Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

The Leader welcomed Councillor Carys Jones, to her first Cabinet Meeting as the Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Community Cohesion and Planning Policy.

There were no declarations of personal interests.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 29^th July 2024 be signed as a correct record.

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

"Given the widespread concerns among Carmarthenshire's waste collection workforce regarding the proposed shift to four-weekly black bin collections and the centralisation of waste operations at Nantycaws, including fears about earlier start times, increased travel distances, and the impact on local communities, can the Cabinet Member explain why these proposals are being pushed forward despite clear dissatisfaction from those who will be most affected?"

The Chair advised that Mr Davies was not present to ask his question and had requested that the question be asked on his behalf.

"Given the widespread concerns among Carmarthenshire's waste collection workforce regarding the proposed shift to four-weekly black bin collections and the centralisation of waste operations at Nantycaws, including fears about earlier start times, increased travel distances, and the impact on local communities, can the Cabinet Member explain why these proposals are being pushed forward despite clear dissatisfaction from those who will be most affected?”

Response by Councillor Edward Thomas – Cabinet Member For Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services:-

The Council is committed to making informed decisions that balance the needs of the community environmental sustainability and economic viability.  The Council has been working with the Welsh Government on this to develop the strategy and is committed to continue to collaborate to deliver these changes in a way that improves the service the public receives.  This increases recycled capture and delivers cost effectiveness for the long-term. We received your correspondence on this matter and a full response would be sent following this meeting.

The Leader took the opportunity to highlight that he had also received a letter from Mr Davies in his capacity as a Conservative party representative in Llanelli.  A joint response from the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services to respond to the points that had been raised within the letter.

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 2023-2024.

The Council adopted the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy and the five-year capital programme for 2023-24 on the 1^st March 2024.

The Annual report listed the activities that took place during the year.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL that the Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report for 2023-2024 be approved.

The Cabinet considered a report on the Council’s current financial outlook and updates on the current financial model covering the next financial year. 

The report also outlined the proposals for taking forward the budget preparation for the next year.

It was commented that this was concerning time for all at the Council and for local government across Wales.  Discussions taking place across the Country with Leaders and Cabinet Members indicates a significant concern in respect of the Local Governments ability to fund the gap.  It was raised that a momentous piece of work was to be carried out in the coming months, in terms of lobbying both UK Government and Welsh Government to ensure that wage and price increases are funded sufficiently over the next financial year and medium term.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that:-

7.1      the initial budget outlook for 2025/26 to 2027/28 be received;

7.2      the proposed approach to identifying the required savings be endorsed;

7.3      the proposed approach to the Budget Consultation be noted.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that Councillor Deryk Cundy be appointed to the Labour Group vacancy on the Rural Working Group Advisory Panel.

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