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RESOLVED That the Annual Self-Assessment report 2023-24 be endorsed.
RESOLVED That the findings of the Library Needs Assessment be noted.
RESOLVED That option 4 (reduction in opening days and change to opening hours to meet anticipated demand at all Waste and Recycling Centres across Pembrokeshire), as outlined in the report, be approved to rationalise the Waste and Recycling Centre provision in Pembrokeshire and to ensure the Authority continues to provide a service which balances the needs of the public as far as practicable, the required statutory level of service provision and the budgetary constraints within which the service needs to operate.
RESOLVED That Option 1 be adopted and that the fleet transition approach be developed accordingly, by: (a) The adoption of the ULEV Fleet Transition Plan. (b) Approval being granted under paragraph 22 of the Authority’s Contract Procedure Rules to invite and evaluate tenders for the vehicles to be replaced during 2024-25 and 2025-26 as shown in the Vehicle Replacement Programme (Appendix 1); and that authority to make the award be delegated to the Head of Infrastructure and Environment, subject to the maximum budget approved in the Capital Programme. (c) To note that work is being undertaken to review fleet charges and to look at options available to fund the additional budget required to purchase replacement fleet. The capital programme will be updated following the governance arrangements in the Capital Strategy. (d) That transition in relation to larger vehicles (i.e. larger than vans/pick-up trucks/cars) be subject to further discussion and ultimately approved at either the Individual Cabinet Member Decision or Cabinet level.
RESOLVED (a) That the updated Corporate and Financial Planning Timetable for 2025-26 be noted. (b) That the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2025-26, including Service Pressures and Proposed Budget Savings, and Outline Draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2025-26 to 2028-29 be approved. (c) That the Capital Programme for 2025-26 to 2028-29 be noted. (d) That the Senior Leadership Team continue to evaluate the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2025-26 following receipt of the Provisional Local Government Settlement on 11 December 2024 and in light of any decisions of Cabinet or Council. (e) That all discretionary fees and charges in relation to Executive functions be increased by 5% for 2025-26, and that Cabinet recommends to Council that it increases all discretionary fees and charges as related to its functions by 5% for 2025-26. (f) That the reduction in uncommitted reserve balances over the MTFP 2025-26 to 2028-29 be noted, noting that some of the remaining uncommitted reserve balances will need to be appropriated to the General Fund working balance in accordance with the Strategy for Holding and Utilising Reserves. (g) That the report, amended as required by Cabinet, be referred to Council for their consideration on 12 December 2024. (h) That the report may be amended by the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, prior to consideration by Council.
RESOLVED (a) That the calculation of the Council Tax Base for the financial year 2025-26 be confirmed as 62,574.00 to be apportioned, as set out in paragraph 4.3 in the report. (b) That delegated authority be given to the Director of Resources, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, to amend and approve the Council Tax Base should the Long-Term Empty Properties Council Tax premium be amended by Council on 12 December 2024.
RESOLVED That the following be recommended to Council: (a) The Pembrokeshire Standard Rents be increased by 1.74% plus up to £2 per individual rent that is currently below Standard Rent Rents to be collected over 48 weeks, with effect for all existing tenancies from the 1st July 2025, and for all new tenancies from the 1st April 2025. (b) That garage rents be increased by 2.7%, to be collected over 48 weeks, with effect from 1 April 2025. (c) For tenanted properties that have been improved to the highest possible energy rating of EPC A or B, the rent for the property will increase until the Standard Rent for new or retrofit rent levels is achieved. This will be agreed in each circumstance dependent on the energy efficiency of the property by the relevant cabinet member and Head of Service prior to its implementation. (d) That the report be adopted as Cabinet’s recommendation to Council on the 12 December 2024 for rent increases for 2025 - 2026.
RESOLVED (a) That the letter from the Food Standards Agency, dated 10 November 2023, and the Agency’s concerns, be noted. (b) That the conclusions of the Food Standards Agency’s audit letter and associated action plan, dated 30 May 2024, be noted. (c) That the measures in place/proposed to re-establish a sustainable food law enforcement service and the ongoing use of agency staff, to the extent indicated in the report, pending service realignment with the Food Law Code of Practice, be noted and endorsed. (d) That the recovery plan and timetable be endorsed, while noting the assumptions on which this is based and ongoing risks and consequences.
