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RESOLVED (a) That Council Tax ‘Band D’ increase for Pembrokeshire County Council for the 2026-27 financial year be approved at 4.60% (£1.46 per week / £ 75.99 per annum). (b) The Council Tax ‘Band D’ increase for 2027-28 and 2028-29, for inclusion in the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2026-27 to 2028-29, be approved at 5.00% for 2027-28 and 7.50% for 2028-29. (c) That the County Council Budget for 2026-27, based on budget option 1, including service pressures, utilisation of Council Tax premiums, proposed budget savings, movement in earmarked reserves and the General Fund working balance, be approved. (d) That the updated Strategy for Holding and Utilising Reserves be approved. (e) That the indicative Capital Programme for 2026-27 to 2029-30 and the Capital Strategy 2026-27 to 2029-30 be approved. (f) That the prudential indicators for capital and revenue estimates for 2026-27 to 2029-30 be approved. (g) That the utilisation of the new Welsh Government Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) flexibility to bridge the projected funding gap and balance the budget for 2026-27 be not endorsed, but its inclusion in the MRP policy for 2026-27 to enable it to be utilised, if required, be approved. (h) That the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2026-27 to 2028-29 be approved.
RESOLVED (a) That the statutory report of the Director of Resources under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003 be accepted. (b) That the Revenue Estimates for 2026-27, as submitted, be approved. (c) That a Council Tax increase of 4.60% (Budget Setting Council Tax Base) be approved. (d) That a Council Tax increase of 4.60% (Aggregate Council Tax Base) be approved. (e) County Council and Town/Community Councils – that in accordance with Section 34(2) and (3) and 36(1) of the Act, the amount calculated as the Basic Amount of Council Tax for the year 2026-27 for dwellings in part of the Council's area and in respect of dwellings listed in different valuation bands be set as detailed in Schedule A1 to this resolution. (f) That in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 the precept of £24,258,319.55 issued by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys to the County Council for the year 2026-27 in respect of dwellings listed in different valuation bands as follows:- Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H Band I £258.42 £301.49 £344.56 £387.63 £473.77 £559.91 £646.05 £775.26 £904.47 (g) That having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (e) and (f) above, in accordance with Section 30(2) of the Act, the amounts of Council Tax for the 2026-27 financial year for each of the categories of dwellings be set as detailed in Schedule B1 to this resolution. (h) That the amounts precepted by Town and Community Councils as listed in Schedule C to this resolution be noted. Schedule A1 – Town and Community Councils Schedule B1 – Town and Community Councils, Police & Crime Commissioner and County Council Schedule C - Town and Community Councils
RESOLVED (a) That the Treasury Management Strategy for 2026-27 to 2029-30, including the Policy on Borrowing in Advance of Need, the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy, the Treasury Limits, the Prudential Indicators and Borrowing Requirements, be approved, effective from 1 April 2026. (b) That the Annual Investment Strategy for 2026-27 to 2029-30 be approved, effective from 1 April 2026.
In welcoming everyone to the meeting, the Presiding Member extended congratulations to the newly elected Councillor, Billy Shaw, who had been elected to represent the Fishguard North East Ward. The Presiding Member reported, with great sadness, the passing of several colleagues since the previous meeting. Councillor Mike Stoddart, a long?serving and highly respected representative for Hakin from 2004 to 2026, passed away in January. He was described as a remarkable and highly effective Councillor, and condolences were extended to his wife, Councillor Viv Stoddart, his daughter, Councillor Tessa Hodgson, and their families. Members were also informed of the death of Jude Stamp from Executive Support, who passed away last week following a prolonged terminal illness. Jude had served the Authority for 22 years in a range of roles, most recently as Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive and the Leader. She was held in very high esteem by Members and Officers alike, and sincere condolences were offered to her family. In addition, the deaths of two former members of staff were noted: Mr Martin Peake, who had worked in Housing for many years, and Mr Barry Sharp, who had worked in Public Protection. All present stood in silence for a minute to remember them.
