A report detailing any additional costs to Pembrokeshire Council of collecting information about parents’ choice of schools for their children is expected to be received later this year.

A question submitted to the July meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council by independent group leader Cllr Huw Murphy asked: “Cabinet on April 28 passed a recommendation requesting additional information be collected from parents electing Welsh medium education for their children following a debate on Welsh Education Strategic Plan (WESP).

“This Cabinet decision was subject of a successful call-in by the Schools O&S Committee on May 14. During the Schools O&S meeting the additional cost to PCC of collecting the information requested by Cabinet was raised, at which time Mr Huw Jones informed Scrutiny that the Schools Admission Team was only one person and to collect the additional information would necessitate the team being increased by at least one person.

“Cabinet on May 21, following the successful call-in, amended their Cabinet decision of April 28 to now request additional information be collected from parents of children electing both Welsh and also English medium education.

“Can the Cabinet Lead for Education please inform elected members what the financial implications (cost) will be for PCC in collecting this additional information from parents electing both a Welsh and English medium education for their Children, to include pension and NIC contributions if additional staff will be required to comply with decision of Cabinet on April 28 and then May 21?”

Responding, Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language Cllr Guy Woodham said Cabinet was yet to receive a direct proposal.

“The Director of Education has given an assurance that the Cabinet request will be fully explored,” he stated, adding that a report was due in the autumn, which he expected would cover any financial implications.