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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED That the suspension of the Budget Setting Procedure Rule as set out in Section 16.3.5 of the Constitution, be enacted, as follows: Any alternative Budget proposals must be developed in accordance with the timetable published by the Section 151 Officer. No alternative budget or amendment to the draft budget will be accepted after the date set in the timetable, which shall be not more than 20 clear working days before the Budget meeting. Councillor Joshua Beynon, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies then proceeded to introduce the item, highlighting that since the last meeting, additional money had been received from Welsh Government, approximately £500,000, which would be allocated for reducing the funding pressures of Schools. It was added that further grants would be received from Welsh Government in April, and whilst the details were not yet confirmed, it was likely that Social Care would benefit from them. Thanks were expressed to all Members for engaging in discussion since the last Council meeting, which had enabled a compromise to be reached. [Councillor Tony Wilcox joined the meeting at this juncture.] The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies made reference to the Independent Group and Cabinet joint proposal for the Pembrokeshire County Council Budget for 2025-26, as outlined within Appendix Q and outlined the specific details of the proposal, which would bring with it a 9.35% increase in Council Tax for 2025-26 and 7.5% for the remainder of the medium term financial plan, subject to annual review. Councillor Joshua Beynon Moved recommendations A-J, as outlined within Appendix Q (Independent Group and Cabinet joint proposal for Pembrokeshire County Council Budget 2025-26); Seconded by Councillor Alan Dennison. Councillor Di Clements then Moved an amendment, for Members to consider the Conservative Group alternative budget proposal, as outlined within Appendix R; Seconded by Councillor Aled Thomas. Following advice being sought to clarify whether the alternative proposal was deemed an amendment to the original motion or not, the Monitoring Officer confirmed that she was satisfied that an amendment was procedurally correct due to the differing figures from the substantive motion. Following a query raised by Councillor Michael John as to whether the proposals made during the last meeting were still on the table due to that meeting being suspended, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies withdrew his proposals from the last meeting, to allow fresh proposals to be considered. Councillor Di Clements outlined the rationale in relation to the Conservative Group alternative budget proposal, stating that increases in Council Tax should be about fairness, and to ensure a sustainable financial position for years to come the Authority needed to consider alternative ways of providing services and consider the current provision of non-statutory services. The alternative budget proposal was stated to have been based on providing key priorities, such as meeting the statutory duty to look after the elderly and vulnerable and to ensure children within the County were provided with the education they need to have equal opportunity in the world, and the proposed figures were outlined. It was stated that the proposal included freezing new capital regeneration projects and increasing the allocation to the Second Homes Council Tax pot, to enable new homes to be built within the County, amongst other proposals. Members proceeded to debate the proposed amendment, and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Alec Cormack expressed his support for elements of the alternative proposal but highlighted his agreement with the Section 151 Officer’s Assurance Statement which concluded that the alternative budget proposal provided a balanced budget but would effect the overall conclusion on the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of reserves outlined in the Section 151 Officer’s Assurance Statement, due to some of the estimates included in the alternative budget not yet being fully developed. Councillor Alistair Cameron expressed that he also agreed with this view. · Councillor Rhys Jordan responded to comments made in relation to the leisure provision not being fully costed and stated that suitable suggestions had been made over recent years which had not been taken on board. · Councillor Elwyn Morse also made reference to the leisure provision not being fully costed and acknowledged that the Authority had previously explored a range of models which included renting such facilities out to private companies; however, had concluded that to do so successfully required a high level of investment to ensure the conditions of the facilities were suitable for handover. He stated that no amount of savings would outweigh the benefits of the Authority retaining full control over such services. · The Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, Climate Change and Rural Affairs summarised the findings of the last report which was commissioned into altering the leisure services model and stated that whilst he did not believe an alternative model would be the right course of action for the leisure function, he was not closed to new ideas. · Councillor Mark Carter expressed that operating the Authority as if it was a business would allow continual progress to be made in relation to the way services operate and further expressed that the proposals being made would assist with doing this in a fresh way. · In response to clarification sought by Councillor Michael Williams, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies provided an update in relation to the impact the increase in National Insurance contributions would have on the Authority. He stated the direct costs would likely be covered by UK Government; however, an update was awaited regarding the indirect commissioning costs. [Councillor Jordan Ryan joined the meeting at this juncture.] · Councillor Jamie Adams also agreed that there would be merit in some of the proposals being made, and welcomed an alternative way of thinking, but recognised that the Authority was governed to a tight timescale and expressed that he did not feel the proposals being made could be implemented by 1 April 2025. Members proceeded to vote on the proposed amendment which when put to an electronic vote, the proposal fell. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Bryan, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, David Howlett, Rhys Jordan, Nick Neumann, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [13] Against the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Mike James, Mike John, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham and Simon Wright [45] There were no abstentions. Members then proceeded to debate the original motion, and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Alec Cormack recognised that the savings measures being suggested, and implemented, were getting more difficult each year and recognised that to ensure financial sustainability for the Authority, radical restructuring of the Council and its spending was required. · Councillor Di Clements made reference to the proposed four weekly bin collections and sought clarification as to whether that was a fixed change or just for one year. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies advised that the saving could not be fixed into the budget indefinitely, so it was a one year proposal and would be considered again next year. In summing up, the Leader thanked all involved in progressing the range of proposals made over the recent months and commended the level of detail provided through the various budget seminars and Committee reports. He reiterated the legal requirement of setting a balanced budget, which was the responsibility of Council. The financial pressures were recognised to be common with all Local Authorities, however, were exacerbated by the rurality of the County. He stated that it had been pleasing to meet with group leaders, following the 20 February 2025 Council meeting, which had enabled a consensus to be reached in relation to an acceptable level of Council Tax rises and service efficiencies, following a budget proposal being shared with him from Councillor Huw Murphy following that meeting. It was stated that the proposal was one that following discussion, Cabinet colleagues had been willing to support as a joint budget proposal to enable the Authority to protect the vital services within the County whilst laying the groundwork for a sustainable, thriving future for Pembrokeshire. It was highlighted that the proposal was a strategy designed to navigate the next two years of daunting challenges to ensure the Authority was prepared for what is to come and to respond to the crucial concerns raised by Audit Wales. It was recognised that the proposals did bring risks and challenges and close monitoring would need to be undertaken and matters addressed where necessary, along with the use of reserves, if required. The vote, in relation to the original motion was then undertaken by way of an electronic vote and was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Mike James, Mike John, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham and Simon Wright [46] Against the Motion: Councillors David Bryan, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, David Howlett, Rhys Jordan, Nick Neumann, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [13] There were no abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the income generated from the Council Tax Premium for Second Homes for 2025-26 to 2028-29 be allocated as follows: I. 92.00% to fund elements of the Council’s budget relating to affordable housing and enhancing the sustainability of local communities. II. 6.00% to fund the Affordable Housing programme. III. 2.00% to fund the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant Scheme (b) That the income generated from the Council Tax Premium for Long Term Empty Properties for 2025-26 to 2028-29 be allocated as follows: I. 100% to fund elements of the Council’s budget relating to affordable housing and enhancing the sustainability of local communities. II. 0% for bringing empty properties back into use. (c) That the Council Tax ‘Band D’ increase for Pembrokeshire County Council for the 2025-26 financial year be approved at 9.35% (£2.71 per week/£141.25 per annum). (d) That the Council Tax ‘Band D’ increase for 2026-27 to 2028-29, for inclusion in the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29, be approved at 7.50% per annum. (e) That the County Council Budget for 2025-26, based on budget option 4 with full details outlined in Appendix Q and Q(i), including service pressures, proposed budget savings, proposed utilisation of Council Tax premiums, movement in earmarked reserves and the General Fund working balance, be approved. (f) That the indicative Capital Programme for 2025-26 to 2028-29 and the Capital Strategy 2025-26 to 2028-29, be approved. (g) That the prudential indicators for capital and revenue estimates for 2025-26 to 2028-29, be approved. (h) That the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29, amended for recommendations (a) and (c) above, be approved. (i) That the Housing Revenue Account estimates for 2025-26, be approved. (j) That all discretionary fees and charges related to Council functions, be increased by 5% for 2025-26.
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 2025-26, as submitted, be approved. (c) That a Council Tax increase of 9.35% (Budget Setting Council Tax Base) be approved. (d) That a Council Tax increase of 9.35% (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 2025-26 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 A4 to this resolution. (f) That in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 the precept of £22,727,543 issued by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys to the County Council for the year 2025-26 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 £240.45 £280.53 £320.60 £360.68 £440.83 £520.98 £601.13 £721.36 £841.59 (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 2025-26 financial year for each of the categories of dwellings be set as detailed in Schedule B4 to this resolution. (h) That the amounts precepted by Town and Community Councils as listed in Schedule C to this resolution be noted. Schedule A4 – Town and Community Councils Community Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H Band I Ambleston 1,112.81 1,298.29 1,483.75 1,669.22 2,040.15 2,411.10 2,782.03 3,338.44 3,894.85 Amroth 1,123.92 1,311.24 1,498.56 1,685.88 2,060.52 2,435.16 2,809.80 3,371.76 3,933.72 Angle 1,124.22 1,311.60 1,498.97 1,686.34 2,061.08 2,435.83 2,810.56 3,372.68 3,934.80 Boncath 1,113.15 1,298.68 1,484.21 1,669.73 2,040.78 2,411.83 2,782.88 3,339.46 3,896.04 Brawdy 1,112.80 1,298.28 1,483.74 1,669.21 2,040.14 2,411.08 2,782.01 3,338.42 3,894.83 Burton 1,127.05 1,314.90 1,502.74 1,690.58 2,066.26 2,441.95 2,817.63 3,381.16 3,944.69 Caldey 1,101.31 1,284.87 1,468.42 1,651.97 2,019.07 2,386.18 2,753.28 3,303.94 3,854.60 Camrose 1,109.72 1,294.68 1,479.63 1,664.58 2,034.48 2,404.39 2,774.30 3,329.16 3,884.02 Carew 1,126.20 1,313.91 1,501.61 1,689.31 2,064.71 2,440.12 2,815.51 3,378.62 3,941.73 Cilgerran 1,117.51 1,303.77 1,490.02 1,676.27 2,048.77 2,421.28 2,793.78 3,352.54 3,911.30 Clydau 1,112.63 1,298.08 1,483.51 1,668.95 2,039.82 2,410.71 2,781.58 3,337.90 3,894.22 Clynderwen 1,115.30 1,301.20 1,487.08 1,672.96 2,044.72 2,416.50 2,788.26 3,345.92 3,903.58 Cosheston 1,116.01 1,302.02 1,488.02 1,674.02 2,046.02 2,418.03 2,790.03 3,348.04 3,906.05 Crymych 1,117.28 1,303.51 1,489.72 1,675.93 2,048.35 2,420.79 2,793.21 3,351.86 3,910.51 Cwm Gwaun 1,111.02 1,296.20 1,481.37 1,666.54 2,036.88 2,407.23 2,777.56 3,333.08 3,888.60 Dale 1,113.50 1,299.09 1,484.67 1,670.25 2,041.41 2,412.58 2,783.75 3,340.50 3,897.25 Dinas Cross 1,126.80 1,314.61 1,502.41 1,690.21 2,065.81 2,441.42 2,817.01 3,380.42 3,943.83 East Williamston 1,130.64 1,319.09 1,507.53 1,695.97 2,072.85 2,449.74 2,826.61 3,391.94 3,957.27 Eglwyswrw 1,115.03 1,300.88 1,486.71 1,672.55 2,044.22 2,415.91 2,787.58 3,345.10 3,902.62 Fishguard & Goodwick 1,138.99 1,328.83 1,518.66 1,708.49 2,088.15 2,467.82 2,847.48 3,416.98 3,986.48 Freystrop 1,130.75 1,319.22 1,507.67 1,696.13 2,073.04 2,449.97 2,826.88 3,392.26 3,957.64 Haverfordwest 1,153.81 1,346.12 1,538.42 1,730.72 2,115.32 2,499.93 2,884.53 3,461.44 4,038.35 Hayscastle 1,112.74 1,298.20 1,483.66 1,669.11 2,040.02 2,410.94 2,781.85 3,338.22 3,894.59 Herbrandston 1,130.48 1,318.90 1,507.31 1,695.72 2,072.54 2,449.37 2,826.20 3,391.44 3,956.68 Hook 1,120.30 1,307.03 1,493.74 1,680.46 2,053.89 2,427.33 2,800.76 3,360.92 3,921.08 Hundleton 1,111.93 1,297.26 1,482.58 1,667.90 2,038.54 2,409.19 2,779.83 3,335.80 3,891.77 Jeffreyston 1,122.46 1,309.54 1,496.62 1,683.69 2,057.84 2,432.00 2,806.15 3,367.38 3,928.61 Johnston 1,133.48 1,322.41 1,511.32 1,700.23 2,078.05 2,455.89 2,833.71 3,400.46 3,967.21 Kilgetty/Begelly 1,132.04 1,320.73 1,509.40 1,698.07 2,075.41 2,452.77 2,830.11 3,396.14 3,962.17 Lampeter Velfrey 1,107.80 1,292.45 1,477.08 1,661.71 2,030.97 2,400.25 2,769.51 3,323.42 3,877.33 Lamphey 1,118.92 1,305.42 1,491.90 1,678.39 2,051.36 2,424.34 2,797.31 3,356.78 3,916.25 Letterston 1,138.74 1,328.54 1,518.33 1,708.12 2,087.70 2,467.29 2,846.86 3,416.24 3,985.62 Llanddewi Velfrey 1,119.54 1,306.14 1,492.73 1,679.32 2,052.50 2,425.69 2,798.86 3,358.64 3,918.42 Llandissilio West 1,110.31 1,295.37 1,480.42 1,665.47 2,035.57 2,405.68 2,775.78 3,330.94 3,886.10 Llangwm 1,121.12 1,307.99 1,494.84 1,681.69 2,055.39 2,429.11 2,802.81 3,363.38 3,923.95 Llanrhian 1,127.75 1,315.72 1,503.67 1,691.63 2,067.54 2,443.47 2,819.38 3,383.26 3,947.14 Llanstadwell 1,137.98 1,327.65 1,517.31 1,706.97 2,086.29 2,465.62 2,844.95 3,413.94 3,982.93 Llawhaden 1,117.14 1,303.33 1,489.52 1,675.71 2,048.09 2,420.47 2,792.85 3,351.42 3,909.99 Maenclochog 1,133.36 1,322.27 1,511.16 1,700.05 2,077.83 2,455.63 2,833.41 3,400.10 3,966.79 Manorbier 1,125.46 1,313.05 1,500.62 1,688.20 2,063.35 2,438.51 2,813.66 3,376.40 3,939.14 Manordeifi 1,117.72 1,304.01 1,490.30 1,676.58 2,049.15 2,421.73 2,794.30 3,353.16 3,912.02 Marloes & St Brides 1,114.46 1,300.22 1,485.96 1,671.70 2,043.18 2,414.68 2,786.16 3,343.40 3,900.64 Martletwy 1,123.00 1,310.18 1,497.34 1,684.51 2,058.84 2,433.18 2,807.51 3,369.02 3,930.53 Mathry 1,124.82 1,312.30 1,499.77 1,687.24 2,062.18 2,437.13 2,812.06 3,374.48 3,936.90 Merlins Bridge 1,116.16 1,302.19 1,488.22 1,674.24 2,046.29 2,418.35 2,790.40 3,348.48 3,906.56 Milford Haven 1,124.98 1,312.49 1,499.98 1,687.48 2,062.47 2,437.47 2,812.46 3,374.96 3,937.46 Mynachlogddu 1,108.16 1,292.86 1,477.55 1,662.24 2,031.62 2,401.01 2,770.40 3,324.48 3,878.56 Narberth 1,141.16 1,331.37 1,521.56 1,711.75 2,092.13 2,472.53 2,852.91 3,423.50 3,994.09 Nevern 1,123.88 1,311.21 1,498.52 1,685.83 2,060.45 2,435.09 2,809.71 3,371.66 3,933.61 New Moat 1,104.98 1,289.15 1,473.31 1,657.47 2,025.79 2,394.12 2,762.45 3,314.94 3,867.43 Newport 1,129.06 1,317.24 1,505.42 1,693.59 2,069.94 2,446.30 2,822.65 3,387.18 3,951.71 Neyland 1,159.60 1,352.87 1,546.14 1,739.40 2,125.93 2,512.47 2,899.00 3,478.80 4,058.60 Nolton & Roch 1,113.53 1,299.13 1,484.71 1,670.30 2,041.47 2,412.66 2,783.83 3,340.60 3,897.37 Pembroke 1,158.80 1,351.95 1,545.08 1,738.21 2,124.47 2,510.75 2,897.01 3,476.42 4,055.83 Pembroke Dock 1,142.72 1,333.18 1,523.63 1,714.08 2,094.98 2,475.89 2,856.80 3,428.16 3,999.52 Penally 1,125.18 1,312.71 1,500.24 1,687.77 2,062.83 2,437.89 2,812.95 3,375.54 3,938.13 Pencaer 1,117.82 1,304.13 1,490.43 1,676.73 2,049.33 2,421.94 2,794.55 3,353.46 3,912.37 Puncheston 1,116.86 1,303.01 1,489.15 1,675.29 2,047.57 2,419.86 2,792.15 3,350.58 3,909.01 Rosemarket 1,148.38 1,339.79 1,531.18 1,722.58 2,105.37 2,488.17 2,870.96 3,445.16 4,019.36 Rudbaxton 1,114.16 1,299.86 1,485.55 1,671.24 2,042.62 2,414.01 2,785.40 3,342.48 3,899.56 Saundersfoot 1,139.52 1,329.45 1,519.37 1,709.29 2,089.13 2,468.98 2,848.81 3,418.58 3,988.35 Scleddau 1,112.07 1,297.42 1,482.77 1,668.11 2,038.80 2,409.49 2,780.18 3,336.22 3,892.26 Solva 1,140.32 1,330.38 1,520.43 1,710.48 2,090.58 2,470.69 2,850.80 3,420.96 3,991.12 Spittal 1,111.14 1,296.34 1,481.53 1,666.72 2,037.10 2,407.49 2,777.86 3,333.44 3,889.02 St Davids & Cathedral Close 1,129.99 1,318.33 1,506.66 1,694.99 2,071.65 2,448.32 2,824.98 3,389.98 3,954.98 St Dogmaels 1,150.40 1,342.14 1,533.87 1,725.60 2,109.06 2,492.53 2,876.00 3,451.20 4,026.40 St Florence 1,139.33 1,329.23 1,519.11 1,709.00 2,088.77 2,468.56 2,848.33 3,418.00 3,987.67 St Ishmaels 1,117.07 1,303.26 1,489.43 1,675.61 2,047.96 2,420.33 2,792.68 3,351.22 3,909.76 St Mary Out Liberty 1,114.78 1,300.59 1,486.38 1,672.18 2,043.77 2,415.37 2,786.96 3,344.36 3,901.76 Stackpole & Castlemartin 1,114.17 1,299.87 1,485.57 1,671.26 2,042.65 2,414.04 2,785.43 3,342.52 3,899.61 Templeton 1,129.05 1,317.23 1,505.41 1,693.58 2,069.93 2,446.28 2,822.63 3,387.16 3,951.69 Tenby 1,156.68 1,349.47 1,542.25 1,735.03 2,120.59 2,506.16 2,891.71 3,470.06 4,048.41 The Havens 1,118.14 1,304.51 1,490.86 1,677.22 2,049.93 2,422.65 2,795.36 3,354.44 3,913.52 Tiers Cross 1,114.58 1,300.36 1,486.12 1,671.88 2,043.40 2,414.94 2,786.46 3,343.76 3,901.06 Uzmaston Boulston & Slebech 1,114.88 1,300.70 1,486.51 1,672.32 2,043.94 2,415.57 2,787.20 3,344.64 3,902.08 Walwyns Castle 1,115.93 1,301.93 1,487.91 1,673.90 2,045.87 2,417.86 2,789.83 3,347.80 3,905.77 Wiston 1,108.50 1,293.25 1,478.00 1,662.75 2,032.25 2,401.75 