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RESOLVED That the proposal of a public consultation requirement for changes to Opening Hours in Leisure and Library Services be supported, but that Officers be allowed to determine the most appropriate duration and approach for such consultation on a case-by-case basis.
RESOLVED That Option 1 be approved – to agree to a Community Asset Transfer of the area of land for a term of 20 years to Hubberston and Hakin Hands Together.
RESOLVED That the content of the report and the commitment to working towards the delivery of the policy be noted.
RESOLVED That the schedule of information be noted and that six monthly updates continue to be reported to Cabinet.
RESOLVED That Cabinet: (a) Withdraws the delegation of functions from the Swansea Bay City Deal and delegates those functions to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee. (b) Recommends to Council its agreement to abolish the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee. (c) Notes that Council approval will be sought to remove the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee and to delegate the overview and scrutiny function of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee. (d) Approves the subsuming of the Economic Strategy Board of the Swansea Bay City Deal into the newly established Private Sector Advisory Board for the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee given that is has common membership. (e) Grants delegated authority to the Head of Law and Governance to amend the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee Agreement to reflect the approvals granted by this report, subject to Pembrokeshire Council, Swansea Council and Carmarthenshire Council agreeing the same. (f) Notes that the decision taken by this Council will need to be ratified by the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee prior to its implementation.
RESOLVED (a) That the Strategic Equality Plan Annual Report 2024-25 be approved. (b) That a separate equality annual report be used to meet reporting requirements in future years rather than relying on reporting through the annual self-assessment report.
RESOLVED (a) That the fees for Highway Development Control Charging, as set out in Option A to be implemented from 1st January 2026, be approved. (b) That the fees for Stopping-Up Orders and Section 38 paperwork, as set out in Table 3 to be implemented from 1st January 2026, be approved.
RESOLVED (a) That Option 1, where the total scheme value for Construction of £2,629,638 be added to the Capital Programme over the financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27 with Welsh Government funding of £2,235,192, be supported. The Authority will continue to support the scheme delivery through providing the 15% match funding requirement to the value of £394,446 over the two financial years, and award the construction contract. (b) That if a 2026-27 Expression of Interest is deemed required by Welsh Government, the approval of the grant submission to the Welsh Government be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place.
RESOLVED (a) That the update be noted. (b) That the invitation and evaluation of tenders for the required construction works be approved and that subsequent award of the contract be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place.
RESOLVED (a) That option 2 and the invitation and evaluation of tenders to establish a single supplier framework for the Supply and Application of Surface Dressing binder for use by Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Gwynedd County Councils, be approved. (b) That the award of the framework be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place. (c) That the award of call-off contracts under the framework, which would otherwise be matters for the relevant Individual Cabinet Member or Cabinet, be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place.
RESOLVED That the performance information in the Corporate Scorecard (data at September 2025) and Social Care Scorecard (data at August or September 2025) be noted.
RESOLVED (a) That the Budget Monitoring Report (revenue, revenue rolling budget, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) allocation, capital, capital re-profile and capital scheme updates, reserves, budget savings, revenue collections, treasury management and 2026-27 to 2028-29 Medium Term Financial Plan update) for Quarter 2 2025-26 be approved. (b) That the Budget Virements presented within the report be approved.
RESOLVED That the Council’s Corporate Risk Register, at the end of September 2025, be noted.
RESOLVED (a) That the updated Corporate and Financial Planning Timetable for 2026-27 be noted. (b) That the current position of the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2026-27, including Service Pressures and Proposed Budget Savings, and Outline Draft Medium Term Financial Plan 2026-27 to 2028-29 be noted. (c) That the modelling work on the affordability of the capital programme be noted and the continuation of the Capital Financing Cost to Net Revenue Budget cap of 5.3% be endorsed. That the Capital Programme for 2026-27 to 2029-30 be noted. (d) That the Senior Leadership Team continue to evaluate the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2026-27 in light of any decisions of Cabinet or Council. (e) That all discretionary fees and charges related to Cabinet and Council functions are increased by 3.8% for 2026-27, unless an alternative option has been included in the budget savings proposals or a separate report to Cabinet or Council. (f) That the reduction in uncommitted reserve balances over the Medium Term Financial Plan 2026-27 to 2028-29 be noted, acknowledging 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 Cabinet responds to both consultations and delegates responsibility to the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance & Efficiencies for formally responding to Welsh Government. (h) That the report, amended as required by Cabinet, be referred to Council for their consideration on 11 December 2025. (i) That this report may be amended by the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance & Efficiencies, prior to consideration by Council.
RESOLVED That the calculation of the Council Tax Base for the financial year 2026-27 be confirmed as 62,581.12 and be apportioned as set out in paragraph 4.3 of the report.
RESOLVED (a) That proposals be sought to implement the Pride in Place Impact Fund (PiPIF) across Pembrokeshire. (b) That proposals for use of the PiPIF be selected from submitted suggestions by a panel to include the County’s Members of Parliament, Senedd Members, the Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, Climate Change and Rural Affairs, and the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place. (c) That decisions on the formal approval or rejection of applications and the award of PiPIF grants be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place. (d) That a Pembrokeshire PiPIF Subsidy Scheme be notified under the Subsidy Control Act 2022. (e) That the application process be reviewed following commitment of the 2025-26 allocation and any identified improvements adopted for 2026-27. (f) That six-monthly updates on the implementation of the PiPIF be provided to Cabinet.
RESOLVED That the Council’s Performance Management Framework be approved.
