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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 to the Action Log be noted.
RESOLVED That the Corporate Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy be endorsed.
RESOLVED That the Age Friendly Communities Strategy 2026-2031 be endorsed subject to the following comments: (a) That information shared with Councillors will be circulated within their Wards; (b) That representatives from the Age Friendly Team be invited to Warm Rooms events throughout the County; (c) That the 50+ Forum be promoted throughout the County to be more representative; (d) That Councillors welcome the introduction of a Communities newsletter; and (e) That a Referral be made to the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the recruitment and retention of Social Workers. [Councillor Aled Thomas left the meeting at this juncture.]
RESOLVED (a) That the current progress of the Toilet Strategy Action Plan be noted. (b) That the updated toilet provision be noted. (c) That the toilet provision in North Beach, Tenby be subject to a business case and a report detailing options to be considered by Cabinet. The toilet provision in Castle Lake, Haverfordwest be reviewed as part of the wider Haverfordwest Town Centre Regeneration and a report detailing options to be considered by Cabinet (d) That the next review of the strategy will take place in May 2028 with a further report presented in early 2028.
RESOLVED That the revised Multi-Location Meetings policy be recommended to Council for adoption.
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be amended as follows: (a) That the Public Service Protection Order item be presented in September 2026; (b) That the Insurance Strategy item be presented in September; and (c) That the Haverfordwest Car Parks item be presented in November 2026.
No requests were received.
Item 8: Age Friendly Communities Strategy 2026 - 2031 Councillor Dr Simon Hancock declared a personal interest in relation to luncheon clubs by virtue of being a Treasurer for Neyland Age Concern. Councillor Bethan Price declared a personal interest by virtue of being involved with a Day Centre for the Elderly. Councillor Michele Wiggins declared a personal interest by virtue of helping at Warm Rooms. Councillor Michael James declared a personal interest by virtue of being Carers Champion for the Authority. Item 9: Toilet Strategy 2023 Update – Progress report Councillor Dr Simon Hancock declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Member of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and of Neyland Town Council who were in active discussions regarding the Toilets. Councillor Bethan Price declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Member of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and of St Davids City Council who had taken responsibility for the Toilets in St Davids. Councillor Michael Williams declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Member of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. Councillor Michael James declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Member of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
Moved by Councillor Simon Hancock; Seconded by Councillor Brian Hall. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 15 January 2026 be approved as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the updates to the Action Log be noted.
Moved by Councillor Simon Hancock; Seconded by Councillor Brian Hall. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the updates to the Action Log be noted.
There were no items of public submission or correspondence received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Corporate Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy be endorsed.
The Chair welcomed the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies to the meeting to partake in the discussion and answer questions and invited the Occupational Health Manager to present the Corporate Health and Wellbeing report to the Committee. The Occupational Health Manager advised that she was representing the Head of Human Resources who was unable to attend the meeting highlighting that this was not a new policy and had previously been managed and approved through the Corporate Health and Wellbeing Group. The Policy was being presented to this Committee following an in-depth review which took place every two years. The Committee then debated the contents of the report with key points highlighted as follows: The Chair emphasised that providing the tracked changes in red made the review far simpler. In response to a question raised by the Chair regarding the responsibility to undertake the Occupational Health Reviews, the Occupational Health Manager advised that this was the responsibility of the Directors to ensure tasks were undertaken. In response to a further question raised by the Chair regarding the resourcing and wellbeing of the staff, the Occupational Health Manager advised that there were Mental Health leads within the nursing staff on the team and they were mindful of the impact of stress in the workplace. She noted that there was currently a policy out for consultation for review. The Occupational Health Manager advised that sickness absence was monitored with Occupational Health referrals with conditions being monitored with both physical and mental health. A lot of proactive work had taken place to support staff at all levels to ensure awareness of stress in the workplace with a Mental Health Champion peer support base with those that had received training through support. It was further noted that there were no particular patterns being identified at present and there were comparisons with other Authorities. In response to a concern raised by the Chair regarding senior management roles being absorbed, the Occupational Health Manager advised that whilst they do not often have that interaction on significant pressure areas, they had recently engaged with Directorates to ensure this is a standing agenda item. The Occupational Health Manager advised Members that any data and trends were reported on to Health and Safety on incidents and accidents. Sickness absence and referrals to Occupational Health were reported to senior management and then back to the Directorates to the Senior Leadership Team and Managers. In response to a question raised by Councillor Claire George regarding training availability, the Occupational Health Manager advised of the suite of training options available via the ESS Portal and the e-learning modules on Pembrokeshire Online Development (POD). These were monitored by the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team and there were other training opportunities available including bespoke training. In response to a comment raised by Councillor Mike James regarding whistle blowing, the Chair advised of the Whistle blowing Policy. Moved by Councillor Claire George; Seconded by Councillor Mike James. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Maureen Bowen, Claire George, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Michael James, Huw Murphy, Bethan Price, Aled Thomas, Michele Wiggins and Michael Williams [10] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That the Corporate Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy be endorsed.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Age Friendly Communities Strategy 2026-2031 be endorsed subject to the following comments: (a) That information shared with Councillors will be circulated within their Wards; (b) That representatives from the Age Friendly Team be invited to Warm Rooms events throughout the County; (c) That the 50+ Forum be promoted throughout the County to be more representative; (d) That Councillors welcome the introduction of a Communities newsletter; and (e) That a Referral be made to the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the recruitment and retention of Social Workers. [Councillor Aled Thomas left the meeting at this juncture.]