2,771.25 3,325.50 3,879.75 Wolfscastle 1,117.32 1,303.54 1,489.76 1,675.98 2,048.42 2,420.86 2,793.30 3,351.96 3,910.62 Schedule B4 – Town and Community Councils, Police & Crime Commissioner and County Council Community Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H Band I Ambleston 1,353.26 1,578.82 1,804.35 2,029.90 2,480.98 2,932.08 3,383.16 4,059.80 4,736.44 Amroth 1,364.37 1,591.77 1,819.16 2,046.56 2,501.35 2,956.14 3,410.93 4,093.12 4,775.31 Angle 1,364.67 1,592.13 1,819.57 2,047.02 2,501.91 2,956.81 3,411.69 4,094.04 4,776.39 Boncath 1,353.60 1,579.21 1,804.81 2,030.41 2,481.61 2,932.81 3,384.01 4,060.82 4,737.63 Brawdy 1,353.25 1,578.81 1,804.34 2,029.89 2,480.97 2,932.06 3,383.14 4,059.78 4,736.42 Burton 1,367.50 1,595.43 1,823.34 2,051.26 2,507.09 2,962.93 3,418.76 4,102.52 4,786.28 Caldey 1,341.76 1,565.40 1,789.02 2,012.65 2,459.90 2,907.16 3,354.41 4,025.30 4,696.19 Camrose 1,350.17 1,575.21 1,800.23 2,025.26 2,475.31 2,925.37 3,375.43 4,050.52 4,725.61 Carew 1,366.65 1,594.44 1,822.21 2,049.99 2,505.54 2,961.10 3,416.64 4,099.98 4,783.32 Cilgerran 1,357.96 1,584.30 1,810.62 2,036.95 2,489.60 2,942.26 3,394.91 4,073.90 4,752.89 Clydau 1,353.08 1,578.61 1,804.11 2,029.63 2,480.65 2,931.69 3,382.71 4,059.26 4,735.81 Clynderwen 1,355.75 1,581.73 1,807.68 2,033.64 2,485.55 2,937.48 3,389.39 4,067.28 4,745.17 Cosheston 1,356.46 1,582.55 1,808.62 2,034.70 2,486.85 2,939.01 3,391.16 4,069.40 4,747.64 Crymych 1,357.73 1,584.04 1,810.32 2,036.61 2,489.18 2,941.77 3,394.34 4,073.22 4,752.10 Cwm Gwaun 1,351.47 1,576.73 1,801.97 2,027.22 2,477.71 2,928.21 3,378.69 4,054.44 4,730.19 Dale 1,353.95 1,579.62 1,805.27 2,030.93 2,482.24 2,933.56 3,384.88 4,061.86 4,738.84 Dinas Cross 1,367.25 1,595.14 1,823.01 2,050.89 2,506.64 2,962.40 3,418.14 4,101.78 4,785.42 East Williamston 1,371.09 1,599.62 1,828.13 2,056.65 2,513.68 2,970.72 3,427.74 4,113.30 4,798.86 Eglwyswrw 1,355.48 1,581.41 1,807.31 2,033.23 2,485.05 2,936.89 3,388.71 4,066.46 4,744.21 Fishguard & Goodwick 1,379.44 1,609.36 1,839.26 2,069.17 2,528.98 2,988.80 3,448.61 4,138.34 4,828.07 Freystrop 1,371.20 1,599.75 1,828.27 2,056.81 2,513.87 2,970.95 3,428.01 4,113.62 4,799.23 Haverfordwest 1,394.26 1,626.65 1,859.02 2,091.40 2,556.15 3,020.91 3,485.66 4,182.80 4,879.94 Hayscastle 1,353.19 1,578.73 1,804.26 2,029.79 2,480.85 2,931.92 3,382.98 4,059.58 4,736.18 Herbrandston 1,370.93 1,599.43 1,827.91 2,056.40 2,513.37 2,970.35 3,427.33 4,112.80 4,798.27 Hook 1,360.75 1,587.56 1,814.34 2,041.14 2,494.72 2,948.31 3,401.89 4,082.28 4,762.67 Hundleton 1,352.38 1,577.79 1,803.18 2,028.58 2,479.37 2,930.17 3,380.96 4,057.16 4,733.36 Jeffreyston 1,362.91 1,590.07 1,817.22 2,044.37 2,498.67 2,952.98 3,407.28 4,088.74 4,770.20 Johnston 1,373.93 1,602.94 1,831.92 2,060.91 2,518.88 2,976.87 3,434.84 4,121.82 4,808.80 Kilgetty/Begelly 1,372.49 1,601.26 1,830.00 2,058.75 2,516.24 2,973.75 3,431.24 4,117.50 4,803.76 Lampeter Velfrey 1,348.25 1,572.98 1,797.68 2,022.39 2,471.80 2,921.23 3,370.64 4,044.78 4,718.92 Lamphey 1,359.37 1,585.95 1,812.50 2,039.07 2,492.19 2,945.32 3,398.44 4,078.14 4,757.84 Letterston 1,379.19 1,609.07 1,838.93 2,068.80 2,528.53 2,988.27 3,447.99 4,137.60 4,827.21 Llanddewi Velfrey 1,359.99 1,586.67 1,813.33 2,040.00 2,493.33 2,946.67 3,399.99 4,080.00 4,760.01 Llandissilio West 1,350.76 1,575.90 1,801.02 2,026.15 2,476.40 2,926.66 3,376.91 4,052.30 4,727.69 Llangwm 1,361.57 1,588.52 1,815.44 2,042.37 2,496.22 2,950.09 3,403.94 4,084.74 4,765.54 Llanrhian 1,368.20 1,596.25 1,824.27 2,052.31 2,508.37 2,964.45 3,420.51 4,104.62 4,788.73 Llanstadwell 1,378.43 1,608.18 1,837.91 2,067.65 2,527.12 2,986.60 3,446.08 4,135.30 4,824.52 Llawhaden 1,357.59 1,583.86 1,810.12 2,036.39 2,488.92 2,941.45 3,393.98 4,072.78 4,751.58 Maenclochog 1,373.81 1,602.80 1,831.76 2,060.73 2,518.66 2,976.61 3,434.54 4,121.46 4,808.38 Manorbier 1,365.91 1,593.58 1,821.22 2,048.88 2,504.18 2,959.49 3,414.79 4,097.76 4,780.73 Manordeifi 1,358.17 1,584.54 1,810.90 2,037.26 2,489.98 2,942.71 3,395.43 4,074.52 4,753.61 Marloes & St Brides 1,354.91 1,580.75 1,806.56 2,032.38 2,484.01 2,935.66 3,387.29 4,064.76 4,742.23 Martletwy 1,363.45 1,590.71 1,817.94 2,045.19 2,499.67 2,954.16 3,408.64 4,090.38 4,772.12 Mathry 1,365.27 1,592.83 1,820.37 2,047.92 2,503.01 2,958.11 3,413.19 4,095.84 4,778.49 Merlins Bridge 1,356.61 1,582.72 1,808.82 2,034.92 2,487.12 2,939.33 3,391.53 4,069.84 4,748.15 Milford Haven 1,365.43 1,593.02 1,820.58 2,048.16 2,503.30 2,958.45 3,413.59 4,096.32 4,779.05 Mynachlogddu 1,348.61 1,573.39 1,798.15 2,022.92 2,472.45 2,921.99 3,371.53 4,045.84 4,720.15 Narberth 1,381.61 1,611.90 1,842.16 2,072.43 2,532.96 2,993.51 3,454.04 4,144.86 4,835.68 Nevern 1,364.33 1,591.74 1,819.12 2,046.51 2,501.28 2,956.07 3,410.84 4,093.02 4,775.20 New Moat 1,345.43 1,569.68 1,793.91 2,018.15 2,466.62 2,915.10 3,363.58 4,036.30 4,709.02 Newport 1,369.51 1,597.77 1,826.02 2,054.27 2,510.77 2,967.28 3,423.78 4,108.54 4,793.30 Neyland 1,400.05 1,633.40 1,866.74 2,100.08 2,566.76 3,033.45 3,500.13 4,200.16 4,900.19 Nolton & Roch 1,353.98 1,579.66 1,805.31 2,030.98 2,482.30 2,933.64 3,384.96 4,061.96 4,738.96 Pembroke 1,399.25 1,632.48 1,865.68 2,098.89 2,565.30 3,031.73 3,498.14 4,197.78 4,897.42 Pembroke Dock 1,383.17 1,613.71 1,844.23 2,074.76 2,535.81 2,996.87 3,457.93 4,149.52 4,841.11 Penally 1,365.63 1,593.24 1,820.84 2,048.45 2,503.66 2,958.87 3,414.08 4,096.90 4,779.72 Pencaer 1,358.27 1,584.66 1,811.03 2,037.41 2,490.16 2,942.92 3,395.68 4,074.82 4,753.96 Puncheston 1,357.31 1,583.54 1,809.75 2,035.97 2,488.40 2,940.84 3,393.28 4,071.94 4,750.60 Rosemarket 1,388.83 1,620.32 1,851.78 2,083.26 2,546.20 3,009.15 3,472.09 4,166.52 4,860.95 Rudbaxton 1,354.61 1,580.39 1,806.15 2,031.92 2,483.45 2,934.99 3,386.53 4,063.84 4,741.15 Saundersfoot 1,379.97 1,609.98 1,839.97 2,069.97 2,529.96 2,989.96 3,449.94 4,139.94 4,829.94 Scleddau 1,352.52 1,577.95 1,803.37 2,028.79 2,479.63 2,930.47 3,381.31 4,057.58 4,733.85 Solva 1,380.77 1,610.91 1,841.03 2,071.16 2,531.41 2,991.67 3,451.93 4,142.32 4,832.71 Spittal 1,351.59 1,576.87 1,802.13 2,027.40 2,477.93 2,928.47 3,378.99 4,054.80 4,730.61 St Davids & Cathedral Close 1,370.44 1,598.86 1,827.26 2,055.67 2,512.48 2,969.30 3,426.11 4,111.34 4,796.57 St Dogmaels 1,390.85 1,622.67 1,854.47 2,086.28 2,549.89 3,013.51 3,477.13 4,172.56 4,867.99 St Florence 1,379.78 1,609.76 1,839.71 2,069.68 2,529.60 2,989.54 3,449.46 4,139.36 4,829.26 St Ishmaels 1,357.52 1,583.79 1,810.03 2,036.29 2,488.79 2,941.31 3,393.81 4,072.58 4,751.35 St Mary Out Liberty 1,355.23 1,581.12 1,806.98 2,032.86 2,484.60 2,936.35 3,388.09 4,065.72 4,743.35 Stackpole & Castlemartin 1,354.62 1,580.40 1,806.17 2,031.94 2,483.48 2,935.02 3,386.56 4,063.88 4,741.20 Templeton 1,369.50 1,597.76 1,826.01 2,054.26 2,510.76 2,967.26 3,423.76 4,108.52 4,793.28 Tenby 1,397.13 1,630.00 1,862.85 2,095.71 2,561.42 3,027.14 3,492.84 4,191.42 4,890.00 The Havens 1,358.59 1,585.04 1,811.46 2,037.90 2,490.76 2,943.63 3,396.49 4,075.80 4,755.11 Tiers Cross 1,355.03 1,580.89 1,806.72 2,032.56 2,484.23 2,935.92 3,387.59 4,065.12 4,742.65 Uzmaston Boulston & Slebech 1,355.33 1,581.23 1,807.11 2,033.00 2,484.77 2,936.55 3,388.33 4,066.00 4,743.67 Walwyns Castle 1,356.38 1,582.46 1,808.51 2,034.58 2,486.70 2,938.84 3,390.96 4,069.16 4,747.36 Wiston 1,348.95 1,573.78 1,798.60 2,023.43 2,473.08 2,922.73 3,372.38 4,046.86 4,721.34 Wolfscastle 1,357.77 1,584.07 1,810.36 2,036.66 2,489.25 2,941.84 3,394.43 4,073.32 4,752.21
RESOLVED (a) That the Treasury Management Strategy for 2025-26 to 2028-29, 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 2025. (b) That the Annual Investment Strategy for 2025-26 to 2028-29 be approved, effective from 1 April 2025. The Presiding Member expressed thanks on behalf of the Chamber to everyone involved in the successful setting of the Council budget and highlighted the professionalism and dedication of staff within the Finance Directorate who assisted in the budget process. The Chief Executive acknowledged on behalf of the Finance Team, and all other members of staff and Officers involved in setting the finance agenda, the kind and generous cross Chamber remarks on the work that they had completed over the last year and most importantly over the recent weeks, stating that the comments were much appreciated.
RESOLVED (a) That the additions to the Governance and Audit Committee Terms of Reference, as outlined within the report, be approved. (b) That the setting of Licensing fees be delegated to the Licensing Committee. (c) That the changes to the Contract Procedure Rules be noted.
RESOLVED That the current arrangement of Full Council considering all severance payments of £100K plus be not altered. Members proceeded to debate the substantive motion, and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Paul Miller made reference to the multiplier and queried how Pembrokeshire compared to other Local Authorities. In response, the Head of HR advised that Pembrokeshire currently sat at the top end of the benchmarking of other Welsh Local Authorities and public bodies multipliers and if the adjustment was agreed it would move the Authority to the lower end of the upper quartile (50-75% quartile). · In response to a question raised by Councillor Paul Miller, the Head of HR confirmed that that the multiplier calculation would be separate to any pension strain that would be applied, for individuals who qualify for pension strain. Further information was provided as to who may or may not be eligible for pension strain. · Councillor Paul Miller expressed that he felt that the unions had negotiated very favourable redundancy payment conditions for staff, of which he did not feel would be the best use of Council finances. He raised concerns with the Council insuring schools against redundancy costs, which he felt leads to high levels of redundancies every year, which then re-present the following year as ‘new roles’ of which previous employees are re-employed after being made redundant. · Councillor Aled Thomas requested an update as to what further changes were made to the conditions between the time the matter was considered by the Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the current Council meeting. The Head of HR stated that following the Committee meeting, Officers continued to have dialogue with the Trade Unions via the Leader and the Chief Executive and a compromise was able to be achieved with regards to a transition period, which would mean that both Teachers and NJC staff would be at an equal point for the calculator, which would be conducted through a transition period up until 6 April 2025 after which the multiplier would then reduce. It was stated that the Authority had programmes in place to try and navigate away from the need for redundancies, but challenges remained in relation to school support staff who suffered the greatest impact. To assist, the Chief Executive summarised the changes made since the Committee meeting as follows: - A tiered introduction over two years rather than one year; - An alignment between school staff and the non-school staff; - A .0.25% multiplier difference between the starting suggestion and the end position. · In response to a question from Councillor Alec Cormack as to how the multiplier being proposed compared to other Local Authorities in West Wales, the Head of HR outlined the data. · Councillor Marc Tierney reiterated that he was a Local Authority Appointed School Governor and a member of a Trade Union, before proceeding to query if the Switch Programme was applicable to school support staff. In response the Head of HR confirmed that Governing Bodies were encouraged to use the programme, but the use of it could not be forced due to Governing Bodies being an employer in its own right. The vote in relation to the substantive motion was then 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, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Mike James, Mike John, Phil Kidney, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham and Simon Wright [45] Against the Motion: Councillors David Bryan, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, Rhys Jordan, Paul Miller, Nick Neumann, Mel Phillips, Aled Thomas, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [12] Abstentions: Councillor Tony Wilcox [1] RESOLVED That the Pay Policy statement for 2025-26 be approved for publication, maintaining the status quo in relation to severance payments of £100K plus being approved by Full Council.
RESOLVED That the Partneriaeth Joint Committee and Joint Scrutiny Committee be dissolved, as of 31 March 2025.
RESOLVED That the progress made on the Corporate Governance Improvement Plan be noted, and the draft response be approved.
RESOLVED That the Corporate Strategy for 2025-2030 and the new Well-being Objectives contained therein, be adopted. [*Councillor Rhys Sinnett advised that he had mistakenly cast a vote for Councillor Paul Miller, on the shared voting handset, and requested that his vote 'for’ the motion be recorded. The votes have been amended accordingly.]
RESOLVED That the final recommendations published by the Commission, be noted. [Councillor Paul Miller requested that his vote against the Motion be recorded.] [Councillors Claire George, Nick Neumann and Aled Thomas abstained from voting.]
RESOLVED That Mr Christopher Halford be appointed as a Lay Member to the Governance and Audit Committee for a period of five years commencing 1 April 2025.
RESOLVED (a) That the update and actions that continue to be taken, be noted. (b) That future reports on the matter be presented to the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, in the first instance, and Cabinet if required. (c) That the continuation of air quality monitoring at Spittal school for a further period of up to 12 months, reviewable on a quarterly basis dependent on air quality results and level of community odour complaints received, be approved. [Councillor Jamie Adams left the meeting at this juncture.]
RESOLVED (a) That the report be noted. (b) That the following Independent Group reserve appointments be made: · Councillor Huw Murphy - Democratic Services Committee · Councillor Jamie Adams - Constitutional Review Committee (c) That the following Independent Group appointment be noted: · Councillor Vanessa Thomas – Planning Delegation Panel
RESOLVED That the referral and the actions undertaken to date be noted and the comments raised be taken on board for the 2026 -27 budget consultation. [Councillors Mel Phillips and Iwan Ward left the meeting at this juncture.]
RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be referred to Cabinet.
RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be referred to Cabinet.
RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be referred to the Constitutional Review Committee.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Alun Wills.
In welcoming everyone to the meeting, the Chairman advised that he had no announcements to make so handed over to the Chair of Council/Deputy Presiding Member who made the following announcements: In January, he had been delighted to attend an event at Scolton Manor where he was honored to present people with disabilities, learning disabilities and autism with certificates for their work on the Multiply project, which was stated to be a vital project that worked to provide a further understanding regarding finances and money. A ceremony was hosted by the Chair in the Council Chamber, to present the British Empire Medal to Mr Paul Lucas of Haverfordwest. The medal was presented by His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, Ms Sara Edwards, after Mr Lucas had been named in the New Year's Honors for services to education and charity in Pembrokeshire. It was stated that Mr Lucas had been a driving force behind the creation of Haverfordwest High School, and his work was noted to have a lasting legacy for many generations of young people within the County Town. The official openings of Ysgol Waldo Williams and Ysgol Bro Penfro took place, of which the Chair had been delighted to attend. It was highlighted that the schools underline the investment in young people's futures by Pembrokeshire County Council and that the ceremonies had been carried out by the Education Secretary, Lynne Neagle MS.
The following declarations of interest were made: Agenda Item No. 5 - Pembrokeshire County Council Budget 2025-26 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2025-26 – 2028-29 Councillor Michelle Bateman declared a personal interest by virtue of having a close relative employed at a school. Councillor Michelle Wiggins declared a personal interest by virtue of having a close relative employed at a secondary school. Councillor Maureen Bowen declared a personal interest by virtue of her partner being employed as a teacher in a school. Councillor Michael Williams declared a personal and prejudicial interest by virtue of being a mooring holder at Tenby Harbour but advised that a dispensation had been granted by the Standards Committee to enable him to speak but not vote on such matters. Councillor Tessa Hodgson declared a personal interest by virtue of having two close relatives employed at schools. Councillor Simon Wright declared a personal interest by virtue of having a close relative employed at Ysgol Caer Elen. Councillor Shon Rees declared a personal interest by virtue of having a close relative employed at Ysgol Caer Elen. Councillor Viv Stoddart declared a personal interest by virtue of having close relatives employed as teachers in schools. Councillor Steve Alderman declared a personal interest by virtue of having a close relative employed at Cosheston school. Councillor Terry Davies declared a personal interest by virtue of having close relatives employed in schools. Councillor Michael James declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Member of Ceredigion Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Councillor Mike Stoddart declared a personal interest by virtue of having two close relatives employed in schools. Agenda Item No. 8 - Notice of Motion relating to Cabinet Members not being employed by a Member of Parliament or Senedd Member Councillor Joshua Beynon declared a personal and prejudicial interest but advised that a dispensation had been granted by the Standards Committee to enable him to speak and vote on the matter. Councillor Marc Tierney declared a personal and prejudicial interest by virtue of being employed by a Member of the Senedd. Councillor David Howlett declared a personal and prejudicial interest by virtue of being employed by a Member of the Welsh Parliament. Agenda Item No. 14 - Review of Community Electoral Arrangements Councillor Claire George declared a personal interest by virtue of being Chair of the West Wales Pembrokeshire Area Committee. Councillor Simon Wright declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Member of Clynderwen Community Council. Councillor Alec Cormack declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Member of Amroth Community Council and Saundersfoot Community Council. Councillor Michelle Wiggins declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Member of Pembroke Dock Town Council. Councillor Nick Neumann declared a personal interest by virtue of being the Clerk of Nolton and Roch Community Council. Councillor Bethan Price declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Member of St David's City Council. Councillor John Cole declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Member of Merlins Bridge Community Council. Councillor John Davies declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Member of Cilgerran Community Council.
