This week in Carmarthenshire:

Council Faces Overspend Crisis as Schools and Social Care Demand Soar

Carmarthenshire Council is facing a severe financial challenge, with a projected overspend of £11.3 million for the current financial year. The Revenue Budget Monitoring Report, presented to the County Council on Wednesday 14 October 2026, reveals significant pressures within schools and children's services, alongside rising costs in adult social care.

Schools Under Financial Strain

Schools are forecasting a substantial overspend of £6.9 million. This figure, which includes deficits within schools' delegated budgets, is a major concern for the council's overall financial health. Councillor Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, warning that if unaddressed, the projected deficit in school balances could exceed the authority's general fund balance. He urged schools anticipating deficits to cease all non-essential expenditure.

Soaring Demand in Children's and Adult Social Care

Children's Services are facing a £5.4 million overspend, largely driven by an increase in high-cost residential placements. Adult Social Care is also experiencing significant pressure, with Older People's services overspending by £682,000 and Mental Health services by £906,000. This escalating demand underscores the growing needs of vulnerable residents across the county.

• Why this matters: These budget pressures have direct implications for the services residents rely on. Overspends in schools can impact educational resources and support for pupils, while increased demand in social care highlights the growing needs of our most vulnerable citizens. The council's ability to maintain essential services is directly linked to its financial stability.
• What's next: The council is preparing for difficult decisions regarding budget savings. The Revenue Budget Outlook report for the next financial year will be subject to public consultation, and the council is bracing for significant financial risks due to external economic and political volatility.

You can find more details in the County Council meeting.

Two Rural Primary Schools Recommended for Closure

In a difficult but necessary decision, the Cabinet Member for Education has recommended the discontinuation of two rural primary schools: Ysgol y Fro and Ysgol Meidrim. The County Council, meeting on Wednesday 14 October 2026, considered objection reports and financial sustainability assessments for both schools.

Ysgol y Fro: No Pupils Left

The recommendation to discontinue Ysgol y Fro was based on a combination of factors, including a high level of surplus places, a significant number of children attending schools outside their catchment area, and projections indicating little likelihood of future growth. Crucially, by September 2026, there were no pupils registered at Ysgol y Fro, making its continued operation unsustainable. The Cabinet recommended that pupils transfer to Ysgol y Dderwen, or any other school of their choice.

Ysgol Meidrim: Balancing Community and Sustainability

For Ysgol Meidrim, the recommendation to discontinue also stems from low pupil numbers, substantial surplus capacity, increasing financial pressures, and leadership sustainability issues. While acknowledging the school's valued role in the community and its contribution to Welsh language promotion, the evidence presented indicated that the proposal was likely to maintain educational standards while addressing long-term sustainability challenges. Pupils would transfer to Ysgol Griffith Jones or Ysgol Hafodwenog.

• Why this matters: These decisions highlight the profound impact of demographic changes on rural communities. The closure of schools can affect community cohesion and the vitality of the Welsh language. The council faces the challenging task of ensuring educational provision remains sustainable and high-quality for all learners, even when it means making difficult choices.
• What's next: The County Council has approved the recommendations to proceed with the discontinuation of both Ysgol y Fro and Ysgol Meidrim.

You can find more details in the County Council meeting.

New Planning Guidance to Support Local Development Plan

Carmarthenshire County Council is moving forward with new supplementary planning guidance (SPG) documents to support the revised Local Development Plan (LDP) 2018-2033. The County Council, meeting on Wednesday 14 October 2026, considered recommendations from the Cabinet to approve these draft SPGs for public consultation.

The four draft SPGs cover key areas:

• Biodiversity and Nature Restoration: Outlines requirements for development to protect and enhance biodiversity, aiming for a net benefit.
• Burry Port Inlet Guidance: Addresses water quality concerns related to the Llanelli Wastewater Treatment Plant catchment.
• Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows: Provides detailed advice on the conservation, protection, and management of trees and hedges.

• Health Impact Assessment Guide: Explains when Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) are needed for major developments and how they should be prepared.

