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RESOLVED That the Action Log be noted.
RESOLVED That the public submission relating to a proposed Parking Plan for Haverfordwest be noted.
RESOLVED (a) That the Forward Work Programme be approved subject to the following additions: i. Haverfordwest Parking Plan – to be determined at the Forward Work Programme session. ii. Draft Welsh Language Strategy 2026 – 2031 be added to the June meeting. iii. Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2025 – 2026 be added to the June meeting. (b) That a Forward Work Programming session be arranged prior to the next meeting.
RESOLVED That the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2026-27 and the Outline Draft MTFP for 2026-27 to 2028-29 be noted.
RESOLVED That the Draft Pay Policy Statement 2026-27 be noted. [The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies left this meeting at this juncture.]
RESOLVED That the updated Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy 2026 - 2031 be recommended to Cabinet for adoption.
RESOLVED That the report be noted; and the Committee recommends to Cabinet that the revocation of the Air Quality Management Areas be agreed due to the sustained air quality compliance in Haverfordwest and Pembroke, noting that Cabinet has agreed that the revocation be delegated to the Head of Housing and Public Protection following discussion with the Cabinet Member for Regulatory Servies, and further to public consultation feedback.
Councillor Thomas Tudor for Agenda item no. 6 – public submission/correspondence relating to a proposed Parking Plan for Haverfordwest.
There were no declarations of interest made at this point in the meeting.
Moved by Councillor Simon Hancock; Seconded by Councillor Brian Hall The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 18 November 2025 be approved as a correct record.
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RESOLVED That the Action Log be noted.
The Committee considered the Log of actions arising from the last meeting. Most actions were confirmed as completed, with three remaining pending. The outstanding items were related to other overview and scrutiny committees and there were no questions raised by members. Moved by Councillor Simon Hancock; Seconded by Councillor Michael James The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Action Log be noted.
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RESOLVED That the public submission relating to a proposed Parking Plan for Haverfordwest be noted.
An item of public submission from Councillor Tom Tudor was presented on behalf of Town Councillor Scott Thorley, regarding a proposal relating to car parks in Haverfordwest. Councillor Tudor requested that the Committee consider adding the proposal to its Forward Work Programme to allow Officers to examine its feasibility ahead of any future debate. Members noted that the purpose at this stage was not to discuss the merits of the proposal but to determine whether it should be included in the Committee’s Forward Work Programme. In response to a question from Councillor Aled Thomas regarding the remit of the Committee, the Head of Democratic Services advised that all Members were entitled to ask for items to be placed on an agenda and, as Councillor Tudor was not a Member of the Committee, he has the same rights as a member of the public and can therefore make the submission. In response to a further question from Councillor Thomas, the Head of Democratic Services advised that submitting an item of Public Submission/Correspondence had been the most appropriate route. She further clarified that the remit of this Committee was to discuss the proposal and to make a recommendation to Cabinet. In response to a question from Councillor Dennison, Councillor Tudor confirmed his support for the proposal. Moved by Councillor Simon Hancock; Seconded by Councillor Michele Wiggins The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the public submission relating to a proposed Parking Plan for Haverfordwest be noted.
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RESOLVED (a) That the Forward Work Programme be approved subject to the following additions: i. Haverfordwest Parking Plan – to be determined at the Forward Work Programme session. ii. Draft Welsh Language Strategy 2026 – 2031 be added to the June meeting. iii. Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2025 – 2026 be added to the June meeting. (b) That a Forward Work Programming session be arranged prior to the next meeting.
The Committee reviewed its Forward Work Programme. The Head of Democratic Services advised of several updates since publication, including the addition of the Welsh Language Standards and the Annual Scrutiny Report to the June cycle. Members were informed that some previously scheduled items had been deferred or removed, and it was recommended that a dedicated forward work programming session be arranged, given that no items were yet scheduled beyond September. Members agreed this would be beneficial and discussed the need for improved planning and scheduling. It was proposed that the existing policy review paper be used as the basis for the forthcoming workshop. Following receipt of a public submission earlier in the meeting, Members agreed that the Haverfordwest parking proposal be added to the list of items for consideration at the forward work programming session, noting Officers’ advice that further information and timing considerations with the Cabinet Forward Work Programme were required. Moved by Councillor Simon Hancock; Seconded by Councillor Claire George The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the Forward Work Programme be approved subject to the following additions: i. Haverfordwest Parking Plan – to be determined at the Forward Work Programme session. ii. Draft Welsh Language Strategy 2026 – 2031 be added to the June meeting. iii. Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2025 – 2026 be added to the June meeting. (b) That a Forward Work Programming session be arranged prior to the next meeting.
