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, the following declaration of interest were made at the meeting:

·         Councillor R Turner made the following personal Declaration of Interest in respect of the item 4: " I am on the Governing Body of Dolau Primary School by my interest is not prejudicial because of the exemption within paragraph 12(2) (a)(iii) of the Members Code of Conduct. I will stay in the meeting when the item is discussed and voted upon”

·         County Borough Councillor G Hopkins declared the following personal interest in respect of agenda item 5 - " I am on the Governing Body of Llanharan Primary School but my interest is not prejudicial because of the exemption contained within paragraph 12(2) (a)(iii) of the Members Code of Conduct. I will stay in the meeting when the item is discussed and voted upon”

·         County Borough Councillor R Bevan declared the following personal interest in respect of agenda item 5 - " I am on the Governing Body of Pontygwaith Primary School but my interest is not prejudicial because of the exemption contained within paragraph 12(2) (a)(iii) of the Members Code of Conduct. I will stay in the meeting when the item is discussed and voted upon”

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

To receive the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on the 17^th July, 2018  as an accurate record.

The Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 17^th July, 2018 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

To receive the report of the Chief Executive advising Members of the 21^st Century School proposals in respect of improving education provision in Cynon valley.

The Head of 21^st Century Schools referred Members to the  report before them which looked to improve and extend the range of education provision available in the Cynon Valley area of Rhondda Cynon Taf, by taking forward the following proposals, to which the Officer spoke through in detail:-

·         Improve education provision in Hirwaun by investing £10.4m in a new school for Hirwaun Primary School;

·         Improve Welsh medium education provision and increase the supply of places in the Upper Cynon Valley by making Penderyn Primary School, currently a dual language school, a Welsh medium Primary School;

·         Develop 21^st Century Schools Programme financial business cases with Welsh Government to:

·         Invest £3.3m to increase the capacity of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdar to meet the demand for Welsh medium school places;

·         Invest £10.2m to increase the capacity and improve the educational facilities at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun to meet the demand for Welsh medium places.

Members were advised of the rationale for the decision and the necessary statutory consultation process that would need to be taken forward in respect of the proposals.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning spoke positively of the proposals commenting on the current poor conditions of some of  the school building listed within the report and the sensible approach to be taken forward in respect of the proposed changes to be made  to meet the demand for Welsh medium school places.  The Cabinet spoke of the potential changes needed to be taken forward in respect of catchment areas and spoke positively of the free transport provision to be provided within Home to School Transport, as outlined within the report.

The Cabinet Member for Environmental welcomed the proposals and the investment in the schools, although highlighted concerns in respect of the potential increase in  traffic at YGG Aberdar and asked that local Members be kept up to date with any developments.

The Leader of the Council also spoke positively on the investment being proposed and reiterated the Cabinet Members comments on the provision of Home to School Transport, to elevate any road safety concerns.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To commence the public consultation on the proposal to invest £10.4m for a new school for Hirwaun Primary School, and change the category of Penderyn Primary School from a dual language school to a Welsh medium school. No new English medium admissions will be approved after August 2019, and the catchment school for the English medium pupils will be Hirwaun Primary School.

2.    To develop and submit a financial business case to Welsh Government to seek 21^st Century Schools Funding to invest £3.3m to increase the capacity of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdar to meet the demand for Welsh medium school places.

3.    To develop and submit a financial business case to Welsh Government to seek 21^st Century Schools funding to invest £10.2m to increase the capacity and improve the educational facilities at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun to meet the demand for Welsh medium places.

4.    That all the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

To receive the report of the Director, Education & Inclusion Services, seeking Members approval to begin the relevant and required statutory consultation for the proposal to establish new Primary education provision to serve the new housing development at Llanilid, Llanharan.