The Head of Law and Governance advised that any personal interests for Members who were Local Authority appointed Governors of Schools, would be noted and would not need to be declared individually but any additional interests would need to be declared as standard. The following declarations of interest were made: Councillor Huw Murphy declared a personal interest by virtue of being a UNISON Union Member. Councillor Maureen Bowen declared a personal interest by virtue of her partner being employed as a teacher in a school. Councillor Tessa Hodgson declared a personal interest by virtue of having two close relatives employed in education in Pembrokeshire. Councillor Michelle Bateman declared a personal interest by virtue of having a close relative employed at Ysgol Bro Gwaun. Councillor Chris Williams declared a personal interest by virtue of his brother being a Headteacher at Golden Grove School. Councillor Viv Stoddart declared a personal interest by virtue of having close relatives employed as teachers in schools and by virtue of owning an empty property. Councillor Tony Wilcox declared a personal interest by virtue of his son-in-law being employed in a school. Councillor Michelle Wiggins declared a personal interest by virtue of her daughter working within education in Pembrokeshire and grandchildren who also attend Pembrokeshire schools. Councillor Terry Davies declared a declared a personal interest by virtue of having close relatives employed within schools in Pembrokeshire. Councillor Bethan Price declared a personal interest by virtue of having Grandchildren who attend Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi and other Pembrokeshire Schools. Councillor Steve Alderman declared a personal interest by virtue of having a close relative employed as a teacher at a school. Councillor Marc Tierney declared a declared a personal interest by virtue of his stepson’s partner being employed within a school. Councillor Mike James declared a declared a personal interest by virtue of having a granddaughter employed within a school. Councillor Iwan Ward declared a declared a personal interest by virtue of his children attending Ysgol Bro Preseli. Councillor John Davies declared a personal interest by virtue of having grandchildren who attend Pembrokeshire schools.
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RESOLVED (a) That Council Tax ‘Band D’ increase for Pembrokeshire County Council for the 2026-27 financial year be approved at 4.60% (£1.46 per week / £ 75.99 per annum). (b) The Council Tax ‘Band D’ increase for 2027-28 and 2028-29, for inclusion in the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2026-27 to 2028-29, be approved at 5.00% for 2027-28 and 7.50% for 2028-29. (c) That the County Council Budget for 2026-27, based on budget option 1, including service pressures, utilisation of Council Tax premiums, proposed budget savings, movement in earmarked reserves and the General Fund working balance, be approved. (d) That the updated Strategy for Holding and Utilising Reserves be approved. (e) That the indicative Capital Programme for 2026-27 to 2029-30 and the Capital Strategy 2026-27 to 2029-30 be approved. (f) That the prudential indicators for capital and revenue estimates for 2026-27 to 2029-30 be approved. (g) That the utilisation of the new Welsh Government Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) flexibility to bridge the projected funding gap and balance the budget for 2026-27 be not endorsed, but its inclusion in the MRP policy for 2026-27 to enable it to be utilised, if required, be approved. (h) That the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2026-27 to 2028-29 be approved.
