Agenda and minutes

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest; and

2.     Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must  notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, County Borough Councillor P Jarman declared a personal interest in item 14 – Education & Lifelong Learning Directorate Supplementary Capital Programme 2017/18, due to being the Chair of Governors at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School.

County Borough Councillors A Morgan, E Hanagan and G Hopkins queried the need to declare a personal interest in respect of item 15 due to their proactive respective roles in making the case for investment in the Cross Valley Link, dualling of the A4119 and development of the Llanharan bypass and subsequently, in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, declared a personal interest in item 15 - Highways, Transportation & Strategic Projects Supplementary Capital Programme 2017/18.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting of Cabinet held on the 16^th February, 2017.

The Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 16^th February, 2017 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

For information, the following update has been made to the Leader’s

Scheme of Delegation (3A - Link)

·        Section 4.2 – Representatives for RCT Charity for the Visually Impaired Cabinet Committee

The Secretary to the Cabinet informed Members of an amendment which had been made to the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation (under Part3A of the Council’s Constitution), namely that Councillor M. Norris had replaced Councillor R. Bevan on the Trust Fund for the Visually Impaired – Cabinet Committee.

To receive the report of the Secretary to the Cabinet, presenting an update on the Cabinet Work Programme on the proposed list of matters requiring consideration by Cabinet over the 2016-17 Municipal Year.  The Work Programme will guide and direct the activities of other arms of the Council, as well as the Cabinet itself.

TheSecretary to the Cabinet provided Members with an update on the proposed list of matters requiring consideration by Cabinet over the 2016 – 17 Municipal Year, commenting that utilising the programme assists with openness and transparency of the decision making process within the Council and gives greater opportunity for Pre-Scrutiny.

Members were referred to Appendix 1 of the report to consider the information set out in the work programme. The officer explained that the programme only included the list of matters for consideration over the 2016-17 Municipal Year and that an updated list of 2017-18 matters would be presented to Cabinet at the next meeting.

It was RESOLVED:

a)    To approve the Updated Work Programme for the 2016-17 Municipal Year (with appropriate amendment where necessary) and receive a further update on a 3 monthly basis.

To receive the report of the Secretary to the Cabinet, providing Members with the findings and recommendations of the Council’s two Scrutiny Working Groups that conducted scrutiny reviews in respect of issues in relation to the Council’s Mobile Library Service and Maesyffynnon Residential Care Home, Aberaman.

The Secretary to the Cabinet provided Members with the findings and recommendations of the Council’s two Scrutiny Working Groups which conducted scrutiny reviews in respect of issues in relation to the Council’s Mobile Library Service and Maesyffynnon Residential Care Home, Aberaman.

The officer reminded Members that this was the formal process of informing them of the work conducted by the scrutiny committees.

The officer referred Cabinet Members to Appendix 1 of the report where it was explained that at their meeting in September 2016, the Public Service Delivery, Communities and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee endorsed the findings of the customer feedback in respect of RCT’s Mobile Library Service and identified areas for consideration, which they believe will improve the provision for the customers.

Cabinet Members were then referred to Appendix 2 of the report, where having followed the transfer and settlement of residents into their alternative accommodation, the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee Working Group identified various areas for improvement for the future transitioning of care home residents.

The officer advised that if the recommendations were agreed, the relevant portfolio holders would formally respond to the Committees in respect of the issues raised.

The Cabinet Member for Prosperity, Wellbeing & Communities took the opportunity to thank the Public Service Delivery, Communities and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee for conducting the Mobile Library review, commenting that further promotion of the service could only be beneficial to customers.

The Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Services also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee for conducting the review into Maesyffynnon Residential Care Home, emphasising the importance of learning lessons to improve the process in the future, should a similar situation occur.

With the agreement of the Chairman, County Borough P Jarman spoke on this item.

Following further discussions, it was RESOLVED:

a)    To note the work of the scrutiny Committees, as outlined in Appendix 1 and 2 of the report

b)    To agree in principle to each of the recommendations contained within the report, subject to further consideration by the Cabinet Portfolio Holders for the areas, following which a detailed response will be provided to the relevant Scrutiny Committees

To receive the report of the Director, Regeneration & Planning providing information on the key findings and conclusions of the external evaluation report which has been carried out on the delivery of the Lido Ponty restoration project, and to use these to contribute to the Lido’s continuing success.

The Director, Regeneration & Planning provided Members with information on the key findings and conclusions of the external evaluation report which has been carried out on the delivery of the Lido Ponty restoration project.