The Chair welcomed the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care to the meeting to present the report on Age Friendly Communities Strategy 2026-2031 to the Committee. The Cabinet Member highlighted that the strategy was a 10 year strategy for the short, medium and long term, working with the Health Board, Department for Work and Pensions and Public Health Wales. It was advised that they were now seeing an increasing number of volunteers of all ages highlighting the opportunity to both the individual and their organisations. The Committee then debated the contents of the report with key points highlighted as follows: In response to a question from the Chair regarding funding, the Cabinet Member confirmed that every Council received £50K from Welsh Government to support this role. The Chair questioned the reason that there had been a decline in older people volunteering and the Strategy Co-Ordinator for Older People advised that this was primarily due to older people working longer, taking on grandparent roles with both parents working and some wanted to enjoy their retirement. The Chair agreed that this was also likely due to the cost of living crisis. In response to a question raised by Councillor Claire George regarding the timescales of accreditation, the Strategy Co-Ordinator for Older People advised that the Strategy would be presented to Cabinet on 18 May when, should the Cabinet approve the adoption, they would then apply for World Health Organisation (WHO) accreditation. It was recognised by Members that the Older Persons Commissioner had visited Pembrokeshire in November 2025 and had spent time with the Leader, the Chief Executive and the Director of Social Services and reportedly been impressed with the range and diversity of community action taking place in Pembrokeshire. In response to a question from Councillor Aled Thomas regarding the term ‘age friendly’ the Strategy Co-Ordinator for Older People explained that this was a term provided by WHO and the Cabinet Member agreed that the use of language was very important, and the Strategy Co-Ordinator for Older People agreed to feed the comment back. The Strategy Co-Ordinator for Older People further noted that there was work being undertaken for the younger generation which would be shared with the Committee when appropriate. Councillor Mike James highlighted the work of the 50+ Forum and the Pembrokeshire Carers Strategy Partnership Board where there were a number of organisations that share information and support. The Strategy Co-Ordinator for Older People agreed that work was being undertaken with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks Association (PCNPA) to provide wheelchairs to make beaches and walks more accessible and benches to allow rest points. She further advised that the majority of guides and staff across the County had gone through dementia training to provide support. Additionally, a Virtual Reality project had taken place which took headsets into care homes to give the experience of walking outside, walking around the County Show and visiting farms. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Bethan Price regarding transportation and the Fflecsi Bus App, the Strategy Co-Ordinator for Older People advised Members that a recent survey had highlighted the need for increased communication for the Fflecsi Bus App and a funding bid had been submitted for digital support to support this. It was noted that users could also phone to book the Fflecsi bus. The Leader highlighted the planned improvements in the rail network and Councillor Michael Williams welcomed these comments. Councillor Williams further highlighted the need for benches to support an increase in rest points for walkers. The Public Reams Manager advised that there was a team in place that supported memorial benches. Acknowledging the points of concern raised by Councillor Huw Murphy regarding the reduction in volunteers, the Strategy Co-Ordinator for Older People advised that the figures quoted were from the 2021 Census during the Pandemic so may not be current reflection. The Strategy Co-Ordinator for Older People summarised that widening the membership of the 50+ Forum was a priority to involve members across the County. It was noted that strategy survey had received 369 responses which showed an increase on the 2016 survey with the majority of responses being made online. The Chair highlighted that the concerns raised regarding the resourcing and retention of Social Workers was not within the remit of this Committee and that a referral would be made to the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Moved by Councillor Simon Hancock; Seconded by Councillor Bethan Price. RESOLVED That the Age Friendly Communities Strategy 2026-2031 be endorsed subject to the following comments: (a) That information shared with Councillors will be circulated within their Wards; (b) That representatives from the Age Friendly Team be invited to Warm Rooms events throughout the County; (c) That the 50+ Forum be promoted throughout the County to be more representative; (d) That Councillors welcome the introduction of a Communities newsletter; and (e) That a Referral be made to the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the recruitment and retention of Social Workers. [Councillor Aled Thomas left the meeting at this juncture.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the current progress of the Toilet Strategy Action Plan be noted. (b) That the updated toilet provision be noted. (c) That the toilet provision in North Beach, Tenby be subject to a business case and a report detailing options to be considered by Cabinet. The toilet provision in Castle Lake, Haverfordwest be reviewed as part of the wider Haverfordwest Town Centre Regeneration and a report detailing options to be considered by Cabinet (d) That the next review of the strategy will take place in May 2028 with a further report presented in early 2028.