Council considered a report by Cabinet in relation to the Council Budget for 2026-27 and the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2026-27 – 2028-29. Following a request from Councillor Jamie Adams, to suspend section 4.21.4 of the Council’s Constitution, regarding the length of speeches, the Presiding Member consented to allowing further time and therefore no suspension of that provision was required. Councillor Alistair Cameron, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, introduced the report by thanking officers for their extensive work in preparing the proposals, as well as Council staff and residents who contributed through consultations and engagement sessions. He outlined positive aspects of the financial position, including a 4.2% increase in Welsh Government funding, reduced employer pension contributions, and improved projections in children’s social care and capital financing costs. He explained the significant budget pressures for 2026–27, particularly within social care and schools, with a funding gap of £14.7 million once additional investment proposals were included. Recommended investments included support for school improvement, compliance work for the Vehicle Operator Licence, corporate building maintenance, highways maintenance, and gully emptying. Councillor Cameron recommended taking all green and amber savings proposals while rejecting red savings due to their potential impact on services. To help bridge the remaining gap, he proposed a 4.6% increase in Council Tax for Band D properties, with further indicative rises of 5% and 7.5% in subsequent years as part of the Medium-Term Financial Plan. He noted that recent Welsh Government flexibility should not be utilised at this time. He then Moved the Recommendations as set out in the report; Seconded by the Leader. Members proceeded to debate the Motion, and the key points were highlighted as follows: Councillor Di Clements welcomed the more realistic proposed increase in Council Tax, noting the need for consistency for residents and acknowledging ongoing pressures in schools and social care. She also welcomed the additional investment in highways maintenance. Councillor Clements raised concern about recent negative Estyn reports in some schools and sought assurance that £2 million from any 2025–26 budget surplus would be ring?fenced for schools requiring improvement. The Cabinet Member for Education responded that schools in special measures would receive whatever support was necessary, with additional funding already identified in the budget. He stated that any further justified requests from the School Improvement Board would be supported through the Initiative Fund. He thanked school staff and noted the positive additional £4.7 million going into school budgets. The Leader confirmed the assurance, stating that the School Improvement Board would identify required interventions and that savings transferred to the Initiative Fund Reserve could be targeted to support specific schools. Councillor Anji Tinley requested clarification regarding the Initiative Fund and how the fund has been utilised over the past 12 months. In response, Councillor Alistair Cameron explained that the Initiative Fund is overseen through a governance board comprising several Cabinet Members and chaired by Councillor Rhys Sinnett. He noted that the board manages the fund and that many of the savings and service improvements—particularly within children’s services and the 0–25 initiative—have been achieved through projects supported by this board. He agreed that regular reports should be provided to all Members, so the Council is informed about how the fund is being used. In response to a further point of clarification, the Director of Resources explained that Appendix F to the report sets out the purpose of the reserve, which is maintained to support service transformation, innovation, improvement and to achieve future savings and cost avoidance. The appendix also details the current and projected balance of the reserve. All spending from the Initiative Fund is reported through the quarterly budget monitoring and outturn reports. Councillor Alec Cormack, speaking as a member of the Schools and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee, raised concern about school budget pressures, noting that the latest figures indicate 77% of primary schools and 80% of secondary schools are projecting overspends in 2025–26. While acknowledging that some governing bodies may be able to make different decisions to remain within budget, he emphasised the need to understand why so many schools are in difficulty. He called for focused work over the coming year to identify where financial management could improve and to assess whether overall school funding is sufficient. Councillor Cormack noted that school budgets have not increased in line with rising costs over recent years and warned that this may reach a breaking point. He confirmed his support for the proposals but urged close collaboration with Education and Finance officers to analyse the underlying issues. Councillor Michael John expressed concern about the proposed 2% reduction in school budgets, stating that it was difficult to support given the financial pressures many schools are already facing. He welcomed the additional one?off funding allocated for the School Improvement Board, operator licences, building maintenance, highways beat gangs and gully tankers, but highlighted the limitation of these being one?off investments. He suggested such support should be placed