RESOLVED That it be recommended to Council that: (a) The Pembrokeshire Standard Rents be increased by 3.6% plus up to £2.55 per individual rent that is currently below Standard Rent, AND (b) A 4.3% rent increase plus up to £5.00 per individual rent that is currently below Standard Rent (This being the preferred rent option subject to Welsh Government agreement). Rents to be collected over 48 weeks, with effect for all existing tenancies from the 1st July 2026, and for all new tenancies from the 1st April 2026. (c) Garage rents be increased by 4.3%, to be collected over 48 weeks, with effect from 1 April 2026. (d) For tenanted properties 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/improved homes 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. (e) The report be adopted as the Cabinet’s recommendation to Council on the 11 December 2025 for rent increases and Housing Revenue Account Estimates for 2026 - 2027. (f) This report may be amended by the Director of Resources or Head of Housing & Public Protection, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, prior to consideration by Council.
The following declaration was made: Items 4 and 14 – Notice of Motion relating to Consultation period for opening hours of Leisure Centres and Libraries / Corporate Scorecard to Quarter 2: September 2025 Councillor Marc Tierney declared a personal interest by virtue of being the Chair of The Friends of Narberth Library.
The Leader Moved the Minutes; Seconded by Councillor Marc Tierney. The vote was taken by way of a show of hands and carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Cabinet Meeting held on 3 November 2025 be approved as a correct record.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the proposal of a public consultation requirement for changes to Opening Hours in Leisure and Library Services be supported, but that Officers be allowed to determine the most appropriate duration and approach for such consultation on a case-by-case basis.
Cabinet considered a report by the Head of Culture, Leisure and School Modernisation which outlined the Notice of Motion (NOM) submitted by Councillor Rhys Jordan to Council on 9 October 2025, relating to a Consultation period for opening hours of Leisure Centres and Libraries. The Notice of Motion was submitted as follows: Pembrokeshire County Council resolves that any proposed changes to the opening hours of Leisure Centres and Libraries must be subject to a minimum six-week consultation period with staff and service users before implementation. The Leader announced that an email had been received from Councillor Rhys Jordan, the originator of the Motion, who stated that he was happy with the proposed Recommendation. In response to the NOM, Councillor Rhys Sinnett, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Residents’ Services, stated that he recommended Option 3 to Cabinet, which supported public consultation on changes to opening hours but allowed Officers to determine the duration and approach on a case-by-case basis. He added that this approach balanced the intent of the Notice of Motion with operational flexibility, enabling timely decisions where changes were minor or related to staffing challenges. Councillor Rhys Sinnett Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Alistair Cameron. Councillor Marc Tierney supported the Recommendation and referred to the fact that engagement with the public was really important. The Leader agreed that public consultations were 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, Alistair Cameron, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [8] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That the proposal of a public consultation requirement for changes to Opening Hours in Leisure and Library Services be supported, but that Officers be allowed to determine the most appropriate duration and approach for such consultation on a case-by-case basis.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That Option 1 be approved – to agree to a Community Asset Transfer of the area of land for a term of 20 years to Hubberston and Hakin Hands Together.
Cabinet considered a report by the Operational and Strategic Estate Manager / Chartered Surveyor which outlined a Community Asset Transfer in relation to a parcel of land at Rectory Avenue, Hakin. Councillor Paul Miller, the Deputy Leader, introduced the report and stated that the parcel of land was located centrally between Hakin and Hubberston, adjacent to the church. He added that the site was deemed suitable for transfer, and the organisation involved had secured funding and equipment to maintain the land as outlined in the report. Councillor Paul Miller Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by the Leader. The Leader supported the transfer and stated that it would be a positive approach to get involved with more transfers moving forward. 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, Alistair Cameron, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [8] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That Option 1 be approved – to agree to a Community Asset Transfer of the area of land for a term of 20 years to Hubberston and Hakin Hands Together.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the content of the report and the commitment to working towards the delivery of the policy be noted.
[At this juncture, Councillor Tessa Hodgson joined the meeting in person.] Cabinet considered a report by the Head of Property and Construction which outlined the progress update of the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Process. Councillor Paul Miller, the Deputy Leader, introduced the report and stated that it was a straightforward report that outlined a broader overview of the CAT process. Councillor Paul Miller Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by the Leader. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the content of the report and the commitment to working towards the delivery of the policy be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the schedule of information be noted and that six monthly updates continue to be reported to Cabinet.
Cabinet considered a report by the Head of Property and Construction which outlined acquisitions and disposals in excess of £100,000 which had completed between 1 April 2025 and 31 October 2025. Councillor Paul Miller, the Deputy Leader, introduced the report and noted that all of the acquisitions related to Housing Revenue Account (HRA) property purchases for social rent, and the one disposal related to Units 9 and 10 at Waterloo Industrial Estate. Councillor Paul Miller Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Michelle Bateman. Councillor Michelle Bateman wished to note that all acquisitions related to the HRA as part of the wider acquisitions programme, which complemented the Housing Development Programme and other measures to increase housing supply across Pembrokeshire. She added that significant grant funding, including Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme (TACP) and Social Housing Grant, had supported these purchases and new developments. Councillor Alistair Cameron stated that this was positive news that all the listed properties had been acquired, despite quite serious housing situations. He then congratulated all the Officers involved. The Leader noted the significant role of grant funding, including TACP grants, in supporting acquisitions. He also acknowledged that while acquisitions helped progress housing supply without impacting marine nitrate issues, continued development by the Council and housing association partners remained essential to meet housing needs across the County. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the schedule of information be noted and that six monthly updates continue to be reported to Cabinet.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That Cabinet: (a) Withdraws the delegation of functions from the Swansea Bay City Deal and delegates those functions to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee. (b) Recommends to Council its agreement to abolish the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee. (c) Notes that Council approval will be sought to remove the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee and to delegate the overview and scrutiny function of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee. (d) Approves the subsuming of the Economic Strategy Board of the Swansea Bay City Deal into the newly established Private Sector Advisory Board for the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee given that is has common membership. (e) Grants delegated authority to the Head of Law and Governance to amend the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee Agreement to reflect the approvals granted by this report, subject to Pembrokeshire Council, Swansea Council and Carmarthenshire Council agreeing the same. (f) Notes that the decision taken by this Council will need to be ratified by the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee prior to its implementation.