The Head of 21^st Century Schools provided Members with her report which sought Members approval to begin the relevant and required statutory consultation for the proposal to establish a new Primary education provision to serve the new housing development at Llanilid, Llanharan. The Officer explained that this would  be achieved, in the first instance, by treating the new building that would be provided by the housing developers as an extension to the dual-language provision at the existing Dolau Primary School

The Officer explained further that to open a new school provision for Llanilid, as an extension of Dolau Primary School, in the first instance,  rather than establishing a brand new school, is in the best interests of  the pupils who would attend and the staff who would work there. The existing leadership team of Dolau, recognised by Estyn as being extremely successful would be able to establish the new provision to the same high standards currently achieved at the school.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning commented on the proposals, adding that the establishment of a new primary school to serve the new housing development was a necessary provision that needed to be taken forward.  The Cabinet Member also referenced the high standards of Dolau Primary school and the sensible approach to be taken forward.

With the permission of the Chair, County Borough Councillor R Turner spoke on this item.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained within the report;

2.    To commence consultation on the specific proposal to establish new Primary education provision to serve the new housing development at Llanilid, Llanharan

To receive the report of the Director, Education & Inclusion Services providing Members with details of both revenue and capital grants to reduce infant class sizes across the County Borough, and the proposals for the expenditure of these grants.

The Director, Education & Inclusion Services provided Members with details of Welsh Government and Council funding and the proposed investment of the funding as follows:

·         Invest £2.595m in improving the school buildings of 4 primary schools;

·         Invest £1.384 m to reduce infant class sizes by employing additional staff in 6 primary schools.

·          

Members were advised that in May 2017, the Council was invited by Welsh Government to submit a grant bid and business case to apply for monies to reduce infant class sizes across the County Borough. The Director added that there were two elements to this funding; revenue monies to employ additional staff and capital monies to construct classroom accommodation at schools with little, or             no spare capacity to allow for the opening of additional classes.

As outlined within the report, the Director advised Members that the Council had been successful with its bid and proceeded to outline the schools listed for investment, namely Gelli Primary School; Llanharan Primary School; Parclewis Primary School; Pontygwaith Primary School; Penywaun Primary School and YGG, Llyn y Forwyn.

The Officer also took the opportunity to advise of further investment through Community Infrastructure for Ffynnon Taf Primary School.

The Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning welcomed the investment and the opportunities  being brought forward through the investment with the addition of staff, teaching space and permanent buildings.

The Cabinet Member for  Adult Community Services & Welsh Language

also welcomed the investment.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained within the report in relation to the grant to reduce infant class sizes.

2.    To note the receipt of £1.6 million of capital funding from Welsh Government for this initiative.

3.    To note the additional receipt of £1.384 million of revenue funding from Welsh Government for this initiative.

4.    To include the 3 grant funded schemes outlined in paragraph 4.5 in the capital programme.

5.    To include the £995,000 investment in Ffynnon Taf Primary School in the capital programme.

6.    To approve the release of £395,000 of CIL monies to contribute to the £995,000 cost of the school improvements works in Ffynnon Taf Primary School. 

( N.B. County Borough Councillors R Bevan and G Hopkins made personal declarations of interest in respect of this item as referred in Minute 29, and stayed in the meeting when the item was discussed and voted upon.)

To receive the report of the Director, Education & Inclusion Services providing Members with information about the opportunities a partnership with United World Colleges (UWC) Atlantic College could offer learners at post 16 in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Director, Education & Inclusion Services provided Members with a report which outlined an opportunity to explore the potential for partnership working with schools and learners in Rhondda Cynon Taf with the United World Colleges Atlantic College.

Members were advised that in a drive to broaden the College’s impact and to apply its unique educational philosophy and ethos more widely, over the next few years, the College intends to focus its efforts on strengthening its outreach programme to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds from within the UK and specifically Wales. She continued by adding that senior staff from the College had approached the Council to explore the potential for such partnership working. The Director advised of the rationale for taking forward such partnership working and the opportunity to improve the life chances of learners in RCT

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning commented positively on the opportunities the proposals would bring forward for the right candidate within Rhondda Cynon Taf and welcomed the 12month selection process.  The Cabinet Member highlighted her concerns in respect of the pastoral care for the young people during school holiday periods and the Director reassured Members that excellent pastoral care was provided at all times for each of the learners.

The Cabinet Member for Children & Young People also welcomed the initiative and spoke of the positive links being made.  She also took the opportunity to advise that both herself and the Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning would be undertaking a visit to the college in the near future.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    That Officers work in partnership with UWC Atlantic College to forge links with schools in RCT to promote the opportunities on offer.

2.    That Officers from Education and Children’s Services work with the college to identify suitable candidates.

3.    That a further report to inform on progress is presented to Cabinet after a 12 month period.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services informing Members of the outcome of the consultation initiated by Cabinet in relation to the proposed changes to Council run day Nursery provision in Ynyscynon.

The Head of Community Wellbeing and Resilience provided Members with the outcomes of the consultation initiated by Cabinet in relation to the proposed changes to Council run Day Nursery provision in Ynyscynon.

Members were reminded of the report presented to Cabinet during May, 2018 in respect of the proposal to cease the offer of non statutory ‘fee paying’ childcare provision at Ynyscynon and deliver Flying Start only services.  (This was proposed due to no fee paying children currently registered and the alternative Day Nursery provision in the area); and to review and rationalise existing staff contracts and rotas of staff at Ynyscynon to ensure optimum resource levels are attained and service flexibility assured, thereby providing staff for 32 Flying Start children.  (This was proposed due to the current staffing arrangements being greater than that required to run a Flying Start only provision.)

The Head of Community Wellbeing and Resilience referred Members to the four  week targeted consultation undertake in respect of the proposals and the feedback received as outlined within section five of the report. Members were advised that a  total of four respondents completed the online questionnaire and three individuals attended the drop in engagement event.

The cabinet Member for Children & Young people referred to the poor response received with the consultation engagement and added that she had considered all of the responses received, although no comments had been received to indicate there was any current or future demand for Council run ‘fee paying’ childcare in the area.

The Cabinet Member also reflected on the rationale for the proposals commenting that changes to the Day Nursery provision offered the opportunity to seek a more appropriate alternative venue for the delivery of the Flying Start childcare.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.     To note the feedback from the consultation period as set out in section 5 of the report.

2.    That following consideration of the feedback, to  proceed with the implementation of the proposed changes in relation to ceasing the offer of ‘fee paying’ Day Nursery provision in Ynyscynon; rationalising the staffing arrangements; and increasing the number of Flying Start places available from 27 to 32.

3.    To instruct Officers to begin the search for a more appropriate alternative venue for the delivery of Flying Start childcare.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services updating the Cabinet on the findings of a consultation in respect of proposed changes to the Council’s charging policy for non-residential adult social care concerning disability related expenditure.

The Group Director, Community & Children’s Services provided Members with an overview of his report which presented feedback from a consultation about proposed changes to the Council’s charging policy for non-residential adult social care concerning disability related expenditure.  The Group Director also referenced the amendments made by Welsh Government to the maximum charge local authorities can make for non-residential adult social care effective from 9th April 2018.

Members were advised that if the proposal to withdraw the additional discretionary disregard was implemented it would deliver between £0.070M and £0.100M savings per annum as part of the Council Medium Term Financial plan.  However, the Group Director added that consultation confirmed the potential impact on the disabled and older if the proposals were taken forward. . In summary the proposal were felt to negatively impact on the recipients of care financially in terms of disability related expenditure and in terms of quality of life.

The Cabinet Member, Adult Community Services & Welsh Language commented on the consultation feedback and the negative impact such a decision would make on vulnerable residents of the County Borough and welcomed the proposal not to change the level of additional discretionary disregard currently applied to disability related expenditure.

The Leader of the Council also commented on the report and added that although there was the potential for savings to be made, the impact on the residents would be much greater than the savings available.  In respect of the Welsh Government amendments the Leader added that Rhondda Cynon Taf were the only Authority to have delayed implementation.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    That there be no change to the level of additional discretionary disregard currently applied to disability related expenditure;

2.    To note the amendments made by Welsh Government to the maximum charge local authorities can make for non-residential adult social care - this increased from £70 to £80 per week from April 2018. This will be implemented with effect from 1^st October 2018 (see paragraph 6 of the report) rather than April 2018 to avoid imposing two increases in a six month period.

To receive the report of the Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Services informing Members of the feedback received from the consultation initiated by Cabinet in relation to the proposed changes to the Mobile Library Service.

The Director, Public Services, Protection & Communities provided Members with feedback received from the consultation initiated by Cabinet in relation to the proposed changes to the Mobile Library Service.

Members were reminded of the proposals considered at the Cabinet meeting on the 22^nd March, 2018 and the consultation process undertaken between 8^th May and 3^rd July 2018, with  389 questionnaires returned. An overview of the feedback was provided by the Head of Community Services who also advised of recent developments with the service in respect of the purchase of two new vehicles due to the significant further deterioration in the performance of the library vehicles since the last report to Cabinet.

The Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being & Cultural Services referenced the service provided which was always well regarded and commented on the need to review the service going forward, due to the decline in numbers and maintenance cost of the vehicles. The Cabinet Member commented that such a review allowed the opportunity to look at the viability and sustainability of the service going forward and the collaboration and interaction with other services.  The Cabinet Member welcomed the @homelibraryservice which he added would be able to  accommodate an additional 100-130 customers without requiring additional resources.  The cabinet Member concluded by adding that taking forward the proposal would ensure that the Council were investing for the future.

The Leader of the Council referred to the other libraries supported by the Authority, in addition to the mobile provision and added that the level of provision exceeded what other local Authorities were providing.  He added

That the proposal to move to longer stops would mean more meaningful stops were being provided.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services also spoke in support of the proposals and commented on the library provisions supported by the Authority within the schools.  He added that the  modern facilities including digital progression with wifi upon the new vehicles would  also be a welcome introduction for residents of the Authority.

With the permission of the Chair, County Borough Councillor G Davies spoke on this item, to which officers responded.

Following Discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained within the consultation report (attached as appendix 1 to the report), which includes details of items of correspondence received during the consultation exercise and notes of the various meetings held

2.      To implement the proposed changes that were consulted on as follows: 

a)     Reduce the number of existing vehicles used for delivery of the Mobile Library Service from 3 to 2.

b)     Invest in two new purpose built vehicles, which unlike the existing service vehicles, would have onboard access to Wi-Fi and be suitable from which to provide other Council information services.

c)     Change the method of delivery from 393 short stops per fortnight to 48 longer stops every three weeks that would enable the service to expand the range of provision available on the vehicles.

d)     Extend the scope of access to, and rebrand the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

To receive the report of the Director of Communications & Interim Head of Democratic Services providing Members with an update on the proposed list of matters requiring consideration by Cabinet over 2018-19 Municipal Year.

The Director, Legal & Democratic Services  provided Cabinet Members with a draft work programme for the 2018-19 Municipal Year, which listed matters requiring consideration by Cabinet.  The Director commented 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 and were advised that the programme is a live document to allow for any additional / deletion of reports throughout the year .  The Director added that the items earlier agreed by Members at the days meeting would be added to the work programme going forward.  He also confirmed that due to the amount of business coming forward for October an additional meeting was scheduled for the 3^rd October.

The Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development & Housing referenced two amendments to be made to the work programme in respect of Town Centre Christmas events and the empty property strategy.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the Cabinet Work Programme for the 2018-19 Municipal Year and to receive a further update on a 3 monthly basis

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, based on the first three months of this financial year (to the 30^th June 2018).

          The Director, Financial Services provided Members with an overview of the Council’s performance, both from a financial and operational perspective, based on the first three months of the financial year (to the 30th June 2018).

The Director discussed in detail the Executive Summary of the report which included financial data and progress against the Council’s Corporate Plan priorities.  The officer also drew out exceptions highlighted within each of the detailed sections for Members benefit.

The Leader to the Council commented on the positive position of the Council and following discussions it was RESOLVED:

Revenue

1.    To note and agree the General Fund revenue position of the Council as at the 30th June 2018 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary).

2.     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

3.    To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at 30th June 2018 (Sections 3a – f of the Executive Summary).

4.     o note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 30th June 2018 (Section 3g of the Executive Summary).

Corporate Plan Priorities

5.     To note the quarter 1 position regarding progress made against the agreed Corporate Plan priorities (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary), Other National Measures (Section 5e of the Executive Summary) and comparison of 2018/19 targets set against prior year and ‘All Wales Average’ performance information (Section 5f of the Executive Summary).

Leaders Scheme of Delegation

Members noted the updated Leaders Scheme of Delegation for the 2018-19 Municipal Year.