Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor. G. Davies.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 17 June 2024 be signed as a correct record.

The Chair advised that two questions on notice had been submitted.

"Carmarthenshire Council have announced that plans to build the much-needed special school in Llanelli have been dropped, due to financial pressures.

"This is hugely disappointing for the current pupils, parents, teaching staff and our community. It is the view of families in Carmarthenshire that there is insufficient ALN support currently; so with this Council pulling the rug after seven years of planning, what is the new plan for improving ALN education across Carmarthenshire?"

"Carmarthenshire Council have announced that plans to build the much-needed special school in Llanelli have been dropped, due to financial pressures. This is hugely disappointing for the current pupils, parents, teaching staff and our community. It is the view of families in Carmarthenshire that there is insufficient ALN support currently; so with this Council pulling the rug after seven years of planning, what is the new plan for improving ALN education across Carmarthenshire?"

Response by Councillor Darren Price, Leader of the Council:-

“As you will be aware, given the extraordinary inflationary costs associated with the original tender for Heol Goffa, the Council has had to review its position.

Following a positive meeting between the Council and Ysgol Heol Goffa’s Board of Governors on 9 July, a commitment has been made to work collaboratively to develop a plan to provide the very best facilities for ALN (Additional Learning Needs) pupils in Llanelli.

With the needs of Ysgol Heol Goffa pupils first and foremost in everyone’s minds, an external independent review of the current ALN specialist provision in Llanelli will commence during the next school term, autumn 2024. That review will take on board the views of learners, parents, staff, governors and wider stakeholders, and we look forward to receiving that report, which we expect to set out a range of options for the council to consider.

However, it is important to note that over the past 7 years, when the prospect of a new Heol Goffa was first discussed, the Local Authority has invested significantly in ALN. Indeed, specialist places have increased from 322 in 2017, to 465 in 2024.

As you are aware, the Local Authority was recently inspected by ESTYN, with a key question ‘How successful is the local authority in ensuring that pupils’ additional learning needs are identified at an early stage and that suitable provision is in place to meet those needs?

The findings from the very positive inspection confirmed the following, and I quote:

“At a strategic level, senior officers plan the specialist provision appropriately. For example, recently, the authority has invested significantly in additional provision to support learners with ALN following an increase in the number of pupils with autistic spectrum disorders. Over a twelve-month period, they have increased the number of places available in specialist locations across a number of sites.

The authority has productive working relationships with schools and other providers.

Officers have a sound understanding of the specific needs of the children and young people of Carmarthenshire who have additional learning needs (ALN). They organise a range of suitable provision for them. Officers are fully committed to the principles of the new legislation and are leading the process of transforming provision for ALN robustly. They have a clear vision that is based on exercises that place appropriate emphasis on the views of individuals. This ensures that provision gives suitable consideration to the aspirations and needs of pupils.

The authority provides a useful direct referral line through the authority’s website to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.1

“Could the Leader  provide an update on what progress this Council has made on delivering a new Ysgol Dewi Sant?”

“Could the Leader provide an update on what progress this Council has made on delivering a new Ysgol Dewi Sant?”

Response by Councillor Darren Price, Leader of the Council:-

“As you are aware, developing a new building for Ysgol Dewi Sant is a priority for this administration and work to realise this is ongoing.

We are currently working with partners at Welsh Government, NRW and other agencies to secure a site for the new school. Our officers have pursued a range of site options, evaluating each one along with the estimated cost.

I should note that this is at a time of a challenging capital budgets and escalating costs, however we are moving forward with the plans for developing the new school.

Once the preferred site is confirmed, we will charge officers to further develop the plans, and follow the Welsh Government’s process to access the Sustainable Communities for Learning funding, and undertake any statutory process required in relation to the scheme.

If matters proceed as planned, we hope to have a report to Cabinet before the end of the year outlining the options for the preferred site and proposed timeline.”

The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.

The Cabinet received for consideration the Council’s draft Digital Strategy 2024-27 which set out its strategic digital priorities and aspirations over the next 3 years to achieve the Authority’s vision for a ‘Digitally enabled Carmarthenshire’.

