Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED 1. To approve the proposed actions, timeline and next steps set out in 6.5 to progress the review of leisure facilities and wider leisure offer and inform the re-tender of the leisure contract by 1st July 2030. 2. To approve Option C Interim decision (as set out in 6.25), until leisure review concluded, for the leisure capital programme to undertake necessary/essential statutory compliance / health & safety works in all leisure centres, therefore meeting the Councils (landlord) obligations within the leisure contract, plus prioritised capital improvement or replacement works across Powys leisure estate. 3. To note that there will be additional business cases to consider for other major refurbishment or replacement of leisure assets before the end of the current leisure contract, some aligned to the Schools Transformation programme. 4. To note the Director of Social Services and Wellbeing in consultation with the Cabinet Member to finalise and issue coordinated communications with Freedom Leisure throughout this process. 5. To approve completion of remaining ‘short-term’ Net Zero measures (which are the remainder of the works not yet completed) across the leisure estate i.e. 14 centres. Indicative remaining cost £500k–£650k. External grant funding has been applied for, but not yet confirmed, to note that a small contribution from Powys would be required as a condition of the grant. (Subject to confirmation). 6. To note the costs of £16.8m (over a ten-year period), based on 2023 prices, to bring the existing leisure estate into good repair, of which £6,699,880 is attributed to the five core hubs. Estimated costs to achieve operational net zero across the existing leisure portfolio is £58.3m, based on 2023 prices, with £29.4m of which attributed to the ‘five core hubs’. Therefore, total estimated investment of circa £84.3m would be required to bring all existing leisure centres to good repair and meet operational net zero, with £41.7m attributed to the ‘five core hubs’ (2023 prices - noting projected costs will be subject to inflationary pressures).
RESOLVED 1. To note the consultation findings and approve the proposed revisions to the GROW Powys Economic Strategy 2026–2040 2. To support the commissioning of a shorter, more accessible version of the strategy to support wider public and youth engagement.
RESOLVED to note the report and the work being undertaken.
RESOLVED to commence the statutory process to close Gladestry C. in W. School from 31 August 2027 with pupils to transfer to their closest alternative schools in Powys (their new catchment school).
RESOLVED 1. To receive the Consultation Report in respect of the proposal to change the language category of Sennybridge C.P. School. 2. The approve the publication of a statutory notice proposing the following: · To make a regulated alteration to change the medium of instruction at Sennybridge C.P. School to Welsh-medium. · This would be introduced on a phased basis, year-by-year, starting with Reception in September 2028.
RESOLVED to approve the publication of the Annual Corporate Self Assessment Report.
RESOLVED to approve the tariff of fares for hackney carriages as detailed at Appendix E for a fourteen-day public consultation. Following the statutory fourteen-day public consultation period, if no objections are received, the fare tariff shall come into effect immediately. If any objections are received, Cabinet will receive a further report to consider these and to approve the fare tariff with or without modification and to determine the date upon which the revised tariff should come into effect.
RESOLVED 1. To approve the amendment to Schedule 1, paragraph 16 of the Joint Committee Agreement. 2. To authorise the Director of Social Services to finalise and execute the variation.
RESOLVED that Cabinet notes the current Strategic Risk Register and is satisfied with progress against mitigating actions for quarter 4 and approves the escalation of EDR0014.
RESOLVED to exclude the public for the following items 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 that Cabinet notes the current Strategic Risk Register and is satisfied with progress against mitigating actions for quarter 4.
There were no apologies for absence.
The Leader was authorised to sign the minutes of the meetings held on 23rd and 30th June as correct records.