Cabinet considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place which outlined an update on a recent review of the Swansea Bay City Deal support and governance arrangements, as well as to seek agreement to delegate the future decision making of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee. The Leader, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Matters, introduced the report and stated that the Swansea Bay City Deal was a £1.3 billion regional investment programme spanning 15 years across Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea. He stated that due to the unsustainable funding model for the Programme Management Office and duplication of governance with the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC), the following changes were proposed: • Delegating decision-making and scrutiny functions to the South West Wales CJC; • Incorporating the Programme Management Office into the CJC; • Subsuming the Economic Strategy Board into the CJC’s Private Sector Advisory Board; • Amending the Joint Committee Agreement accordingly. He explained that the proposals aimed to streamline governance, reduce duplication, and ensure continued delivery of economic benefits. He added that final approval would require agreement by all partner Authorities. The Leader Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Alistair Cameron. Councillor Rhys Sinnett expressed support for the proposed approach, noting that it addressed concerns regarding excessive bureaucracy in regional working and funding processes. He emphasised that democratic involvement and oversight would be retained, and that the Council’s share of grant funding should remain proportionate to population size and local need. The Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place confirmed that the proposals would not dilute the Swansea Bay City Deal programme or its governance arrangements. He explained that existing protections, including quorum requirements and authority-specific representation, would remain in place. He added that the City Deal would continue for approximately eight years, transitioning from intensive delivery to monitoring and impact assessment. He then explained that the move to the South West Wales CJC reflected a natural progression, as the City Deal would likely have been incorporated under the CJC, had it been established earlier. Councillor Sinnett noted that reporting requirements would need to be clarified, and sought assurance that Members would retain access to relevant CJC documentation, and that democratic oversight would be maintained through representation and transparency. He believed this would enable Members to respond to queries regarding involvement in decision-making processes. The Leader stated that scrutiny and oversight were maintained, with Pembrokeshire representation on both the CJC and Swansea Bay City Deal scrutiny committees. He added that meetings were recorded and available for later viewing, and agendas were published, ensuring transparency and Member access to information. 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, Alistair Cameron, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [9] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That Cabinet: (a) Withdraws the delegation of functions from the Swansea Bay City Deal and delegates those functions to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee. (b) Recommends to Council its agreement to abolish the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee. (c) Notes that Council approval will be sought to remove the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee and to delegate the overview and scrutiny function of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee. (d) Approves the subsuming of the Economic Strategy Board of the Swansea Bay City Deal into the newly established Private Sector Advisory Board for the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee given that is has common membership. (e) Grants delegated authority to the Head of Law and Governance to amend the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee Agreement to reflect the approvals granted by this report, subject to Pembrokeshire Council, Swansea Council and Carmarthenshire Council agreeing the same. (f) Notes that the decision taken by this Council will need to be ratified by the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee prior to its implementation.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That the Strategic Equality Plan Annual Report 2024-25 be approved. (b) That a separate equality annual report be used to meet reporting requirements in future years rather than relying on reporting through the annual self-assessment report.
Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Education which outlined the Strategic Equality Plan Annual Report for 2024 to 2025. Councillor Guy Woodham, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Education and Welsh Language, introduced the report and stated that it highlighted progress against equality objectives, including successes such as closing the gender pay gap, advancing the Anti-Racist Action Plan, promoting inclusion in sport, and piloting integrated impact assessments. He added that the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee supported producing a standalone Equality Annual Report in future for greater transparency. Councillor Guy Woodham Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by the Leader. Councillor Marc Tierney welcomed the findings of the report, noting the importance of documenting progress and identifying areas for improvement, particularly around community cohesion and tackling child poverty. He referenced the recent removal of the two-child benefit cap, which would benefit approximately 1,180 households from April. He also congratulated the winners of the recent Sports Pembrokeshire Awards, recognising the achievements of young people across the County. The Leader also extended his congratulations to the winners of the recent Sports Pembrokeshire Awards. 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, Alistair Cameron, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [9] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the Strategic Equality Plan Annual Report 2024-25 be approved. (b) That a separate equality annual report be used to meet reporting requirements in future years rather than relying on reporting through the annual self-assessment report.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That the fees for Highway Development Control Charging, as set out in Option A to be implemented from 1st January 2026, be approved. (b) That the fees for Stopping-Up Orders and Section 38 paperwork, as set out in Table 3 to be implemented from 1st January 2026, be approved.
Cabinet considered a report by the Head of Transport and Environment which outlined proposed amendments to the Highway Development Control Charging Schedule. Councillor Rhys Sinnett, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Residents’ Services, introduced the report and stated that it sought approval to increase charges for non-statutory pre-application consultation requests provided by the County Highways Authority, as well as fees for stopping-up orders and Section 38 agreements. He stated that the current flat fee of £42 did not reflect the true cost of delivering this discretionary service, which varied significantly depending on the scale and complexity of applications. He explained that the proposed revised charging structure, benchmarked against other Authorities, aimed to achieve full cost recovery and support additional resources within the team. Councillor Rhys Sinnett Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by the Leader. Councillor Alistair Cameron supported the proposal, noting that as the service was discretionary, it was appropriate to charge the full cost given the challenging financial environment. The Leader noted that while the increase for minor applications (e.g., householders) from £42 to £170 was reasonable, it was important that applicants received a timely and satisfactory response for the fee paid. He also acknowledged that higher fees for major developments were proportionate given the scale and associated costs. 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, Alistair Cameron, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [9] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the fees for Highway Development Control Charging, as set out in Option A to be implemented from 1st January 2026, be approved. (b) That the fees for Stopping-Up Orders and Section 38 paperwork, as set out in Table 3 to be implemented from 1st January 2026, be approved.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That Option 1, where the total scheme value for Construction of £2,629,638 be added to the Capital Programme over the financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27 with Welsh Government funding of £2,235,192, be supported. The Authority will continue to support the scheme delivery through providing the 15% match funding requirement to the value of £394,446 over the two financial years, and award the construction contract. (b) That if a 2026-27 Expression of Interest is deemed required by Welsh Government, the approval of the grant submission to the Welsh Government be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place.