• Why this matters: These guidance documents are crucial for ensuring that new developments in Carmarthenshire are sustainable, environmentally responsible, and contribute positively to community well-being. They provide clarity for developers, planning officers, and residents on how the LDP's policies will be applied in practice.

• What's next: Following Council approval, each draft SPG will undergo a six-week public consultation. Feedback will be reviewed, and necessary amendments will be made before the documents are formally adopted.

You can find more details in the County Council meeting.

Other Matters

• Council Transformation Fund: The Cabinet Member for Resources proposed the establishment of a Council Transformation Fund, consolidating existing funds into a single £2 million allocation. This fund will support projects aimed at improving services and achieving financial efficiencies. County Council meeting.
• Off-Street Parking Strategy: The Cabinet's recommendation to approve a simplified tariff structure for off-street parking, including one hour of free parking and reduced charges in rural areas, was considered. County Council meeting.
• Revised Income and Charging Policy: The Cabinet's recommendation for a revised Income and Charging Policy, aimed at maximising income generation and ensuring consistency, was reviewed. County Council meeting.
• Corporate Safeguarding Policy: The revised Corporate Safeguarding Policy, outlining the council's commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, was considered. County Council meeting.
• Neurodiversity Policy: The development of a Neurodiversity Policy to support neurodivergent individuals in the workplace was discussed. County Council meeting.
• Funding for EV Charge Points: The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability was scheduled to consider an application for funding under the Carmarthenshire Community Renewable Energy Grant (CREG) for electric vehicle charge points at WWT Llanelli. Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability meeting.

This week in Carmarthenshire:

Two Rural Schools Face Discontinuation as Cabinet Recommends Closure

Carmarthenshire Council's Cabinet met on Monday 05 October 2026 and made significant recommendations regarding the future of two rural primary schools, Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol Y Fro. The Cabinet voted to recommend to the County Council that proposals to discontinue both schools be implemented. This decision follows extensive consideration of objection reports, pupil numbers, financial sustainability, and community impact.

Ysgol Meidrim: A Community's Future on the Line

The Cabinet considered the objection report for Ysgol Meidrim, a rural primary school facing persistent challenges. Despite recent improvements, including its removal from Estyn's special measures, the school grapples with low pupil numbers, significant surplus capacity, and ongoing financial pressures. The report highlighted that 22 children within the school's catchment area already attend other schools.

After reviewing objections and exploring alternatives, the Cabinet unanimously resolved to recommend the discontinuation of Ysgol Meidrim. This recommendation balances educational, financial, organisational, and community factors, aiming to secure sustainable and high-quality education provision for the area. The decision will now proceed to the County Council for final approval.

• Why this matters: The potential closure of Ysgol Meidrim raises concerns about the future of rural communities and the Welsh language. For many, the school is a vital hub, and its closure could impact community identity and services. The decision highlights the difficult choices councils face in balancing educational needs with financial realities, particularly in areas with declining birth rates.

You can find more details in the Cabinet meeting.

Ysgol Y Fro: No Pupils Remain on Roll

The Cabinet also reviewed the objection report for Ysgol Y Fro, another rural primary school facing severe challenges. The school has experienced very low pupil numbers, a high proportion of surplus places, and declining enrolment projections, leading to an unsustainable financial situation. Crucially, all pupils who were previously registered at Ysgol Y Fro had already secured places at other schools by September 2026.

Following consideration of 22 objections, the Cabinet unanimously recommended the discontinuation of Ysgol Y Fro, with pupils transferring to Ysgol Y Dderwen. This decision is based on the school's ongoing financial deficit and the fact that it no longer has any pupils enrolled.

• Why this matters: The closure of Ysgol Y Fro underscores the impact of demographic changes on rural schools. The decision reflects the council's responsibility to ensure efficient use of resources and provide a sustainable educational environment, even when it means difficult choices for small communities.

You can find more details in the Cabinet meeting.

Council Farm Estate Management and Council Tax Discounts Under Review

The Cabinet Member for Resources was scheduled to consider reports on the management of council-owned farms and applications for discretionary Council Tax discounts. These discussions, held in private sessions, focused on financial management and the effective use of council assets.

