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AGREED to note the report and recommend that Cabinet: 1. Establish a dedicated Coast & Seaside Towns Forum to explore and develop the best ways to maximise the economic, cultural, environmental and social value of Ceredigion’s coastline. The Forum would bring together Elected Members, relevant Council departments, local businesses, community groups, and coastal stakeholders to identify opportunities, challenges, and innovative approaches for supporting and enhancing the prosperity of Ceredigion’s seaside towns and villages.
AGREED to note the report.
AGREED to recommend that Cabinet consider a review of the Council’s Public Toilet Strategy and options similar to those set out in the paper, and explore the option of utilising the Empty Homes, Second Homes and Holiday Let Premium to support the provision and maintenance of Council-owned public toilets in Ceredigion.
AGREED to note the contents of the Forward Work Programme presented subject to the following: · Road Closures/ Utility Companies (June 2026) · Local Flood Risk Strategy (June 2026) · Report on the possibility of establishing a Coast & Seaside Towns Forum (September/ December 2026)
i. Councillor Shelley Childs, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environmental Services apologised for his inability to attend the meeting. ii. Arwyn Davies, Corporate Manager: Growth and Enterprise apologised for leaving the meeting early due to other Council duties.
i. Councillor Keith Henson declared a personal interest under item 4, in matters related to agriculture. ii. Councillor Hugh Hughes declared a personal interest under item 6, in matters related to Borth Community Council.
The Chair announced that this was his last meeting as the Committee’s Chair. He thanked all for their contribution over the past two years and wished the Vice-Chair well in the role.
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AGREED to note the report and recommend that Cabinet: 1. Establish a dedicated Coast & Seaside Towns Forum to explore and develop the best ways to maximise the economic, cultural, environmental and social value of Ceredigion’s coastline. The Forum would bring together Elected Members, relevant Council departments, local businesses, community groups, and coastal stakeholders to identify opportunities, challenges, and innovative approaches for supporting and enhancing the prosperity of Ceredigion’s seaside towns and villages.
Councillor Clive Davies (Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Carbon Management) explained that Ceredigion’s Economic Strategy, first drafted in 2020, set out a long-term vision for a thriving, resilient and sustainable local economy based on four pillars: Enterprise, Places, People and Connectivity. At the time, no one could have anticipated the extraordinary shifts that would follow. A global pandemic, the reconfiguration of supply chains, the rise of remote working, and fundamental changes to UK regional investment frameworks have reshaped economic realities not only in Ceredigion, but across Wales and the UK. The Strategy was currently being reviewed to ensure that the Council’s priorities remained grounded in evidence and focused on achievable outcomes. Over recent months, updated economic data had been gathered, stakeholders across sectors had contributed their insights, and several emerging themes had become clear. An overview of the current situation as outlined in the report was provided. Arwyn Davies, Corporate Manager: Growth and Enterprise provided a presentation to the Committee outlining the following: · Ceredigion Economic Strategy & Action · Enterprise (Investment, Business Demography: Count of Enterprises, Productivity: Gross Value Added (GVA) and Gross Value Added Per Head, Tourism: Headlines & Business Survival: Survival Rates since 2018: Ceredigion vs All Wales) · Places (Placemaking – Placemaking Wales & Significant Investment) · People (Population Change and Challenges, Working Patterns: Number in the Workplace & Personal Prosperity: Average Earnings) · Connectivity - Broadband Availability · Moving Forward: Next Steps & Some Action Points to Consider (Positive Narrative, Business Support, Innovation & Skills) Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions which were answered by Officers and Councillor Clive Davies. The main points raised were as follows: · The Committee extended their thanks to the service for their work and support to businesses across Ceredigion and for their effort in attracting large events to the county, such as Rali Ceredigion. It was noted that communication and engagement with businesses, Chambers of Trade and Town and Community Councils could be improved at times. · It was noted that Aberystwyth University’s Old College redevelopment would be important in moving the town forward, as it was viewed as an anchor investment. The aim was for the redevelopment at Aberystwyth to have a similar impact and