Council

Pembrokeshire County Council's meeting on 15 October 2026 was due to consider a motion to disband the Planning Delegation Panel, a motion on secret ballots, council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties, the future of Cilgerran Church in Wales school, licensing policies, community council sizes, and the 2024-25 accounts. No minutes have been published yet, so this summary sets out what was proposed, not what was decided. Items 1 to 6 were procedural or public questions and are not summarised.

1. Proposal to disband the Planning Delegation Panel

   Proposed

   The report recommends that Council does not adopt the motion by Councillor Huw Murphy to disband the Planning Delegation Panel (PDP). The Constitutional Review Committee made the same recommendation on 21 September 2026.

   Why

   The PDP decides whether a planning application that officers want to refuse under delegated powers (decisions officers can make without a committee vote) should go to the full Planning Committee. Councillor Murphy argues that this extra stage adds delay and cost, and that it limits democratic oversight. The Committee's majority favoured keeping the PDP, citing governance, workload and public confidence, while the report notes that the Council has no legal duty to run one.

   Based on the minutes, NOM - PDP . 15.10.26, Appendix A

2. Motion to replace secret ballots with roll-call voting

   Proposed

   The report recommends that Council does not adopt the motion by Councillor Aled Thomas to replace secret ballots with roll-call voting for contested appointments. The Constitutional Review Committee made the same recommendation on 21 September 2026.

   Why

   A secret ballot hides how each Member votes. The motion would record every vote by name, which Councillor Thomas says would make the process more open and reduce misinformation. Opponents argued that secret ballots protect Members from political pressure when choosing people for internal posts. The report says the choice is between openness and independent judgement.

   Based on the minutes, NOM - Secret Ballot 15.10.26, Appendix A

3. Temporary appointments at Head of Service level

   Proposed

   The report recommends amending the Constitution so that the Chief Executive can appoint temporary Heads of Service for up to three months. The Constitutional Review Committee reduced this from the twelve months first proposed.

   Why

   Cover may be needed at short notice, for example during maternity leave, sickness absence or a restructure. The Senior Staff Committee had recommended twelve months, but the Constitutional Review Committee was concerned that this gave too much discretion. Any longer period would need Senior Staff Committee approval. Council had expressed reservations in June 2026 and sent the matter back to the Committee.

   Based on the minutes, Council 15.10.26 temp appt report

4. Council Tax premium on second homes for 2027-28

   Proposed

   The report, as recommended by Cabinet on 5 October 2026, proposes keeping the second homes premium at 125% for 2027-28. It also proposes keeping the way the income is spent unchanged, with 92% for council budget items on affordable housing and local sustainability, 6% for the Affordable Housing programme and 2% for the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant.

   Why

   The premium aims to bring empty homes back into use and to increase affordable housing, and the report says high numbers of second homes make housing harder to afford in coastal communities. The consultation drew 1,629 responses, of which 52% (839) did not want a second homes premium and 3% (50) chose the maximum of 300%, and tourism was the most frequently raised concern. The Council Tax Working Group had recommended keeping rates unchanged and considering a larger share of income for the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant, subject to further financial assessment.

   Based on the minutes, Council - Council Tax Premium for Second Homes, Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, Appendix D

5. Council Tax premium on long-term empty properties for 2027-28

   Proposed

   The report, as recommended by Cabinet on 5 October 2026, proposes keeping the long-term empty premium unchanged at 300% for properties empty for two years or more. It also proposes that all the income is used for council budget items on affordable housing and local sustainability.

   Why

   The premium aims to bring empty homes back into use. The number of properties paying it fell from 467 in 2025 to 448 in 2026, and the report suggests the premium may be helping. The consultation showed stronger support for high premiums on homes empty for longer, and around 15% of empty properties pay the premium.

   Based on the minutes, Council - Council Tax Premium for Long-Term Empty Properties

6. Objection report on Cilgerran Church in Wales school proposal

   Proposed

   The report recommends that Council does not continue with the proposal to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School and reopen it as a 3-11 community school. Officers say that legal questions about the school site make continuity of education uncertain.

