The Cabinet of Carmarthenshire Council met on Monday 4 March 2024 to discuss and approve updates to the Highway Asset Management Plan and the Charging Policy for Social Care. The meeting also saw the approval of a Business Growth Grant.

Highway Asset Management Plan - Highways Adverse Weather & Winter Service Plan

The Cabinet adopted Part 4.8 of the Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP) Maintenance Manual, which details the council's approach to managing highways during adverse weather and winter conditions. This plan outlines the procedures for snow events, treating footways and cycleways, managing grit bins, and suspending gritting operations at level crossings. It also details the management of resources, including plant, vehicles, personnel, and salt stocks. The plan aligns with the national code of practice 'Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure' and adopts a risk-based approach, prioritising key routes based on the Highway Network Hierarchy. The council acknowledged that a table within the manual required updating before publication.

Charging Policy - Social Care Charges Amendments

A review of the current Charging Policy for Social Care Charges, last updated in April 2019, was presented to the Cabinet. Following a high-level review and consultation with officers, several changes were identified. The Cabinet granted authority to commence a consultation process on these proposed key amendments. The report indicated that these changes were necessary to address funding gaps and improve cost recovery within the Social Care department, aligning with the Corporate Income and Charging Policy. The proposed changes are permissible under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.

Business Growth Grant

The Cabinet considered an application for a Business Growth Grant from the Shared Prosperity Fund. Following the application of the public interest test, it was resolved to consider this matter in private to avoid placing the named business at an unfair disadvantage. The Cabinet unanimously resolved to approve the award of a Shared Prosperity Fund Business Growth Grant to Lisa Fearn Ltd, trading as Y Sied.