TAXPAYER WIN: New council bosses claim £15,000 a year saving as Llanelli councillor expenses axed

The move delivers on a key election pledge made by the new administration, which seized control of the council recently.

At a meeting of the Full Council, members voted to remove the Attendance Allowance (£30 per meeting), the Mayoral Allowance (£1,500 per annum), and the Deputy Mayoral Allowance (£500 per annum).

These payments were introduced in 2022 under the previous Labour administration, then led by Councillor David Darkin.

The new administration states that unlike County Councillors, who receive salaries due to the scale and statutory responsibilities of their roles, serving as a Town Councillor has always been a voluntary position.

This long-standing principle has defined Llanelli Town Council and its operations for decades, according to the new leadership.

The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales did not mandate these payments, simply giving councils the discretion to introduce payments of up to £30 per meeting if they wished.

Independent Council Leader Cllr Sean Rees, who also confirmed he would not be accepting the Leader’s Allowance, hailed the decision.

“We have been consistent on this issue,” Cllr Rees said. “For decades, the role of a Councillor at Llanelli Town Council has been recognised and respected as a voluntary public service position.”

He added: “We said that we would remove these expenses and we have now delivered this in our first meeting as a new Administration.”

Deputy Council Leader Cllr Michael Cranham stated that town councillors’ attendance and additional role-based expenses are “unnecessary, counterproductive and are an unjustifiable cost to the taxpayer.”

“At a time when households continue to face sustained financial pressure, this £15,000 annual saving represents a meaningful commitment to respecting every pound of public money and restoring trust in local government,” Cllr Cranham added.

The following Councillors voted in favour of removing the expenses: Cllr Sean Rees, Cllr Michael Cranham, Cllr Steve Williams, Cllr Louvain Roberts, Cllr Andrew Bragoli, Cllr Sarah Evans, Cllr Terry Davies, Cllr Lillith Fenris, Cllr John Jones, Cllr Amanda Carter, and Cllr Alan Cameron Williams.

Labour Town Councillors who were present at the meeting abstained from the vote, a move that is likely to fuel further political debate in the town.

The Council has confirmed that these payments will now cease with immediate effect, marking a significant shift in how Llanelli Town Council operates.

The new administration also stated it remains committed to supporting future councillors of all backgrounds through targeted discretionary support, which it claims does not drain the budget like the previous expenses system.

Darkin claims credit for zero precept rise as political row erupts over Llanelli budget

Cllr David Darkin, who is also standing as a Labour candidate in May’s Senedd elections, said he proposed the zero-change precept for 2026-27 at February’s Establishment Committee meeting, with new Independent leader Cllr Sean Rees seconding the motion.

The statement comes after the Independents took control of the council last week following a series of defections from Labour and the formation of a “confidence and supply agreement” under Rees’s leadership.

In a lengthy public statement, Darkin set out a detailed timeline of the budget process, claiming the new administration had suggested it would “work towards” a zero change after the decision had already been made and passed by councillors.

“For accuracy, the zero-change decision had already been proposed by me, seconded by Cllr Rees, and supported by councillors prior to that announcement,” Darkin said.

The former leader also defended Labour’s financial management of the council, arguing that a zero precept was only possible because his administration had stabilised the authority’s finances after what he described as deficit budgets run by earlier Independent administrations.

“Over the past term, Labour brought the budget back into balance after earlier Independent administrations ran deficit budgets that eroded the council’s financial security,” Darkin claimed. “The turnaround is evidenced in recent balanced budgets and year-end positions set out in the council’s published accounts.”

Darkin’s statement reveals the fraught political manoeuvring that took place in the weeks leading up to the budget being set. According to his account, neither Labour nor the Independents initially intended to table a budget, forcing the Town Clerk to seek guidance on the consequences of no budget being set.

