Agenda and minutes

Venue: Virtual Meeting. View directions

Contact: Martin S. Davies  01267 224059

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D.M. Cundy, P. M. Edwards, E.M.J.G. Schiavone, A.L. Fox and T.J. Jones.

2.

DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTERESTS

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor

Minute Number

Nature of Interest

S.J.G. Gilasbey

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Ysgol Gwenllian and Ysgol Y Castell and family member works as a teacher in a local school which is the subject of the consultation referred to;

D. Nicholas

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Llandybie School;

 

K. Lloyd

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

Additional Community Representative Governor at Model School;

 

B. Thomas

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Ysgol y Felin and the federated schools of Bryngwyn and Glanymor;

D. Price

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

Family friend works as a teacher in a local school which is the subject of the consultation referred to;

W.R.A. Davies

 

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Llandybie School;

 

A.D.T. Speake

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Model School;

 

D. Thomas

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Penygroes and Blaenau Schools;

 

A.G. Morgan

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Swiss Valley School and the federated schools of Bryngwyn and Glanymor;

I.W. Davies

 

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Llanybydder School;

 

E. Dole

 

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Llannon School and the federated Schools of Cross Hands and Drefach;

 

E. Dole

9.1 Question by Councillor Gareth John to Councillor Emlyn Dole, Leader of the Council

Member, on behalf of the Executive Board, of the Management Board for Llanelli BID;

S. Najmi

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Penygaer School;

 

G.R. Jones

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Bryn and Llangennech Schools;

R.E. Evans

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Dafen School;

 

A. Lenny

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Parc Waun-dew / Richmond Park School;

B.D.J. Phillips

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Bro Brynach and Beca Schools;

H.A.L. Evans

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

Member of Executive Board of St. David’s Diocese;

J.S. Edmunds

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Bigyn and Coedcae Schools;

J.A. Davies

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Talley School;

J.E. Williams

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Carreg Hirfaen School;

S.L. Davies

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Bryn Teg and Brynsierfel Schools;

K. Madge

7.2 - Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Rob James

LA Governor at Ysgol Y Bedol;

D.M.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

3.

CHAIR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Additional documents:

Minutes:

·       The Chair referred to the recent passing of former Councillor Keri Thomas, who had represented the Tyisha Ward in Llanelli from 2004 to 2017, and, on behalf of the Council, extended his sincere condolences to the family;

 

·       The Leader provided a statement on the Covid 19 situation and referred to the previous Friday’s announcement by Welsh Government that 500,000 people in Wales had been vaccinated - 1 in 6 of the adult population and that the pace of vaccinating the public was increasing as more vaccines were made available. The Council was working closely with the Hywel Dda Health Board to ensure that everything possible was being done to support the level of vaccine roll-out. It was clear, he added, that the lockdown was working as the number of cases reported each day was decreasing though he cautioned against complacency and referred to the recent sobering news from Public Health Wales that the number of people who had lost their lives to covid 19 had passed 5000. He commented that whilst numbers, cases and rates were recorded to measure the efforts to control the virus behind every statistic was a person cherished by family and friends with the offer of condolences only possible at measured distances.

 

Whereupon Members and Officers observed a minute silence to commemorate those who had lost their lives as a result of covid 19;

 

·       The Chair informed Members that he intended to raise funds for his two chosen charities, Prostate Cancer UK & St Peters Church Llanybydder, over the next few months with a virtual walking challenge and some other events. He added that more information would be posted on the Chair’s page on the Carmarthenshire website. 

4.

TO APPROVE AND SIGN AS A CORRECT RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 13TH JANUARY 2021 pdf icon PDF 463 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 13th January, 2021 be signed as a correct record subject to the following amendments:

·       Minute 2 ‘Declarations of Interest’ – the declaration by Cllr. D.C. Evans be amended to read ‘Owns a second home’;

·       Minute 2 ‘Declarations of Interest’ – the declaration by Cllr. S. L. Davies be amended to read ‘Relative has a home and also rents a property’.

5.

