The Cabinet of Carmarthenshire Council met on Monday, 1 June 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including workforce challenges in public protection services, the modernisation of education provision across the county, and the council's financial position. Key decisions included the approval to relocate Ysgol Heol Goffa to a new, larger site, and the endorsement of an updated Model Teachers' Pay Policy. The Cabinet also considered consultation reports on the proposed closure of Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol Y Fro, and changes to nursery provision in Ammanford and age ranges at several primary schools.

Workforce Challenges in Public Protection Services

The Cabinet noted significant workforce challenges affecting public protection services across Wales, including Carmarthenshire. These challenges, stemming from recruitment and retention difficulties, an ageing workforce, and skills shortages, have impacted the delivery of food hygiene and food standards inspections. While the Authority prioritises high-risk premises and responds to incidents, a backlog of lower-risk inspections has developed. The Cabinet acknowledged the risk-based approach and mitigation measures in place, and resolved to support continued engagement with Welsh Government and national partners on workforce sustainability.

Modernising Education Programme

Several key decisions were made regarding the Modernising Education Programme:

• Relocation of Ysgol Heol Goffa: The proposal to relocate Ysgol Heol Goffa to a new site and increase its capacity to 150 places was unanimously approved. This move aims to address the school's current over-capacity and provide modern, accessible facilities for pupils with severe and complex Additional Learning Needs (ALN).
• Nursery Provision in Ammanford: Following consideration of objections, the Cabinet recommended to Council the implementation of proposals to discontinue Ammanford Nursery School and extend the age range of Ysgol Bro Banw and Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman to 3-11. This aims to create consistent early years provision across Carmarthenshire.
• Primary School Age Range Changes: The Cabinet recommended to Council the implementation of proposals to change the age range from 4-11 to 3-11 at Cwrt Henri, Llanybydder, Tumble, and Y Ddwylan primary schools. This aligns these schools with the county's early years strategy following the removal of the Rising 4s policy.
• Closure of Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol Y Fro: After considering consultation reports, the Cabinet resolved to proceed with the publication of statutory notices for the proposed discontinuance of Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol Y Fro. This decision was based on factors including low pupil numbers, financial unsustainability, and leadership challenges, despite significant community opposition and concerns raised about the impact on the Welsh language and rural communities.
• Model Teachers' Pay Policy: The Cabinet unanimously endorsed the updated Model Teachers' Pay Policy for 2025/26. This policy includes changes to recognise Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinators (ALNCos) with a move to Leadership Group Pay and Conditions, reflecting the strategic responsibilities of the role.

Capital Programme Update

The Cabinet received an update on the 2025/26 Capital Programme, noting a forecasted net spend of £93.7 million against a budget of £129 million, resulting in a variance of -£35.3 million. Several new projects and virements were noted and agreed, including additional funding for Disabled Facilities Grants, works on rights of way and resilient roads, and grant funding for electric vehicle infrastructure and nutrient management. A significant award of £600,000 in Transforming Towns grant funding for the former Co-op store in Ammanford was also noted.

Council Revenue Budget Monitoring

The Cabinet received the revenue budget monitoring report as at 28th February 2026, which indicated a forecast overspend of £10.6 million on the Authority's net revenue budget. This overspend is primarily driven by demand pressures in core services such as Adult Social Care, Children's Services, and Education, particularly concerning high-cost residential placements for children. While some underspends in capital financing and additional grant funding provided partial mitigation, the underlying causes of the overspend remain. The report highlighted continuing structural financial pressures, reinforcing the need for ongoing management action and longer-term financial sustainability measures. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was reported to be on target for the financial year.

Shared Back Office Support Proposal

A proposal for shared back-office support between Queen Elizabeth High School, Carmarthen, and Ysgol Dyffryn Amman, Ammanford, was presented. The recommendation to approve funding of £218,000 to support the appointment of a Strategic Business Manager was deferred to allow the Cabinet to receive more detailed information. The proposal aims to achieve financial efficiencies, enhance strategic management, and explore income generation opportunities.

The meeting confirmed that the information status was CONFIRMED_HELD, meaning the meeting was held and decisions were made.