Moved by Councillor Simon Hancock; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman. An amendment was raised to correct ‘Helen Parrington’ to ‘Helen Carrington’ within the Deputy Presiding Member’s announcements section of the Minutes, in both English and Welsh. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 12 December 2024 be approved as a correct record, subject to the above amendment. [Councillor Bethan Price abstained from voting as she was not present at the 12 December 2024 meeting.] [Councillor Rhys Jordan joined the meeting at this juncture.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the suspension of the Budget Setting Procedure Rule as set out in Section 16.3.5 of the Constitution, be enacted, as follows: Any alternative Budget proposals must be developed in accordance with the timetable published by the Section 151 Officer. No alternative budget or amendment to the draft budget will be accepted after the date set in the timetable, which shall be not more than 20 clear working days before the Budget meeting. Councillor Joshua Beynon, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies then proceeded to introduce the item, highlighting that since the last meeting, additional money had been received from Welsh Government, approximately £500,000, which would be allocated for reducing the funding pressures of Schools. It was added that further grants would be received from Welsh Government in April, and whilst the details were not yet confirmed, it was likely that Social Care would benefit from them. Thanks were expressed to all Members for engaging in discussion since the last Council meeting, which had enabled a compromise to be reached. [Councillor Tony Wilcox joined the meeting at this juncture.] The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies made reference to the Independent Group and Cabinet joint proposal for the Pembrokeshire County Council Budget for 2025-26, as outlined within Appendix Q and outlined the specific details of the proposal, which would bring with it a 9.35% increase in Council Tax for 2025-26 and 7.5% for the remainder of the medium term financial plan, subject to annual review. Councillor Joshua Beynon Moved recommendations A-J, as outlined within Appendix Q (Independent Group and Cabinet joint proposal for Pembrokeshire County Council Budget 2025-26); Seconded by Councillor Alan Dennison. Councillor Di Clements then Moved an amendment, for Members to consider the Conservative Group alternative budget proposal, as outlined within Appendix R; Seconded by Councillor Aled Thomas. Following advice being sought to clarify whether the alternative proposal was deemed an amendment to the original motion or not, the Monitoring Officer confirmed that she was satisfied that an amendment was procedurally correct due to the differing figures from the substantive motion. Following a query raised by Councillor Michael John as to whether the proposals made during the last meeting were still on the table due to that meeting being suspended, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies withdrew his proposals from the last meeting, to allow fresh proposals to be considered. Councillor Di Clements outlined the rationale in relation to the Conservative Group alternative budget proposal, stating that increases in Council Tax should be about fairness, and to ensure a sustainable financial position for years to come the Authority needed to consider alternative ways of providing services and consider the current provision of non-statutory services. The alternative budget proposal was stated to have been based on providing key priorities, such as meeting the statutory duty to look after the elderly and vulnerable and to ensure children within the County were provided with the education they need to have equal opportunity in the world, and the proposed figures were outlined. It was stated that the proposal included freezing new capital regeneration projects and increasing the allocation to the Second Homes Council Tax pot, to enable new homes to be built within the County, amongst other proposals. Members proceeded to debate the proposed amendment, and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Alec Cormack expressed his support for elements of the alternative proposal but highlighted his agreement with the Section 151 Officer’s Assurance Statement which concluded that the alternative budget proposal provided a balanced budget but would effect the overall conclusion on the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of reserves outlined in the Section 151 Officer’s Assurance Statement, due to some of the estimates included in the alternative budget not yet being fully developed. Councillor Alistair Cameron expressed that he also agreed with this view. · Councillor Rhys Jordan responded to comments made in relation to the leisure provision not being fully costed and stated that suitable suggestions had been made over recent years which had not been taken on board. · Councillor Elwyn Morse also made reference to the leisure provision not being fully costed and acknowledged that the Authority had previously explored a range of models which included renting such facilities out to private companies; however, had concluded that to do so successfully required a high level of investment to ensure the conditions of the facilities were suitable for handover. He stated that no amount of savings would outweigh the benefits of the Authority retaining full control over such services. · The Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, Climate Change and Rural Affairs summarised the findings of the last report which was commissioned into altering the leisure services model and stated that whilst he did not believe an alternative model would be the right course of action for the leisure function, he was not closed to new ideas. · Councillor Mark Carter expressed that operating the Authority as if it was a business would allow continual progress to be made in relation to the way services operate and further expressed that the proposals being made would assist with doing this in a fresh way. · In response to clarification sought by Councillor Michael Williams, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies provided an update in relation to the impact the increase in National Insurance contributions would have on the Authority. He stated the direct costs would likely be covered by UK Government; however, an update was awaited regarding the indirect commissioning costs. [Councillor Jordan Ryan joined the meeting at this juncture.] · Councillor Jamie Adams also agreed that there would be merit in some of the proposals being made, and welcomed an alternative way of thinking, but recognised that the Authority was governed to a tight timescale and expressed that he did not feel the proposals being made could be implemented by 1 April 2025. Members proceeded to vote on the proposed amendment which when put to an electronic vote, the proposal fell. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Bryan, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, David Howlett, Rhys Jordan, Nick Neumann, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [13] Against the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Mike James, Mike John, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham and Simon Wright [45] There were no abstentions. Members then proceeded to debate the original motion, and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Alec Cormack recognised that the savings measures being suggested, and implemented, were getting more difficult each year and recognised that to ensure financial sustainability for the Authority, radical restructuring of the Council and its spending was required. · Councillor Di Clements made reference to the proposed four weekly bin collections and sought clarification as to whether that was a fixed change or just for one year. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies advised that the saving could not be fixed into the budget indefinitely, so it was a one year proposal and would be considered again next year. In summing up, the Leader thanked all involved in progressing the range of proposals made over the recent months and commended the level of detail provided through the various budget seminars and Committee reports. He reiterated the legal requirement of setting a balanced budget, which was the responsibility of Council. The financial pressures were recognised to be common with all Local Authorities, however, were exacerbated by the rurality of the County. He stated that it had been pleasing to meet with group leaders, following the 20 February 2025 Council meeting, which had enabled a consensus to be reached in relation to an acceptable level of Council Tax rises and service efficiencies, following a budget proposal being shared with him from Councillor Huw Murphy following that meeting. It was stated that the proposal was one that following discussion, Cabinet colleagues had been willing to support as a joint budget proposal to enable the Authority to protect the vital services within the County whilst laying the groundwork for a sustainable, thriving future for Pembrokeshire. It was highlighted that the proposal was a strategy designed to navigate the next two years of daunting challenges to ensure the Authority was prepared for what is to come and to respond to the crucial concerns raised by Audit Wales. It was recognised that the proposals did bring risks and challenges and close monitoring would need to be undertaken and matters addressed where necessary, along with the use of reserves, if required. The vote, in relation to the original motion was then undertaken by way of an electronic vote and was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Mike James, Mike John, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham and Simon Wright [46] Against the Motion: Councillors David Bryan, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, David Howlett, Rhys Jordan, Nick Neumann, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [13] There were no abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the income generated from the Council Tax Premium for Second Homes for 2025-26 to 2028-29 be allocated as follows: I. 92.00% to fund elements of the Council’s budget relating to affordable housing and enhancing the sustainability of local communities. II. 6.00% to fund the Affordable Housing programme. III. 2.00% to fund the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant Scheme (b) That the income generated from the Council Tax Premium for Long Term Empty Properties for 2025-26 to 2028-29 be allocated as follows: I. 100% to fund elements of the Council’s budget relating to affordable housing and enhancing the sustainability of local communities. II. 0% for bringing empty properties back into use. (c) That the Council Tax ‘Band D’ increase for Pembrokeshire County Council for the 2025-26 financial year be approved at 9.35% (£2.71 per week/£141.25 per annum). (d) That the Council Tax ‘Band D’ increase for 2026-27 to 2028-29, for inclusion in the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29, be approved at 7.50% per annum. (e) That the County Council Budget for 2025-26, based on budget option 4 with full details outlined in Appendix Q and Q(i), including service pressures, proposed budget savings, proposed utilisation of Council Tax premiums, movement in earmarked reserves and the General Fund working balance, be approved. (f) That the indicative Capital Programme for 2025-26 to 2028-29 and the Capital Strategy 2025-26 to 2028-29, be approved. (g) That the prudential indicators for capital and revenue estimates for 2025-26 to 2028-29, be approved. (h) That the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29, amended for recommendations (a) and (c) above, be approved. (i) That the Housing Revenue Account estimates for 2025-26, be approved. (j) That all discretionary fees and charges related to Council functions, be increased by 5% for 2025-26.
Council considered a report by Cabinet in relation to the Pembrokeshire County Council Budget for 2025-26 and the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2025-26 – 2028-29. Councillor Joshua Beynon Moved to suspend Standing Order 16.3.5; Seconded by Councillor Simon Hancock. The vote to suspend Standing Order 16.3.5, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the suspension of the Budget Setting Procedure Rule as set out in Section 16.3.5 of the Constitution, be enacted, as follows: Any alternative Budget proposals must be developed in accordance with the timetable published by the Section 151 Officer. No alternative budget or amendment to the draft budget will be accepted after the date set in the timetable, which shall be not more than 20 clear working days before the Budget meeting. Councillor Joshua Beynon, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies then proceeded to introduce the item, highlighting that since the last meeting, additional money had been received from Welsh Government, approximately £500,000, which would be allocated for reducing the funding pressures of Schools. It was added that further grants would be received from Welsh Government in April, and whilst the details were not yet confirmed, it was likely that Social Care would benefit from them. Thanks were expressed to all Members for engaging in discussion since the last Council meeting, which had enabled a compromise to be reached. [Councillor Tony Wilcox joined the meeting at this juncture.] The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies made reference to the Independent Group and Cabinet joint proposal for the Pembrokeshire County Council Budget for 2025-26, as outlined within Appendix Q and outlined the specific details of the proposal, which would bring with it a 9.35% increase in Council Tax for 2025-26 and 7.5% for the remainder of the medium term financial plan, subject to annual review. Councillor Joshua Beynon Moved recommendations A-J, as outlined within Appendix Q (Independent Group and Cabinet joint proposal for Pembrokeshire County Council Budget 2025-26); Seconded by Councillor Alan Dennison. Councillor Di Clements then Moved an amendment, for Members to consider the Conservative Group alternative budget proposal, as outlined within Appendix R; Seconded by Councillor Aled Thomas. Following advice being sought to clarify whether the alternative proposal was deemed an amendment to the original motion or not, the Monitoring Officer confirmed that she was satisfied that an amendment was procedurally correct due to the differing figures from the substantive motion. Following a query raised by Councillor Michael John as to whether the proposals made during the last meeting were still on the table due to that meeting being suspended, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies withdrew his proposals from the last meeting, to allow fresh proposals to be considered. Councillor Di Clements outlined the rationale in relation to the Conservative Group alternative budget proposal, stating that increases in Council Tax should be about fairness, and to ensure a sustainable financial position for years to come the Authority needed to consider alternative ways of providing services and consider the current provision of non-statutory services. The alternative budget proposal was stated to have been based on providing key priorities, such as meeting the statutory duty to look after the elderly and vulnerable and to ensure children within the County were provided with the education they need to have equal opportunity in the world, and the proposed figures were outlined. It was stated that the proposal included freezing new capital regeneration projects and increasing the allocation to the Second Homes Council Tax pot, to enable new homes to be built within the County, amongst other proposals. Members proceeded to debate the proposed amendment, and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Alec Cormack expressed his support for elements of the alternative proposal but highlighted his agreement with the Section 151 Officer’s Assurance Statement which concluded that the alternative budget proposal provided a balanced budget but would effect the overall conclusion on the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of reserves outlined in the Section 151 Officer’s Assurance Statement, due to some of the estimates included in the alternative budget not yet being fully developed. Councillor Alistair Cameron expressed that he also agreed with this view. · Councillor Rhys Jordan responded to comments made in relation to the leisure provision not being fully costed and stated that suitable suggestions had been made over recent years which had not been taken on board. · Councillor Elwyn Morse also made reference to the leisure provision not being fully costed and acknowledged that the Authority had previously explored a range of models which included renting such facilities out to private companies; however, had concluded that to do so successfully required a high level of investment to ensure the conditions of the facilities were suitable for handover. He stated that no amount of savings would outweigh the benefits of the Authority retaining full control over such services. · The Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, Climate Change and Rural Affairs summarised the findings of the last report which was commissioned into altering the leisure services model and stated that whilst he did not believe an alternative model would be the right course of action for the leisure function, he was not closed to new ideas. · Councillor Mark Carter expressed that operating the Authority as if it was a business would allow continual progress to be made in relation to the way services operate and further expressed that the proposals being made would assist with doing this in a fresh way. · In response to clarification sought by Councillor Michael Williams, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies provided an update in relation to the impact the increase in National Insurance contributions would have on the Authority. He stated the direct costs would likely be covered by UK Government; however, an update was awaited regarding the indirect commissioning costs. [Councillor Jordan Ryan joined the meeting at this juncture.] · Councillor Jamie Adams also agreed that there would be merit in some of the proposals being made, and welcomed an alternative way of thinking, but recognised that the Authority was governed to a tight timescale and expressed that he did not feel the proposals being made could be implemented by 1 April 2025. Members proceeded to vote on the proposed amendment which when put to an electronic vote, the proposal fell. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Bryan, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, David Howlett, Rhys Jordan, Nick Neumann, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [13] Against the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Mike James, Mike John, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham and Simon Wright [45] There were no abstentions. Members then proceeded to debate the original motion, and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Alec Cormack recognised that the savings measures being suggested, and implemented, were getting more difficult each year and recognised that to ensure financial sustainability for the Authority, radical restructuring of the Council and its spending was required. · Councillor Di Clements made reference to the proposed four weekly bin collections and sought clarification as to whether that was a fixed change or just for one year. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies advised that the saving could not be fixed into the budget indefinitely, so it was a one year proposal and would be considered again next year. In summing up, the Leader thanked all involved in progressing the range of proposals made over the recent months and commended the level of detail provided through the various budget seminars and Committee reports. He reiterated the legal requirement of setting a balanced budget, which was the responsibility of Council. The financial pressures were recognised to be common with all Local Authorities, however, were exacerbated by the rurality of the County. He stated that it had been pleasing to meet with group leaders, following the 20 February 2025 Council meeting, which had enabled a consensus to be reached in relation to an acceptable level of Council Tax rises and service efficiencies, following a budget proposal being shared with him from Councillor Huw Murphy following that meeting. It was stated that the proposal was one that following discussion, Cabinet colleagues had been willing to support as a joint budget proposal to enable the Authority to protect the vital services within the County whilst laying the groundwork for a sustainable, thriving future for Pembrokeshire. It was highlighted that the proposal was a strategy designed to navigate the next two years of daunting challenges to ensure the Authority was prepared for what is to come and to respond to the crucial concerns raised by Audit Wales. It was recognised that the proposals did bring risks and challenges and close monitoring would need to be undertaken and matters addressed where necessary, along with the use of reserves, if required. The vote, in relation to the original motion was then undertaken by way of an electronic vote and was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Mike James, Mike John, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham and Simon Wright [46] Against the Motion: Councillors David Bryan, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, David Howlett, Rhys Jordan, Nick Neumann, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [13] There were no abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the income generated from the Council Tax Premium for Second Homes for 2025-26 to 2028-29 be allocated as follows: I. 92.00% to fund elements of the Council’s budget relating to affordable housing and enhancing the sustainability of local communities. II. 6.00% to fund the Affordable Housing programme. III. 2.00% to fund the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant Scheme (b) That the income generated from the Council Tax Premium for Long Term Empty Properties for 2025-26 to 2028-29 be allocated as follows: I. 100% to fund elements of the Council’s budget relating to affordable housing and enhancing the sustainability of local communities. II. 0% for bringing empty properties back into use. (c) That the Council Tax ‘Band D’ increase for Pembrokeshire County Council for the 2025-26 financial year be approved at 9.35% (£2.71 per week/£141.25 per annum). (d) That the Council Tax ‘Band D’ increase for 2026-27 to 2028-29, for inclusion in the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29, be approved at 7.50% per annum. (e) That the County Council Budget for 2025-26, based on budget option 4 with full details outlined in Appendix Q and Q(i), including service pressures, proposed budget savings, proposed utilisation of Council Tax premiums, movement in earmarked reserves and the General Fund working balance, be approved. (f) That the indicative Capital Programme for 2025-26 to 2028-29 and the Capital Strategy 2025-26 to 2028-29, be approved. (g) That the prudential indicators for capital and revenue estimates for 2025-26 to 2028-29, be approved. (h) That the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29, amended for recommendations (a) and (c) above, be approved. (i) That the Housing Revenue Account estimates for 2025-26, be approved. (j) That all discretionary fees and charges related to Council functions, be increased by 5% for 2025-26.