Cabinet considered a report by the Head of Transport and Environment which outlined the Havens Head and Lower Priory Flood Alleviation Scheme and the required increase in match funding, following a successful tender for the construction of the flood alleviation scheme. Councillor Rhys Sinnett, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Residents’ Services, introduced the report and stated that it sought approval for additional match funding of £140,000, bringing the Council’s total contribution to £394,446, to deliver the Flood Alleviation Scheme. He explained that the scheme, valued at £2,629,638, would be funded 85% by Welsh Government and 15% by the Council. He stated that following a revised tender process, five submissions were received, and adjustments to match funding had been made accordingly. He added that approval would enable the matter to return to Welsh Government for final sign-off, after which the tender can be awarded and work can commence across the current and next financial years. Councillor Rhys Sinnett Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Alistair Cameron. The Head of Transport and Environment explained that the additional recommendation related to Welsh Government’s annual grant process, as the current submission was based on the 2025 to 2026 expression of interest and may require resubmission next year. She stated that the scheme had been developed over several years in partnership with Milford Haven Port Authority, with initial minor works completed and further improvements identified through design and feasibility studies. The Leader expressed support for progressing the Flood Alleviation Scheme, noting that it had been in development for several years and would provide long-term benefits for residents who had experienced repeated flooding. He also acknowledged that recent severe weather highlighted the urgency in delivering the scheme. Councillor Guy Woodham reiterated support for the Flood Alleviation Scheme, noting that it had been under consideration for many years and welcomed the progress being made. 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, Alistair Cameron, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [9] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That Option 1, where the total scheme value for Construction of £2,629,638 be added to the Capital Programme over the financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27 with Welsh Government funding of £2,235,192, be supported. The Authority will continue to support the scheme delivery through providing the 15% match funding requirement to the value of £394,446 over the two financial years, and award the construction contract. (b) That if a 2026-27 Expression of Interest is deemed required by Welsh Government, the approval of the grant submission to the Welsh Government be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That the update be noted. (b) That the invitation and evaluation of tenders for the required construction works be approved and that subsequent award of the contract be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place.
Cabinet considered a report by the Head of Transport and Environment which outlined an update regarding the Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange (MHPTI). Councillor Paul Miller, the Deputy Leader, introduced the report and stated that the redevelopment, which would transform the site into a collegiate transport interchange with improved parking, linked to the town centre and waterfront, taxi and coach facilities, and realigned platforms to enable direct intercity services to London. He stated that advanced discussions were ongoing with Transport for Wales, the Department for Transport and Great Western Railway regarding service arrangements. He highlighted that approval was sought to invite and evaluate tenders for the works, with the project scheduled for completion by summer 2027. Councillor Paul Miller Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Rhys Sinnett. Councillor Sinnett endorsed the Deputy Leader’s comments, noting the importance of the redevelopment for improving connectivity. He stated that public consultation feedback was generally positive and highlighted that the scheme would significantly enhance the area’s appearance and improve links between Haven’s Head and the station, and expressed support for progressing the project without delay. The Leader stated his support for the redevelopment, highlighting its benefits for improving the area and enhancing rail connectivity, particularly through ongoing negotiations with Great Western Railway to increase direct services to London. He also noted that improved rail links, alongside digital and road connectivity, were essential for the County’s future growth. 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, Alistair Cameron, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [9] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the update be noted. (b) That the invitation and evaluation of tenders for the required construction works be approved and that subsequent award of the contract be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That option 2 and the invitation and evaluation of tenders to establish a single supplier framework for the Supply and Application of Surface Dressing binder for use by Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Gwynedd County Councils, be approved. (b) That the award of the framework be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place. (c) That the award of call-off contracts under the framework, which would otherwise be matters for the relevant Individual Cabinet Member or Cabinet, be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place.
Cabinet considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place which outlined the procurement for the Supply and Application of a Surface Dressing binder. Councillor Rhys Sinnett, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Residents’ Services, introduced the report and stated that it sought approval to invite and award a tender to establish a single-supplier framework for the supply and application of a surface dressing binder. He explained that the framework would run for four years due to the scale of the contract and would replace the current collaborative arrangement with Ceredigion and Gwynedd, which expires on 1 March 2026. He stated that continuing the collaborative approach provided service level guarantees, cost efficiencies, and a small financial rebate for managing the framework. Councillor Rhys Sinnett Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by the Leader. 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, Alistair Cameron, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [9] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That option 2 and the invitation and evaluation of tenders to establish a single supplier framework for the Supply and Application of Surface Dressing binder for use by Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Gwynedd County Councils, be approved. (b) That the award of the framework be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place. (c) That the award of call-off contracts under the framework, which would otherwise be matters for the relevant Individual Cabinet Member or Cabinet, be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the performance information in the Corporate Scorecard (data at September 2025) and Social Care Scorecard (data at August or September 2025) be noted.
Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Resources which outlinedperformance information in the Corporate Scorecard from 2025 to 2026 (data at September 2025) and the Social Services and Housing Directorate Scorecard (data up to August or September 2025). Councillor Alistair Cameron, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, introduced the report and stated that telephone answering times remained a concern, with November’s average at 30 minutes and six seconds. He stated that short-term measures were being implemented to improve call routing, alongside longer-term plans to invest in AI solutions. He added that Social Care performance was reported as encouraging, though demand pressures required ongoing monitoring and preventative measures. He also stated that environmental figures were not yet available; however, an increase in missed collection reports via the My Account system was expected, and that a dedicated waste and recycling disruptions webpage had been introduced to keep customers informed. Councillor Alistair Cameron Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by the Leader. The Chief Executive wished to comment that significant work was underway to transition further into the digital space to improve customer experience and responsiveness. However, he acknowledged that the benefits of this transformation were unlikely to be realised in the short term, with improvements expected by mid-2026. He added that the degradation in contact centre performance was attributed to savings measures introduced in 2025. In relation to waste collection, he acknowledged an increasing number of missed collections this year, but noted that additional capacity was being built into the service to address operational challenges. Councillor Tessa Hodgson echoed earlier comments regarding improvements in Adult Social Care, particularly the reduction in waiting times for assessments and significant progress in safeguarding. She stated that these improvements were attributed to a new team structure, better screening, and improved signposting at the front door. She then queried school attendance trends, noting that the graph provided in the report was unclear, and sought clarification on performance given ongoing challenges in returning to pre-Covid levels. In response, the Director of Education confirmed that attendance levels remained below pre-pandemic figures, and that Welsh Government data indicated that Pembrokeshire was typically ranked between 8th and 12th in Wales. He stated that primary schools were slightly above the Welsh average, while secondary schools were slightly below. He added that significant variation existed across the County, with some schools achieving very high attendance (for example, Scleddau Primary at 98.6%, and Wolfscastle Primary at just below 98%), but challenges remained in areas of greatest poverty and in later years of secondary education (Years 9–11), which would be a key focus for improvement. Councillor Cameron then thanked the Corporate Planning Manager for his work in compiling the report. Councillor Rhys Sinnett queried the anticipated benefits of using AI within the Council’s transformation agenda, particularly its potential impact on improving responsiveness and reducing contact centre waiting times. In response, the Director of Resources advised that a company called ICS had engaged with over 100 staff members to explore opportunities for AI integration across Council processes and services. He added that a report outlining initial recommendations was expected within the next few weeks, and that implementing AI would involve significant costs and would not deliver immediate results. He stated, however, that AI was anticipated to provide benefits across most services and processes to improve efficiency and responsiveness. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the performance information in the Corporate Scorecard (data at September 2025) and Social Care Scorecard (data at August or September 2025) be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That the Budget Monitoring Report (revenue, revenue rolling budget, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) allocation, capital, capital re-profile and capital scheme updates, reserves, budget savings, revenue collections, treasury management and 2026-27 to 2028-29 Medium Term Financial Plan update) for Quarter 2 2025-26 be approved. (b) That the Budget Virements presented within the report be approved.
Cabinet considered a report by the Head of Finance and Revenue Services which outlinedthe County Council Budget Quarter 2 Monitoring Report for 2025 to 2026. Councillor Alistair Cameron, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, introduced the report and stated that the forecast underspend had reduced from £2 million in Quarter 1 to £1 million, which remained positive compared to previous years when significant overspends were reported at this stage. He also acknowledged the hard work of staff in achieving this position. He went on to outline key points, which included increased demand in Additional Learning Needs and Social Care services, some schools projecting deficit budgets, increased employer National Insurance costs, National Joint Council and Teacher Pay Awards above budget assumptions, slippage in the Capital Programme, reduction in the overall Capital Programme, appeals against property reclassification, £4.8 million of approved Accelerated Change Programme bids, and £18.6 million of savings agreed for 2025 to 2026. He also noted that while the current year position was positive, the projected budget gap of £17.7 million for 2026 to 2027 remained a significant challenge. Councillor Alistair Cameron Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Rhys Sinnett. 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, Alistair Cameron, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney, Jacob Williams and Guy Woodham [9] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the Budget Monitoring Report (revenue, revenue rolling budget, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) allocation, capital, capital re-profile and capital scheme updates, reserves, budget savings, revenue collections, treasury management and 2026-27 to 2028-29 Medium Term Financial Plan update) for Quarter 2 2025-26 be approved. (b) That the Budget Virements presented within the report be approved.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Council’s Corporate Risk Register, at the end of September 2025, be noted.
Cabinet considered a joint report by the Director of Resources (Risk Champion) and that Chief Audit, Risk and Information Officer which outlined the Council’s Corporate Risk Register as at the end of the September 2025 financial year. Councillor Alistair Cameron, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, introduced the report and stated that the Register was reviewed monthly to monitor current and emerging risks in line with the Council’s wellbeing objectives, and to identify opportunities. He stated that since the last report to Cabinet and the Governance and Audit Committee, two risks (Capital financing costs and supply and market failure) had been de-escalated to the Resources Directorate Risk Register due to effective mitigation measures, though they would continue to be monitored. He added that the most significant ongoing risk remained nutrient neutrality, alongside key risks in Social Care relating to child welfare, safety, and cost pressures, and the financial stability of the Council. Opportunities were also noted, particularly the potential use of IT and AI to improve efficiency and address future challenges. Councillor Alistair Cameron Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by the Leader. Councillor Cameron then thanked the Chief Audit, Risk and Information Officer for his work in putting together the Register and presenting it to various Committees. The Leader noted the importance of the Corporate Risk Register in highlighting key risks, and acknowledged that nutrient neutrality remained a significant risk, and that Officers were working hard to identify ways forward to enable determination of planning applications currently in the system. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Council’s Corporate Risk Register, at the end of September 2025, be noted.