   Why

   The Council first agreed the proposal in May 2025 and published the statutory notice in June 2026, which drew 91 objections, mainly about faith-based education and the school's Church in Wales ethos. The St David's Diocese has challenged the Council's right to keep using the site once the existing school closes, and the report says that could lead to a dispute. Officers say the original educational reasons still apply, but a long legal uncertainty for pupils, families and staff is not proportionate to the outcome sought.

   Based on the minutes, Council Report, Appendix A, Appendix B

7. Proposed

   The report recommends that Council approves the revised Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003 and the revised Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005, and authorises their publication. The Licensing Act policy must be reviewed every five years, and the Gambling Act policy every three years.

   Why

   Both policies are due for review in 2026. The licensing policy has been updated for new legislation and guidance, including alcohol delivery rules, personal safety initiatives and temporary event notices (short permissions for one-off events). The gambling policy needed only minor changes, and none of the consultation responses objected to them.

   Based on the minutes, Council report GA05 and LA03 policies 2026, Appendix A, Appendix B

8. Final recommendations on community council sizes and wards

   Proposed

   The report asks Council to approve final changes to the electoral arrangements of eight communities. The draft proposals cut councillor numbers in six communities and abolish community wards in four, and the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru supported all of them.

   Why

   Under the Council's 2023 size policy, smaller councils should usually have six members, and larger ones should aim for about one councillor for every 120 electors. Respondents worried about volunteer workload and the loss of Welsh-speaking representation, but officers found no evidence that smaller councils could not do their work. Lamphey Community Council argued that its three settlements and events programme justify keeping more members, but officers recommended applying the policy consistently.

   Based on the minutes, Review of Community Electoral Arrangements - Final Recommendations

9. Approval of the 2024-25 Statement of Accounts

   Proposed

   The report recommends that Council reviews and approves the 2024-25 Statement of Accounts and the Tenby and Lower Fishguard Harbours' Authority Annual Return for signing. It also asks Council to consider the Audit Wales reports, and notes that the Governance and Audit Committee raised no concerns.

   Why

   The accounts were due by 30 June 2025 but were delayed by asset valuations and the new system for lease accounting, known as IFRS16. Audit Wales intends to give an unqualified opinion, meaning it finds the accounts give a true and fair view, and it found no uncorrected errors. It made two recommendations, on producing timely, well-supported accounts and on improving capital accounting for assets.

   Based on the minutes, 20261015 Council Statement of Accounts 2024-25, Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, Appendix D

10. Annual self-assessment of Council performance, 2025-26

    Why

    No report for this item was provided, so no reasons can be given.

    Based on the minutes

11. Updated Financial Procedure Rules

    Why

    No report for this item was provided, so no reasons can be given.

    Based on the minutes

12. Allocation of committees to political groups

    Why

    No report for this item was provided, so no reasons can be given.

    Based on the minutes

13. Questions submitted by Councillors

    Why

    No questions for this item were provided, so their subject is not known.

    Based on the minutes

Written by AI from the reports on the agenda, before the minutes are published. Reports say what council officers recommend; the meeting can decide differently. Once the minutes are out, this becomes a summary of what was decided.

1. 2

   Announcements/Personal Matters

2. 2.a

   Presiding Member

   Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings

3. 2.b

   Chair / Deputy Presiding Member

4. 3

   Declarations of Interest

5. 4

   Minutes of Previous Meeting

   Papers: Council Minutes 16.07.26
6. 5

   Questions submitted by members of the public under Council Procedure Rule 4.17

   Papers: Questions from Public 15.10.26
7. 6

   Notice of Motion in Relation to Disbanding the Planning Delegation Panel

   Part of an issue followed across 3 meetings

   Papers: NOM - PDP . 15.10.26, Appendix A
8. 7

   Notice of Motion in Relation to Secret Ballots

   Part of an issue followed across 3 meetings

   Papers: NOM - Secret Ballot 15.10.26, Appendix A
9. 8

   Appointment of Temporary Staff

   Part of an issue followed across 4 meetings

   Papers: Council 15.10.26 temp appt report
10. 9

    Review of Council Tax Premium for Second Homes

    Part of an issue followed across 3 meetings

    Papers: Council - Council Tax Premium for Second Homes, Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, Appendix D
11. 10

