Ceredigion Council's Cabinet met to discuss a range of issues, including approving changes to library opening hours, authorising a traffic regulation order for New Quay, and agreeing to the sale of the former primary school in Beulah. The Cabinet also received updates on the council's financial performance and equality initiatives.

Library Opening Hours

The Cabinet agreed to changes to library opening hours, as detailed in the report of the Corporate Lead Officer for Customer Contact, ICT & Digital, following feedback from the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The decision aims to improve service provision.

The report noted that budget savings introduced in 2024 required changes to library services, including a reduction in posts and a review of opening hours. The review found inconsistencies in opening hours across different libraries, and the changes aim to align hours and improve staff cover.

For example, the new Aberaeron Library will have increased hours as it moves to Penmorfa and takes on additional reception duties.

The following table details the changes to opening hours that will be implemented:

An integrated impact assessment¹ (IIA) was conducted, which found that the changes were minimal and would support improved working arrangements while making minor savings to protect the long-term sustainability of the service.

Traffic Regulation Order, New Quay

The Cabinet approved the making of the Ceredigion County Council (Prohibition And Restriction Of Waiting And Loading And Unloading) Order 2019 (Heol Pengraig/Lewis Terrace, New Quay) (Amendment Order No. 16) 2025. This order introduces a prohibition of waiting at any time on the westward side of Heol Pengraig/Lewis Terrace, New Quay, to protect road safety at a new access.

LA Representative on Governing Bodies

The Cabinet confirmed nominations for LA representatives on the governing bodies of Craig yr Wylfa Primary School, Llwyn yr Eos Primary School, Llanarth Primary School and Ysgol Bro Pedr.

The nominees are:

• Haf ap Robert (Craig yr Wylfa Primary School)
• Natalie Chambers (Llwyn yr Eos Primary School)
• Dylan Jones (Llanarth Primary School)
• Fiona Drury (Ysgol Bro Pedr)

Strategic Equality Plan Monitoring Report

The Cabinet received and approved the Council's Strategic Equality Plan Monitoring Report 2024-25, following feedback from the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee. The report outlines the progress made on achieving the council's equality objectives, which are:

• To be an exemplar equal opportunities employer
• To foster good relations and tackle prejudice
• To ensure engagement and participation
• To ensure dignity, respect and access to services
• To provide fair and inclusive education

The report uses a 'BRAG' system to show how well an action is performing or being delivered:

Key achievements noted in the report include a revised recruitment application process, acceptance into the Age Friendly network, and increased representation at Ceredigion Disability Forum meetings. Challenges include encouraging proportional representation in the workforce and achieving diverse representation in local politics and decision making.

Sale of Former Primary School, Beulah

The Cabinet approved the principle of selling the former primary school and land in Beulah, subject to a restrictive covenant² to ensure that approximately 10% of the site is dedicated to a community play area. The Cabinet also delegated authority to the Corporate Lead Officer and Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration to accept or reject offers that fall below the external valuation, within a reasonable timeframe. The school has been closed since 2019, and the property has remained vacant. Part of the adjacent field has been leased to the Beulah Community Council since 2015, but the lease expired earlier this year. The Assets Team consulted with Beulah Community Council, who voiced strong opposition to the disposal of the land, as they wish to retain the recreation area for the community.

Acquisition of Llettytwppa Farm, Lampeter

The Cabinet noted the report regarding the acquisition of Llettytwppa Farm, Llanfair Road, Lampeter. Cabinet authorised the purchase of the asset on 3 June 2025, and this report provides further information to the public now that the purchase has been completed.

The farm, which is adjacent to the University Trinity St Davids campus, will be used as part of a proposed vocational training facility in Lampeter. The purchase includes the main farm of circa 129 acres, along with a farmhouse and farm buildings, and a separate parcel of adjoining land (5.3 acres). The total cost of the acquisition is £1,850,000, funded by a Transforming Towns Loan.

Financial Performance and Treasury Management

The Cabinet noted the reports on the 2025/26 Controllable Revenue Budget - Financial Performance - Quarter 1, the Quarter 1 Capital Programme Monitoring Report, and the Quarterly Treasury Management Performance Report 2025/26.

The report on the revenue budget noted that a broadly breakeven position is forecast, with a small projected underspend of £15,000. Key challenges include high-end children's placements and the use of agency staff within social care. The report also noted a falling council tax collection rate, offset by a higher number of properties subject to a Council Tax Premium³. The Treasury Management Performance Report noted that investment income for the period was £380,000, against a budget of £393,000, resulting in an unfavourable variance of £13,000. The full year budget for investment income is £1.4m, and it is forecast that income of £1.3m will be achieved, resulting in a £0.1m unfavourable variance for the year.

Engagement and Participation Policy Annual Report

The Cabinet noted the Engagement and Participation Policy Annual Report 2024-2025, and feedback from the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The report outlines the council's progress in delivering its Engagement and Participation Policy, which aims to engage effectively with the people of Ceredigion to inform effective decision making.

The report noted that there were 32 engagement and consultation campaigns during 2024-25, an increase from previous years. It also highlighted improvements in engagement and participation since the policy was introduced in 2022, including an increase in social media followers and the establishment of a method for people to watch council meetings online.

Gender Pay Report and Workforce Equality Report

The Cabinet noted the Gender Pay Report 2025 and the Workforce Equality Report 2025, and feedback from the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Gender Pay Report 2025 noted that as at 31 March 2025, a mean pay gap of -6.0% and a median pay gap of -4.8% existed between men and women. This has decreased from 31 March 2024, where the mean pay gap was -7.0% and median pay gap was -6.6%, and from 31 March 2023, where the mean pay gap was -7.8% and median pay gap was -10.4%.

The Workforce Equality Report 2025 presented data relating to the council's workforce under each of the protected characteristics detailed in the Equality Act, including age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.