Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from County Borough Councillor R Lewis.

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 report of the Director of Education and Inclusion Services  providing Members with initial feedback on Foundation Phase, Key Stage 2 and 3, and Provisional Key Stage 4 outcomes for the academic year 2017-18.

The Director, Education & Inclusion Services provided Members with details of the provisional educational outcomes for 2017 – 2018 academic year  for Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Members were advised that Foundation Phase outcomes in Rhondda Cynon Taf had dipped during 2017/18 but this decline was also reflected in national datasets adding that the decline in local and national Foundation Phase outcomes is likely to be attributable to the alignment of the expectation statements within the Areas of Learning, which are now more challenging to achieve.  

In respect of  Key Stage 2 outcomes the Director advised that a marginal decline  during 2017/18 was illustrated but the Core Subject Indicator outcomes were at the second highest level since 2013, which suggests that performance remains strong at 89.24%.     At Key Stage 3, progress was made on most indicators but these were in the main below the Welsh average, with the exception of English, which was above the all Wales average. The Director advised that data still suggested that steady progress has been maintained on most Key Stage 3 performance measures.

The Director concluded her update by advising of the  evidence of progress on Level 1, Level 2 and Level 2+ Key Stage 4 outcome measures during 2017/18 which was very encouraging. Member learnt that A*-C outcomes in Key Stage 4 in English and maths show improvement this academic year and Science outcomes would benefit from further improvement.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning commented on the report adding that were performance had dipped  further interrogation and intervention in schools causing concern would be undertaken  to ensure that the previous pattern of incremental improvement is re-established .

The Cabinet Member continued by adding that whilst poverty and deprivation are not excuses for educational underperformance they are factors that influence educational outcomes and therefore performance should be judged on the value added over and above what is expected. Members were advised that Key Stage 4 verified data would be brought back to Cabinet in the New Year.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained within the report.

2.    To continue with the level of support provided for schools during the academic year 2018-19.

3.    That detailed school by school information in relation to Key Stage 4 data will be presented to Cabinet on receipt of the final, verified data from Welsh Government.

To consider the Joint Report of the Director of Communications and Interim Head of Democratic Services and the Director of Education and Inclusion Services providing members with the full draft school attendance strategy, 2018 – 2021.

The Director of Communications and Interim Head of Democratic Services provided  Members with an update on the School Attendance strategy 2018- 2021 following Pre-scrutiny by the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on the 26^th September, 2018.

Members were advised of the comments of the scrutiny committee in respect of

·      Funding provision in respect of the 3^rd Year of the strategy

·      Recognising the achievements of those students facing barriers to attendance

·      Priority 5 - Truancy Watch and Truancy Free Zones - Concerns in respect of Truancy Free Zones

·      Engagement with School Governors and pupils – to be taken forward.

The Director, Education & Inclusion Services commented on the feedback from Scrutiny and the changes made to the strategy since its presentation at Scrutiny.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning thanked scrutiny for its work and the relevant concerns highlighted by the Committee.  She added that the Truancy Free zone would need to be carefully managed and commented on the potential of a pilot of the scheme in the first instance.  The Cabinet Member also suggested taking forward engagement with the RCT Governors association with the strategy. The Cabinet Member spoke of the importance of the strategy and the requisite action plan which assisted children in attending school in the face of diversity.

The Leader queried how and if referrals were being made into the  resilient families programme to which the Director advised upon, advising of the important element the programme had for the attendance and Well Being service and the joined up approach being taken forward.

The Deputy Leader reiterated the suggestion that the truancy free zone was piloted in the first instance and spoke positively of the strategy going forward.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the comments and observations of the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee attached as Appendix A of the report.

2.    To endorse the recommendations outlined within the School Attendance Strategy for 2018 – 2021“Miss School, Miss Out”, subject to the piloting of Truancy Free Zones and the wider engagement with RCT Governors Association in respect of the strategy.

3.    To approve implementation of the draft School Attendance Strategy.

To receive the report of the Director of Highways & Streetcare Services  advising members of the commencement of schedule 3 ‘Sustainable Drainage’ of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (FWMA)  and the legislative requirement for the council to provide a new service.

The Service Director, Highways and Streetcare presented his report to Members which advised of the  commencement of schedule 3 ‘Sustainable Drainage’ of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (FWMA) made by the Welsh Government (WG) on the 1^st May 2018 and the legislative requirement for the council to provide a new service from 7^th January 2019.