The strategy demonstrated the Authority’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public services, improving the wellbeing of residents, fostering a conducive environment for businesses and invigorating the local economy.

The strategy focused on 5 key priorities aligned to local and national well-being goals within the areas of:

·       Digital Services

·       People & Skills

·       Data & Decision Making

·       Technology & Innovation

·       Digital Communities & Economy

The Cabinet was advised that the strategy provided a digital foundation to meet current demands, and which facilitated a sustainable future. Progress of the Strategy would be reviewed and reported upon annually.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Digital Strategy 2024-2027 be approved.

The Cabinet considered a report which appended a draft strategy for Grassland Management for Pollinators 2024-29 on Carmarthenshire County Council’s estate.

The strategy set out the Council's recommended commitment to the adoption of pollinator-friendly land management practices on Council-managed land, as appropriate, and which was reflective of the action being carried out across Wales to address the decline in pollinators.

The strategy represented a change in approach in the delivery of operational services for grassland management to achieve the Cabinet’s vision statement objectives.  The Cabinet was appraised of the salient points within the strategy, which provided a clear direction for the management of grassland areas and a coordinated approach to engage land managers, owners and users.  Furthermore, the revised approach would enable the Authority to better evidence its duties under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the adoption of the Strategy for Grassland Management for Pollinators 2024-29 on Carmarthenshire County Council’s estate be endorsed.

The Cabinet considered a report, with updated supplementary documentation appended, which set out proposals to consult on the draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) for the Revised Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (LDP) 2018-2033 in respect of:

·       Plastering, Rendering and Insulating Traditional Buildings: Guidance for Sustainability

·       Carmarthenshire Shopfront Design Guide 2022

·       Conservation Areas: An Essential Guide to their Enhancement

The Cabinet was advised that the draft SPG documents provided additional clarity on specific thematic policy areas to support implementation and provided guidance and elaborated upon the policies and provisions of the emerging Revised Local Development Plan at the point of its adoption.  Each SPG for public consultation related to specific policy area within the Adopted and Revised LDP but with a focus on Built Heritage and Conservation.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL:

The Cabinet received a report on the Council’s Waste Strategy Blueprint Implementation Plan which set out the actions, considerations and decisions required to transition to the Welsh Government recycling blueprint collection methodology.

Further to minute 9 of the Cabinet meeting held on 30 January 2023, the Cabinet received an update on the progress made on the Council’s Waste Strategy for 2021-2025 and noted that the Authority had narrowly met its 70% recycling target for 2024/2025. Reference was made to the significant financial penalties that would be imposed should the Authority fail to meet the statutory recycling targets.  Furthermore, in considering the Authority’s moral obligations to reduce its carbon footprint, the Cabinet acknowledged the efforts made thus far to move towards a system based upon the principles of a circular economy.

Accordingly, to achieve the anticipated 80% target by 2030, address contamination issues and provide a cost-effective service, the Council was required to implement the second phase of its Waste Strategy which would introduce a new collection system to increase recycling rates, reduce waste, and align with Welsh Government objectives. 

Consideration was given to the rationale and a suite of options, all of which had been fully explored by members of the cabinet previously, in terms of service infrastructure and location, vehicle procurement and configuration, operational working patterns, and waste collection streams and frequency, as detailed within the Waste Strategy Blueprint Implementation Plan.  The Cabinet was advised that the proposals would be considered at the next meeting of the Place, Sustainability and Climate Change scrutiny committee scheduled for 31 July 2024.

Subject to relevant consultation processes, it was UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to agree:

The Cabinet considered a report which appended a draft Predictable Working Pattern policy and procedure which detailed the Council’s procedure for managing a statutory request from an employee or worker for a more predictable working pattern in line with the Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 as set out in the Employment Rights Act 1996 which comes into force to 1^st September 2024.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Predictable Working Pattern Policy and Procedure be adopted.

[NOTE:  Councillor H.A.L Evans, having earlier declared an interest in this item, left the meeting prior to the consideration and determination thereof.]

Further to the Cabinet meeting held on 13 May 2024 (minute 8 thereof refers), the Cabinet considered an application seeking financial assistance from the Ten Towns Programme.

