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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 updates be noted.
RESOLVED That the Petition regarding Ethical and Inclusive Governance in Pembrokeshire County Council be formally received, noting the Committee’s satisfaction with the ongoing work of the Strategic Equality Action Plan Group.
RESOLVED That the items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2025-26 be noted.
RESOLVED That the Transformation and Innovation Board update be noted.
RESOLVED That the Annual Self-Assessment Report for 2024–25 be noted, and the comments offered be taken on board.
RESOLVED That the Budget Monitoring report Outturn for 2024-25, including the Capital Programme, be noted. [Councillor Mike James left the meeting at this juncture.]
RESOLVED (a) That the Budget Monitoring report for Quarter 1 2025-26 be noted. (b) That the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, writes to Welsh Government to reiterate the additional pressure being placed on Local Authorities, following the severe backlog of the Valuation Office Agency Non-Domestic Rates and Council Tax appeals.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bethan Price and Thomas Tudor and the Leader of Council, Councillor Jon Harvey.
No requests were received.
There were no declarations of interest received.
Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Jonathan Grimes. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the English and Welsh Minutes of the meeting held on 12 June 2025 be approved as correct records.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the updates be noted.
The Chair made reference to the actions contained within the log from the last meeting and highlighted a number of updates contained within. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Jonathan Grimes. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the updates be noted.
There were no public submissions or items of correspondence received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Petition regarding Ethical and Inclusive Governance in Pembrokeshire County Council be formally received, noting the Committee’s satisfaction with the ongoing work of the Strategic Equality Action Plan Group.
Mrs Elaine Gunning, representative for the Petition calling for Ethical and Inclusive Governance in Pembrokeshire County Council, which met the threshold for a debate by an Overview and Scrutiny Committee, addressed the Committee in support of the following: We, the undersigned, believe that our local councils must uphold the highest standards of ethical governance, transparency, and commitment to inclusivity. Decisions made at the council level should reflect the values of fairness, equality, and a dedication to anti-racism. Given the recent co-option of a member of Reform UK to Haverfordwest Town Council—a party openly opposed to the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan (AWAP)—we call upon our County Council to reaffirm its commitment to fostering an inclusive and anti-racist Wales by 2030. A clear public statement from our County Council would help reassure communities that representation in local government aligns with Wales’ national commitment to equality. Mrs Elaine Gunning began her five minute allocation to speak to the petition by outlining Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan and acknowledged that both Pembrokeshire County Council and Haverfordwest Town Council had implemented the action plan. Concerns were raised regarding the co-option of a Reform UK Member onto Haverfordwest Town Council and the attendance of Independent County Councillors at a Reform UK social event in Carmarthen. The speaker stated that such actions lend legitimacy to a party they described as racist and emphasised that standing alongside such groups was not apolitical. The importance of calling out racism in all forms was stressed, along with a rejection of narratives that blame minority groups and refugees for societal issues. Two recent local incidents were shared to illustrate the persistence of racism in Pembrokeshire and were presented as evidence that racism continued to affect local communities. The Council was urged to show leadership and accountability by publicly reaffirming its commitment to the goals and timelines of the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan which would be a vital step in building trust with minority communities and sending a clear message that Pembrokeshire was a place of inclusion. In summing up Mrs Gunning stated that there must be no silence in the face of racism and encouraged the Council to speak out clearly and courageously in support of equality and justice. Following Mrs Gunning’s address, the Chair invited the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, on behalf of the Leader, who had sent his apologies for the meeting, to provide a response. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies reaffirmed the Council’s strong opposition to racism and its support for a diverse and inclusive community. It was noted that all Councillors were bound by a Code of Conduct which reflected their commitment to high public standards. The Council’s willingness to recommit to the principles of the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan was expressed, along with its dedication to promoting equality and challenging racism in all forms. The Chair highlighted the Strategic Equality Action Plan 2024-28 which was agreed by Council in 2024, and invited the Director of Education, in his role as Chair of the Strategic Equality Action Plan Group, to provide some further information. The Director of Education highlighted that in May 2024, Council resolved to refer a Notice of Motion from Labour Party Members to the Strategic Equality Action Plan Working Group, requesting the development of an Anti-Racist Action Plan and the inclusion of Elected Members in the group, which had been implemented. It was stated that anti-racism was now fully embedded in the Council’s Strategic Equality Plan 2024–2028 and work was ongoing with a Welsh Government funded initiative supporting schools. A training module for Elected Members and staff was stated to be in development, with face-to-face sessions planned for later in the year. The Chair informed Members that the Committee would be considering the Strategic Equality Annual Report at its November meeting. Councillor Alan Dennison Moved that the Petition be received, noting the Committee’s satisfaction with the ongoing work of the Strategic Equality Action Plan Group; Seconded by Councillor Mike Stoddart. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Petition regarding Ethical and Inclusive Governance in Pembrokeshire County Council be formally received, noting the Committee’s satisfaction with the ongoing work of the Strategic Equality Action Plan Group.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2025-26 be noted.
