Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors G. Davies, K. Davies, D. Harries, C.J. Harries, and B. Thomas.

·         The Chair thanked Councillors for attending the final part of the last meeting where the freedom of the County had been conferred on D.T. Davies Dryslwyn;

·         The Chair extended condolences to

Ø Councillor Andrew James and his wife Sian and the family on the death of Sian’s mother;

Ø Councillors Fozia Akhtar and Shahana Najmi on the death of their father;

Ø Councillor Alun Lenny and his wife Ann and the family on the death of Ann’s  mother;

Ø Councillor Jim Jones and his brother Graham, on the death of their sister;

·         The Chair congratulated

Ø  Councillor Karen Davies on being elected as Councillor to represent the Saron Ward;

Ø  the County’s Youth Jazz Orchestra and Côr Merched Sir Gâr who had performed in the national finals of the National Festival of Music for Youth competition in July, in Birmingham; 

Ø  The County Wind Band who had performed at the national finals;

Ø  Councillor John James who had been appointed PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London) Assistant Chair (Wales) in July;

Ø  Hefin and  Gwennan Evans, Pwllagddu, Llanwrda, who had recently become World Champions at the Powerlifting World Championships held in August in Manchester;

Ø  The following winners of the recent Carmarthenshire Radio Local Hero Awards:  

Good Neighbour Award – Linda Owen;

Teacher of the Year – Karen Armstrong;

Community Champion – Louise Robinson;

Child of Courage – Cameron Fulham;

Carer of the Year – Yvonne Jones;

Mum of the Year – Pat Thomas;

Dad of the Year – Steve Walker;

Community Business of the Year – iSmooth Community Café;

Outstanding Bravery – Lacey-Maria Rees;

Fundraiser of the Year – Ray Slade;

Sports Star of the Year – Ollie Griffith-Salter;

Outstanding Achievement – D.T. Davies;

Ø  Geraint Thomas on winning the Tour de France;

Ø  Carmarthen Schools Football Team U12’s on it’s success at the North West Junior Champion League 2018;

·                The Chair announced that Cllr John James, Burry Port, was raising money to fund Macmillan Nurses who gave much needed support to cancer patients and their families. Cllr James would be participating in ‘Brave the Shave’ by shaving off his beard at Burry Port Rugby Club at 9pm on Saturday, 29^th September;

·                The Chair provided an update on the activities and events where  he had represented the Council, these included:

Ø  Agricultural Shows – Llangadog, Llanarthne, Llandyfaelog – the Chair also congratulated Councillor Gareth Thomas on his successes at the Royal Welsh Show;

Ø  Kidwelly Industrial Museum;

Ø  Cycling – Pembrey Closed Circuit Track;

Ø  Tour of Britain – the Chair thanked all those involved with this magnificent venture; 

·                The Council’s attention was drawn to the success of the Toy Box Appeal in previous years which had provided help to families who were facing difficult financial times particularly during the Christmas period.  Similar to previous years, Members of Council were requested to make a donation and contribute to the Appeal.  Members of Council were requested to make a donation at any  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 11th July 2018 be signed as a correct record subject, within minute 3 – Chair’s announcements, to it being noted that Mrs Pat Thomas and Mrs Beryl Owens had each already received a Jo Cox Cymru Community Champion Award.

Council received a presentation, including video footage, on feedback following the recent Tour of Britain cycle race which had departed from Pembrey Country Park. It was estimated that the promotion and coverage of the event, which would help attract more visitors to the County, had probably equated to about £100k if the Authority had paid for the same on advertising. In terms of the economic benefit of the event it was estimated that additional income for businesses in the county had been in the region of £800k over the weekend of the event. Particular tribute was paid to staff in the highways and sports divisions for their work leading up to and on the day of the event. The Chief Executive presented the Chairman with a framed Tour of Britain shirt which had been designed by Zakia Bella Johnson, a pupil at Ysgol Saron, the winner of a school competition associated with the event. Each of the welsh cyclists participating in the event had also been presented with the shirt.

The Chair advised that no public questions had been received. 