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RESOLVED That the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2026-27 and the Outline Draft MTFP for 2026-27 to 2028-29 be noted.
The Committee received a presentation from the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, accompanied by the Head of Finance and Revenue Services, on the draft County Council Budget for 2026–27 and the outline Medium?Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2026–27 to 2029–30. The Cabinet Member presented the report highlighting that the formal public consultation phase had concluded and that the responses were being analysed by Officers. A further public Question and Answer would take place on 3 February at 6pm, and a budget seminar for Members was scheduled for 6 February. He further advised that consultations had taken place with Trade Unions and that this was the first report to the Overview and Scrutiny Committees. The Cabinet Member advised Members that the Welsh Government’s provisional settlement represented a 4.2% increase, reducing the projected funding gap to £13.6m. The Cabinet Member outlined key budget pressures, including increased National Insurance costs, Fire Authority levy increases, the reduction in second homes premium income, and re-basing pressures in Schools, Social Care, and Fleet. Additional service pressures for 2026–27 were detailed, with Schools requiring £5m and Social Care £9.6m due to pay awards, inflation, and rising demand. Other services required £4.4m to meet inflationary and contractual costs. The Committee was informed that the Authority was proposing efficiency savings across services and had categorised these as green, amber, red, and deep red according to impact and deliverability. Members also noted the continued use of the budget modeller to illustrate the relationship between council tax levels and required savings. The Committee then debated the report with the key points highlighted as follows: In response to a question from the Chair regarding the non-pay assumptions being made, the Head of Finance and Revenue Services advised that this varied by service area as there were various contracts and providers. In response to a further question from the Chair regarding potential increases in children’s residential care, the Head of Finance and Revenue Services advised that the budget made the assumption of one child per month and highlighted that the current budget reflected the improved placement work and reduced demand for this service. In additional, she emphasised the excellent work of the Commissioning team within Childrens Services that sought to place children in more affordable placements, reducing costs and providing an improved experience for the children concerned. Councillor Claire George sought clarification on the ‘rebase of 25-26 service budget assumptions’ and a potential in-year overspend. The Cabinet Member explained that areas such as Social Care were demand led and that this was not an overspend but a response to these pressures which informed the expenditure the following year. The Transformation budget provided investment in Social Care to provide accommodation for vulnerable children allowing them to remain within the Authority. He further explained that historic spending informed the next year’s base line and that pressures were included. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Aled Thomas regarding political representations to Welsh Government and UK Government regarding the increase in National Insurance, the Cabinet Member explained that representations had been made regarding the rural funding equality but he was not aware of any specific representations regarding National Insurance contributions since he took on the post in May. He further noted that he had personally disagreed with the increase and would make representations accordingly. It was recognised by the Chair that any cuts to the Contact Centre would have a significant impact on residents when they were already receiving complaints. The Cabinet Member concurred that the Contact Centre was a significant concern and highlighted the intention to introduce Information Technology and use Artificial Intelligence solutions providing an increase in online services including booking of residential repairs. He noted that whilst performance had worsened it did appear to have stabilised. Councillor Neil Prior highlighted the need for residents to be reassured on the major initiatives and changes that were being made within the Council. In response to a concern from the Chair regarding the public consultation that had taken place, the Cabinet Member advised that the public response had been lower than in previous years and that, following the Officer analysis, a report would be present to the Members seminar. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Neil Prior regarding the digital investments that had been undertaken, the Cabinet Member advised that a report on the investments would be presented to Cabinet and Council. In response to a concern from Councillor Prior regarding the departmental savings of 5%, the Cabinet Member explained that these were proposals and that Cabinet would then strategically prioritise the savings. The Head of Finance and Revenue Services concurred that bench marking had been undertaken with other options presented. Councillor Michael Williams sought clarification on whether the Authority had ended a year with an underspend and the Head of Finance and Revenue Services advised that almost every financial year had ended with a small underspend, usually due to the late year-end grants received from Welsh Government. The Cabinet Member emphasised that at Q3 an underspend of £1M had been projected noting that this equated to 0.3% of the overall budget. The Chair raised concerns regarding a back up plan if grants were not guaranteed. The Head of Finance and Revenue Services explained that only ‘near certain’ grants were budgeted for and that reserves exist to protect the finances should grants not reoccur. In response to a question from Councillor Aled Thomas regarding the number of unaccompanied asylum seeking children not being included in the budget report, the Head of Finance and Revenue Services explained that in 2023-24 there were 13 children, this had now increased to 23 in 2025-26. This figure had not been included as there was no material change expected and proactive work had been undertaken to reduce the placement costs. The Cabinet Member and Head of Finance and Revenue Services committed to provide a number of detailed responses to the Committee following the meeting including: • A detailed breakdown of