The Chair drew the Committee’s attention to the work programme, highlighted the planned items for November, and stated that the Strategic Equality Plan Annual Report for 2024-25 would also be considered by the Committee in November, ahead of it being submitted to Cabinet for approval. A request was made for Members to consider which Service areas they may wish to scrutinise in 2026, and to email any suggestions to the Chair or Democratic Services. With no further suggestions being received, Councillor Michael John Moved that the work programme be noted; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2025-26 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Transformation and Innovation Board update be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Director of Resources (Senior Responsible Officer) regarding the Transformation and Innovation Board. The Chair welcomed the Chief Executive, the Cabinet Member with responsibility Residents' Services and the theme lead Officers to the meeting to partake in the discussion and answer questions. The Cabinet Member with responsibility Residents' Services outlined the main points of the report and highlighted the key corporate priorities for the Transformation and Innovation Board. It was stated that the priorities reflected the main strategic pressures facing the Authority and aimed to accelerate progress in four key areas, which were outlined. It was stated that the Board would also be reviewing the impact of the Accelerated Change Programme. The Chief Executive wished to expand on a number of points which may be of interest to the Committee and began by providing further context regarding the Board which was enabling the Authority to undergo continuous change in response to strategic challenges post-COVID, with transformation occurring across all Services and Directorates. It was stated that the four identified priority themes required a coherent strategic framework due to their potential for significant organisational impact. It was stated that the Board had been reshaped to emphasise innovation and its role in improving efficiency and service delivery. Members were advised that each priority area was supported by a dedicated Director/Head of Service, and all decisions were made in accordance with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · The Chair sought assurance that an annual update on the progress of the Transformation and Innovation Board would be presented to the Committee, of which the Cabinet Member with responsibility Residents' Services gave (AP). An open invite was also extended to the Chair/Vice-Chair to attend Board meetings to act as a direct link to the Committee which was welcomed. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Alan Dennison, it was stated that the Member Champion for Innovation was Councillor Alec Cormack. · Councillor Steve Alderman raised concerns about digital connectivity in rural areas, noting that whilst some communities were well-connected, isolated properties and businesses remained disadvantaged. In response, the Head of ICT stated that significant progress had been made regarding digital connectivity across Pembrokeshire, noting an increase from 5% coverage in 2017 to a projected 70% by the end of 2025, with further improvements expected to reach 95% by 2030. It was added that the Council was partaking in Government initiatives and supporting community fibre partnerships. It was noted that rural infill matters were also being addressed through the Swansea Bay City Deal although acknowledgement was given to the challenges which remained. It was stated that whilst a number of schemes in relation to the UK Government Voucher Scheme were on pause, the scheme would start again on conclusion of the ongoing procurement exercise. · A number of concerns were raised by Councillor Steve Alderman regarding decarbonisation in rural areas and a request was made for support to be provided for rural communities to assist with meeting decarbonisation goals. In response, the Energy and Sustainability Team Manager stated that the remit of the Decarbonisation and Adaptation Subgroup within the Transformation and Innovation Board was focused solely on achieving the Council’s corporate net zero target by 2030 and did not cover private housing or Housing Revenue Account stock, as they were addressed separately. For Members information, it was stated that decarbonisation of private housing was being considered through the Council’s Local Area Energy Plan, which outlined requirements up to 2050. · For total clarity, the Chief Executive advised whilst he concurred with the concerns raised by Councillor Steve Alderman regarding decarbonisation and digital connectivity in rural areas, neither matters formed part of the Transformation and Innovation Programme as they were standalone projects. · The Chair queried how the effectiveness of prevention initiatives would be measured and sought further information as to whether outcomes would be assessed in financial terms or based on broader benefits to residents and service improvements across the County. In response, the Chief Executive agreed that performance and risk monitoring were key elements of the Board’s remit and stated that prevention outcomes would be assessed through performance data, with financial efficiencies linked directly to the Council’s annual budget cycle. It was added that savings achieved through transformation initiatives would be recorded and tracked through the budget-setting process and confirmed that the Board would continue to monitor both financial and service impact as part of its performance framework. · The Director of Education provided further information in relation to the prevention work, stating that it was structured around three thematic goals, which were outlined. It was noted that data would be used to monitor outcomes over time, supported by scorecards and narrative insights. Members were advised that a place-based pilot involving multi-agency collaboration would also be evaluated over a two-year period to assess impact. Following the information received, the Chair stated that it would be beneficial for the data collected to be included within the annual report back to the Committee. · Councillor Pat Davies sought further information as to which third sector partners the Authority would be linking in with regarding the prevention agenda, to which the Director of Education provided further information. · Following a request from