The Cabinet of Carmarthenshire Council met on Monday 30 June 2025, approving the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2024/25 and the Carmarthenshire Social Enterprise Strategic Action Plan. The meeting also saw the endorsement of seven recommendations from a task and finish group report on childhood obesity, titled An Active and Healthy Start.

Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2024/25

The Cabinet received and unanimously resolved to recommend to Council the approval of the Draft Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2024/25. The report, which details the delivery and performance of social services, also outlines plans for improvement. Councillor Jane Tremlett, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Services, noted that this was Mr. Jake Morgan's twelfth annual report as Statutory Director of Social Services in Carmarthenshire and his fifteenth as a Director of Social Services in Wales. The Cabinet acknowledged Mr. Morgan for his service and extended best wishes for his future endeavours.

Health & Social Services Scrutiny Committee Task & Finish Group 2023/24 An Active and Healthy Start

The Cabinet received the Health and Social Services Scrutiny Committee's Task and Finish report on 'An Active and Healthy Start'. Councillor Gareth John, Chair of the Task and Finish Group, presented the report, which aimed to develop an action plan to reduce childhood obesity in Carmarthenshire, a county with the highest proportion of overweight or obese children aged 4-5 years in Wales. The Cabinet unanimously approved the report and its seven recommendations, with the caveat that recommendation 4, concerning school transport options for swimming classes, would require a further report upon completion of an ongoing review. Regular updates on the progress and effectiveness of the recommendations will be provided to the Scrutiny Committee.

Carmarthenshire Social Enterprise Strategic Action Plan

The Cabinet unanimously approved the Carmarthenshire Social Enterprise Strategic Action Plan and agreed to the establishment of the Carmarthenshire Social Enterprise Forum. This plan, developed in conjunction with local social enterprises and stakeholders, aims to support the growth and development of the social enterprise sector in Carmarthenshire, addressing concerns raised in an Audit Wales report. The Forum will provide oversight and monitor the delivery of the plan, which aligns with national strategies and local well-being objectives. Councillor Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, highlighted the importance of social enterprises in driving social and economic change within the county.

Recruitment and Retention Strategy

The report on the Recruitment and Retention Strategy was deferred to a future meeting following a discussion.

Other Business

The Cabinet also noted the unanimous resolution to sign the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16th June 2025, subject to an amendment reflecting Councillor Deryk Cundy's attendance. Additionally, the Cabinet declared Ynysdawela Nature Park, Upper Brynamman, as a local nature reserve and formally offered the former Ty'r Nant Offices in Trostre Retail Park, Llanelli, as a potential relocation option for Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Services. Car parking charges at Burry Port, Ferryside, and Kidwelly were approved, and the South West Wales Regional Transport Plan (2025-2030) – Regional Transport Delivery Plan was also approved. Changes to the membership of Cabinet Advisory Panels were made, with Councillor Lewis Davies replacing Councillor Edward Skinner on the Climate Change and Nature Emergency Advisory Panel, and Councillor Edward Skinner replacing Councillor Kevin Madge on the Welsh Language Members Advisory Panel. Finally, the Cabinet resolved to exclude the public from the meeting for the consideration of the Shared Prosperity Fund - Employability and Skills Grant and Funds.