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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 Celtic Freeport update be noted and the progress made on Celtic Freeport in Pembrokeshire be acknowledged. class=WordSection2> [LC1]I would try and change it up from ‘in response to’ all the time - happy to send you over some alternative suggestions if it would help
RESOLVED That the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2026-27 and the Outline Medium Term Financial Plan for 2026-27 to 2028-29 be noted. class=WordSection2>
RESOLVED That the Treasury Management Strategy 2026-27 to 2029-30, including the Policy on Borrowing in Advance of Need, the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy, the Treasury Limits, the Prudential Indicators, the Borrowing Requirements and the Annual Investment Strategy, be noted. [Councillor Michael Williams left the meeting at this juncture.]
RESOLVED That the Corporate Safeguarding Board Annual Report 2023-24 be accepted.
RESOLVED That the items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2026 be noted.
No requests were received.
There were no Declarations of Interest received.
Moved By Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Mike James The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the meeting held on 20 November 2025, be approved as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the updates to the Action Log 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. The Assistant Chief Executive was welcomed to the meeting to provide updates on the outstanding actions as follows: Action 1 - Roof Repairs on Monkton Cemetery Update: The building is not a listed building, there were no commercial operations or domestic dwelling permitted as it was part of the cemetery. Consultation would therefore take place with the local Community, local Members and the Director of Finance and return with options. Action 2 - Late delivery of trade waste vehicles Update: The invitation to tender did not have provision for late delivery, only non-delivery but discussions were ongoing. Action 3 – Referral to Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee requesting scrutiny of the Patient Flow Service Level Agreement between the Health Board and Pembrokeshire County Council Update: To be considered at the next meeting taking place on 29 January 2026. Action 4 - Welsh average comparison of missed refuge collection rates Update: No comparable data was available as Authorities monitor in different ways. Request that Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee review. Action 6 - Small electrical waste collections Update: These can be placed with the weekly recycling collections on top of one of the containers ensuring they are clearly visible for collection, the same as batteries. 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 updates to the Action Log be noted.
There were no public submissions or items of correspondence received. The Chair emphasised that members of the public were welcome to submit any questions or suggestions to the Committee and highlighted the provision of the Petition scheme.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Celtic Freeport update be noted and the progress made on Celtic Freeport in Pembrokeshire be acknowledged. class=WordSection2> [LC1]I would try and change it up from ‘in response to’ all the time - happy to send you over some alternative suggestions if it would help
[Councillor Joshua Beynon joined the meeting at this juncture.] The Committee considered a report by the Deputy Leader of the Council, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, Climate Change and Rural Affairs regarding the Celtic Freeport. The Chair welcomed the Chief Executive and the Chair of Celtic Freeport to the meeting to partake in the discussion and answer questions. The Chair of Celtic Freeport highlighted his long-standing background in Pembrokeshire’s energy industry and the importance of supporting the transition from traditional hydrocarbon sectors to renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. It was stated that the Freeport was governed jointly by the founding members of the Celtic Freeport Board: Pembrokeshire County Council, Neath Port Talbot Council, Milford Haven Port Authority, and Associated British Ports (ABP). The Chair emphasised the strong collaboration between the two local Authority’s and noted that Pembrokeshire’s projects were currently more progressed than others including the RWE Generation Project UK PLC (RWE) Battery Project and the pipeline which was currently more advanced than Neath Port Talbot’s, although resource balance was stated to be overseen continuously. The unique challenges of dealing with three levels of government were highlighted and the seamless way the two Local Authorities worked together to manage the Freeport was emphasised. It was recognised that the Freeport was well positioned to support floating offshore wind (FLOW), hydrogen, and wider renewable activity, and in summing up, the next steps were outlined. The Chair thanked the Chair of Celtic Freeport for the comprehensive report and acknowledged the frustration at the pace of progress due to multi?government involvement but expressed confidence that visible progress would follow soon after the Memorandum of Understanding was signed. The Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, Climate Change and Rural Affairs supported the update, noting the delays and ongoing progress. The target of agreeing the Memorandum of Understanding before the end of the financial year was reiterated, which would unlock capital funds and allow delivery to be accelerated. The recent positive developments were highlighted, such as the Contract for Difference