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The Committee considered reports on the council's finances, its Medium Term Financial Strategy, counter fraud, two schools HR policies and its property assets. It agreed to recommend that Cabinet approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy, the Counter Fraud Strategy and Protocol, and the two HR policies. On assets, it asked Cabinet to consider converting vacant upper floors into homes and building new homes on council land, and it wants more information first.
Councillor Elaine Evans and Ceris Jones together with the Leader, Councillor Bryan Davies and Cabinet Member, Councillor Gareth Davies apologised for their inability to attend the meeting.
Councillor Rhodri Evans declared a personal interest in item 7.
The Chair welcomed to the meeting Mrs Emma Parry Jones as the new Scrutiny and Standards Officer.
Mr Duncan Hall, Corporate Lead Officer Finance & Procurement provided Members with an Oversight of in year Financial Matters. He reported that the information enabled the Committee to scrutinise the financial matters pertinent to the areas of Service falling within its remit. At any point during the year, the Committee may choose to explore any area of the Budget within its remit via the Forward Work programme. It was agreed to note the report for information.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Mr Duncan Hall, Corporate Lead Officer Finance & Procurement reported that the MTFS had been refreshed covering 2026/27 to 2030/31.The report received included an Executive Summary highlighting the key matters contained within the detailed MTFS. Main points highlighted were: • Executive Summary • The Council’s Budget Priorities and the link between the MTFS and the Corporate Strategy 2022 – 2027 and its associated Corporate Wellbeing Objectives • Indicative Budget Cost Pressures • Budget Gap scenarios looking at different levels of indicative Council Tax and WG funding • Sensitivity Analysis of different Budget Variables and summary of key assumptions Following a lengthy discussion, Committee Members agreed to recommend that Cabinet APPROVE the latest update of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy. The Chair supported by Committee Members thanked the Corporate Lead Officer – Finance & Procurement and the Finance team for the high quality of the report, which the Committee found very helpful to support their robust decision making.
Consideration was given to the Counter Fraud Strategy and Counter Fraud Protocol. It was reported that the existing Strategy had been reviewed and updated to strengthen the Council’s response to Fraud and takes into account recommendations made by Audit Wales in their National report ‘Raising Our Game - Tackling Fraud in Wales’. Following consideration and discussion, Committee Members agreed to recommend that Cabinet APPROVE:- (i) the proposed Counter Fraud Strategy, and (ii) the proposed Counter Fraud Protocol.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to recommend to Cabinet to APPROVE:- (i) the Reviewing Professional Development Policy; and (ii)the Schools Managing Organisational Change Policy by Cabinet
Councillor Wyn Thomas on behalf of the Leader, Councillor Bryan Davies presented the report upon the HR policies - Reviewing Professional Development Policy and Managing Schools Organisational Change in Policy. It was reported that the People & Organisation Service had been continuing to review, develop and update key policies. Following consultation, the following policies and guidance documents had been discussed, amended in consultation with the recognised corporate trade unions: • Reviewing Professional Development Policy • Schools Managing Organisational Change Policy Following questions from the floor, it was AGREED to recommend to Cabinet to APPROVE:- (i) the Reviewing Professional Development Policy; and (ii)the Schools Managing Organisational Change Policy by Cabinet
Councillor Clive Davies, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Carbon Management presented the report of the portfolio of assets held by Ceredigion County Council either as part of the Corporate Estate (often and largely described as investment properties) or assets that were surplus to requirement for the delivery of normal council operational activities (such as schools, care homes, offices, leisure centres etc). Ceredigion County Council held over 200 such assets, with a value of circa £26m. The assets ranged from garages and town centre properties to County farms, former schools and units on industrial estates. Frequently, the assets were used to support local economic well-being as the assets were used for economic activity through long term agreements (licences or leases) or through shorter term meanwhile uses. The Council decided to acquire new assets or dispose of certain assets to maintain a viable portfolio of assets that meets its corporate objectives. Investment would sometimes be required to bring the asset to maintain viable economic use or to change its purpose. The aim was to have a balanced portfolio of assets that meet the corporate objectives, and that were sustainable to the future. Following a lengthy discussion, Committee Members agreed to recommend that Cabinet consider : (i) that the Council explores the possibility of converting vacant upper floor accommodation, above commercial premises already in Council ownership, into residential (rental) use. The conversion of accommodation above shops etc could also support the growth of town centre economies. (ii) the opportunity of developing new build homes on Council owned land should be explored. The aim being to provide affordable housing to respond the significant need for quality affordable homes in Ceredigion. The Committee requires further insight into these possibilities and whether social housing grant could be allocated to support such initiatives.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the Forward Work Programme subject to noting that an additional meeting had been arranged for the 08 December 2025 due to the need to consider additional reports.
It was AGREED to note the Forward Work Programme subject to noting that an additional meeting had been arranged for the 08 December 2025 due to the need to consider additional reports.
It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Meeting of the previous meeting.
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