The following declaration was made: Item 10 – Pembrokeshire Council Housing Revenue Account Rent and Service Charges Setting Options for 2025-2026 Councillor Neil Prior declared a personal and prejudicial interest by virtue of being a non-executive Director of the Pobl Group, but stated that he had a dispensation to speak but not vote.
Councillor Michelle Bateman Moved the Minutes; Seconded by the Leader. The vote was taken by way of a show of hands and carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Cabinet Meeting held on 4 November 2024 be approved as a correct record.
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RESOLVED That the Annual Self-Assessment report 2023-24 be endorsed.
Cabinet considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive which outlined the Annual Self-Assessment report for 2023-24. Councillor Neil Prior, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities, Corporate Improvement and the Well-being of Future Generations, introduced the report and stated that the Authority had a responsibility to produce a self-assessment report annually, which must set out conclusions on the extent to which the Council met its performance requirements during that financial year. Councillor Prior then referred to the previous year and highlighted the budget challenges and the increased pressures on public services in general, but believed that the Authority had done well overall, continuing to perform well across several areas, including Education, Environmental Services and Planning. Councillor Neil Prior Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by the Leader. The Leader referred to the positive improvement in schools and gave credit to the Officers and the Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, as it was said to be the first time in 20 years that a school had not been in any type of measures. He also referred to the improved performance within Planning and thanked the Planning Team for their work, as the Authority was now amongst the top performing Local Planning Authorities for the determination of Planning applications. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jon Harvey, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Tessa Hodgson, Neil Prior, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [8] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That the Annual Self-Assessment report 2023-24 be endorsed.
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RESOLVED That the findings of the Library Needs Assessment be noted.
Cabinet considered a report by the Head of Cultural, Leisure and Registration Services which outlined the findings of a Library Needs Assessment. The Head of Cultural, Leisure and Registration Servicesintroduced the report and stated that the assessment needed to be updated in light of the need to change the services in line with the available resource. He explained that the assessment was an exercise to understand the current position of the service, its performance, the demographics of an area, and community need, all acquired through extensive public engagement. He added that the Authority received valuable feedback from local people expressing their needs and views on a range of options for change. The Leader questioned whether the assessment would be the evidence base for future decisions in regards to library provision. In response, the Head of Cultural, Leisure and Registration Services explained that the report provided a broad evidence base to allow for sound decisions, such as demographics of various areas, different communities and people with protected characteristics who may have more needs than the general population. He added that a future report to Cabinet would outline the various library options, which would be formulated based on the findings of the needs assessment. The Leader stated that he had attended one of the public consultation sessions and highlighted that it was well attended, and believed it to be positive that the public feedback had been included in the final assessment. The Leader Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Neil Prior. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the findings of the Library Needs Assessment be noted.
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RESOLVED That option 4 (reduction in opening days and change to opening hours to meet anticipated demand at all Waste and Recycling Centres across Pembrokeshire), as outlined in the report, be approved to rationalise the Waste and Recycling Centre provision in Pembrokeshire and to ensure the Authority continues to provide a service which balances the needs of the public as far as practicable, the required statutory level of service provision and the budgetary constraints within which the service needs to operate.