“Could I ask what action this Authority is taking to address homelessness in Carmarthenshire, including any action bringing empty homes back into use?”

“Could I ask what action this Authority is taking to address homelessness in Carmarthenshire, including any action bringing empty homes back into use?”

Response by Councillor Linda Evans, Executive Board Member for Housing:-

“Can I first of all thank Councillor McPherson for this important question?  As Members you have received an invitation to join the Officers from the Housing department and myself this afternoon in a seminar in order to have a discussion on developing a new homelessness plan.  I hope that you will all be there.

Next week on the Community Scrutiny Committee agenda there is an opportunity for Members to discuss in detail what we are doing in order to deal with empty properties.  So this morning with your permission Chair, I would like to give a general overview to you in response to the question.

First of all our approach to homelessness is simple. Preventing it from happening in the first place. This is about ensuring we transfer the help and advice which is relevant to all.  That we have options and suitable steps to offer and we have to remember of course that everyone’s situation is different.  When someone is homeless we have to offer them the best accommodation possible and a service which will be of support and of benefit to them.  I think we can all accept that being in a situation such as this is possibly one of the most difficult things anybody can face.

To explain in more practical terms during 2017/18, 1700 householders contacted us in the Housing department asking for help and support with their situation.  Over 90% of them we either helped them to stay where they were or move to a more suitable location.  It is possible to do this because we have put a lot of effort into restructuring our support, providing options and preventing homelessness.  This means that our staff can intervene and support as soon as possible in order to prevent these situations from escalating.  We have one point of contact for the homeless which offers specialist support and help and this is by working very closely with our essential partners such as Shelter and The Wallich and these partners have officers who work alongside us in the Housing department in our offices in Llanelli.  The aim of this is to ensure the right information and support is shared as soon as possible with the relevant Partners.  Can I take this opportunity to thank them for their cooperation and contribution.  We will of course be discussing this further this afternoon. 

During the last two years we have focussed on increasing our affordable housing stock with over 500 extra affordable housing.  In just about under two years we are already over half way towards our target of 1000 extra houses.  We are succeeding because we know how important it is to do everything we can to give people the opportunity to get an affordable home.  Because we are completely aware that we do need more affordable  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.1

“The Director of Education and Children’s Services informed me at the end of July that following discussions between the Governing Bodies of both Tremoilet and Llanmiloe Schools, informal arrangements were being put in place to bring the pupils onto one site at Llanmiloe as from the start of this term.

According to the Modernisation Education Programme, the Authority’s plan for the area is to have one school for Laugharn.

When will the Executive Board Member for Education and Children give a full explanation to local parents of the plans for the area, so that no more children are transferred by their parents to other schools?”

It was noted that as both Councillor Bill Thomas and Councillor Glynog Davies were absent from the meeting Councillor Thomas would be provided with a written response to his question by Councillor Davies.

“Tourism was worth £434m to Carmarthenshire’s economy in 2017 according to a study put together for the county council, a rise of 7.8% on the previous year.

The research found total visitor days hit 6.39 million, up 7.2% on 2016.  Tourism in 2017 supported 6,343 full time equivalent jobs in the county, a rise of 5.3% on 2016.  Over the last ten years, the value of tourism to the county has increased by £150million.

Could the Executive Board Member for culture, sport and tourism tell me how these impressive figures have been achieved and what are his expectations for 2018?”

“Tourism was worth £434m to Carmarthenshire’s economy in 2017 according to a study put together for the county council, a rise of 7.8% on the previous year. The research found total visitor days hit 6.39 million, up 7.2% on 2016. Tourism in 2017 supported 6,343 full time equivalent jobs in the county, a rise of 5.3% on 2016. Over the last ten years, the value of tourism to the county has increased by £150million. Could the Executive Board Member for culture, sport and tourism tell me how these impressive figures have been achieved and what are his expectations for 2018?”

