The Place, Sustainability & Climate Change Scrutiny Committee meeting on 20 October 2026 reviewed the Council's revenue and capital budget outturn for 2025/26, noting an overall underspend of £1.442 million. The committee also discussed the 2026/27 budget monitoring report, which indicated a projected revenue overspend of £298,000, and reviewed the Council's Annual Report for 2025/26, which detailed progress against well-being objectives. Key decisions included the removal of Cumulative Impact Assessments for specific areas in Carmarthen and Llanelli due to insufficient evidence. The committee resolved to receive the updated Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2026 and the EV Charging Gully Trial report, and to explore the wider roll-out and commercialisation of the EV charging gully scheme. The committee also resolved to recommend to Cabinet/Council that the Licensing Act 2003 - Review of Licensing Policy and Cumulative Impact Assessments be approved, and that the Review the Policies Relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles, Drivers and Operators be approved.

Revenue Budget Outturn Report 2025/26

The committee received the Revenue Budget Outturn Report for 2025/26, which detailed the final year-end financial position for services within the remit of the Place, Sustainability and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources, presented the report, highlighting an overall net underspend of £1.4 million. This underspend was primarily attributed to vacancies and delays in service improvement projects within the Service Improvement and Transformation Section (£45,000 underspend) and a significant underspend within the Environment and Infrastructure Division (£1.8 million), which was transferred to be used in the 2026/27 financial year.

However, the Public Protection Division reported an overspend of £426,000. This was mainly due to an overspend of £376,000 on the Financial Investigator Service, linked to an income shortfall and costs associated with distributing proceeds of crime income. A further staffing budget shortfall of £28,000 was also noted.

The report also detailed the savings monitoring position as at the end of March 2026, indicating that £1.645 million of the proposed £1.741 million in efficiencies for 2025/26 were delivered, with an unmet target of £96,000. Divisions would work towards achieving these efficiencies in 2026/27.

During the discussion, Councillor Sue Allen inquired about the new Civil Contingency Manager post, its establishment, and priorities. Daniel John, Head of Environment and Infrastructure, explained that the post was responsible for preparing against risks outlined in the Community Risk Register, such as storm damage and flooding. He also mentioned an upcoming event in Pentre Awel to set local resilience forum priorities. Colin Evans asked for an update on the delay in commissioning the new recycling facility at Nantycaws, operated by Clem Environmental. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure confirmed the facility was now operational and would release savings in the current financial year. Councillor Evans also enquired about the timeline for introducing car parking charges following the approval of the strategy, to which the Chair responded that an aspirational implementation date of April 1st was being worked towards. Councillor Evans also raised a query about the Pont-y-Niswen bridge replacement scheme, where a £119,000 slippage was noted. Daniel John stated this item was on the next agenda but confirmed the scheme was in the detailed design stage, with estimated costs between £1.5 to £2 million. The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability highlighted that the overspends in storm damage (£552,000) and severe weather (£244,000) were realities of climate change, impacting core services.

The committee resolved to receive the Revenue Budget Outturn Report for 2025/26.

Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2026/27

The committee received the Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report for 2026/27, providing an update as at 30th June 2026. The report indicated that services within the Place & Infrastructure and Public Protection remit were forecasting an overall revenue overspend of £298,000. The capital programme showed a forecast net spend of £19,268,000 against a working net budget of £17,153,000, resulting in a variance of £2,115,000.

Several new grants and virements were noted, including £1.533 million for coastal protection and flood defence projects, £106,000 for Wales Coastal Path works, and £108,000 for Trebeddrod Reservoir investigations. Significant Regional Transport Fund (RTF) grants totalling £6.320 million were awarded for various projects, including road safety, walking/wheeling/cycling, the Llanelli Multimodal Transport Interchange, schools initiatives, low-emission vehicle charging infrastructure, access improvements, and bridge strengthening.

The savings monitoring report for 2026/27 indicated that £1.505 million of operational savings were forecast to be delivered against a target of £1.555 million, with no policy savings forecast against the £83,000 target.

Councillor Colin Evans questioned the £119,000 slippage for the Pont-y-Niswen bridge replacement scheme, seeking an update on its status and final cost. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure stated the scheme was in detailed design, with estimated costs of £1.5 to £2 million. Councillor Gareth Thomas asked for future reports to quantify savings from low-emission vehicles, similar to how building decarbonisation benefits are presented. The Cabinet Member for Resources acknowledged the point and explained the additional £330,000 cost for staff mileage reimbursement due to increased rates and anticipated fuel price rises from conflict in the Middle East. Councillor Neil Lewis raised concerns about school transport costs and contract lengths, to which the Head of Environmental Infrastructure responded that providers were engaged, and representations had been made to Welsh Government regarding fuel costs. Councillor Sue Allen inquired about the cost and potential recycling of swimming buses, and the Head of Healthy Communities and Public Protection, Ian Jones, detailed the school swimming programme, including Welsh Government funding and a £1 per pupil contribution towards transport costs. He also mentioned efforts to double up bus journeys and explore efficiencies in council assets.