award for Blue Gem, signalling emerging investor confidence. The Assistant Chief Executive emphasised that the Freeport was not intended to replace existing major industries, which remained vital to Pembrokeshire’s economy but stated that the Freeport would provide additionality and support long?term diversification while maintaining the County’s core industrial base. The Chief Executive noted that the Freeport represented a long?term strategic project aimed at securing future employment and industrial transformation and the key themes were outlined. The importance of ensuring that newer regional funding schemes (e.g., UKRI Partnership Fund) complement, rather than duplicated. The Chief Executive highlighted the extraordinarily positive example of strategic endeavour to grow the opportunity for employment in the Authority and across the Freeport space including the supply chain that may extend beyond the immediate tax free sites within the Freeport. The innovation, skills development and the focus of the originating partners and stakeholders was emphasised. 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 the seed fund, the Chair of Celtic Freeport advised that the set-up capital had originated from the initial funding committed by the four Board partners. It was stated that this was more of a loan to the company and repayments should commence in the next two to three years. It was stated that the seed capital would be unlocked following approval of the Memorandum of Understanding and came from a UK initiative from Westminster Government and not Welsh Government. It was highlighted that due to the pre-election period, there may be difficulties with any decision making but it was anticipated to be prior to the pre-election period commencing. • In reply to a concern raised by the Chair regarding duplication, the Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, Climate Change and Rural Affairs advised that they were working closely with the Corporate Joint Committee and Celtic Freeport to ensure that there was no duplication. • In response to a question raised by Councillor Alan Dennison regarding employment, investment and the benefits to the residents of Pembrokeshire, the Chair of Celtic Freeport advised that this was a long-term transition from fossil fuels to advanced manufacturing, Floating Offshore Wind, renewables, hydrogen and more and it was in the interests of Pembrokeshire and Neath Port Talbot to continue to develop these alternative industries. The approximate £4Billion investment with the RWE battery project was highlighted. The Chair of Celtic Freeport noted that it was a multi-billion pound project with the anticipated level of employment in the thousands. • Councillor Alan Dennison raised a question regarding tax benefits for support industries and the Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, Climate Change and Rural Affairs advised that the Celtic Freeport was based on advanced manufacturing and was not open to activities such as hospitality or retail. • In response to a concern raised by Councillor Michael Williams regarding the logistics for transporting large offshore wind components, the Chair of the Celtic Freeport advised that this was the responsibility of the individual developer. • Following a question raised by Councillor Michael Williams regarding potential links with Ireland and other regions, the Chair of the Celtic Freeport confirmed that they were in competition with Ireland, Scotland and the Northeast of England in terms of Floating Offshore Wind but the developers were in communication with them. It was further noted that Port Talbot was focussing on the integration and assembly and that Pembrokeshire was focussing on the operations and maintenance. It was stated that both were working with existing developers to understand the logistics required. The Assistant Chief Executive advised of the Celtic Sea Alliance; a formal cross-border cooperation agreement between Ireland, Wales and Cornwall around the Celtic Sea. • In response[LC1] to a concern raised by Councillor Steve Alderman regarding the National Grid, the Chair of the Celtic Freeport advised that that there were plans for undersea cables and a collaboration between the National Grid and Crown Estate. • Councillor Alan Dennison raised a question regarding the ongoing maintenance and operations and the Chair of the Celtic Freeport advised that a lot of the turbine maintenance was undertaken offshore highlighting that each developer was in discussions with the Milford Haven Port Authority to discuss their individual needs. • In response to a further concern raised by Councillor Michael Williams regarding resources, the Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, Climate Change and Rural Affairs outlined the basic salary for Engineers but concurred that all qualified or suitably qualified Engineers were being employed by Sizewell. Members were advised that there was a coordinated development taking place with Colleges within the City Deal area. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Steve Yelland The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Celtic Freeport update be noted and the progress made on Celtic Freeport in Pembrokeshire be acknowledged. class=WordSection2> [LC1]I would try and change it up from ‘in response to’ all the time - happy to send you over some alternative suggestions if it would help
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2026-27 and the Outline Medium Term Financial Plan for 2026-27 to 2028-29 be noted. class=WordSection2>