Response by Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths, Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport & Tourism:-

“The question itself shows the success in this specific area and the increase which has taken place especially with the figures in the last year and I think we can take all morning really to outline the reason for this considerable success. Can I state first of all that we are so happy with the success, because I’m sitting next to Cllr. David Jenkins [Executive Board Member-Resources] here, as far as the economic boost that is of big praise because it can be seen in the figures in the question. So we are thinking about Carmarthenshire to start off with and the locations, we have a county which is very beautiful, a naturally beautiful county, and includes experiences from being on the seaside or going up to the Beacons. And then we also have towns and villages of all size across the county so we have an excellent potential in our specific locations in Carmarthenshire. And then associated with that, in those areas, we have very vibrant culture as we’ve heard this morning and a very welsh element to it and the language which the visitors are thrilled by. During the last 10 years we have developed locations and accommodation for people which attracts them. We have events that attract them across the county, we have a variety of locations for people to eat, we have, if you want a picnic or if you want a five-course meal, have everything here. That is the development that has taken place and that can be seen clearly now for those people who are willing to spend. But what about the people? And I have to say there are very talented people in this area and that has developed as well during the last few years. People have adapted for tourism because if I can say especially in the countryside and around the agricultural sector to offer accommodation and services. This aspect has without doubt contributed economically and these entrepreneurs that we have across the county especially in the rural areas. And then we have the promotional element that we are promoting Carmarthenshire. We have without doubt caught up with other counties on this such as Pembrokeshire for example. We have concentrated on marketing Carmarthenshire and you can see, we have seen today, the type of things that pay dividends  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.3

“This Council adds its support to the Lucy’s Law National Campaign to ban and outlaw third party puppy farming. This Council will add its name to the growing list of supporting organisations and will proactively highlight the campaign to our residents across the County. This Council requests that the Leader of the Council writes to the Welsh and UK Governments, supporting the call for urgent action on this matter.”

Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Tina Higgins:-

“This Council adds its support to the Lucy’s Law National Campaign to ban and outlaw third party puppy farming. This Council will add its name to the growing list of supporting organisations and will proactively highlight the campaign to our residents across the County. This Council requests that the Leader of the Council writes to the Welsh and UK Governments, supporting the call for urgent action on this matter.”

The Motion was duly seconded.

The proposer and seconder of the Motion were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and proceeded to outline the reasons for its submission, as set out in the Motion.

A number of statements were made in support of the Motion.

Following a vote, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Notice of Motion be supported.

“I wish to propose that Carmarthenshire County Council commits to being formally recognised as a Kind County. As part of the Social Care and Health agenda, in conjunction with the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, there has never been a more significant time to promote greater resilience and kindness within our communities. 

It is generally recognised that acts of kindness are beneficial for its recipients and providers. The impetus to promote kindness connectors within our communities is particularly relevant to address isolation and loneliness, which are accepted as being contributory to poor health and well being outcomes.

The Carmarthenshire is Kind initiative is creating and strengthening community connections. This can be further enhanced through developing Kind awareness sessions and promoting Carmarthenshire Kind Champions. 

The introduction of social prescribers attached to GP surgeries is an example of addressing needs. Similarly, the Jo Cox Foundation is funding a post in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire to curtail loneliness and isolation through acts of kindness in the community. Inter generational projects can build positive bridges between the older and young members of our communities.

I would respectfully ask the Council to support this motion.”

Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Emlyn Schiavone:-

“I wish to propose that Carmarthenshire County Council commits to being formally recognised as a Kind County. As part of the Social Care and Health agenda, in conjunction with the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, there has never been a more significant time to promote greater resilience and kindness within our communities. It is generally recognised that acts of kindness are beneficial for its recipients and providers. The impetus to promote kindness connectors within our communities is particularly relevant to address isolation and loneliness, which are accepted as being contributory to poor health and well being outcomes.

The Carmarthenshire is Kind initiative is creating and strengthening community connections. This can be further enhanced through developing Kind awareness sessions and promoting Carmarthenshire Kind Champions.

The introduction of social prescribers attached to GP surgeries is an example of addressing needs. Similarly, the Jo Cox Foundation is funding a post in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire to curtail loneliness and isolation through acts of kindness in the community. Inter generational projects can build positive bridges between the older and young members

of our communities.