Councillor Mike James for more information in relation to the Authorities plans regarding climate change, the Energy and Sustainability Team Manager advised that the Innovation and Transformation Board’s Decarbonisation and Adaptation Subgroup was focused on two key areas: delivering the Council’s corporate net zero target by 2030 and advancing the Climate Adaptation Strategy. The subgroup was stated to provide strategic direction, monitor progress, and identify necessary actions to achieve the goals. · In response to a request from Councillor Mike James for more information in relation to bus services for rural areas within the County, the Cabinet Member with responsibility Residents' Services advised that Cabinet would be considering a paper on the matter during its October meeting, which would look at the current status of the bus franchising agenda and the implications of the network across Pembrokeshire. Moved by Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Transformation and Innovation Board update be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Annual Self-Assessment Report for 2024–25 be noted, and the comments offered be taken on board.
The Committee considered a report by the Director of Resources regarding the Council’s Annual Self-Assessment for 2024-25. On behalf of the Leader, who had sent his apologies, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies outlined the main points of the report and stated that report assessed the Council’s performance for 2024–25 and outlined the improvement actions required. Members were invited to provide feedback ahead of its consideration by the Governance and Audit Committee, Cabinet and Council over the coming weeks. It was highlighted that the report presented a generally positive picture despite financial pressures, with strong performance in Waste and Recycling and improvements in Education, Planning, Social Care and Housing. The Chair welcomed the Corporate Policy and Partnerships Manager and the Corporate Planning Manager to the meeting to answer any questions raised by Members. Ahead of Members considering the report the Corporate Policy and Partnerships Manager highlighted the link between the Annual Self-Assessment for 2024-25 and the Panel Performance Assessment, stating that they are related duties under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act with regards to the Council meeting its performance requirements. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Alan Dennison made reference to the £2.785 million recovered by the Financial Support Team and queried whether that aligned with the previously stated savings of over £2 million. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies stated that the £2 million saving was for Quarter One of the current financial year, of which the factors enabling that to happen were highlighted, but which was different to the saving being highlighted now. · Following a question raised by Councillor Alan Dennision, the Director of Social Care and Housing outlined the differences between residential (care homes) and non-residential debt (home based domiciliary care). It was stated that the debt was the level of money that individuals should be paying towards the cost of domiciliary care or home-based care and was not debt that the Authority was seeking to recuperate from an external organisation. · Councillor Alan Dennison sought clarification as to whether the Authority was providing any non-residential care or if that had been outsourced. In response, the Director of Social Care and Housing stated that approximately 16% of domiciliary care was currently provided in-house but it was the Council’s aim to rebalance the care market and increase that percentage to between 20–30% by 2035. · A request was made by Councillor Jonathan Grimes, for consideration to be given to incorporating fly-grazing within the Self-Assessment report for future years, as a measurable issue to reflect its significance to residents in Ward’s effected and the wider area (AP). · Questions were raised by Councillor Mike James in relation to the ever increasing cost of school transport and increasing amount of schools falling into budget deficits. In response, the Director of Education stated that school transport remained challenging due to inflationary pressures, with statutory obligations maintained under the Learner Travel Measure 2014. It was noted that a policy review was underway, with the 2026–27 policy considered by Cabinet in September. Regarding school deficits, Members were advised that 11 schools were currently in deficit, each with a recovery plan, however, that number was expected to rise to 14 by year-end. Assurance was given that the Education Directorate continued to work with schools to identify savings and efficiencies. · In response to concerns raised by Councillor Mike James regarding pot holes, the Director of Resources stated that £0.6 million was allocated to the Carriageway Reconstruction Reserve at the end of 2024–25 to support highways maintenance in 2025–26. It was added that funding was also available through the Welsh Government’s Local Government Borrowing Initiative, which covered capital financing costs over several years. · Reference was made to the Poverty Summit by Councillor Mike James, to which the Corporate Policy and Partnerships Manager advised that it was an annual event coordinated by the Public Services Board, delivered via the Silver Group to support the Well-being Plan objective targeted at reducing poverty and inequalities in Pembrokeshire. It was highlighted that two summits had been held to date and reflection on each summit was undertaken to inform future planning and broaden participation. In summing up the Chair highlighted the development of the new Home Buyers Scheme by the Affordable Housing Team as a commendable initiative supporting first-time buyers. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of improvement in rural public transport services, despite infrastructure investments such as the Milford Haven interchange. Finally, the Chair noted the value of the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant to local communities and cautioned against further reductions to the fund, which could negatively impact rural areas. Moved by Councillor Mike James; Seconded by Councillor Alan Dennison The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Annual Self-Assessment Report for 2024–25 be noted, and the comments offered be taken on board.
