Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors C. Campbell, P. Edwards, A. Fox, C. Harris, T.J. Jones, S. Najmi, D. Nicholas and A. Speake

·       The Chair announced the the following visits/events he had recently attended/ would be attending:-

-        March 3^rd – the 110^th Birthday of a resident in Awel Twyi, Llandeilo

-        March 5^th – Carmarthen St David’s Day Parade

-        March 8^th – Celebrating Culture at Ffwrnes Theatre

-        March 10^th – Actif Sports Awards at Ffwrnes Theatre

·       The Leader, with the Chair’s permission, updated the Council on the current position on the Covid Pandemic in Carmarthenshire and on the Welsh Government’s recent easing of restrictions on mask wearing and social distancing. It was likely further reductions in those restrictions could occur later in March with the First Minister, in his recent address, stating that if the situation were to remain stable, the remaining restrictions would be removed from the 28^th March 2022

The Leader then provided a further update to his address to Council at its meeting on the 2^nd March on the situation in the Ukraine and its impact on its residents. He outlined the local efforts being taken to deliver donations to the Ukraine and its neighbouring countries and to the various avenues available to people to make financial contributions to various charitable orgnaisations.

The Leader advised that, as with previously providing homes and safety for people fleeing the wars in Syria and Afghanistan, the Council was again preparing to play its part when needed to by the UK and Welsh Governments for Ukrainians fleeing to the U.K.

In conclusion, the Leader stated that the Council stands in unity with the people of Ukraine and when the time comes there will be a warm welcome for them in Carmarthenshire and there was a home for them here for as long as needed.

The Council received a report setting out the financial details relevant to the setting of the Council Tax for the 2022/2023 financial year together with the Council Tax amounts in respect of the different Council Tax Valuation Bands, as applicable to each of the individual Community and Town Council areas.

It was noted that the recommendations contained within the report brought together the authority’s budget requirement and the precepts for the Police Authority and the Town and Community Councils into the consolidated Council Tax amounts in respect of the individual Council Tax Valuation bands.

The Council was also advised of a correction to note 4(a) in that the total of Community Council precepts included in the £662,792,890 was £7,000,517, as per note 4(f) and not £6,863,055, as stated in the narrative of note 4(a)

RESOLVED that, subject to the above correction and in order for the Council to comply with legislative requirements, the report and recommendations of the Director of Corporate Services on the setting of the Council Tax for the financial year 2022/23 be adopted.

[NOTE:

1.     Councillors L.R. Bowen, M. Charles, D.M. Cundy, T.A.J. Davies, E. Dole, D.C. Evans, J.S. Edmunds, R. Evans, S.J.G. Gilasbey, T.M. Higgins, P.M. Hughes, G. John, H.I. Jones, R. James, K. Madge and B.A.L. Roberts had earlier declared interests in this item and, left the meeting;

2.     All officers in attendance were deemed to have a personal interest in this item and left the meeting prior to its consideration with the exception of the People Services Manager who remained in the meeting to respond to any questions arising on the report and officers who were facilitating the webcasting of the meeting.

3.     As the Cabinet Member for Public Protection had declared an interest in this item and left the meeting, the People Services Manager presented the report on his behalf)

The People Services Manager, on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Public Protection, presented the report which outlined that, under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 all Local Authorities were required to prepare a Pay Policy Statement which must be agreed and published by 1^st April every year. The Statement required the approval of full Council and had to set out the Authority’s policies for the financial year relating to the remuneration of its Chief Officers, its lowest paid employees and the relationship between the remuneration of its Chief Officers and its employees who were not Chief Officers.

The politically balanced Pay Policy Advisory Panel had had input into the formulation of the Pay Policy Statement and its recommendations had been incorporated into final document for approval by County Council.

The Council was advised that information was still being updated within the some of the appendicies, for example, the recent pay awards and those would be updated prior to the Statements’ publication.

RESOLVED that the Pay Policy Statement 2022/23 be approved in compliance with Section 38(1) of the Localism Act 2011

The Council was reminded that at its meeting held on the 14^th July 2021 (minute 5 refers) it had resolved to commit to being a ‘Diverse Council’ and endorsed the WLGA’s Council Diversity in Democracy Declaration. Additionally, it had tasked the Democratic Services Committee with developing an action plan in advance of the 2022 Local Government Elections. In accordance with that decision, the Council received for consideration the Draft Diversity in Democracy Action Plan (detailed in Appendix A to the report) with the objectives therein being based on those suggested by Welsh Government. It also noted that additional objectives could be added, if so desired

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Diversity in Democracy Action Plan be approved

