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Councils reported on climate and nature plans this month, including net zero reports in Carmarthenshire and Powys and nature plans in Neath Port Talbot, Caerphilly and Bridgend. Planning committees also dealt with carbon capture, flood-related and biodiversity matters.[4][14][2][12][5][1]
Written in November 2026 from council records since 20 September 2026, open consultations and official sources. Written automatically, then checked: every point names its sources and every figure appears in them. Follow the links to check anything before relying on it.
Every Welsh council has declared or responded to the climate emergency and has plans to cut its own emissions, from buildings, vehicles and the things it buys. Councils also manage flood risk on local rivers and streams.
The Cabinet agrees climate plans; scrutiny committees check progress.
Ask your councillors how the council is doing against its own targets, and respond to its consultations on plans.
| Council | Items | With a decision |
|---|---|---|
| Vale of Glamorgan | 138 | 16 |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf | 55 | 52 |
| Gwynedd | 55 | 52 |
| Pembrokeshire | 43 | 36 |
| Carmarthenshire | 41 | 39 |
| Swansea | 40 | 31 |
| Powys | 40 | 29 |
| Monmouthshire | 38 | 9 |
| Wrexham | 27 | 27 |
| Cardiff | 27 | 24 |
| Conwy | 27 | 24 |
| Denbighshire | 22 | 17 |
| Flintshire | 21 | 11 |
| Newport | 21 | 10 |
| Blaenau Gwent | 17 | 17 |
| Neath Port Talbot | 16 | 9 |
| Caerphilly | 16 | 0 |
| Ceredigion | 9 | 8 |
| Merthyr Tydfil | 8 | 7 |
| Torfaen | 7 | 6 |
| Bridgend | 5 | 0 |
RESOLVED that Powys calls on the Welsh Government to pause its open invitation to submit any more DNS applications for major on-shore wind farms in Powys until: 1. the Government clearly sets out how it will ensure that cumulative impact (including the associated infrastructure) across all outstanding DNS applications is to be properly managed and considered. The existing case by case basis cannot keep pace with the rate at which competing applications are emerging, leaving communities unconvinced that the declared “presumption in favour” of large-scale projects will adequately protect their interests which is undermining confidence in the impartiality of the planning system. 2. the Government sets out a clear and coherent plan for upgrading the power transmission and distribution network, confirming their commitment to undergrounding new lines of 132kva and above, and demonstrates how electricity generated can be accessed and used by local residents. 3. the Government demonstrates how it intends to align the two consenting regimes for wind farms and transmission lines and not permit more energy parks to be granted planning consent unless and until there is demonstrable evidence that they can be implemented and connected up to the grid.
Decided: The Committee granted planning permission, subject to conditions. Councillor G.B. Thomas left part of the meeting, so he did not take part in the discussion or vote.
RESOLVED That the petition be noted; and the Working Group be asked to ensure the petition is included as evidence in its consideration of the matters referred to it by the Council resolution in July 2025.
Decided: Members were minded to grant conditional planning permission. This is subject to a Section 106 legal agreement (a binding deal with the developer) covering commuted sums, the car park, a habitat management plan, protection for the Special Area of Conservation, and affordable homes. Members also asked for a condition requiring a height barrier across the car park entrance and exit to deter illegal encampments. If the agreement is not settled within three months, permission will be refused.
RESOLVED 1. To note the content of the Risk Register and approve it as a live document to support effective governance and ongoing risk management. 2. To note uncertainty around the proposed National Park in north east Wales as an additional risk. 3. to escalate R001 to red status in view of national and regional inconsistencies in CJC arrangements and funding methodologies. 4. That officers explore alternative data sets to better represent rural deprivation. 5. That an invitation to be extended to the Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens MP to visit Mid Wales and discuss funding concerns.
Decided: The committee resolved to scrutinise the Council's current and proposed future investment in managing flood risk from local sources. It also resolved to scrutinise how the flood alleviation infrastructure performed during Storm Bert in November 2024.