Pistyllcelyn Farm and Council Farms

A report was scheduled to detail options for the future of Pistyllcelyn Farm in Llanarthney. The meeting was also set to review the management of Bremenda Uchaf Farm in Llanarthney and Lanfro Farm in St Clears. The recommendations for Bremenda Uchaf Farm and Lanfro Farm were to retain them as part of the Council's Farm Estate. These discussions were held in private due to the potential for financial harm to the Council if information was disclosed.

Council Tax Discretionary Discounts

The Cabinet Member for Resources was also scheduled to consider applications for discretionary discounts on Council Tax. These discounts allow the council to offer reductions beyond statutory entitlements. The report was expected to detail specific cases where exceptions to premium charges were considered for periods between March 2025 and March 2027.

• Why this matters: Decisions regarding council farms and Council Tax discounts directly impact the council's finances and its ability to support local residents and manage its assets effectively. Ensuring efficient farm management and fair application of discounts are key to responsible governance.

You can find more details in the Cabinet Member for Resources meeting.

Other Matters

• Planning Committee: The Planning Committee was scheduled to consider various planning applications. Planning Committee meeting.

This week in Carmarthenshire:

Taxi Driver Licence Renewals and Premises Licence Revocations Highlight Council's Role in Public Safety

The Licensing Committee met on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, to review applications for Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Dual Driver's Licences and Premises Licences. The committee made decisions on several individual licence applications, with some being granted, others suspended, and some resulting in warnings.

The committee considered multiple applications for Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Dual Driver's Licences, including renewals for Mr Nathan Edwin James David and Mr Marco Jordan Luke Smith. Discussions regarding these applications, as well as new applications from Mr Thomas David Hugh James, Mr Jonathan Marvin Davies, Miss Alisha Nadine Llewellyn, and Mr Michael Andrew Lloyd, were held in private sessions.

In previous meetings, the committee had taken action on other driver licence applications. On 9 July 2026, Mr Stephen Jack Shoulder received a warning regarding his future conduct, while Mr Ryan Dean Cannings' licence was suspended for 14 days due to a failure to adhere to expected standards. Mr Anthony John Wathan also received a warning on the same date.

The committee also addressed applications for Premises Licences. In a significant decision on 7 July 2026, the premises licence for All In One, 34 Murray Street, Llanelli SA15 1DJ was revoked. This followed an application for review by the Home Office Immigration Enforcement Licensing Compliance Team, who found evidence of illegal working at the premises on two separate occasions. The Sub-Committee concluded that the licence holder had not taken adequate steps to prevent illegal employment, deeming revocation appropriate and proportionate.

Furthermore, on 7 July 2026, Mr Aran Baker's personal licence was revoked after he was convicted of a relevant offence under the Licensing Act 2003, specifically for participating in a fraudulent business. Mr Baker received a 52-month prison sentence and failed to notify the council of his conviction, which is an offence. The Sub-Committee found this serious offence called into question his suitability to operate licensed premises.

More recently, on 26 August 2026, a Premises Licence for 2 Fountain Row, Laugharne SA33 4ST was granted, subject to agreed conditions. However, the committee also noted that the applicant, Richard Pearce, had previously been the Designated Premises Supervisor at another premises where the licence was revoked following police action. On 6 August 2026, a Premises Licence for 110 Long Row, Llanelli, SA15 3AX was granted to RRA Retail Limited for a convenience store, despite numerous representations from local residents concerned about public nuisance and crime. The Sub-Committee acknowledged these concerns but gave weight to the views of the police and other responsible authorities who had agreed to licence conditions.

• Why this matters: These decisions directly impact public safety and the integrity of licensed premises and transport services. Revoking licences for illegal working or serious criminal convictions protects the community. Warnings and suspensions for drivers ensure that taxi services meet expected standards.
• What's next: The Licensing Committee continues to play a vital role in regulating licensed activities across Carmarthenshire, ensuring compliance with the law and protecting the public.

You can find more details in the Licensing Committee meeting.

Council Funds Town Centre Improvements and Promotes Welsh Language

The Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Communities, and Welsh Language met on Friday, 2 October 2026, to consider funding for town centre improvements and review the annual report on the Welsh language.