He said he informed the Town Clerk in early January that Labour would not table a full budget it could not pass, and asked that Rees be invited to key meetings including the Parc Howard Collaboration and Llanelly House Trustees so he had the information needed to prepare a responsible budget.

“One week before budget day, Cllr Rees and I spoke,” Darkin explained. “We agreed that a standoff would be irresponsible. We therefore agreed a holding position so the council could operate normally and residents would not be caught in the middle.”

The political row comes at a sensitive time for Darkin, who is one of six Labour candidates standing for the new Carmarthenshire super-constituency in the Senedd elections. The loss of control at Llanelli Town Council represents a significant political setback just months before voters go to the polls.

When the Independents took control last week, they issued a statement saying the new administration had been formed following “a period in which councillors from across the chamber have expressed a loss of confidence in the direction and decision-making of the previous Labour administration and the need instead to have a more open, collaborative, and community-focused approach.”

At the time, Darkin questioned what the new Independent group stood for, saying they had “no shared manifesto, no unified programme and no clear commitments made to the public.”

In his latest statement, Darkin struck a more conciliatory tone while maintaining his challenge over the budget narrative.

“I congratulate the new administration on taking office,” he said. “I will continue to support measures that keep bills down and protect community services, and I will challenge any attempt to rewrite the public record. Residents deserve accuracy, stability and mature cooperation.”

He urged anyone with doubts about his account to watch the recording of the February meeting and check the official minutes when they are published next month.

“The facts are straightforward: the zero-change precept was proposed by me, seconded by Cllr Rees and passed with broad support,” he said.

The political battle over who deserves credit for the zero precept increase highlights the increasingly fractious atmosphere at Llanelli Town Council, which has been rocked by public rows over issues including a scaled-back skip-day plan and how to tackle fly-tipping.

Those tensions ultimately contributed to the loss of confidence in Darkin’s leadership that paved the way for the Independent takeover.

The new administration has yet to respond publicly to Darkin’s latest statement.

Independents seize control of Llanelli Town Council as Labour’s Senedd hopeful demands answers

Glanymor councillor Sean Rees is the new Leader, with Bigyn’s Michael Cranham as Deputy Leader, after a confidence and supply deal between non‑Labour councillors pushed Labour out of the top roles.

The move follows weeks of open rows in the chamber — including a bust‑up over a watered‑down skip‑day plan — and growing frustration over how the council was being run.

‘Residents want services, not party politics’

Rees said the new administration would strip out party politics and focus on the basics.

Cllr Sean Rees said:

“Residents want us to focus on local services, community facilities and value for money — not party politics. Our priority will be to listen and put our residents at the heart of every decision.”

Cranham said the agreement underpinning the new administration would be published in full.

Cllr Michael Cranham said:

“This is a fresh start. We’re ready to work with anyone who shares the goal of being responsible with public money. Decisions must be made on merit, not political allegiance.”

The Independents say their early priorities include recording and publishing meetings, proposing the removal of councillor expenses, working towards freezing the precept for 2026–27, and investing in parks, play areas and community facilities.

Labour’s Senedd candidate hits back: ‘What do they stand for?’

The takeover is a blow for Labour locally — and a political headache for outgoing leader David Darkin, who is standing as one of Labour’s six Senedd candidates under the new voting system.

Darkin congratulated Rees but questioned what the new administration actually represents.

David Darkin said:

“I must be honest — I do not know what this group of Independents stands for or what vision they have for Llanelli. They have no shared manifesto, no unified programme and no clear commitments made to the public.”

He said Labour had strengthened community facilities, improved parks and supported local groups during its time in charge, and vowed to hold the new administration to account.

Darkin added:

“Residents deserve transparency and clarity about the direction their council will now take.”

A council already split before the takeover

The leadership change comes after a string of public clashes inside the chamber. Councillors traded blows over a scaled‑back skip‑day plan and argued over how to tackle fly‑tipping — rows that exposed deep divisions and raised questions about Labour’s grip on the council.