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RESOLVED (a) That the updated Corporate and Financial Planning Timetable for 2026-27 be noted. (b) That the current position of the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2026-27, including Service Pressures and Proposed Budget Savings, and Outline Draft Medium Term Financial Plan 2026-27 to 2028-29 be noted. (c) That the modelling work on the affordability of the capital programme be noted and the continuation of the Capital Financing Cost to Net Revenue Budget cap of 5.3% be endorsed. That the Capital Programme for 2026-27 to 2029-30 be noted. (d) That the Senior Leadership Team continue to evaluate the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2026-27 in light of any decisions of Cabinet or Council. (e) That all discretionary fees and charges related to Cabinet and Council functions are increased by 3.8% for 2026-27, unless an alternative option has been included in the budget savings proposals or a separate report to Cabinet or Council. (f) That the reduction in uncommitted reserve balances over the Medium Term Financial Plan 2026-27 to 2028-29 be noted, acknowledging 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 Cabinet responds to both consultations and delegates responsibility to the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance & Efficiencies for formally responding to Welsh Government. (h) That the report, amended as required by Cabinet, be referred to Council for their consideration on 11 December 2025. (i) That this report may be amended by the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance & Efficiencies, prior to consideration by Council.
Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Resources which outlined the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2026 to 2027 and the Outline Draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2026 to 2027 and 2028 to 2029. Councillor Alistair Cameron, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, introduced the report and stated that key factors contributing to the gap included underfunded employer National Insurance contributions increase, service demand pressures and Social Care pressures. He added that offsetting factors included: • £1 million from Consumer Price Index linked charge increases (3.8%). • £0.8 million savings in Capital financing costs. • £5.5 million from a 2.3% increase in Aggregate External Finance (AEF) funding, though below inflation. • £3.7 million reduction in pension contributions following a fund review. Councillor Cameron noted that some Reserves provided a contingency for overspends, but investment in transformation initiatives, including digital and AI, was essential to maintain service quality for Pembrokeshire residents. He stated that Public Consultation on the budget began last week, including a Facebook Live event with Senior Officers, and encouraged Councillors to attend the Budget seminar scheduled for later in the week. He expressed concern regarding the adequacy of the Welsh Government’s 2.3% AEF increase, which was below inflation and among the lowest in Wales, particularly given the challenges of delivering statutory services in rural areas and an ageing population. In order to address the funding gap, Councillor Cameron referred to options such as additional savings (departments asked to model 5% reductions), Council tax increases (1% = £0.908 million), and the use of Reserves, noting commitments against future expenditure and transformation initiatives. He also acknowledged the significant challenge posed by the funding gap and thanked Officers for their work in managing the current year’s position. Councillor Alistair Cameron Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Rhys Sinnett. Councillor Sinnett expressed concern regarding the proposed 2.3% uplift in AEF and queried whether additional funding might be forthcoming from Welsh Government. He noted that while reports suggested a potential surplus within Welsh Government, much of this may be absorbed by pay awards and inflationary pressures, and sought the Leader’s view on likely outcomes based on recent discussions and meetings. In response, the Leader reiterated concerns regarding the proposed 2.3% uplift, noting that this placed Pembrokeshire at the funding floor alongside other rural Authorities. He also highlighted the need for a review of the funding formula to reflect the additional costs of delivering statutory services in rural areas, and the impact of an ageing population.The Leader then confirmed that strong representations had been made to Welsh Government through the Welsh Local Government Association Executive Board and directly to Ministers, including the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government. He stated that while the settlement remained in draft form, he expressed hope for a modest improvement, potentially to 3–3.5%, though this would still fall short of the level originally sought (6–7%). He noted that any shortfall in funding would increase pressure on Council Tax and service delivery, and emphasised the importance of responding to the consultation in the strongest possible terms, stating that 2.3% was insufficient. He suggested that Cabinet consider indicating an appropriate level in its response to Welsh Government. Councillor Marc Tierney raised a query regarding the 4% increase in the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority levy compared to the 2.3% AEF uplift, noting the resulting budgetary imbalance. He asked what engagement the Council can have with the Fire Authority to understand its cost pressures, efficiency measures, and whether it was adopting similar spending precautions to those being applied by the Council. He then requested an update on current and planned liaison, including any opportunities for cost control or phasing. In response, Councillor Cameron stated that a seminar open to all Councillors was held last Friday with representatives of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority. He explained that Members queried the Authority’s levy increase and its budget approach, and it was noted that, unlike Police Authorities and Town and Community Councils, the Fire Authority sets a consolidated levy rather than a separate precept; its budget was scrutinised and set by County Councillors serving on the Authority. He also acknowledged that, given the wider financial pressures, the Fire Service, like the Council, would also need to review its spending and efficiency measures. The Director of Resources confirmed that under legislation, the Fire Authority was a levying body and the Council was required to pay the amount levied. He stated that although funding was received from Welsh Government through the AEF towards the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority Levy, this falls short of the actual levy, creating an initial budget pressure. He added that any shortfall must be met through a Council Tax increase or savings within Council services. Councillor Rhys Sinnett requested background information on the percentage levied by the Fire Service over the past four to five years to assess trends and the impact on Pembrokeshire residents, as he noted that the levy for the next financial year was expected to be 4%. He also sought clarification as to whether the Police and Crime Commissioner operated under a similar levying process and, if so, what influence the Council may have in that regard. In response, the Director of Resources confirmed that the Fire and Rescue Authority was a levying