecasted in-year variance of the priority schools due to an increased focus on spending (improvement of £626,760.00). However, part of the improvement also came via the source of additional grant income received later during the financial year. In respect of Secondary Schools, the Committee were informed that the work of reviewing the financial positions of secondary schools to assess their viability is also underway. It was reported that Emlyn, Bro Dinefwr and St John Lloyd had been prioritised given their financial position, but all secondary schools would be visited in due course. The details and challenges in respect of the of the schools were provided in the report. In summary, the Committee noted, as outlined in the report that currently school balances stood at a £1.8m deficit in March 2025 and were forecasted to be £12.8m in deficit by March 2026. The Cabinet Member for resources reinforced that critical decisions were going to have to be made to improve the situation. It was acknowledged that significant corrective action would have to be taken as this scale of overspend had the potential to destabilise council finances, with implications for wider council services. The following observations raised by the Committee were addressed as follows:- · A concern was raised regarding overspending in the education sector, identifying it as a significant risk to the Council's financial stability. It was noted that there are several areas where potential reductions could be made to improve the overall financial situation. · In emphasising the significance of the Committee exercising its due diligence and scrutinising the spending amounts, it was suggested that this report should be presented to the Committee at least twice a year. The report offered valuable insights; however, it was observed that further information on children’s services would have been beneficial. Additionally, there was a perception that more actions had been completed in the past year than in previous years. Nevertheless, it was noted that progress over the last 18 months had been slow, and greater advancement was expected on this important issue. It was commented that in order to be able to address emerging financial concerns, concerted work with the service should take place to identify contributing factors, and review both local and national underlying issues. The Director of Corporate Services expressed his thanks for the comments raised and acknowledged that whilst this report had not specifically focussed on the issues within Children Services it was reported that CMT and Cabinet received quarterly updates on actions undertaken. It was offered to the Committee that a report which would include all the actions undertaken be brought to the next Governance and Audit Committee for consideration. In accepting the offer, it was formally proposed that this report be brought to the Governance and Audit Committee meeting in December. This was duly seconded. It was commented that the inclusion of comparison information with other Local Authorities would also be beneficial. It was raised that the level of funding currently being received from Welsh Government does not meet the needs of the Authority. Observations were made concerning the complexity of the issues in respect of primary schools and the various contributing factors involved. It was requested that future reports incorporate modelling related to these matters. Concerns were raised in noting that even the successful secondary schools were going into deficit which does need to be addressed with decisive action. Regarding the recommendations outlined in the report, it was considered that proactive implementation would have been preferable, rather than relying on them solely as reactive responses to issues. · It was questioned whether the letters sent to schools genuinely addressed the concerns or were merely informational. The Director of Corporate Services stated that the letters were direct in terms of the position and that he was happy for the letters to be circulated to the Committee Members for comment. The Committee was informed that 50% of the schools had submitted deficit budgets, and that these budgets were also approved for submission by School Governors, which was noted as an additional point of concern. Furthermore, home schooling was also a current challenge for schools having an impact on their budgets. · It was commented that Welsh Government really need to step up and take note of the severity of the issue which spans across Wales. Furthermore, in regard to the efficiencies made in closing smaller schools, it was highlighted that many parents may choose a smaller school for their child to attend for additional support, therefore as a consequence, closing smaller schools could encourage further home education which would not resolve the matters in regard to school budget issues. In response to a query in respect to the closure of smaller schools, the Director of Corporate services acknowledged that the funding mechanism does not fund small schools sufficiently and poses a real challenge. It was explained that the Council needs to decide whether to proceed with closure of smaller schools due to the current circumstances. Alternatively, if the Council chooses to continue, fair funding allocations would need to be adjusted, resulting in reduced funding for other schools. Another option would be to increase the school’s overall funding, which would negatively affect other Council services and present considerable challenges. · In recognising that the education of children is a very emotive subject, it was expressed that the measures the Education Department had introduced in terms of support was welcomed. In noting that no responses were received from schools after the formal request for feedback on the recovery plan, it was raised that this may have been for a several reasons one of which could have been due to a lack of skills to prepare a recovery plan. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that: 9.1 the current spending pressures, including school budgets position and governance as reported in the Spending Pressures Update be noted; 9.2 budget update reports be included onto the Committee’s Forward Work Plan on a bi-annual basis; 9.3 a progress report on the actions and recommendations be brought to Committee meeting in December 2025.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that the Internal Audit Plan Update Report 2024/25 and 2025/26 be received.