Those tensions ultimately fuelled the loss of confidence that opened the door for the Independents.

What happens next

The Independents say they want a “stronger, brighter, fairer future for Llanelli”. Labour says it will scrutinise every decision and defend the priorities voters backed at the last election.

The publication of the confidence and supply agreement, the upcoming budget, and the 2026–27 precept will be the first major tests of the new regime — and the first chance for residents to see whether Llanelli’s political shake‑up delivers the stability both sides claim to offer.

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Row erupts in Llanelli as councillors trade blows over ‘watered‑down’ Skip Day plan

The dispute follows Llanelli Town Council’s decision to back a pilot “Skip Day” scheme aimed at helping residents dispose of bulky waste and cut down on illegal dumping. But behind the scenes, the debate has turned into a full‑blown political scrap over who is to blame for the town’s mounting rubbish problem — and who should pay to fix it.

Labour group leader David Darkin, who submitted the original motion, said fly‑tipping in Llanelli had reached “unacceptable levels” and accused the Plaid‑led Carmarthenshire County Council of failing to get a grip on waste and enforcement.

He said the motion only passed after being softened by Independent group leader Sean Rees, whose members outnumber Labour on the town council.

“Labour does not hold a majority,” he said. “The motion could not have passed without Councillor Rees, who insisted on weakening the language calling out county‑level failure. I accepted the amended wording because securing action was better than letting the motion fall — but the underlying problem hasn’t gone away.”

Darkin said residents were being “let down twice” — first by fly‑tipping, and then by a county system he says isn’t working.

Labour colleague Shaun Greaney went further, accusing Plaid of being “to blame” for the mess and branding the Independent amendment “ineffective” and “feeble”.

“Residents are sick of rubbish piling up,” he said. “Plaid are in power in County Hall and seem oblivious to the concerns of residents. Councillor Rees and former Labour councillor Sarah Evans backed a scaled‑back plan that lets the county council off the hook. It’s a betrayal of residents’ real concerns.”

But Independents Sean Rees and Sarah Evans hit back hard, accusing Labour of proposing a scheme that would have landed residents with higher bills during a cost‑of‑living crisis.

They said the unamended Skip Day plan could have cost “up to £100,000 a year”, calling it “financially reckless”.

“Either Labour have found a magic money tree, or they were prepared to push the Town Council to financial ruin,” they said in a joint statement.

They also accused Labour of political timing, saying the party had “years to address fly‑tipping” and was only now treating it as an emergency “with elections on the horizon”.

“Residents already pay enough council tax for waste collection,” they said. “We were not prepared to see them pay twice for the same service. Our amendment was responsible, evidence‑led and sustainable.”

The Skip Day pilot will now go ahead — but the political fallout shows no sign of being tidied away.

Llanelli backs ‘Skip Day’ plan to tackle fly‑tipping scourge — with councillors insisting: ‘Charge the offenders, not the community’

The plan, which will now be developed into a fully costed pilot, could see skips placed at key locations on set days to give people a simple, legal way to dispose of bulky waste. Councillors say the move could help cut down on the sofas, mattresses and household junk that regularly appear in hotspots across the town.

Town Council leader Cllr David Darkin, who brought the original motion forward ahead of this week’s meeting, said the scale of fly‑tipping had become impossible to ignore.

“Fly‑tipping and rubbish are blighting communities across Llanelli, and residents are rightly frustrated,” he said. “Waste services are a county council responsibility, but… we continue to see problems go unresolved locally.”

Cllr Darkin said the Town Council “cannot simply stand by”, adding that a Skip Day scheme “will not solve everything, but it provides a much‑needed outlet for residents and begins to tackle an issue that is being ignored at County level.”

His motion was co‑signed by Cllr Shaun Greaney, who said residents were being pushed into difficult situations.

“Residents want to do the right thing, but when services do not work properly, it leads to frustration and illegal dumping,” he said.