A significant funding application was considered for enhancements to the King George V Playing Field in Newcastle Emlyn. The project, supported by the Ten Towns Programme and the UK Government's Pride in Place Impact fund, aims to transform the space into an inclusive and sustainable community asset. Proposed improvements include new play and fitness equipment, accessible play features, and biodiversity enhancements like tree planting. The recommendation was to award a grant of £74,989.30, subject to procurement and approvals. Failure to approve the project could jeopardise the delivery of the Pride in Place Impact fund within its timeframe.

The meeting also reviewed the Council's Annual Report on the implementation of Welsh Language Standards for 2025-26. This statutory report details progress in promoting and facilitating the use of the Welsh language across the council and the county. It was expected to highlight initiatives in education, workforce training, and community projects, including a new partnership with the National Centre for Learning Welsh and the opening of a new Welsh immersion centre. The report also anticipated detailing progress in promoting Welsh within the council, noting improvements in staff language skills and innovative practices.

• Why this matters: Investment in town centre spaces like the King George V Playing Field directly benefits community well-being and local amenities. Promoting the Welsh language is a key objective for the council, fostering cultural identity and ensuring its continued use across public services.
• What's next: The funding for Newcastle Emlyn's playing field is subject to further approvals. The Annual Report on the Welsh Language will be formally approved, outlining the council's commitment to its linguistic goals.

You can find more details in the Cabinet Member Rural Affairs, Communities, and Welsh Language meeting.

Roads Maintenance Backlog Reaches £77 Million Amid Funding Shortfalls

Carmarthenshire's roads are in a worsening state, with a maintenance backlog now estimated at £77 million. This stark figure emerged from an Audit Wales report presented to the Governance & Audit Committee on Monday 28 September 2026. The report, titled Between a Rock and a Hard Place? Managing Carmarthenshire's Roads, highlights that long-term funding reductions have made the council's current approach increasingly reactive and unsustainable.

While the council has largely protected the condition of its main roads, unclassified roads—which make up almost half of the network—are experiencing declining conditions. This has led to a shift from preventative maintenance to more expensive repairs, creating a cycle of increasing costs. Audit Wales made four recommendations, including developing a longer-term framework for managing the highways network, strengthening value for money assessments, improving corporate risk management, and reviewing skills and capacity.

Councillor Karen Davies described the report as a difficult read, agreeing with the title and emphasizing the need for a longer-term funding plan from the Welsh Government. Councillor Alex Evans noted the significant reduction in real-terms funding since 2008-09, highlighting the stark contrast with road conditions across the English border.

• Why this matters: The deteriorating state of roads impacts daily life for residents, businesses, and visitors. It affects journey times, vehicle wear and tear, and road safety. The £77 million backlog represents a significant challenge that will require substantial investment to address.
• What's next: The council is developing an action plan, including an investment framework and a strategic workforce plan, to address the report's recommendations. However, the report underscores the critical need for sustained, long-term funding to prevent further deterioration.

You can find more details in the Governance & Audit Committee meeting.

