Budget Recommendations

A number of budget cuts have been rejected by Carmarthenshire’s executive board.

They include a reduction in youth services, school crossing patrols, coastal protection, meals on wheels and flood defence.

The board also suggested changes to some proposals including transport to St John Lloyd School, CCTV, highway lighting and street cleaning.

Executive board members will be recommending to council that the proposals are not supported when the budget is set.

Funding for the proposed changes was identified, along with around £200,000 which will pay for an increase for the lowest paid as part of the authority’s commitment towards the living wage, and a lower increase in council tax than originally planned.

The executive board debated the issues when they met today to discuss the revenue budget for the next three years.

It followed extensive consultation with members of the public, stakeholders and members.

Feedback and responses were taken into account when decisions were taken regarding each item.

Deputy Leader Cllr Tegwen Devichand, who chaired the meeting, said: “The Executive Board considered every item very carefully, and whilst we would not wish to make any cuts or changes, we accept that we have to make difficult decisions in order to bring in a legally balanced budget.

“However, there were a number of proposals we felt we simply could not support, and a number of others which we felt needed changes to make them more acceptable to us.

“We listened to what people have said and the budget consultation played a huge part in helping inform our decisions.

“All our recommendations will now go before Council when members set the budget for the future, and we hope they will be supported by our colleagues.”

Proposals rejected are:

• Youth Services: Executive Board Member for Education and Children’s Services Cllr Keith Davies said: “We cannot support this, this service is highly valued within Carmarthenshire. We actually give less funding to this service than any other authority in Wales, but it is vitally important, particularly with regards to NEETS (Not in Education, Employment or Training) ensuring that these numbers don’t escalate. Budget: £93,000.
• School crossing patrols: Executive Board Member for Transport Cllr Colin Evans said: “The overwhelming feedback from public consultation is that child safety is of paramount importance.” Budget: £110,000.
• Coastal protection: Executive board member for Technical Services Cllr Colin Evans said: “The public were against any cuts in this areas. Much of Llanelli is below sea level, and there are also other coastal areas of huge tourism potential which should be protected.” Budget: £27,000.
• Remedial earthworks: Cllr Colin Evans said: “Once again, the majority of people opposed any cuts in this area. It would mean a huge reduction in maintenance which would lead to deterioration and future problems.” Budget: £112,000.
• Flood defence and land drainage: Cllr Colin Evans said: “This had a high opposition score from the consultation. With the increase and frequency of bad weather events we cannot afford to reduce our support for this. We are considered an exemplar authority in this area and I would not wish to change that.” Budget: £128,000.
• Meals on Wheels: Social care executive board member Cllr Jane Tremlett said: “This is a service which is highly thought of and provides a lifeline for many, we have to continue it. There has been no support from anyone to stop it.” Budget: £100,000.

Proposed changes are:

• Revenue cash desk: The executive board agreed to review the timing of the proposed implementation.
• Home to college transport: The proposal is to continue the service with the introduction of a charge, to be phased in over a number of years.
• Nant y Ci Park and Ride: Proposal to be amended to reflect income generation through partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board.
• Cleansing services: The proposal continues to be supported, but with a reduced efficiency saving in year one.
• Residential homes for older people: The executive board is recommending the proposal stands, but with an amendment to realign provision across the county based on a review of excess capacity.
• Highway lighting: Investigation into alternative ways of finding the savings including investment in stock for LED or lighting with part night timing.