Cabinet considered a report by the Head of Infrastructure and Environment which outlined the rationalisation of Waste and Recycling Centres (WRCs), following the review of service delivery options surrounding the future of Waste and Recycling Centres in Pembrokeshire. The Head of Infrastructure and Environment introduced the report and stated that the background and context of the report highlighted that Pembrokeshire had become one of the top recycling Authorities in Wales, however, due to current budget pressures, savings were required equating to around 10% of the Revenue Budget. He explained that a review of the waste and recycling provision had been undertaken, and the most appropriate network of facilities, in line with the availability of resources to the Authority, needed to be considered. One of the potential options was the closure of St David’s Waste and Recycling Centre, and it was said to have been referred to the Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee for further consideration of the whole review. He stressed that the saving options put forward had not been proposed lightly, and understood that they were of great concern to the local community. The Head of Infrastructure and Environment then outlined the options, as listed in the report, and added that the Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee had recommended to Cabinet that Option 4, to reduce opening hours, be approved. The Chief Officer for Environmental Services then outlined the background of the options, as well as the appendices, which included detail around travel distances and feedback from the public. She explained that the travel distances showed that there would not be a significant increase in overall travel time for the County, however if the St David's WRC was to close, the largest travel distance impacted would be the St David's Peninsula. She also referred to the Capital costs associated with the works that were required at each of the WRCs, as outlined in the report, and highlighted the general infrastructure works that were also required at a number of sites where the original lifespan was nearing the end, mainly St David’s and Hermon WRCs, with the costs required outlined in the report. The Leader highlighted that the Capital requirement was £775,000. He then referred to the report which referenced a successful bid to the Authority’s Capital Board, and asked the Director of Resources to explain how the option that involved required Capital works would affect the Authority financially, if approved. The Director of Resources stated that it would depend on whether the Service was to pay for those Capital works, or whether it would be funded corporately. He added that for every £1 million of borrowing for Capital works, it would cost the Authority around £60,000, however, the Authority would endeavour to gain Capital grants in the first instance, to avoid any borrowing. Councillor Michelle Bateman understood the reasons behind wishing to protect the St David’s WRC from closure, however, from the data provided in regards to usage, the number of WRCs in Pembrokeshire and the travel times, she was unsure how the centre remaining open could be justified. She then outlined her concerns which was firstly around the level of Capital investment required and the impact it would have. She also highlighted the potential investment limiting future options for budget savings, as a newly refurbished centre was unlikely to be closed. Councillor Bateman then added that if Capital investment was not required, then she would be supportive of an option that would share the load between centres. She added that the public would be unlikely to support any cuts regarding this particular sector. Councillor Neil Prior stated that, as the Local Member for the area, he had received feedback from a number of residents on the matter. He understood the financial constraints of the Authority and stated his concerns in regards to additional borrowing, however, he stated that he would find it difficult to support the closure of St David’s WRC. He then referred to the substantial amount of work that had gone into finding various options, and was pleased to see that there was an option that would allow the centre to remain open, albeit on a reduced scale, and referenced Officers being able to secure Capital funding for the site. Councillor Neil Prior Moved Option 4: A reduction in opening days and change to opening hours to meet anticipated demand at all Waste and Recycling Centres across Pembrokeshire. The Head of Infrastructure and Environment wished to clarify that the Environmental Services area already had £360,000 of Capital funding approved, which was related to the improvements to the buildings, as part of normal activity around renewal and investment. The additional Capital funding required, as previously mentioned by Chief Officer for Environmental Services, was said to have come about due to new permitting requirements, and that Officers would work hard to find external grant funding, if approved to do so. The Leader questioned whether the £775,000 required was the reduced amount, considering the Authority already had £360,000 secured. The Head of Infrastructure and Environment clarified that the remaining amount of additional Capital funding required was £415,000, which was not yet approved. Councillor Paul Miller asked for a breakdown of the Capital costs and sought clarification in regards to the reasons for the required works. In response, the Chief Officer for Environmental Services reiterated the reasons behind the required works, which were split into two different areas, one being compliance based works to meet the new Natural Resources Wales (NRW) regulations, and the other being the infrastructure works, which included small and large scale repairs. She then outlined the detail of what work was needed on certain sites. Councillor Miller sought information in regards to the timescales for the required works, and questioned whether there was phased approach, or whether it would be done during the next financial year. He also questioned whether there was a deadline in regards to the compliance works. In response, the Chief Officer for Environmental Services explained that the sheds that needed to be replaced at the St David’s WRC, needed to be done as soon as possible. In regards to the compliance based work, it was dependent on NRW working their way through each waste facility, from highest to lowest risk. She added that once they requested the works, the Authority had six months to prove that the relevant site was compliant. Councillor Miller questioned whether all sites across Wales were in a compliant position, and whether the regulator had a timeframe in which all sites needed to be compliant. The Chief Officer for Environmental Services stated that the Authority was focusing on the higher risk sites, such as the waste transfer facility, and highlighted that the WRCs were deemed as lower risk sites, simply due to the activities undertaken. She highlighted that other Authorities were doing the same, and that the works needed to be undertaken at some point, preferably sooner rather than later, in order to be complaint with the new regulations. Councillor Miller stated that he was comfortable with the proposed Option 4, and believed that the decision around Capital funding was separate to the outlined issue. The Proposed Option 4 was Seconded by the Leader. The Leader added that the proposed option would be subject to a successful bid to the Capital Board. The Chief Officer for Environmental Services then explained that Option 4 would result in a reduction of opening days at each of the six sites, as follows: • Winsel, Waterloo and Crane Cross would reduce a day per week year-round (to 6 days in summer and 4 days in winter) • Manorowen would reduce a day per week year-round (to 3 days in summer and 2 days in winter) • Hermon and St David’s would reduce one day per week in the summer period (2 days a week year round). The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jon Harvey, Paul Miller, Tessa Hodgson, Neil Prior, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [6] Against the Motion: Councillors Michelle Bateman and Joshua Beynon [2] There were no abstentions. RESOLVED That option 4 (reduction in opening days and change to opening hours to meet anticipated demand at all Waste and Recycling Centres across Pembrokeshire), as outlined in the report, be approved to rationalise the Waste and Recycling Centre provision in Pembrokeshire and to ensure the Authority continues to provide a service which balances the needs of the public as far as practicable, the required statutory level of service provision and the budgetary constraints within which the service needs to operate.