The Service Director advised of the detail of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 which requires surface water drainage for new developments to comply with mandatory National Standards for Sustainable Drainage systems. It also requires surface water drainage systems to be approved by a SuDs Approving Body before construction.  Members were informed that although these were legal requirements on the council, the added benefits would be that the council would be afforded control of surface water drainage approval, reducing the risk of development within high flood risk areas; whilst minimising the risk of future flooding to the new developments and wider communities. Further opportunities to maximise the quality of surface waters associated with developments and promote the amenity and biodiversity of a new development were also highlighted.

The Leader commented on the positive position that the Council were in with the implementation of the requirements of the Act due to the provisions already in place across the County Borough.  He also referenced the investment taken forward with the flood risk management team and the work undertaken to ensure that no future developments affected the Council in the future with any flood implications.

The Deputy Leader commented on the flood prevention scheme and the forward thinking of the Council with the scheme which saves lives and homes for those in the County Borough.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the commencement of schedule 3 ‘Sustainable Drainage’(SAB) of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (FWMA) made by the Welsh Government (WG) on the 1^st May 2018 and the legislative requirement for the Council to provide a new service from 7^th January 2019.

2.    To approve the establishment of the SAB and the proposed structure outlined within section 7.2 of the report.

3.    To approve the development of a council policy on discretionary charges as outlined in 7.1.5 to 7.1.9 of the report.

4.    To approve the development of a policy on standard charges for adoption of Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) infrastructure as outlined in 7.1.10 of the report.

To receive the report of the Director of Human Resources providing Members with an overview of the Human Resource departments operations over the last twelve months.

The Director of Human Resources provided Members with his report which detailed the Human Resource departments operations over the last twelve months.  The Director provided an overview  of the work of the Employment, Education And Training Team (Eet), Health & Safety Team, People Development, Workforce Planning and Development, Equality, Diversity & Armed Forces, the Occupational Health and Wellbeing team and the Employee Relations Team. 

Members were provided with details of the Councils successful apprenticeship scheme and graduate programme, along with the Care2Work Programme. Details of the training courses provided to staff and Elected Member training were also referenced.

The process of reporting Sickness Dashboard information to the Senior Leadership Team and information relating to the work with the  Armed Forces Covenant were also provided to Members.

The Deputy Leader commended the work of the department and spoke of the awards achieved in respect of the Armed Forces covenant, the national award for the Apprenticeship scheme and also commented that sickness and absenteeism were being reported to Scrutiny.

It was RESOLVED:

1.            To note the information contained within the report.

To receive the report of the Interim Head of Democratic Services outlining the findings and recommendations of the Scrutiny Working Group in respect of the Snow Warden Notice of Motion.

Members were presented with the report and recommendations of the Scrutiny working group by the Director of Communications & Interim Head of Democratic Services, following the Notice of Motion presented at the September Council meeting in respect of Snow Wardens.

The Director advised of the creation of a working group to look into the proposal of voluntary Snow Wardens within the County Borough and the need to expedite the groups consideration, due to the subject matter.

Members were advised of the discussions at the Working group meeting which met on the 9^th October and the subsequent recommendations.

Councillor Bradwick, as Chair of the Working Group spoke on the item.

The Leader thanked the Working Group for their recommendations and the need to ensure that the Council supports residents to become more resilient during the inclement weather and build upon the good will of neighbours.  He welcomed the recommendations in relation to lines of communication and the need for early communication with both Members and residents.  The Leader expressed his concerns of taking forward a blanket policy and the risk that could potentially impose on residents if they were working in isolation during severe inclement weather. He also added that for the benefit of all Members he would look to bring one of the Council’s mini snow ploughs on site before the Council meeting on the 24^th.

The Deputy Leader also expressed her thanks to the working group for looking into the matter in the limited timescales and welcomed the recommendations of the working group.  The Deputy Leader commented on the lines of communication and added that communication with the Town and Community Councils was also important.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To endorse the recommendations of the Scrutiny Working Group as outlined below, subject to some minor amendments:-

             i.       That the dedicated number for Elected Members is utilised to provide Members with  support and advice for all Elected Members during periods of inclement weather;

            ii.       That a targeted campaign is undertaken to promote community self help (Communities coming together to help each other on a voluntary basis during times of extreme weather) and to encourage residents to become ‘good neighbours’;

           iii.       That appropriate, practical guidance and good practice in relation to community action in severe weather is shared with the residents of RCT via the Council website (GOV UK -Guidance on Community Action in Severe Weather); and

           iv.       That further work is undertaken in respect of the public liability aspect of insurance for voluntary work undertaken in a safe manner.

2             That the Mini Snow Ploughsare brought on site before the October Council meeting for all Members to view.

To receive the report of the Director of Communications & Interim Head of Democratic Services providing Members with details of the Budget Consultation to be undertaken.

The Director of Communications and Interim Head of Democratic Services provided Members with details of the proposed budget consultation process for the 2019/20 Municipal Year, in respect of public engagement. Members were advised that the process identified within the report provided residents with the opportunity, via a range of methods, to feedback to Cabinet on the 2019/20 budget setting process.

The Leader commented on the different engagement options presented within the report and spoke of the growth of social media and the need for the Council to continue to utilise this as a valuable tool for engagement. He also referenced the Barnett consequential with the UK Government budget setting and the pressures facing Authorities.

The Deputy Leader also referred to the Town Centre consultation events and the opportunity to speak to residents directly about the budget setting for the Council.

1.            To note the success of last year's approach to budget consultation.

2.            To endorse the proposed approach to budget consultation which will include:

• The use of an online budget simulator
• Town centre and community roadshow events
• A young person’s consultation event
• Consultation with OPAG
• A Cabinet Engagement event
• Use of social media to promote engagement and capture feedback

3.            To note that the budget consultation will run for 6 weeks from the 5^th November to the 17^th December 2018.

4.            To note that the Council’s statutory requirements regarding consultation on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Council Tax levels will be met via the proposed approach.

5.            To instruct the Head of Democratic Services to inform the Chair Persons of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Finance and Performance Committee of the approach and the continuation of a single continuous phase.

6.            To the publication of the budget consultation details and engagement opportunities on the Council’s website.

To receive the report of the of the Interim Head of Democratic Services advising Members of the recommendations of the Welsh Language Steering group, which met on the 10^th October, 2018.

The Director of Communications and Interim Head of Democratic Services provided Members with an overview of the report before them following consideration at the Welsh Language Cabinet Steering Group on the 10^th October, 2018 and the subsequent officer meeting with the Welsh Language Commissioner on the 12^th October.

Members were advised that the Steering Group considered the recommendations made by the Welsh Language Commissioner in respect of the adoption of place-names relevant to Rhondda Cynon Taf, and although acknowledged the work undertaken by the Place-Names Standardisation Panel  were of the view that any changes made to the place-names in RCT, should be consulted upon with the local communities.  The Director also took the opportunity to advise of an Officer meeting with the Commissioner who welcomed the opportunity to work with the Authority on the matter.

Members commented upon the report and the recommendation by the Steering Group to consult with those who will be affected.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the content of the report considered by the Welsh Language Cabinet Steering Group on the 10^th October, 2018 (attached as Appendix 1) and the subsequent oral update provided by the Interim Head of Democratic Services following a meeting with the Commissioner on the 12^th October, 2018 ;

2.    To the recommendations of the Welsh Language Cabinet Steering Group which are listed at 2.2.1 to 2.2.2 of the report and as set out below:

a)    That Cabinet seek written confirmation from the Welsh Language Commissioner, in respect of their rationale for the changes, as set out in the Full Welsh Language Commissioner’s List of Standardised Welsh Place-names, in order to better inform a future decision of the Cabinet.

b)    That Consultation takes place with the communities highlighted within the report and that the rationale adopted by the Welsh Language Commissioner and any further information gathered via engagement sessions with the Commissioner is used as part of this process. Until otherwise agreed, the Council will continue to utilise the current names outlined within Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Local Land and Property Gazetteer (LLPG).

“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”.

RESOLVED – that the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972 (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of 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 the financial affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). Transparency in the conduct of local authority business is desirable; however, personal financial information will be discussed and considered. Consequently it is considered; the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing information by virtue of which the meeting is likely not to be open to the public during its consideration.

To receive the report of the Director, Regeneration, Planning & Housing containing exempt information, which provides Members with details of a strategic opportunity within Pontypridd.

The Service Director Planning provided Members with a summary of his report containing exempt information, which outlined an opportunity to acquire, subject to best value and a robust due diligence process, three key strategic sites previously identified for redevelopment within the strategic opportunity area strategy for Pontypridd Town Centre.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To authorise the Director of Corporate Estates to acquire three key strategic sites (previously identified for redevelopment within the strategic opportunity area strategy for Pontypridd Town Centre) on terms to be agreed, subject to appropriate business case completion and funding approvals as necessary, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Enterprise Development and Housing, and the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services.