schools’ budgets including Secondary versus Primary schools including a RAG rating similar to the budget savings as requested by Councillor Mike James. • Councillor Alan Dennison raised a concern that the budget modeller presented a £22K request towards the libraries noting that Milford Haven had been asked to contribute £18K. The Cabinet Member agreed to provide specific details regarding the Library contributions from each town. • The exact figure for unaccompanied Asylum-seeking children in 2025-26 and 2026-27 as requested by Councillor Aled Thomas. • The percentage of match-funding for the Haverfordwest/Milford Interchange as requested by Councillor Alan Dennison. The Cabinet Member advised that there was no single figure as it varied by funding source but would seek to obtain the percentage from each funding source. • The pressure of any Welsh Government cuts to funding of the bus transport costs as requested by Councillor Mike James who highlighted the rurality of the Authority in comparison to Urban Authorities. The Cabinet Member also agreed to provide the school transport figures. • Councillor Alan Dennison questioned the inclusion of budgeting for the removal of the Cleddau Bridge Toll Booths when they no longer existed and the Cabinet Member committed to respond to this. • In response to a question from Councillor Dennison regarding the difference between actual savings and increased fees, the Head of Finance and Revenue Services agreed to provide a breakdown to distinguish between efficiencies, budget reductions and income generation. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Neil Prior regarding Vanguard, the Cabinet Member agreed that Cabinet need to summarise outcome of initiatives and advised that a full report would be presented on the productivity gains from the Vanguard initiative at the budget seminar In response to a question by Councillor Dennison regarding income generation, the Head of Finance and Revenue Services advised that efficiencies and budget savings had been identified along with income generation as actions to save money. The Head of Finance and Revenue Services confirmed that late?year grant awards often contributed to underspends and outlined the approach to managing future financial risks. Clarification was also provided regarding unaccompanied asylum?seeking children and budget provision for their support. The Cabinet Member welcomed discussions with all Political Parties, all sectors to seek a balance between preserving essential services and not having an excessive council tax increase. He emphasised that all Members were welcome to contact either the Leader or himself as Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies with any specific questions. In response to a question from Councillor Aled Thomas regarding the Cabinet proposal on Council Tax increases, the Cabinet Member advised that they were seeking the views from Members to balance service protection with affordability. Councillor Thomas emphasised that, as Cabinet were not willing to present an indication of Council Tax increase, then it would not be fair for this Committee to provide such a view. The Chair clarified that the recommendation was for noting and that no particular view would be presented. Moved by Councillor Aled Thomas; Seconded by Councillor Simon Hancock The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2026-27 and the Outline Draft MTFP for 2026-27 to 2028-29 be noted.
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RESOLVED That the Draft Pay Policy Statement 2026-27 be noted. [The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies left this meeting at this juncture.]
[During consideration of this item, Councillors Huw Murphy and Simon Hancock declared personal interests by virtue of being Members of UNISON.] The Chair welcomed the Head of HR and Members of the Trade Unions to the meeting where the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies considered the draft Pay Policy Statement for 2026–27. The Cabinet Member introduced the report, outlining the statutory requirement for the Council to publish an annual statement covering pay arrangements for Senior Officers and the lowest?paid staff (excluding teachers who are governed separately). Members were informed that proposed changes reflected national agreements reached through the National Joint Council (NJC) and the Joint National Committee (JNC) for Chief Officers and Chief Executives. As part of the 2025–26 NJC settlement, Spinal Column Point (SCP) 2 will be deleted from April 2026, and due to projected increases in the National Living Wage, SCP 3 is also recommended for removal. This would place the lowest?paid Council employees on SCP 4 (£13.05 per hour). Related adjustments to grades 2–5 would introduce spot salaries or reduced progression points. The UNISON Branch Chair emphasised that the Trade Unions were the voice of the workforce, the UNISON Branch Chair highlighted that the NJC did not include teaching staff but did include support staff, administrative staff, cleaners etc and noted the positive step in removing the lowest pay grades. However, he raised concerns that this would result in spot grades for the lowest paid staff which resulted in a day one employee earning the same as a member of staff that had been in post for six years and eliminated any reward for experience. He further highlighted the need for a full review of the lower pay grades and the Council’s grading structure. They emphasised the importance of recognising the value of the predominantly lower?paid, frontline workforce and encouraged longer?term pay improvements. Members sought clarification on national pay claim processes, the calculation of wage uplifts, performance?related pay, and benchmarking. The Head of HR confirmed that performance issues were managed through capability procedures rather than through pay, and that pay benchmarking is undertaken within the public sector rather than with private industry. In response to a concern raised by Councillor George regarding claims being lodged with the Local Government Association, the UNISON Branch Secretary advised that claims were lodged with the Local Government Association and the Welsh Local Government Association to collect a position and then advise on a decision with the Trade Unions regarding a settlement. This was as a national body and not an individual local agreement. Moved by Councillor Simon Hancock; Seconded by Councillor Claire George The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Draft Pay Policy Statement 2026-27 be noted. [The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies left this meeting at this juncture.]