The committee resolved to receive the Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report for 2026/27.

The Council's Annual Report 2025/26

The committee reviewed the draft Council Annual Report for 2025/26, which detailed progress against the Council's four Well-being Objectives: Start Well, Live and Age Well, Prosperous Communities, and Our Council. The report highlighted achievements in areas such as early help for families, energy efficiency improvements in homes, job creation through regeneration projects, and a 38% reduction in the Council's carbon footprint since 2016/17.

Key points raised by members included:

• Recycling Rate: Councillor Kevin Madge questioned the Council's recycling rate of 66.10% for 2025/26, which was below the 70% target. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that this was largely due to a national change in reporting methodology for waste wood, confirmed by Natural Resources Wales. He added that the Council was working with Welsh Government on separated recycling and hoped to meet the target in the future. The Cabinet Member for Resources emphasised that failing to meet targets could lead to fines, potentially impacting council tax.
• Road Conditions: Councillor Lewis Davies asked for an update on progress in addressing recommendations from the Audit Wales report on managing roads, particularly unclassified roads. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure confirmed that work was ongoing, including an analysis of the long-term impact of funding levels on the road network. Completion of most actions was expected by the end of the financial year.
• Flood Risk Management: Members discussed the increasing flood risk and the need for effective flood defences. The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability highlighted ongoing work with partners like Natural Resources Wales (NRW) on flood alleviation schemes, community outreach, and improved monitoring technology. He also mentioned the use of nature-based solutions.
• Flood Sacks: Councillor Sue Allen inquired about the practicality of flood sacks, specifically the need for soaking. It was explained that they were a preparatory measure, not a responsive one, and that further trials were being considered to support communities at risk.

The committee resolved to receive the Council's Annual Report for 2025/26.

Peatland Management and Restoration

The committee received a report on peatland resources within Carmarthenshire, their ecological and climate significance, and how they are considered in the planning process. Isabel Macho, Biodiversity Officer, presented the report, highlighting that peatlands are a Section 7 Priority Habitat under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and play a vital role in carbon storage and biodiversity. She noted that much of Wales's peatland is damaged, leading to greenhouse gas emissions.

Examples of Council projects included restoration work at Llyn Llech Owain Country Park, involving ditch blocking and scrub removal to restore hydrology. The Carmarthenshire Bogs Project, a partnership initiative, focused on conserving lowland raised bog habitats near Brechfa and Llanfynydd through measures like firebreak cutting and ditch blocking.

The report also detailed how peat is considered in planning policy, with Planning Policy Wales treating peatlands as irreplaceable habitats and presuming against development affecting deep peat. Carmarthenshire County Council is developing a Peat Protocol to guide development proposals on peat and the sustainable handling of excavated peat.

Councillor Gareth Thomas, a farmer with peatland experience, commented on the long-term nature of peatland development and the importance of careful planning. Councillor Lewis Davies asked about monitoring arrangements for habitat conditions and carbon emissions from restoration projects, and the timeline for the Peat Protocol publication. The Biodiversity Officer explained that monitoring is funding-dependent but that NRW would be monitoring sites as part of the National Peatland Action Programme. Discussions with planning colleagues were ongoing regarding the Peat Protocol.

The committee resolved to receive the Peatland Management and Restoration Report.

Carmarthenshire County Council (CCC) Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2026 & Gullies Charging Report

The committee reviewed the updated Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Strategy 2026 and the EV Charging Gully Trial report. Daniel Burgess, Head of Place and Sustainability, presented the strategy, highlighting its aim to support transport decarbonisation and achieve net zero by 2030. He noted that since the 2022 strategy, 215 public charge points had been installed, and key hubs developed.

A significant challenge addressed was the accessibility of charging for residents without off-street parking. The report detailed a successful EV charging gully trial across 44 locations, which showed high customer satisfaction, technical performance, and safety. The gully system allows residents to charge their EVs from their home supply through a discreet pavement channel.

Councillor Neil Lewis raised concerns about the VAT disparity between public and domestic EV charging and suggested the Council write to the UK Government about this. Support was also expressed for the gully trial as a solution to home charging barriers. Daniel John, Head of Environmental Infrastructure, confirmed that the Council participates in national decarbonisation groups through the WLGA and would raise the VAT issue. Councillor Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources, reported that Welsh Government is offering 100% business rates relief for eligible EV charging sites. Councillor Dorian Phillips inquired about the Council's engagement with National Grid regarding charging infrastructure constraints and plans for battery storage or solar upgrades. Neil Lewis Evans, Climate Change and Energy Transformation Manager, confirmed constant dialogue with National Grid. Councillor Dorian Phillips also asked about charging points in rural areas, and Daniel John explained the need for local consultation to identify best-used areas. Neil Lewis also expressed concern about spending public money on hydrogen and hybrids, advocating for a moratorium.