on a more permanent footing to avoid services falling back into difficulty. Councillor John further noted that much of the projected £4 million underspend appears to stem from pension contribution savings spread over three years and from a slowed capital programme. He cautioned that capital delays may only provide temporary relief, with higher costs likely to return once major projects, such as school building schemes, resume. While supportive of additional ALN funding, he stressed that many schools without high ALN numbers are still struggling financially and that a universal 2% budget cut is particularly challenging for them. He concluded that he could not support the 2% reduction at this stage, though he may reconsider depending on the wider debate. Councillor Pat Davies asked whether the Chair of the Schools and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee is a member of the School Improvement Board, noting the importance of effective scrutiny of improvement activity. The Cabinet Member for Education confirmed that the Chair is not currently part of the Board but agreed that this could be considered. Councillor Jamie Adams thanked the Cabinet Member for Finance for his work but highlighted that, despite additional funding received this year, key services—including education, safeguarding, highways and waste—were under significant pressure. He strongly opposed further reductions to individual school budgets and emphasised the impact of unfunded ALN pupils on mainstream education, behaviour and overall outcomes. He argued that Estyn concerns must be discussed as part of budget setting, noting that around 40% of secondary pupils attend schools currently deemed to be failing. In response, the Cabinet Member for Education stated that the Authority was working closely with schools in special measures through the newly established School Improvement Board, with reports to Cabinet to follow. He noted that more funding is going into education overall this year and that additional support will be provided where the Board identifies financial need. He also acknowledged the wider work underway on school funding formula issues. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies added clarification that the additional investment for highways and gullies would form part of the base budget, not a one?off allocation. He also reiterated that, despite a 2% amber saving, schools would still receive a net increase of £4.7 million in the coming year. Councillor Jamie Adams added that, given the number of pupils attending schools in special measures, the Authority was approaching a critical point in terms of Estyn’s assessment of its overall education oversight. He expressed concern that this risk was not being fully recognised and warned of the danger of “sleepwalking” into further Estyn intervention. He also highlighted safeguarding as a significant pressure within schools and asked what actions were being taken to strengthen safeguarding practice and responsibilities, particularly in the affected settings. Councillor Tessa Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Safeguarding, thanked Councillor Adams for highlighting safeguarding concerns and reminded Members that safeguarding is a shared responsibility across the whole Authority. She confirmed that she had reviewed the Estyn reports in detail and that the issues identified—primarily capital works such as new toilets at Milford Haven School and fencing and security improvements at the PRU—were already being addressed. She noted that Estyn also reported positive safeguarding attitudes among staff and that learners generally felt safe, though the aim must be for all learners to feel safe. She added that an identified issue at Haverfordwest High regarding guidance on managing allegations against professionals was being resolved. Councillor Hodgson emphasised that safeguarding remains a top priority for Cabinet and for all Members. Councillor Jamie Adams raised a further concern about the deteriorating condition of the county’s road network and sought clarity on how the highways maintenance budget has changed over recent years. Councillor Adams described the impact of poor road conditions on residents and the local economy, sharing an example of a vehicle damaged by a pothole which resulted in delays to a local business. He stressed that gully maintenance and drainage issues have contributed to worsening potholes, particularly during recent periods of heavy rainfall. He argued that the situation has developed over several years and requires far greater investment than the amount proposed. He urged that the Cabinet Member for Highways should provide more active oversight and called for significantly increased funding to restore the county’s road standards. Councillor Huw Murphy thanked the Cabinet Member for Finance for his work and emphasised the need to ensure Council Tax remains as low as possible for residents. He reported that, after contacting UNISON for their perspective on the budget proposals, he had been advised that the current proposals would result in the loss of approximately 50 full?time equivalent posts within education. He expressed concern that, despite claims of increased investment, schools would in practice be facing reduced staffing and diminished capacity. Councillor Murphy argued that he could not support a budget that removes over £2 million from school budgets at a time when three secondary schools are in special measures and safeguarding concerns have been highlighted. He noted that such Estyn judgements