He added that councillors were “stepping up to try and bridge that gap and give communities some immediate relief.”

Cross‑party amendment tightens the plan

When the proposal reached the council meeting on Wednesday (4 February), Independent councillors backed the idea but pushed for a more tightly controlled pilot — one that is fully costed, time‑limited and evidence‑led before any long‑term commitment is made.

Their amendment, which secured support from across the chamber, also calls for safeguards to prevent commercial or illegal dumping and for officers to explore partnership working with enforcement teams.

Independent members said the principle was clear: “Charge the offenders — not the community.”

What happens next

Town Council officers will now draw up a detailed pilot scheme, including potential locations, costs, environmental considerations and enforcement measures. A report will return to councillors once the work is complete.

Shared frustration over fly‑tipping

Despite political differences over how the scheme should be developed, councillors from all groups agreed that fly‑tipping has become a serious and growing problem across Llanelli.

Members said residents deserve clean streets and fair treatment — and that those responsible for dumping rubbish should be the ones paying for it.

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New defibrillator installed at Llanelli play area as council tackles ‘defib desert’

The device, now active at Nightingale Court play area, has been registered on The Circuit, a national database that helps ambulance crews locate the nearest defibrillator in the event of a cardiac emergency.

Town councillor Shaun Greaney, who represents Lliedi ward, said the area had previously been a “defibrillator desert” — with no publicly accessible devices nearby.

“Every minute without treatment reduces the chance of survival by around 10 per cent,” he said. “We’ve seen tragic cases where cardiac arrests or critical bleeds could potentially have been survivable if help had been available immediately.”

The council says the new device is part of a broader push to improve emergency readiness across Llanelli.

“This Labour-led town council is spearheading a lifesaving safety drive,” Cllr Greaney added. “Early defibrillation, combined with CPR, can increase survival rates to 50–70 per cent if delivered within five minutes.”

National figures show survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests remain below 10 per cent — but experts say bystander CPR and rapid access to an AED (automated external defibrillator) can dramatically improve outcomes.

Council leader Cllr David Darkin said the council will begin offering free public training in the coming months, covering both defibrillator use and Critical Bleed Control Kits — specialist equipment designed to stop catastrophic bleeding.

“These kits are army-grade and invaluable in emergencies,” he said. “We’ll be rolling out training in community centres across Llanelli next year.”

Cllr Darkin praised Cllr Greaney for introducing the bleed control initiative to the council, and said it complements the town’s wider Sports, Youth and Activities programme, aimed at improving health and wellbeing outcomes for residents of all ages.

Cllr Gareth Lloyd, who represents Bigyn ward, said the new defibrillator was already being welcomed by local families.

“It’s a vital addition to the play area,” he said. “We’re proud to be making lifesaving equipment more accessible to the community.”

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Ammanford deputy mayor tops Labour’s Senedd list for Carmarthenshire

Higgins brings legal and union background to the top of the list

Labour members in the new “super constituency” of Sir Gaerfyrddin, covering the Westminster seats of Caerfyrddin and Llanelli, have backed Higgins to head the party’s closed list under the expanded Senedd arrangements.

A fluent Welsh speaker, Higgins told members he wanted to “represent Sir Gaerfyrddin to make a difference on the ground, ensuring national policies deliver for our communities.” He pointed to his experience as a Citizens Advice lawyer during austerity and later as a manager for a health trade union representing members across Wales during the pandemic.

Currently deputy mayor of Ammanford, Higgins also sits on Ammanford Town Council and Lliedi Community Council. He has lived in Tycroes all his life, trained as a barrister, and worked for Citizens Advice Cymru before joining an NHS trade union as a policy officer. Away from politics he plays rugby for Tycroes RFC 2nds and is active in local groups including Tycroes Local Aid.

Teacher from Burry Port takes second place

Second on Labour’s list is Dawn Evans, a teacher from Burry Port. In her pitch she described herself as “a proud Welsh speaking woman, rooted in Carmarthenshire,” and spoke of her personal experience when her son Iwan was left with lifelong disabilities following ambulance delays.