The Committee considered a report by the Director of Resources regarding the Outline Draft County Council Budget 2026-27 and Outline Draft Medium Term Financial Plan 2026-27 to 2028-29. The Chair welcomed the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies and the Director of Resources to the meeting to partake in the discussion and answer questions. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies presented an outline of the ongoing budget?setting process highlighting that the formal consultation had concluded with the responses now being analysed by Officers. It was advised that the Trade Unions had submitted a formal response, highlighting concerns regarding the reduction of the second homes premium, the comparatively low Council Tax levels in Pembrokeshire, the risks to jobs and service resilience and staff being attracted to higher?paid roles elsewhere. It was stated that Council and School staff had raised concerns regarding their jobs and the services being at risk as well as the associated risks of staff moving to higher paid jobs in the private sector, other Local Authority’s or the NHS. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies reminded Members of the forthcoming Budget Seminar on 6 February 2026 encouraging all Members to attend and noted the Cabinet meeting to take place on 9 February with the final decision being made at Full Council on 20 February. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies reported that the Welsh Government settlement had improved reducing the funding gap to £13.8m, however, several additional budget pressures remained, which were outlined. It was stated that mitigations had been identified and included £1m additional income from inflationary uplifts in fees and charges and £0.8m savings from capital financing profiling. It was stated that all departments had been asked to model 5% reductions in their controllable net expenditure budgets, with proposed savings categorised as: Green/Amber (efficiency?based), Red/Red 2 (significant service impact), and Deep Red (risk of statutory failure, not recommended). Members were reminded that Schools and Social Care account for over 70% of the Council’s budget. The Committee then debated the contents of the report with the key points highlighted noted as follows: • In response to a question raised by the Chair regarding the Dyfed Pension Fund, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies advised that the reduction in employer contributions had been included in the budget. • Councillor Alan Dennison raised a concern regarding the £1.5M in reserves for crematoriums. £1.4M was placed into General Reserves with £1.1M in Reserves for Crematoriums. [Amended by Minute 52 of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 17 March 2026]The Director of Resources explained that any surplus generated was put into reserves and used for the significant capital expenditure required at the crematorium on a periodic basis. • Councillor Pat Davies raised concerns regarding an increased number of schools relying on their reserves to get them through the year, and the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies advised that Education Officers provided advice and assistance to schools on their budget position and stated that there was a substantial amount of extra funding being provided to schools. Councillor Alan Dennison highlighted the long-term decline in school budgets. • The Chair highlighted the number of complaints Members receive on call waiting times of the contact centre. In response, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies advised that new technology would assist the call centre but acknowledged that it would take some time to be delivered. • In response to concerns raised by Councillor Joshua Beynon who noted the high-level overview presented on Social Care and Supported young adults moving into new supported living establishments, the Director of Resources highlighted the investment undertaken in prevention activity to reduce the future costs to the Authority. • Concerns were raised by Councillor Joshua Beynon on the Red rating of car park charges as this was a substantial saving. In response, the Chief Executive noted that when increasing parking charges for those machines that still take cash, a 3% increase on a £1 charge became impractical as the charge would be £1.03p. • In response to a question raised by Councillor Mike James regarding financial support from family members that live away to assist funding of social care in the local area, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies advised that there was no legal mechanism to charge people that live outside of Pembrokeshire for the support provided to relatives residing in Pembrokeshire. • Councillor Alan Dennison sought clarification on the length of two vacant posts within the Public Protection Service and the impact on the service and the Chair advised that more in depth questions should be put forward at the Budget Seminar for the information to be obtained beforehand. • In response to a question from the Chair regarding the turnover of a high number of staff in the Authority, the Director of Resources advised that there were opportunities elsewhere and that there would always be turnover in local Authority’s. Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by Councillor Steve Yelland The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2026-27 and the Outline Medium Term Financial Plan for 2026-27 to 2028-29 be noted. class=WordSection2>
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Treasury Management Strategy 2026-27 to 2029-30, including the Policy on Borrowing in Advance of Need, the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy, the Treasury Limits, the Prudential Indicators, the Borrowing Requirements and the Annual Investment Strategy, be noted. [Councillor Michael Williams left the meeting at this juncture.]
