Continue and accelerate the aim of being a Net Zero Carbon Local Authority by 2030 and set up a cross-party working group to move the Net Zero Carbon and Nature Emergency agenda forward.
Utilise a phased approach for the implementation of a new kerbside waste collection system in 2024/25, that is compliant with Welsh Governments’ Blueprint collection methodology. This will mean that households will receive a weekly recycling, food and glass collection services from 24/25. In the meantime, an interim transitional phase will introduce weekly blue bag collections, weekly food collection, three weekly kerbside glass and non-recyclable waste collection from Autumn 2022. In addition, we will introduce a nappy collection service from early summer 2022.
Review the current vehicle fleet strategy with a view to utilising the most suitable and low emissions vehicle technology (including electric or other power sources) over the coming years. This will include replacement of refuse collection vehicles and other vehicles within our fleet as appropriate. This will make a significant contribution to our efforts to decarbonise our services in order to address our local, national, and global commitment to Net Zero Carbon.
Increase renewable energy on council houses and other buildings to reduce domestic bills and help meet climate change targets.
Help people who don’t have cars or other means of personal transport to get about by developing a community transport strategy that will identify potential new initiatives and identify how existing schemes could be expanded or enhanced e.g. the Bwcabus and minibus brokerage schemes.
Work with regional partners to look at the feasibility of setting up a publicly owned bus company and the accompanying logistical requirements to serve areas not currently served by existing companies, subject to a change in legislation to allow municipal bus companies to be set up.
Continue to lobby UK Government and the Welsh Government for a fair share of rail investment in west Wales. Calling for a direct 1-hour fast train service from Cardiff to Carmarthen. This will include the lobbying for and supporting the reopening of other lines localised service and branch lines.
Lobby Welsh Government for a feasibility study for a passenger railway and cycle route along the Gwendraeth Valley.
To continue to bid for finances via Welsh Government to enable further roll out of public access charging points across the county in accordance with our Electric Vehicle Infrastructure strategy, with a particular focus on the strategic highway network initially, as well as looking at locations across urban and rural areas, as the number of electric vehicles increase. This will allow us to build on the success of the current suite of chargers that have been installed, including the first super-charging hub in Cross Hands.
Increase the biodiversity of all council owned land, and recognise the strong interrelationship between climate change, the loss of biodiversity and human wellbeing. Consider the use of CCC land for creating havens of wildflowers and pollinators, including roadsides and verges. We cannot solve the threats of human induced climate change and loss of biodiversity in isolation. We either solve both or we solve neither.
Work with the Dyfed Pension Fund to continue the journey on reducing its carbon intensity and encourage the Dyfed Pension Fund to work with and learn from other pension funds with a view to further disinvestment in fossil fuels and non-ethicalinvestments.
Ensure that there are systems in place to efficiently manage Planning Enforcement across the county.
Continue to engage with and lobby Welsh Government on their commitment to construct a bypass for Llandeilo.
Increase renewable energy on council owned land and work with partners to support renewable energy schemes across the county.
Support the delivery of the Councils Strategic Economic Objectives by the determination of major planning applications within agreed timescales.
Ensure effective services in terms of managing and maintaining key infrastructure assets that include highway, drainage, street scene and local amenity assets.
Support the principle of responsible afforestation, in consultation with local communities and without having a detrimental impact on local employment, culture and community viability.
Continue to review and assess the need for safer routes and traffic calming measures across Carmarthenshire’s towns and villages as part of our road safety initiatives, whilst awaiting the outcome of the Welsh Government proposed 20mph speed limit pilot study, prior to a final decision by Welsh Government on implementing the full 20mph speed limit initiative across Wales.
Develop facilities within Carmarthenshire County Council offices to support Active Travel for visitors, members and officers. Looking at bike racks, changing rooms, shower facilities etc.
Deliver the cycle and pedestrian path from Carmarthen to Llandeilo which will be a huge boost to local towns and villages, and tourism throughout the county.
Work with Welsh Government to ensure electricity infrastructure is in place to allow us to develop ambitious renewable energy projects to reach net zero.