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RESOLVED That Option 1 be adopted and that the fleet transition approach be developed accordingly, by: (a) The adoption of the ULEV Fleet Transition Plan. (b) Approval being granted under paragraph 22 of the Authority’s Contract Procedure Rules to invite and evaluate tenders for the vehicles to be replaced during 2024-25 and 2025-26 as shown in the Vehicle Replacement Programme (Appendix 1); and that authority to make the award be delegated to the Head of Infrastructure and Environment, subject to the maximum budget approved in the Capital Programme. (c) To note that work is being undertaken to review fleet charges and to look at options available to fund the additional budget required to purchase replacement fleet. The capital programme will be updated following the governance arrangements in the Capital Strategy. (d) That transition in relation to larger vehicles (i.e. larger than vans/pick-up trucks/cars) be subject to further discussion and ultimately approved at either the Individual Cabinet Member Decision or Cabinet level.
Cabinet considered a report by the Head of Infrastructure and Environment which outlined a Fleet Transition Plan, in order to provide direction for the vehicle replacement programme and adoption of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV). The Head of Infrastructure and Environment introduced the report and stated that the fleet had grown substantially over the last few years, mainly as a result of bringing some services in-house. He then outlined the factors that needed to be considered, which included a Fleet Charges review, budget saving measures, ULEV Fleet Transition Plan, Energy Service Grant Funding and hired vehicles. He stated that the option to adopt the transition plan and vehicle replacement plan, would enable the Authority to work towards the carbon target set by Welsh Government. The Passenger Transport Co-ordinator then highlighted the key issues currently being faced in regards to the fleet, and referenced recruitment and retention of qualified HGV technicians, the volume of vehicles that had added to the capacity issue, the large number of vehicles that were over their usable life, as well as the age of the garage. He stated that there was an urgent need to look into replacing vehicles, so that the Team could cope with the needs and requirement of maintaining the vehicles for service areas. Councillor Tessa Hodgson referred to the insurance of electric vehicles and sought clarification as to whether any consideration had been given in regards to increasing insurance costs for such vehicles. In response, the Passenger Transport Co-ordinator confirmed that the Team had been engaging with the Insurance Manager to cover off such matters, particularly in relation to home chargers, to ensure compliancy. The Leader stated that the aim to reduce the number of fleet vehicles by 10% was worth pursuing, and believed that the Requisition Form would allow for a more thorough examination in regards to whether a vehicle needed to be purchased or not. In terms of the ULEV transition imposed by Welsh Government, the Leader questioned what the penalties were for not moving to ULEV. In response, the Head of Infrastructure and Environment explained that it was not clear as to what the penalties would be. He referred to the cost and the overall life cycle of electric vehicles and stated that it was a good case for the transition, however, the big issues for the Authority were in relation to the larger vehicles, such as waste freighters, lorries and buses. The Passenger Transport Co-ordinator added that the only thing that had been set out by Welsh Government was the 2030 target for all fleet vehicles to be ULEV. He also stated that it was unclear what the penalties would be for Local Authorities. Councillor Paul Miller stated his support for the transition in relation to cars and vans, and added that he was keen for the Authority to make efforts to reduce the overall fleet where possible, without any meaningful impacts on the operation of services. In regards to larger vehicles, Councillor Miller believed that further debate in regards to that particular group of vehicles was necessary, and suggested that decisions in relation to larger vehicles be taken on a case by case basis. The