Agenda, decisions 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 A Chapman made the following personal declaration of Interest in relation to Agenda item 4 – Town Centre Maintenance Grant: “I have a business within Treorchy Town Centre”.

An apology for absence was received from County Borough Councillor M Norris.

To receive the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on the 21^st June as an accurate record.

The Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 21^st June, 2018 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

To receive the report of the Director, Education & Lifelong Learning providing information to Members on the Council’s statutory duties to establish a Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE).

The Director, Education & Lifelong Learning presented Members with her report which provided Members with details of the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education and provided an overview of the work of SACRE for the annual year, as statutory required.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning commented on the annual report attached as appendix B to the report and it was RESOLVED:-

1.    To note the content of the Annual Report 2016-2017

To receive the report of the Director, Regeneration, Planning & Housing providing Cabinet with a review of the Town Centre Maintenance Grant which has been piloted in the Mountain Ash and Tonypandy Retail Areas.

The Head of Regeneration, Prosperity & Housing provided Members with a report detailing a review of the Town Centre Maintenance Grant which had been piloted in the Mountain Ash and Tonypandy Retail Areas, following a decision by Cabinet in September, 2017.  

Members were reminded that the grant available provided support to traders / landlords to undertake maintenance works to improve the external front elevation of town centre properties, contributing to a positive impact on the street scene, creating a more attractive and vibrant town centre environment.

The Head of Regeneration, Prosperity & Housing provided Members with details of the take up, advising that demand for the scheme had been high amongst traders from across both town centres, with a further 28 applications currently in development. Due to its success, the Head of service proposed that an additional budget of £36,400 is allocated to support the proposals. The Head of Service continued his report by advising Members of the proposal listed within the report, building on the successful outcomes of the pilot scheme, to roll out        the scheme to independent town centre traders and owners within the Treorchy Retail Area.  

Cabinet Member for Enterprise,Development & Housing commented positively on the review and the benefits the current grant was having on the Tonypandy and Mountain Ash Town Centres, for the traders and the local communities. He also added that widening the grant to include Treorchy would complement the work currently underway to consider the potential of developing a Business Improvement District (BID) in Treorchy.  The Cabinet Member referred to the positive discussions he’d been involved in with traders in respect of the grant and welcomed the widening of the proposal.

The Leader of the Council added that the intention was to roll out the grant to all town centres within RCT over a year by year basis and spoke of the additional assistance the Council had taken forward in the Town Centres across the County Borough in respect of Car Parking and rate relief.  The Leader took the opportunity to query the Footprint for the Treorchy Town Centre, as listed in appendix 3 of the report and the Head of Regeneration, Prosperity & Housing confirmed that the Co-operative Supermarket was not eligible within the Town Centre Grant scheme.

The Deputy Leader also spoke positively about the grant and the proposals within the report and reiterated the support being provided to the Town Centres, commenting on the success of the Christmas Town Centre Events taken forward by the Council across the County Borough and the benefits to the traders and the local community.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the successful outcomes to date for Mountain Ash and Tonypandy.

2.    That the additional budget allocation of £36,400 is approved for proposals already in development in Mountain Ash and Tonypandy.

3.    That the Town Centre Maintenance Grant pilot is extended to the Treorchy Retail Area with a budget allocation of £30,000.

4.    That the grant scheme will be rolled out across all town centres  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

To receive the report of the Chief Executive, outlining the Council’s Corporate Performance which contains progress for 2017/18 and plans for 2018/19 in respect of the Council’s three strategic priorities.

The Service Director, Performance & Improvement provided Members with the Council’s draft Corporate Performance Report (CPR) which contained progress for 2017/18 and plans for 2018/19 in respect of the Council’s three strategic priorities. Members were also advised that the report also set out how the CPR enables the Council to meet its statutory reporting requirements.

Members were referred to Appendix 1 of the report which detailed the draft CPR, which was structured around the Council’s Priorities of Economy, People & Place.  The Service Director commented that the CPR provided elected Members, partners, residents, staff and regulators with an overview of progress and plans, as well as access to further detailed information.

Members were advised that the draft had also been presented to the Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee for pre-scrutiny.

The Leader thanked the officers for the report, commenting that the report provided an accurate and honest reflection of the Council, highlighting both positive performance and areas for improvement. 

Following discussions it was RESOLVED :

1.    To endorse the draft Council Performance Report (as attached at Appendix 1 of the report) and recommend its approval by full Council on the 25thJuly 2018.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services providing Members with an overview of the Council’s performance, both from a financial and operational perspective, for the financial year ending the 31^st March, 2018.

The Service Director, Performance & Improvement provided Members with an overview of the Council’s performance, both from a financial and operational perspective, for the financial year ended 31^st March 2018.