RESOLVED That the Application be REFUSED subject to the reasons outlined in Section 1.1 of the report [Councillor Alan Dennison left the meeting at this juncture. Councillor Chris Williams re-joined following the previous item’s conclusion.]
Decided: The Committee supported publishing the Section 19 Flood Investigation Reports (appendices A to H). It noted the refreshed Local Flood Risk Management Strategy once consultation responses are included, the North Wales SuDS Guide, and the draft Highway Drainage Policy in Appendix I.
RESOLVED That the public be excluded from the meeting in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 as Appendix E involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 16 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act; and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. The webcast was paused at this juncture. Having convened in private session in accordance with Paragraph 16 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, Cabinet considered the exempt Appendix. The webcast was then resumed. Councillor Cameron stated that following consideration of the legal advice, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s proposal to apply a discretionary discount did not appear to fully assess relevant factors, such as the balance between revenue impact and economic benefit, and may conflict with the policy objectives of the Housing Act. He stated that the Council Tax Working Group’s proposal to reduce the premium from 150% to 100% was also not supported, as it was felt this would weaken the effectiveness of the premium in reducing the number of non-permanently occupied homes. He then noted that the premium had contributed to a modest reduction in such properties and generates approximately £2.6 million in revenue, equivalent to a 3% Council tax rise, which supported key services including homelessness prevention and education. The Leader advised that once the debate had ended, the votes for each aspect listed in the Recommendations would be taken separately. The Leader Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Rhys Sinnett. Councillor Hodgson sought clarification in regards to Councillor Cameron’s comments regarding 40% of second homes in Lamphey, and questioned whether the figure included Trewent Park. Councillor Cameron stated that he had retrieved the information from the table in the report and assumed that that figure included all of the area covered by Lamphey Community Council. Councillor Hodgson highlighted that Trewent Park, a large holiday park within her ward, contained properties with occupancy restrictions and therefore does not fall within the typical definition of second homes, potentially distorting local data. She expressed sympathy with the Council Tax Working Group’s concerns regarding the Welsh Government’s 182-day threshold for non-domestic rates, which was considered too high for most holiday cottages outside key tourist areas. She believed that the proposed three-year rolling average was viewed as unlikely to have meaningful impact and potentially burdensome for property owners and the Valuation Office, and expressed reservations about the second homes premium, noting that many owners had longstanding ties to Pembrokeshire or operate small holiday businesses that contributed to the local economy. While not supporting unilateral changes to the qualifying threshold, Councillor Hodgson supported a reduction of the premium to 100%, and ideally its removal. She also raised concern about the Council’s reliance on this income within the general fund, which now influenced budget-setting timelines. Regarding the discretion for properties occupied fewer than 182 days, Councillor Paul Miller stated that he initially supported the idea but remained convinced that it was not feasible, particularly due to administrative burdens on the Local Authority. He disagreed with Councillor Hodgson’s view on the Welsh Government’s current consultation, and believed that the proposed changes were practical and beneficial. He commented that the concept of a three-year rollover was already successfully applied in other areas, such as pension allowances, and would help avoid the abrupt transition caused by a single day’s difference in occupancy, and therefore welcomed the proposed changes. As for the premium level itself, he explained that his position was shaped by a few key considerations, which he believed would significantly influence the impact of any future changes. He added that the Council set out its position on this matter some years ago, and on balance, the Administration believed that introducing the changes was the right course of action, and that they would further policy objectives, namely, encouraging the return of second homes and underused properties to full-time residential use. He stated that while he did not support last year’s reduction in the premium rate, he strongly advised against any further adjustments, and suggested that a stable tax and regulatory environment was essential for effective planning, both for the Authority and for current and prospective property investors. He therefore supported maintaining the current arrangements for the 2026–27 financial year, and welcomed the Welsh Government’s proposed reforms, which he believed represented a meaningful improvement. The Leader then sought clarification as to the financial implications if the second homes Council Tax premium was to drop from 150% to 100%. In response, Councillor Cameron explained that it would be £2.6 million, equal to a 3% Council Tax rise. The Leader highlighted that if it was to be reduced, savings would have to