Leader Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Neil Prior. Councillor Miller then wished to clarify that the outlined transition plan would not restrict the Authority in regards to any further decisions in respect of larger vehicles. The Passenger Transport Co-ordinator explained that an analysis was in place to review each case to identify whether technically, economically, environmentally and practically the Authority could introduce ULEV as replacements. He added that the technology may not be available for certain larger vehicles, but there was a process to evaluate each case. Councillor Miller referred to the financial and economic considerations in regards to Pembrokeshire as a whole, and suggested that there be more political involvement in relation to the decisions made on larger vehicles, due to the potential wider benefits. The Head of Infrastructure and Environment outlined potential future technology for larger vehicles, but stated that it was difficult to ascertain what would be available for larger vehicles, as well as being unaware of the availability of grants for such technology. He added that the Authority did not have the vehicle technology available for the replacement of those larger vehicles at present. Councillor Paul Miller then Moved the following Amendment to be included in the final decision: That transition in relation to larger vehicles (i.e. larger than vans/pick-up trucks/cars) be subject to further discussion and ultimately approved at either the Individual Cabinet Member Decision or Cabinet level. The Leader and Councillor Prior accepted the Amendment. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jon Harvey, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Tessa Hodgson, Neil Prior, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [8] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That Option 1 be adopted and that the fleet transition approach be developed accordingly, by: (a) The adoption of the ULEV Fleet Transition Plan. (b) Approval being granted under paragraph 22 of the Authority’s Contract Procedure Rules to invite and evaluate tenders for the vehicles to be replaced during 2024-25 and 2025-26 as shown in the Vehicle Replacement Programme (Appendix 1); and that authority to make the award be delegated to the Head of Infrastructure and Environment, subject to the maximum budget approved in the Capital Programme. (c) To note that work is being undertaken to review fleet charges and to look at options available to fund the additional budget required to purchase replacement fleet. The capital programme will be updated following the governance arrangements in the Capital Strategy. (d) That transition in relation to larger vehicles (i.e. larger than vans/pick-up trucks/cars) be subject to further discussion and ultimately approved at either the Individual Cabinet Member Decision or Cabinet level.
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RESOLVED (a) That the updated Corporate and Financial Planning Timetable for 2025-26 be noted. (b) That the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2025-26, including Service Pressures and Proposed Budget Savings, and Outline Draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2025-26 to 2028-29 be approved. (c) That the Capital Programme for 2025-26 to 2028-29 be noted. (d) That the Senior Leadership Team continue to evaluate the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2025-26 following receipt of the Provisional Local Government Settlement on 11 December 2024 and in light of any decisions of Cabinet or Council. (e) That all discretionary fees and charges in relation to Executive functions be increased by 5% for 2025-26, and that Cabinet recommends to Council that it increases all discretionary fees and charges as related to its functions by 5% for 2025-26. (f) That the reduction in uncommitted reserve balances over the MTFP 2025-26 to 2028-29 be noted, noting that some of the remaining uncommitted reserve balances will need to be appropriated to the General Fund working balance in accordance with the Strategy for Holding and Utilising Reserves. (g) That the report, amended as required by Cabinet, be referred to Council for their consideration on 12 December 2024. (h) That the report may be amended by the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, prior to consideration by Council.
Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Resources which outlined the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2025-26, and the Outline Draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2025-26 to 2028-29. Councillor Joshua Beynon, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, introduced the report and referred to a dual challenge in respect of the increasing demand for services, specifically within Social Care, and the current environment of financial constraints. He highlighted that the Aggregate External Finance (AEF) was not yet known from Welsh Government, but stated that early indications highlighted that it could be more positive than originally expected. He stated that there was a budget gap of around £34.1 million for 2025–2026, due to various factors, which included pay awards, savings, demands and inflation. He then outlined the ongoing pressures within Social Care and stated that it was not just a problem in Pembrokeshire, however, it was made worse due to the geographical position of the County. Councillor Beynon then referred to the Welsh Government settlement and explained that there would still need to be an element of either Council tax rises and/or service cuts. He also highlighted the challenges around housing and homelessness, mainly due to legislation. He went on to highlight the key features of the budget, as outlined in the report, and referenced the MTFP, service improvements and cuts, Social Care challenges, prevention work, budget savings, income generation, environmental sustainability, and engagement with Councillors and members of the public. Councillor Beynon then wished to emphasise that despite a potentially positive AEF settlement from Welsh Government, the Authority would still have a significant funding gap. He also referred to the use of Reserves and explained that it would limit any future investments, and believed it to be a short-term solution. Councillor Joshua Beynon Moved the Recommendation and amended point (e) as follows: That all discretionary fees and charges in relation to Executive functions be increased by 5% for 2025-26, and that Cabinet recommends to Council that it increases all discretionary fees and charges as related to its functions by 5% for 2025-26. The Director of Resources referred to the projected funding gap and stated that it was the equivalent of an 11.2% spending increase, which was said to be based on AEF assumptions of plus 2%, which would generate £4.4 million for next year, but highlighted that the estimates could change. He then outlined the need to look at the longer term over the MTFP, what was likely in regards to future settlements, the findings of the recent Audit Wales Financial Sustainability report, Social Care demand pressures, the Prevention Agenda, and the potential use of Reserves. He stated that even if the AEF was better than the plus 2% that was envisaged, in order to bridge a funding gap of £34.1 million, significant increases in Council Tax and significant levels of budget savings would be required, in order to get to a balanced budget. The Director of Resources also stated that the budget consultation and budget modeller were available on the Council’s website, and encouraged members of the public to review and submit their comments. The Leader appreciated the detail around Reserves and commented that the amount of uncommitted Reserves was getting significantly lower. The Chief Executive then gave his overview of the budget and referred to the increasingly difficult financial position across the UK and in Pembrokeshire. He highlighted previous challenges, budget savings and cuts, the Vanguard methodology, the current recruitment freeze, the upcoming provisional settlement from Welsh Government on 11 December, service demand pressures mainly within Social Care, proposed savings measures, service provision, the impact on schools, and the Prevention Agenda. He stated that in considering the budget, Members and Officers needed to think deeply about setting the long-term agenda, and added that he was uncomfortable with using Reserves to balance the budget, and believed that the money should be used for the Preventative Agenda, as opposed to buying time and balancing the budget in the short-term. The Leader referred to meetings with Welsh Government Ministers and the Welsh Local Government Association, and stated that everything was being done to push Pembrokeshire’s case from the political side. He also agreed that the AEF settlement would possibly be better than anticipated, and referred to the upcoming budget seminar with Members, as well as the public consultation that was currently live. Councillor Tessa Hodgson commented on the demographics in Pembrokeshire and referred to the Welsh Government Distribution Sub Group and the reduction of an estimated £1.2 million in the base AEF, as it seemed to be at odds with the Authority’s Population Needs Assessment,in relation to the increasing demographic of the older population. She then questioned whether this element had been raised at any of the meetings with Welsh Government. The Director of Resources explained that the Welsh Government Distribution Sub Group reviewed this aspect annually, which included looking into the data used to populate that particular funding, which was relative to Wales as a whole. The Leader added that he had raised with Welsh Government how to retain the younger generation in Pembrokeshire, and linked this element with the Freeport and the economic benefits, such as well-paid jobs. Councillor Paul Miller referred to the sub group that decided how funding was allocated in Wales to each individual Local Authority, and wished to assure Members and the public that it was a cross-party group, including the Minister and the Civil Servants within the Finance function of Welsh Government, with the formula reviewed, tested and updated every year, in order to ensure an understanding of each of the individual Council's positions, and to therefore fund them appropriately. He believed it to be a fair and transparent process. He then thanked Councillor Beynon, the Director or Resources and the Finance Team for their work in pulling together the budget report, and referred to the potentially positive