County Councillor S Davies declared a non-prejudicial interest in item 6 School Outturn Positions as a governor of a school named in the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED 1. To approve the proposed actions, timeline and next steps set out in 6.5 to progress the review of leisure facilities and wider leisure offer and inform the re-tender of the leisure contract by 1st July 2030. 2. To approve Option C Interim decision (as set out in 6.25), until leisure review concluded, for the leisure capital programme to undertake necessary/essential statutory compliance / health & safety works in all leisure centres, therefore meeting the Councils (landlord) obligations within the leisure contract, plus prioritised capital improvement or replacement works across Powys leisure estate. 3. To note that there will be additional business cases to consider for other major refurbishment or replacement of leisure assets before the end of the current leisure contract, some aligned to the Schools Transformation programme. 4. To note the Director of Social Services and Wellbeing in consultation with the Cabinet Member to finalise and issue coordinated communications with Freedom Leisure throughout this process. 5. To approve completion of remaining ‘short-term’ Net Zero measures (which are the remainder of the works not yet completed) across the leisure estate i.e. 14 centres. Indicative remaining cost £500k–£650k. External grant funding has been applied for, but not yet confirmed, to note that a small contribution from Powys would be required as a condition of the grant. (Subject to confirmation). 6. To note the costs of £16.8m (over a ten-year period), based on 2023 prices, to bring the existing leisure estate into good repair, of which £6,699,880 is attributed to the five core hubs. Estimated costs to achieve operational net zero across the existing leisure portfolio is £58.3m, based on 2023 prices, with £29.4m of which attributed to the ‘five core hubs’. Therefore, total estimated investment of circa £84.3m would be required to bring all existing leisure centres to good repair and meet operational net zero, with £41.7m attributed to the ‘five core hubs’ (2023 prices - noting projected costs will be subject to inflationary pressures).
Cabinet considered a report on leisure facilities in the county. The report set out the financial sustainability of Powys leisure facilities, outlined a revised review programme ahead of the leisure contract re-tender in 2030, set out capital investment requirements, and made recommendations on future investment and review arrangements. Cabinet also considered and accepted the recommendations of the Economy Residents and Communities Scrutiny Committee. County Councillor Angela Davies, the Chair of the Committee, welcomed the report and the positive way the Portfolio Holder and the service had engaged with the Committee. Cabinet noted that the proposals represented a very significant investment in leisure facilities in the county. RESOLVED 1. To approve the proposed actions, timeline and next steps set out in 6.5 to progress the review of leisure facilities and wider leisure offer and inform the re-tender of the leisure contract by 1st July 2030. 2. To approve Option C Interim decision (as set out in 6.25), until leisure review concluded, for the leisure capital programme to undertake necessary/essential statutory compliance / health & safety works in all leisure centres, therefore meeting the Councils (landlord) obligations within the leisure contract, plus prioritised capital improvement or replacement works across Powys leisure estate. 3. To note that there will be additional business cases to consider for other major refurbishment or replacement of leisure assets before the end of the current leisure contract, some aligned to the Schools Transformation programme. 4. To note the Director of Social Services and Wellbeing in consultation with the Cabinet Member to finalise and issue coordinated communications with Freedom Leisure throughout this process. 5. To approve completion of remaining ‘short-term’ Net Zero measures (which are the remainder of the works not yet completed) across the leisure estate i.e. 14 centres. Indicative remaining cost £500k–£650k. External grant funding has been applied for, but not yet confirmed, to note that a small contribution from Powys would be required as a condition of the grant. (Subject to confirmation). 6. To note the costs of £16.8m (over a ten-year period), based on 2023 prices, to bring the existing leisure estate into good repair, of which £6,699,880 is attributed to the five core hubs. Estimated costs to achieve operational net zero across the existing leisure portfolio is £58.3m, based on 2023 prices, with £29.4m of which attributed to the ‘five core hubs’. Therefore, total estimated investment of circa £84.3m would be required to bring all existing leisure centres to good repair and meet operational net zero, with £41.7m attributed to the ‘five core hubs’ (2023 prices - noting projected costs will be subject to inflationary pressures).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED 1. To note the consultation findings and approve the proposed revisions to the GROW Powys Economic Strategy 2026–2040 2. To support the commissioning of a shorter, more accessible version of the strategy to support wider public and youth engagement.
