The Cabinet of Carmarthenshire Council met on Monday 28 April 2025 to discuss and approve a new Involvement Strategy, review the 20mph speed limit guidance, and consider annual safeguarding reports. Decisions were made to approve the Involvement Strategy, commence consultation on proposed 30mph speed limits in certain areas, and approve the Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report.

Involvement Strategy 2025-27

The Cabinet unanimously resolved to approve the draft Involvement Strategy for 2025-27. This strategy outlines how the council will engage with residents through consultation and engagement, aiming to foster a culture of collaboration and ensure residents are active participants in decisions affecting their communities. The strategy is underpinned by several legislative acts, including the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015¹, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014², and the Equality Act 2010³. In addition to approving the strategy, the Cabinet also resolved to adopt the National Principles for Public Participation in Wales⁴ and resolved to establish a cross-departmental officer Task & Finish Group to develop a delivery plan for the strategy.

20mph Speed Limit Review

A report was presented to the Cabinet detailing the Welsh Government's revised 20mph guidance and the risk assessment approach undertaken to review speed limits following the government's 'listening programme'. The Cabinet unanimously resolved to approve that officers commence consultation on the proposed 30mph speed limits as listed in the report. Following this consultation, an officer decision will be made regarding the progression of these proposals to a Public Notice for a draft Traffic Regulation Order. Any objections will be considered by the Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, Councillor Edward Thomas. Furthermore, officers will commence a review of 'C' Class and Unclassified Roads, and also assess the appropriateness of buffer speed limits on the approach to existing 20mph speed zones. This review is partly in response to public feedback regarding frequent changes in speed limits over short road sections.

Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report 2023/24 & 2024/25

The Cabinet considered and unanimously resolved that the Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report for 2023/24 and 2024/25 be approved. The report detailed the actions taken in response to recommendations from Audit Wales⁵ and the ongoing work to enhance the council's corporate arrangements for safeguarding children and adults. The report highlighted thematic areas of focus for the Corporate Safeguarding Group: Safe Governance, Safe Workplace and Workforce, Safe Practice and Performance, and Safe Partnerships. The report also identified ongoing areas for action in 2025/2026.

The Mid & West Wales Safeguarding Children & Adults Boards Annual Report 2023-2024

The Cabinet unanimously resolved that the Annual Report of the Mid & West Wales Safeguarding Children & Adults Boards for 2023-2024 be received. The report outlined the progress made against the outcomes set by CYSUR⁶ and CWMPAS⁷ as part of their joint Annual Strategic Plan. Key developments highlighted in the report included continued investment in the development of the Single Unified Safeguarding Review (SUSR) framework, the successful delivery of in-person training for panel members, and the publication of several practice reviews. The report also detailed the collaborative work with multi-agency partners to improve the lives of children and adults at risk in Mid and West Wales.

Neonatal Care Leave and Pay Policy

The Cabinet received for consideration the Neonatal Care Leave and Pay Policy, which replaces the Authority’s Premature Birth and Hospitalisation Scheme. This new policy aligns with the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2025⁸, which came into effect on 6 April 2025. The policy sets out the rights of employees to neonatal care leave and pay following the birth or adoption of a child. The Cabinet unanimously resolved that the Neonatal Care Leave and Pay Policy be approved and paid at normal contractual pay, in line with Option 2 detailed in the policy. This approach was chosen to support parents during a critical time, ensuring they can be with their child without financial detriment.