The Carmarthenshire County Council meeting on Wednesday 23 July 2025 saw the adoption of the Council Constitution for 2025-2026, including changes to the petition scheme and delegation of authority for departmental changes. The Council also approved the appointment of members to various committees and elected Chairs and Vice-Chairs for the upcoming municipal year. Additionally, the Council received the Standards Committee Annual Report for 2024-2025 and considered a community review of electoral arrangements for Whitland Abbey.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

Councillor Dot Jones was unanimously elected as the Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council for the 2025/26 Municipal Year, with Councillor Giles Morgan elected as Vice-Chair. Both made their declarations of acceptance of office and were invested with their respective Chains of Office.

Committee Appointments and Elections

The Council unanimously approved the appointment of members to Regulatory, Scrutiny, and Other Committees for the 2025-2026 municipal year, following a report detailing proposed memberships. Subsequently, nominations were considered, and Chairs and Vice-Chairs were unanimously elected for various Scrutiny and Other Committees, including the Communities, Homes & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee, Corporate Performance & Resources Scrutiny Committee, and the Planning Committee.

Annual Review of the Council Constitution

The Council reviewed its Constitution, as is a requirement on an annual basis. Recommendations from the Constitutional Review Working Group were presented, including proposed changes to the petition scheme to give Scrutiny members more responsibility in managing petitions. Amendments were also proposed to reflect decisions made by the Cabinet and departmental structure changes. The Council unanimously resolved to adopt the Councillors' and Co-opted Members' Salaries and Allowances Scheme for 2025-2026, approve the constitutional changes, grant delegated authority to the Monitoring Officer for departmental changes, adopt the Council Constitution for 2025-2026, and authorise the Monitoring Officer to make minor amendments and corrections.

Wales Pension Partnership (WPP) Fit for the Future Business Case

The Council received a report on the implementation of the Wales Pension Partnership (WPP) Fit for the Future Business Case. This case, approved by the Pension Committee and subsequently by the Westminster Government, outlines plans for WPP to establish its own FCA-authorised Investment Management Company (IMCo.). This move aims to retain WPP's independence as a pool for the eight Welsh LGPS pension funds, fostering local investment in Wales and the UK, and enhancing the financial services sector in Wales. The Council approved the formation of the IMCo., the revised WPP Business Plan & budget for 2025/26, and delegated authority to the Director of Corporate Services and the Pension Committee for progressing Project Snowdon and finalising operational documentation.

Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2024/25

The Council received the Draft Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2024/25 for consideration. The report, a statutory requirement for the Director of Social Services, details service delivery, performance, and improvement plans. It highlights progress made in various areas, including children's services, adult social care, and integrated services, while also acknowledging ongoing challenges such as financial pressures and recruitment. The Cabinet had previously recommended the report for approval, and the Council subsequently resolved to approve the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2024/25.

Review of Communities and Electoral Arrangements: Whitland Abbey, Whitland

The Council considered a report on the community review of the Llanboidy and Whitland Community Council areas, specifically concerning the boundary at Whitland Abbey. Following public consultations, it was recommended that the proposed new boundary, detailed in Appendix B2 of the report, be approved. This boundary includes all land within the ownership of the Menevia Diocese. The Council resolved to approve this proposal and submit the final report and findings to the Democracy and Boundary Commission for Cymru.

Standards Committee Annual Report 2024-2025

The Council received the Standards Committee Annual Report for 2024-2025. The report detailed the committee's activities, including referrals from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, applications for dispensation, and code of conduct training. It also assessed the compliance of group leaders with their duties under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021. The Council resolved to receive the report.

Cabinet Meeting Minutes

The Council received and approved the minutes from the Cabinet meetings held on 12 May 2025, 16 June 2025, and 30 June 2025. An amendment was noted for the 16 June minutes to reflect the virtual attendance of Councillor Deryk Cundy.

Public and Member Questions

No public questions were submitted for this meeting. Councillor Rob Evans asked a question regarding the flying of the Union Jack, to which Councillor Philip Hughes responded. Councillor Deryk Cundy asked a supplementary question regarding the timeline for a new school to replace Heol Goffa, and Councillor Glynog Davies provided a response. Written responses were to be provided for questions submitted by Councillor John James and Councillor Martyn Palfreman, as the relevant Cabinet Member was not in attendance.

Changes to Committee Membership

The Council approved changes to committee memberships, with Councillor Michelle Beer appointed to the Licensing Committee and Councillor Handel Davies nominated to replace Councillor Andrew Davies on the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. Councillor Edward Skinner was appointed to the Welsh Language Members Advisory Panel, replacing Councillor Kevin Madge, who was replaced on the Climate Change and Nature Emergency Advisory Panel by Councillor Lewis Davies.