Other Matters

• Financial Statements Approved: The Governance & Audit Committee approved the Council's Statement of Accounts for 2025-26, receiving an unqualified audit opinion from Audit Wales. The committee also approved the audited accounts for Burry Port Harbour Authority for 2025-26. Governance & Audit Committee meeting.
• Recruitment and Retention Challenges: Audit Wales presented a report on recruitment and retention challenges within the council, noting that while the council understands its issues and has various approaches, it does not always evaluate value for money or share learning effectively. Recommendations were made to improve information gathering, explore external partnerships, and develop arrangements to assess value for money. Governance & Audit Committee meeting.
• Draft Annual Report Approved: The Governance & Audit Committee approved Carmarthenshire County Council's draft Annual Report for 2025/26. The report, which aligns with the council's well-being objectives, will now proceed through scrutiny committees before final approval by Cabinet and Full Council. Governance & Audit Committee meeting.
• Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Efforts: The Governance & Audit Committee received the Annual Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Report for 2025/26, noting the council's zero-tolerance approach. The report highlighted activities in governance, prevention, pursuit, and protection, with no fraud cases identified through the National Fraud Initiative in the current year. Governance & Audit Committee meeting.
• Dispensation Requests Granted: The Standards Committee met on Wednesday 30 September 2026 and granted dispensation requests to three councillors to speak and make written representations, but not vote, on matters relating to Stebonheath Park and the River Towy Yacht Club until the May elections. Standards Committee meeting.
• Code of Conduct Training and Data Reviewed: The Standards Committee received reports on Code of Conduct training for Town and Community Councils and the annual Code of Conduct data gathering exercise. While attendance at live training sessions has plateaued, access to recordings is increasing. The data exercise revealed a significant increase in dispensation applications and a positive trend in councils signing the 'Civility and Respect' pledge. Standards Committee meeting.
• New Chair and Vice-Chair Appointed: Julie James was appointed as the new Chair of the Standards Committee, with Moira Saunders appointed as Vice-Chair. Standards Committee meeting.
• Home to School Transport Appeals: Several Members Home to School Transport Appeals Panels met on Wednesday 30 September 2026 to consider appeals regarding the provision of free school transport. Due to the sensitive nature of the information, these discussions were held in private sessions, with reports containing exempt information. Members Home to School Transport Appeals Panel meetings, http://opencouncil.network/meetings/173527, http://opencouncil.network/meetings/173526, http://opencouncil.network/meetings/173528.

This week in Carmarthenshire:

Housing Development Decisions Shape Local Communities

Carmarthenshire Council's Cabinet Member for Homes met on Monday 21 September 2026 to discuss Local Lettings Policies (LLPs) for new housing developments in Ammanford and Pemberton. These policies are crucial as they determine who gets priority for new social rented homes, directly impacting families in housing need and the formation of sustainable communities.

In Ammanford, a new development at Pen Y Maes will provide 31 social rented homes. The proposed LLP prioritises 62% of these homes for applicants in Band A with the greatest housing need and a connection to the Ammanford area. A further 38% will go to those in Bands B or C with a community connection, including key workers and those under-occupying their current homes. This approach aims to ensure that new developments benefit local residents and address specific community needs.

Similarly, in Pemberton, LLPs were considered for two developments: Rhyd Y Cerrig at Cwm Mawr (20 homes) and Waun Groes (70 homes). For Rhyd Y Cerrig, 60% of homes will be allocated to Band A applicants with a connection to the Gwendraeth area, and 40% to Bands B and C. The Waun Groes development follows a similar pattern, allocating 60% to Band A applicants with a connection to the Llanelli East area. Both policies emphasise the importance of supporting sustainable communities and ensuring tenants are tenancy ready through the Starting Well process.

• Why this matters: Local Lettings Policies are vital for ensuring that new affordable housing benefits those most in need within the local community. They can help prevent displacement and build stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.
• What's next: These policies will guide the allocation of new social housing, directly impacting the lives of many families in Carmarthenshire.

You can find more details in the Cabinet Member for Homes meeting.

Council Faces Significant Budget Pressures

Carmarthenshire Council's Cabinet met on Monday 21 September 2026 and received a stark warning about the council's financial health. The Revenue Budget Monitoring Report for 2026/27 forecasts an alarming overall departmental overspend of £15.9 million, with a projected deficit on the authority's net revenue budget of £11.3 million.

The most significant pressures are in schools, with a forecast overspend of £6.9 million, and in Children's Services, with a further £5.4 million overspend primarily due to high-cost residential placements. Adult Social Care also faces substantial pressures, with an overspend exceeding £2 million. Councillor Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources, stressed the seriousness of the situation, noting that the projected deficit on school balances could exceed the authority's general fund balance if no corrective action is taken. He urged schools projecting deficits to cease all non-essential expenditure.

The Revenue Budget Outlook report highlighted volatile external economic and political environments, with higher energy costs and inflation posing significant risks. The council is preparing for difficult decisions ahead, emphasizing the need for early planning and transparent discussion of risks.