The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the progress made on the implementation of the Internal Audit Plan 2024/25 and 2025/26. It was reported that in 2024/25 the completion rate was at 92% against a completion target of 90% at the end of March. The work on the 2025/26 had commenced and currently the completion rate was at 12.5% against a target of 10% for quarter 1. The Committee duly reviewed the progress made in respect of the delivery of the audit programme. The Committee then considered a summary of the final reports for key financial systems which had been completed during the last quarter- the following series of reports were appended to the report as Report B. • Debtors • Expenditure • Payroll • Travel & Subsistence The attention of Committee Members was drawn to the key issues stated within the report. The following queries/observations were raised by the Committee:- • An update on the recommendation regarding the overtime issues was requested. The Senior HR Advisor explained that a protocol was currently being developed to look at a process to manage the approval of overtime. • Members noted that the current reminders might not be sufficiently strict and proposed that adopting a more assertive approach could be more effective. The Senior HR Advisor indicated that reminders are communicated through both newsletters and manager training and development sessions. Furthermore, regular forums with schools and business managers are conducted to provide information and transactional training on system usage. • Reference was made to ‘Overtime’ on page 312 of the agenda pack. In observing that 2 queries were raised on sample of 10 payments, it was asked if there were any plans to do a re-sample? The Head of Revenues and Financial Compliance acknowledged that the sampling demonstrated that there were failures in the processes and provided assurance that this matter would be included onto the plan for follow-up, in order to confirm implementation of the required actions. Furthermore, it was suggested that internal checks within the department would be beneficial. At the Committee's request, the Head of Revenues and Financial Compliance agreed to return to the department to request that they further investigate and clarify the underlying issues. · In response to a query in regard to the Travel & Subsistence report, the Principal Auditor confirmed that as this was a limited assurance rating the follow up would be included on next year’s audit plan. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Internal Audit Plan Update Report 2024/25 and 2025/26 be received.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that the Annual Internal Audit Plan Report 2024/25 be received.
The Committee received the 2024/25 Annual Internal Audit Report which provided an opinion of the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s control environment for the year April 2024 to March 2025, based on the work undertaken in the 2024/25 Internal Audit Plan, as agreed by the Governance and Audit Committee. The following observations were raised by the Committee:- • Disappointment was expressed in regard to the poor percentage of management responses received within 15 working days of the Draft Internal Audit Report being issued as previous response rates had been higher. • In response to a concern regarding the significant number of high priority control issues this year, the Head of Revenues and Financial Compliance stated that officers would invite the team in to discuss areas of concern seeking an input to gain corrective action. In relation to the stakeholder feedback survey, concerns were raised about the low response rate. This was perceived as indicative of insufficient recognition of internal audit. It has been suggested that managers ought to address reports with considerable attention to ensure appropriate levels of protection are maintained. Following a discussion regarding polices, it was suggested that a thematic review be included in the 2026/2027 Audit Plan that will be presented to the Committee at the meeting in March. The Head of Revenues and Financial Compliance confirmed that this would be included on the action sheet for the March meeting as well as the Audit Plan for 2026/27. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Annual Internal Audit Plan Report 2024/25 be received.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that: 12.1 the requirements for the PPA be noted; 12.2 the role of the Governance and Audit Committee during Stage 3 of the PPA process as outlined in the briefing document be noted.
The Committee received a report on the recent Carmarthenshire Panel Performance Assessment (PPA). The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 placed a duty on councils to arrange fora panel to undertake and respond to a corporate, organisational level assessment, at least once during the period between two consecutive ordinary elections of councillors to the council, of the extent to which the council is meeting its performance requirements. The Carmarthenshire PPA was undertaken between 10-13 June 2025. It was reported that the Council was now at Stage 3 – the Follow Up stage of the process and was awaiting the Panel’s draft report which would be reviewed for accuracy and a final report published. The report and the Council’s draft response would then be presented to the Governance & Audit Committee who may recommend changes to the Council’s response to the panel assessment. The Council must then formally approve the report and response at Cabinet and Full Council. It was noted that, given the Committee's integral role in the PPA process, it was asked that the Governance and Audit Committee’s Terms of Reference be updated to reflect this responsibility. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that: 12.1 the requirements for the PPA be noted; 12.2 the role of the Governance and Audit Committee during Stage 3 of the PPA process as outlined in the briefing document be noted.
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED, pursuant to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007, that the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items as the reports contained exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act.
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.