be made elsewhere. Councillor Cameron stated that the main thing to consider was whether this policy was working or not, and what it was doing to address the housing situation in Pembrokeshire. He believed it would be best to keep it stable for a few years and see what the impact would be on the number of unoccupied properties in the County. Councillor Jacob Williams echoed Councillor Hodgson’s comments and stated that as the only Councillor who originally voted against the introduction of the second homes premium, and as a member of the Council Tax Working Group, he wished to clarify his position. He stated that the Working Group did not support the proposal for discretionary relief, as they considered it overly burdensome and impractical to implement; however, he stated his support for a 100% premium. He stated that it had become a significant source of revenue, one now relied on, and while this funding was intended to offset the impact of second home ownership, he questioned whether those impacts had been clearly identified or whether the funds were being used effectively for that purpose. He added that in many cases, second home owners already contributed fully through Council Tax without placing significant demand on local services. Therefore, he stated his support the 100% premium, as endorsed by the Working Group, but recognised that Cabinet and Council may prefer to retain the 150% rate. Councillor Miller stated that while Councillors Hodgson and Williams were not incorrect, this process had become closely tied to the budget, which had never been his primary concern, and explained that his focus had always been on the policy objective. He stated that if robust evidence showed that the measure brought properties back into full, year-round use, he would remain supportive, but if not, he would support ending the tax regime. He added that for him this was not a revenue-raising exercise, but instead it was about addressing the housing availability issue in Pembrokeshire. Councillor Miller believed that encouraging year-round occupancy was more beneficial to the region’s growth than maintaining a high number of partially occupied properties. The Recommendations, undertaken by way of four individual roll calls, were carried. The votes were recorded as follows: Level of Council Tax Premiums for 2026-27 Second Homes The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jon Harvey, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney [5] Against the Motion: Councillors Tessa Hodgson and Jacob Williams [2] Abstentions: Councillor Alistair Cameron [1] RESOLVED That the results of the consultation exercise be noted and the following recommendation be made to Council: Option 1 - remain as current (150%) Long Term Empty Properties The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jon Harvey, Paul Miller, Alistair Cameron, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney and Jacob Williams [7] Abstentions: Councillor Michelle Bateman [1] There were no votes against. RESOLVED That the following recommendation be made to Council: Option 2 - to remain as current (300%) Use of Council Tax Premiums for 2026-27 The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jon Harvey, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney and Jacob Williams [7] Abstentions: Councillor Alistair Cameron [1] There were no votes against. RESOLVED That the following recommendation be made to Council: Option 1 - No change. Discretionary Discount Policy The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jon Harvey, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Tessa Hodgson, Rhys Sinnett, Marc Tierney and Jacob Williams [7] Abstentions: Councillor Alistair Cameron [1] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That the Council’s discretionary discount policy for 2026-27 be approved: Option 1 - No change in our policy for properties that transfer from self-catering units (NDR) to Council Tax.
RESOLVED 1. To approve the Business Justification Case (BJC+) for the Freeport Gateway project, subject to Welsh Government and UK Government approval of the assurance process undertaken. 2. To delegate to the Portfolio Director in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer to confirm the final costs and benefits post procurement were in line with the approved business case and enter into a funding agreement with Isle of Anglesey County Council (IoACC) for the delivery of the project, subject to Isle of Anglesey County Council addressing the outstanding issues set out in section 7 of the report and securing all necessary internal approvals for the project. 3. That the approval from the Sub-committee is valid for a period of six months and should the project not proceed to a signed funding agreement during this time, it will be required to return and re-present the business case to the Sub-committee for approval. REASONS FOR THE DECISION To seek the Sub-Committee’s approval of the BJC+ for the Freeport Gateway project. The draft BJC+ is being presented to the Sub-Committee in October in order for IoACC to complete the purchase of the freehold interest of the site from Eastman. As the site has substantial liabilities, IoACC wish to have certainty that they will have sufficient funding to address the demolition, remediation and other site clearance works as well as providing for an adoptable highway for accessing the site. As part of the wider Freeport Gateway project, IoACC wish to construct additional employment units on the adjacent Tregarnedd Industrial Park and to bring forward a development plot for sale on the open market. DISCUSSION The Report was discussed.
