At a recent budget meeting in Carmarthenshire, concerns were raised by councillors regarding proposed changes to library services and flood defence spending. The council is set to receive an additional £25.1m from the Welsh Government in the upcoming financial year 2025-26. However, amidst pressures on staff pay and demands for social care, the council is faced with the challenge of making significant savings. Discussions revolved around the Plaid Cymru-Independent cabinet’s plan to implement £8.6m in savings, with some measures including fee increases rather than outright cuts to services.
During a meeting of the communities, homes, and regeneration scrutiny committee, Councillor Martyn Palfreman expressed concerns over previous unrealised savings of £1.4m and sought assurances regarding the effective delivery of planned savings. Additionally, Councillor Palfreman highlighted worries about a proposed £40,000 reduction in the council’s flood defence budget given the growing impact of climate change. Another area of contention was a plan to decrease library staff and premises costs by £310,000 over three years by introducing a mixed staff and digital-only book loaning service, potentially disadvantaging those without online access.
Responding to these concerns, Randal Hemingway, the council’s head of financial services, acknowledged the challenges of achieving savings consistently over the years. He indicated that while substantial savings had been realised annually, there were instances of unattainable targets within the mix. Councillor Terry Davies raised the issue of general reserves, questioning if the council held sufficient funds given the uncertain financial landscape. In response, Councillor Alun Lenny reassured that general reserves at £14m were slightly below the recommended threshold but an additional £2m buffer was being allocated.
The meeting also shed light on the new Pentre Awel health and well-being complex in Llanelli, with the first phase featuring a leisure centre and swimming pool set to open in spring. Councillor Sean Rees highlighted the positive reception of the project at a recent public event but noted requests for additional facilities like a sauna and steam room. Plans for a nearby hotel within the Pentre Awel scheme were suggested as a potential provider of such amenities. Furthermore, discussions touched on a proposed 24/7 gym at the former Debenhams store in Carmarthen to address unmet demand in the area.
Although facing significant spending pressures totalling £55m in the upcoming financial year, Councillor Lenny expressed reluctance towards the proposed 9.75% council tax increase, deeming it higher than desired. The uncertainty of reimbursement for increased national insurance costs by the Welsh Government added to the financial complexities. Despite these challenges, Councillor Lenny highlighted positive developments such as reduced energy costs and an increase in the Welsh Government housing support grant by £1.1m. Public consultation on the budget plans is ongoing before a final decision is made at the meeting on February 26.
The council’s deliberations reflect the intricacies of balancing financial constraints with the demand for essential services and infrastructure development. The ongoing scrutiny by councillors underscores the importance of prudent financial management and strategic decision-making to navigate the evolving economic landscape. As Carmarthenshire grapples with fiscal challenges and aims to deliver vital services efficiently, the budget decisions in the upcoming months will shape the county’s trajectory in meeting the needs of its residents while ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.