Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of personal interests.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 17^th July 2023 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.

As part of the requirements of the revised CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management, the Cabinet considered the Council's Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report for the 2022-23.

The Council adopted the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy and the five year capital programme for 2022-23 on the 2^ND March 2022.  The Annual report listed the activities that took place in 2022-23.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL that the Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report for 2022-23 be adopted.

The Cabinet considered a report on the Council’s Revenue Budget Outlook subsequent to the Council in March 2023 where its Medium-Term Financial Plan had been agreed based on estimates and known commitments at that time and formulated in the context of the Welsh Government financial settlement for 2023/24, including an indicative settlement for year 2 of the plan and estimates for other key inputs.  At the time of the budget setting the risk of inflation had been noted, and in particular its impact on nationally agreed pay settlements, as well as the uplift in commissioned care costs, linked to increases in the foundation living wage. However, additional changes to the external environment which would have a significant bearing on the budget going forward most notably included:

·       The headline rate of inflation is now clearly falling, though forward forecasts still remain highly uncertain;

·       An unresolved position regarding the April 2023 NJC pay offer (details below), with the Employers offer already estimated at £3m above current budgeted figures;

·       A risk of further dispute regarding the Teachers September 2023 offer (revised to 5% at the time of writing – details below);

·       Reduced energy prices not only reducing our corporate costs, but they have also materially reduced the cost of the UK Government price cap mechanism, thus improving public finances.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

Cabinet considered a report providing an update on the latest position in relation to the Development Fund and seeking approval of a recent application in the sum of £175,000 to fund the electrification of additional pitches at Pembrey Country Park which would generate increased income. It was proposed that the repayment for the above scheme be over four years.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

8.1 that approval is given in the sum of £175,000 for the electrification of additional pitches at Pembrey Country Park Campsite, generating increased income;

8.2 that the repayment for the above scheme be over four years;

8.3 that the repayments commence in 2024/25.

[Note: Councillors A. Davies, H. Evans, L.D. Evans and P. Hughes having earlier declared personal interests in this item left the meeting during the consideration and voting thereof.]

Cabinet considered a report setting out a proposed way forward in relation to second homes and short-term holiday lets and the development of a planning policy approach.  and will highlight the primary considerations and the potential mechanisms to control of the unrestricted change of use between the new use classes. In framing the way forward, the report sets out a series of steps as part of a staged approach to considering and implementing a new policy approach for second homes and short-term holiday lets within Carmarthenshire.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

9.1 to note the contents of this report and support the following actions;

9.2 to adopt the identified staged approach in developing a policy led  response;

9.3 to endorse the further development of the evidence base as outlined in the report.

Further to minute 14 of Cabinet held on the 20^th February 2023 consideration was given to a report seeking approval on two current matters relating to the Council’s Rural Estate portfolio namely the planting of trees and woodland creation on Council land and the establishment of a Food Systems Development Project at Bremenda Isaf Farm, Llanarthney. The former would help meet the Council’s carbon sequestration aims in relation to its Net Zero Carbon commitment and Nature Emergency aims whilst the latter would meet the Council’s aims of local food production, supporting rural initiatives and enabling diversification on its Farm Estate for the purposes of ensuring future sustainability.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

10.1 to proceed with the planting of trees and woodland creation on Council land;

10.2 to proceed with the Food Systems Development Project at Bremenda Isaf Farm, Llanarthney.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to note that the Plaid Cymru Group has nominated Councillor Meinir James to replace Councillor Hazel Evans on the Llesiant Delta Wellbeing Governance Group.

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 item as the report contained exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

[Note: The Chief Executive, Wendy S. Walters, having earlier declared a personal interest in this item left the meeting during the consideration and voting thereof.]

Following the application of the public interest test it was RESOLVED, pursuant to the Act referred to in minute no. 13 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 adversely impact upon public finances by undermining the council’s negotiating position in this and other similar transactions.

The Cabinet considered a report seeking a decision to amend contractual provisions in line with UK and Welsh Government Guidance for construction related works. The report detailed the financial implications, risks and legal implications for the various options available.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to adopt Option 2 as outlined in the report.