The meeting was paused at 11:45am for a break and resumed at 11:50am.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Budget Monitoring report Outturn for 2024-25, including the Capital Programme, be noted. [Councillor Mike James left the meeting at this juncture.]
The Committee considered a joint report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Finance Officers regarding the County Council Budget Monitoring Report Outturn for 2024-25, including the Capital Programme. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies outlined the main points of the report with it being highlighted that the draft Statement of Accounts had not been prepared in line with target dates, with an underspend of £2 million compared to projections. The improvement was attributed to additional grant income, early budget savings, reduced capital financing costs, and increased investment income. It was stated that Cabinet approved the transfer of £2.014 million to the Initiative Fund to support future cost-saving projects. Updates were also provided on Council Tax income, school balances, social care pressures, and Capital Programme delivery, with 95% of the savings target achieved and it stated that where the savings had not been achieved it was recommended that they be carried forward for achievement in 2025-26. The Director of Resources comments were outlined, noting that whilst the underspend was welcome, significant financial challenges remained for the medium term. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · The Chair sought further information regarding the underspend in Capital Projects to which the Director of Resources stated had been due to delays in capital expenditure profiles, which reduced the need for external borrowing. Further information was provided regarding the Minimum Revenue Provision costs and internal borrowing. Members were advised that whilst that approach benefited the Authority financially at this time, it was noted that delayed projects may face increased future costs due to inflation, and the situation would require ongoing monitoring. · Councillor Alan Dennison highlighted the increase in home care costs and sought further information as to whether that increase was demonstrating value for money. The Director of Social Care and Housing advised that the recent recommissioning of home care services accounted for higher delivery costs in rural areas by introducing differentiated rural and urban rates. It was stated that the approach aimed to balance value for money with commercial viability for providers. It was also noted that, although demand for domiciliary care had increased, the average hours of care per person had decreased due to the adoption of a strengths-based practice model, resulting in more proportionate care plans. · Councillor Michael Williams sought further information in relation to Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) rates, to which the Director of Resources advised that the rates remained high and agreed to circulate specifics after the meeting (AP). · Concerns were raised by Councillor Michael Williams regarding Council Tax and Rent revenue collections being RAG rated red. In response, the Director of Resources concurred with the concerns raised and acknowledged that they had been rising steadily for a number of years, despite the debt management work being undertaken. An explanation was given as to why the figures were inflated towards the year end, and it was stated that more Officers were now in place to deal with such matters, which had enabled an increased number of Court hearings. · In response to assurance sought by Councillor Michael Williams, the Director of Resources provided assurance that the Authority was fulfilling its statutory responsibilities although highlighted that financial challenges would be experienced going forward. · Councillor Mike Stoddart suggested that the sources of additional income or savings, would be clearer if each point included the corresponding monetary amount in brackets. The suggestion was noted and the Director of Resources advised that the information could be provided (AP). · Following sympathy being expressed by Councillor Pat Davies for Officers dealing with additional pressures but less manpower, the Chair confirmed that following the resolution at the last Committee meeting he had written to the Director of Resources to thank the Deputy Chief Finance Officers (Deputy S151 Officers) and their teams for the work they continue to undertake and the support they provide to all areas of the Authority through very challenging financial times. · In response to a number of questions raised by Councillor Alan Dennison regarding the overspend in day care provision, the Director of Social Care and Housing stated that day centres and day opportunities were considered preventative services under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act, which the Council was obligated to provide. It was added that voluntary sector organisations were often used to deliver such services due to their community-based approach. It was noted that whilst spending had to be proportionate, this area could not be discontinued due to statutory duties. It was also clarified that the overspend had not been due to the closure of the Anchorage day centre. · Councillor Mike Stoddart raised concerns that grants received later in the financial year were not taken into account when Council sets the Council Tax level each year which results in them being carried over into reserves and used to fund the preventions agenda which was not what Council originally agreed to increase Council Tax for. In response, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies highlighted that grant funding remained uncertain until year-end, making budget-setting difficult and stated that a report on the matter was presented to the Governance and Audit Committee. Members were encouraged to engage in upcoming budget workshops to consider future service priorities. · Following points raised by Councillor Alan Dennison regarding reserves, the Director of Resources provided clarification on the net level of money appropriated to reserves. Moved by Councillor Mike James; Seconded by Councillor Jonathan Grimes The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Budget Monitoring report Outturn for 2024-25, including the Capital Programme, be noted. [Councillor Mike James left the meeting at this juncture.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the Budget Monitoring report for Quarter 1 2025-26 be noted. (b) That the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, writes to Welsh Government to reiterate the additional pressure being placed on Local Authorities, following the severe backlog of the Valuation Office Agency Non-Domestic Rates and Council Tax appeals.
