Agenda item

The Leader presented an update report on Carmarthenshire’s Economic Recovery and Delivery Plan which identified some 30 actions to support the recovery of the Carmarthenshire economy from the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit. The report detailed the Council’s priorities for supporting Business, People and Place. It was considered that this support would enable Carmarthenshire's economy to recover as quickly as possible to become one which was more productive than before, more equal, greener, healthier, and with more sustainable communities. The Plan’s purpose was to set out the short-term priorities and immediate actions over the next two years that protected jobs and safeguarded businesses in Carmarthenshire.

Amongst the issues raised on the report were the following:

·       It was emphasised that this was a County recovery plan rother than a growth plan with 3 town-centre recovery plans for the primary towns in place. The ‘10-towns’ growth plans were also being finalised;

·       It was considered that ‘localism’ was a crucial pillar which would underpin any recovery;

·       Whilst the Council had limited powers to influence the level of business rates under a Welsh Government initiative currently in place until March 2022 landlords had to pay the business rate on any empty retail property which, it was hoped, would incentivise landlords to secure tenants for such properties;

·       Monitoring reports would be presented to the Executive Board on a quarterly basis;

·       In response to a concern over the need to speed-up the planning processes with regard to planning applications which could bring job opportunities the Leader commented that a review had been undertaken and proposals were being implemented to ensure the Authority’s ambitions in regard to regeneration;

·       A response was awaited from Westminster regarding Carmarthenshire’s proposals in regard to the ‘Levelling Up’ fund;

·       Reference was made to the ‘100% Sir Gar – Go for Local’ scheme which had given smaller retailers a digital platform and also the rebranding of Carmarthenshire tourism which had seen a team of tourism and regeneration officers working with communities in the tourism hot-spots;

·       Whilst it was noted that regional and local transport issues had been mandated to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee it was considered essential that local representations and requirements were not overlooked;

·       The Leader confirmed that the Aman Railway had been included in discussions on the regional metro;

·       Arising from comments on the promotion of Carmarthenshire as a tourist destination the Leader stated that a meeting had been requested with Welsh Government to discuss the issue of second homes which was a concern;

·       It was noted that the West Wales Energy Group was investigating issues relating to grid connectivity as poor connection hampered renewable energy creation and ambitions to become net zero;

·       With regard to a concern that some of Carmarthenshire’s beauty spots were blighted by rubbish-strewn bottle banks the Committee was advised that plans were in hand to enable the door-step collection of glass for recycling.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to receive the report.