The officer provided Cabinet Members with background of the report, explaining that Wavehill Limited is a Welsh based social and economic research company which had been appointed to carry out an independent evaluation of the development, delivery and initial operation of Lido Ponty. It was explained that Wavehill had been appointed in June 2014 and continued until the end of the first full season of the Lido’s operation which was 2016.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Tourism & Planning praised the positive analysis carried out by Wavehill Limited, commenting that a significant amount of people had endorsed the Local Authority’s actions and the results clearly demonstrated that this had paid off. The Cabinet Member spoke of the extra revenue generated in the town due to the Lido and emphasised the need to build upon the excellent work.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure & Culture added that due to the Lido, the town centre welcomes a vast amount of visitors, both locally and from further afield.

The Leader made reference to the local traders of the town, thanking them for their ongoing support and advising that they had evidenced the benefits that had been gained from the Lido restoration project.

As a Trustee of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, the Deputy Leader praised the project, commenting that not only has the footfall increased, but that the town was now a vibrant attraction.

It was RESOLVED:

a)    To endorse the analysis, key findings and conclusions of the evaluation of the Lido Ponty Restoration Project carried out by Wavehill Limited.

b)    To instructs relevant officers to consider how the key findings and conclusions of the report can support the future successful operation of Lido Ponty.

To receive the report of the Director, Regeneration & Planning, updating Cabinet on the work undertaken so far on the Facilitating Housing project and for Cabinet to agree that officers proceed to the next stages of the project

The Director, Regeneration & Planning updated Cabinet on the work undertaken so far on the Facilitating Housing project.

The officer explained that the Facilitating Housing project seeks to maximise the delivery of new homes in RCT and the benefits that are associated with it and that the work and approaches developing within Rhondda Cynon Taf can assist the development of wider initiatives on a regional basis.

Cabinet Members were referred to sections 5 and 6 of the report where the initiatives for RCT and the wider region were outlined. It was explained that a pilot area in the Rhondda Fach was chosen; sites in that area were reviewed and considered as part of the initiative, and are being marketed by the Council on a phased basis.  The officer explained that a site in Maerdy was in the process of being sold for development of some custom and self build housing. 

It was explained that officers had been working on a ‘sister’ project that aims to facilitate housing development of housing sites in private ownership but that in order to formulate a method of intervention to assist stalled sites in coming forward, there was a need to identify why these sites had stalled in the first place and what the funding gaps were.

Following research, it was concluded that there is no single reason why sites become stalled and it is the idiosyncrasies of each individual site that need to be addressed.

The officer provided Cabinet Members with a list of broad themes which could potentially be the reasons sites do not come forward:

·       Some large sites, particularly in the north are simply unviable because the cost of developing them is more than the current sales value/revenue.

·       At the other end of the scale small sites, which historically would have been built out by small, local builders, have stalled because those small companies cannot access appropriate finance.

·       There are a number of large sites that on paper are viable but need considerable upfront investment in remediation and/or infrastructure so that cash flow and or risk of the unknown becomes a barrier to investment.

Cabinet Members were referred to section 8 of the report where the next steps in respect of facilitating housing development were outlined. The officer explained that there were opportunities for a range of interventions, but that the quantum of support was substantial and that in order to maximise the economic and community benefits, it would be necessary to develop a programme of intervention and explore funding sources.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Tourism & Planning praised the work outlined in the report which covers RCT and the wider region. The Cabinet Member commented that although housing had stalled nationally, the report offered an innovative approach to sustain the market and provided evidence as to why the market had stalled.

The Leader added that various discussions had been undertaken within the context of the City Deal to enable the building of housing across the valleys and that it was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 138.

To receive the report of the Director, Regeneration & Planning updating Members on the considerable progress which has been made on the redevelopment of the Taff Vale site.

The Director, Regeneration & Planning updated Members on the considerable progress which had been made on the redevelopment of the Taff Vale site.

The officer advised that since Cabinet considered the scheme in November 2016, the Taff Vale redevelopment project had made significant progress such as:-

·       Project Management / Cost Consultant - Rhomco appointed November 2016.

·       Multi Disciplinary Design led Team – Darnton B3 appointed December 2016 subject to 10 day standstill period.

·       Demolition Contractor – Walters appointed December 2016. Started on site 9^th January 2017 with completion by 31st March 2017.

Cabinet Members were referred to section 5 of the report, where the current progress was outlined. It was explained that since the photos within the report had been taken, the site had progressed further.