are not made lightly and that around 40% of secondary pupils are now attending schools rated as needing urgent improvement. He concluded that, for these reasons, he could not support the budget in its current form. Councillor Alan Dennison sought clarification on when the Cabinet Member for Education first became aware of the safeguarding issue relating to toilet facilities at Milford Haven School, noting they had been out of service for some time. He also raised a concern previously discussed at meetings regarding the school’s budget position. He argued that Milford was being unfairly penalised by having to pay more to place pupils at Neyland PRU than the school receives in funding, and suggested that the Cabinet Member had declined to take action, contributing to the deficit highlighted by Estyn. In response, Councillor Guy Woodham stated that he could not recall the exact date he became aware of the toilet issue but would have been informed during his weekly briefings with the Director of Education. He confirmed that capital investment had been arranged immediately following the Estyn recommendation. On the funding issue, he recalled directing Councillor Dennison to the Director of Education for detailed advice. He stated he did not remember ever telling any Member, including Councillor Dennison, that he was unwilling to take action on such matters, and rejected the suggestion that this was his approach. Councillor Michael James raised concerns on behalf of two North Pembrokeshire schools—St Dogmaels School and Ysgol Bro Preseli—stating that both had reported a lack of timely information and support regarding budget matters. He emphasised the importance of good communication with governors and school staff, noting that poor communication could lead to frustration and difficulties in retaining governors. He asked what further support could be provided to these schools. In response, the Cabinet Member for Education clarified that both schools had already been met by the School Improvement Team and the Finance Team. He confirmed that each school had undergone a financial review, their financial challenges were recognised, and appropriate support was being provided to governors. Councillor Phil Kidney asked the Cabinet Member for Finance to explain how schools could face a 2% saving requirement while still receiving an overall increase in funding. He also queried why the Medium Term Financial Plan proposed differing Council Tax rises of 4.6%, 5% and 7.5% over the next three years rather than spreading increases evenly. He added a note of caution about relying on verbal assurances, referencing previous experiences. In response, Councillor Alistair Cameron explained that school budgets are built by adding all pressures—such as ALN demand, pay awards and inflation—to the base budget for the coming year. After this, the 2% amber saving is applied, but even with that saving, the net increase to school budgets remains £4.7 million. On Council Tax profiling, he said that future increases depend on circumstances at the time, including the Welsh Government settlement, making equalised rises impractical. Councillor Kidney noted concerns about Estyn scrutiny and the risk of ministerial intervention if school performance declines further, emphasising that Members collectively “own” the issue. In response, Councillor Cameron stressed that the Cabinet’s intention is to ensure long?term financial stability, rather than short?term decisions that weaken reserves, and that the budget aims to place the Authority on a sustainable footing into the future. Councillor Alan Dennison asked for an explanation on the increase in funding for Elective Home Education (EHE) shown in last year’s grant allocations, and how safeguarding is being ensured for children educated at home. He also queried how grant allocations are determined, citing the significant increase in funding for the Afghan Refugee Settlement Programme. In response, the Director of Resources advised that the specific data requested was not immediately available and would be provided outside the meeting. The Director of Education responded to the EHE queries, confirming that the budget for Elective Home Education had been increased last year to strengthen support, including doubling the number of EHE advisers and adding administrative assistance. As a result, the number of home?education visits had also doubled. He noted that Wales does not have a national registration requirement for home?educated learners, but confirmed that any safeguarding concerns reported to the Authority are followed up regularly. Councillor Huw Murphy then Moved to suspend standing orders to enable him to table an Amendment to the Budget after the constitutional deadline had passed. He argued that significant new information had arisen since the cut?off date—namely that three schools had been placed in special measures—and that Members should have the opportunity to debate and vote on an amended budget in light of these developments. Seconded by Councillor Brian Hall. During discussion, clarification was sought on the specific standing orders to be suspended. Following advice from the Head of Law and Governance, it was confirmed that suspension of the constitutional provision preventing late amendments to the draft budget was required. Councillor Jacob Williams stated that he could not support suspending standing orders without first seeing the proposed Amendment but acknowledged that the rules meant the debate at this stage was solely on the procedural matter. In response, Councillor