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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED 1. To receive the Consultation Report in respect of the proposal to close Llandinam C.P. School. 2. To approve the publication of a statutory notice proposing closure of Llandinam C.P. School from 31st August 2026, with pupils to transfer to their new catchment school.
RESOLVED to approve the Right to Buy Local Occupancy Restrictions Policy as set out in Appendix A to the report. The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys extended his thanks and best wishes to the Head of Housing, Andy Thompson on his retirement.
RESOLVED that Cabinet: 1. Endorses the principle that all large-scale energy projects (defined as those over 10MW installed capacity) within the Powys County Council boundary voluntarily gift a minimum of 5% (of profit) as local ownership, to be held by Powys County Council on behalf of the residents of Powys, until the project is decommissioned. 2. Supports the use of Unilateral Undertakings as the mechanism by which this ownership stake is secured, ensuring Powys County Council receives a revenue share without formal governance and decommissioning responsibilities within the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) managing the energy project. 3. Requires that all DNS and Infrastructure Consent applications include a Collaborative Benefits Report (CBR) detailing the proposed local ownership arrangements and engagement with Powys County Council, in line with Welsh Government guidance. 4. Mandates that energy developers work with Powys County Council to: 4.1 Community Benefit Fund (CBF) spending with local strategies and priorities. 4.2 Include council representation in grant panel decision-making or utilise council run existing multi-agency panels. 4.3 Avoid arbitrary boundaries in CBF allocation to allow for strategic, county-wide benefit. 4.4 Offer a minimum CBF value of £5,000 to £7,500 per MW or higher, in line with national benchmarks. 5. Recognises the alignment of these recommendations with Welsh Government policy, including Future Wales: The National Plan 2040, which promotes local ownership to ensure long-term community benefit and economic retention within Wales. 6. Notes the resource implications, particularly for legal services, and requests that appropriate support be identified to implement these recommendations effectively. 7. Requests that officers engage with relevant stakeholders, including Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), developers, and community representatives, to ensure the successful delivery of these expectations.
RESOLVED that 1. Cabinet notes the current budget position and the projected full year forecast to the end of March 2026. 2. The grants set out in section 5.1 and Appendix C of the report are noted. 3. The virements set out in section 5.2 of the report are approved. This is to comply with the virement rules for budget movements as set out in the financial regulations. 4. The debt write-off at Section 6 is approved to comply with the debt write off policy.
RESOLVED that Cabinet notes the assurance set out in paragraph 10.1 of the report and the planned activity for 2025-2026 as set out in paragraph 11.
RESOLVED 1. To endorses the Strategic Outline Case/Outline Business Case (SOC/OBC) for the North Powys Wellbeing Programme Phase 1 and approves submission to Welsh Government. 2. Subsequent approval by Welsh Government would secure the next stage of funding, allowing the programme to progress to development of the Full Business Case (FBC).
RESOLVED to exclude the public for the following item of business on the grounds that there would be disclosure to them of exempt information under category 7 of The Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007).
RESOLVED to endorse the Strategic Outline Case/Outline Business Case (SOC/OBC) for the North Powys Wellbeing Programme Phase 1 and approves submission to Welsh Government. Subsequent approval by Welsh Government would secure the next stage of funding, allowing the programme to progress to development of the Full Business Case (FBC). County Councillor Matthew Dorrance left the meeting at 13.00 for another meeting.
RESOLVED that 1. A budget of £100,000 is identified for allocation across 2026-27 and 2027-28 financial years to support the direct costs to the Council of hosting the National Eisteddfod. 2. Powys County Council agrees to support the National Eisteddfod’s preferred site on the basis that the County Council will not be required to underwrite any shortfall in the fundraising target.
RESOLVED 1. To submit a revised Outline Business Case (OBC) to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme for investment to construct a new building for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen. 2. To commence negotiations to purchase land adjoining the existing Ysgol Bro Hyddgen site to increase the size of the site.