“That experience shaped me,” she said. “I promised myself that if I ever had a chance to improve health and care services for others, I would.”

County councillor and consultant joins the slate

Third on the list is Martyn Palfreman, Labour County Councillor for the Hengoed ward. He is also a consultant specialising in improvement across social care, health and public services, with a career background in practice development and service transformation.

Llanelli architect and town council leader makes his bid

Fourth is David Darkin, an architect and leader of Llanelli Town Council, who launched his bid for the Senedd list in July. He has combined his professional expertise with civic leadership, and has been active in local politics and community design.

Advisor to Lee Waters MS takes fifth spot

Fifth is Lewis Eldred Davies, Labour County Councillor for Kidwelly & St Ishmael. He works as an advisor to Lee Waters MS, the controversial former transport minister who is not standing again at the next election.

Llanelli councillor and mental health campaigner completes the list

Sixth on the list is Andre McPherson, Labour County Councillor for Tyisha ward and a member of Llanelli Town Council. A qualified personal trainer, he also chairs the Board of Trustees for MIND’s Llanelli branch, supporting mental health services in the community.

Electoral outlook

While Higgins heads the slate, Labour’s prospects in Carmarthenshire are far from certain. Our previous poll reporting suggested the party is in line for just one seat in this constituency, with Plaid Cymru and Reform UK both gaining ground as Labour’s support edges back.

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Anger as frail veterans left unable to access Llanelli Cenotaph

RAF veteran and Labour councillor Rob Evans has criticised what he described as “disgraceful inaction” by the Plaid Cymru‑led authority, after his request for a temporary access ramp at the Old Llanelli Town Hall was rejected.

The Cenotaph, which sits in the grounds of the former town hall, is currently only accessible via steps — leaving elderly and disabled veterans unable to take part in this year’s commemorations.

‘Basic dignity’

Cllr Evans said he had asked in early October for a temporary ramp with a handrail to be installed in time for the Week of Remembrance.

“They should put a temporary ramp in as soon as possible, and most definitely before this year’s Week of Remembrance,” he said. “And then install a permanent one before next year.”

The council turned down the request, citing short notice.

‘Disrespectful and shameful’

Labour town councillor Shaun Greaney backed the call, saying he could not understand the county council’s position:

“Surely it can’t be beyond their wit and ability to construct a ramp as soon as possible.

If they can’t do a permanent one in the timescale, then a temporary one with a rail for the week of Remembrance in November does not seem too much of an ask.

In my view, for them not to take action on this right now is disrespectful, shameful and an embarrassment.”

Armed Forces Covenant

Llanelli Town Council leader, David Darkin, also urged the county council to reconsider, arguing the refusal was at odds with its commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant and the Disability Act.

“This petty refusal of such a small demand, which would make a difference to a number of veterans, seems very mean‑spirited,” he said.

“Veterans have served our country with distinction. What’s more, the county council’s refusal seems to be disrespectful to the war dead themselves. This is not what they fought and gave their lives for.”

Carmarthenshire County Council has been approached for comment.

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Llanelli mayor blasts WRU over Scarlets future as town rallies behind ‘Save Our Scarlets’ march

‘Clueless’ leadership

Councillor Andrew Bragoli, a lifelong Scarlets supporter who describes the late Phil Bennett as his “idol and hero”, accused the WRU of being “clueless” and failing both the regions and grassroots clubs.

“They have mismanaged regional rugby in Wales in general. They haven’t helped the grassroots teams like Furnace, Trimsaran, Felinfoel, Llangennech, Tumble and Tenby,” he said.

“The WRU haven’t looked after the regions – Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff and the Dragons – so the national team is now suffering. We don’t want to see any region disappear.”