CWM ENVIRONMENTAL LTD LANDFILL AFTERCARE LIABILITY pdf icon PDF 344 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Board Member for Resources presented a report which sought Council’s agreement to the structure of new agreements with Natural Resources Wales to guarantee the aftercare liability for the landfill site at Nantycaws.It was noted that failure to have in place a mechanism for making financial provision for the aftercare liability for the site would put the company in breach of its permit obligations and thereby its ability to continue trading.

 

RESOLVED to agree to a Local Authority Performance Bond as follows:

5.1       Council enter into a Local Authority Performance Deed with National Resources Wales in respect of the aftercare liability of the Nantycaws Landfil Site which is operated by CWM Environmental Ltd.;

5.2       That the funds totalling some £1.514m currently held in an ESCROW account between CWM and NRW be in future held in a joint ESCROW account between CCC and CWM;

5.3       Council levy a premium of 2.4% on CWM in recognition of the security provided, and that this sum be then transferred to the joint ESCROW account annually to increase the actual cash available to meet actual liabilities;

5.4       Approval of the release of funding from the joint ESCROW account be delegated to The Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services with the balance only to be utilised solely to meet one or more of the following aftercare costs:

• Environmental monitoring

• Capping

• Cap maintenance

• Leachate management

• Landfill gas management

• Surface water management

• Security (e.g. gates and fencing)

• Production of site reports (if not included in monitoring)

• Specified events

5.5                   The conclusion of the Local Authority Performance Deed with National Resources Wales to be delegated to the Head of Administration and Law and Director of Corporate Services.

 

6.

TO RECEIVE THE REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD HELD ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:

Additional documents:

6.1

18TH JANUARY 2021 pdf icon PDF 396 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Executive Board held on the 18th January 2021 be received.

6.2

25TH JANUARY 2021 pdf icon PDF 352 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Executive Board held on the 25th January 2021 be received.

 

7.

TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING NOTICES OF MOTION:-

Additional documents:

7.1

NOTICE OF MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR LOUVAIN ROBERTS

“Fireworks are used by people throughout the year, to mark different events.

Whilst they can bring much enjoyment to some people, they can cause significant anxiety and fear for some individuals and also Animals (both Pets and livestock).

Animals affected not only suffer Psychological distress but can also cause them to Self Harm”.

 

I Therefore call on CCC to....

 

1. Require all organised Public Displays within the Local Authorities Boundaries to be Advertised in Advance of the Event, allowing Residents to take necessary precautions for their Animals and Vulnerable Peoples

 

2.  To actively promote a Public Awareness Campaign-about the impact of Fireworks on Animal Welfare and Vulnerable people.

Including the precautions that can be instigated to mitigate the Risks. Along with detailing the existing regulations.

 

3.  To encourage Local Suppliers of Fireworks to only Stock a “Quieter Version “of Fireworks than used for Public Displays.

 

4. To write to both UK and Welsh Governments. Urging them to review and consider the Existing Legislation and to limit the Maximum noise level of Fireworks to 90 dB that can be sold to the members of the Public for Private use.”

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Louvain Roberts:-

 

“Fireworks are used by people throughout the year, to mark different events. Whilst they can bring much enjoyment to some people, they can cause significant anxiety and fear for some individuals and also Animals (both Pets and livestock). Animals affected not only suffer Psychological distress but can also cause them to Self Harm”. I Therefore call on CCC to....

 

1. Require all organised Public Displays within the Local Authorities Boundaries to be Advertised in Advance of the Event, allowing Residents to take necessary precautions for their Animals and Vulnerable Peoples

 

2.To actively promote a Public Awareness Campaign-about the impact of Fireworks on Animal Welfare and Vulnerable people. Including the precautions that can be instigated to mitigate the Risks. Along with detailing the existing regulations.

 

3.To encourage Local Suppliers of Fireworks to only Stock a “Quieter Version “of Fireworks than used for Public Displays.

 

4.To write to both UK and Welsh Governments. Urging them to review and consider the Existing Legislation and to limit the Maximum noise level of Fireworks to 90 dB that can be sold to the members of the Public for Private use.”