Cabinet considered a revised version of the Council’s draft GROW Powys Economic Strategy 2026–2040. The revisions had been made following a consultation process. The Economy and Climate team had held drop-in events providing residents and stakeholders with the opportunity to talk directly to officers at locations across Powys. The consultation demonstrated broad support for the overall direction of the strategy, particularly its focus on productivity, skills, innovation, low-carbon transition and retaining young people, but also highlighted a need for clearer sector framing, stronger reference to enabling conditions, clearer timescales, and more accessible supporting materials for different audiences. The strategy would be launched at the Royal Welsh Show and would include an additional action on the early adoption of technology in the farming sector to drive farm productivity, energy efficiency and cleaner technologies. Cabinet also received the recommendations of the Economy Residents and Communities Scrutiny Committee which had been accepted in full. County Councillor Angela Davies, the Chair of the Committee, welcomed the report and thanked the Portfolio Holder and the service for the way they had worked with the Committee to help shape the strategy. Members of the Cabinet welcomed the ambition of the strategy and the way in which it sought to base economic development in communities. They expressed the hope that it would act as a driver for growth in communities and a means of encouraging young people to stay in Powys. RESOLVED 1. To note the consultation findings and approve the proposed revisions to the GROW Powys Economic Strategy 2026–2040 2. To support the commissioning of a shorter, more accessible version of the strategy to support wider public and youth engagement.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to note the report and the work being undertaken.
Cabinet considered a report on school budget outturn positions as at 31 March 2026 and school budget plans for 2026/27. The overall position on schools’ carried forward reserves was a deficit of £3.121 million, which was an increased in-year drawn down of reserves of £2.034 million against the original £1.613 million planned at the beginning of the year. This was mainly in the Primary sector where some schools had reduced surplus balances, and some schools had fallen into deficit at year end which they had not forecast. There were a growing number of schools in deficit. 32 schools ended 2025/26 with deficit balances totalling £7.7m, up from 23 schools the previous year. 50 schools remained in surplus, holding a combined surplus of £4.5m, down from £5.8m in 2024/25. Historic deficits had more than doubled since 2020, rising from £3.7m to £7.6m. Cabinet noted the actions being taken with schools to tackle deficits. Cabinet noted the underlying trend of a declining number of pupils and the impact that this has on school finances. RESOLVED to note the report and the work being undertaken.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to commence the statutory process to close Gladestry C. in W. School from 31 August 2027 with pupils to transfer to their closest alternative schools in Powys (their new catchment school).
Cabinet considered a proposal to commence the statutory process to close Gladestry C. in W. School from 31 August 2027 with pupils to transfer to their closest alternative schools in Powys. There were currently 31 pupils at the school and the report noted that numbers were expected to fall further. County Councillor Ed Jones, spoke as the local member and he pointed to the excellent record of the school and the role it played at the heart of the community. He noted that a large proportion of the savings would be taken up in transport costs and that pupils would opt to attend English schools. He argued that there wasn’t a strong well evidenced case for the closure of the school and, therefore, it did not meet the requirements of the Welsh Government’s School Organisation Code which had a presumption against the closure of rural schools. County Councillor Beverley Baynham, spoke as a member in the catchment. She said that she had been calling for a full review of the catchment for years, arguing that there had been no investment just school closures in East Radnorshire, unlike other catchments in the county. County Councillor Gareth E Jones, part of whose ward was in the catchment referred to the excellent Estyn reports the school had received. Cabinet asked about the pupil numbers which were projected to fall to 19 and the cost per pupil. Having considered the report and the comments of local members, Cabinet RESOLVED to commence the statutory process to close Gladestry C. in W. School from 31 August 2027 with pupils to transfer to their closest alternative schools in Powys (their new catchment school).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED 1. To receive the Consultation Report in respect of the proposal to change the language category of Sennybridge C.P. School. 2. The approve the publication of a statutory notice proposing the following: · To make a regulated alteration to change the medium of instruction at Sennybridge C.P. School to Welsh-medium. · This would be introduced on a phased basis, year-by-year, starting with Reception in September 2028.