The committee resolved to receive the report, explore the wider roll-out and commercialisation of the EV charging gully scheme, and requested the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability to make representations to the UK Government regarding the VAT disparity on EV charging.

Licensing Act 2003 - Review of Licensing Policy and Cumulative Impact Assessments

The committee reviewed the draft Licensing Policy and Cumulative Impact Assessments (CIAs). Heidi Neil and Ian Jones from Public Protection presented the report, explaining the statutory requirement to review the policy every five years and CIAs every three years. A consultation exercise had been conducted, involving over a thousand consultees. The review concluded that there was insufficient evidence to justify retaining the existing CIAs for Station Road, Llanelli, and Lammas Street, Nott Square, Queen Street, and King Street in Carmarthen. These CIAs would be removed from the revised policy. However, there was sufficient evidence to retain hot spot areas for alcohol-related crime and disorder, where applicants would be directed to consider best practice measures.

Councillor Lewis Davies sought clarification on the practical implications of removing CIAs for managing new licensing applications and protecting residents. Heidi Neil explained that CIAs place a stronger burden on applicants to justify new premises in those areas, making it more difficult to open new licensed premises. Councillor Kevin Madge raised concerns about hotspots moving into villages and asked about future reviews for other parts of the county. It was confirmed that the review covered the whole county and that other areas could become hotspots if evidence supported it. Councillor Dorian Phillips noted the positive reduction in anti-social behaviour since 2023.

The committee resolved to recommend to Cabinet/Council that the Licensing Act 2003 - Review of Licensing Policy and Cumulative Impact Assessments be approved.

Review the Policies Relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles, Drivers and Operators

The committee received a report proposing the adoption of a single, unified taxi and private hire vehicle policy for the county. The aim is to consolidate existing policies and guidance into one clear document, simplifying the licensing framework for drivers, operators, applicants, and the council. The policy aligns with Welsh Government's direction on harmonising taxi licensing standards, with a focus on public safety, consistency, and ensuring reliable transport, especially for disabled passengers and in rural communities. A public consultation was undertaken, but responses were low, with only four received. The issues raised were already addressed within the proposed policy and aligned with national standards.

Councillor Colin Evans expressed disappointment at the low consultation response rate, highlighting the extensive work undertaken by officers. The Public Protection Compliance and Enforcement Policy was shared, and it was noted that the Council would continue to work with Dyfed Powys Police and other agencies. Councillor Neil Lewis inquired about using social media for consultations to potentially increase engagement. The Public Protection Manager confirmed that consultations were promoted on the website and through media marketing, and to those who signed up for notifications. Councillor Karen Davies asked about reviewing hackney carriage fares, which had not been revised since 2023, considering fuel costs. The Public Protection Manager confirmed that hackney carriage fares are set by the council, unlike private hire vehicles, and that current fares were in line with neighbouring authorities. He added that the matter is kept under review and discussed with drivers regularly, and any future increase would be subject to consultation.

The committee resolved to recommend to Cabinet/Council that the Review the Policies Relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles, Drivers and Operators be approved.

Climate Action Sir Gâr: Our 2025-26 Progress Report on Achieving our 2030 Net Zero Target

The committee received the Climate Action Sir Gâr: Our 2025/26 Progress Report. The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen, presented the report, highlighting a 45% reduction in carbon emissions since the 2016/17 baseline, with a 12% reduction achieved in 2025/26 alone. This significant reduction was attributed to investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and low-carbon technology, particularly in non-domestic buildings and street lighting.

Councillor Kevin Madge supported the report's findings and congratulated officers on their work, noting the positive direction of travel for future generations. He also expressed support for the Climate Action Sir Gâr programme.

Councillor Lewis Davies sought clarification on the progress of bus franchising and the integration of bus and rail services, given revised timescales. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure confirmed ongoing work with Transport for Wales and proposed an informal briefing session for members to update them on progress and next steps.

The committee resolved to receive the Climate Action Sir Gâr: Our 2025-26 Progress Report on Achieving our 2030 Net Zero Target.

Forthcoming Items

The committee reviewed the list of forthcoming items for the next meeting on 2nd December 2026. These included Budget Monitoring reports, the Highways Asset Management Plan, the Road Safety Intervention Strategy, a Section 19 Investigation Report on Flooding, and the Quarterly Performance Monitoring Report Q2.

The committee resolved to agree the list of forthcoming items.

To Sign as a Correct Record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee Held on the 11th September 2026

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 11th September 2026 were presented for signing. A minor amendment was noted regarding Councillor Dorian Phillips' attendance, which was corrected.

The minutes were then unanimously resolved to be signed as a correct record.