The Committee considered a report by the Deputy Chief Finance Officer (Deputy Section 151 Officer) regarding the County Council Budget Monitoring Report for Quarter 1 2025-26. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies outlined the main points of the report and highlighted the projected outturn for Quarter 1, which was £2.2 million under the approved budget. Key contributors were highlighted to include improved budget control in Social Care and Housing and reduced capital financing costs due to inaccurate profiling and project delays. Education pressures were noted with future financial challenges still prominent due to pay awards and funding shortfalls. Members were advised that 75% of planned savings were on track, but a funding gap for 2026–27 and the Medium Term Financial Plan remained. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · The Chair and Councillor Alan Dennison commented that whilst it was concerning to hear of the number of schools falling into budget deficits, they were content that support was being provided to support those schools. · Councillor Michael Williams made reference to the following statement contained within the report and sought further information ‘The Chief Executive directorate service areas are projecting to overspend the rolling budget of £28.258m by £0.436m, predominately due to in year costs incurred whilst achieving the additional efficiency target’. In response, the Director of Resources stated that the Directorate was currently overspending by £436,000 which included an additional in-year efficiency target of £1.4 million assigned to the Chief Executive. It was noted that whilst most of the target was being met through base budget savings, delays in staff departures had limited the full-year impact, resulting in a pressure. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Mike Stoddart, the Director or Resources advised that on receipt of grants they would show as ‘additional income’ which would increase the income line, but once the grant money had been spent it would increase the expenditure line, so they would ‘net’ off. · Following a question raised by Councillor Steve Alderman, the Director of Resources advised that a moratorium on all non-essential expenditure would only be put in place in the instance that the projected outturn moved from underspend to overspend. · The Director of Resources outlined a range of pressures which had been experienced by the Directorate during the current financial year and advised that a restriction on calls into the Revenues and Benefits team had to be implemented one day per week to enable them to progress through the backlog of work. It was stated that calls had increased following a severe backlog of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) Non-Domestic Rates and Council Tax appeals, which was leading to Members of the public calling the Council for advice when they were not able to get through to the VOA. It was stated that concerns had been escalated to Welsh Government although the matter was ongoing. · Following the additional pressures outlined by the Director of Resources, Councillor Steve Alderman suggested that the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, writes to Welsh Government to reiterate the additional pressure being placed on Local Authorities, following the severe backlog of the Valuation Office Agency Non-Domestic Rates and Council Tax appeals which was agreed (AP). · Following an update requested by Councillor Alan Dennison regarding the Capital Programme for Milford School, the Director for Education advised that the Strategic Outline Case had been submitted to Welsh Government and queries had been received this week ahead of its consideration by the Investment Panel in early October. It was noted That the budget had been updated to reflect the current project cost of £141 million as outlined in the submission. The Director of Resources provided an explanation of the movements between the two columns within the report. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Jonathan Grimes The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the Budget Monitoring report for Quarter 1 2025-26 be noted. (b) That the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, writes to Welsh Government to reiterate the additional pressure being placed on Local Authorities, following the severe backlog of the Valuation Office Agency Non-Domestic Rates and Council Tax appeals.
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