Decision as recorded
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 2025-26, as submitted, be approved. (c) That a Council Tax increase of 9.35% (Budget Setting Council Tax Base) be approved. (d) That a Council Tax increase of 9.35% (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 2025-26 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 A4 to this resolution. (f) That in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 the precept of £22,727,543 issued by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys to the County Council for the year 2025-26 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 £240.45 £280.53 £320.60 £360.68 £440.83 £520.98 £601.13 £721.36 £841.59 (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 2025-26 financial year for each of the categories of dwellings be set as detailed in Schedule B4 to this resolution. (h) That the amounts precepted by Town and Community Councils as listed in Schedule C to this resolution be noted. Schedule A4 – Town and Community Councils Community Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H Band I Ambleston 1,112.81 1,298.29 1,483.75 1,669.22 2,040.15 2,411.10 2,782.03 3,338.44 3,894.85 Amroth 1,123.92 1,311.24 1,498.56 1,685.88 2,060.52 2,435.16 2,809.80 3,371.76 3,933.72 Angle 1,124.22 1,311.60 1,498.97 1,686.34 2,061.08 2,435.83 2,810.56 3,372.68 3,934.80 Boncath 1,113.15 1,298.68 1,484.21 1,669.73 2,040.78 2,411.83 2,782.88 3,339.46 3,896.04 Brawdy 1,112.80 1,298.28 1,483.74 1,669.21 2,040.14 2,411.08 2,782.01 3,338.42 3,894.83 Burton 1,127.05 1,314.90 1,502.74 1,690.58 2,066.26 2,441.95 2,817.63 3,381.16 3,944.69 Caldey 1,101.31 1,284.87 1,468.42 1,651.97 2,019.07 2,386.18 2,753.28 3,303.94 3,854.60 Camrose 1,109.72 1,294.68 1,479.63 1,664.58 2,034.48 2,404.39 2,774.30 3,329.16 3,884.02 Carew 1,126.20 1,313.91 1,501.61 1,689.31 2,064.71 2,440.12 2,815.51 3,378.62 3,941.73 Cilgerran 1,117.51 1,303.77 1,490.02 1,676.27 2,048.77 2,421.28 2,793.78 3,352.54 3,911.30 Clydau 1,112.63 1,298.08 1,483.51 1,668.95 2,039.82 2,410.71 2,781.58 3,337.90 3,894.22 Clynderwen 1,115.30 1,301.20 1,487.08 1,672.96 2,044.72 2,416.50 2,788.26 3,345.92 3,903.58 Cosheston 1,116.01 1,302.02 1,488.02 1,674.02 2,046.02 2,418.03 2,790.03 3,348.04 3,906.05 Crymych 1,117.28 1,303.51 1,489.72 1,675.93 2,048.35 2,420.79 2,793.21 3,351.86 3,910.51 Cwm Gwaun 1,111.02 1,296.20 1,481.37 1,666.54 2,036.88 2,407.23 2,777.56 3,333.08 3,888.60 Dale 1,113.50 1,299.09 1,484.67 1,670.25 2,041.41 2,412.58 2,783.75 3,340.50 3,897.25 Dinas Cross 1,126.80 1,314.61 1,502.41 1,690.21 2,065.81 2,441.42 2,817.01 3,380.42 3,943.83 East Williamston 1,130.64 1,319.09 1,507.53 1,695.97 2,072.85 2,449.74 2,826.61 3,391.94 3,957.27 Eglwyswrw 1,115.03 1,300.88 1,486.71 1,672.55 2,044.22 2,415.91 2,787.58 3,345.10 3,902.62 Fishguard & Goodwick 1,138.99 1,328.83 1,518.66 1,708.49 2,088.15 2,467.82 2,847.48 3,416.98 3,986.48 Freystrop 1,130.75 1,319.22 1,507.67 1,696.13 2,073.04 2,449.97 2,826.88 3,392.26 3,957.64 Haverfordwest 1,153.81 1,346.12 1,538.42 1,730.72 2,115.32 2,499.93 2,884.53 3,461.44 4,038.35 Hayscastle 1,112.74 1,298.20 1,483.66 1,669.11 2,040.02 2,410.94 2,781.85 3,338.22 3,894.59 Herbrandston 1,130.48 1,318.90 1,507.31 1,695.72 2,072.54 2,449.37 2,826.20 3,391.44 3,956.68 Hook 1,120.30 1,307.03 1,493.74 1,680.46 2,053.89 2,427.33 2,800.76 3,360.92 3,921.08 Hundleton 1,111.93 1,297.26 1,482.58 1,667.90 2,038.54 2,409.19 2,779.83 3,335.80 3,891.77 Jeffreyston 1,122.46 1,309.54 1,496.62 1,683.69 2,057.84 2,432.00 2,806.15 3,367.38 3,928.61 Johnston 1,133.48 1,322.41 1,511.32 1,700.23 2,078.05 2,455.89 2,833.71 3,400.46 3,967.21 Kilgetty/Begelly 1,132.04 1,320.73 1,509.40 1,698.07 2,075.41 2,452.77 2,830.11 3,396.14 3,962.17 Lampeter Velfrey 1,107.80 1,292.45 1,477.08 1,661.71 2,030.97 2,400.25 2,769.51 3,323.42 3,877.33 Lamphey 1,118.92 1,305.42 1,491.90 1,678.39 2,051.36 2,424.34 2,797.31 3,356.78 3,916.25 Letterston 1,138.74 1,328.54 1,518.33 1,708.12 2,087.70 2,467.29 2,846.86 3,416.24 3,985.62 Llanddewi Velfrey 1,119.54 1,306.14 1,492.73 1,679.32 2,052.50 2,425.69 2,798.86 3,358.64 3,918.42 Llandissilio West 1,110.31 1,295.37 1,480.42 1,665.47 2,035.57 2,405.68 2,775.78 3,330.94 3,886.10 Llangwm 1,121.12 1,307.99 1,494.84 1,681.69 2,055.39 2,429.11 2,802.81 3,363.38 3,923.95 Llanrhian 1,127.75 1,315.72 1,503.67 1,691.63 2,067.54 2,443.47 2,819.38 3,383.26 3,947.14 Llanstadwell 1,137.98 1,327.65 1,517.31 1,706.97 2,086.29 2,465.62 2,844.95 3,413.94 3,982.93 Llawhaden 1,117.14 1,303.33 1,489.52 1,675.71 2,048.09 2,420.47 2,792.85 3,351.42 3,909.99 Maenclochog 1,133.36 1,322.27 1,511.16 1,700.05 2,077.83 2,455.63 2,833.41 3,400.10 3,966.79 Manorbier 1,125.46 1,313.05 1,500.62 1,688.20 2,063.35 2,438.51 2,813.66 3,376.40 3,939.14 Manordeifi 1,117.72 1,304.01 1,490.30 1,676.58 2,049.15 2,421.73 2,794.30 3,353.16 3,912.02 Marloes & St Brides 1,114.46 1,300.22 1,485.96 1,671.70 2,043.18 2,414.68 2,786.16 3,343.40 3,900.64 Martletwy 1,123.00 1,310.18 1,497.34 1,684.51 2,058.84 2,433.18 2,807.51 3,369.02 3,930.53 Mathry 1,124.82 1,312.30 1,499.77 1,687.24 2,062.18 2,437.13 2,812.06 3,374.48 3,936.90 Merlins Bridge 1,116.16 1,302.19 1,488.22 1,674.24 2,046.29 2,418.35 2,790.40 3,348.48 3,906.56 Milford Haven 1,124.98 1,312.49 1,499.98 1,687.48 2,062.47 2,437.47 2,812.46 3,374.96 3,937.46 Mynachlogddu 1,108.16 1,292.86 1,477.55 1,662.24 2,031.62 2,401.01 2,770.40 3,324.48 3,878.56 Narberth 1,141.16 1,331.37 1,521.56 1,711.75 2,092.13 2,472.53 2,852.91 3,423.50 3,994.09 Nevern 1,123.88 1,311.21 1,498.52 1,685.83 2,060.45 2,435.09 2,809.71 3,371.66 3,933.61 New Moat 1,104.98 1,289.15 1,473.31 1,657.47 2,025.79 2,394.12 2,762.45 3,314.94 3,867.43 Newport 1,129.06 1,317.24 1,505.42 1,693.59 2,069.94 2,446.30 2,822.65 3,387.18 3,951.71 Neyland 1,159.60 1,352.87 1,546.14 1,739.40 2,125.93 2,512.47 2,899.00 3,478.80 4,058.60 Nolton & Roch 1,113.53 1,299.13 1,484.71 1,670.30 2,041.47 2,412.66 2,783.83 3,340.60 3,897.37 Pembroke 1,158.80 1,351.95 1,545.08 1,738.21 2,124.47 2,510.75 2,897.01 3,476.42 4,055.83 Pembroke Dock 1,142.72 1,333.18 1,523.63 1,714.08 2,094.98 2,475.89 2,856.80 3,428.16 3,999.52 Penally 1,125.18 1,312.71 1,500.24 1,687.77 2,062.83 2,437.89 2,812.95 3,375.54 3,938.13 Pencaer 1,117.82 1,304.13 1,490.43 1,676.73 2,049.33 2,421.94 2,794.55 3,353.46 3,912.37 Puncheston 1,116.86 1,303.01 1,489.15 1,675.29 2,047.57 2,419.86 2,792.15 3,350.58 3,909.01 Rosemarket 1,148.38 1,339.79 1,531.18 1,722.58 2,105.37 2,488.17 2,870.96 3,445.16 4,019.36 Rudbaxton 1,114.16 1,299.86 1,485.55 1,671.24 2,042.62 2,414.01 2,785.40 3,342.48 3,899.56 Saundersfoot 1,139.52 1,329.45 1,519.37 1,709.29 2,089.13 2,468.98 2,848.81 3,418.58 3,988.35 Scleddau 1,112.07 1,297.42 1,482.77 1,668.11 2,038.80 2,409.49 2,780.18 3,336.22 3,892.26 Solva 1,140.32 1,330.38 1,520.43 1,710.48 2,090.58 2,470.69 2,850.80 3,420.96 3,991.12 Spittal 1,111.14 1,296.34 1,481.53 1,666.72 2,037.10 2,407.49 2,777.86 3,333.44 3,889.02 St Davids & Cathedral Close 1,129.99 1,318.33 1,506.66 1,694.99 2,071.65 2,448.32 2,824.98 3,389.98 3,954.98 St Dogmaels 1,150.40 1,342.14 1,533.87 1,725.60 2,109.06 2,492.53 2,876.00 3,451.20 4,026.40 St Florence 1,139.33 1,329.23 1,519.11 1,709.00 2,088.77 2,468.56 2,848.33 3,418.00 3,987.67 St Ishmaels 1,117.07 1,303.26 1,489.43 1,675.61 2,047.96 2,420.33 2,792.68 3,351.22 3,909.76 St Mary Out Liberty 1,114.78 1,300.59 1,486.38 1,672.18 2,043.77 2,415.37 2,786.96 3,344.36 3,901.76 Stackpole & Castlemartin 1,114.17 1,299.87 1,485.57 1,671.26 2,042.65 2,414.04 2,785.43 3,342.52 3,899.61 Templeton 1,129.05 1,317.23 1,505.41 1,693.58 2,069.93 2,446.28 2,822.63 3,387.16 3,951.69 Tenby 1,156.68 1,349.47 1,542.25 1,735.03 2,120.59 2,506.16 2,891.71 3,470.06 4,048.41 The Havens 1,118.14 1,304.51 1,490.86 1,677.22 2,049.93 2,422.65 2,795.36 3,354.44 3,913.52 Tiers Cross 1,114.58 1,300.36 1,486.12 1,671.88 2,043.40 2,414.94 2,786.46 3,343.76 3,901.06 Uzmaston Boulston & Slebech 1,114.88 1,300.70 1,486.51 1,672.32 2,043.94 2,415.57 2,787.20 3,344.64 3,902.08 Walwyns Castle 1,115.93 1,301.93 1,487.91 1,673.90 2,045.87 2,417.86 2,789.83 3,347.80 3,905.77 Wiston 1,108.50 1,293.25 1,478.00 1,662.75 2,032.25 2,401.75 2,771.25 3,325.50 3,879.75 Wolfscastle 1,117.32 1,303.54 1,489.76 1,675.98 2,048.42 2,420.86 2,793.30 3,351.96 3,910.62 Schedule B4 – Town and Community Councils, Police & Crime Commissioner and County Council Community Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H Band I Ambleston 1,353.26 1,578.82 1,804.35 2,029.90 2,480.98 2,932.08 3,383.16 4,059.80 4,736.44 Amroth 1,364.37 1,591.77 1,819.16 2,046.56 2,501.35 2,956.14 3,410.93 4,093.12 4,775.31 Angle 1,364.67 1,592.13 1,819.57 2,047.02 2,501.91 2,956.81 3,411.69 4,094.04 4,776.39 Boncath 1,353.60 1,579.21 1,804.81 2,030.41 2,481.61 2,932.81 3,384.01 4,060.82 4,737.63 Brawdy 1,353.25 1,578.81 1,804.34 2,029.89 2,480.97 2,932.06 3,383.14 4,059.78 4,736.42 Burton 1,367.50 1,595.43 1,823.34 2,051.26 2,507.09 2,962.93 3,418.76 4,102.52 4,786.28 Caldey 1,341.76 1,565.40 1,789.02 2,012.65 2,459.90 2,907.16 3,354.41 4,025.30 4,696.19 Camrose 1,350.17 1,575.21 1,800.23 2,025.26 2,475.31 2,925.37 3,375.43 4,050.52 4,725.61 Carew 1,366.65 1,594.44 1,822.21 2,049.99 2,505.54 2,961.10 3,416.64 4,099.98 4,783.32 Cilgerran 1,357.96 1,584.30 1,810.62 2,036.95 2,489.60 2,942.26 3,394.91 4,073.90 4,752.89 Clydau 1,353.08 1,578.61 1,804.11 2,029.63 2,480.65 2,931.69 3,382.71 4,059.26 4,735.81 Clynderwen 1,355.75 1,581.73 1,807.68 2,033.64 2,485.55 2,937.48 3,389.39 4,067.28 4,745.17 Cosheston 1,356.46 1,582.55 1,808.62 2,034.70 2,486.85 2,939.01 3,391.16 4,069.40 4,747.64 Crymych 1,357.73 1,584.04 1,810.32 2,036.61 2,489.18 2,941.77 3,394.34 4,073.22 4,752.10 Cwm Gwaun 1,351.47 1,576.73 1,801.97 2,027.22 2,477.71 2,928.21 3,378.69 4,054.44 4,730.19 Dale 1,353.95 1,579.62 1,805.27 2,030.93 2,482.24 2,933.56 3,384.88 4,061.86 4,738.84 Dinas Cross 1,367.25 1,595.14 1,823.01 2,050.89 2,506.64 2,962.40 3,418.14 4,101.78 4,785.42 East Williamston 1,371.09 1,599.62 1,828.13 2,056.65 2,513.68 2,970.72 3,427.74 4,113.30 4,798.86 Eglwyswrw 1,355.48 1,581.41 1,807.31 2,033.23 2,485.05 2,936.89 3,388.71 4,066.46 4,744.21 Fishguard & Goodwick 1,379.44 1,609.36 1,839.26 2,069.17 2,528.98 2,988.80 3,448.61 4,138.34 4,828.07 Freystrop 1,371.20 1,599.75 1,828.27 2,056.81 2,513.87 2,970.95 3,428.01 4,113.62 4,799.23 Haverfordwest 1,394.26 1,626.65 1,859.02 2,091.40 2,556.15 3,020.91 3,485.66 4,182.80 4,879.94 Hayscastle 1,353.19 1,578.73 1,804.26 2,029.79 2,480.85 2,931.92 3,382.98 4,059.58 4,736.18 Herbrandston 1,370.93 1,599.43 1,827.91 2,056.40 2,513.37 2,970.35 3,427.33 4,112.80 4,798.27 Hook 1,360.75 1,587.56 1,814.34 2,041.14 2,494.72 2,948.31 3,401.89 4,082.28 4,762.67 Hundleton 1,352.38 1,577.79 1,803.18 2,028.58 2,479.37 2,930.17 3,380.96 4,057.16 4,733.36 Jeffreyston 1,362.91 1,590.07 1,817.22 2,044.37 2,498.67 2,952.98 3,407.28 4,088.74 4,770.20 Johnston 1,373.93 1,602.94 1,831.92 2,060.91 2,518.88 2,976.87 3,434.84 4,121.82 4,808.80 Kilgetty/Begelly 1,372.49 1,601.26 1,830.00 2,058.75 2,516.24 2,973.75 3,431.24 4,117.50 4,803.76 Lampeter Velfrey 1,348.25 1,572.98 1,797.68 2,022.39 2,471.80 2,921.23 3,370.64 4,044.78 4,718.92 Lamphey 1,359.37 1,585.95 1,812.50 2,039.07 2,492.19 2,945.32 3,398.44 4,078.14 4,757.84 Letterston 1,379.19 1,609.07 1,838.93 2,068.80 2,528.53 2,988.27 3,447.99 4,137.60 4,827.21 Llanddewi Velfrey 1,359.99 1,586.67 1,813.33 2,040.00 2,493.33 2,946.67 3,399.99 4,080.00 4,760.01 Llandissilio West 1,350.76 1,575.90 1,801.02 2,026.15 2,476.40 2,926.66 3,376.91 4,052.30 4,727.69 Llangwm 1,361.57 1,588.52 1,815.44 2,042.37 2,496.22 2,950.09 3,403.94 4,084.74 4,765.54 Llanrhian 1,368.20 1,596.25 1,824.27 2,052.31 2,508.37 2,964.45 3,420.51 4,104.62 4,788.73 Llanstadwell 1,378.43 1,608.18 1,837.91 2,067.65 2,527.12 2,986.60 3,446.08 4,135.30 4,824.52 Llawhaden 1,357.59 1,583.86 1,810.12 2,036.39 2,488.92 2,941.45 3,393.98 4,072.78 4,751.58 Maenclochog 1,373.81 1,602.80 1,831.76 2,060.73 2,518.66 2,976.61 3,434.54 4,121.46 4,808.38 Manorbier 1,365.91 1,593.58 1,821.22 2,048.88 2,504.18 2,959.49 3,414.79 4,097.76 4,780.73 Manordeifi 1,358.17 1,584.54 1,810.90 2,037.26 2,489.98 2,942.71 3,395.43 4,074.52 4,753.61 Marloes & St Brides 1,354.91 1,580.75 1,806.56 2,032.38 2,484.01 2,935.66 3,387.29 4,064.76 4,742.23 Martletwy 1,363.45 1,590.71 1,817.94 2,045.19 2,499.67 2,954.16 3,408.64 4,090.38 4,772.12 Mathry 1,365.27 1,592.83 1,820.37 2,047.92 2,503.01 2,958.11 3,413.19 4,095.84 4,778.49 Merlins Bridge 1,356.61 1,582.72 1,808.82 2,034.92 2,487.12 2,939.33 3,391.53 4,069.84 4,748.15 Milford Haven 1,365.43 1,593.02 1,820.58 2,048.16 2,503.30 2,958.45 3,413.59 4,096.32 4,779.05 Mynachlogddu 1,348.61 1,573.39 1,798.15 2,022.92 2,472.45 2,921.99 3,371.53 4,045.84 4,720.15 Narberth 1,381.61 1,611.90 1,842.16 2,072.43 2,532.96 2,993.51 3,454.04 4,144.86 4,835.68 Nevern 1,364.33 1,591.74 1,819.12 2,046.51 2,501.28 2,956.07 3,410.84 4,093.02 4,775.20 New Moat 1,345.43 1,569.68 1,793.91 2,018.15 2,466.62 2,915.10 3,363.58 4,036.30 4,709.02 Newport 1,369.51 1,597.77 1,826.02 2,054.27 2,510.77 2,967.28 3,423.78 4,108.54 4,793.30 Neyland 1,400.05 1,633.40 1,866.74 2,100.08 2,566.76 3,033.45 3,500.13 4,200.16 4,900.19 Nolton & Roch 1,353.98 1,579.66 1,805.31 2,030.98 2,482.30 2,933.64 3,384.96 4,061.96 4,738.96 Pembroke 1,399.25 1,632.48 1,865.68 2,098.89 2,565.30 3,031.73 3,498.14 4,197.78 4,897.42 Pembroke Dock 1,383.17 1,613.71 1,844.23 2,074.76 2,535.81 2,996.87 3,457.93 4,149.52 4,841.11 Penally 1,365.63 1,593.24 1,820.84 2,048.45 2,503.66 2,958.87 3,414.08 4,096.90 4,779.72 Pencaer 1,358.27 1,584.66 1,811.03 2,037.41 2,490.16 2,942.92 3,395.68 4,074.82 4,753.96 Puncheston 1,357.31 1,583.54 1,809.75 2,035.97 2,488.40 2,940.84 3,393.28 4,071.94 4,750.60 Rosemarket 1,388.83 1,620.32 1,851.78 2,083.26 2,546.20 3,009.15 3,472.09 4,166.52 4,860.95 Rudbaxton 1,354.61 1,580.39 1,806.15 2,031.92 2,483.45 2,934.99 3,386.53 4,063.84 4,741.15 Saundersfoot 1,379.97 1,609.98 1,839.97 2,069.97 2,529.96 2,989.96 3,449.94 4,139.94 4,829.94 Scleddau 1,352.52 1,577.95 1,803.37 2,028.79 2,479.63 2,930.47 3,381.31 4,057.58 4,733.85 Solva 1,380.77 1,610.91 1,841.03 2,071.16 2,531.41 2,991.67 3,451.93 4,142.32 4,832.71 Spittal 1,351.59 1,576.87 1,802.13 2,027.40 2,477.93 2,928.47 3,378.99 4,054.80 4,730.61 St Davids & Cathedral Close 1,370.44 1,598.86 1,827.26 2,055.67 2,512.48 2,969.30 3,426.11 4,111.34 4,796.57 St Dogmaels 1,390.85 1,622.67 1,854.47 2,086.28 2,549.89 3,013.51 3,477.13 4,172.56 4,867.99 St Florence 1,379.78 1,609.76 1,839.71 2,069.68 2,529.60 2,989.54 3,449.46 4,139.36 4,829.26 St Ishmaels 1,357.52 1,583.79 1,810.03 2,036.29 2,488.79 2,941.31 3,393.81 4,072.58 4,751.35 St Mary Out Liberty 1,355.23 1,581.12 1,806.98 2,032.86 2,484.60 2,936.35 3,388.09 4,065.72 4,743.35 Stackpole & Castlemartin 1,354.62 1,580.40 1,806.17 2,031.94 2,483.48 2,935.02 3,386.56 4,063.88 4,741.20 Templeton 1,369.50 1,597.76 1,826.01 2,054.26 2,510.76 2,967.26 3,423.76 4,108.52 4,793.28 Tenby 1,397.13 1,630.00 1,862.85 2,095.71 2,561.42 3,027.14 3,492.84 4,191.42 4,890.00 The Havens 1,358.59 1,585.04 1,811.46 2,037.90 2,490.76 2,943.63 3,396.49 4,075.80 4,755.11 Tiers Cross 1,355.03 1,580.89 1,806.72 2,032.56 2,484.23 2,935.92 3,387.59 4,065.12 4,742.65 Uzmaston Boulston & Slebech 1,355.33 1,581.23 1,807.11 2,033.00 2,484.77 2,936.55 3,388.33 4,066.00 4,743.67 Walwyns Castle 1,356.38 1,582.46 1,808.51 2,034.58 2,486.70 2,938.84 3,390.96 4,069.16 4,747.36 Wiston 1,348.95 1,573.78 1,798.60 2,023.43 2,473.08 2,922.73 3,372.38 4,046.86 4,721.34 Wolfscastle 1,357.77 1,584.07 1,810.36 2,036.66 2,489.25 2,941.84 3,394.43 4,073.32 4,752.21