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RESOLVED That the updated Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy 2026 - 2031 be recommended to Cabinet for adoption.
The Chair welcomed the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services and the Head of Housing and Public Protection and the Public Protection Manager to the meeting to present the updated Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy for 2026–2031. The Cabinet Member outlined the Council’s statutory duties under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 highlighting that the updated strategy reflects current legislation, national guidance and planning policy, and sets out a risk?based approach for identifying and assessing potentially contaminated land, including the use of GIS mapping and maintenance of a public register. The Head of Housing and Public Protection and Public Protection Manager advised that the Council holds a database of potentially contaminated sites, but only one site currently meets the statutory definition of contaminated land. Funding for local authority investigation work had not been available since 2010/11, meaning most remediation now occurs via the planning process, with developers responsible for assessments and mitigation. Members raised questions on resourcing, the status of specific sites, remediation processes, and future development issues. In response to a question from the Chair regarding income generation, the Officers advised that there had previously been Government funding however, there was nothing currently available. The Public Protection Manager explained that the Authority held an overlay of the historical land use of the County however, any Developer would be required to submit a contaminated land report through the planning process. In response to a question from Councillor Alan Dennison regarding an Authority owned contaminated land, the Public Protection Manager advised that the new Waste and Recycling Centre had their own environmental permit that was granted by Natural Resources Wales of which an element covered future remediation should the Authority vacate the site. The Public Protection Manager emphasised that any sites that were subject to Natural Resources Wales permitting would fall outside of the Authority’s remit. The Public Protection Manager suggested a site visit to a site owned by the Authority however; this was not progressed. In response to a question from Councillor Claire George regarding the contaminants, the Public Protection Manager advised that this was mainly oil storage. In response to a concern from the Chair, the Public Protection Manager advised that Greenfield sites were not being utilised at present and that separate legislation dealt with invasive species. Moved by Councillor Alan Dennison; Seconded by Councillor Michael James The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Alan Dennison, Claire George, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Michael James, Huw Murphy, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Michele Wiggins and Michael Williams [10] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That the updated Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy 2026 - 2031 be recommended to Cabinet for adoption.
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RESOLVED That the report be noted; and the Committee recommends to Cabinet that the revocation of the Air Quality Management Areas be agreed due to the sustained air quality compliance in Haverfordwest and Pembroke, noting that Cabinet has agreed that the revocation be delegated to the Head of Housing and Public Protection following discussion with the Cabinet Member for Regulatory Servies, and further to public consultation feedback.
The Chair welcomed the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services to present the proposed revocation of the Air Quality Management Areas in Haverfordwest and Pembroke. The Cabinet Member explained that Cabinet had agreed to undertake a six?week public consultation following several years of sustained compliance with national air quality standards. Monitoring data showed that nitrogen dioxide levels have remained below the national objective for three consecutive years. It was noted that, should revocation proceed, routine air quality monitoring would continue to safeguard public health. Members were invited to contribute views as part of the consultation. Councillor Alan Dennison then Moved the Recommendation. The Chair highlighted that Cabinet had agreed that the revocation be delegated the Head of Housing and Public Protection following consultation with the Cabinet Member and the completion of the six-week consultation period. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Dennison regarding resources, the Head of Housing and Public Protection advised that that a small associated budget for laboratory analysis was retained, and it was confirmed that the annual saving of approximately £1,900 would remain available within the service for future operational needs. The Recommendation was then Seconded by Councillor Simon Hancock The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Alan Dennison, Claire George, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Michael James, Huw Murphy, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Michele Wiggins and Michael Williams [10] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That the report be noted; and the Committee recommends to Cabinet that the revocation of the Air Quality Management Areas be agreed due to the sustained air quality compliance in Haverfordwest and Pembroke, noting that Cabinet has agreed that the revocation be delegated to the Head of Housing and Public Protection following discussion with the Cabinet Member for Regulatory Servies, and further to public consultation feedback.
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