I would respectfully ask the Council to support this motion.”

The Motion was duly seconded.

The proposer and seconder of the Motion were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and proceeded to outline the reasons for its submission, as set out in the Motion.

A number of statements were made in support of the Motion.

Following a vote, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Notice of Motion be supported.

“That this Council adopts a policy introducing signage at all roadside areas recognised for conservation by this Local Authority and wherever possible notice boards giving information of all the benefits to the area being dedicated to conservation. Also, that Town and Community Councils be approached and encouraged to do the same.”

Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor John James:-

“That this Council adopts a policy introducing signage at all roadside areas recognised for conservation by this Local Authority and wherever possible notice boards giving information of all the benefits to the area being dedicated to conservation. Also, that Town and Community Councils be approached and encouraged to do the same.”

The Motion was duly seconded.

The proposer and seconder of the Motion were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and proceeded to outline the reasons for its submission, as set out in the Motion.

A number of statements were made, particularly in respect of the financial implications, following which Councillor James, with the support of his seconder, agreed to withdraw the Motion and refer the issue to the Environmental & Public Protection Scrutiny Committee’s current Task and Finish Group on the review of the maintenance provision of highway hedgerows and verges. The Group’s recommendations would subsequently be considered by the Executive Board.

Council was informed that the Executive Board, at its meeting held on the 2^nd July, 2018 (Minute 7 refers), had considered a report on proposals for the introduction of a Local Development Order for Llanelli Town Centre.  If adopted the Order would allow for a range of uses within a defined spatial area in the town centre to proceed without the need for planning consent.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Executive Board be accepted:

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report of the above meeting be received.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report of the above meeting be received.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report of the above meeting be received.

Council was informed that the Democratic Services Committee, at its meeting held on the 11^th June, 2018 (Minute 7 thereof refers), had considered the issue of moving towards a paperless system of Communication with all Councillors in accordance with the Notice of Motion adopted by Council on the 14^th January 2015. The Committee had subsequently

“RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO Council that the Authority move towards a paperless system of communication with all Councillors with effect from 1st January 2019 and that an appropriate training programme be arranged prior to this date.”

The Chair of the Democratic Services Committee advised Council that following its meeting in June numerous concerns had been raised by members about the short timeframe proposed and issues that still needed to be addressed such as poor broadband coverage in parts of the county and the need for further training for some members. Some of these concerns were reiterated by Members and she therefore moved, and was seconded, that the effective date for paperless working in the aforementioned recommendation be amended to 2^nd September 2019.

RESOLVED that the Authority move towards a paperless system of communication with all Councillors with effect from 2^nd September 2019 to allow any concerns to be addressed and that an appropriate training programme be arranged prior to this date.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the following members be appointed to serve on the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Scrutiny Committee:

Labour Group – Councillor Rob James

Plaid Cymru Group – Councillor Darren Price

Independent Group – Councillor Giles Morgan

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4 (2) the following nomination has been delivered to the Chief Executive :-

Councillor  Aled Vaughan-Owen  - Plaid Cymru Group

No other nominations have been received.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED, following a mid-term vacancy and in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4 (2), that Councillor Aled Vaughan-Owen be appointed vice-chair of the Environment & Public Protection Scrutiny Committee.

In accordance with Corporate Procedure Rule CPR 2(2)(n) and following the receipt of nominations from the relevant political groups it was:

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

14.1  to note that Councillor Karen Davies would fill the Plaid Cymru Group’s vacancy on the Environmental & Public Protection Scrutiny Committee;

14.2 to note that Councillor Karen Davies would fill the Plaid Cymru Group’s vacancy on the Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee;

14.3 to note that Councillor Susan Phillips would fill the Plaid Cymru Group’s vacancy on the Licensing Committee;

14.4 to note that Councillor John Prosser would replace Councillor Suzy Curry as one of the Labour Group’s representatives on the Planning Committee;

14.5 to note that Councillor Andre McPherson would replace Councillor John Prosser as one of the Labour Group’s representatives on the Licensing Committee.