Council considered a report by the Director of Resources in relation to the Council Tax Resolutions for 2025-26. 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 2025-26, it was necessary to approve the outlined recommendations for the Council Tax Resolutions for 2025-26. Councillor Joshua Beynon Moved the Recommendations based on Option 4 – 9.35%; Seconded by Councillor Jon Harvey 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, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Mike James, Mike John, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Guy Woodham and Simon Wright [45] Against the Motion: Councillors David Bryan, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, Rhys Jordan, Nick Neumann, Aled Thomas, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [10] Abstentions: Councillor Viv Stoddart [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 2025-26, as submitted, be approved. (c) That a Council Tax increase of 9.35% (Budget Setting Council Tax Base) be approved. (d) That a Council Tax increase of 9.35% (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 2025-26 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 A4 to this resolution. (f) That in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 the precept of £22,727,543 issued by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys to the County Council for the year 2025-26 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 £240.45 £280.53 £320.60 £360.68 £440.83 £520.98 £601.13 £721.36 £841.59 (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 2025-26 financial year for each of the categories of dwellings be set as detailed in Schedule B4 to this resolution. (h) That the amounts precepted by Town and Community Councils as listed in Schedule C to this resolution be noted. Schedule A4 – Town and Community Councils Community Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H Band I Ambleston 1,112.81 1,298.29 1,483.75 1,669.22 2,040.15 2,411.10 2,782.03 3,338.44 3,894.85 Amroth 1,123.92 1,311.24 1,498.56 1,685.88 2,060.52 2,435.16 2,809.80 3,371.76 3,933.72 Angle 1,124.22 1,311.60 1,498.97 1,686.34 2,061.08 2,435.83 2,810.56 3,372.68 3,934.80 Boncath 1,113.15 1,298.68 1,484.21 1,669.73 2,040.78 2,411.83 2,782.88 3,339.46 3,896.04 Brawdy 1,112.80 1,298.28 1,483.74 1,669.21 2,040.14 2,411.08 2,782.01 3,338.42 3,894.83 Burton 1,127.05 1,314.90 1,502.74 1,690.58 2,066.26 2,441.95 2,817.63 3,381.16 3,944.69 Caldey 1,101.31 1,284.87 1,468.42 1,651.97 2,019.07 2,386.18 2,753.28 3,303.94 3,854.60 Camrose 1,109.72 1,294.68 1,479.63 1,664.58 2,034.48 2,404.39 2,774.30 3,329.16 3,884.02 Carew 1,126.20 1,313.91 1,501.61 1,689.31 2,064.71 2,440.12 2,815.51 3,378.62 3,941.73 Cilgerran 1,117.51 1,303.77 1,490.02 1,676.27 2,048.77 2,421.28 2,793.78 3,352.54 3,911.30 Clydau 1,112.63 1,298.08 1,483.51 1,668.95 2,039.82 2,410.71 2,781.58 3,337.90 3,894.22 Clynderwen 1,115.30 1,301.20 1,487.08 1,672.96 2,044.72 2,416.50 2,788.26 3,345.92 3,903.58 Cosheston 1,116.01 1,302.02 1,488.02 1,674.02 2,046.02 2,418.03 2,790.03 3,348.04 3,906.05 Crymych 1,117.28 1,303.51 1,489.72 1,675.93 2,048.35 2,420.79 2,793.21 3,351.86 3,910.51 Cwm Gwaun 1,111.02 1,296.20 1,481.37 1,666.54 2,036.88 2,407.23 2,777.56 3,333.08 3,888.60 Dale 1,113.50 1,299.09 1,484.67 1,670.25 2,041.41 2,412.58 2,783.75 3,340.50 3,897.25 Dinas Cross 1,126.80 1,314.61 1,502.41 1,690.21 2,065.81 2,441.42 2,817.01 3,380.42 3,943.83 East Williamston 1,130.64 1,319.09 1,507.53 1,695.97 2,072.85 2,449.74 2,826.61 3,391.94 3,957.27 Eglwyswrw 1,115.03 1,300.88 1,486.71 1,672.55 2,044.22 2,415.91 2,787.58 3,345.10 3,902.62 Fishguard & Goodwick 1,138.99 1,328.83 1,518.66 1,708.49 2,088.15 2,467.82 2,847.48 3,416.98 3,986.48 Freystrop 1,130.75 1,319.22 1,507.67 1,696.13 2,073.04 2,449.97 2,826.88 3,392.26 3,957.64 Haverfordwest 1,153.81 1,346.12 1,538.42 1,730.72 2,115.32 2,499.93 2,884.53 3,461.44 4,038.35 Hayscastle 1,112.74 1,298.20 1,483.66 1,669.11 2,040.02 2,410.94 2,781.85 3,338.22 3,894.59 Herbrandston 1,130.48 1,318.90 1,507.31 1,695.72 2,072.54 2,449.37 2,826.20 3,391.44 3,956.68 Hook 1,120.30 1,307.03 1,493.74 1,680.46 2,053.89 2,427.33 2,800.76 3,360.92 3,921.08 Hundleton 1,111.93 1,297.26 1,482.58 1,667.90 2,038.54 2,409.19 2,779.83 3,335.80 3,891.77 Jeffreyston 1,122.46 1,309.54 1,496.62 1,683.69 2,057.84 2,432.00 2,806.15 3,367.38 3,928.61 Johnston 1,133.48 1,322.41 1,511.32 1,700.23 2,078.05 2,455.89 2,833.71 3,400.46 3,967.21 Kilgetty/Begelly 1,132.04 1,320.73 1,509.40 1,698.07 2,075.41 2,452.77 2,830.11 3,396.14 3,962.17 Lampeter Velfrey 1,107.80 1,292.45 1,477.08 1,661.71 2,030.97 2,400.25 2,769.51 3,323.42 3,877.33 Lamphey 1,118.92 1,305.42 1,491.90 1,678.39 2,051.36 2,424.34 2,797.31 3,356.78 3,916.25 Letterston 1,138.74 1,328.54 1,518.33 1,708.12 2,087.70 2,467.29 2,846.86 3,416.24 3,985.62 Llanddewi Velfrey 1,119.54 1,306.14 1,492.73 1,679.32 2,052.50 2,425.69 2,798.86 3,358.64 3,918.42 Llandissilio West 1,110.31 1,295.37 1,480.42 1,665.47 2,035.57 2,405.68 2,775.78 3,330.94 3,886.10 Llangwm 1,121.12 1,307.99 1,494.84 1,681.69 2,055.39 2,429.11 2,802.81 3,363.38 3,923.95 Llanrhian 1,127.75 1,315.72 1,503.67 1,691.63 2,067.54 2,443.47 2,819.38 3,383.26 3,947.14 Llanstadwell 1,137.98 1,327.65 1,517.31 1,706.97 2,086.29 2,465.62 2,844.95 3,413.94 3,982.93 Llawhaden 1,117.14 1,303.33 1,489.52 1,675.71 2,048.09 2,420.47 2,792.85 3,351.42 3,909.99 Maenclochog 1,133.36 1,322.27 1,511.16 1,700.05 2,077.83 2,455.63 2,833.41 3,400.10 3,966.79 Manorbier 1,125.46 1,313.05 1,500.62 1,688.20 2,063.35 2,438.51 2,813.66 3,376.40 3,939.14 Manordeifi 1,117.72 1,304.01 1,490.30 1,676.58 2,049.15 2,421.73 2,794.30 3,353.16 3,912.02 Marloes & St Brides 1,114.46 1,300.22 1,485.96 1,671.70 2,043.18 2,414.68 2,786.16 3,343.40 3,900.64 Martletwy 1,123.00 1,310.18 1,497.34 1,684.51 2,058.84 2,433.18 2,807.51 3,369.02 3,930.53 Mathry 1,124.82 1,312.30 1,499.77 1,687.24 2,062.18 2,437.13 2,812.06 3,374.48 3,936.90 Merlins Bridge 1,116.16 1,302.19 1,488.22 1,674.24 2,046.29 2,418.35 2,790.40 3,348.48 3,906.56 Milford Haven 1,124.98 1,312.49 1,499.98 1,687.48 2,062.47 2,437.47 2,812.46 3,374.96 3,937.46 Mynachlogddu 1,108.16 1,292.86 1,477.55 1,662.24 2,031.62 2,401.01 2,770.40 3,324.48 3,878.56 Narberth 1,141.16 1,331.37 1,521.56 1,711.75 2,092.13 2,472.53 2,852.91 3,423.50 3,994.09 Nevern 1,123.88 1,311.21 1,498.52 1,685.83 2,060.45 2,435.09 2,809.71 3,371.66 3,933.61 New Moat 1,104.98 1,289.15 1,473.31 1,657.47 2,025.79 2,394.12 2,762.45 3,314.94 3,867.43 Newport 1,129.06 1,317.24 1,505.42 1,693.59 2,069.94 2,446.30 2,822.65 3,387.18 3,951.71 Neyland 1,159.60 1,352.87 1,546.14 1,739.40 2,125.93 2,512.47 2,899.00 3,478.80 4,058.60 Nolton & Roch 1,113.53 1,299.13 1,484.71 1,670.30 2,041.47 2,412.66 2,783.83 3,340.60 3,897.37 Pembroke 1,158.80 1,351.95 1,545.08 1,738.21 2,124.47 2,510.75 2,897.01 3,476.42 4,055.83 Pembroke Dock 1,142.72 1,333.18 1,523.63 1,714.08 2,094.98 2,475.89 2,856.80 3,428.16 3,999.52 Penally 1,125.18 1,312.71 1,500.24 1,687.77 2,062.83 2,437.89 2,812.95 3,375.54 3,938.13 Pencaer 1,117.82 1,304.13 1,490.43 1,676.73 2,049.33 2,421.94 2,794.55 3,353.46 3,912.37 Puncheston 1,116.86 1,303.01 1,489.15 1,675.29 2,047.57 2,419.86 2,792.15 3,350.58 3,909.01 Rosemarket 1,148.38 1,339.79 1,531.18 1,722.58 2,105.37 2,488.17 2,870.96 3,445.16 4,019.36 Rudbaxton 1,114.16 1,299.86 1,485.55 1,671.24 2,042.62 2,414.01 2,785.40 3,342.48 3,899.56 Saundersfoot 1,139.52 1,329.45 1,519.37 1,709.29 2,089.13 2,468.98 2,848.81 3,418.58 3,988.35 Scleddau 1,112.07 1,297.42 1,482.77 1,668.11 2,038.80 2,409.49 2,780.18 3,336.22 3,892.26 Solva 1,140.32 1,330.38 1,520.43 1,710.48 2,090.58 2,470.69 2,850.80 3,420.96 3,991.12 Spittal 1,111.14 1,296.34 1,481.53 1,666.72 2,037.10 2,407.49 2,777.86 3,333.44 3,889.02 St Davids & Cathedral Close 1,129.99 1,318.33 1,506.66 1,694.99 2,071.65 2,448.32 2,824.98 3,389.98 3,954.98 St Dogmaels 1,150.40 1,342.14 1,533.87 1,725.60 2,109.06 2,492.53 2,876.00 3,451.20 4,026.40 St Florence 1,139.33 1,329.23 1,519.11 1,709.00 2,088.77 2,468.56 2,848.33 3,418.00 3,987.67 St Ishmaels 1,117.07 1,303.26 1,489.43 1,675.61 2,047.96 2,420.33 2,792.68 3,351.22 3,909.76 St Mary Out Liberty 1,114.78 1,300.59 1,486.38 1,672.18 2,043.77 2,415.37 2,786.96 3,344.36 3,901.76 Stackpole & Castlemartin 1,114.17 1,299.87 1,485.57 1,671.26 2,042.65 2,414.04 2,785.43 3,342.52 3,899.61 Templeton 1,129.05 1,317.23 1,505.41 1,693.58 2,069.93 2,446.28 2,822.63 3,387.16 3,951.69 Tenby 1,156.68 1,349.47 1,542.25 1,735.03 2,120.59 2,506.16 2,891.71 3,470.06 4,048.41 The Havens 1,118.14 1,304.51 1,490.86 1,677.22 2,049.93 2,422.65 2,795.36 3,354.44 3,913.52 Tiers Cross 1,114.58 1,300.36 1,486.12 1,671.88 2,043.40 2,414.94 2,786.46 3,343.76 3,901.06 Uzmaston Boulston & Slebech 1,114.88 1,300.70 1,486.51 1,672.32 2,043.94 2,415.57 2,787.20 3,344.64 3,902.08 Walwyns Castle 1,115.93 1,301.93 1,487.91 1,673.90 2,045.87 2,417.86 2,789.83 3,347.80 3,905.77 Wiston 1,108.50 1,293.25 1,478.00 1,662.75 2,032.25 2,401.75 2,771.25 3,325.50 3,879.75 Wolfscastle 1,117.32 1,303.54 1,489.76 1,675.98 2,048.42 2,420.86 2,793.30 3,351.96 3,910.62 Schedule B4 – Town and Community Councils, Police & Crime Commissioner and County Council Community Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H Band I Ambleston 1,353.26 1,578.82 1,804.35 2,029.90 2,480.98 2,932.08 3,383.16 4,059.80 4,736.44 Amroth 1,364.37 1,591.77 1,819.16 2,046.56 2,501.35 2,956.14 3,410.93 4,093.12 4,775.31 Angle 1,364.67 1,592.13 1,819.57 2,047.02 2,501.91 2,956.81 3,411.69 4,094.04 4,776.39 Boncath 1,353.60 1,579.21 1,804.81 2,030.41 2,481.61 2,932.81 3,384.01 4,060.82 4,737.63 Brawdy 1,353.25 1,578.81 1,804.34 2,029.89 2,480.97 2,932.06 3,383.14 4,059.78 4,736.42 Burton 1,367.50 1,595.43 1,823.34 2,051.26 2,507.09 2,962.93 3,418.76 4,102.52 4,786.28 Caldey 1,341.76 1,565.40 1,789.02 2,012.65 2,459.90 2,907.16 3,354.41 4,025.30 4,696.19 Camrose 1,350.17 1,575.21 1,800.23 2,025.26 2,475.31 2,925.37 3,375.43 4,050.52 4,725.61 Carew 1,366.65 1,594.44 1,822.21 2,049.99 2,505.54 2,961.10 3,416.64 4,099.98 4,783.32 Cilgerran 1,357.96 1,584.30 1,810.62 2,036.95 2,489.60 2,942.26 3,394.91 4,073.90 4,752.89 Clydau 1,353.08 1,578.61 1,804.11 2,029.63 2,480.65 2,931.69 3,382.71 4,059.26 4,735.81 Clynderwen 1,355.75 1,581.73 1,807.68 2,033.64 2,485.55 2,937.48 3,389.39 4,067.28 4,745.17 Cosheston 1,356.46 1,582.55 1,808.62 2,034.70 2,486.85 2,939.01 3,391.16 4,069.40 4,747.64 Crymych 1,357.73 1,584.04 1,810.32 2,036.61 2,489.18 2,941.77 3,394.34 4,073.22 4,752.10 Cwm Gwaun 1,351.47 1,576.73 1,801.97 2,027.22 2,477.71 2,928.21 3,378.69 4,054.44 4,730.19 Dale 1,353.95 1,579.62 1,805.27 2,030.93 2,482.24 2,933.56 3,384.88 4,061.86 4,738.84 Dinas Cross 1,367.25 1,595.14 1,823.01 2,050.89 2,506.64 2,962.40 3,418.14 4,101.78 4,785.42 East Williamston 1,371.09 1,599.62 1,828.13 2,056.65 2,513.68 2,970.72 3,427.74 4,113.30 4,798.86 Eglwyswrw 1,355.48 1,581.41 1,807.31 2,033.23 2,485.05 2,936.89 3,388.71 4,066.46 4,744.21 Fishguard & Goodwick 1,379.44 1,609.36 1,839.26 2,069.17 2,528.98 2,988.80 3,448.61 4,138.34 4,828.07 Freystrop 1,371.20 1,599.75 1,828.27 2,056.81 2,513.87 2,970.95 3,428.01 4,113.62 4,799.23 Haverfordwest 1,394.26 1,626.65 1,859.02 2,091.40 2,556.15 3,020.91 3,485.66 4,182.80 4,879.94 Hayscastle 1,353.19 1,578.73 1,804.26 2,029.79 2,480.85 2,931.92 3,382.98 4,059.58 4,736.18 Herbrandston 1,370.93 1,599.43 1,827.91 2,056.40 2,513.37 2,970.35 3,427.33 4,112.80 4,798.27 Hook 1,360.75 1,587.56 1,814.34 2,041.14 2,494.72 2,948.31 3,401.89 4,082.28 4,762.67 Hundleton 1,352.38 1,577.79 1,803.18 2,028.58 2,479.37 2,930.17 3,380.96 4,057.16 4,733.36 Jeffreyston 1,362.91 1,590.07 1,817.22 2,044.37 2,498.67 2,952.98 3,407.28 4,088.74 4,770.20 Johnston 1,373.93 1,602.94 1,831.92 2,060.91 2,518.88 2,976.87 3,434.84 4,121.82 4,808.80 Kilgetty/Begelly 1,372.49 1,601.26 1,830.00 2,058.75 2,516.24 2,973.75 3,431.24 4,117.50 4,803.76 Lampeter Velfrey 1,348.25 1,572.98 1,797.68 2,022.39 2,471.80 2,921.23 3,370.64 4,044.78 4,718.92 Lamphey 1,359.37 1,585.95 1,812.50 2,039.07 2,492.19 2,945.32 3,398.44 4,078.14 4,757.84 Letterston 1,379.19 1,609.07 1,838.93 2,068.80 2,528.53 2,988.27 3,447.99 4,137.60 4,827.21 Llanddewi Velfrey 1,359.99 1,586.67 1,813.33 2,040.00 2,493.33 2,946.67 3,399.99 4,080.00 4,760.01 Llandissilio West 1,350.76 1,575.90 1,801.02 2,026.15 2,476.40 2,926.66 3,376.91 4,052.30 4,727.69 Llangwm 1,361.57 1,588.52 1,815.44 2,042.37 2,496.22 2,950.09 3,403.94 4,084.74 4,765.54 Llanrhian 1,368.20 1,596.25 1,824.27 2,052.31 2,508.37 2,964.45 3,420.51 4,104.62 4,788.73 Llanstadwell 1,378.43 1,608.18 1,837.91 2,067.65 2,527.12 2,986.60 3,446.08 4,135.30 4,824.52 Llawhaden 1,357.59 1,583.86 1,810.12 2,036.39 2,488.92 2,941.45 3,393.98 4,072.78 4,751.58 Maenclochog 1,373.81 1,602.80 1,831.76 2,060.73 2,518.66 2,976.61 3,434.54 4,121.46 4,808.38 Manorbier 1,365.91 1,593.58 1,821.22 2,048.88 2,504.18 2,959.49 3,414.79 4,097.76 4,780.73 Manordeifi 1,358.17 1,584.54 1,810.90 2,037.26 2,489.98 2,942.71 3,395.43 4,074.52 4,753.61 Marloes & St Brides 1,354.91 1,580.75 1,806.56 2,032.38 2,484.01 2,935.66 3,387.29 4,064.76 4,742.23 Martletwy 1,363.45 1,590.71 1,817.94 2,045.19 2,499.67 2,954.16 3,408.64 4,090.38 4,772.12 Mathry 1,365.27 1,592.83 1,820.37 2,047.92 2,503.01 2,958.11 3,413.19 4,095.84 4,778.49 Merlins Bridge 1,356.61 1,582.72 1,808.82 2,034.92 2,487.12 2,939.33 3,391.53 4,069.84 4,748.15 Milford Haven 1,365.43 1,593.02 1,820.58 2,048.16 2,503.30 2,958.45 3,413.59 4,096.32 4,779.05 Mynachlogddu 1,348.61 1,573.39 1,798.15 2,022.92 2,472.45 2,921.99 3,371.53 4,045.84 4,720.15 Narberth 1,381.61 1,611.90 1,842.16 2,072.43 2,532.96 2,993.51 3,454.04 4,144.86 4,835.68 Nevern 1,364.33 1,591.74 1,819.12 2,046.51 2,501.28 2,956.07 3,410.84 4,093.02 4,775.20 New Moat 1,345.43 1,569.68 1,793.91 2,018.15 2,466.62 2,915.10 3,363.58 4,036.30 4,709.02 Newport 1,369.51 1,597.77 1,826.02 2,054.27 2,510.77 2,967.28 3,423.78 4,108.54 4,793.30 Neyland 1,400.05 1,633.40 1,866.74 2,100.08 2,566.76 3,033.45 3,500.13 4,200.16 4,900.19 Nolton & Roch 1,353.98 1,579.66 1,805.31 2,030.98 2,482.30 2,933.64 3,384.96 4,061.96 4,738.96 Pembroke 1,399.25 1,632.48 1,865.68 2,098.89 2,565.30 3,031.73 3,498.14 4,197.78 4,897.42 Pembroke Dock 1,383.17 1,613.71 1,844.23 2,074.76 2,535.81 2,996.87 3,457.93 4,149.52 4,841.11 Penally 1,365.63 1,593.24 1,820.84 2,048.45 2,503.66 2,958.87 3,414.08 4,096.90 4,779.72 Pencaer 1,358.27 1,584.66 1,811.03 2,037.41 2,490.16 2,942.92 3,395.68 4,074.82 4,753.96 Puncheston 1,357.31 1,583.54 1,809.75 2,035.97 2,488.40 2,940.84 3,393.28 4,071.94 4,750.60 Rosemarket 1,388.83 1,620.32 1,851.78 2,083.26 2,546.20 3,009.15 3,472.09 4,166.52 4,860.95 Rudbaxton 1,354.61 1,580.39 1,806.15 2,031.92 2,483.45 2,934.99 3,386.53 4,063.84 4,741.15 Saundersfoot 1,379.97 1,609.98 1,839.97 2,069.97 2,529.96 2,989.96 3,449.94 4,139.94 4,829.94 Scleddau 1,352.52 1,577.95 1,803.37 2,028.79 2,479.63 2,930.47 3,381.31 4,057.58 4,733.85 Solva 1,380.77 1,610.91 1,841.03 2,071.16 2,531.41 2,991.67 3,451.93 4,142.32 4,832.71 Spittal 1,351.59 1,576.87 1,802.13 2,027.40 2,477.93 2,928.47 3,378.99 4,054.80 4,730.61 St Davids & Cathedral Close 1,370.44 1,598.86 1,827.26 2,055.67 2,512.48 2,969.30 3,426.11 4,111.34 4,796.57 St Dogmaels 1,390.85 1,622.67 1,854.47 2,086.28 2,549.89 3,013.51 3,477.13 4,172.56 4,867.99 St Florence 1,379.78 1,609.76 1,839.71 2,069.68 2,529.60 2,989.54 3,449.46 4,139.36 4,829.26 St Ishmaels 1,357.52 1,583.79 1,810.03 2,036.29 2,488.79 2,941.31 3,393.81 4,072.58 4,751.35 St Mary Out Liberty 1,355.23 1,581.12 1,806.98 2,032.86 2,484.60 2,936.35 3,388.09 4,065.72 4,743.35 Stackpole & Castlemartin 1,354.62 1,580.40 1,806.17 2,031.94 2,483.48 2,935.02 3,386.56 4,063.88 4,741.20 Templeton 1,369.50 1,597.76 1,826.01 2,054.26 2,510.76 2,967.26 3,423.76 4,108.52 4,793.28 Tenby 1,397.13 1,630.00 1,862.85 2,095.71 2,561.42 3,027.14 3,492.84 4,191.42 4,890.00 The Havens 1,358.59 1,585.04 1,811.46 2,037.90 2,490.76 2,943.63 3,396.49 4,075.80 4,755.11 Tiers Cross 1,355.03 1,580.89 1,806.72 2,032.56 2,484.23 2,935.92 3,387.59 4,065.12 4,742.65 Uzmaston Boulston & Slebech 1,355.33 1,581.23 1,807.11 2,033.00 2,484.77 2,936.55 3,388.33 4,066.00 4,743.67 Walwyns Castle 1,356.38 1,582.46 1,808.51 2,034.58 2,486.70 2,938.84 3,390.96 4,069.16 4,747.36 Wiston 1,348.95 1,573.78 1,798.60 2,023.43 2,473.08 2,922.73 3,372.38 4,046.86 4,721.34 Wolfscastle 1,357.77 1,584.07 1,810.36 2,036.66 2,489.25 2,941.84 3,394.43 4,073.32 4,752.21
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the Treasury Management Strategy for 2025-26 to 2028-29, 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 2025. (b) That the Annual Investment Strategy for 2025-26 to 2028-29 be approved, effective from 1 April 2025. The Presiding Member expressed thanks on behalf of the Chamber to everyone involved in the successful setting of the Council budget and highlighted the professionalism and dedication of staff within the Finance Directorate who assisted in the budget process. The Chief Executive acknowledged on behalf of the Finance Team, and all other members of staff and Officers involved in setting the finance agenda, the kind and generous cross Chamber remarks on the work that they had completed over the last year and most importantly over the recent weeks, stating that the comments were much appreciated.