Huw Murphy stated that his Amendment sought to reduce the proposed £2.058 million saving from school budgets to £1 million, thereby reducing the required saving to 1%. His grounds for the Amendment being as follows: (1) Three Schools since January 2026 have been placed in special measures following Estyn Inspection, a situation that needs the support of Councillors to remedy with urgency. (2) All inspections raised safeguarding concerns. We have a duty to provide a safe and secure environment for learners and now is not the time for any cut in education. (3) For year 2025/26, 47 schools are setting a budget greater than income received, leading to the likelihood they will go into deficit, which will be detrimental upon children’s education. (4) 16 of our schools are already operating at deficit and any further cuts to education will only make a serious situation worse than it already is. (5) The Quarter 3 Budget Monitoring Report 2025/26 dated 9 February highlights that the Education Directorate is currently projecting a £0.275 million underspend, which can be retained and used to rectify the issues raised by the three Estyn reports. (6) The Quarter 3 Budget Monitoring Report 2025/26 dated 9 February highlights that Pembrokeshire County Council predict a £4 million underspend. Cabinet will have a view on how this underspend should be allocated in the next 12 months but this Amendment makes clear an element of this underspend needs allocating to reduce proposed cuts in Education to improve amongst other things safeguarding. (7) The 2025-26 Dyfed Pension Fund actuarial review have reduced the required employer’s pension contribution rate for the Council from 15.7% to 12.5%. This has resulted in a £3.7m reduction in total pay pressure for 2026-27 which has been reflected in the service pressures. This reduction in £3.7 million total pay pressure offers an opportunity for us to use an element of this good fortune to re-invest in education and safeguarding for our schools. (8) Council Tax setting is not easy, and maybe the politics of the opposition is always easier than the politics of the administration. I accept that but the public rightly expect us to keep tax rises to a minimum. However, few residents would dispute the need to safeguard our children’s education is an absolute priority. Estyn have raised safeguarding concerns with three schools in special measures, and we have a duty to do the right thing. Councillor Joshua Beynon spoke on the Amendment, noting that a similar situation had arisen the previous year without prior notice to Cabinet. He expressed concern that the Amendment appeared to rely on information that had already been available through scrutiny processes. On a point of clarification, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, confirmed that he had received no prior contact from Councillor Murphy regarding the Amendment and could not verify whether the proposed changes would produce a balanced budget. He stated that the Administration had presented a balanced budget and expressed concern about late proposals of this nature. The vote on whether to suspend standing orders, undertaken by way of an electronic vote, was not carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Aaron Carey, John Cole, Terry Davies, John Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Brian Hall, Delme Harries, Mike James, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Phil Kidney, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Nick Neumann, Vanessa Thomas, Anji Tinley, Chris Williams, Alun Wills and Simon Wright [21] Against the Motion: Councillors Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Alec Cormack, Pat Davies, Claire George, Nicola Gwynn, Simon Hancock, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Billy Shaw, David Simpson, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Vivien Stoddart, Marc Tierney, Thomas Tudor, Michele Wiggins, Jacob Williams, Michael Williams, Guy Woodham and Danny Young [28] Abstentions: Councillor Steve Yelland [1] Council then continued to debate the original Motion. Councillor Michael John raised concerns about the £250,000 saving proposed for the Contact Centre, noting that residents were routinely waiting 30–45 minutes to get through and asking whether some of the Initiative Fund could be used to reduce this saving and improve performance. In response, the Leader acknowledged that the Contact Centre had been cut back too far and agreed that long waiting times were unacceptable. He confirmed that additional support would now be provided. The Chief Executive added that performance was below the required standard, that technological improvements would take around 10 months to implement, and that staffing hours were already being increased, with a formal funding request to Cabinet to follow. On education funding, the Leader reiterated that schools were receiving an additional £4.7 million this year, on top of further increases in previous years. He confirmed that the Council would provide targeted financial support to individual schools where the newly established School Improvement Board identified a clear need, using the Initiative Fund if required, but emphasised that improvement depended on more than funding alone. Councillors Michael John, Anji Tinley and Huw Murphy commented that it was unfair to suggest Members did not understand school budgets. The vote to approve the Recommendations, undertaken by way of an electronic vote, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Alec Cormack, Pat