Cllr Bragoli said the union had been “narrow‑sighted”, relying on the success of the national side while neglecting the pathway from community rugby into the professional game.

Call for English league switch

The mayor suggested the best way forward would be for the Scarlets, Ospreys and Cardiff to join the English league system, with the Dragons remaining in the United Rugby Championship.

“Nothing in Welsh rugby has the passion of Scarlets versus Ospreys. We must both survive. And derby games against Bristol, Bath and Gloucester would boost attendances and bring atmosphere and rivalry with travelling fans,” said Cllr Bragoli, who has attended more than 1,000 Scarlets matches.

March to Parc y Scarlets

He urged local people to join the Save Our Scarlets march this Saturday, ahead of the home game against Munster. The march will leave Sandy Water Park at 1pm, led by Scarlets heritage director Rupert Moon, and will pass through Llanelli town centre before arriving at Parc y Scarlets.

The town council has also commissioned buses to bring local choirs to the stadium, with renditions of Sospan Fach and Yma O Hyd planned as part of a festival‑style build‑up.

Council united

Fellow councillor Shaun Greaney said:

“We cannot allow the demise of the Scarlets. It would be an act of cultural and sporting vandalism on a near criminal scale. Our area cannot afford the economic decimation the loss of 400 plus jobs would mean.”

Town council leader David Darkin confirmed the council had written to the WRU in the “strongest terms” and voted unanimously to back the campaign.

“Our position reflects the love the town has for the Scarlets. The region is part of our very identity,” he said.

Petition gathers pace

Nearly 5,500 people have signed an online petition calling for the WRU to safeguard the Scarlets’ future. The petition describes the club as “a cornerstone of our community, a symbol of local pride, and a source of inspiration for young athletes”.

It highlights Sport Wales figures estimating rugby contributes more than £200 million a year to the Welsh economy and supports over 4,000 jobs, with the Scarlets playing a key role in that ecosystem.

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Llanelli Market move: Labour calls for trader-led vision as concerns mount over town centre plans

Labour politicians in Llanelli have called for urgent public consultation and a comprehensive masterplan for the town centre, following Carmarthenshire County Council’s proposals to relocate the historic indoor market and demolish the ageing Murray Street multi-storey car park.

Llanelli MP Dame Nia Griffith and Town Council chair Cllr David Darkin say traders must be given a meaningful say in shaping the future of the market, which has served generations of shoppers and small businesses.

“What we really need is a proper vision for the town focusing on how we revitalise the town and increase footfall,” said Ms Griffith. “It should not be a piecemeal plan presented to them.”

The council recently unveiled four options for the market’s future, including temporary relocation, a move to Market Street South, or a shift to the former Woolworths building on Vaughan Street. A hybrid option would see some traders placed in vacant retail units across the town centre.

But concerns are growing that the proposals have been developed without sufficient input from those most affected. Cllr Darkin warned that traders feel they’ve been handed a “fait accompli,” and criticised the Plaid-led council for failing to engage with the Chamber of Trade’s long-standing calls for a town centre strategy.

“We need a proper strategy,” he said. “The Chamber of Trade has been calling for a proper plan for years but they have been ignored.”

The multi-storey car park above the market is believed to be suffering from “concrete cancer,” with structural assessments suggesting only a few years of life remain. The council has indicated that significant UK Government Levelling Up funding is available, but must be spent by Spring 2028.

Ms Griffith and Cllr Darkin will host a meeting with market traders at the Mayor’s Parlour on Tuesday, August 5 at 5.30pm, aiming to gather feedback and ensure local voices are heard before any decisions are finalised.

“We must do something,” said Ms Griffith, “but we need to make sure this isn’t used as an excuse to raise rents or push traders out. That would completely negate the whole aim of the project.”

The call for a masterplan echoes wider concerns about the future of Llanelli’s retail core, with many residents and business owners urging the council to publish a joined-up regeneration strategy that prioritises footfall, affordability, and long-term sustainability.

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