The officer explained that Pontypridd is a pivotal location in the Cardiff Capital Region, and the Taff Vale site presents a significant opportunity to secure a step change to the economic performance of the town, beneficial to Rhondda Cynon Taf and the region. 

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Tourism & Planning praised the contents contained within the report, commenting that it was pleasing to see such rapid progress being made. The Member took the opportunity to thank the local traders for their support during the redevelopment, commenting that the final results would offer a vast amount of opportunities for local residents.

The Cabinet Member made reference to a recent Jobs Fair which took place at the Muni, Pontypridd, giving local residents the opportunity to speak to employers about apprenticeships, graduate schemes and other opportunities. The Cabinet Member explained that the day was a huge success, and made a contribution to the Council’s Corporate Plan policies of“Economy – Building a stronger economy” and “A prosperous Wales”.

The Deputy Leader commented on the importance of continuing the delivery of this key development in Pontypridd, to benefit the economy of the town, the wider Borough, and the SE Wales City Region. 

The Leader advised of an exhibition which was to take place the following week, where further announcements would be made.

Following further discussions, it was RESOLVED:

a)    To note the progress made and endorse the next steps

To receive the report of the Director, Human Resources providing Cabinet Members with information on the Council’s Equality Report for the year 2015/16.

The HR Advisor, Equality & Diversity Teamprovided Cabinet Members with information on the Council’s Annual Equality Report, for the year 2015/16.

The Cabinet Members were referred to Appendix 1 where the equality report for 2015/16 was displayed. The officer explained that the Annual Equality Report had been developed to fulfil the Council’s legal duties and obligations to report on its progress in delivering the General and Specific Equality Duties.

The officer explained that positive responses had been received from all service areas of the Council and that areas for improvement would continue to be monitored.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Equalities & the Welsh Language was pleased to see the breakdown of all requirements presented in one clear and understandable report which would make it easier for interested parties to identify how the Council is delivering on its commitment to equality, its legal obligations and the action plans contained within its Strategic Equality Plan (SEP).

The Leader took the opportunity to thank the officer and her team for their continuous hard work in ensuring that RCT CBC promotes equality and diversity across all service areas. The Leader referred to the Wave project, which had gained positive feedback from people outside of the local authority.

Following further discussions, it was RESOLVED:

a)    To publish the Annual Equality Report 2015/16.

To receive the report of the Chief Executive, updating Members on the latest Wales Audit Office (“WAO”) report to be issued and note the action to be taken by the Council in response to the proposals for improvement raised.

The Chief Executive provided Cabinet Members with an update on the latest Wales Audit Office (“WAO”) report to be issued, in order to note the action to be taken by the Council in response to the proposals for improvement raised.

The Chief Executive reminded Members of the importance of WAO proposals for improvement and the need for them to be considered by Cabinet for appropriate action to be taken in response to the matters raised.

Cabinet Members were referred to section 5 of the report where the WAO proposals for improvement were outlined. The officer explained that the WAO report was highly positive, reflecting the fact that the Council has robust financial, service change and performance management arrangements in place. Cabinet Members were then referred to Appendix 1 of the report where the three proposals for improvement were detailed:

·       P1 – The Council set out at the point of decision on service change proposals how the impact of proposed changes is going to be measured and monitored;

·       P2 – The Council clarify and promote the arrangements for public participation in its overview and scrutiny process in order to encourage and promote public involvement;

·       P3 – The Council publish its overview and scrutiny committees’ forward work programme(s) as stand-alone documents(s) on the Council website to increase openness and transparency.

The Cabinet Members spoke positively of the report received from the WAO, with the Leader praising the relationship the Authority have with them. It was added that the comments received would, again, be considered to further improve the Council’s services.

It was RESOLVED:

a)    To note the contents of the report

b)    To consider and approve the Council’s response to the WAO proposals for improvement

To receive the report of the Chief Executive, updating Cabinet on the steps taken by the Council as an individual public body, to address its responsibilities under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

The Chief Executive provided Cabinet Members with an update on the steps taken by the Council as an individual public body, to address its responsibilities under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

Cabinet Members were referred to section 5 of the report, where the Chief Executive highlighted the three key strategic priorities the Council agreed in its Corporate Plan, The Way Ahead 2016-2020 in February 2016: 

1.     Economy - Building a strong economy;

2.     People - Promoting independence and positive lives for everyone;

3.     Place - Creating neighbourhoods where people are proud to live and work.

It was explained that each of the Council’s three priorities contribute to one or more of the seven national Well-being goals set out in the Well-being of Future Generations Act i.e.