    Review of Council Tax Premium for Long-Term Empty Properties

    Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings

    Papers: Council - Council Tax Premium for Long-Term Empty Properties
12. 11

    Objection Report Relating to the Proposal for the Discontinuation of Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School and Establishment of the Same as a 3-11 Community School

    Papers: Council Report, Appendix A, Appendix B
13. 12

    Review of Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy and Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles

    Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings

    Papers: Council report GA05 and LA03 policies 2026, Appendix A, Appendix B
14. 13

    Review of Community Electoral Arrangements - Final Recommendations

    Papers: Review of Community Electoral Arrangements - Final Recommendations
15. 14

    Review of Statement of Accounts for 2024-25

    Part of an issue followed across 5 meetings

    Papers: 20261015 Council Statement of Accounts 2024-25, Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, Appendix D
16. 15

    Annual Self-Assessment 2025-26

    Part of an issue followed across 4 meetings

    Papers: 151026 Council SA report cover, Appendix A
17. 16

    Updated Financial Procedure Rules

    Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings

    Papers: Financial Procedure Rules Update 2026 - Council Covering Report, Appendix A
18. 17

    Allocation of Committees to Political Groups and Review of Allocation of Representation on Politically Balanced Outside Bodies

    Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings

    Papers: Allocation of Committee Seats 15.10.26, Appendix 1, Appendix 2
19. 18

    Questions submitted by Councillors under Council Procedure Rule 4.18

    Papers: Questions from Members 15.10.26

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.

• County Councillor Delme Harries, ChairIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Nick Neumann, Vice-ChairConservativePresent
• County Councillor Aaron Carey, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Alec Cormack, Committee MemberLiberal DemocratPresent
• County Councillor Aled Thomas, Committee MemberConservativePresent
• County Councillor Alistair Cameron, Committee MemberLiberal DemocratPresent
• County Councillor Alun Wills, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Anji Tinley, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Bethan Price, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Billy Shaw, Committee MemberPlaid CymruPresent
• County Councillor Chris Williams, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Claire George, Committee MemberConservativePresent
• County Councillor Danny Young, Committee MemberConservativePresent
• County Councillor David Bryan, Committee MemberConservativePresent
• County Councillor David Howlett, Committee MemberConservativePresent
• County Councillor David Simpson, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Di Clements, Committee MemberConservativePresent
• County Councillor Dr Simon Hancock, Presiding MemberLabourPresent
• County Councillor Elwyn Morse, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Guy Woodham, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• County Councillor Huw Murphy, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Iwan Ward, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Jacob Williams, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Jamie Adams, Committee MemberIndependentSent apologies
• County Councillor Jamie Street, Committee MemberConservativePresent
• County Councillor John Cole, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor John T Davies, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Jon Harvey, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Jonathan Grimes, Committee MemberConservativePresent
• County Councillor Joshua Beynon, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• County Councillor Marc Tierney, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• County Councillor Mark Carter, Committee MemberConservativePresent
• County Councillor Maureen Bowen, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• County Councillor Mel Phillips, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Michael James, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Michael John, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Michael Williams, Committee MemberPlaid CymruPresent
• County Councillor Michele Wiggins, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Michelle Bateman, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Neil Prior, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Nicola Flint, Committee MemberLabourSent apologies
• County Councillor Pat Davies, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Paul Miller, Deputy LeaderLabourPresent
• County Councillor Phillip Kidney, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Rhys Jordan, Committee MemberConservativePresent
• County Councillor Rhys Sinnett, Committee MemberPlaid CymruPresent
• County Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Scott Thorley, Committee MemberReform UKPresent
• County Councillor Shon Rees, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Simon Wright, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Steve Alderman, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Steve Yelland, Committee MemberConservativePresent
• County Councillor Terry Davies, Committee MemberIndependentSent apologies
• County Councillor Tessa Hodgson, LeaderNot affiliated to any groupPresent
• County Councillor Thomas Tudor, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• County Councillor Tim Evans, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Tony Wilcox, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• County Councillor Vanessa Thomas, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• County Councillor Vivien Stoddart, Committee MemberNot affiliated to any groupPresent

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