Council considered a report by Cabinet in relation to the Treasury Management Governance Arrangements. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, introduced the report and reminded Members that the Council had a statutory obligation to prepare and approve the Treasury Management governance arrangements on an annual basis. He stated that the Capital Programme, Treasury Management Strategy, the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and the Investment Strategy had all been reviewed and Treasury Management training was provided for all Members by the Council's external treasury management advisors on the 15 January 2025. The role of MUFG Corporate Markets Treasury Services Limited (formerly known as Link Group, Treasury Solutions) was outlined as being the Council’s external treasury management advisors, and further information was provided in relation to the Council's capital expenditure plans. Moved by Councillor Joshua Beynon; Seconded by Councillor Rhys Sinnett 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, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, John Cole, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, David Howlett, Mike James, Mike John, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham and Simon Wright [47] Against the Motion: Councillors David Bryan, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, Rhys Jordan, Nick Neumann, Aled Thomas, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [10] There were no abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the Treasury Management Strategy for 2025-26 to 2028-29, 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 2025. (b) That the Annual Investment Strategy for 2025-26 to 2028-29 be approved, effective from 1 April 2025. The Presiding Member expressed thanks on behalf of the Chamber to everyone involved in the successful setting of the Council budget and highlighted the professionalism and dedication of staff within the Finance Directorate who assisted in the budget process. The Chief Executive acknowledged on behalf of the Finance Team, and all other members of staff and Officers involved in setting the finance agenda, the kind and generous cross Chamber remarks on the work that they had completed over the last year and most importantly over the recent weeks, stating that the comments were much appreciated.
Council considered a report by the Head of Law and Governance regarding the Notice of Motion relating to Cabinet Members not being employed by a Member of Parliament or Senedd Member. Councillor Jacob Williams, in his role of Chair of the Constitutional Review Committee, introduced the report and stated that the Committee considered the matter on the 24 February 2025 and concluded that the Code of Conduct was adequate to deal with any conflicts of interest which may arise, therefore was recommending that the Notice of Motion should not be adopted. Councillor Huw Murphy was invited to speak to his motion, where he stated that he felt that due process had been completed by the Constitutional Review Committee, and proceeded to withdraw the Notice of Motion, of which the seconder, Councillor Alan Dennison was in agreement with. The Notice of Motion was formally withdrawn.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the additions to the Governance and Audit Committee Terms of Reference, as outlined within the report, be approved. (b) That the setting of Licensing fees be delegated to the Licensing Committee. (c) That the changes to the Contract Procedure Rules be noted.
Council considered a report by the Head of Law and Governance in relation to proposed changes to the Constitution. Councillor Jacob Williams, in his role of Chair of the Constitutional Review Committee, introduced the report and stated that the Committee had considered a number of minor changes to the Constitution and outlined the four recommendations contained within the report. He stated that whilst recommendations one, three and four were straight forward, recommendation two ‘To note the view of the Constitutional Review Committee and agree the change to the Senior Staff Committee terms of reference should Council agree that change to the Pay Policy Statement’ would be dealt with as part of the next agenda item ‘Pay Policy Statement 2025-26’. Councillor Williams pointed out that the Committee was presented with the proposed changes in relation to the process of staff payoffs but agreed to maintaining the status quo in relation to severance payments of £100K plus being approved by Full Council. Councillor Jacob Williams moved recommendations one, three and four; Seconded by Councillor Alan Dennison. 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, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Jonathan Grimes, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, David Howlett, Mike James, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Huw Murphy, Nick Neumann, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham, Simon Wright, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [56] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the additions to the Governance and Audit Committee Terms of Reference, as outlined within the report, be approved. (b) That the setting of Licensing fees be delegated to the Licensing Committee. (c) That the changes to the Contract Procedure Rules be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the current arrangement of Full Council considering all severance payments of £100K plus be not altered. Members proceeded to debate the substantive motion, and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Paul Miller made reference to the multiplier and queried how Pembrokeshire compared to other Local Authorities. In response, the Head of HR advised that Pembrokeshire currently sat at the top end of the benchmarking of other Welsh Local Authorities and public bodies multipliers and if the adjustment was agreed it would move the Authority to the lower end of the upper quartile (50-75% quartile). · In response to a question raised by Councillor Paul Miller, the Head of HR confirmed that that the multiplier calculation would be separate to any pension strain that would be applied, for individuals who qualify for pension strain. Further information was provided as to who may or may not be eligible for pension strain. · Councillor Paul Miller expressed that he felt that the unions had negotiated very favourable redundancy payment conditions for staff, of which he did not feel would be the best use of Council finances. He raised concerns with the Council insuring schools against redundancy costs, which he felt leads to high levels of redundancies every year, which then re-present the following year as ‘new roles’ of which previous employees are re-employed after being made redundant. · Councillor Aled Thomas requested an update as to what further changes were made to the conditions between the time the matter was considered by the Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the current Council meeting. The Head of HR stated that following the Committee meeting, Officers continued to have dialogue with the Trade Unions via the Leader and the Chief Executive and a compromise was able to be achieved with regards to a transition period, which would mean that both Teachers and NJC staff would be at an equal point for the calculator, which would be conducted through a transition period up until 6 April 2025 after which the multiplier would then reduce. It was stated that the Authority had programmes in place to try and navigate away from the need for redundancies, but challenges remained in relation to school support staff who suffered the greatest impact. To assist, the Chief Executive summarised the changes made since the Committee meeting as follows: - A tiered introduction over two years rather than one year; - An alignment between school staff and the non-school staff; - A .0.25% multiplier difference between the starting suggestion and the end position. · In response to a question from Councillor Alec Cormack as to how the multiplier being proposed compared to other Local Authorities in West Wales, the Head of HR outlined the data. · Councillor Marc Tierney reiterated that he was a Local Authority Appointed School Governor and a member of a Trade Union, before proceeding to query if the Switch Programme was applicable to school support staff. In response the Head of HR confirmed that Governing Bodies were encouraged to use the programme, but the use of it could not be forced due to Governing Bodies being an employer in its own right. The vote in relation to the substantive motion was then 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, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Mike James, Mike John, Phil Kidney, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham and Simon Wright [45] Against the Motion: Councillors David Bryan, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, Rhys Jordan, Paul Miller, Nick Neumann, Mel Phillips, Aled Thomas, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [12] Abstentions: Councillor Tony Wilcox [1] RESOLVED That the Pay Policy statement for 2025-26 be approved for publication, maintaining the status quo in relation to severance payments of £100K plus being approved by Full Council.
Council considered a report by the Head of HR in relation to the Pay Policy Statement for 2025-26. Councillor Neil Prior, the Cabinet Member for Communities, Corporate Improvement and the Well-being of Future Generations introduced the report and stated that the Council had a duty to agree and publish a pay policy statement each year, by the 31 March. The scrutiny process of the policy was outlined along with the components of the policy. The three areas of change to the policy were explained which included: the discretionary redundancy calculation policy, a change to the current requirement for all severance packages of £100K plus to be approved by the Council, and Chief Officer exit arrangements as a new addition. Councillor Neil Prior Moved that the Pay Policy Statement for 2025-26 be approved for publication as outlined; Seconded by Councillor Joshua Beynon. Councillor Jacob Williams reiterated the request of the Constitutional Review Committee for the status quo to be maintained in relation to all severance payments of £100K plus being approved by Full Council and moved an amendment to that effect; Seconded by Councillor Pat Davies. Members proceeded to debate the proposed amendment, and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Jamie Adams queried if wage inflation would result in an increased amount of people breaching the £100k threshold and if so, did consideration need to be given to increasing the threshold. In response, the Head of HR confirmed that it would be the case and that more approvals would be required by Council in future. · Following on from the above discussion, Councillor Jamie Adams queried if Council meeting only five times per year could cause delay regarding resolution of some cases due to them having to tie in with a Council meeting, to which the Head of HR confirmed that such situation could arise and in those circumstances the cost of the severance would be exacerbated awaiting the Council meeting to take place. The Chief Executive stated that in the circumstances that the cost of the severance would be exacerbated due to the timescales of meetings, then the Presiding Member would be approached and requested to call an extraordinary meeting of Council to deal with the matters. · Clarification was sought by Councillor Alec Cormack as to whether the £100k threshold included the pension strain, to which the Head of HR confirmed that it did. In summing up, Councillor Jacob Williams expressed his disappointment that at the time the Constitutional Review Committee considered the severance payments approval process, the matter was considered in isolation and it was not brought to the Committee’s attention that a change of process was being suggested in light of a possible influx of payoffs due to the cost savings measures required as part of the then proposed budget. The amendment was reiterated and a suggestion was made to re-consider the matter if an influx of approvals became required by Council. Members proceeded to vote on the proposed amendment which when put to an electronic vote, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Maureen Bowen, Aaron Carey, John Cole, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Mike James, Mike John, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham and Simon Wright [42] Against the Motion: Councillors Josh Beynon, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Alec Cormack, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, David Howlett, Rhys Jordan, Nick Neumann, Neil Prior, David Simpson, Viv Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [17] There were no abstentions. RESOLVED That the current arrangement of Full Council considering all severance payments of £100K plus be not altered. Members proceeded to debate the substantive motion, and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Paul Miller made reference to the multiplier and queried how Pembrokeshire compared to other Local Authorities. In response, the Head of HR advised that Pembrokeshire currently sat at the top end of the benchmarking of other Welsh Local Authorities and public bodies multipliers and if the adjustment was agreed it would move the Authority to the lower end of the upper quartile (50-75% quartile). · In response to a question raised by Councillor Paul Miller, the Head of HR confirmed that that the multiplier calculation would be separate to any pension strain that would be applied, for individuals who qualify for pension strain. Further information was provided as to who may or may not be eligible for pension strain. · Councillor Paul Miller expressed that he felt that the unions had negotiated very favourable redundancy payment conditions for staff, of which he did not feel would be the best use of Council finances. He raised concerns with the Council insuring schools against redundancy costs, which he felt leads to high levels of redundancies every year, which then re-present the following year as ‘new roles’ of which previous employees are re-employed after being made redundant. · Councillor Aled Thomas requested an update as to what further changes were made to the conditions between the time the matter was considered by the Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the current Council meeting. The Head of HR stated that following the Committee meeting, Officers continued to have dialogue with the Trade Unions via the Leader and the Chief Executive and a compromise was able to be achieved with regards to a transition period, which would mean that both Teachers and NJC staff would be at an equal point for the calculator, which would be conducted through a transition period up until 6 April 2025 after which the multiplier would then reduce. It was stated that the Authority had programmes in place to try and navigate away from the need for redundancies, but challenges remained in relation to school support staff who suffered the greatest impact. To assist, the Chief Executive summarised the changes made since the Committee meeting as follows: - A tiered introduction over two years rather than one year; - An alignment between school staff and the non-school staff; - A .0.25% multiplier difference between the starting suggestion and the end position. · In response to a question from Councillor Alec Cormack as to how the multiplier being proposed compared to other Local Authorities in West Wales, the Head of HR outlined the data. · Councillor Marc Tierney reiterated that he was a Local Authority Appointed School Governor and a member of a Trade Union, before proceeding to query if the Switch Programme was applicable to school support staff. In response the Head of HR confirmed that Governing Bodies were encouraged to use the programme, but the use of it could not be forced due to Governing Bodies being an employer in its own right. The vote in relation to the substantive motion was then 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, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Mike James, Mike John, Phil Kidney, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham and Simon Wright [45] Against the Motion: Councillors David Bryan, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, Rhys Jordan, Paul Miller, Nick Neumann, Mel Phillips, Aled Thomas, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [12] Abstentions: Councillor Tony Wilcox [1] RESOLVED That the Pay Policy statement for 2025-26 be approved for publication, maintaining the status quo in relation to severance payments of £100K plus being approved by Full Council.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Partneriaeth Joint Committee and Joint Scrutiny Committee be dissolved, as of 31 March 2025.
Council considered a report by the Director for Education in relation to the Partneriaeth Transition to a Collaboration Agreement. Councillor Guy Woodham, the Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language introduced the report stating that its purpose was to provide an update on the changes to the regional arrangements which support the delivery of educational improvements. It was highlighted that Council approval was being sought for the dissolution of the Partneriaeth Joint Committee and Joint Scrutiny Committee, as part of the transition to a new collaboration agreement for partnership working between Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Swansea, which was due to commence on 1 April 2025. The resolutions of the January Cabinet meeting were outlined, and it was stated that the new collaboration agreement had been approved by all three Cabinets in the partnership, subject to approval by all three Full Councils. The new collaboration agreement was outlined, and Members’ attention was drawn to comments made by the Director of Resources which stated that the transfer to a new collaboration agreement would have adverse financial implications for the Resources Directorate, in relation to the loss of the service level agreement. Information was provided in relation to how redundancies linked to Partneriaeth would be funded. Councillor Jamie Adams highlighted that the new collaboration agreement would be the third legal entity of joint support and challenge for schools in Pembrokeshire and queried how the partnership would deliver better results. The Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language stated that the change had come about following a review undertaken by Welsh Government which identified savings which could be made, and which would enable individual Authorities to be responsible for delivering its own educational improvements and utilising the skill sets available through the Partneriaeth agreement to deliver those across the region. The progress made by schools within the County was highlighted which had been supported by the Director for Education and Partneriaeth and it was confirmed that scrutiny and accountability would continue through Council. The Cabinet Member expressed that in his view, the proposed change to a collaborative agreement would not have any adverse impact on delivering continuous education improvement within the County. Councillor Viv Stoddart queried how performance was monitored by Partneriaeth. The Director for Education outlined how the change had come about and the alterations which would be made. The scrutiny arrangements were also outlined, and it was stated to be a positive step to bring the scrutiny arrangements back into Council rather than through a Joint Scrutiny Committee arrangement, as it would allow elected Members in Pembrokeshire to have a better handle on the evaluation and the work that Partneriaeth was doing. Moved by Councillor Guy Woodham; Seconded by Councillor Jon Harvey 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, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Tim Evans, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, David Howlett, Mike James, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Nick Neumann, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham, Simon Wright, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [55] Against the Motion: Councillor Viv Stoddart [1] Abstentions: Councillor Alan Dennison [1] RESOLVED That the Partneriaeth Joint Committee and Joint Scrutiny Committee be dissolved, as of 31 March 2025.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the progress made on the Corporate Governance Improvement Plan be noted, and the draft response be approved.
Council considered a joint report by the Assistant Chief Executive and the Head of Law and Governance in relation to the Corporate Governance Improvement Plan for 2022-24 and the response to the Audit Wales Stage 2 follow up. Councillor Neil Prior, the Cabinet Member for Communities, Corporate Improvement and the Well-being of Future Generations introduced the report and stated that the matter was considered by Council on a regular basis, with the last report being presented in May 2024. It was stated that the matter was also considered by the Governance and Audit Committee in November 2024 and February 2025. It was highlighted that the Authority had now accepted all recommendations and progress continued to be made. Moved by Councillor Neil Prior; Seconded by Councillor Jon Harvey. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands was carried. RESOLVED That the progress made on the Corporate Governance Improvement Plan be noted, and the draft response be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Corporate Strategy for 2025-2030 and the new Well-being Objectives contained therein, be adopted. [*Councillor Rhys Sinnett advised that he had mistakenly cast a vote for Councillor Paul Miller, on the shared voting handset, and requested that his vote 'for’ the motion be recorded. The votes have been amended accordingly.]