RESOLVED to submit a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme for investment to develop the following: · Builth Wells: investment to create a Welsh-medium all-age school. · Ysgol Calon Cymru - Llandrindod campus: investment to accommodate all English-medium secondary-aged learners plus leisure facilities.
None.
The Leader was authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 18th November 2025 as a correct record.
County Councillor S Davies declared an interest in item 6 Securing a Lasting Legacy.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED 1. To receive the Consultation Report in respect of the proposal to close Llandinam C.P. School. 2. To approve the publication of a statutory notice proposing closure of Llandinam C.P. School from 31st August 2026, with pupils to transfer to their new catchment school.
Cabinet considered responses received to the consultation on the proposal to close Llandinam C.P. School from 31st August 2026, with pupils to transfer to their new catchment school. A total of 97 written responses were received during the consultation period. The report summarised the issues raised in the consultation and the Council’s response. A petition against the closure of the school containing 745 was also received. The local member County Councillor Karl Lewis noted that a number of respondents had advised that they would be home schooling their children if the school closed and he asked if the Council would be failing in its statutory duty to provide a secure inclusive education for all pupils. Officers confirmed that this was not the case and that the council had no concerns about the quality of education provided at the alternative schools and that there would be support for pupils transferring to a new school. Cabinet was advised that home schooling was a matter of parental choice. Cabinet asked about potential housing developments in the area and how that may affect the number of children in the catchment. Officers advised that the number of potential additional children was lower than the available surplus places in the catchment. Cabinet also asked about early years provision that operated in the school and officers advised that options were being considered with the provider. Officers also confirmed that federation would not address issues of low pupil numbers and surplus places. Cabinet also noted the recommendations of the Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee and supported the proposed responses. Having considered the findings of the consultation and the recommendations of officers Cabinet RESOLVED 1. To receive the Consultation Report in respect of the proposal to close Llandinam C.P. School. 2. To approve the publication of a statutory notice proposing closure of Llandinam C.P. School from 31st August 2026, with pupils to transfer to their new catchment school.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the Right to Buy Local Occupancy Restrictions Policy as set out in Appendix A to the report. The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys extended his thanks and best wishes to the Head of Housing, Andy Thompson on his retirement.
Cabinet considered a new policy regarding local occupancy restrictions attached to properties bought from the Council under the auspices of the Right to Buy. Restrictive occupancy covenants aim to keep housing affordable for local residents by requiring buyers to have lived or worked in the area for three years, with exceptions currently handled on a case-by-case basis by the Head of Housing. Putting in place a policy would provide consistency and assurance to both vendors and purchasers regarding the sale and purchase of such homes. RESOLVED to approve the Right to Buy Local Occupancy Restrictions Policy as set out in Appendix A to the report. The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys extended his thanks and best wishes to the Head of Housing, Andy Thompson on his retirement.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Cabinet: 1. Endorses the principle that all large-scale energy projects (defined as those over 10MW installed capacity) within the Powys County Council boundary voluntarily gift a minimum of 5% (of profit) as local ownership, to be held by Powys County Council on behalf of the residents of Powys, until the project is decommissioned. 2. Supports the use of Unilateral Undertakings as the mechanism by which this ownership stake is secured, ensuring Powys County Council receives a revenue share without formal governance and decommissioning responsibilities within the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) managing the energy project. 3. Requires that all DNS and Infrastructure Consent applications include a Collaborative Benefits Report (CBR) detailing the proposed local ownership arrangements and engagement with Powys County Council, in line with Welsh Government guidance. 4. Mandates that energy developers work with Powys County Council to: 4.1 Community Benefit Fund (CBF) spending with local strategies and priorities. 4.2 Include council representation in grant panel decision-making or utilise council run existing multi-agency panels. 4.3 Avoid arbitrary boundaries in CBF allocation to allow for strategic, county-wide benefit. 4.4 Offer a minimum CBF value of £5,000 to £7,500 per MW or higher, in line with national benchmarks. 5. Recognises the alignment of these recommendations with Welsh Government policy, including Future Wales: The National Plan 2040, which promotes local ownership to ensure long-term community benefit and economic retention within Wales. 6. Notes the resource implications, particularly for legal services, and requests that appropriate support be identified to implement these recommendations effectively. 7. Requests that officers engage with relevant stakeholders, including Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), developers, and community representatives, to ensure the successful delivery of these expectations.