continued growth as the redevelopment of the Castle in Cardigan had on the town. It was noted that parking in Aberystwyth was under another service’s remit, but it was expected that other developments in town would meet future demand. · It was reported that the number of public sector employees across the county was higher than the Welsh average, with the Council, Welsh Government, NHS and Aberystwyth University being major employers. The Officer agreed to share details following the meeting on the ratio between private and public sector employees across the county. Third sector businesses were also deemed key for the county, with over 3500 in operation. · Concerns were raised in relation to the recent increased global instability, which could have a significant impact on businesses, such as those that heavily relied on fossil fuel. It was reported that Ceredigion’s economy was resilient, and historically, businesses had been able to successfully respond to challenges as has been the case in recent years, partly through careful planning and investment in renewable energy. · In relation to skills needs and shortage, it was reported that the matter was high on Growing Mid Wales’ agenda, and the Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) collaborated regularly with businesses and skill providers to collate information. It was suggested that businesses could be supported further to undertake activities with schools to demonstrate what opportunities were available across the county. The Growth and Enterprise Service also collated informal feedback through ongoing discussions with businesses on skill needs, which was shared with Ceredigion Training; however, further work would be undertaken in this field in the next year along with the wider education sector. · In relation to the recent acquisition of Llettytwppa Farm, Lampeter, work was being undertaken through Growing Mid Wales to develop the project. In addition, following the identification of work required on the Council’s County Farms, £100,000 had been allocated during the 26/27 budget setting process to undertake immediate work in 26/27, with a further £300,000 proposed for 27/28. In moving forward, further financial resources would be required along with a more long-term strategic discussion. · In response to concerns related to Aberystwyth Harbour, it was noted that plans had previously been drawn up; however, the lease was being reviewed therefore the focus was on the groundworks and the environment between Trefechan and the Old College at present. In relation to Aberaeron Harbour, the harbour was crucial to the economic success of the town, and the dredging would continue for the foreseeable future. It was suggested that the coastline was one of the county’s greatest treasures, but unlike neighbouring local authorities, Members felt it was not being used to its full capacity. · In response to a query related to highways and that poor road conditions could deter potential investors, it was reported that the Local Government Borrowing Initiative (LGBI) funding allocated for 25/26 had resulted in significant improvement across the network, with further albeit lower funding expected in 26/27. Welsh Government officials continued to discuss whether additional funding would be allocated beyond 26/27. · The Place Making project that involved 13 areas across the county was deemed a success, and it was noted that the community engagement held across Ceredigion had been used as an example further afield. The Place Plans would enable Town and Community Councils to access funding that was unavailable to the local authority, such as the Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant that had enabled the redevelopment of the Market Hall in Cardigan. · Concerns were raised with the high business rates in Aberystwyth; however, it was clarified that the rates were set by the Welsh Government as opposed to the local authority. It was noted that a report was presented to Cabinet on 03.03.26 on the Welsh Government’s Non-Domestic Rates – Food and Drink Hospitality Rates Relief for 26/27. Any businesses facing financial challenges were encouraged to contact the local authority to seek support. Members felt both the UK and Welsh Government needed to understand the importance of retail, public transport, parking and the sense of place in town centres. It was AGREED to note the report and recommend that Cabinet: 1. Establish a dedicated Coast & Seaside Towns Forum to explore and develop the best ways to maximise the economic, cultural, environmental and social value of Ceredigion’s coastline. The Forum would bring together Elected Members, relevant Council departments, local businesses, community groups, and coastal stakeholders to identify opportunities, challenges, and innovative approaches for supporting and enhancing the prosperity of Ceredigion’s seaside towns and villages.
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AGREED to note the report.
