The Place, Sustainability & Climate Change Scrutiny Committee of Carmarthenshire Council met on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, to review the 2025/26 End of Quarter 3 Performance Report, receive an update on air quality, and discuss planning enforcement matters. The committee also reviewed the draft Carmarthenshire Community Transport Strategy and the Litter Bin Policy.

2025/26 End of Quarter 3 Performance Report

The committee reviewed the performance report for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. Significant concerns were raised regarding the Public Protection budget, specifically the £184k overspend and the challenges in recruiting qualified personnel for food safety and standards roles. Members noted that this was a national issue, but suggested exploring apprenticeship schemes and internal training to address the problem. The committee proposed that the off-target measures PP/FOOD/001, PP/FOOD/002, and PPN/001i be referred to the Cabinet for further consideration.

Air Quality Update

The committee received a positive update on air quality in Carmarthenshire, with Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) levels remaining below national Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) for the fifth consecutive year. This sustained improvement is attributed to proactive work by the Environment Protection team, including securing Welsh Government funding for school engagement programmes and expanding the monitoring network. While overall compliance is strong, borderline readings in Carmarthen and Llanelli necessitate continued monitoring. Members discussed the potential revocation of the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in Llandeilo, with some expressing reservations due to ongoing traffic on the trunk road. An update on the Llandeilo bypass project indicated that ecological surveys had commenced, with a specific update promised for the next meeting.

Planning Enforcement

The committee received a report on planning enforcement, highlighting positive improvements in performance since 2022, particularly in the investigation stage, where targets are now consistently met. The service is now focusing on improving outcomes at the positive action stage, which involves more complex legal processes. Members commended the improvements made and noted the ongoing efforts to streamline processes and ensure transparency. The report detailed the two-stage process of investigation and positive action, with performance data and anonymised case studies illustrating the complexities and challenges faced by the service.

Carmarthenshire Community Transport Strategy

The draft Carmarthenshire Community Transport Strategy was presented, outlining plans to enhance community transport services across the county. The report highlighted the importance of these services for residents lacking conventional transport options. Discussions covered the budget for Country Cars, noting a small increase for the upcoming year, and clarifying that while direct hospital transport is not provided, connections to hospital bus services are facilitated. The committee welcomed the council's work with the TrydaNi electric car sharing initiative and emphasised the potential of technology for on-demand services. Concerns were raised about the impact of future bus franchising on community transport, with ongoing negotiations to safeguard funding for local authority community transport spending.

Litter Bin Policy

The committee reviewed the implementation and impact of the new Litter Bin Policy. The policy aims to balance bin provision and servicing with usage, guided by principles of fairness, efficiency, and environmental context. Members suggested that new bins should be branded with the Carmarthenshire County Council logo for public clarity. Commendations were given for the decrease in fly-tipping in laybys, which had counter-intuitively resulted from bin removal in those areas. Officers were asked to liaise with the tourism service to ensure adequate bin servicing during peak tourist periods and bank holidays. The committee also recognised the contribution of community litter-pickers and asked for consideration of their recognition.

The committee also received the 2025/26 End of Quarter 3 Performance Report, and the draft 2026/27 Business Plans for Healthy Communities and Public Protection, Environmental Infrastructure, and Place and Sustainability. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 29 January 2026 were also signed as a correct record.