• Why this matters: These budget pressures have real-world consequences. Overspends in schools and children's services can impact the quality of education and support available to vulnerable children and young people. Increased demand in adult social care highlights the growing needs of an ageing population. The council's financial stability is essential for maintaining all public services.
• What's next: The Cabinet has endorsed the continued work to improve the year-end outturn and has agreed to the proposed budget planning assumptions for 2027-28. The council is aligning with the Bank of England's inflation assumptions and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

You can find more details in the Cabinet meeting.

Safeguarding Remains a Top Priority

The Carmarthenshire Council Cabinet, meeting on Monday 21 September 2026, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children and adults at risk by approving the Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report for 2025/26 and a revised Corporate Safeguarding Policy.

The annual report detailed the council's ongoing efforts to ensure robust corporate arrangements for safeguarding, noting that all actions identified in a previous Wales Audit review have been completed or are nearing completion. The Corporate Safeguarding Group has focused on areas such as safe governance, workplace practices, and partnerships. Councillor Donald Davies commended the report, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable people.

The revised policy, Safeguarding People in Carmarthenshire, 2026, sets out how the council will meet its safeguarding obligations, emphasizing that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Councillor Jane Tremlett, Cabinet Member for Integrated Health and Children and Adult Social Services, stressed the importance of continuously reviewing and updating policies.

In a separate but related development, the Cabinet also unanimously approved the adoption of a new Neurodiversity Policy. This policy aims to foster a neuro-inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring. It outlines the council's commitment to raising awareness, promoting inclusive practices, and providing reasonable workplace adjustments.

• Why this matters: Strong safeguarding practices are essential for protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. A clear and updated policy ensures that all staff understand their responsibilities and that appropriate support is in place. The Neurodiversity Policy promotes equality of opportunity and a more inclusive working environment for all.
• What's next: The council will continue to implement and monitor its safeguarding arrangements and promote its new Neurodiversity Policy.

You can find more details in the Cabinet meeting.

Other Matters

• Waste and Recycling Service Policy: The Cabinet approved a revised Carmarthenshire Waste and Recycling Service Policy, which incorporates planned changes to waste services in the western part of the county from Autumn 2026. This aims to improve kerbside collections and increase recycling performance, supporting the council's commitment to Welsh Government targets and a circular economy. Councillor Emlyn Schiavone noted that Carmarthenshire is one of the last councils in Wales to adopt this model, acknowledging that change can be difficult but necessary. Cabinet meeting.
• Treasury Management and Capital Programme: The Cabinet reviewed the Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report for 2025-2026, confirming compliance with relevant codes and policies. They also received an update on the Capital Programme for 2026/27, noting forecasted net spend and new grant funding offers for various projects, including housing, coastal protection, and economic development. Cabinet meeting.
• Wales Pension Partnership: The Wales Pension Partnership Joint Governance Committee met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to discuss updates on investments, risk management, and policy reviews. Key developments included the operationalisation of the WPP Investment Management Company (IM Co) and positive performance reports for most sub-funds. Wales Pension Partnership Joint Governance Committee meeting.
• Dyfed Pension Fund: The Dyfed Pension Fund Committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026. Discussions included budget monitoring, pensions administration, and updates on the Wales Pension Partnership. A key decision was to increase the threshold for pensioner payslip variances from £5 to £20 to reduce printing costs. Dyfed Pension Fund Committee meeting.
• Planning Committee Decisions: The Planning Committee met on Friday 25 September 2026. Decisions included deferring a decision on caravan and camping pitches at Parc y Bocs, Kidwelly, to address pedestrian access concerns. Planning permission was granted for a new dwelling in Drefach Felindre and for a change of use to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 84 Llwynhendy Road, Llanelli, against officer recommendations in the latter case. A new access road to Sarnau Mansion was also granted permission, again against officer recommendations, with the decision focusing on safety improvements. Planning Committee meeting.
• Licensing Sub-Committee B: This committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026 and agreed to a variation of the premises licence for Chick King takeaway at 32 Lammas Street, Carmarthen. The variation included changes to operating hours and the removal of the requirement for door supervisors on Fridays. Licensing Sub-Committee B meeting.