1.     A more prosperous Wales

2.     A resilient Wales

3.     A Healthier Wales

4.     A more equal Wales

5.     A Wales of cohesive communities

6.     A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language

7.     A globally responsible Wales

The Chief Executive advised that the Future Generations Commissioner had spoken positively of the objectives, commenting that they demonstrated consistency across the Cwm Taf area.

The Leader thanked the officer for the report and commented that the Council would continue to make positive progress in meeting its duties as an individual public body as required by the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

It was RESOLVED:

a)    To consider progress to date in respect of the Council’s approach to the implementation of the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

b)    To formally adopt the Council’s Corporate Plan priorities as the Council’s Well-being Objectives for 2017-18.

c)     That the Council’s obligations to publish Improvement Objectives as required by the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009, are also served by the Council’s Well-being Objectives.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services, presenting to Cabinet the proposed legal agreement and financial schedule for the Cwm Taf Stay Well @home Service (formerly known as the Integrated Assessment and Response Service) to govern the regional arrangements for the service and to seek approval that any non-material changes required following late submission of comments by the UHB be delegated to the Statutory Director of Social Services and relevant Cabinet Member.

The Group Director, Community & Children’s Services presented to Cabinet the proposed legal agreement and financial schedule for the Cwm Taf Stay Well @home Service (formerly known as the Integrated Assessment and Response Service) to govern the regional arrangements for the service in order to seek approval that any non-material changes required following late submission of comments by the UHB be delegated to the Statutory Director of Social Services and relevant Cabinet Member.

The officer explained that RCT was the lead organisation for the Stay Well @ Home Service and whilst employment responsibilities are retained by each organisation for their own staff, the operational management within RCT will be located within the remit of the Head of Short Term Services.

Cabinet Members were reminded that on the 8th September 2016, Cabinet approved the Business case and equality impact assessment for the service and provided authorisation for officers to begin planning and developing the service. Cabinet also expected a legal agreement detailing the formal governance and financial arrangements for the service to follow as the new integrated model of service requires the development of a pooled fund comprised of Intermediate Care Fund grant and a formal commitment from all partners to co-operate and work together in its implementation.

Cabinet Members were referred to Appendix 1 of the report where the draft Legal agreement was contained. It was explained that the Legal agreement has been developed with the advice and endorsement of RCT's Legal and Finance Departments and would be reviewed on an annual basis in line with Welsh Government confirmation for the continuation of the Intermediate Care Fund.

The Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Services commented that it was pleasing to see a Cwm Taf wide enhanced multi-agency community based service which demonstrates the fundamental importance of independence in the County.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Equalities & the Welsh Language added that the project was innovative, using early intervention to prevent further demand on the Health Service. The Cabinet Member took the opportunity to thank the Group Director for providing leadership on such a challenging new service.

It was RESOLVED:

a)    To endorse the detailed Governance arrangements for the Cwm Taf Stay Well @home Service as set out in the Legal Agreement for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Merthyr Tydfil Council and Cwm Taf University Health Board as attached as Appendix 1 of the report.

b)    To note there are some minor amendments required following late submission of comments by the UHB and delegate responsibility for making any necessary and mutually agreed changes to the Statutory Director of Social Services and relevant Cabinet Member.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services provides Members with an overview of the Council’s performance, both from a financial and operational perspective, based on the first nine months of this financial year (to the 31^st December 2016).

The Director, Financial Services provided the Cabinet Members with an overview of the Council’s performance, both from a financial and operational perspective, based on the first nine months of this financial year (to the 31^st December 2016).

Cabinet Members were referred to page 279 of the report, where the officer summarised the key elements:

·       The sickness rate was detailed below the full year position identified last year

·       Nine indicators had improved in respect of education results in respect of attainment and attendance for 2016/16 compared to 2014/15 and the three indicators which did not show improvement were being monitored

·       KS3 results were the highest identified

·       Out of 45 performance measures, 43 had improved

·       Since Quarter 2, there had been no changes to the risk scores associated with the Council’s strategic risks

·       Recycling performance continued to be better than the target set

The Leader thanked the officer for presenting and overall, positive report, adding that the under spend calculated in the Quarter 3 report had been taken into account when calculating the 2017-18 budget.

It was RESOLVED:

Revenue

a)    To note the General Fund revenue position of the Council as at the 31^st December (Section 2 of the Executive Summary).

b)    To approve the virements listed in Sections 2a – d of the Executive Summary that exceed the £0.100M threshold as per the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules.