The application submitted by Newcastle Emlyn Town Council on behalf of the Growth Plan team for the area sought funding to support the re-development of the former Courthouse in Newcastle Emlyn into a community hub. The application also included a provision for preliminary works required for the proposed Amphitheatre in Newcastle Emlyn which would form part of their Phase 2 project.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the application made by Newcastle Emlyn Town Council for funding of £55,340 from the Shared Prosperity Fund be approved.

The Cabinet considered applications seeking financial assistance from the Ten Towns Capital Development Fund.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that:

The Cabinet considered an application seeking financial assistance from the Ten Towns Programme Capital Fund.

The application submitted by Whitland Town Council on behalf of the Growth Plan team for the area sought funding to purchase and refurbish the Studio which is a vacant and disused building in the town centre. The intention of the plan was to support entrepreneurship within the Whitland area, provide business development and job creation opportunities and also offer office space for the Town Cerk. The Cabinet was advised that discussions were also ongoing with Network Rail in terms of securing 25 parking spaces near Whitland station.  Accordingly, the Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Community Cohesion and Planning Policy proposed that in support of the application, a further recommendation be added that improved parking should be assured in discussions with Network Rail.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that:

The Cabinet considered a request from Scarlets Regional Ltd to extend and restructure the outstanding loan with the authority.

The Cabinet was appraised of the terms of the loan as set out within the report. In considering the Council’s current position, the Cabinet was advised that the loan was due to mature on 31 March 2023, however Scarlets Regional Ltd had indicated that they were unable to repay the loan at that point in time in one lump sum.  In this regard, the significant the impact on the Club emanating from the coronavirus pandemic, both in terms of costs, which included high inflation and significant loss in income was noted within the report. 

The Cabinet Member for Resources provided an assurance to the Cabinet that the present interest-only loan had not resulted in any financial loss to the council taxpayers of Carmarthenshire; rather, taxpayers had been better off as the interest paid by the Scarlets had been favourable for the authority.  The actual annual repayments for 2022-23 and 2023-24 amounted to £152k and £188k respectively.

In view of the significant economic impact of the Club on the County area, its sustainability was considered to be essential.  It was reported that a recovery plan had been implemented and the Council had liaised with the Club to identify a suitable way forward, to enable the repayment of the loan and ensure the sustainability of the Club. 

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL that a restructure of the loan be approved on the following basis:

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 UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED, pursuant to the Act referred to in Minute Item 16 above, to consider this matter in private, with the public excluded from the meeting as disclosure would put the Authority at a material disadvantage in any subsequent negotiations with third parties and potentially harm the public purse.

The Cabinet considered a report which provided information in respect of the Pendine Outdoor Education Centre site.

In accordance with the proposals detailed within the report it was UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

Following the application of the public interest test it was UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED, pursuant to the Act referred to in Minute 16 above, to consider this matter in private, with the public excluded from the meeting as disclosure would be likely to place persons and businesses named in the report at an unfair disadvantage in relation to their commercial competitors.

The Cabinet’s attention was drawn to the recommendations as set out in the report. In this regard, Members were advised of a correction to the wording within the Welsh version of the report recommendations which should have reflected the English report recommendations.

The Cabinet considered a project application which sought assistance from the Shared Prosperity Fund – Property Development Fund, the aim of which was to provide financial assistance for developers towards the construction of industrial and commercial buildings in order to create capacity for employment in Carmarthenshire. 

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the project submitted to the Shared Prosperity Fund – Property Development Fund as detailed in the report be approved.

Following the application of the public interest test it was UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED, pursuant to the Act referred to in Minute Item 16 above, to consider this matter in private, with the public excluded from the meeting as disclosure would put the Authority at a material disadvantage in any subsequent negotiations with third parties and potentially harm the public purse.

Further to the Cabinet’s resolution at its meeting held on 30 October 2023 (minute 18 thereof refers) the Cabinet considered a report which provided detailed information on the development scheme for Plot 3 Trostre Retail Park.  The report sought Cabinet’s approval to move forward and revert to the original scheme content.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to proceed with the disposal of Plot 3, Trostre Retail Park, Llanelli, in accordance with the terms specified within the report.