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 follwoing declarations of interest were received:-

·         County Borough Councillor R Bevan – Agenda Items 3 and 5: “As granted by the Standards Committee on the 8th December, 2017 I have a dispensation to speak and vote on all matters relating to the Community and Children’s Services Group, save for any specific matters that directly affect my daughter, who is employed by the Council in the Community and Children’s Services Group as the Service Manager for Access and Enablement.”

·         County Borough Councillor R Bevan declared a personal and prejudicial interest in respect of Agenda Item 4 and left the meeting when the item was discussed and voted upon: " I have a family Member who is employed in this area”'

·         Mr N Wheeler, Director Highways & Streetcare Services declared an interest in respect of agenda item and left the meeting when the item discussed “I am on the Amgen Board”

·         Mr B Davies, Director, Financial Services declared an interest in respect of agenda item and left the meeting when the item was discussed “I am on the Amgen Board”

An apology for absence was received from County Borough councillor J Rosser for the meeting.

To receive the minutes of the Cabinet Committee meetings held  on the  following dates as accurate records:

·         3^rd October, 2018.

·         16^th October, 2018

·         18^th October, 2018.

The Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 3^rd October, 16^th October and 18^th October as  accurate reflections of the meeting.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services providing details with the independent review undertaken and to seek approval to consult on the options for residential care homes and day care provision to enable the Council to make an informed decision on the future of this provision in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Group Director, Community & Children Services provided Members with a detailed overview of his report in respect of modernisation of residential care and day care for older people within Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Members were reminded that In September 2017 Cabinet requested that a comprehensive review of residential and day care services for older people be undertaken in order to determine future opportunities for service delivery in line with the Council’s strategy for accommodation for older people and provision of extra care. Following Cabinet’s request the Council commissioned Practice Solutions Ltd to undertake an independent review of residential and day care services for older people within Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Group Director provided details in respect of the residential provision and day care provision within the County Borough before expanding on the options identified by the review undertaken.  The Group Director sought Cabinet approval to consult with people in receipt of care and support, their families and carers, staff and other stakeholders on the options for residential care homes and day care provision to enable the Council to make an informed decision on the future of this provision in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Community Services & Welsh Language spoke of the  positive opportunities the review had brought forward, for Members to review the current provision and allow the Council to continue with its duties that it owes to its residents for the here and now and also the duty it owes for the future generations.  The Cabinet Member spoke of the  Extra Care Strategy and the review options, commenting that it was important that the Council continues to retain a presence  within the care market within RCT and the good geographical spread.  The Cabinet Member welcomed the consultation proposal, and spoke of the importance of the voice of the  public which would  assist Cabinet in its deliberations when looking at the best way forward.

At this point in the meeting County Borough Councillor P Jarman and Mr P Crews ( on behalf of the Joint Trade Union Group – Unison, GMB and Unite) spoke on the item.

The Leader responded to the comments speaking on the concerns raised in respect of staffing and the Leader assured Members that no compulsory redundancies would be made as part of the review.  He also took the opportunity to speak of the high standards of work undertaken by the dedicated staff within the provision.  He also acknowledged that independent advocacy would be provided within the consultation.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    That following detailed consideration of the report and the results of the independent review undertaken by Practice Solutions Ltd in respect of the future service delivery model for the Council’s Residential Care Homes and Day Care Services within Rhondda Cynon Taf:-

a)    To initiate a 12 week public, resident and staff consultation on the future service delivery model for the Council’s Residential Care Homes and specifically on the proposed preferred option, as set out in section 6 of the report,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services updating Cabinet on the outcome of the consultation to change the dedicated internal Support @Home Service at Maestrisant in Talbot Green to another domiciliary care provider.

The Group Director, Community & Children’s Services updated Cabinet on the outcome of the consultation to change the dedicated internal Support @Home Service at Maestrisant in Talbot Green to another domiciliary care provider. He advised Members that while it was initially identified that costs could be reduced by a change of domiciliary care provider, the engagement with the people receiving care and support had identified the significant benefit they receive both physically and mentally from the knowledge, experience and continuation of care provided by the Support @Home Maestrisant Service.  He continued by adding that on review, it was also identified that other residents at Maestrisant could be included, where appropriate and following assessment of need, in the dedicated Support @Home Service, and thereby allowing the current Service to maximise the value for money and potentially better quality services to the residents of Maestrisant by being on site.