Capital

c)     To note the updated capital budget for the financial year 2016/17 and changes in the total cost of projects over the 3-year programme (Sections 3a – f of the Executive Summary).

d)    To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 31^st December 2016 (Section 3g of the Executive Summary).

      Corporate Plan Priorities

e)    To note the current position regarding progress made against the agreed Corporate Plan priorities and confirm whether they are satisfied with the progress being made.

General

f)      To consider whether they wish to receive further information or explanations from service managers, where Members have any serious concerns about performance or progress.

To receive the report of the Temporary Director, Education & Lifelong Learning providing Members with details of the capital works for approval for 2017/18 as part of the Council’s three-year Capital Programme.

The Chief Executive provided Cabinet Members with details of the capital works for approval for 2017/18 as part of the Council’s three-year Capital Programme.

The officer reminded Cabinet Members that an amount of £7.9M had been allocated to the planned capital programme (minor works) for 2017/18 with a further allocation of £2M of additional resources identified as part of the “Corporate Plan – Investment Priorities” as agreed by Council on the 1st March 2017.

Members were referred to section 5 of the report where the proposed allocations of the planned capital programme funds for 2017/18 were outlined. It was advised that further details of the programmes of work were detailed in appendices 1 – 10 of the report.

The officer explained that the projects identified in the planned capital programme could be committed and delivered within the financial year and would have an immediate impact on improving schools and their surrounding communities.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning commented that head teachers had had an input with all schools benefiting from the investment. The Cabinet Member added that it was pleasing to see that the Council continuing to deliver the long term school modernisation improvement programme supporting one of the Council’s Corporate Plan Priorities: ‘Economy – Building a strong economy’.

The Leader commented that the 21^st Century School Programme was a huge success but that it was important to note that such schools with Victorian builds which aren’t included in the programme, have also been developed in different ways to ensure all schools are safe and of excellent quality for the staff and pupils.

With the agreement of the Chairman, County Borough Councillor P Jarman spoke on this item.

It was RESOLVED:

a)    To approve the Education Capital Programme priority schemes for 2017/2018 as outlined in Appendices 1-10 and to approve scheme commencement.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services, setting out the detailed capital programme for Highways, Transportation and Strategic Projects for 2017/18, further to the approval of the Council’s Three Year Capital Programme 2017/18 - 2019/20 on 1st of March 2017 (Council) and the approval of the Council Corporate Plan – Investment Priorities on 30^th November 2016 (Council).

The Service Director, Highways & Streetcare Services provided Cabinet Members with the detailed capital programme for Highways, Transportation and Strategic Projects for 2017/18.

The officer explained that the Highways Network represents the most significant asset of the Council, valued in excess of £3.4Bn and comprised of carriageways, footways, structures, street lighting, traffic signals and signs, safety barriers, highway drainage, etc. 

The officer went on to explain that following on from the last six years of the highly successful highways investment programme, the highway network will benefit from £9.85M of funding in 2017/18. It was explained that this investment would continue to improve and protect the fabric of the highways network and to deal with the impact of winter. Cabinet Members were referred to section 12.4 of the report where the progress of previous years was demonstrated.

Cabinet Members were guided through section 4 of the report, with the officer confirming capital allocation amounts in respect of areas such as traffic management (£0.160M), car parks (£0.045M) and transportation infrastructure (£3.321M).

Cabinet Members were referred to section 4.6 of the report where the Making Better Use (MBU) Programme was outlined. Members were reminded that the ethos of the programme was to identify low cost, high value improvements for congested sections of the Council’s highways network, to improve traffic flows, ease congestion and have a positive impact on road safety.

Due to successful projects such as the construction of the left turn lane at A4059 Ynys Roundabout, left turn lane at A4059 Asda Roundabout and the additional lane at Bridge Street, Pontypridd, etc, the officer proposed an allocation of £1.25M for 2017/18 which would accommodate the Council’s aspirations to enhance the strategic highway network by commencing feasibility, design and development of two major highway schemes: Llanharan Bypass, Dualling Road A4119 Coedely to Ynysmaerdy (Stinkpot Hill).

The officer explained that the £1.2Bn City Deal was envisaged to bring forward a number of capital projects, including Phase 2 of the Metro but the precise content had yet to be determined and, therefore, the implications for RCT and the potential involvement in capital delivery would be reported when this is confirmed.