Davies, Claire George, Nicola Gwynn, Simon Hancock, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Jordan, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Billy Shaw, David Simpson, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Vivien Stoddart, Marc Tierney, Thomas Tudor, Michele Wiggins, Jacob Williams, Chris Williams, Michael Williams, Guy Woodham, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [34] Against the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, John Cole, Terry Davies, John Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Brian Hall, Delme Harries, Mike James, Mike John, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Vanessa Thomas, Anji Tinley, Alun Wills and Simon Wright [16] Abstentions: Councillor Nick Neumann [1] RESOLVED (a) That Council Tax ‘Band D’ increase for Pembrokeshire County Council for the 2026-27 financial year be approved at 4.60% (£1.46 per week / £ 75.99 per annum). (b) The Council Tax ‘Band D’ increase for 2027-28 and 2028-29, for inclusion in the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2026-27 to 2028-29, be approved at 5.00% for 2027-28 and 7.50% for 2028-29. (c) That the County Council Budget for 2026-27, based on budget option 1, including service pressures, utilisation of Council Tax premiums, proposed budget savings, movement in earmarked reserves and the General Fund working balance, be approved. (d) That the updated Strategy for Holding and Utilising Reserves be approved. (e) That the indicative Capital Programme for 2026-27 to 2029-30 and the Capital Strategy 2026-27 to 2029-30 be approved. (f) That the prudential indicators for capital and revenue estimates for 2026-27 to 2029-30 be approved. (g) That the utilisation of the new Welsh Government Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) flexibility to bridge the projected funding gap and balance the budget for 2026-27 be not endorsed, but its inclusion in the MRP policy for 2026-27 to enable it to be utilised, if required, be approved. (h) That the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2026-27 to 2028-29 be approved.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That the statutory report of the Director of Resources under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003 be accepted. (b) That the Revenue Estimates for 2026-27, as submitted, be approved. (c) That a Council Tax increase of 4.60% (Budget Setting Council Tax Base) be approved. (d) That a Council Tax increase of 4.60% (Aggregate Council Tax Base) be approved. (e) County Council and Town/Community Councils – that in accordance with Section 34(2) and (3) and 36(1) of the Act, the amount calculated as the Basic Amount of Council Tax for the year 2026-27 for dwellings in part of the Council's area and in respect of dwellings listed in different valuation bands be set as detailed in Schedule A1 to this resolution. (f) That in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 the precept of £24,258,319.55 issued by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys to the County Council for the year 2026-27 in respect of dwellings listed in different valuation bands as follows:- Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H Band I £258.42 £301.49 £344.56 £387.63 £473.77 £559.91 £646.05 £775.26 £904.47 (g) That having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (e) and (f) above, in accordance with Section 30(2) of the Act, the amounts of Council Tax for the 2026-27 financial year for each of the categories of dwellings be set as detailed in Schedule B1 to this resolution. (h) That the amounts precepted by Town and Community Councils as listed in Schedule C to this resolution be noted. Schedule A1 – Town and Community Councils Schedule B1 – Town and Community Councils, Police & Crime Commissioner and County Council Schedule C - Town and Community Councils
Council considered a report by the Director of Resources in relation to the Council Tax Resolutions for 2026-27. Councillor Alistair Cameron, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, introduced the report and stated that as a result of approving the County Council Budget for 2026-27, it was necessary to approve the outlined recommendations for the Council Tax Resolutions for 2026-27. Councillor Cameron stated that Recommendation 3 should be taken as 3A (Option 1), Recommendation 4 as Schedule A1, and Recommendation 6 as Schedule B1, and formally Moved their approval; Seconded by the Leader. The vote, undertaken by way of an electronic vote, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Joshua Beynon, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, John Cole, Alec Cormack, Terry Davies, John Davies, Pat Davies, Tim Evans, Claire George, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Mike James, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Paul Miller, Huw Murphy, Nick Neumann, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Billy Shaw, David Simpson, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Vivien Stoddart, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Michele Wiggins, Jacob Williams, Chris Williams, Michael Williams, Alun Wills, Guy Woodham, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [44] Against the Motion: Councillors Alan Dennison, Elwyn Morse and Thomas Tudor [3] Abstentions: Councillor Simon Wright [1] RESOLVED (a) That the statutory report of the Director of Resources under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003 be accepted. (b) That the Revenue Estimates for 2026-27, as submitted, be approved. (c) That