 

The motion was duly seconded.

 

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

 

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

 

Council was advised that if the motion was supported it would be referred to the Executive Board.

 

UNANAMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Notice of Motion be supported and referred to the Executive Board.

7.2

NOTICE OF MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR ROB JAMES pdf icon PDF 97 KB

“That Carmarthenshire Council:

- Notes that communities in Carmarthenshire are currently dealing with the biggest medical and financial crisis in recent years, as the Coronavirus pandemic continues to impact families and businesses.
- Believes that it is not appropriate for school consultations on matters such as education provision to be carried out during the pandemic. 
- Calls on the Executive Board to halt all schools consultations, other than proposals to lower the starting age to 3, until the September term and to produce a report on the viability of Carmarthenshire schools, outlining any future school footprint changes.”

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

[NOTE: Councillors H.A.L. Evans, D. Price and A.D.T. Speake had earlier declared personal interests in this item and were not present during consideration thereof.  Cllrs. L.R. Bowen, K.V. Broom, C.A. Campbell, J.M. Charles, C.A. Davies, G. Davies, H.L. Davies, I.W. Davies, J.A. Davies, K. Davies, S.L. Davies, W.R.A. Davies, E. Dole, J.S. Edmunds, L.D. Evans, R.E. Evans, W.T. Evans, S.J.G. Gilasbey, T.M. Higgins, J.K. Howell, P.M. Hughes, P. Hughes Griffiths, D.M. Jenkins, A. James, J.D. James, R. James, G.H. John, B.W. Jones, C. Jones, D. Jones, G.R. Jones, H.I. Jones, A. Lenny, M.J.A. Lewis, K. Lloyd, K. Madge, S. Matthews, A.G. Morgan, S. Najmi, D. Nicholas, B.D.J. Phillips, J.S. Phillips, J.G. Prosser, B.A.L. Roberts, H.B. Shepardson, L.M. Stephens, B. Thomas, D. Thomas, E.G. Thomas, G.B. Thomas, G. Thomas, J. Tremlett, A. Vaughan Owen, D.E. Williams, D.T. Williams, J.E. Williams, had also declared their interest but remained in the meeting].

 

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

 

“That Carmarthenshire Council:

- Notes that communities in Carmarthenshire are currently dealing with the biggest medical and financial crisis in recent years, as the Coronavirus pandemic continues to impact families and businesses.

- Believes that it is not appropriate for school consultations on matters such as education provision to be carried out during the pandemic.

- Calls on the Executive Board to halt all schools consultations, other than proposals to lower the starting age to 3, until the September term and to produce a report on the viability of Carmarthenshire schools, outlining any future school footprint changes.”

 

The motion was duly seconded.

 

The following amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor G. Davies:

 

“That Carmarthenshire Council: 

  

·        Notes that communities in Carmarthenshire are currently dealing with the biggest medical and financial crisis in recent years, as the Coronavirus pandemic continues to impact families and businesses 

·        Agrees that it is not appropriate for school consultations on matters such as education provision to be carried out during the pandemic in any instances which conflict with Labour Welsh Govt guidelines 

·        Will continue to monitor the viability of Carmarthenshire schools as required by Welsh Government, and take any necessary action following public consultation in an open and transparent manner.” 

 

The amendment was duly seconded.

 

The proposer and seconder of the Amendment were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and outlined the reasons for its submission.

 

Statements were made in support of both the motion and the amendment. 

 

Council was advised that if the Amendment was carried it would become the substantive motion which, if supported, would be referred to the Executive Board.

 

Following a requisition by more than 10 members, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.4, a recorded vote was taken with the votes casts being as follows:-

 

For the Amendment (43)

Councillors S.M. Allen, L. Bowen, C. Campbell, J.M. Charles, C.A. Davies,

G. Davies, H. L. Davies, I.W. Davies, J.A. Davies, K. Davies, T.A.J. Davies, W.R.A. Davies, E. Dole, D.C. Evans, L.D. Evans, W.T.E. Evans, A.D. Harries, C.J. Harris,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.2

8.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.