County Councillor Sandra Davies declared an interest in this item and left the meeting while it was being considered. Cabinet considered a proposal that Powys County Council secures a lasting legacy from local energy projects by setting an expectation that energy producers in Powys gift a minimum 5% local profit share in all large-scale energy schemes. The report outlined the current scale of wind energy developments, the policy context, and the mechanisms for delivering community benefit and shared ownership. The recommendations aligned with Welsh Government policy and aim to maximise economic and social benefits for Powys residents. The Leader confirmed that there was no intention to prejudice the council’s position as planning authority, but to ensure that communities most affected by large scale developments saw some benefit from them. Cabinet noted that Community Benefit Fund could support a wide range of environmental schemes with the priority on those communities most affected by the developments. RESOLVED that Cabinet: 1. Endorses the principle that all large-scale energy projects (defined as those over 10MW installed capacity) within the Powys County Council boundary voluntarily gift a minimum of 5% (of profit) as local ownership, to be held by Powys County Council on behalf of the residents of Powys, until the project is decommissioned. 2. Supports the use of Unilateral Undertakings as the mechanism by which this ownership stake is secured, ensuring Powys County Council receives a revenue share without formal governance and decommissioning responsibilities within the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) managing the energy project. 3. Requires that all DNS and Infrastructure Consent applications include a Collaborative Benefits Report (CBR) detailing the proposed local ownership arrangements and engagement with Powys County Council, in line with Welsh Government guidance. 4. Mandates that energy developers work with Powys County Council to: 4.1 Community Benefit Fund (CBF) spending with local strategies and priorities. 4.2 Include council representation in grant panel decision-making or utilise council run existing multi-agency panels. 4.3 Avoid arbitrary boundaries in CBF allocation to allow for strategic, county-wide benefit. 4.4 Offer a minimum CBF value of £5,000 to £7,500 per MW or higher, in line with national benchmarks. 5. Recognises the alignment of these recommendations with Welsh Government policy, including Future Wales: The National Plan 2040, which promotes local ownership to ensure long-term community benefit and economic retention within Wales. 6. Notes the resource implications, particularly for legal services, and requests that appropriate support be identified to implement these recommendations effectively. 7. Requests that officers engage with relevant stakeholders, including Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), developers, and community representatives, to ensure the successful delivery of these expectations.
Cabinet considered the Treasury Management report for Quarter 2 which set out the Council's borrowing and investment strategy.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that 1. Cabinet notes the current budget position and the projected full year forecast to the end of March 2026. 2. The grants set out in section 5.1 and Appendix C of the report are noted. 3. The virements set out in section 5.2 of the report are approved. This is to comply with the virement rules for budget movements as set out in the financial regulations. 4. The debt write-off at Section 6 is approved to comply with the debt write off policy.
Cabinet considered the forecast revenue budget outturn for the 2025-26 financial year, based on the full year forecast as at 30th September 2025. An overall underspend position of £0.8 million was currently forecast which includes a balance position on the HRA and a £0.4 million overspend on Schools Delegated budgets. The forecast outturn for non-ringfenced budgets was an underspend of £1.2 million. 60.7% (£9.7 million) of agreed cost reductions had been delivered by the end of the second quarter. A further 30.9% or £4.9 million were assured of delivery by services within the 2025-26 financial year. £1.3 million (8.0%) were described as unachieved and at risk of delivery in this year. Services with unachieved cost reductions must consider remedial actions to achieve a balanced budget. The report set out a number of virement requests from services and a request for the write off of a debt that required Cabinet approval. Cabinet noted the recommendations of the Finance Panel and endorsed the responses to them. The Leader asked that the Chair of the Finance Panel and the Chair of the Learning and Skills Committee work with officers so that there was greater clarity on the overspend figures for schools delegated budgets. RESOLVED that 1. Cabinet notes the current budget position and the projected full year forecast to the end of March 2026. 2. The grants set out in section 5.1 and Appendix C of the report are noted. 3. The virements set out in section 5.2 of the report are approved. This is to comply with the virement rules for budget movements as set out in the financial regulations. 4. The debt write-off at Section 6 is approved to comply with the debt write off policy.