a Council Tax increase of 4.60% (Budget Setting Council Tax Base) be approved. (d) That a Council Tax increase of 4.60% (Aggregate Council Tax Base) be approved. (e) County Council and Town/Community Councils – that in accordance with Section 34(2) and (3) and 36(1) of the Act, the amount calculated as the Basic Amount of Council Tax for the year 2026-27 for dwellings in part of the Council's area and in respect of dwellings listed in different valuation bands be set as detailed in Schedule A1 to this resolution. (f) That in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 the precept of £24,258,319.55 issued by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys to the County Council for the year 2026-27 in respect of dwellings listed in different valuation bands as follows:- Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H Band I £258.42 £301.49 £344.56 £387.63 £473.77 £559.91 £646.05 £775.26 £904.47 (g) That having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (e) and (f) above, in accordance with Section 30(2) of the Act, the amounts of Council Tax for the 2026-27 financial year for each of the categories of dwellings be set as detailed in Schedule B1 to this resolution. (h) That the amounts precepted by Town and Community Councils as listed in Schedule C to this resolution be noted. Schedule A1 – Town and Community Councils Schedule B1 – Town and Community Councils, Police & Crime Commissioner and County Council Schedule C - Town and Community Councils
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That the Treasury Management Strategy for 2026-27 to 2029-30, including the Policy on Borrowing in Advance of Need, the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy, the Treasury Limits, the Prudential Indicators and Borrowing Requirements, be approved, effective from 1 April 2026. (b) That the Annual Investment Strategy for 2026-27 to 2029-30 be approved, effective from 1 April 2026.
Council considered a report by Cabinet in relation to the Treasury Management Governance Arrangements. Councillor Alistair Cameron, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, introduced the Treasury Management Strategy for 2026–27, outlining the governance arrangements the Council is required to review annually. He explained that the strategy covers borrowing, investments, cash flow and financial risk management, ensuring that the Council operates prudently and sustainably. He highlighted the four key components of the strategy: the capital programme and prudential indicators, the Treasury Management Strategy, the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy, and the Annual Investment Strategy. Councillor Cameron noted that these elements support long?term financial planning and ensure sufficient liquidity for service delivery and major capital projects, with a clear focus on security, liquidity and low?risk returns. He reported that the Council complies fully with the CIPFA codes and Welsh Government regulations, with regular reporting and scrutiny built in. He outlined the scale of the capital programme—£490 million over 2026–30—funded through grants, reserves and borrowing, with new external borrowing of £176.7 million. He confirmed modelling showed the programme was affordable within the previously agreed 5.3% cap on capital financing costs, and that borrowing rates were projected to fall. He noted Welsh Government flexibility on minimum revenue provision but advised it was not proposed for use in 2026–27. Councillor Cameron Moved the Recommendations as set out in the report; Seconded by the Leader. Members proceeded to debate the Motion, and the key points were highlighted as follows: Councillor Michael John, speaking as Chair of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, thanked officers for their thorough and consistent work on Treasury Management reporting. He praised the professionalism and clarity of the reports and responses provided to scrutiny Members. He also noted that, although political differences may exist regarding the capital programme, the quality of work undertaken by the Treasury Management Team was outstanding. He expressed concern about potential future budget reductions affecting the Directorate but reiterated his appreciation for the team’s efforts. The vote, undertaken by way of an electronic vote, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, John Cole, Alec Cormack, Terry Davies, John Davies, Pat Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Claire George, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Mike James, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Paul Miller, Huw Murphy, Nick Neumann, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Billy Shaw, David Simpson, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Vivien Stoddart, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Michele Wiggins, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Michael Williams, Alun Wills, Guy Woodham, Steve Yelland, Danny Young [46] Against the Motion: Councillor Thomas Tudor [1] There were no abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the Treasury Management Strategy for 2026-27 to 2029-30, including the Policy on Borrowing in Advance of Need, the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy, the Treasury Limits, the Prudential Indicators and Borrowing Requirements, be approved, effective from 1 April 2026. (b) That the Annual Investment Strategy for 2026-27 to 2029-30 be approved, effective from 1 April 2026.
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