The Committee considered a report by the Head of Resources and Procurement regarding the Treasury Management Arrangements 2026-27. The Chair welcomed the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies who presented an overview of the Council’s statutory responsibilities relating to Treasury Management informing Members that the Council must prepare both a Treasury Management Strategy and an Annual Investment Strategy and that the governance arrangements must be formally approved annually. It was advised that the Strategy included the Capital Programme, the Management of Investments and Borrowing, the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP), and the Council’s wider investment approach. The draft Strategy presented was based on the forthcoming year’s draft budget and Medium Term Financial Plan, and would be updated following Quarter 3 projections with any changes arising from Treasury or Prudential Codes. It was noted that the final version would then be submitted to Cabinet and Council in February. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies further highlighted that the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Prudential Code had been strengthened, emphasising risk awareness, proportionality, and the requirement not to borrow for commercial gain. The Code also requires annual reviews of commercial investments, monitoring of net income from such investments, and the establishment of investment management practices for non?treasury activities. The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies for the comprehensive report and the Committee then debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: • The Chair highlighted that the Member training referenced within the draft report had already taken place on 15 January 2025 and strongly encouraged all Councillors to attend any future Treasury Management training sessions. It was emphasised that it had previously been suggested that such training should be mandatory for Members of the Committee to support their role. • In response to a question raised by the Chair regarding several references within the report to the Swansea Bay City Deal, including capital investment associated with Pembroke Dock Marine and the related Minimum Revenue Provision, the Finance Manager explained that these references related to existing borrowing that had been undertaken and advised that, whilst the governance structures would change, all associated loans and financial commitments would continue and managed within the regional arrangements. • In response to a question raised by the Chair regarding borrowing money, the Finance Manager explained that the Authority did not borrow money in advance for any investments and the Director of Resources concurred that cash flow was utilised for the best purpose and any borrowing in advance would be very rare but was included in the strategy to provide the ability, should it be necessary. • In response to a concern raised by Councillor Alan Dennison regarding the Dyfed Pension Plan divesting in Blackrock the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies advised that a petition had been submitted which was being reported to the next Council meeting. The Chair noted that a very thorough presentation had been delivered on the Dyfed Pension Fund at a previous meeting. • The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies and Finance Manager for attending the meeting and asked that the thanks of the Committee be passed on to the finance team. Moved By Councillor Alan Dennison; Seconded by Councillor Mike James The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Treasury Management Strategy 2026-27 to 2029-30, including the Policy on Borrowing in Advance of Need, the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy, the Treasury Limits, the Prudential Indicators, the Borrowing Requirements and the Annual Investment Strategy, be noted. [Councillor Michael Williams left the meeting at this juncture.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Corporate Safeguarding Board Annual Report 2023-24 be accepted.