The Council considered the Democratic Services Committee’s Task and Finish Group’s Final report on the Democratic Process – New Ways of Working. It noted that the Group had been established to review member requirements in order to determine their needs in driving the new way of working for the democratic services function and had formulated 5 recommendations for Council’s consideration.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report and recommendations of the Democratic Services Committee’s Task and Finish Group on New Ways of Working be approved

(NOTE: Councillors H.A.L. Evans and S.M. Allen having earlier declared an interest in this item, re-declared that interest and left the meeting during its consideration)

The Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 14^th February 2022 (Minute 6 refers) had considered the Housing Regeneration and Development Five Year Delivery Plan (2022-2027) that set out the Authority’s plans to support the delivery of over 2,000 additional homes across the County over the next five years. If adopted, the Plan would build on the success of the current affordable housing delivery plans, would support economic growth by investing over £300m into communities and directly support the actions in the Economic Recovery Plan, supporting business, people and places.

RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Cabinet be adopted:-

The Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 14^th February, 2022 (Minute 9 refers) had considered an update report on the progress of the Revised Local development Plan (LDP) and, notably, the impact of a series of factors, issues and guidance on the progress and/or future Plan content. In detailing those areas, the report proposed a series of next steps and sought endorsement of the recommendations to prepare a further Revised Deposit LDP to address and mitigate the implications arising from the identified issues and to ensure it was procedurally compliant and ‘sound’ thus enabling its adoption.

RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Cabinet be adopted:-

The Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 28^th February, 2022 (Minute 7 refers) had considered a proposed revised Gambling Policy document which reflected the results of the consultation and review process and complied with relevant legislation and guidance. The Council’s Licensing Committee had considered the report and unanimously resolved to recommend to Cabinet its approval.

RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted:-

“to aprove the amended Gambling Policy”

(NOTE: W.S. Walters and C. Moore having earlier declared an interest in this item re-declared that interest and left the meeting during its consideration)

The Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 28^th February, 2022 (Minute 13 refers) had considered a report on the level of fees to be payable to the Returning Officer in respect of the forthcoming local elections

RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted:-

“13.1 that the fees payable to the Returning Officer, which is inclusive of payments to those undertaking the role of Deputy Returning Officers and other key personnel involved in the planning and oversight of the County Council and Town / Community Councils, be as follows:

a) £170.00 per contested election;

b) £56.61 per uncontested election;

13.2. that the Chief Executive, as the Council’s Returning Officer, be authorised to:

a) make arrangements for the employment of persons to assist with the Local Elections;

b) determine the level of fees and payments to those employed on Election duties, subject to the total amount payable being within the available resources set to cover the cost of these elections;

13.3 to note that there will be full cost recovery for any costs incurred for Town/Community Council elections”.

The Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 28^th February, 2022 (Minute 9 refers) had considered a report on proposals to change the age range of Ysgol Swiss Valley from 4-11 to 3-11.

RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted:-

“Being satisfied that there are no other related proposals; that the statutory proposal has been consulted upon and published in accordance with the School Organisation Code and contains all the relevant information and, having considered the consultation document and consultation report, and that no objections were received in response to the Statutory Notice, recommend to the County Council the implementation of the proposal as laid out in the Statutory Notice”

(NOTE: Councillor B. Thomas having earlier declared an interest in this item re-declared that interest and remained in the meeting)

The Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 28^th February, 2022 (Minute 8 refers) had considered an objection report that summarised objections received and the local Authority’s responses thereto on proposals to change the nature of Foundation Phase provision at Ysgol y Felin to Welsh Medium education from 1^st September 2022.

RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted:-

“Being satisfied that there are no other related proposals; that the statutory proposal has been consulted upon and published in accordance with the School OrganisationCode and contains all the relevant information and, having considered the consultation document and consultation report, the objections and any responses to the notice in the objection report, recommend to the County Council the implementation of the proposal as laid out in the Statutory Notice”.

The Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 28^th February, 2022 (Minute 10 refers) had considered a report on proposals to reconfigure and remodel Behaviour Support Services at Ysgol Rhydygors to improve provision for children and Young People.

RESOLVED that the following recommendation of the Cabinet be adopted:-

“ Being satisfied that there are no other related proposals; that the statutory proposalhas been consulted upon and published in accordance with the School OrganisationCode and contains all the relevant information and having considered the consultationdocument and consultation report, and that no objections were received in response tothe Statutory Notice, recommend to the County Council the implementation of theproposal as laid out in the Statutory Notice”.

The Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 28^th February 2022 (Minute 14 refers) had considered a report providing an update statement on Pentre Awel including the procurement of a contractor for Zone 1. The report detailed:-

· progress of the design of Zone 1 and the maximum cost of the construction;

· progress on securing tenants for Zone 1;

· progress in design development Zone 3;

· associated progress including Schools networking and Third Sector policy.

RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Cabinet be adopted:-

“14.1 that the report of the process undertaken to progress the first phase of the two-stage design and build contract to deliver Pentre Awel Zone 1 be noted;

14.2 to receive the maximum cost (£87.07m) for the construction provided by Bouyges UK and to delegate authority to the Director of Corporate Services and the Chief Executive to agree the final cost envelope and confirm affordability in consultation with the Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Resources;

14.3 to note the progress in securing tenancy agreements and to delegate authority to the Director of Corporate Services to agree to progress to construction on achieving suitable assurance of rental income and to note that the delivery of Innovation and Business Development and therefore the shell and core space being developed is in advance of final plans and therefore at risk;

14.4 to approve the policy setting out the principles to be adopted for inclusion of Third Sector organisations within Pentre Awel;

14.5 to note the progress across other zones and associated discussions and impact beyond the immediate project boundaries.”

DURATION OF MEETING

Following the consideration of this item, the Council’s attention was drawn to Corporate Procedure Rule 9 – Duration of meeting and the fact the meeting had been underway for nearly three hours. It was therefore:

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that Corporate Procedure Rule 9 be suspended to enable the remaining items on the agenda to be considered.

RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 14^th February, 2022 be received.

(NOTE: Councillor S.J.G. Gilasbey having earlier declared an interest in minute 7 of the meeting, re-declared that interest and remained in the meeting)

RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 21^st February, 2022 be received.

(NOTE: Councillor K. Lloyd having earlier declared an interest in Minute 6 of the minutes re-declared that interest and remained in the meeting)

RESOLVED that the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 28^th February, 2022 be received.

The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.

March 23rd  will mark two years since the first national lockdown, a period that saw significant changes to our way of life and work.

As we move forward, could the Leader say what Carmarthenshire residents and businesses can expect in the next phase as regards recovery and support?

“March 23^rd  will mark two years since the first national lockdown, a period that.saw significant changes to our way of life and work. 

As we move forward, could the Leader say what Carmarthenshire residents and businesses can expect in the next phase as regards recovery and support?

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

Thank you very much Alun and despite the fact it’s coming at the end of the meeting, it’s very timely and I’m very willing to answer this. I did say in the update at the beginning that it looks as if this pandemic has gone slightly but, of course its impact is going to be with us for quite some time. There have been many economic shocks as a result of the situation in Ukraine. The cost of fuel is increasing already, and National Insurance is going to increase as well. In order to give the best opportunity to Carmarthenshire to be able to mitigate the impact of the economic affect, we did develop a recovery plan that was a very detailed strategy as to how the economy of the county could recover as quickly as possibly from the impacts of Covid and I had an opportunity to share that update at the Cabinet meeting last week and here are some of the updates:-

·       The Economic Recovery Plan update identified that more than 800 jobs have already been created and almost 700 jobs safeguarded as we implement the recovery plan.

·       The Council’s economic development team has engaged with well over 2,000 local businesses and provided around 250 people already with training support

·       One of the key areas of targeted intervention is supporting people to improve digital skills so they have better employment prospects, and more than 200 people have received that training.

·       Over the next 18-24 months, the council we’ll provide employment support to some 3,000 people, helping a further 850 individuals into full time employment.  We will also maximise the community benefits that arise from development schemes such as the multi-million-pound Pentre Awel scheme, we’ve just referred to, which is the first development of its scope and size in Wales providing world-class medical research and health care delivery and supporting and encouraging people to lead active and healthy lives, providing supply chain opportunities, as we’ve said to local businesses together with recruitment, training and work experience placements.

·       It is estimated that 1850 jobs will be created from the entire development proposed, of which 750 – 950 jobs will be directly attributed to phase 1. Phase 1 construction is scheduled for completion early 2024, the new leisure centre for Llanelli

·       We are currently offering business support grants and property development grants as well as business renewable energy grants.  In total this grant support amounts to some £6m, which will lever in a further £5m of investment.

·       The council has also committed to deliver 13 major projects, investing more than £140million, Creating and Accommodating 1250+ Jobs and providing opportunities for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.1

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

Following conclusion of this Item, the Chief Executive, Group Leaders and the Chair were afforded the opportunity of reflecting on the challenging last five years faced by the Council. Best wishes were also expressed to those members seeking re-election and those not standing.