Councillor Gareth Davies (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) presented the quarterly report and explained that at the quarter 3 point in the year, a broadly breakeven position was forecasted on the Controllable Budget for the year, with a small projected underspend of £107k showing (0.05% of the 25/26 Budget). It was noted that Officers were closely monitoring the conflict in the Middle East, and measures were being taken where appropriate. Duncan Hall, Executive Corporate Lead Officer: Finance and Procurement explained that the situation in the Middle East was a live matter, and relevant information was being shared with the Cabinet and Political Group Leaders. He provided an overview of the local authority’s position in relation to the current energy contract, adding that both electricity and mains gas prices were fixed and fully purchased until 30/09/26. For the new energy contract year (01/10/26 to 30/09/27), two-thirds of the electricity and mains gas had been purchased in advance. In terms of heating oil and fleet fuel, both were priced on a weekly basis, therefore could be subject to short-term volatility. At present, the impact on fleet fuel was estimated to be a 13k-14k additional monthly cost. In terms of short-term mitigation, there was a ‘Cost and Inflationary Pressures’ earmarked reserve available to manage the impact corporately if required. From a Treasury Management perspective, any changes announced by the Bank of England in relation to the base rate on 19/03/26 could have a positive or negative impact, therefore the situation would be actively monitored. Duncan Hall proceeded to provide an overview of the Controllable Revenue position for quarter 3 and explained that the total expenditure of Out of County Placements and agency staff remained significant. He added that a third placement had been moved to the new in-county facilities, with a fourth in the process of being completed in the next week. From a service perspective, there was a net projected overspend of £515k across the Pyrth Through Age Services, which was a reduction from the Q2 position of £712k, whilst there was a £675k projected underspend in the Finance & Procurement Service. An overview of the latest position in relation to the Budget Performance – Council Tax (including premiums) was provided. It was reported there had been a 21% decrease in the number of Long-Term Empty Properties subject to the Council Tax Premium between 31/10/23 and 31/01/26, with an 8% decrease in the number of Second Homes during the same period. It was noted that although the Valuation Office Agency’s (VOA) Service Standard stipulated that 95% of applications should be processed within 3 months, over 100 Premium related properties in Ceredigion were outstanding for more than 3 months. Following correspondence with the VOA, the body had formally apologised and agreed to add additional resources to process applications for Ceredigion. The Overall Council Tax Collection rate for 25/26 up to 31/01/26 stood at 88.6%, a decrease of 1% in comparison to the position on 31/01/25. It was reported that the collection rate for February 2026 had been the best on record, in both percentage and value terms. Details on the splitting of Council Tax collection rates from 2019/20 onwards as presented in the report were provided. It was noted that data suggested there were less issues with accounts with no premium. To date, 15 applications worth a total of £731k from the Community Housing Scheme had been paid, with a further 4 pending legal completions. The scheme was in the process of being refreshed and rebranded ahead of the relaunch. In terms of the Capital programme, £122k of Capital Receipts had been achieved to the end of December 2025 and related mainly to the sale of Vehicles and the repayment of housing grants. In addition, £334k of Capital Receipts had been achieved to the end of December 2025 in relation to education following the sale of two schools. More recently, £1.6m had been achieved from the sale of 5 properties in Aberystwyth. From the £4.6m (£2.8m for 25/26 and 1.8m for 26/27) of Local Government Borrowing Initiative funding received by the Welsh Government for the purpose of highway maintenance, there was no additional funding available. Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions which were answered by Duncan Hall and Councillor Gareth Davies. The main points raised were as follows: · From the Community Housing Scheme reserve, £731k had been used to date from the outset. When the reserve fell below £2.0m, this would be topped up annually to £2.0m from the additional Council Tax Premium monies, in line with the Full Council Decision of 29/02/24. · It was noted that the dredging work at Aberaeron harbour had taken place in quarter 4, therefore was not reflected in the report presented. · In relation to the impact of the Middle East conflict on the county, it was noted that Ben Lake MP was lobbying on behalf of rural communities. It was AGREED to note the report.
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AGREED to recommend that Cabinet consider a review of the Council’s Public Toilet Strategy and options similar to those set out in the paper, and explore the option of utilising the Empty Homes, Second Homes and Holiday Let Premium to support the provision and maintenance of Council-owned public toilets in Ceredigion.
