Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 14^th November, 2022 be signed as a correct record.

The Chair advised that no questions on notice had been submitted by members.

The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.

[NOTE: Councillor A. Lenny, having earlier declared their interest in this item, left the meeting during its deliberation and voting thereof].

The Cabinet considered a report on the Council’s proposals to adopt a Local Innovation Strategy to support the recovery and restructuring of Carmarthenshire’s economy through innovation opportunities within the areas of Digital Innovation, Health, Foundational Economy and the Circular Economy. 

The strategy detailed the innovation prospects for Carmarthenshire within the context of the multi-level policy landscape, together with the local and regional framework for innovation.

Reference was made to the figures presented on pages 37 and 39 of the report pertaining to the agriculture sector which were subject to change as a result of the progress made since publication of the report in relation to the post-Brexit sustainable farming scheme.

The transition towards a circular economy business model approach as a means of improving resource efficiency, collaboration and competitiveness was emphasised to members. 

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that

The Cabinet considered an update report on the treasury management activities and the prudential indicators for the period 1st April 2022 to 30^th September 2022.

The Cabinet Member for Resources reported that the Interest Rate Exposure indicator had been increased from 125.00% to 150.00% to accommodate the Authority’s continued increased level of investment balances.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Update Report for 1st April 2022 to 30th September 2022, including changes to the limits for Interest Rate Exposure, be approved.

Consideration was given to a report which sought the Cabinet’s approval to enable the Sustainable Drainage Approval Body (SAB) to charge fees, under section 93 of the Local Government Act 2003, for pre-application advice and guidance associated with the SAB application process. 

It was recognised that the introduction of a charging scheme would ensure that the SAB was economically robust and resilient to manage compliance with the statutory duty going forward.

Consideration was given to Regulation 2A, Schedule 4 of the Town and County Planning Regulations 2016, appended to the report, which set out the charges that would be applied by the SAB.  The Cabinet noted that implementation of the proposed charging scheme would provide a fair and transparent approach, which was consistent with many other Welsh Local Authorities.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

The Cabinet was advised that the Cross Hands Economic Link Road had recently been completed which provided a more direct link between the A48 Trunk Road at Cross Hands and the A476 to the north of Gorslas.

The Cabinet noted the benefits that would be derived in terms of relieving congestion pressure points, as well as facilitating access to existing and future development sites. Accordingly, the Cabinet’s approval was sought to designate the new Economic Link Road as part of the A476 and to reclassify a section of the existing A476 through Gorslas as a ‘B’ class road. This reclassification will enable the route north from the A48 along the A476 to Llandeilo to be signed from the grade separated junction to the east of Cross Hands rather than through the existing roundabout.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the reclassification of the A476 be approved.

The Chair advised that there were no items of urgent business.

THE REPORTS RELATING TO THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NOT FOR PUBLICATION AS THEY CONTAIN EXEMPT INFORMATION AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH 14 OF PART 4 OF SCHEDULE 12A TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972 AS AMENDED BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACCESS TO INFORMATION) (VARIATION) (WALES) ORDER 2007. IF, FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST TEST, THE CABINET  RESOLVES PURSUANT TO THE ACT TO CONSIDER THESE ITEMS IN PRIVATE, THE PUBLIC WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM THE MEETING DURING SUCH CONSIDERATION.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED, pursuant to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007, that the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items as the reports contained exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

Following the application of the public interest test it was RESOLVED pursuant to the Act referred to in minute no. 11 above not to publicise the content of the report as it contained exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) (Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act).  The public interest test in respect of this report outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information contained therein as disclosure would significantly undermine the commercial interests of the Council in future negotiations and risk a reduction in the capital receipts realised.

The Cabinet considered a report which provided an update and detailed proposals in respect of the Council’s capital receipts.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED: