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, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.

To receive the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on the14th February, 2019 as an accurate record.

The Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 14^th February, 2019 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

To receive the report of the Chief Executive setting out for Members consideration the corporate and service self-assessments of the Council for 2018.2018.

The Chief Executive provided Cabinet Members with the details of the corporate and service self-assessments that had been carried out by service areas for the 4^th consecutive year.  The Chief Executive commented that the process focuses on impact and outcomes of the services being delivered, which subsequently leads to improvements.

Members were advised that the corporate self assessment was based on the Wales Audit Office questions that are posed to local authorities as part of the WAO’s Corporate Assessment audits, and this had been positively received by the WAO.

Members were referred to section 6 of the report which outlined key priority areas going forward for the Council.

The Chief Executive concluded by advising that the assessments were a valuable tool which would better inform the Councils improvement planning arrangements to ensure it delivers its services efficiently and effectively.

The Leader spoke of the Self-Assessment process with the challenge of the assessments by the Chief Executive and respective Cabinet Members, commenting that the process allowed useful 2 way dialogue and provided a clearer picture of the work and planning of each service.  The Leader commented that although it was a lengthy process it was very beneficial for all involved with clear outcomes for improvement for the benefit of the residents of RCT.

The Deputy Leader echoed the value of the process.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    That the corporate self-assessment is an accurate and robust reflection of the position of the Council and its services.

2.    That the Chief Executive present the report to the Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee for their review at the next possible meeting.

3.    That the areas for improvement identified in the corporate and service self assessments are incorporated into the Council’s Corporate Performance Report for 2018, which is audited by the Wales Audit Office.

To receive the report of the Director, Human Resources providing Members with information on the Council’s Annual Equality Report, for the year 2017/18.

The Equality & Diversity officer provided Cabinet Members with information on the Council’s Annual Equality Report, for the year 2017/18.

Cabinet Members were referred to Appendix 1 where the equality report for 2017/18 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 Deputy 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.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To publish the Annual Equality Report 2017/18.

To receive the report of the Director Regeneration, Planning & Housing providing a summary of the current Enterprise Support Programme which offers financial assistance to small and medium sized enterprises with development ambitions and a commitment to creating jobs.

The Head of Regeneration and Prosperity provided Cabinet with a summary of the current Enterprise Support Programme which offers financial assistance to small and medium sized enterprises with development ambitions and a commitment to creating jobs. The Head of Service explained that the proposals outlined within the report proposed changes to the current criteria to ensure that the Programme can be more flexible and responsive to business needs whilst supporting sustainable economic growth. It was added that a wider range of performance indicators would be included which could be used as a more effective measurement of growth and the contribution that the investment makes to the local economy.

Members were referred to section 5 of the report which provided a review of the current programme and Members were provided examples of where the requirement for job creation had proven to be very restrictive to potential applicants, with the Head of Service advising that in some circumstances it had not been possible to support a deserving proposal as the enterprise would not be employing additional staff.

Detail of the proposed revisions to the programme where further outlined with details of the benefits to the scheme also being outlined.

The Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development & Housing welcomed the revision to the programme commenting on the uncertainty for small business in respect of Brexit and the benefits the revisions would have to encourage business growth.  The Cabinet Member referenced the business ‘birth’ and ‘death’ rates highlighted in the report, commenting that the number of small business in RCT was double that of the Welsh national average.

The Leader also welcomed the revisions and the support being provided to small business to assist with sustainability.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the revised criteria set out in paragraphs 6.1-6.5of the report are approved

To receive the report of the Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Learning providing Cabinet provide Cabinet Members with information regarding adult community learning in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Head of Community Learning provided Cabinet with an overview of the adult community learning service with information about adult community learning in Rhondda Cynon Taf; the range of provision offered, the contribution it makes to the wider Council agenda, the impact it has on learners and the changes that are proposed by Welsh Government for the future.

Members were advised of the major changes to be introduced to the grant funding provided by Welsh Government from September 2020 onwards that will have an impact on the provision offered and the Officer commented that it was important that the Cabinet were aware as approval may be required at a later date for any proposed changes to future governance and delivery of adult community learning in the County.

The Head of Community Learning continued her update by advising of the current provision and advising that In 2017/18, the number of learners enrolled on courses that were accredited came to 2,860. Members were informed that in the 2017/18 academic year 96% of learners completed their courses while 93% attained a qualification. These both exceed the national comparators.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning welcomed the report before Cabinet and spoke of the importance of the service provision and the large number of learners utilising the service.  The Cabinet Member welcomed the consultation currently being undertaken by Welsh Government in relation to funding as any of the proposed formulas taken forward would have a benefit on the service.  The cabinet member also referenced the case studies within the report which provided a good illustration of the soft outcomes achieved.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services queried whether any courses were provided online and the Head of Community Services acknowledged that this was a consideration but due to the open access courses available and to avoid duplication learners were referred to these courses instead.

The Leader of the Council queried when news on the funding formula would be made available and also queried the provision of community learning courses provided within the medium of welsh.  The Head of Community Learning advised that news of the funding was imminent and also advised of the large number of courses already provided through the medium of welsh, although was happy to review once the funding had been finalised.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the contents of the report; and

2.    To provide comment as appropriate on the current provision of adult community learning in Rhondda Cynon Taf and the potential changes to future funding arrangements.   

To receive the report of the Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Services providing Cabinet Members with an opportunity to review the Strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Library Service and its associated Action Plan.

Through her report, Members were provided with the opportunity to review the Library Service Strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Library Service and its associated Action Plan which supports the wider Council and Welsh Government agenda.

The Head of Community Learning reference the progress made against the previous action plan and the Customer Satisfaction Surveys results which indicated a very high level of satisfaction with customer care across all aspects of the service (with between 96% and 99% of respondents indicating that they felt the service they received was ‘good’ or ‘very good’).

Members were provided with details of the enhancements and refurbishments taken forward at Libraries across the County Borough including the provision of new Libraries and the utilisation of the Community Hubs.

The Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being & Cultural Services endorsed the strategy and commented on the use of libraries by local communities.  The Cabinet Member spoke of his gratitude to the Head of Service and the Library staff who were seen by many as the face of the Council and the positive survey level results.  He welcomed the investment to the service across the authority and spoke of the changing nature of the service which was proactively adapting to the needs and requirements of the residents of the County Borough.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning spoke highly of the library staff in place and welcomed the refurbishments taken forward within the Libraries across the County Borough.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the content of the report;

2.    To approve the library services strategy action plan.

To receive the report of the Director, Finance & Digital Services providing 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 31st December 2018).

The Director, Finance & Digital Services provided 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 31st December 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 Cabinet Member, Corporate Services commented on the concerns and pressures with adult services and commented that although there was a current underspend within children services this could fluctuate at any time due to any potential ‘out of County’ Children Looked after placements.   The Cabinet Member referenced the 36% PI currently not on target but provided reassurance to Members on the rationale for such performance.  The Cabinet Member concluded his address by thanking the officer for the report which he felt was a positive position for the Council.

The Leader reiterated the concerns in respect of adult social services and the funding made available by Welsh Government which he hoped to see continue.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

Revenue

1.    To note and agree the General Fund revenue position of the Council as at the 31st December 2018 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary of the report) and note the incorporation of additional one-off Welsh Government funding to support sustainable social services into this position.

2.    To approve the virements listed in Sections 2a - d of the Executive Summary of the report 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 31st December 2018 (Sections 3a – f of the Executive Summary of the report).

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

Corporate Plan Priorities

5.    To note the quarter 3 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 2018/19 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 Director of Communications & Interim Head of Democratic Services outlining the recommendations of the Health & WellBeing Scrutiny Committee following its Working Group review into the provision of EMI Beds across Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Director of Communications & Interim Head of Democratic Services  referred Members to the report before them which provided Cabinet Members with the conclusions and recommendations of the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Working Group which conducted a review in relation to the provision of EMI nursing beds across the County Borough.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Community Services & Welsh Language thanked the Committee for its work and agreed to attend the next meeting of the Committee to provide a formal Cabinet response.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the review undertaken by the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee attached as Appendix 1 of this report.

2.    In principle to each of the recommendations outlined below, subject to further consideration by the Cabinet Portfolio holder for this area, following which a detailed response is provided to the relevant Scrutiny Committee:-

     I.        That Scrutiny continue to monitor delayed transfers of care performance,     and in particular issues relating to the availability of EMI nursing care home provision ;

    II.        That Cabinet ensure the recommendations in the Cwm Taf Market Position Statement are being delivered in particular those aimed at the more specialised provision and need for more provision linked to complex care i.e. dementia and nursing dementia.

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 of Communications and Interim Head of Democratic Services  provided Cabinet Members with an update on the proposed list of matters requiring consideration by Cabinet over the 2018 – 19 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 and were advised that the programme is a live document to allow for any additional / deletion of reports throughout the year.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the Work Programme for the 2018-19 Municipal Year (with appropriate amendment where necessary) and receive a further update on a 3 monthly basis.