Councillor Clive Davies (Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Carbon Management) provided an update on engagement with Town and Community Councils regarding the provision of public toilets in the County. The Public Toilet Strategy for 2019-2029 set out a framework for the provision of public toilets within the county over the next 10 years. The Strategy included a 5-year Action Plan (2019-2024) that sought to improve the financial sustainability of providing toilets in the County. It would do this through implementing a charge to use facilities where this was practical and viable to do so, work in partnership with communities to maintain toilets, work with the private sector, improve access to existing toilets and provision through new developments, transfer of toilets and closure of toilets. A partial review was undertaken in 2024. At this point, fee charging mechanisms were in place where it had been practical to introduce them. Further time was required to engage with Town and Community Councils (T&CCs) about transferring the toilets to them or seeking a Service Level Agreement (SLA) to cover the cost of providing toilets in their area. To date, engagement with T&CCs where public toilets were located has been good and the response to take responsibility for providing toilets had generally been positive. An overview of the current position in relation to the 33 sets of toilets in the County was provided, the reasons for not taking on the leases or agreeing to SLAs and the income and expenditure involved. In moving forward, a full review of the Public Toilet Strategy could now be undertaken, that would provide an updated Action Plan for 2026-2029. As the T&CC positions were becoming clearer, the Council needed to consider options for toilets that were not being supported through a lease, SLA or contribution. Options could include to consult on whether a private interest or other organisation would be prepared to run and maintain the toilets; to consult with existing businesses that had toilets to see whether they would be prepared to make their toilets available to the public and to consult on closure in the absence of interest above or lack of alternative funding sources. The above would need to be subject to impact assessments to understand the impact of any changes. Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions which were answered by Russell Hughes-Pickering and Councillor Clive Davies. The main points raised were as follows: · It was highlighted that the objective of the strategy was to continue to operate the toilets; however, mechanisms such as increasing the price for using the toilets had reached a point where the overall income level is static, so significant further cost recovery is limited. It was noted that Officers had discussed extensively with Town and Community Councils, and although closure was the least desired option, it would need to be explored should no other option be deemed viable. Freehold transfers were complex, hence the focus on leases or SLAs. To date, 20 SLAs were in place. · A few Members explained that their respective Town and Community Councils had agreed to run and maintain the toilets in their areas following discussions with Officers, as they believed there was a need for toilets for residents and visitors. Due to the associated costs and the significant maintenance required in some toilets, the precept for the areas had increased. In addition, issues such as anti-social behaviour and vandalism had led to temporary closures and costly repairs, and in some cases, Town and Community Council’s had installed CCTV outside the facilities or utilised the CCTV already in place by nearby businesses. · It was noted that the team along with Cynnal y Cardi would support Town and Community Councils to access funding including resources not available to local authorities. Cardigan had recently received a 100% grant funding to install CCTV and change toilet doors. · Members reinforced the importance of maintaining public toilets and that it should be a statutory duty, due to the impact on public health, along with the potential loss of the Blue Flag status should no toilets be available nearby. In the event that Town and Community Councils had no interest to run the toilets or were unable to due to unaffordability, it was suggested that Community Groups or businesses may have an interest in doing so. In addition, subject to a political decision, it was noted that the Visitor Levy could be explored to maintain and run the toilets. · With the changes to Town and Community Council boundaries from May 2027 onwards, concerns were raised that some Town and Community Council’s did not feel confident to commit to a long-term lease/ SLA at present, due to the lack of information available by One Voice Wales on the way forward. Members requested that Officers continue to communicate with the Town and Community Councils on the ongoing situation with the public toilets. It was AGREED to recommend that Cabinet consider a review of the Council’s Public Toilet Strategy and options similar to those set out in the paper, and explore the option of utilising the Empty Homes, Second Homes and Holiday Let Premium to support the provision and maintenance of Council-owned public toilets in Ceredigion.
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AGREED to note the contents of the Forward Work Programme presented subject to the following: · Road Closures/ Utility Companies (June 2026) · Local Flood Risk Strategy (June 2026) · Report on the possibility of establishing a Coast & Seaside Towns Forum (September/ December 2026)
It was AGREED to note the contents of the Forward Work Programme presented subject to the following: · Road Closures/ Utility Companies (June 2026) · Local Flood Risk Strategy (June 2026) · Report on the possibility of establishing a Coast & Seaside Towns Forum (September/ December 2026)
It was AGREED to confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 3 February 2026. Matters arising: None.
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