The Committee considered a report by the Safeguarding in Education Manager regarding the Pembrokeshire County Council Corporate Safeguarding Board Annual Report for 2024-2025. The Chair welcomed the Cabinet Member for Young People, Community, Well-being and Future Generations and the Director of Education to the meeting to partake in the discussion and answer questions. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Young People, Community, Well-being and Future Generations presented the reporting advising that the report reviewed how the Council safeguarded children and adults and outlined the work of the Corporate Safeguarding Board. The significant change and steady improvement in safeguarding practice was highlighted despite financial pressures, with continued strong oversight from the Board being noted. It was stated that ongoing key work included responding to the Joint Inspection of Child Protection Arrangements (JICPA) and service transformation within Adult Services through the Vanguard approach. The Director for Education provided an overview of key developments explaining that the Governance of the Corporate Safeguarding Board remained strong with quarterly meetings. It was advised that compliance with mandatory safeguarding training had improved with a new tool improving online referrals and data evidence. The Director for Education updated Members that 47 child protection cases had been reviewed with five serious case reviews commissioned. It was stated that all schools had completed Section 175 Audits which included additional health checks and updated lockdown policies. The reduction in Adults at risk was emphasised which had been partly due to a service redesign with improved triage and that Disclosure and Barring Service cycles being maintained and updated with volunteer policies. The Safeguarding in Education Manager, added that the National Care Standards Training had been initiated across all sectors for safeguarding in schools. The Chair introduced Councillor Huw Murphy, the Members Safeguarding Champion who was a Member of the Committee and he highlighted an excellent meeting of the Education Scrutiny Committee that had taken place in Gwynedd. He further noted that huge amount of pressure on School Governors noting the majority of County Councillors were also volunteer School Governors and the high level of responsibility such position held, including towards Safeguarding. The Director for Education advised Members of the ‘Our Bravery Brought Justice’ report that made significant recommendations for both local Authority services, schools, Police, Health Services and Social Care but stated that it also highlighted the pressure on school Governors and the importance of governance which was seriously compromised. In response to a request from Councillor Huw Murphy, the Director of Education agreed for this to be circulated to all Members for their information (AP) The Director further highlighted the need to review the whistleblowing procedures for Head Teachers and Governing Bodies along with the technical and usability issues with the HWB email system. The Committee then debated the contents of the report with the key points highlighted as follows: • In response to a question raised by Councillor Alan Dennison regarding accessing the training, the Director of Education clarified that the Pembrokeshire Online Development (POD) system was used to provide safeguarding training for children, young people and adults. It was stated that the HWB system was used for Governors to receive information as a secure email route. It was added that DBS checks were undertaken one per four-year term for Governors and the DBS team notify Governors direct. • In response to concerns raised by Councillor Steve Alderman regarding Elective Home Education (EHE), particularly around improving support and oversight, the Director for Education advised Members that the numbers of EHE learners fluctuated. It was advised that, through the S175 and Safeguarding Audit in relation to supporting and strengthening electively home education provision, they had received Welsh Government funding for a single Officer to support EHE families and they now have two advisory Teachers and a Support Assistant in place. • In response to a further concern raised by Councillor Steve Alderman regarding visits to EHE children, the Safeguarding in Education Manager explained that if an Advisor was not given sufficient reason to believe the child was being adequately educated to their age, aptitude and ability, that concern would be raised with the Social Care team. It was advised that this could then be escalated through legal powers however, this would not maintain a working relationship with the family. It was highlighted that there were many EHE families that were achieving massive success and were doing a wonderful job. • Councillor Mike James emphasised the excellent work that had taken place regarding EHE and, in response to a question regarding the number of EHE learners, the Safeguarding in Education Manager explained that if a child had never been registered at a School, they would not know if they remained in the County and acknowledged that this was a safeguarding risk that existed across the UK. • In response to a concern raised by Councillor Alan Dennison regarding HWB, the Director of Education signposted Members to Governors support. • In response to a suggestion made by Councillor Alan Dennison regarding collaboration with Doctors surgeries, the Safeguarding in Education Manager advised that the system did exist however there were data protection agreements in place. The Director of Education emphasised that should a GP receive a safeguarding alert, they were able to pass this information the Local Authority. [Councillor Huw Murphy left the meeting at this juncture.] The Chair highlighted the need for a Welsh Government registration list to ensure nobody was stopped from EHE but that Authority was able to support and safeguard such learners. Moved by Councillor Mike James; Seconded by Councillor Steve Yelland The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Corporate Safeguarding Board Annual Report 2023-24 be accepted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2026 be noted.
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 items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2026 be noted.
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