body, and that the Council collects Council Tax on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Town and Community Councils and transfers the funds accordingly. He suggested that it may be simpler if the Fire and Rescue Authority operated as a precepting body in the same way as the Police and Crime Commissioner. Councillor Sinnett then requested comparative data on Fire Service levies and Police and Crime Commissioner precepts, and acknowledged that, while the processes differed, both resulted in costs to residents. He noted the importance of understanding these figures to assess whether the services provided were commensurate with the amounts levied or precepted. He also suggested that although direct influence was limited, Members serving on such bodies be reminded of the wider corporate impact of their decisions on the County. [Councillor Jacob Williams left the meeting at this juncture.] Councillor Paul Miller referred to Recommendation B and suggested that the wording be amended to ‘note the current position and refer to Council for consideration’. He acknowledged that significant uncertainties remained, including the Welsh Government settlement, and that further work was required to identify efficiencies before the budget was set in February. He then referred to the reduced requirement for pension fund contributions due to the current surplus, with a request to ensure this reduction was appropriately applied and explored further for the coming year. He also discussed the funding formula, noting that while concerns were often raised about its impact, the formula was based on factors such as population and demographics, and suggested that the focus should be on understanding these fundamentals and addressing underlying trends within Pembrokeshire. Finally, in relation to Recommendation E on discretionary fees and charges, he requested that flexibility be retained to avoid issues experienced previously with uniform percentage increases, such as minor changes to library printing costs. The Leader agreed that the wording should be amended to reflect that the current position on the draft budget and associated matters be noted rather than considered. In regards to Recommendation E on discretionary fees and charges, the Director of Resources stated that while the recommendation references a 3.8% increase, it also included alternative options to allow flexibility. He stated that this would accommodate situations such as applying a single larger increase over a longer period for specific charges, rather than implementing small annual increases. The Head of Law and Governance highlighted that fees and charges relating to Council functions must be approved by Council. Accordingly, Recommendation E may need to be amended to reflect this requirement. 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, Alistair Cameron, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney and Guy Woodham [8] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the updated Corporate and Financial Planning Timetable for 2026-27 be noted. (b) That the current position of the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2026-27, including Service Pressures and Proposed Budget Savings, and Outline Draft Medium Term Financial Plan 2026-27 to 2028-29 be noted. (c) That the modelling work on the affordability of the capital programme be noted and the continuation of the Capital Financing Cost to Net Revenue Budget cap of 5.3% be endorsed. That the Capital Programme for 2026-27 to 2029-30 be noted. (d) That the Senior Leadership Team continue to evaluate the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2026-27 in light of any decisions of Cabinet or Council. (e) That all discretionary fees and charges related to Cabinet and Council functions are increased by 3.8% for 2026-27, unless an alternative option has been included in the budget savings proposals or a separate report to Cabinet or Council. (f) That the reduction in uncommitted reserve balances over the Medium Term Financial Plan 2026-27 to 2028-29 be noted, acknowledging 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 Cabinet responds to both consultations and delegates responsibility to the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance & Efficiencies for formally responding to Welsh Government. (h) That the report, amended as required by Cabinet, be referred to Council for their consideration on 11 December 2025. (i) That this report may be amended by the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance & Efficiencies, prior to consideration by Council.
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RESOLVED That the calculation of the Council Tax Base for the financial year 2026-27 be confirmed as 62,581.12 and be apportioned as set out in paragraph 4.3 of the report.
[Councillor Guy Woodham left the meeting at this juncture.] Cabinet considered a report by the Director or Resources which outlined the setting of the Council Tax Base for 2026 to 2027. Councillor Alistair Cameron, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, introduced the report and stated that the Council must provide a provisional Council Tax Base to Welsh Government by 14 November and a certified final copy by 9 January, and notify major precepting Authorities by the end of December. He explained that the tax base, calculated using property bands, exemptions, new properties, and a proposed collection rate of 98.5%, was set at 57,004.49 for budget purposes, with premiums for second homes (4,543.04) and long-term empty properties (1,033.59), giving an aggregate of 62,581.12. He added that the decrease from 2025 to 2026 reflected a reduced Second Homes Premium and fewer empty properties, offset by a higher collection rate. He stated that the decrease from 2025 to 2026 was primarily due to the Second Homes Premium reducing from 150% to 125% and fewer long-term empty properties, offset by an increased collection rate. He added that a cautious approach had been adopted, acknowledging potential movement of some properties, mainly self-catering units, back to non-domestic rates following resolution of valuation appeals. Councillor Alistair Cameron Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by the Leader. 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, Alistair Cameron, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett and Marc Tierney [7] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That the calculation of the Council Tax Base for the financial year 2026-27 be confirmed as 62,581.12 and be apportioned as set out in paragraph 4.3 of the report.
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RESOLVED (a) That proposals be sought to implement the Pride in Place Impact Fund (PiPIF) across Pembrokeshire. (b) That proposals for use of the PiPIF be selected from submitted suggestions by a panel to include the County’s Members of Parliament, Senedd Members, the Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, Climate Change and Rural Affairs, and the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place. (c) That decisions on the formal approval or rejection of applications and the award of PiPIF grants be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place. (d) That a Pembrokeshire PiPIF Subsidy Scheme be notified under the Subsidy Control Act 2022. (e) That the application process be reviewed following commitment of the 2025-26 allocation and any identified improvements adopted for 2026-27. (f) That six-monthly updates on the implementation of the PiPIF be provided to Cabinet.