Cabinet Members were advised that the year-end report demonstrates strong financial and operational performance that is in line with the quarterly updates reported during the year.

The Leader commented on the budget position, commenting positively that with the ever increasing demands and pressures on services it was positive to see the Council had come in under budget for the financial year, allowing for future investment into Winter Maintenance.   He also commented on the Performance Indicators listed within the report, recognising the budget pressures, demands on services and stretching of targets to push for further improvements, all contributing to the overall picture before Members.

The Deputy Leader commented on the positive decrease in the Council’s sickness figures and added that further work in this area was being taken forward.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

Revenue

1. To note the General Fund revenue position of the Council as at the 31st March 2018 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary of the report).

Capital

2.    To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at 31st March 2018 (Sections 3a – f of the Executive Summary of the report). 

3.    To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 31st March 2018 (Section 3g of the Executive Summary

Corporate Plan Priorities

4.    To note the year end position regarding progress made against the agreed Corporate Plan priorities (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary of the report), Other National Measures (Section 5e of the Executive Summary of the report) and comparison of 2017/18 targets set against prior year and ‘All Wales Average’ performance information (Section 5f of the Executive Summary of the report.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services providing Members with an update on the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2018/19 to 2021/22, based on the current modelling assumptions in advance of formulating the detailed budget strategy proposals for 2019/20 during the autumn.

The Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services  provided Members with an update on the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2018/19 to 2021/22, based on current modelling assumptions in advance of formulating the detailed budget strategy proposals for 2019/20 during the autumn.

The Group Director explained that whilst investment through the use of one off funds has been very positive, the Council recognises that it must still address base budget shortfalls and make difficult decisions to balance its ongoing revenue budget into the medium term, adding that the report before Members provided an interim view on the scale of the challenge faced and the actions and arrangements being put in place to address any shortfalls across the planning period.  Members were referred to section 5 of the report which provided key assumptions in respect of income and expenditure. The Group Director continued by explaining to Members that the modelling assumptions within the report were all subject to change and would be reviewed as part of the detailed budget strategy work in the autumn. The ‘base case’ includes a reduction in Welsh Government funding of 1% per annum over the three year period. The variability of the potential level of Provisional Settlement from Welsh Government has a significant impact on the budget gap, at £3.6M per 1% as illustrated within figure 1 of the report.

Members were referred to Appendix 1 of the report which provided further detail in respect of the medium term financial planning arrangements.

The Leader advised that the plan would be brought forward to the next meeting of Council to ensure all Members were aware of the Council’s budget position, adding that the responsibility for setting the Council’s budget was a responsibility for all elected Members. The Leader continued by commenting on the pressures facing services in respect of increasing numbers of children looked after and adult service demands and also commented on the pressures in respect of inflation.  He added that funding of services couldn’t continually be made through back office savings.

The Deputy Leader spoke of the provision available for all Members to propose an alternative budget to assist in bridging the budget funding gap going forward, and spoke positively of the services, provision and investment available across the County Borough, in the current financial climate.

Members discussed the potential settlement in respect of Health and the consequential funding Health would receive with Members commenting that investment needs to be taken forward across Health and Social Care and not just primarily health.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the current position modelled in respect of the ‘Medium Term Financial Plan 2018/19 to 2021/22’ and receive further updates in the Autumn as part of the annual budget setting process; 

2.    For wider communication and engagement with full Council and the Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee in respect of the plan.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services providing Cabinet with an update on the work that has been undertaken in response to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and outlining further work planned for delivery by the GDPR project team.

The Head of Internal Audit & Procurement Delivery referred Members to his report which provided an update on the work that had been undertaken in response to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and outlines further work planned for delivery by the GDPR project team.

Members were advised of the 3 main work streams being taken forward in respect of Developing Data Protection Registers – in particular, recording ‘lawful bases’ for processing; Developing and publishing Privacy Notices and thirdly Embedding the requirements of the GDPR into current contractual arrangements, and within procurement practices. 

The Leader thanked the officers involved for the work done to date to ensure the Council were compliant with the new regulations and it was RESOLVED:

1.    That following consideration of the reports contents that the fundamental requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation have been delivered in a robust and pragmatic way.

2.    To endorse those areas identified as the next work-streams requiring action.

3.    To any additional work-streams required in order to further strengthen the arrangements in place.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services presenting Members with the first draft of the Director Social Services Annual Report prior to its content being made available for public consultation.

As required by the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services presented Members with his draft report in respect of ‘The Director of Social Services Annual Report’, prior to its content being made available for public consultation.

The Group Director provided Members with a brief overview of the report which sets out how the Council's Social Services performed last year, highlighting the direction and priorities set for the year ahead.   Members were advised that the report had also been presented to the Health & Wellbeing and Children & Young People scrutiny Committee for consideration at their recent meetings, with no material changes to the report coming forward.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Community Services & Welsh Language thanked the Group Director for his report and spoke of the ongoing work being delivered within the service for the benefit of both adults and children, although added that there would always be opportunities for further improvement.  The Cabinet Member referenced the positive works being taken forward with the Cwm Taf Social Services and Wellbeing Partnership Board.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young people shared her concerns in respect of the access of provisions for children to which the Group Director agreed with and spoke of the need to invest further in the young people of the County Borough to try to prevent problems from escalating in later life.  Members spoke of recent discussions with Welsh Government Ministers in respect of the advocating of a transformation fund for Children, similar to the transformation fund for Health & Social Services.

Following further discussions the Leader placed on record his thanks again to the staff within the service for their commitment to delivering services during the inclement weather, earlier in the year, where staff Members had gone above and beyond for the benefit of the Council’s residents.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the draft Rhondda Cynon Taf Director of Social Services Annual Report (as attached as Appendix 1 of the report).

To receive the report of the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services providing Members with the Annual Report 2017/18 in relation to Carers, prior to its submission to Welsh Government.

The Group Director, Community & Children’s Services provided Members with the report which required Member approval for the Annual Report for 2017/18 in relation to Carers, to be submitted to Welsh Government.

The Group Director provided a brief overview of the report, adding that the work to implement the Carers Strategy has complemented the Council's priorities to promote independence and positive lives for everyone including Carers of all ages.

The Cabinet Member for Children & Young people spoke positively about the report and improvements recognised in respect of support, information and recognition of Carers.  She continued by enquiring whether any future intentions for a central access point would be taken forward to which the Group Director responded, advising that further work would need to be undertaken to make this achievable.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note that the Annual report is also being submitted for approval by Merthyr Tydfil CBC Cabinet and the Cwm Taf University Health Board.

2.    To note that the Annual Report was due in Welsh Government at the end of June 2018.  However, in line with previous practice which has been acceptable to Welsh Government, as the timeline of Cabinets in Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Councils and UHB Board meetings did not neatly fit, a draft report will be submitted, with the final version sent to Welsh Government following approval by all three partners.   

3.    To approve the Annual Report attached as Appendix 1 of the report for submission to Welsh Government.

4.    To note that work relating to Carers is being taken forward as part of the Regional Plan for the implementation of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, specifically through implementation of the Cwm Taf Carers Strategy 2016-19 approved by partners in July 2016. 

“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: “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 containing exempt information, which seeks Cabinet approval to support the conversion of the former Crown Avenue, Sheltered Housing scheme for older people in Ynyswen, Treorchy, owned by Trivallis into new supported living accommodation for people with a learning disability.

Following consideration of the report of the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services containing exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972 (as amended), namely information relating to financial affairs of any particular person (including the authority that was holding that information), it was

AGREED:

1.    To contribute one off (capital) funding of £758,696, to convert Crown Avenue, a former sheltered housing scheme for older people in Ynyswen, Treorchy, owned by Trivallis, into new supported living accommodation for people with a learning disability.

2.    To include the scheme within the 3 year Capital Programme. 

3.    To consider all options regarding the provision of ongoing care and support at the new supported living scheme.

4.    To authorise the Group Director, Community and Children’s Services, to take all necessary steps to give effect to the above decisions

The Group Director provided Members with his report which contained exempt information in respect of a proposal to convert the former Crown Avenue, Sheltered Housing scheme for older people in Ynyswen, Treorchy, owned by Trivallis into new supported living accommodation for people with a learning disability

Following consideration of the report and discussions on its content, Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To contribute one off (capital) funding of £758,696, to convert Crown Avenue, a former sheltered housing scheme for older people in Ynyswen, Treorchy, owned by Trivallis, into new supported living accommodation for people with a learning disability.

2.    To include the scheme within the 3 year Capital Programme. 

3.    To consider all options regarding the provision of ongoing care and support at the new supported living scheme.

4.    To authorise the Group Director, Community and Children’s Services, to take all necessary steps to give effect to the above decisions

The Secretary to the Cabinet advised Members that in respect of the Councils Performance Report and the Medium Term Financial Plan report (Agenda Items 5 and 7) as the reports were to be presented to Council on the 25^th July and the Performance and Resources Q4 report (agenda item 6) being reported to the Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee on the 23^rd July, these items would not be subject to the Council’s Call in procedure, which would be reflected on each of the items decision notice.

To consider any urgent business as the Chairman feels appropriate.