Following consideration of the  report it was RESOLVED:

1.    That following detailed consideration to the responses to the consultation undertaken in respect of the potential change to the dedicated internal Support @Home Service at Maestrisant in Talbot Green to another domiciliary care provider, agreed:

             I.          To maintain the dedicated internal Support @Home Service at the Maestrisant Housing Scheme in Talbot Green and not change to another domiciliary care provider.

            II.          To provide, where appropriate and following assessment of need, other residents living at Maestrisant with care and support from the dedicated internal Support @Home Service rather than use other domiciliary care providers.

(N.B as referred in Minute 73 County Borough Councillor R Bevan left the meeting when the item was discussed and voted upon)

To receive the report of the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services seeking Cabinet approval for the  commissioning model for the provision of care and support services in existing and future extra care housing.

The Group Director, Community & Children’s Services referred Members to his report which sought Cabinet approval for the  commissioning model for the provision of care and support services in existing and future extra care housing.  Members were advised that the proposed commissioning model and subsequent procurement methodology outlined within the report would support the Council’s strategy to modernise accommodation options for older people and deliver extra care housing in Rhondda Cynon Taf. He continued by adding that the model would deliver services to people who are eligible for accommodation in extra care housing schemes, thereby retaining their independence in the community while offering flexible and responsive care and support arrangements to meet their needs, enhance quality of life and improve outcomes.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Community Services & Welsh Language referenced the previous discussions Members took forward in respect of the modernisation of residential care report, commenting that the report before Members provided the assurances that the Council should retain a presence within the care market, providing a good quality of service to the population of RCT.

The Leader commented on the report and again reiterated the need to maximise on the good staffing that the Council already have in place.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the proposed preferred commissioning model for the provision of care and support services in existing and future extra care housing as set out in Section 5 of the report; namely that the Council develops an internal extra care support service to provide a strategic market share in each of the Rhondda, Cynon and Taf geographical areas that supports the highest possible quality of life for people needing extra care housing.

2.    To delegate authority to agree, where applicable, the procurement processes and award of contracts for care and support to external providers for existing and future extra care housing to the Group Director, Community and Children’s Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, as set out in paragraphs 6.8 to 6.13 of the report, namely:

·         The current contract for the provision for care and support at Ty Heulog, due to end 31^st August 2019, be renewed through an agreed procurement process.

·         The contract for provision of care and support services at Aberaman extra care housing scheme be externally commissioned.

·         The care and support services be provided at the future Pontypridd and Mountain Ash extra care housing schemes, by an internal extra care domiciliary care team with a service level agreement.

3.    That the provision of care and support services at the Treorchy and Porth extra care housing schemes will be appraised at a later date in line with the proposed delegated authority approval to the Group Director, Community and Children’s Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and in accordance with the principles set out in 2 above.

To receive the report of  the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services providing Members with details of the Cwm Taf Regional Statement Of Intent For Supporting Children And Young People And Families.

The Group Director, Community & Children’s Services presented his report to Members for consideration and endorsement of the final draft of the Cwm Taf Regional Statement of Intent for Supporting Children and Young People.

The Group Director provided Members with detail of the statement which sets out the shared vision, principles and objectives which will direct the work of all partners when addressing Welsh Government legislation. He added that It would also, where necessary, ensure high quality accessible and integrated services to help children, young people, families and communities effectively.

The Cabinet Member for Children & Young People welcomed the statement of intent and the provision made available for children within the statement.  The Cabinet Member commented on the poor response to the engagement strategy that was undertaken, which would have provided  assurance that the statement matched the shared needs and expectations of colleagues, partners, organisations and local citizens.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To endorse the Cwm Taf Regional Statement of Intent for        Supporting Children and Young People.

2.    The outlined next steps, as detailed within the report.

To receive the report of the Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Services detailing the effectiveness of the 2014 Additional Licensing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and propose the Council declare a New Additional Licensing Scheme for HMOs from April 2019, in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act 2004.

The Head of Public Protection provided Members with a detail account of the effectiveness of the 2014 Additional Licensing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and continued by proposing that the Council declare a New Additional Licensing Scheme for HMOs from April 2019, in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act 2004.

Members were advised of the consultation undertaken and a summary of the responses received was provided which demonstrated there was significant support for the declaration of a new Scheme.  Members were also advised of the  scrutiny undertaken of the additional licensing scheme by the Health & WellBeing Scrutiny Committee. 

The officer advised that the evaluation of the 2014 Additional Licensing Scheme shows the positive impact that the licensing regime has had on HMO standards, however she acknowledged that  there was clear evidence of the need for ongoing regulation of the sector to protect tenants from poor housing standards and to protect communities from the adverse impact of poorly managed HMOs.

The Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being & Cultural Services commented on the need for HMOs within the County Borough and the changing needs for residents and added that in light of this it was important that as a Council the Cabinet ensures that the highest quality of housing is available across all sector providers.  He thanked those who participated within the consultation and the local Member for Treforest for his representation and commented that the feedback was positive for an additional licensing scheme to be introduced.  He spoke of the findings witnessed with 97%of properties subject to an application for a HMO licence found to be non-compliant with the legal requirements, adding that such statistics demonstrated why the additional scheme was needed.

Both the Leader and Deputy Leader spoke in support of the proposed additional licensing scheme adding on the need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents and commented on the need to review the fee arrangements currently in place.

At this point in the meeting County Borough Councillor S Powderhill spoke on the item.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the findings of the Evaluation of the 2014 Additional HMO Licensing Scheme in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

2.    To note the feedback from the Health and Well-being Scrutiny Committee held on 9^th October 2018 and the actions taken in response, as detailed in paragraph 5.2 and 5.5 of the report.

3.    To approve the declaration of a New Additional Licensing Scheme for HMOs in Rhondda Cynon Taf, to come into force when the current scheme ends on the 31^st March 2019 and instruct officers to make the necessary arrangements in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act 2004.

4.    To approve the continued inclusion of all types of HMO within the scope of the new Scheme.

5.    To approve the standard licensing conditions to be placed on all HMO licences granted by the Council under both the Mandatory Licensing Scheme, and the new Additional Licensing Scheme from April 2019  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

To receive the report of  the Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Services proposing a number of changes to the RCT Together process to align it with the Council’s current strategic direction for community based services and assets.

The Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Services provided Members with an overview of his report which looked to revise the Councils approach to the RCT Together approach to better align the process and supporting arrangements with its current strategic priorities  for community based services and assets.

The Director commented that RCT Together had played an important and successful role since 2015 supporting a number of community groups and third sector organisations in the County Borough to secure accommodation and thereby enabling the development of their activities and services that benefit our residents. He added that following a realignment of services  the process had been reviewed and it is proposed to align the approach with the development of Community Hubs and their associated Neighbourhood Networks to ensure the process of community asset transfers delivers the Council’s strategic and service requirements.

Members were advised of the proposed way forward to establish the new approach advising that following a gap analysis in provision a report would  be compiled with strategic recommendations on what buildings and organisations are needed as a Community Hub; as part of the neighbourhood network and those that are surplus to requirements and can be disposed of.

The Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being & Cultural Services spoke positively of the RCT approach and the support that has been made available to the voluntary sector to take forward new projects through asset transfer.  He continued by commenting on the positive approach proposed to be taken forward, with shaping communities through Community Hubs.

County Borough Councillor P Jarman also spoke on the item.

The Leader also commented on the proposal and spoke of the RCT Together process and the Community Enabling Fund which assisted groups to take forward and successfully run previous Council assets.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the proposed changes to the RCT Together process, establishing a more strategic approach aligned with the Council’s Community Hub development programme.

2.    To approve the proposed changes to the Community Enabling Fund, broadening eligibility criteria, allowing multiple applications and consolidating the Community Action Fund within the Community Enabling Fund.

(N.B  at this juncture in the meeting, County Borough Councillor S Powderhill left the meeting).

To receive the report of the Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Services proposing that a focussed consultation be undertaken with service users and the local communities on  the remaining Community Day Centres to inform a subsequent decision on their future.

The Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Services provided Members with his report which proposed a focussed consultation be undertaken with service users and the local communities of the remaining Community Day Centres to inform a subsequent decision on their future.

The  Director advised that the Council’s Community Day Centres have provided an important opportunity for older people within the communities of RCT to access a hot meal each week day and participate in a range of activities that help tackle social isolation and loneliness. However, numbers of meals provided are declining slowly each year and on  the evidence of the small number of service users it could reasonably be argued that the existing model no longer caters for the needs of the majority of older people.  The Director continued by advising of the  proposal  to undertake a six week focussed consultation with service users and the local communities on the future of the remaining four Community Day Centres (excluding Alec Jones Day Centre which is subject to a separate consultation), exploring opportunities for alternative service delivery models either through the developing Community Hub model where appropriate or through existing third sector organisations located in the communities concerned.

The Cabinet Member for  Adult Community Services & Welsh Language welcomed the consultation opportunity commenting that it was important for the Council to deliver services that were appropriate for the community and for the future generations to come, allowing provision to move and reflect the times that we live in.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To approve a six week focussed consultation with service users and the local communities on the future of the remaining four Community Day Centres.