Council considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive in relation to the Corporate Strategy for 2025-2030. Councillor Neil Prior, the Cabinet Member for Communities, Corporate Improvement and the Well-being of Future Generations introduced the report and stated that Council was being asked to approve the Corporate Strategy which contained the new statutory wellbeing objectives, reduced down to four from 12. It was stated that the strategy was last approved in May 2023 and had been kept under regular review to ensure the focus reflected the key priorities, challenges and opportunities and was a document which sets the strategic direction of the Council for the next five years; however, it was further stated to be an organisational document, not a political one. The routes of consideration and consultation of the document to date were outlined and information was provided as to how the document was informed. Councillor Marc Tierney highlighted the reference to regeneration within the strategy and suggested that regeneration could also form part of the community section of the document as he felt that the Authority had a role to play in creating connected and resourceful communities in terms of building a prosperous Pembrokeshire and building an economy that worked for everyone, in line with efforts to tackle poverty. The Cabinet Member for Communities, Corporate Improvement and the Well-being of Future Generations agreed with the statement and stated that community was a key focus for the Public Services Board, which was enabling public services across Pembrokeshire to build and strengthen communities, and was also assisting the prevention agenda, but recognised that more could always be done. The Presiding Member commented that it had been pleasing to see the reference to biodiversity within the report and suggested that following suit of the Council declaring a climate emergency in 2019, a biodiversity emergency may also need to be declared due to the natural world being subject to such immense and unprecedented pressures. Councillors Di Clements and Alan Dennison commented that the reduction in recommendations from 12 to four was pleasing to see and they felt it would bring with it more focus. Councillor Aled Thomas made reference to a statement within the document which stated that the use of the Welsh Language was decreasing within the County and queried what the Authority was doing to increase the use of the Welsh Language. In response, the Director for Education made reference to the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan, which sat within the remit of Cabinet, and stated that it directly identified a plan for the next ten years. It was added that matters relating to the Welsh Language were monitored as part of the Council’s Welsh Language Standards Strategy, which was reported on annually. Moved by Councillor Neil Prior; Seconded by Councillor Joshua Beynon. The vote, undertaken by way of an electronic vote, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, David Howlett, Mike James, Mike John, Phil Kidney, Elwyn Morse, Nick Neumann, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett*, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham, Simon Wright, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [53] Abstentions: Councillor Huw Murphy [1] There were no votes against. [Councillor Paul Miller was not present for the vote.] RESOLVED That the Corporate Strategy for 2025-2030 and the new Well-being Objectives contained therein, be adopted. [*Councillor Rhys Sinnett advised that he had mistakenly cast a vote for Councillor Paul Miller, on the shared voting handset, and requested that his vote 'for’ the motion be recorded. The votes have been amended accordingly.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the final recommendations published by the Commission, be noted. [Councillor Paul Miller requested that his vote against the Motion be recorded.] [Councillors Claire George, Nick Neumann and Aled Thomas abstained from voting.]
[Councillor Brian Hall declared a personal interest by virtue of being the Local Member for Market Ward, Pembroke Dock which was affected by the proposals.] Council considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive in relation to the Review of Community Electoral Arrangements. Councillor Neil Prior, the Cabinet Member for Communities, Corporate Improvement and the Well-being of Future Generations introduced the report and stated that the report was the conclusion of the review of community electoral arrangements undertaken by the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales, of which the final recommendations concluded only a few minor changes and stated that the next local elections in 2027 would see some changes to the number of Councillors. Members were reminded that they had the opportunity to make representations to Welsh Government by the 11 March 2025. The Cabinet Member expressed the recognitions made by the Working Group regarding the challenges and effectiveness of Town and Community Councils and stated that the status quo would continue until the next review took place in a decade’s time. Councillor Mike James sought further information on the cost the Authority incurred to undertake the review. In response the Assistant Chief Executive advised that the Council had paid approximately £13,500 to the Boundary Commission to undertake work on the Council’s behalf, in addition to the Officer and Member time, which formed part of the salary budget. Councillor Claire George made reference to the time between each review, recognising that corporate knowledge can get lost over time, and sought further information as to what the Cabinet Member felt had worked well as part of the review and what could be improved for the next review. In response, the Cabinet Member for Communities, Corporate Improvement and the Well-being of Future Generations stated that the Boundary Commission had felt bound by the Council’s Size Policy, which had been set by the Council, of which changes could be made. He added that he felt the dedicated politically balanced Working Group worked well along with the seminars which were held to allow Members to convey their thoughts. Partnership working with communities was also mentioned as a tool which could be explored further in future. Councillor Jacob Williams expressed that he was also disappointed with the conclusions of the review, felt that it brought no benefit to the County and that it had been a lost opportunity, which was a view also shared by Councillor John Davies. Councillor Huw Murphy raised concerns with the proposal to reduce some rural Community Councils, stating that the pressure would be enhanced on the remaining Community Councils, with no financial reward. Councillor Delme Harries agreed and expressed that County Councillors had a role to play in supporting Community Councils, where possible. Councillor Claire George stated that it was important to acknowledge the expense that Town and Community Councils had incurred as part of the review process, with a number of them seeking legal support to understand the implications of the changes proposed with the cost of that amounting to thousands. Councillor Michael Williams agreed with views shared by Councillor John Davies, stating that there were too many Local Authorities within Wales which was becoming unviable. Moved by Councillor Neil Prior; Seconded by Councillor Jon Harvey The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the final recommendations published by the Commission, be noted. [Councillor Paul Miller requested that his vote against the Motion be recorded.] [Councillors Claire George, Nick Neumann and Aled Thomas abstained from voting.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Mr Christopher Halford be appointed as a Lay Member to the Governance and Audit Committee for a period of five years commencing 1 April 2025.
Council considered a report by the Head of Democratic Services in relation to the appointment of a Lay Person to sit on the Governance and Audit Committee. Councillor Jon Harvey, Leader of Council, introduced the report, stating that the Appointment Panel had met on 19 February 2025 to interview candidates for the role, following the resignation of Mr Martin Veale, with effect from the 31 March 2025. Thanks were expressed to Mr Veale for his service to the Committee since May 2017. The Panel’s decision to appoint Mr Christopher Halford was outlined, and it was stated that it was customary for lay members to be appointed for a period of five years, with a reappointment for a further term, if desired. Councillor Aled Thomas, as Vice-Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee, reiterated thanks to Mr Martin Veale for his time spent on the Committee and the honest contributions he always made. Moved by Councillor Jon Harvey; Seconded by Councillor Simon Hancock The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Mr Christopher Halford be appointed as a Lay Member to the Governance and Audit Committee for a period of five years commencing 1 April 2025.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the update and actions that continue to be taken, be noted. (b) That future reports on the matter be presented to the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, in the first instance, and Cabinet if required. (c) That the continuation of air quality monitoring at Spittal school for a further period of up to 12 months, reviewable on a quarterly basis dependent on air quality results and level of community odour complaints received, be approved. [Councillor Jamie Adams left the meeting at this juncture.]
Council considered a report by the Head of Housing and Public Protection which provided an update on the Authority’s current position in response to addressing community concerns related to activities arising from the Withyhedge Landfill site. Councillor Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Residents’ Services, introduced the report and stated that it was the sixth report brought before Council on the matter. An update was provided on the Authority’s pursuance of legal action against Resources Management Limited (RML), which had not been successful and stated that a decision had been made to not appeal the decision, despite the Council’s legal Counsel firmly believing that the decision was wrong, of which the reasons for non-appeal were outlined. It was stated that the Council remained convinced that the legal challenge had provided a significant pressure on the company and, together with the strength of public concern and the action undertaken by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), led to the increased urgency for the company to carry out measures to mitigate the escape of odours from the site. An update was provided on the ongoing air quality monitoring which stated that whilst there had been a small number of exceedances of hydrogen sulphide, it was not believed to be related to landfill gas. The recommendation to extend the monitoring for a further period of 12 months, reviewable on a quarterly basis was highlighted which would come at a cost of £57,000 to the Authority as partner organisations were unable to commit to supporting further monitoring at this time. Updates were provided following a range of planned and unannounced inspections, and it had been confirmed that the operator was following revised waste acceptance procedures, and that waste disposal activities were being carefully monitored. A range of additional measures being undertaken by the site operator were outlined and it was highlighted that since the site recommenced accepting waste, complaint numbers had been low. In summing up, Members were informed that the decision had been made to stand down the Strategic Incident Management Group, although it would be reconvened if required. Councillor Rhys Sinnett Moved that Council note the report and actions that continue to be taken, agree to future update reports being presented to the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and if necessary, Cabinet; and also agree to the continuation of air quality monitoring at Spittal School for a further period of up to 12 months, reviewable on a quarterly basis dependent on air quality results and level of community odour complaints received; Seconded by Councillor Jon Harvey. Councillor Elwyn Morse made reference to the costs incurred by the Authority to date and queried if anything could be done to recoup any of them. In response the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Residents’ Services, stated that any recouping of costs would require legal action, of which the risks were deemed too great, therefore any further monitoring costs would need to be covered by the Authority. The Head of Housing and Public Protection added that a significant portion of the costs to date had been linked to the legal costs as the air quality monitoring costs had been split with NRW. It was stated that it was not clear if NRW would be continuing to support the monitoring, but assurance was given that recouping of costs would be undertaken where possible. Councillor Alan Dennison highlighted the high costs linked to the continuation of the air quality monitoring system and queried if the use of personal monitoring devices, worn by members of the community, had been considered as an alternative, as they would come at a much lower cost. The Head of Housing and Public Protection stated that the professional monitoring device was able to be set to a lower exposure than that of personal monitoring devices, therefore able to pick up more accurate readings to measure against the World Health Organization annoyance level, rather than the occupational health trigger levels. Reference was made to the likely deterioration of the roads in the locality to the site due to the heavy traffic to and from the site, and Councillor Alan Dennison queried if the Authority could implement a charge to the site to cover the additional wear and tear on the roads. In response the Assistant Chief Executive stated that he did not think it was possible and outlined his reasoning for that view but added that he was happy to enquire further if required. In response to a question raised by Councillor David Bryan, the Chief Executive advised that the limit and type of the site was regulated and was measured and assessed through NRW. Following a question raised by Councillor Anji Tinley, the Head of Housing and Public Protection outlined how differentiation was made between farm and commercial gasses. Councillor Anji Tinley queried how many complaints were received in that area before the site was being used for waste to which the Head of Housing and Public Protection stated that she did not have those figures to hand but could source them if required but added that the Authority was receiving complaints on occasions prior to the significant increase that happened over 12 months ago. Councillor Di Clements highlighted that monitoring on an indefinite basis would not be financially sustainable, and queried what criteria would need to be met for the Authority to deem it sufficient to remove the monitoring device. In response, the Chief Executive stated that the criteria would be subjective and would include a range of considerations but would certainly include a period of no spikes in gasses being identified over the next 12 months. Following clarification being raised by Councillor Terry Davies, the Head of Housing and Public Protection confirmed that checks were undertaken on lorries that enter the site, by the site directly but also sample monitoring by NRW. In response to a question raised by Councillor Aled Thomas, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Residents’ Services advised that decisions in relation to the continuation or ceasing of the monitoring was an executive function; however, he provided assurance thar Cabinet would share the information and any criteria on which that decision was based with Full Council. Following clarification being sought by Councillor Nick Neumann, the Head of Housing and Public Protection advised that the Council had made the decision to undertake independent monitoring to provide the Council with independent data that was able to be controlled and that was not under the control of the landfill company and to provide reassurance for the community. It was added that the data collected would continue to be analysed and reports created outlining the findings. It was noted that the information would continue to be shared via the Council’s website and through press releases, where necessary. Councillor Aled Thomas moved an amendment to recommendation three, suggesting that the wording be changed to ‘That Council agree to the continuation of air quality monitoring at Spittal School for a period of at least 12 months, thereafter reviewable on a quarterly basis dependant on air quality results and the level of community odour complaints received’; Seconded by Councillor Mark Carter. Councillor Michael Williams expressed that he felt let down by NRW and the Environment Agency and stated that they have a legal responsibility to manage such matters yet seem to be offloading the role onto the Authority which was creating a financial burden. The lack of statutory action being undertaken by the bodies was stated to be concerning. In response, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Residents’ Services stated that he understood the frustrations but stated that there were very clear legal structures within which the inspection and permit granting takes place. It was added that the Authority had provided an additional layer of assurance to the community through the monitoring process, which was not compulsory. Members proceeded to vote on the proposed amendment. When put to the vote, undertaken by way of an electronic vote, the amendment was not carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Michelle Bateman, David Bryan, Mark Carter, Di Clements, John Cole, John Davies, Terry Davies, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, Brian Hall, Delme Harries, David Howlett, Rhys Jordan, Nick Neumann, Shon Rees, Aled Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Anji Tinley, Iwan Ward, Chris Williams and Danny Young [22] Against the Motion: Councillors Steve Alderman, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Alec Cormack, Pat Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Nicola Gwynn, Simon Hancock, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Mike James, Mike John, Paul Miller, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Marc Tierney, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Jacob Williams, Michael Williams, Guy Woodham and Simon Wright [33] There were no abstentions. Members then proceeded to vote on the original motion, and when 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, Josh Beynon, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Tim Evans, Claire George, Jonathan Grimes, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, David Howlett, Mike James, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Nick Neumann, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Jacob Williams, Chris Williams, Michael Williams, Guy Woodham, Simon Wright and Danny Young [55] Abstentions: Councillor Aled Thomas [1] There were no votes against. RESOLVED (a) That the update and actions that continue to be taken, be noted. (b) That future reports on the matter be presented to the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, in the first instance, and Cabinet if required. (c) That the continuation of air quality monitoring at Spittal school for a further period of up to 12 months, reviewable on a quarterly basis dependent on air quality results and level of community odour complaints received, be approved. [Councillor Jamie Adams left the meeting at this juncture.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the report be noted. (b) That the following Independent Group reserve appointments be made: · Councillor Huw Murphy - Democratic Services Committee · Councillor Jamie Adams - Constitutional Review Committee (c) That the following Independent Group appointment be noted: · Councillor Vanessa Thomas – Planning Delegation Panel
Council considered a joint report by the Head of Democratic Services and the Monitoring Officer which required Members to note the allocation of seats on Committees and Outside Bodies and to appoint Members and Reserve Members where applicable. The Head of Democratic Services introduced the report and stated that following the current allocation being approved by Council in December, a by-election was held on 11 February 2025 following the resignation of former Councillor Andrew Edwards, where Councillor Alan Wills was duly elected. It was noted that Councillor Wills was of the same political party, therefore no change was required to the political balance. A request was made by the Presiding Member for nominations to be made to fill the one vacancy on SACRE/SACRVE; however, there were no nominations received. Councillor Jacob Williams Moved that Councillor Mike Stoddart be appointed as a reserve Member on the Schools and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee; Seconded by Councillor Pat Davies. Following the nomination, Councillor Mike Stoddart advised that he did not wish to accept the nomination, so it was withdrawn. Moved by Councillor Simon Hancock; Seconded by Councillor Alan Dennison The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the report be noted. (b) That the following Independent Group reserve appointments be made: · Councillor Huw Murphy - Democratic Services Committee · Councillor Jamie Adams - Constitutional Review Committee (c) That the following Independent Group appointment be noted: · Councillor Vanessa Thomas – Planning Delegation Panel
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the referral and the actions undertaken to date be noted and the comments raised be taken on board for the 2026 -27 budget consultation. [Councillors Mel Phillips and Iwan Ward left the meeting at this juncture.]
Council considered a report by the Head of Democratic Services in relation to a public submission which had been referred from the Policy and Pre-Decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee where concerns had been raised with the Welsh and English versions of the budget consultation not including the same wording. Councillor Aled Thomas, in his role as Vice-Chair of Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee outlined the referral and Moved that the actions undertaken to date be noted, and that the comments raised be taken on board for the 2026-27 budget consultation; Seconded by Councillor Di Clements. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the referral and the actions undertaken to date be noted and the comments raised be taken on board for the 2026 -27 budget consultation. [Councillors Mel Phillips and Iwan Ward left the meeting at this juncture.]
Councillor Michelle Bateman, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor John Cole prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.18 as follows: Can the Cabinet Member for Housing inform the Council with the following: Over the last 5 years how many of the Authority’s housing stock has been added to the Council’s void list? Have any of those houses on the void list been made available to residents on the Council’s housing register? As these houses are not available for residents to bid for on the choice homes list, does the Member consider that residents are therefore disadvantaged from such properties they are not even aware of, due to being added to the Authority’s void stock? In response, Councillor Michelle Bateman stated that on an annual basis the Council has in the region of 350-400 properties which are handed back from ended tenancies, which are then the subject of a voids turnover programme, where any works identified as needed to bring them up to the Wales Housing Quality Standard are carried out before they are re-allocated. It was noted that individuals have to be on the housing register to be allocated a property, therefore all houses on the voids list are available to applicants on the Housing Register. It was stated that over the past five years, a total of 1,906 properties have been handed back as tenancies have been ended. In this time, 1,734 tenancies have been started and over the past two years 65% (640) of those have been allocations from the weekly advert, and 24% (234) have been direct lets from the accessible housing register whereby the properties are matched with the household needing the adaptations in that accommodation. It was noted that under the new allocations policy, the intention would be that such properties would also be advertised. It was highlighted that a further 6% (59) of allocations had been management decisions to allow tenants to move due to various reasons; 2.6% (26) were decanted tenants who were then subsequently granted approval to remain; and 1.6% (16) as direct offers under homeless duties and to comply with Welsh Government grant conditions (TACP funding). In addition to the existing housing stock turnover, it was stated that the numbers quoted included just under 100 properties which were purchased using over £7.7million Welsh Government grant funding over the past two years, with 44 new build properties being completed in Johnston and Tiers Cross, which increased the housing stock to over 5800. Councillor Bateman expressed that she did not believe that residents were being disadvantaged in the way that the housing stock was allocated, as Officers were diligent to ensure that allocations were made in line with the Choice Homes Allocations Policy. It was stated that houses which were handed back which were then subject to the voids turnover were part of the day to day management of the housing stock, and although there may be delays in turning over some properties which need a significant amount of work, considerable progress had been made in increasing resource in the building maintenance service to focus on the work required. Councillor John Cole raised a supplementary question, querying why six properties within his ward that had become vacant within the last year were seemingly allocated without making it onto the Choice Homes Register. In response, Councillor Michelle Bateman requested that Councillor Cole email over the specific details of the properties so a detailed explanation could be given, if required.
Councillor Jon Harvey, Leader of Council, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Alistair Cameron prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.18 as follows: On 28 November 2024, Hywel Dda UHB announced that, since financial support is not secured, delivery of a new hospital (to be located in either St Clears or Whitland) is likely to be at least 10 years from now. In the same statement the health board stated that it risks falling significantly behind other areas [of the UK] with consequences for patient care and staff recruitment and that it has identified nine fragile services: Critical Care, Emergency General Surgery, Stroke, Endoscopy, Radiology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics and Urology. Could the Leader of Council seek an urgent meeting between the Council and the Chief Executive of Hywel Dda UHB so that he can explain his strategy for safeguarding these nine fragile services which are vital to Pembrokeshire residents and what action has been taken so far? In response, Councillor Jon Harvey stated that he shared the concerns regarding the Health Service provision and advised that whilst in advance of the meeting contact had been made with the Health Board with regard to a meeting, a response was currently awaited. It was added that given there was a new Chief Executive and a new Chair of the Health Board, the Leader would be suggesting that a Members’ seminar be held in order to update Members on the Health Service provision and future plans.
Councillor Jon Harvey, Leader of Council, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Alistair Cameron prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.18 as follows: On 5 February 2025, Crest Advisory published their Independent Culture Review into Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS). The review was highly critical and included the following statements in its conclusion: • Our findings revealed that MAWWFRS is divided along grey book (operational vs green book (support and corporate), gender and rank with a formal hierarchy fostering mistrust, disconnection, and a culture of fear and conformity, stifling open dialogue and innovation. • Staff raised cultural issues including leadership failures, outdated management practices, and inadequate staff support across our engagement. • These issues perpetuated inefficiencies, lowered staff morale and increased inequalities. • High levels of bullying and harassment, a fear of retaliation and ostracism hampering confidence in reporting, and a lack of confidence on action from senior leaders, reflect a bullying culture at MAWWFRS. • A resistance to change, particularly at the executive level, and rooted in a structure that prioritises operational firefighting over broader public safety roles, hindered attempts at positive cultural change. • MAWWFRS must undergo transformative reforms, modernising its culture and structure to align with contemporary public safety priorities, addressing systematic issues, and rebuilding trust through decisive, bold and inclusive action. Whilst MAWWFRS is to be commended for commissioning this work, could the Leader of the Council seek an urgent meeting between the Chief Fire Officer and Council so that he can explain what measures have been put in place to address these serious issues? In response, Councillor Jon Harvey stated that he fully shared the concerns raised regarding the findings into certain cultural aspects of the MAWWFRS. It was stated that he was aware that work was already underway to address those findings, and following a request made for himself and the Chief Executive to meet with the Chief Fire Officer and Chair of the Fire Authority to discuss the measures being put in place in response, a meeting would be taking place on the 20 March 2025. It was added that at that meeting they would also be discussing bringing forward the annual Members’ seminar with the Chief Fire Officer as soon as possible to allow all Members the opportunity to hear first-hand and ask questions directly on the matter.