Cabinet considered responses received to the consultation on changing the medium of instruction at Sennybridge C.P. School to Welsh-medium. The report outlined concerns raised during the consultation period along with the Council’s response, including concerns about the impact on pupil numbers and the timeline for implementation. The report noted that experience from other areas where the Council had previously carried out proposals to move schools along the language continuum had shown that whilst there had been some initial impact on pupil numbers, in the longer term these had stabilized and increased, suggesting that pupils that would previously have chosen English-medium education were now accessing Welsh-medium education at these schools. To address the concerns raised about the proposed implementation timeline, and the impact on the school of preparing to implement this change whilst the construction of the new building was ongoing it was recommended that the proposed date when the transition from dual stream to Welsh-medium would start, be changed from September 2027 to September 2028. It was confirmed that the new school would open in October 2027. RESOLVED 1. To receive the Consultation Report in respect of the proposal to change the language category of Sennybridge C.P. School. 2. The approve the publication of a statutory notice proposing the following: · To make a regulated alteration to change the medium of instruction at Sennybridge C.P. School to Welsh-medium. · This would be introduced on a phased basis, year-by-year, starting with Reception in September 2028.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the publication of the Annual Corporate Self Assessment Report.
Cabinet considered the Annual Corporate Self Assessment report. The report incorporated the annual monitoring of the Council’s performance against the well-being objectives of the Corporate and Strategic Equality Plan and acted as the annual monitoring report for strategic equalities. The report showed strong progress towards the Council’s corporate objectives whilst managing increasing demand for services and ongoing financial pressures. RESOLVED to approve the publication of the Annual Corporate Self Assessment Report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the tariff of fares for hackney carriages as detailed at Appendix E for a fourteen-day public consultation. Following the statutory fourteen-day public consultation period, if no objections are received, the fare tariff shall come into effect immediately. If any objections are received, Cabinet will receive a further report to consider these and to approve the fare tariff with or without modification and to determine the date upon which the revised tariff should come into effect.
Cabinet was asked to consider giving approval for a consultation on proposed increase in hackney carriage fare tariffs. RESOLVED to approve the tariff of fares for hackney carriages as detailed at Appendix E for a fourteen-day public consultation. Following the statutory fourteen-day public consultation period, if no objections are received, the fare tariff shall come into effect immediately. If any objections are received, Cabinet will receive a further report to consider these and to approve the fare tariff with or without modification and to determine the date upon which the revised tariff should come into effect.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED 1. To approve the amendment to Schedule 1, paragraph 16 of the Joint Committee Agreement. 2. To authorise the Director of Social Services to finalise and execute the variation.
Cabinet considered a proposed change to the Deed of Variation to the governance arrangements for the National Adoption Service. Each Welsh Local Authority was required to approve the change. RESOLVED 1. To approve the amendment to Schedule 1, paragraph 16 of the Joint Committee Agreement. 2. To authorise the Director of Social Services to finalise and execute the variation.
Cabinet received the Corporate Safeguarding Board activity report.
Cabinet noted the delegated decisions taken by Portfolio Holders since the last meeting.
Cabinet noted the forward work programme. The Leader advised that the Corporate Asset Strategy was scheduled for 24 November and that the report on Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng would have to be rescheduled from 31 July.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Cabinet notes the current Strategic Risk Register and is satisfied with progress against mitigating actions for quarter 4 and approves the escalation of EDR0014.
Cabinet received the Strategic Risk Register report for Quarter 4. The report proposed the addition of an additional to the strategic risk register: EDR0014: IF the Council and the Government do not continue to invest in levers and interventions to grow the Powys economy and change future Powys demographics, THEN the existing demographic imbalance will continue to worsen, with a declining working‑age population and increasing demand from an ageing population, reducing workforce availability across all sectors and organisational capacity (risk event), RESULTING in a declining regional economy and creating an unsustainable dependency on Council services. RESOLVED that Cabinet notes the current Strategic Risk Register and is satisfied with progress against mitigating actions for quarter 4 and approves the escalation of EDR0014.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to exclude the public for the following items 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 items 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 that Cabinet notes the current Strategic Risk Register and is satisfied with progress against mitigating actions for quarter 4.
Cabinet considered the confidential report on the Strategic Risk Register. RESOLVED that Cabinet notes the current Strategic Risk Register and is satisfied with progress against mitigating actions for quarter 4.
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.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.