The officer added that although it was not outlined in the report before Cabinet Members, it was pleasing to note that there had been a significant decrease in insurance claims.

The Leader thanked the officer for the robust report, commenting that it clearly highlights the Council’s continuous dedication to highways investment throughout the County Borough.

The Leader explained that huge scale investment in highways had cut the backlog of roadwork by 1/3 and would therefore relieve future challenges. The Member went onto explain that the opinions of groups such as OPAG had been taken into account when allocating funds. For example, the group raised concerns around footways and the accidents which had occurred with older residents, and therefore, the Council had committed £0.5M to develop schemes around these issues.

The Leader added that it was prudent to note that a multitude of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 146.

To receive the report of the Service Director, Public Health & Protection, providing Members with an update on the progress made, and the uptake of, the Council’s empty property grant.

The Service Director, Public Health & Protection provided Cabinet Members with an update on the progress made, and the uptake of, the Council’s empty property grant scheme (EPG).

The officer advised that since the approval from Cabinet on 16^th April 2016 steady progress has been made in marketing and attracting interest and applications for the EPG. It was added that, to date, approximately 70 properties were either in the process of renovation or in the grants administrative system.

The officer explained that based on the current interest and the value of grants in the system currently, it was envisaged that the capital made available for this scheme will be maximised over the 2 years of the project.  

Cabinet Members were pleased to note the number of applications received since the last meeting.

The Cabinet Member for Prosperity, Wellbeing & Communities commented that although the project had a slow start, it gained momentum and it was pleasing to see that more properties were envisaged to benefit from the grant than anticipated.

Following further discussions, it was RESOLVED:

a)    To note the progress made in respect of the empty property grant (EPG), in particular the number of applications received and their projected financial commitment.

To receive the report of the Service Director, Public Health & Protection, updating Members on the Council’s indicative Supporting People Grant for 2017/2018 and seeking approval of the Local Commissioning Plan for Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Supporting People Programme, for the period 2017/2018.

The Service Director, Public Health & Protection updated Cabinet Members on the Council’s indicative Supporting People Grant for 2017/2018, seeking approval of the Local Commissioning Plan for Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Supporting People Programme, for the period 2017/2018.

The officer reminded Cabinet Members that the supporting people programme provides housing related support services to vulnerable people and that the level of support provided is proportionate to the needs of the individual and enables people to live as independently as possible.

The officer advised of the requirement for the Council to produce annual Local Commissioning Plans, which in turn informs the Regional Commissioning Plan (RCP). The RCP is then approved by the Regional Collaborative Committee (RCC) and submitted to Welsh Government.

It was advised that confirmation of its indicative supporting people grant allocation from Welsh Government had been received on 6^th December 2016, where the indicative level of funding for Rhondda Cynon Taf for 2017/18 was £9.06M, the same level of grant received for 2016/17.

Cabinet Members were referred to Appendix 1 where the Supporting People Commissioning Plan was outlined. It was added that the programme plays a significant part in reducing admittance to institutional care, reducing instances of homelessness and will play a major part in the Council’s response to the Social Services and Wellbeing Act Wales.

The Cabinet Member for Prosperity, Wellbeing & Communities thanked the officer for producing the Supporting People Commissioning Plan, commenting that the prudent monitoring ensures best value.

Following further discussions, it was RESOLVED:

a)    To note the indicative grant allocation for 2017/2018.

b)    To approve the Supporting People Commissioning Plan for 2017/2018.      

“That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act”.

It was RESOLVED:

a)    That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act”

To receive the report of the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services, providing Cabinet with an overview of the recent procurement exercise that relates to the appointment of partners for the development and delivery of Extra Care schemes in Rhondda Cynon Taf and to inform Cabinet which providers have been selected.

The Group Director, Community & Children’s Services, provided Cabinet with an overview of the recent procurement exercise that relates to the appointment of partners for the development and delivery of Extra Care schemes in Rhondda Cynon Taf and to informed Cabinet which providers have been selected.

It was RESOLVED:

a)    To note the plans and progress to date in appointing partners for the development and delivery of Extra Care schemes in Rhondda Cynon Taf

b)    To note the decision of the Group Director, Community and Children’s Services, to the appointment of up to three contractors to enter into a partnership agreement with the Council to develop Extra Care Housing Schemes across Rhondda Cynon Taf (one preferred partner and two reserves). The first development will be at the former Maesyffynnon Residential Care home site.

c)     To receive a detailed implementation plan and investment case for Maesyffynnon as soon as possible.