The Committee considered a report by the Interim Head of Transport and Environment regarding the Toilet Strategy 2023 and the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Residents Services presented the progress report to the Committee. The Cabinet Member highlighted that two remaining facilities require further consideration in Tenby and Haverfordwest noting that once the facilities at the new Haverfordwest Interchange were opened, there would be a proposal to demolish the existing block at Castle Lake. The Committee then debated the contents of the report with key points highlighted as follows: In response to a question raised by the Chair regarding public houses receiving £500PA to allow visitors to use their facilities, the Public Realm Manager advised that this was no longer available. Councillor Michael Williams raised concerns regarding the facilities at North Beach, Tenby noting this was the most used blue flagged beach in the County and sought confirmation that the facility would not be lost. The Public Realm Manager clarified that the facility was an aging asset and the current configuration was not ideal. It was further clarified that the Authority was not looking to close the facility but review its configuration. In response to a concern raised by the Chair regarding the remaining toilet facilities, the Public Realm Manager advised that all facilities had been under consultation and were discussed with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Town and Community Councils. It was further confirmed that all options remained open and would still be explored. Councillor Mike James made reference to facilities at Poppit Sands and the Public Realm Manager noted the mixed usage at this facility and committed to attend a further meeting to discuss its future. It was recognised by Councillor Bethan Price that St Davids City Council had been approached by the Authority regarding two facilities in the city and that they had taken over the responsibility of one. However, Councillor Price advised that they receive a lot of messages and concerns from residents and visitors that, when the visitor centre is closed, the toilets were also closed. The Public Realms Manager acknowledged that there had been a lot of debate around the Grove Park toilets as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks Authority had not selected to support it. It was noted that signage would need to be improved to advise residents and visitors of the availability of alternative facilities. The Public Realms Manager advised the Committee that some facilities could be reconfigured to provide turnstiles to be a pay to use facility; however, this was not possible at all locations. Councillor Huw Murphy highlighted the recent Ward Walks that had taken place with the Chief Executive in his ward and welcomed these to continue and for Senior Executives to also attend. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Brian Hall on behalf of Councillor Vanessa Thomas regarding the facilities in Carew, the Public Realm Manager advised that these would be discussed further and committed to contacting the local Member. Moved by Councillor Claire George; Seconded by Councillor Huw Murphy. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the current progress of the Toilet Strategy Action Plan be noted. (b) That the updated toilet provision be noted. (c) That the toilet provision in North Beach, Tenby be subject to a business case and a report detailing options to be considered by Cabinet. The toilet provision in Castle Lake, Haverfordwest be reviewed as part of the wider Haverfordwest Town Centre Regeneration and a report detailing options to be considered by Cabinet (d) That the next review of the strategy will take place in May 2028 with a further report presented in early 2028.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the revised Multi-Location Meetings policy be recommended to Council for adoption.
The Committee considered a report by the Monitoring Officer and Head of Democratic Services regarding the Multi-Location Meeting Policy. The Head of Democratic Services advised Members that the policy had been reviewed and a number of requirements had been removed allowing for common sense. It was highlighted that when a Member cannot use their camera, a reason be provided and a notice be made to the public. The Monitoring Officer emphasised that every Authority had the right to have Policies and Standing Orders and there would need to be a good reason in the public interest for any restrictions to be imposed. The need to partake and vote from any location was noted; however, the Member must not be driving. The Chair highlighted that there should be no prohibition on a Member travelling when a meeting is not confidential. The Committee then debated the contents of the report with key points highlighted as follows: Councillor Claire George concurred stating that it would reflect upon the individual and not the Authority on where a Member chooses to partake in the meeting. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Huw Murphy regarding being present for the entirety of an item prior to voting, the Monitoring Officer advised that this would be a matter for the Member to ensure they were in attendance. In response to a further question raised by Councillor Huw Murphy regarding technology to ensure a Member remains online throughout the item, the Head of Democratic Services advised that that level of monitoring technology was not available and that it relied on the Member. Councillor Claire George emphasised that it was the responsibility of the individual Member to ensure their attendance and not for the Authority. The Head of Democratic Services advised that any Member conducting themselves in an illegal manner would be removed by the Democratic Services Team. Moved by Councillor Simon Hancock; Seconded by Councillor Brian Hall. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the revised Multi-Location Meetings policy be recommended to Council for adoption.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be amended as follows: (a) That the Public Service Protection Order item be presented in September 2026; (b) That the Insurance Strategy item be presented in September; and (c) That the Haverfordwest Car Parks item be presented in November 2026.
The Chair presented the Forward Work Programme to the Committee noting that he had received an update regarding the Public Service Protection Orders from the Community Safety, Poverty and Regeneration Manager that the maps provided did not identify enough detail and confirmed that the pre-election period would not impact the consultation. The Chair confirmed that the Forward Work Programme planning meeting had taken place and Councillor Mike James agreed that it had been a very productive meeting. Moved by Councillor Simon Hancock; Seconded by Councillor Brian Hall. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be amended as follows: (a) That the Public Service Protection Order item be presented in September 2026; (b) That the Insurance Strategy item be presented in September; and (c) That the Haverfordwest Car Parks item be presented in November 2026.
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.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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