Cabinet considered a report on the financial position of the Council’s capital programme for 2025/26 as at 30th September 2025. The revised programme at the 30th September 2025 was budgeted at £113.99 million following the successful award of additional grants and the reprofiling of budgets between financial years. Actual spend amounted to £19.62 million, representing 17% of the total budget. Cabinet noted the recommendations of the Finance Panel and endorsed the responses to them.
Cabinet considered the annual update to the Council’s Corporate and Strategic Equality Plan: Stronger, Fairer, Greener (2026-2027). The Plan reaffirmed the Council’s three well-being objectives and the updated actions that need to take to deliver them. RECOMMENDED to Council that the annual update to the Corporate and Strategic Equality Plan is approved for publication, with implementation from 01 April 2026.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Cabinet notes the assurance set out in paragraph 10.1 of the report and the planned activity for 2025-2026 as set out in paragraph 11.
Cabinet considered the Annual Information Governance Report for 2024-2025. Cabinet was advised that of 31st March 2025 26 of the 37 elements to the 2023-2025 plan had been completed. The remaining elements had been moved to the 2025 – 27 plan. Cabinet noted the Senior Information Risk Owner’s statement of assurance set out in paragraph 10.1 of the report that she can provide reasonable assurance that the Council’s arrangements and plans align with the principles of good information governance. RESOLVED that Cabinet notes the assurance set out in paragraph 10.1 of the report and the planned activity for 2025-2026 as set out in paragraph 11.
Cabinet received the Corporate Safeguarding Board activity report. In presenting the report the Cabinet Member for Legal and Regulatory Services was pleased to note that the Board would be looking at community tensions as an issue. Cabinet noted the recommendations of the Health and Care Scrutiny Committee and endorsed the Director of Social Services and Wellbeing’s suggested responses that she would arrange for an item to be added to the Board’s agenda to discuss children moving between home education and school and to provide figures for figures and percentages for safeguarding training.
Cabinet noted the delegated decisions taken by Portfolio Holders since the last meeting.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED 1. To endorses the Strategic Outline Case/Outline Business Case (SOC/OBC) for the North Powys Wellbeing Programme Phase 1 and approves submission to Welsh Government. 2. Subsequent approval by Welsh Government would secure the next stage of funding, allowing the programme to progress to development of the Full Business Case (FBC).
Cabinet was asked to approve the submission of the combined Strategic Outline Case and Outline Business Case (SOC/OBC) for Phase 1 of the North Powys Health and Wellbeing Campus to Welsh Government. The Hub would accommodate a range of clinical and non-clinical services across health, care and third sector, integrating services and maximising synergies through multi-agency collaboration. Cabinet was advised that Powys Teaching Health Board had approved submission of the Strategic Outline Case/Outline Business Case earlier and the Regional Partnership Board would be asked to consider it on 18th December. The Leader noted that the Cabinet had been briefed by the senior responsible officers throughout the process. The Director of Social Services and Wellbeing confirmed that she had a record of Cabinet comments and that she would make this available to them. The Leader explained that the next part of the meeting would need to be held in private as it dealt with commercially sensitive matters. RESOLVED 1. To endorses the Strategic Outline Case/Outline Business Case (SOC/OBC) for the North Powys Wellbeing Programme Phase 1 and approves submission to Welsh Government. 2. Subsequent approval by Welsh Government would secure the next stage of funding, allowing the programme to progress to development of the Full Business Case (FBC).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to exclude the public for the following item of business on the grounds that there would be disclosure to them of exempt information under category 7 of The Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007).