settlement from Welsh Government. He also referenced demand pressures and therefore the continuous pressure on the budget overall, but wished to reassure members of the public that he did not believe all the outlined savings measures would be carried out, or that the final budget position would be as poor as set out in the report. The Leader then highlighted that the final budget setting would be undertaken in February 2025, and stated that setting the budget was a full Council function. The Amended Recommendation was Seconded by the Leader. Councillor Miller then questioned whether the discretionary fees and charges would be included in the budget modelling, and that a complete comprehensive list of those fees and charges would be made available, prior to the opportunity to amend in February, if Members wished. In response, the Director of Resources explained that it was anticipated that the outlined Recommendation, in respect of the fees and charges decision that the Executive were responsible for, would be approved, and the amended Recommendation was to go to Council for Members to give approval on those that required Council approval. Councillor Miller accepted the rationale and believed that there would be an opportunity to amend the decision in February if necessary, and stated that he would still appreciate a breakdown of the fees and charges in the February budget report. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jon Harvey, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Tessa Hodgson, Neil Prior, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [8] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the updated Corporate and Financial Planning Timetable for 2025-26 be noted. (b) That the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2025-26, including Service Pressures and Proposed Budget Savings, and Outline Draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2025-26 to 2028-29 be approved. (c) That the Capital Programme for 2025-26 to 2028-29 be noted. (d) That the Senior Leadership Team continue to evaluate the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2025-26 following receipt of the Provisional Local Government Settlement on 11 December 2024 and in light of any decisions of Cabinet or Council. (e) That all discretionary fees and charges in relation to Executive functions be increased by 5% for 2025-26, and that Cabinet recommends to Council that it increases all discretionary fees and charges as related to its functions by 5% for 2025-26. (f) That the reduction in uncommitted reserve balances over the MTFP 2025-26 to 2028-29 be noted, noting that some of the remaining uncommitted reserve balances will need to be appropriated to the General Fund working balance in accordance with the Strategy for Holding and Utilising Reserves. (g) That the report, amended as required by Cabinet, be referred to Council for their consideration on 12 December 2024. (h) That the report may be amended by the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, prior to consideration by Council.
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RESOLVED (a) That the calculation of the Council Tax Base for the financial year 2025-26 be confirmed as 62,574.00 to be apportioned, as set out in paragraph 4.3 in the report. (b) That delegated authority be given to the Director of Resources, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, to amend and approve the Council Tax Base should the Long-Term Empty Properties Council Tax premium be amended by Council on 12 December 2024.
Cabinet considered a report by Director of Resources which outlined the Council Tax Base for 2025-26. Councillor Joshua Beynon, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, introduced the report and outlined what the Authority was required to provide and the deadlines, in respect of the Council Tax base and Aggregate Tax base. He also referred to the number of chargeable dwellings in each valuation band expressed at the Band ‘D’ equivalent. He added that the Second Homes Council Tax premium of 150% remained unchanged, however the rate for the long-term empty properties premium would be considered by Council on 12 December 2024. Councillor Joshua Beynon Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Michelle Bateman. The Director of Resources wished to clarify that on any report where Council Tax or Council Tax Premiums were discussed, it would be made clear that Council Tax Premiums were applied to the Council, Police and Crime Commissioner, and Town and Community Council elements of the Council Tax. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jon Harvey, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Tessa Hodgson, Neil Prior and Guy Woodham [7] There were no votes against or abstentions. [Councillor Jacob Williams was absent for the vote.] RESOLVED (a) That the calculation of the Council Tax Base for the financial year 2025-26 be confirmed as 62,574.00 to be apportioned, as set out in paragraph 4.3 in the report. (b) That delegated authority be given to the Director of Resources, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, to amend and approve the Council Tax Base should the Long-Term Empty Properties Council Tax premium be amended by Council on 12 December 2024.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the following be recommended to Council: (a) The Pembrokeshire Standard Rents be increased by 1.74% plus up to £2 per individual rent that is currently below Standard Rent Rents to be collected over 48 weeks, with effect for all existing tenancies from the 1st July 2025, and for all new tenancies from the 1st April 2025. (b) That garage rents be increased by 2.7%, to be collected over 48 weeks, with effect from 1 April 2025. (c) For tenanted properties that have been improved to the highest possible energy rating of EPC A or B, the rent for the property will increase until the Standard Rent for new or retrofit rent levels is achieved. This will be agreed in each circumstance dependent on the energy efficiency of the property by the relevant cabinet member and Head of Service prior to its implementation. (d) That the report be adopted as Cabinet’s recommendation to Council on the 12 December 2024 for rent increases for 2025 - 2026.