RESOLVED to adopt the motion, namely:- 1. Recognising that the Pensions Committee has and intends to address these issues as part of a review of the Responsible Investment Policy that Cyngor Gwynedd requests the Committee and the Wales Pension Partnership, to consider the extent it can move as soon as possible to disinvest in fossil fuels as part of the desire to be net zero carbon, in a transparent and accountable manner and in line with its legal duties to the fund. 2. That Cyngor Gwynedd calls on the UK Government to establish an annual conference on ethical and sustainable investment with a view to promoting the best use of the funds available. (B) Submitted - the following notice of motion by Councillor Beca Roberts under Section 4.19 of the Constitution, and it was seconded:- 3. Recognising that the Pensions Committee has and intends to address these issues as part of a review of the Responsible Investment Policy that Cyngor Gwynedd requests the Committee and the Wales Pension Partnership, to consider the extent it can move as soon as possible to disinvest in fossil fuels as part of the desire to be net zero carbon, in a transparent and accountable manner and in line with its legal duties to the fund. 4. That Cyngor Gwynedd calls on the UK Government to establish an annual conference on ethical and sustainable investment with a view to promoting the best use of the funds available. The member set out the context to her motion, noting:- · That Wales is a unique nation where vows are included in the law, by means of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, to consider the next generation. · A duty to invest responsibly in the financial future and environmental future of the county was highlighted. · It was noted that looking after pensions involved securing robust investments that looked towards the future. · It was highlighted that there was no long-term sense or guarantee in investing in fossil fuels as the world moved towards renewable energy. · Investing in renewable energy, affordable homes and local infrastructure would offer a more prosperous, safe and reliable future. · She expressed that only 2.5% of the Pension Fund was invested in fossil fuels, but what about investing in things that would bring direct benefits to communities, such as affordable housing, regenerative agriculture and funds for Social Enterprises. · If Gwynedd showed leadership in this arena, it would provide a clear example of good practice in relation to the application of the Well-being of Future Generations Act to secure the best outcomes. Support was expressed to the amendment. RESOLVED to adopt the motion, namely:- 3. Recognising that the Pensions Committee has and intends to address these issues as part of a review of the Responsible Investment Policy that Cyngor Gwynedd requests the Committee and the Wales Pension Partnership, to consider the extent it can move as soon as possible to disinvest in fossil fuels as part of the desire to be net zero carbon, in a transparent and accountable manner and in line with its legal duties to the fund. 4. That Cyngor Gwynedd calls on the UK Government to establish an annual conference on ethical and sustainable investment with a view to promoting the best use of the funds available. 1. with a view to promoting the best use of the funds available.
Decided: Cabinet unanimously endorsed the Climate Action Sir Gar report on addressing the climate change and nature emergencies.
Decided: The Council appointed Councillor Louisa Addiscott as its representative to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority for the rest of the 2025/26 municipal year, with immediate effect. A motion to appoint Councillor A O Rogers, moved by Councillor Sera Evans and seconded by Councillor D Grehan, was not supported. Councillors K Morgan, A Ellis, H Gronow, P Evans, W Rees, K Johnson, P Binning, D Evans, C Lisles and M Powell voted for that motion.
Decided: The Council referred the motion, without debate, to the Constitution Working Group for consideration and a report. The referral was made under paragraph 4.21.3(b) of the constitution because a recent peer performance assessment recommended improving scrutiny.