RESOLVED to exclude the public for the following item of business on the grounds that there would be disclosure to them of exempt information under category 7 of The Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to endorse the Strategic Outline Case/Outline Business Case (SOC/OBC) for the North Powys Wellbeing Programme Phase 1 and approves submission to Welsh Government. Subsequent approval by Welsh Government would secure the next stage of funding, allowing the programme to progress to development of the Full Business Case (FBC). County Councillor Matthew Dorrance left the meeting at 13.00 for another meeting.
Cabinet considered the report and questioned officers from the Council and Powys Teaching Health Board on the North Powys Wellbeing Hub and the proposed submission of the Strategic Outline Case/Outline Business Case. Cabinet noted the recommendation of the Health and Care Scrutiny Committee and endorsed the response. RESOLVED to endorse the Strategic Outline Case/Outline Business Case (SOC/OBC) for the North Powys Wellbeing Programme Phase 1 and approves submission to Welsh Government. Subsequent approval by Welsh Government would secure the next stage of funding, allowing the programme to progress to development of the Full Business Case (FBC). County Councillor Matthew Dorrance left the meeting at 13.00 for another meeting.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that 1. A budget of £100,000 is identified for allocation across 2026-27 and 2027-28 financial years to support the direct costs to the Council of hosting the National Eisteddfod. 2. Powys County Council agrees to support the National Eisteddfod’s preferred site on the basis that the County Council will not be required to underwrite any shortfall in the fundraising target.
Cabinet considered a report on a proposal that the National Eisteddfod be hosted in North Powys in 2027. It was proposed to establish a reserve of £100,000 to support the event. RESOLVED that 1. A budget of £100,000 is identified for allocation across 2026-27 and 2027-28 financial years to support the direct costs to the Council of hosting the National Eisteddfod. 2. Powys County Council agrees to support the National Eisteddfod’s preferred site on the basis that the County Council will not be required to underwrite any shortfall in the fundraising target.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED 1. To submit a revised Outline Business Case (OBC) to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme for investment to construct a new building for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen. 2. To commence negotiations to purchase land adjoining the existing Ysgol Bro Hyddgen site to increase the size of the site.
Cabinet considered a report on the submission of a revised Outline Business Case (OBC) to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme for investment to construct a new building for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen. The report set out the case for constructing a new build all-age campus for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen on the existing secondary phase site for 546 learners, with community facilities and the costs involved. Cabinet noted the comments of the Section 151 Officer that in order to meet the Council’s funding contribution, there would be an additional financial pressure of up to £1.044 million per annum to the Council’s revenue budget for the next 35 years. Having weighed this against the need to address the poor condition of the current buildings and the maintenance backlog Cabinet RESOLVED 1. To submit a revised Outline Business Case (OBC) to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme for investment to construct a new building for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen. 2. To commence negotiations to purchase land adjoining the existing Ysgol Bro Hyddgen site to increase the size of the site.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to submit a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme for investment to develop the following: · Builth Wells: investment to create a Welsh-medium all-age school. · Ysgol Calon Cymru - Llandrindod campus: investment to accommodate all English-medium secondary-aged learners plus leisure facilities.
Cabinet considered submission of a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme for investment to develop a new Welsh-medium all-age school in Builth Wells and investment in the Ysgol Calon Cymru campus in Llandrindod to create an 11-18 English-medium secondary school. The report set out the case for proceeding and the estimated costs. Officers were asked to include a calculation of carbon emissions of demolition and building in future reports. Cabinet noted the comments of the Section 151 Officer that the cost of borrowing was estimated to be £1.63 million per year over an estimated 35 years, adding a significant commitment to the Council’s revenue budget and that the affordability of the Capital Programme was a growing concern Having weighed this up against the need to address the poor condition of the buildings and the maintenance backlog Cabinet RESOLVED to submit a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme for investment to develop the following: · Builth Wells: investment to create a Welsh-medium all-age school. · Ysgol Calon Cymru - Llandrindod campus: investment to accommodate all English-medium secondary-aged learners plus leisure facilities.
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