Cabinet considered a joint report by the Director of Social Care and Housing and the Director of Resources, which outlined the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Rent and Service Charges Setting Options for 2025-2026. Councillor Michelle Bateman, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing, introduced the report and stated that the five-year Rent Standard that came into effect in 2020, continued to be in place, whilst Welsh Government established a new Rent Standard. She added that the Authority had relayed the concerns about the overall rental income cap, and stated that Officers from Pembrokeshire were now involved in the Working Groups that were feeding into that review. She highlighted that there were still variances in rent levels, however the number was reducing. She outlined the available options, as listed in the report, and explained that the options had been reviewed by the HRA Working Group and the Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee, where Option 1 was unanimously supported. Councillor Michelle Bateman Moved the Recommendation and Option 1, as follows: That the Pembrokeshire Standard Rents be increased by 1.74% plus up to £2 per individual rent that is currently below Standard Rent. Seconded by Councillor Tessa Hodgson. The Leader stated that he was a Member of the HRA Working Group and that the matter was discussed at length, and suggested that the support for Option 1 should be recognised moving forward. Councillor Paul Miller stated that he was happy to accept the recommendations of the Working Group and stated his support for Option 1, in order to move people to a more equal rent. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jon Harvey, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Tessa Hodgson, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [7] There were no votes against or abstentions. [Having previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item, Councillor Neil Prior did not take part in the vote.] RESOLVED That the following be recommended to Council: (a) The Pembrokeshire Standard Rents be increased by 1.74% plus up to £2 per individual rent that is currently below Standard Rent Rents to be collected over 48 weeks, with effect for all existing tenancies from the 1st July 2025, and for all new tenancies from the 1st April 2025. (b) That garage rents be increased by 2.7%, to be collected over 48 weeks, with effect from 1 April 2025. (c) For tenanted properties that have been improved to the highest possible energy rating of EPC A or B, the rent for the property will increase until the Standard Rent for new or retrofit rent levels is achieved. This will be agreed in each circumstance dependent on the energy efficiency of the property by the relevant cabinet member and Head of Service prior to its implementation. (d) That the report be adopted as Cabinet’s recommendation to Council on the 12 December 2024 for rent increases for 2025 - 2026.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That the letter from the Food Standards Agency, dated 10 November 2023, and the Agency’s concerns, be noted. (b) That the conclusions of the Food Standards Agency’s audit letter and associated action plan, dated 30 May 2024, be noted. (c) That the measures in place/proposed to re-establish a sustainable food law enforcement service and the ongoing use of agency staff, to the extent indicated in the report, pending service realignment with the Food Law Code of Practice, be noted and endorsed. (d) That the recovery plan and timetable be endorsed, while noting the assumptions on which this is based and ongoing risks and consequences.
Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Social Care and Housing which outlined the Recovery Plan of Food Law Enforcement Services. Councillor Jacob Williams, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Planning and Regulatory Services, introduced the report and referred to recruitment and retention issues in the Authority’s Public Protection Service, particularly in the Food Law Enforcement and the Trading Standards Teams. He highlighted that a workforce strategy had been developed to help address factors impacting such issues, and to identify where there was scope for greater investment to re-establish an adequate and sustainable workforce. He then referenced the Food Standards Agency Audit, support from Agency Staff, inspections, projections and proposals for realigning with the Food Law Code of Practice, as well as the risks and consequences, as outlined in the report. He added that the recovery plan and timetable was offered as the most realistic achievable option at this time, having regard to service capacity, resource, availability, and the breadth of requirements to be met. Councillor Jacob Williams Moved the Recommendation with the reference to the Appendices to be removed; Seconded by Councillor Michelle Bateman. The Head of Housing and Public Protection wished to provide reassurance that despite the challenges that the Service was facing, a risk mitigation approach was being taken, in terms of prioritising the highest risk premises. She added that a significant amount of work had been done to develop the workforce plan and highlighted the importance of recruiting suitably qualified staff into the vacant roles. The Leader stated that the recovery plan was essential, as food safety was vitally important. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jon Harvey, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Tessa Hodgson, Neil Prior, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [8] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the letter from the Food Standards Agency, dated 10 November 2023, and the Agency’s concerns, be noted. (b) That the conclusions of the Food Standards Agency’s audit letter and associated action plan, dated 30 May 2024, be noted. (c) That the measures in place/proposed to re-establish a sustainable food law enforcement service and the ongoing use of agency staff, to the extent indicated in the report, pending service realignment with the Food Law Code of Practice, be noted and endorsed. (d) That the recovery plan and timetable be endorsed, while noting the assumptions on which this is based and ongoing risks and consequences.
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