Minutes:
· The Chair conveyed sincere condolences to the family of former Councillor Penny Edwards. Penny passed away on Sunday 22nd May after a period of ill health. Penny represented the Hengoed Ward until the elections in May.
· Condolences also conveyed to the family of former Councillor John Edwards who represented the Saron Ward up until the local government elections in 2012.
· The Chair paid tribute to Phil Bennett who passed away on the 12th June. He had won 29 caps for Wales between 1969 and 1978 and played 413 games for the Scarlets. It was advised that a service of remembrance would take place at Parc y Scarlets on Friday, June 24, starting at 11am with a public service to follow at Holy Trinity Church, Felinfoel, at 1pm.
· The Chair announced that he had recently had the pleasure of attending a reception at parliament to mark the beginning of Armed Forces week 2022. He had also attended the Women’s Tour of Britain Cycling event.
· Councillor Alun Lenny, with the Chair’s permission extended his congratulations to Joe Allen and the Wales National Football Team on their success in reaching the World Cup in Qatar. Also, Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers) who has had three caps for Wales and is currently our fringe player due to injury.
· Councillor Edward Thomas with the Chair’s permission extended his congratulations to Ysgol Gynradd Llandeilo who were selected to represent Wales at the Jubilee concert in Royal Albert Hall. Congratulations were also extended to Llandeilo RFC, one of the founders of the WRU who were celebrating their 150th anniversary this year. They undertook a cycle ride of 304 miles in support of Noah’s Ark Appeal and Prostrate Cancer. Councillor Thomas also thanked the children of Llandeilo for taking part in the Urdd Eisteddfod in Denbigh.
· The Leader with the Chair’s permission outlined the efforts being taken by the residents of Carmarthenshire and the Authority in providing assistance to the Ukraine refugees. The Leader stated that there were 80 sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Over 30 children had already started in school. Some Ukraine families had also been provided with short term accommodation and the Authority was providing a range of services and support. In conclusion the Leader conveyed to all Ukraine families here that Carmarthenshire stands with them, are by their side and would do whatever could be done to support them.
The Leader mentioned the Residents’ Survey which would be going live shortly. The Leader stated that the Authority was seeking the view of residents on all areas of performance and to inform future planning. The important findings would be shared across every level of the organisation to shape decision making. The Leader urged that all residents go on-line to complete the survey.
The Leader also stated that that the first Group Leaders meeting had been held to discuss partnership working and that he was grateful for the positive nature of the meeting.
The Leader concluded with how the cost-of-living crisis was impacting everybody. Experts had predicted that a home in Wales could see an increase of £600 in living costs this year. He stated that there was no easy answer to address this however there were steps that Westminster and Welsh Government could take to tackle the situation. The Leader advised that he was happy to work with other Authorities to lobby Westminster and to work with Welsh Government.