 

9.

QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS:-

Additional documents:

9.1

QUESTION BY COUNCILLOR GARETH JOHN TO COUNCILLOR EMLYN DOLE, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

“Could the Leader please elaborate on the Executive Board’s decision to support the BID (Business Improvement District) in Carmarthen and Llanelli for a second term, and how will that benefit the two town centres?” 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

“Could the Leader please elaborate on the Executive Board’s decision to support the BID (Business Improvement District) in Carmarthen and Llanelli for a second term, and how will that benefit the two town centres?”

 

Response by Councillor Emlyn Dole, Leader of the Council:-

“Thank you for the question and I’m very pleased to answer it and to say how much I appreciate the work in the BID in Llanelli and before I start on Llanelli I would like to thank Mandy who is working for the BID for her work and the Chairperson Lesley Richards for her commitment as well. Starting in 2015 for an initial period of 5 years the improvement district for Llanelli has worked very closely with partners and stakeholders to improve Llanelli as a place to live, as a place to visit and the BID team has been essential in setting up an excellent calendar of events in the town centre as well. The events, including an 80’s festival, a food and drink festival, an outdoor cinema etc have grown from year to year and the number of visitors has increased during those events for the the benefit of local businesses in Llanelli town. On average the number of visitors that were noted on a Saturday during 6 weeks in Llanelli was 16,800 but during events held by the BID those figures show and reflect the positive impact that these events have had that were organised by the BID. If we think back to the Batman Returns event I think there were about 25,000 visitors in the town, the 80’s Festival there were over 28,000 visitors and another festival attracted 22,000. The dinosaurs, when they came, over 25,000 visitors then and the Great Get Together attracted almost 30,000 people to the town centre. Alongside those events of course the BID in Llanelli has invested in town centre initiatives such as a planning scheme, setting up a digital signs, and increasing the police presence in the town as well. The covid restrictions allowed the BID to show support for businesses by buying personal protective equipment for them and giving them reopening packs which included perspex screens, hand sanitizers, floor stickers and masks as well and these were all available free for businesses who pay the BID. The BID has also asked for free advertising on the digital screen which is a key gateway to Llanelli and hospitality businesses have been using their outside areas by using furniture that is organised via the BID. Rejuvenating the BID for Llanelli for 5 years and continuing with events which are of benefit to the businesses are completely essential for the economic recovery of the town centre because the pandemic has had an impact of course. Tha aims and objectives of the BID go alongside the task force with Llanelli town centre and the BID will, of course, help the resilience and recovery of the town centre following the pandemic. The vote will be held on Thursday 4th March and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.1

9.2

QUESTION BY COUNCILLOR ALUN LENNY TO COUNCILLOR GLYNOG DAVIES, EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER FOR EDUCATION AND CHILDREN

“Does the Executive Board Member for Education and Children's Services believe that there's a future for small rural schools in Carmarthenshire, and in order to get a fuller picture is it possible for him to reveal how many primary and infant schools were closed during the period of the previous administration (2004-2015)?”

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr. A. Lenny stated that, in view of the earlier debate on Cllr. Rob James’s motion (Minute 7.2 refers) and the amendment submitted by Cllr. G. Davies,  he wished to withdraw his question.

10.

MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In accordance with Corporate Procedure Rule CPR 2(2)(n) the following nominations had been received from the Independent Group and it was:

 

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that:-

 

10.1    the nomination of Councillor W.R.A. Davies to replace Councillor T.A.J. Davies as one of the Independent Group’s representatives on the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee be approved;

 

10.2  the nomination of Councillor S.M. Allen to replace Councillor T.A.J. Davies as one of the Independent Group’s representatives on the Education and Children Scrutiny Committee be approved.

11.

MINUTES FOR INFORMATION

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair stated that the minutes outlined on the agenda 11.1 – 11.3 were available for information on the Council website.

 

Council & Democracy

The Council

Councillors, AMs and MPs

Council departments

Have your say

Committees & Meetings

Strategies and plans