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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 Councillor Michael John be duly elected as Chair for the ensuing Municipal Year.
RESOLVED That the Dyfed Powys Police Strategic Delivery Plan and associated updates in relation to the shape of policing moving forward be noted.
RESOLVED That the progress to date of the Pembrokeshire Public Services Board and Public Services Board project groups in delivery of Pembrokeshire’s Well-being Plan be noted.
RESOLVED (a) That the resolution of the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee to add consideration of ‘GP and Pharmacy Support’ to its work programme be noted. (b) That the Panel be provided with an update, at the next meeting, following the Committee considering the matter.
RESOLVED That the Partnership Panel arrangements, in its current form be continued until after the 2027 County Council elections.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Michael John be duly elected as Chair for the ensuing Municipal Year.
The Head of Democratic Services sought nominations for the election of Chair for the ensuing Municipal Year. Councillor Claire George nominated Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Jamie Adams. The vote was taken by way of a show of hands and carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Michael John be duly elected as Chair for the ensuing Municipal Year.
The Chair sought nominations for the election of Vice-Chair for the ensuing Municipal Year. Councillor Michael John nominated Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Aled Thomas. The vote was taken by way of a show of hands and carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Steve Alderman be duly elected as Vice-Chair for the ensuing Municipal Year.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Rhys Jordan.
There were no declarations of interest received.
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 Minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2025 be approved as a correct record. [Councillor Claire George abstained from voting as she was not present at the February Panel meeting.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Dyfed Powys Police Strategic Delivery Plan and associated updates in relation to the shape of policing moving forward be noted.
[Whilst not a Committee Member, Councillor Marc Tierney, who was in attendance for the next agenda item, wished to declare a personal interest, by virtue of a relative working for Dyfed Powys Police.] The Panel considered a report by the Community Safety Poverty and Regeneration Manager regarding Policing in Pembrokeshire. The Chair welcomed Temporary Superintendent Louise Harries to the meeting who provided a presentation, as appended to the report, on the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioners Policing Plan for 2025-29 and how it would be translated into deliverables across Pembrokeshire. The Panel discussed the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · The Chair and Councillor Claire George praised the strong support their communities had received from the local neighbourhood policing team, highlighting the Police Community Support Officer’s (PCSO) regular presence at community events. It was stated that the visibility and familiarity of the PCSO’s provided reassurance and confidence among residents and assisted in addressing areas of concern, particularly linked to rural crime. · Councillor Claire George sought further information on ‘benefits realisation’ and what that meant. In response, Temporary Superintendent Harries stated that the force prioritised benefits realisation by ensuring projects deliver measurable improvements like cost-effectiveness and performance. It was added that stronger governance now existed through a Projects and Funding Group, which reviewed proposals for impact, alignment, and duplication before sign-off by Governance Boards. Members were advised that crucially, the process tracked and recorded benefits from implemented changes to assist with organisational learning. · In response to further information sought by Councillor Claire George as to what the new resources being put in place for the neighbourhood policing teams would be targeting on delivering, the Temporary Superintendent Harries stated that the new neighbourhood policing Police Constables (PC) would have the same role profile as existing PCs but with a stronger emphasis on targeted activity. It was added that the roles would include tackling harm in communities, responding promptly to issues such as shoplifting and outstanding suspects, and addressing priorities identified by the public and partners. It was stated that the PC’s would also increase visible presence and strengthen collaboration with neighbourhood teams to improve community confidence and problem-solving. · Reference was made to the challenges experienced within Pembrokeshire and Councillor Claire George sought further information. In response Temporary Superintendent Harries outlined some of the key challenges within Pembrokeshire and stated that seasonal demand also added pressure. It was noted that recent improvements in recruitment had eased some resource issues. · The Chair recognised that the summer months did bring with it added pressure for the force, particularly in Haverfordwest and Tenby and queried how the levels of crime in those areas compared to other areas within the County. In response, Temporary Superintendent Harries stated that perceptions of issues, such as antisocial behaviour, often differ from actual reported figures. It was stated that whilst each community feels its own problems are significant, there is no clear County-wide trend. · The Chair made reference to the Public Space Protection Order which had been introduced within an area of Haverfordwest and sought an update on the level of success that had achieved. In response, Temporary Superintendent Harries stated that the order had been seen as an additional preventive tool to reduce harm but stated that it was under review as it currently lacked data. Members were advised that it was not being considered for wider implementation in other areas at this time as existing powers had been deemed sufficient. · Councillor Aled Thomas raised that whilst changes had been made to a number of Police Stations around the County, not being open for public access anymore, Council erected signs still existed (often now in the wrong locations) which was an action that would need to be dealt with to avoid confusion for members of the public. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Aled Thomas regarding at what point matters reported to the Police were logged, Temporary Superintendent Harries advised that antisocial behaviour reports were usually logged via Storm incident logs, which recorded non-crime incidents. It was stated that if a crime such as harassment or criminal damage was identified it would be logged differently. It was added that additional intelligence received from communities on issues such as drugs or alcohol was logged separately. In summing up Temporary Superintendent Harries stated that Dyfed Powys Police had just launched ‘Dyfed Powys Connect’, a community messaging service to connect communities to neighbourhood policing teams, further information was provided and Members were encouraged to sign up. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Claire George. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Dyfed Powys Police Strategic Delivery Plan and associated updates in relation to the shape of policing moving forward be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the progress to date of the Pembrokeshire Public Services Board and Public Services Board project groups in delivery of Pembrokeshire’s Well-being Plan be noted.