Cabinet considered a report by the Director or Resources which outlined the Pride in Place Programme and the Pride in Place Impact Fund (PiPIF). Councillor Paul Miller, the Deputy Leader, introduced the report and stated that the Pride in Place Programme and Impact Fund was a UK Government initiative, allocating £750,000 to Pembrokeshire for 2025 to 2026 and the same for 2026 to 2027. He explained that the fund aimed to support small, visible improvements to community spaces, public areas, and town centres. He added that a two-stage process would be adopted: first, inviting ideas from the public via an accessible online mechanism, and second, assessing feasibility and delivery. He stated that a panel comprising of local Members of Parliament, Members of the Senedd, the Leader, and the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place would prioritise proposals to ensure County-wide benefit. He concluded by stating that the UK Government required the current year’s funding to be committed by March 2026, with an aspiration to open submissions before Christmas. Councillor Paul Miller Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by the Leader. The Leader noted that while the allocation of £750,000 per annum under the Pride in Place Programme was modest, it could deliver significant community benefits through smaller projects. He stressed the importance of committing funds promptly while ensuring robust governance and due diligence, and believed that the recommendations provided an appropriate framework to achieve this. Councillor Rhys Sinnett highlighted the importance of reducing unnecessary bureaucracy in the grant application process, while maintaining robust governance and due diligence. He noted that this approach would encourage smaller community groups to participate and enable timely allocation of funds. The Leader reiterated the importance of streamlining the process to reduce paperwork and make it accessible for community groups, as excessive bureaucracy often deterred smaller organisations from applying for funding. Councillor Miller emphasised the need to make the process as streamlined as possible, and stated that the two-stage approach was highlighted as a way to enable individuals and groups to submit proposals without being deterred by bureaucracy. He stated that this approach aimed to ensure accessibility while meeting statutory requirements for procurement and accountability. 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, Alistair Cameron, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett and Marc Tierney [7] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That proposals be sought to implement the Pride in Place Impact Fund (PiPIF) across Pembrokeshire. (b) That proposals for use of the PiPIF be selected from submitted suggestions by a panel to include the County’s Members of Parliament, Senedd Members, the Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, Climate Change and Rural Affairs, and the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place. (c) That decisions on the formal approval or rejection of applications and the award of PiPIF grants be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Place. (d) That a Pembrokeshire PiPIF Subsidy Scheme be notified under the Subsidy Control Act 2022. (e) That the application process be reviewed following commitment of the 2025-26 allocation and any identified improvements adopted for 2026-27. (f) That six-monthly updates on the implementation of the PiPIF be provided to Cabinet.
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RESOLVED That the Council’s Performance Management Framework be approved.
Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Resources which outlined the Council's Performance Management Framework. Councillor Alistair Cameron, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, introduced the report and stated that the Performance Management Framework was the mechanism for monitoring Council performance, including annual self-assessments, which required Council approval. He referred to the recent Peer Panel Performance Assessment involving external representatives, and that Members awaited the detailed recommendations arising from that review. Councillor Alistair Cameron Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Michelle Bateman. 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, Alistair Cameron, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett and Marc Tierney [7] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That the Council’s Performance Management Framework be approved.
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RESOLVED That it be recommended to Council that: (a) The Pembrokeshire Standard Rents be increased by 3.6% plus up to £2.55 per individual rent that is currently below Standard Rent, AND (b) A 4.3% rent increase plus up to £5.00 per individual rent that is currently below Standard Rent (This being the preferred rent option subject to Welsh Government agreement). Rents to be collected over 48 weeks, with effect for all existing tenancies from the 1st July 2026, and for all new tenancies from the 1st April 2026. (c) Garage rents be increased by 4.3%, to be collected over 48 weeks, with effect from 1 April 2026. (d) For tenanted properties 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/improved homes 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. (e) The report be adopted as the Cabinet’s recommendation to Council on the 11 December 2025 for rent increases and Housing Revenue Account Estimates for 2026 - 2027. (f) This report may be amended by the Director of Resources or Head of Housing & Public Protection, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, prior to consideration by Council.
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 2026 to 2027. Councillor Michelle Bateman, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing, introduced the report and stated that, as a social landlord, the Council must comply with the Welsh Government’s 10-year Rent and Service Charge Standard (2026 to 2036), which retained an overall income cap, presenting challenges in achieving rent convergence across the housing stock. She stated that affordability remained a key factor, with analysis confirming standard rents falling below the Joseph Rowntree affordability threshold. She explained that the preferred option (2B) proposed a 3.6% increase plus up to £2.55 for rents below standard for 2025 to 2026, and seeks Welsh Government approval for a pilot dispensation for 2026 to 2027, allowing a 4.3% increase plus up to £5 for rents below standard. She added that garage rents would increase by 4.3%, and energy-efficient property improvements would attract rent adjustments. She also explained that the report would form Cabinet’s recommendation to Council in December 2025, with authority for minor amendments delegated to the Director of Resources or Head of Housing in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing. Councillor Michelle Bateman Moved the Recommendation and Option 2b as follows: A 4.3% rent increase plus up to £5.00 per individual rent that is currently below Standard Rent (This being the preferred rent option subject to Welsh Government agreement). Seconded by the Leader. The Leader noted that the annual rent setting policy had been considered by the HRA Working Group and the Policy and Pre-Decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee, both of which supported the recommendations presented. 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, Alistair Cameron, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett and Marc Tierney [7] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That it be recommended to Council that: (a) The Pembrokeshire Standard Rents be increased by 3.6% plus up to £2.55 per individual rent that is currently below Standard Rent, AND (b) A 4.3% rent increase plus up to £5.00 per individual rent that is currently below Standard Rent (This being the preferred rent option subject to Welsh Government agreement). Rents to be collected over 48 weeks, with effect for all existing tenancies from the 1st July 2026, and for all new tenancies from the 1st April 2026. (c) Garage rents be increased by 4.3%, to be collected over 48 weeks, with effect from 1 April 2026. (d) For tenanted properties 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/improved homes 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. (e) The report be adopted as the Cabinet’s recommendation to Council on the 11 December 2025 for rent increases and Housing Revenue Account Estimates for 2026 - 2027. (f) This report may be amended by the Director of Resources or Head of Housing & Public Protection, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, prior to consideration by Council.
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.
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