Councillor Michelle Bateman, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Aaron Carey prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.18 as follows: I was recently informed that PCC have been paying off private tenants rent arrears, stopping them being evicted and subsequently keeping the amount of people on the homeless register lower. Could the Cabinet Member confirm if this is correct and if so, when this policy began? In response, Councillor Michelle Bateman stated that with the introduction of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, the Authority must ensure that when an individual or household presents as threatened with homelessness then it has a duty to ensure that suitable accommodation does not cease to be available for occupation. It was stated that the Authority was guided to meet the duty by either directly meeting the housing need of the individual/s or by delaying the need to move out of the current accommodation, which may be due to the accommodation being deemed unaffordable due to personal circumstances, such as loss of work, or where there has been a rent increase. In doing this, the necessary time is provided to allow a planned move into more suitable accommodation or to help them to sustain independent living. It was stated that whether the Authority provided financial assistance was decided on a case by case basis, following a thorough financial assessment with criteria for the assessment. If arrears are paid off, the Authority must be satisfied that the accommodation is secured for a further 12 months, which subsequently leads to the homeless application being closed down. The funding provided for this would be allocated either through Discretionary Housing Payments (administered by the Revenues Service and funded by UK Government, or the Welsh Government’s Homelessness Prevention Grant). This practice, which was not a defined policy, was stated to have been in place as long as the Authority has had a duty to prevent and address homelessness, which extends before the latest legislation introduced in 2014. In response to a supplementary question, Councillor Michelle Bateman confirmed that in the case that financial assistance was provided, it was not funded by the Council. [Councillor Di Clements left the meeting at this juncture.]
Councillor Rhys Sinnett, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Alan Dennison prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.18 as follows: Could the Cabinet Member responsible for Highways provide information on the total expenditure incurred for the repair of the original landslip at Amroth including the projected costs for addressing the most recent landslip, and is the council pursuing reimbursement from the landowner and if not, why not? In response, Councillor Rhys Sinnett stated that the total costs incurred of the work to survey, design, remove and stabilise the three landslips that occurred during Winter 2023/24 affecting the cycle path between Coppet Hall and Wisemans Bridge was £453,412, which was lower than the original estimates by the design team. It was stated that the estimated costs of addressing the recent landslips was £235,000 but would depend on the survey and design which would dictate if the installation of rock-netting or catch-fencing was the preferred solution. It was noted that the collapse of the cliff faces, and consequent obstruction of the cycle path was a natural occurrence rather than a deliberate action, and therefore remedial costs would not be recoverable from the landowner. Councillor Dennison made a supplementary request, that the Council consider implementing a remediation plan for that path at Conduit which had remained unusable for many years. In response, Councillor Sinnett stated that the cliff lying directly below the public footpath at Conduit collapsed, resulting in loss of the majority of the path surface, which was a natural occurrence with no fault attributable to the landowners. It was therefore not possible to require them to restore the land below the path. It was stated that at the time that the incident took place, the estimate for the work to reinstate that area was approximately £300,000. He highlighted that the Conduit matter held different legislative powers in comparison to the Wiseman's Bridge matter and that he did not believe the Council were in a position to further advance with any reinstatement of the works of the path at Hakin Point. [Councillor Anji Tinley left the meeting at this juncture.]
Councillor Rhys Sinnett, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Alan Dennison prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.18 as follows: Could the Cabinet Member for Highways provide information on the total expenses incurred by the litter enforcement initiative to date, the revenue generated from fines imposed on individuals caught littering in the county including the number of offenders apprehended and indicate whether they are predominantly local residents or visitors to the county? In response, Councillor Rhys Sinnett stated that the current Enviro-crime contract started in August 2023 which covered littering, dog fouling, dog restrictions and fly tipping. It was stated that since the commencement of the contract, 3032 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN’s) had been issued and to date, 1846 had been paid. Reference was made to the unpaid FPN’s and it was noted that some would still be in the timeframe to pay but others would require Court action. Financial details were outlined with it being stated that the total expenditure under the Enviro-crime contract for all FPN’s issued (up to 31 December 2024) was £166,660.50. The income received by the Authority through the collection of all Enviro-crime FPN’s (up to 31 December 2024), excluding Court awarded costs, was £178,220.00. It was added that during this time, a number of cases were escalated to Court, with 121 convictions from which the Court awarded costs to the Authority equating to £22,839.70. Information had been received from the Enviro-crime contractor which confirmed that when the FPN’s (issued excluding cancelled) were reviewed on a residency perspective, 596 (20%) were issues to those living outside Pembrokeshire, with 2436 (80%) issued to Pembrokeshire residents. It was highlighted that the aim of the initiative had always been to seek to improve the quality of the environment in the County, but it must be recognised that the team was small and they could not be everywhere at once which is why the Authority rely on Members and community input to ensure that it is an intelligence-led service that can focus on hotspot areas that are identified. Councillor Dennison stated that he had noticed an increase of litter throughout the County, particularly in verges, which needed to be addressed by the litter enforcement team, and made a supplementary request for urgent action to be taken in relation to the matter. In response, Councillor Rhys Sinnett concurred with the concerns raised and stated that a range of factors needed to be considered, such as the ownership of the road/verges and the safety of operatives collecting litter from verges. It was recognised that following bin collection rounds, there had been instances where litter had fallen off the lorry and in these instances crews have been reminded of the importanceof ensuring that compartments of the lorries are closed to ensure litter does not spill out, however, it was stated that the operatives were under a lot of pressure to complete the rounds, so in a number of cases, a street cleaning vehicle was available to follow the routes and collect any escaping litter. Councillor Dennison was encouraged to communicate any specific areas of concern with the Cabinet Member; however, it was highlighted that whilst best efforts are made, resources were being squeezed which does have an impact.
Councillor Joshua Beynon, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Alan Dennison prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.18 as follows: This council maintains its position as a proponent of equality and diversity; however, some departments are still experiencing a gender pay gap, resulting in female employees receiving lower compensation than their male counterparts for identical roles. Could the Cabinet Member for Finance provide information on the savings accrued by the council over the past five years due to this disparity, as well as the total cost required to fully address this inequality at present? In response, Councillor Joshua Beynon stated that the Authority operated a fully validated job evaluation scheme with all roles being assessed against the framework. It was stated that there were no examples of individuals undertaking identical roles being paid differently, and Councillor Dennison was requested to raise specific examples, if aware of any, which would be reviewed and explanations provided.
Councillor Rhys Sinnett, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Jamie Adams prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.18 as follows: With a regime of specific opening times ensuring that recycling facilities are appropriately staffed during operational hours, why is it still considered necessary to insist on a booking system for householders to deposit recycling? Surely private cars without trailers can be accommodated on an ad hoc basis to encourage greater support towards the recycling targets of the Authority and Welsh Government? As part of the answer I would be grateful to receive information about fly tipping of household goods/waste and a general public realm and highway assessment of littering. In response, Councillor Rhys Sinnett stated that the key reasons behind the retention of the booking system in November 2021 were traffic management and health and safety improvements, by ensuring that there were safe levels of users at Waste Recycling Centres (WRC) facilities at any one time. The reduction of abuse of the WRCs by commercial users disposing of chargeable commercial waste as domestic waste and cross border waste, a cost that was historically met by the Authority, was also stated to be a contributor to the retention of the booking system. It was stated that the booking system had brought with it additional benefits, through the control of the number of users on site at any one time which had not only reduced the queuing across sites, but has also enabled the operatives to ensure materials brought to site were compliant with the environmental permits and safe systems of work reducing contamination and inappropriate disposal of materials. It was noted that there had been a vast array of changes to Environmental Permits over the years and all waste now required containment in permitted storage areas which ensured users were following the waste hierarchy and recycling or reusing materials appropriately. During the December 2024 Cabinet meeting, approval was granted for a review of the opening hours at all WRCs, which was following a review by the Policy and Pre-Decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee. As a result, the revised opening days and times would come into effect from April 2025 in addition to an increase in booking slots by reducing slots from 15 minutes to 10 minutes at busier sites. From this date, no WRC site in Pembrokeshire will operate seven days a week. It was added that the change further supported the continued necessity of the booking system, ensuring that residents plan their visits in accordance with the new schedule. Without the system in place, residents may arrive expecting the site to be open and fully staffed, only to find it closed on certain days. The removal of the booking system and residency checks would result in increased health and safety concerns across the sites in Pembrokeshire including queuing onto the highways and would also place additional cost pressures on the Authority through avoidable disposal costs associated with the inappropriate usage of the site, with concerns also being raised as it could lead to an increase in fly-tipping. An update in relation to fly tipping was given, stating that there had been a positive trend in reducing fly-tipping cases over the years from 1521 instances in 2016-17, with the lowest instances recorded in 2022-23 at 579 instances. It was noted that WRC bookings were introduced in 2020, and fly-tipping incidents had declined since its implementation, with the exception of a slight increase observed in 2023-24 which had been attributed to changes in kerbside collections at estates and flats and not linked to the WRC’s. Reference was made to public realm littering and it was stated that one tool which was used to assess street cleanliness was a Local Environment Audit and Management System (LEAMS), which was based on information collated on a bi-monthly basis regarding litter types and sources alongside weeds, graffiti, fly tipping and vandalism, to record an overall picture of the environmental quality of the County. It was highlighted that the most recent report outlined the results of the 2023-24 survey and found that 98% of streets were awarded a B grade or above, which was streets considered by members of the public to have an acceptable level of cleanliness. The All Wales percentage of streets graded B and above was 95.68%, meaning Pembrokeshire’s performance was above the Welsh average. It was added that the grades awarded for litter to calculate an overall cleanliness score for the County, which was 70.6, with the all Wales Cleanliness Indicator being 69.41, therefore Pembrokeshire’s performance continued to remain above the Welsh average for 2023-24. Councillor Jamie Adams had left the meeting by this juncture but had delegated the delivery of his supplementary question to Councillor Elwyn Morse. A supplementary question was raised, seeking clarification as to whether figures in relation to fly tipping and littering had increased or regressed over recent years, to which Councillor Rhys Sinnett confirmed that fly tipping overall had reduced, and the Authority remained above the Welsh average for public realm littering. [Councillors Simon Wright, John Cole and Rhys Jordan left the meeting at this juncture.]
Councillor Paul Miller, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Jamie Adams prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.18 as follows: Could I please receive a progress update on the final spend on the former Ocky Whites building in Haverfordwest and the current state of play in terms of tenanted space as a percentage of floor area and the rental income derived? In response, Councillor Paul Miller stated that the final budget for the Western Quayside was wider than just the Ocky White premises, and included the adjacent warehouse and surrounding public realm, which was unchanged from that approved in 2022 at £11.6m. In terms of space, the ground floor accounted for approximately 50% of the lettable space and was occupied on a 15 year lease, which was generating a rental income, exclusive of service charge, of £52,500 per annum. It was added that the Authority had agreed Heads of Terms on the remaining lettable space, namely the upper floors and the warehouse building and expected to see occupation later this year. Councillor Jamie Adams had left the meeting by this juncture but had delegated the delivery of his supplementary question to Councillor Elwyn Morse. A supplementary questions was raised, querying if the Authority, having spent the £11.6 m of public money on the scheme, felt it was fair that a national chain had been provided, by the County Council, with a subsidised rent opportunity to compete and displace custom from local businesses. In response, Councillor Paul Miller stated that the cost of developing the site was not in providing a basic structure from which to operate, it was in remediating what had become a derelict site in the middle of the town centre. It was added that the Authority has had fund to such a degree due to no other proposals to improve the site being proposed. Therefore, he felt that having remediated the site, it was appropriate to seek the best offers from across the market and highlighted that the tenancy mix being proposed was the right one for the future of the building. [Councillor Danny Young left the meeting at this juncture.]
Councillor Joshua Beynon, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Huw Murphy prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.18 as follows: Can PCC provide the annual income the Crown Estates derive from Pembrokeshire as the Crown Estates map indicate that the majority of the Pembrokeshire Coastline to include much of the Milford Haven waterway is owned by the Crown Estates? In response, Councillor Joshua Beynon stated that the annual figure was £59,005 which included £26,600 for the new composite regulating lease of the foreshore, £8,520 for the Riverside Market in Haverfordwest and £12,800 for the Sailing Centre and car park at Cosheston Pill. It was stated that the full table of costs would be circulated to all Members. [Councillor Nicola Gwyn left the meeting at this juncture.]
Councillor Rhys Sinnett, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Huw Murphy prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.18 as follows: In early 2024 PCC had 623 registered users of the PCC Mobile Library service. Between Feb 1st, 2024 and January 31st, 2025 how many of the 623 registered users have attended a mobile library and withdrawn a book from the mobile library service (not a town library)? In response, Councillor Rhys Sinnett stated that the Authority had one mobile library vehicle, which had two roles, outlined as follows: Role one - Mobile Library · Provides a library service to 56 villages throughout the County. · The villages have been divided into eight routes that take place on Thursdays and Fridays. Route A: Brynberian to Glandwr Route B: Spittal to Llanddei Velfrey Route C: Letterston to Cilgerran Route D: Jeffreyston to Amroth Route E: St. Florence to Angle Route F: Herbranston to Broad Haven Route G: Freystrop to Johnston Route H: Hayscastle Cross to Keeston · The mobile visits each place once every 4 weeks and the stops last between 30 minutes to 1 hour. · Library members access the library during these set times to borrow and return books. Role two - Library at Home Service · Service for people (and their unpaid carers) unable to leave their home due to health reasons or lack of transport. · Visits are to individual properties where library members either choose items for themselves from the Mobile Library or have items selected for them by a member of staff. · Library members are allocated to one of eight routes on a four-week timetable. With regards to performance, it was stated that the full information would be shared with Members, which was a table outlining the number of individuals borrowing an item from the Mobile Library between 1 February 2024 and 25 February 2025 (data had been drawn from the Library Management System and so parameters must include a current date which is why the end date was shown as 25February rather than 31 January). It was stated that the location shown related to the library that the individual was registered with, and in summary: · 324 individuals used the Mobile Library between 1 February 2024 and 25 February 2025 • 7% of individuals were registered at a library other than the Mobile. • 34.3% of individuals (housebound) used the Library at Home Service. • 16 members registered with the Mobile Library used another library during the period from 1st February 2024 to 31st January 2025. Councillor Huw Murphy raised a supplementary question, querying if the Cabinet Member felt that 324 people in a population of 125,000 represented a good use of £55,000 to fund the service. In response, Rhys Sinnett stated that the budget for the current financial year was £52,320, which was predominantly staff, fuel and fleet charges, which would represent 4% of the total library service budget and approximately 0.018 % of the Council budget. It was recognised that the mobile service assisted the Council in delivering a statutory obligation to those who live in the County and wish to use it, therefore it was his view that it was a cost effective service. It was noted that the service enabled rural residents who did not have access to transport to use the service, and brought with it significant social value, providing a service to some of the most vulnerable people in the County who were unable to leave their homes due to a range of reasons.
Councillor Tessa Hodgson, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Huw Murphy prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.18 as follows: A recent Corporate Safeguarding Board meeting disclosed that there has been no additional uplift to the staffing of the Adult Safeguarding Team since 2017 despite a considerable increase in their workload. At present a significant number of the Adult Safeguarding Team are absent from the workplace. Can the Leader re-assure Council and the wider public of Pembrokeshire that this department has the capacity to deal with its current workload without placing the Authority at risk of statutory failure? In response, Councillor Tessa Hodgson stated that the service, like many other safeguarding services across Wales, was contending not only with sustained high levels of demand, but a high level of complexity, that in responding to, relied on a strong degree of partnership working and coordination. It was highlighted that capacity regarding current workloads was a key safeguarding message in the 2023-24 National Independent Safeguarding Board Wales Annual Report, which quoted: “All agencies report that growth in the level of need continues unabated. This in turn, continues to generate significant new demand for preventative and remedial safeguarding services in most, if not all Regional Board areas. The picture concerning the resilience of the safeguarding workforce is no less discouraging, being reported as a continuing and critical challenge. Taken together, this volatile co-occurrence, of the two most fundamental dimensions for safeguarding effectiveness, remains very worrying and begs the question of whether more urgent intervention is needed at quantum by government, in tackling poverty and workforce resilience.” From a Pembrokeshire perspective, it was stated that the Adult Safeguarding Team had been on a journey of development since April 2024 when Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) undertook an inspection. The service now benefited from a dedicated Service Manager who reported into the Head of Adult Services. The Director and Head of Service commissioned a bespoke development programme, aided by the Vanguard methodology in 2024, which informed a number of positive process developments. It was explained that in December 2024, CIW carried out focussed activity in Pembrokeshire Adult Services to understand progress made following the improvement check undertaken in April 2024. In the summary feedback, CIW noted that the organisational change to align adult safeguarding under Adult Services and the development of a new safeguarding Senior Manager post and appointment was well received by staff. In addition, CIW noted that the Local Authority was no longer an outlier in the number of safeguarding referrals being received and was now falling more in line with practice across Wales. It was clarified that only one member of the Safeguarding Team was absent from work due to sickness, and it was confirmed that the Service Manager was working closely with HR to support the individual back into the workplace. The Director had also arranged for staff from other parts of the service (with adult safeguarding experience) to be redeployed on a temporary basis to the Adult Safeguarding Team. It was added that the Service Manager was also negotiating an extension to the initial period of redeployment so that one of the practitioners could continue to support the team on a temporary basis. It was recognised that like the rest of Wales, delivering safeguarding responsibilities was a continuing challenge, but one that would always be a priority. The Service Manager was currently assessing how the Authority can best align staffing resource to the updated safeguarding model and any further updates would be fed back to the Corporate Safeguarding Board. Councillor Huw Murphy raised a supplementary question querying if the Cabinet Member felt that an Operation Salus two would be advantageous to the Adult Safeguarding Team, to which the Cabinet Member stated that she did and advised that an update would be presented to Cabinet on the matter.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be referred to Cabinet.
A Notice of Motion was submitted by Councillor Michael Williams in the following terms: We ask PCC to support the proposal for the Crown Estate assets to be devolved to the people of Wales, so that profits can be used to invest in the economy and communities of Wales. A poll in 2023 showed that 75% of the population were in favour of taking control of the assets of the Crown estate rather than the profits going to the Treasury and the Crown. Local Authorities are under huge financial pressure and placing the Crown Estate in the hands of Wales would be a significant step to address the lack of investment in our Local Government. We call upon the Welsh Government to ask Westminster to devolve the assets and revenue of the Crown Estates as a matter of urgency, as was done in Scotland in 2017. We demand that Wales is treated fairly and accepts management of the Crown Estate land for the benefit of the people of Wales Upon the terms of Council Procedure Rule 4.19, the Motion having been Moved by Councillor David Simpson; Seconded by Councillor Pat Davies then stood referred to Cabinet. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be referred to Cabinet.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be referred to Cabinet.
A Notice of Motion was submitted by Councillors Aaron Carey and Jonathan Grimes in the following terms: For a full traffic study to take place for Pembroke Town within the next six/eight months, to include: 1. Road safety 2. Exploring options to reduce the high emission rate 3. Sourcing of grant money to fund any works arising from the study Upon the terms of Council Procedure Rule 4.19, the Motion having been Moved by Councillor Elwyn Morse; Seconded by Councillor Joshua Beynon then stood referred to Cabinet. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be referred to Cabinet.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be referred to the Constitutional Review Committee.
A Notice of Motion was submitted by Councillor Jamie Adams in the following terms: Pembrokeshire County Council should revert the responsibility and honour of Chairing our Full Council meetings to the Chair of Council for the next Municipal Year, 2025/26. Upon the terms of Council Procedure Rule 4.19, the Motion having been Moved by Councillor Aled Thomas; Seconded by Councillor Alan Dennison then stood referred to the Constitutional Review Committee. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be referred to the Constitutional Review Committee.
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