The Cabinet of Carmarthenshire Council was scheduled to meet on Monday 26 January 2026 to discuss a range of important issues. These included a performance assessment report, proposals for modernising education, a development fund application, and a notice of motion concerning wind and solar farms. The meeting was also expected to include a public question regarding the former Debenhams store project in Carmarthen.

Carmarthenshire Panel Performance Assessment Report and Council Response

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the findings and recommendations of the Carmarthenshire Panel Performance Assessment (PPA) report. This assessment, conducted in accordance with the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, evaluates the council's effectiveness in exercising its functions, using resources economically, efficiently, and effectively, and having robust governance in place. The report's overall conclusion was that Carmarthenshire is a well-run and values-based organisation with strong and visible leadership at political and Officer level and has an awareness of its key challenges. The council was expected to formally respond to the report's recommendations, outlining proposed actions to further strengthen its performance.

Modernising Education Programme: Changes to Nursery Provision

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to proposals for modernising education, specifically concerning nursery provision in Ammanford and changes to the age range of several primary schools.

Reconfiguring Nursery Provision in Ammanford

The Cabinet was to consider proposals to reconfigure nursery provision in Ammanford. This followed the Council's decision to remove the Rising 4s Policy, which historically allowed children to enter full-time primary education in the term they turned four. The proposals included discontinuing Ammanford Nursery School, which is the county's only maintained nursery school offering full-time provision from age three. Concurrently, the age range of Ysgol Bro Banw and Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman was proposed to be extended from 4-11 to 3-11 to accommodate pupils from Ammanford Nursery. Consultation reports indicated strong opposition to the closure of Ammanford Nursery, with concerns raised about the loss of a specialist setting, impact on working families, and Welsh language provision. However, there was more mixed support for extending the age ranges at Ysgol Bro Banw and Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman. Estyn's observation suggested that the proposals were likely to maintain the standard of educational provision.

Changing Primary School Age Ranges

The Cabinet was also scheduled to consider proposals to change the age range from 4-11 to 3-11 at four primary schools: Ysgol Cwrt Henri, Ysgol Llanybydder, Ysgol Gymraeg Y Tymbl, and Ysgol y Ddwylan. These changes were proposed to address gaps in early years education provision and to align with the removal of the Rising 4s Policy. Consultation reports for each school indicated predominantly positive responses, with support for earlier access to education, benefits for the Welsh language, and school sustainability. Estyn's observations for each school were also positive, suggesting that the changes were likely to deliver Welsh-medium provision at a standard at least equal to the existing offer.

Development Fund Application for Pembrey Country Park

The Cabinet was to consider an application to the Development Fund for £240,000 to introduce a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) barrier system at Pembrey Country Park. The report indicated that the existing system was outdated and causing operational issues. The new ANPR system was expected to reduce expenditure on maintenance and IT, generate additional income through online payment options and improved efficiency, and create a more positive customer experience. It was proposed that the scheme be repaid over five years, commencing in the 2026/27 financial year.

Notice of Motion: Wind and Solar Farms

A Notice of Motion, referred to Cabinet by the County Council, concerning wind and solar farms was scheduled for discussion. The motion expressed Carmarthenshire's commitment to renewable energy generation and local benefit, while also raising concerns about the development of large-scale solar farms on agricultural land. It called on the Welsh Government to pause applications for major onshore wind and solar farms in Carmarthenshire until issues concerning cumulative impact, the power transmission and distribution network, and the alignment of consenting regimes were addressed. A letter outlining these concerns had been sent to the relevant Cabinet Secretary.

Public Question on the Former Debenhams Store Project

A public question from Mr. Havard Hughes was to be addressed to Councillor Linda Evans, Leader of the Council. The question sought information on the current cumulative spend and the forecast total spend compared to the original forecast for the former Debenhams store project in St Catherine's Walk, Carmarthen.

Exclusion of the Public

The agenda indicated that the public would be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of Item 13, Land at Penprys, as the relevant reports contained exempt information.