County's Executive Board Changes

Changes have been made to extend the roles and responsibilities of Carmarthenshire’s Executive Board.

Leader Cllr Kevin Madge made the announcements today following a meeting with Executive Board members.

The main changes involve the introduction of ambassadorial or champion roles which will add to the portfolios.

Cllr Madge said: “Following a very successful first year which I’ve reported on at the Annual General Meeting of Council, I have considered and discussed with the Executive Board members whether we need to place more emphasis on certain key themes as a result of which amendments to portfolios have been made.

“I have asked Cllr Pam Palmer to take on the new responsibility of sustainability, and biodiversity and also to take up the role of youth ambassador.

“In view of his work being done in environmental enhancement I have asked Cllr Jim Jones to take on responsibility for rural affairs.

“Regarding the recent census results for Carmarthenshire, along with the exciting news that the Eisteddfod is here in 2014, we need further resources dedicated to the Welsh language. Therefore, I have asked Cllr Keith Davies to focus on the Eisteddfod as ambassador, and for Cllr Mair Stephens to build upon the excellent work done internally with staff regarding the Welsh language and become Welsh language champion.

“As one of the leading town and community councillors serving on the Executive Board, I have also asked Cllr Stephens to take on the role of liaising with town and community councils. Meetings of the Executive Board with them are now going so well that we need to specifically focus on this.

“Other new areas we need to particularly focus on are the support we have to carers, and particularly to those who care for loved ones suffering from dementia. Cllr Jane Tremlett is to take on these roles, along with an additional role as disability ambassador.”

Cllr Colin Evans’ title will change to Executive Board member for Technical Services. There is no change to the portfolios of Cllr Meryl Gravell, Cllr Tegwen Devichand or Cllr Jeff Edmunds. The changes are effective immediately.