The Panel considered an update report by the Chair of Pembrokeshire Public Services Board (PSB). The Chair welcomed Councillor Marc Tierney, Chair of Pembrokeshire PSB, Jess Bickerton, Vice-Chair of Pembrokeshire PSB, along with the Corporate Policy and Partnerships Manager to the meeting. The Chair of Pembrokeshire PSB outlined the work undertaken to date as part of the 2023 Wellbeing Plan, which focused on reducing inequalities, supporting decarbonisation and climate adaptation, and enabling safe, connected communities. It was stated that delivery groups assisted to address each priority area. Some recent initiatives were outlined and it was noted that future priorities would align with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act and be embedded in the Council’s Programme for Administration. The Vice-Chair of Pembrokeshire PSB highlighted that the role of the PSB was a unique and valuable forum that brought together public, private, and third-sector partners to collaborate on the Wellbeing Plan’s three work streams. It was stated that the collective and cross-sector approach, supported by operational delivery groups, worked to deliver meaningful outcomes. The Corporate Policy and Partnerships Manager highlighted that there were short-term challenges within the three delivery groups, particularly around poverty and climate change work, due to recent staff departures. It was stated that the PSB was actively addressing those gaps to maintain momentum and ensure continuity of progress. Before opening up for debate, the Chair, on behalf of the Panel, expressed thanks to Councillor Neil Prior, previous Chair of the PSB, for his contribution made in previous meetings. The Panel discussed the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · The Chair made reference to an insightful presentation received from Darren Mutter, the Head of Children's Services, last week in relation to the ‘Words to Action’ report which had been launched by Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire to address poverty in the County. · Councillor Steve Alderman made reference to challenges being experienced in relation to decarbonisation and stated that the matter could be assisted with some third sector support. In response, the Chair of Pembrokeshire PSB highlighted that despite the Board’s best efforts to deliver projects across a range of areas, wider issues outside of the Board’s influence continued to challenge and impact those goals. It was added that the matter would require a range of organisations coming together to emphasise the renewable energy potential for Pembrokeshire, which was ongoing. The Vice-Chair of Pembrokeshire PSB added that a Social Value Alliance, involving third-sector organisations was working to ensure investments in floating offshore wind and renewable energy in the Celtic Sea delivered community benefits. 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 progress to date of the Pembrokeshire Public Services Board and Public Services Board project groups in delivery of Pembrokeshire’s Well-being Plan be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the resolution of the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee to add consideration of ‘GP and Pharmacy Support’ to its work programme be noted. (b) That the Panel be provided with an update, at the next meeting, following the Committee considering the matter.
The Panel considered the resolution of the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee following the referral made at the last Panel Meeting regarding the Accessibility to Health Services. Councillor Delme Harries, Chair of Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, introduced the item and reiterated the conclusion of the Committee to add the following matter to the agenda for the November meeting: GP and Pharmacy Support - to review the support provided by GPs and Pharmacies in relation to the long waiting lists and preventative work and signposting initiatives that were taking place. It was noted that a further update would be provided to the Panel at the next meeting following Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s consideration of the matter in November 2025. Members expressed that it was pleasing that the Committee would be considering the matter and reiterated concerns with obtaining GP appointments and ongoing difficulties with pharmacies souring sourcing [Amended 24 February 2026 Minute 14] locum pharmacists which was having an impact on communities. A suggestion was made for the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as part of its consideration of the matter, to request more communication to communities on what pharmacies can deal with, which members of the public may not be aware of, to reduce pressure on GP surgeries. It was also suggested that an update be sought by the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee on how trials of booking GP appointments online were going. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Mark Carter The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the resolution of the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee to add consideration of ‘GP and Pharmacy Support’ to its work programme be noted. (b) That the Panel be provided with an update, at the next meeting, following the Committee considering the matter.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Partnership Panel arrangements, in its current form be continued until after the 2027 County Council elections.
The Panel considered a report by the Head of Democratic Services regarding a review of the Panel’s arrangements and effectiveness in fulfilling its core functions. The Head of Democratic Services introduced the report, outlined the current arrangements and stated that previous reviews had supported continuation of the current arrangements due to the benefits of cross-Committee engagement. The advantages and disadvantages of disbanding the Panel were outlined. Following discussion on the matter, Councillor Michael John Moved to support continuation of the current arrangements, until after the 2027 County Council election; Seconded by Councillor Delme Harries The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Mark Carter, Claire George, Delme Harries, Michael John, Aled Thomas and Anji Tinley [8] There were no votes against the motion or abstentions. RESOLVED That the Partnership Panel arrangements, in its current form be continued until after the 2027 County Council elections.
The Chair requested that Members submit topics for consideration at the next meeting to Democratic Services over the coming weeks. It was noted that a further update would be received following the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee considering ‘GP and Pharmacy Support’ at its November meeting. The Head of Democratic Services highlighted that the minutes of the most recent Public Services Board and Community Safety Partnerships meetings were appended to the agenda, which Members may find useful to read to ascertain which topics they feel may need further scrutiny by the Panel, in addition to the general updates which would be provided on both bodies.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
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