2.    That a further report on the outcome of the consultation exercise with recommendations concerning the Community Day Centres is presented to Cabinet for consideration.

 (N.B. At this juncture in the meeting County Borough Councillor M Weaver left the meeting.)

To receive the report of the Interim Head of Democratic Services providing Members with details of the Pre-scrutiny undertaken by the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee in respect of the draft empty homes strategy.

The Director of Communications & Interim Head of Democratic Services provided Members with details of the pre-scrutiny undertaken by the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on the 9^th October in relation to the Empty Homes Strategy.

Members were advised of the constructive comments put forward by the Committee in respect of Awareness raising – raising awareness in respect of the work of the Council and the provisions available for residents to take forward ; The introduction of a grant for landlords in order for them to buy empty properties to help with the supply of affordable housing in high demand areas and finally the affect empty houses have on the amenities of the neighbourhood – Potential of demolition of buildings.

The Cabinet then received the Head of Regeneration and Prosperity who provided Members with details of the draft strategy for approval, following pre-scrutiny.  He advised Members of the rationale for the strategy and the targets set by Welsh Government in relation to empty properties adding that the Strategy would provide a framework for assisting the Council to achieve this target.

The Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development & Housing welcomed the strategy commenting on the affects empty properties have on local communities and commented on the successful grants schemes available to support the restoration of empty properties.  The Cabinet Member also thanked Scrutiny for the work undertaken in this area.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the comments and observations of the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee as attached at Appendix A of the report.

2.    To endorse the recommendations outlined within the Empty Homes Strategy as listed below:

                      I.        To approve implementation of the draft Empty Homes Strategy.

To receive the report of the Chief Executive providing Members with a brief on the potential impact of Brexit on the Council and its residents.

Members were provided with the report of the Chief Executive which looked to provide details of ‘Brexit’, ensuring Members were aware of the potential impact of Brexit, in its various forms; to help inform future Council decision making; and supporting local residents and businesses that could be affected by the significant economic change in the relationship between the UK and EU.

The Chief Executive noted that many changes had taken place in respect of the Brexit Deal taken forward by the Prime Minister since publication of the paper. Members were referred to section 6 of the report which looked at how Brexit could impact local Government.

The Leader thanked the Chief Executive for the update and spoke of the concerns that he had raised with the WLGA in respect of Brexit and the impact this may have on the Council going forward.  He referred to the potential convergence funding replacement which may see substantial funds coming directly through to the regions within Wales, bypassing the devolution process.   The Leader also spoke of the uncertainty going forward and the potential impact Brexit may have with food supplies and the potential of a period of civil unrest.  He added that procurement were looking into the current food provision to try to establish any impact.

Members of the Cabinet commented on the report and the uncertainty going forward with Members agreeing that a further briefing report should be provided at Council, to ensure all Members were aware of the current position.

County Borough Councillor P Jarman also spoke on this item.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained within the report.

2.    To request further briefings in the period to 29^th March 2019.

3.    That a report on Brexit be presented to the Council meeting on the 28^th November, 2018.

(N.B. County Borough Councillors M. Adams joined the meeting during this item.)

To receive the report of  the Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services seeking approval from Cabinet for the Council to provide civil parking enforcement back-office Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) processing functions on behalf of additional Local Authorities across South Wales.

The Parking Services & Streetcare Manager referred Members to his report which sought approval from Cabinet for the Council to provide civil parking enforcement (CPE) back-office Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) processing functions on behalf of additional Local Authorities across South Wales. Members were reminded that RCT had significant experience of operating a CPE service and since April 2018, had been providing back-office PCN processing services for Merthyr Tydfil CBC. He added that in addition to the stated desire of the former Gwent Councils to externalise their back-office processing, there may also be scope for RCT to offer such services for other Local Councils as well.

The Officer also continued to provide Members with a brief update with regards to the Council’s mobile camera parking enforcement service, which had recently been introduced to help tackle problem parking outside schools, adjacent to pedestrian crossing points and in bus stop clearways. Members were advised that preliminary data indicated that almost 822 motorists had already been caught parking unlawfully by the Council’s Parking Enforcement Vehicle up to the end of October.  The Officer further continued by advising  that the Motorists observed parking unlawfully were issued with formal warning Notices for the first 2 weeks, with PCNs only being issued from the third week of operation. Over this period, 172 warning Notices were initially issued.

The Leader supported the collaboration working proposed within the report commenting on the previous positive collaborative working undertaken within this area.

County Borough Councillor P Jarman also spoke on this item.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.  That a regional hub for the processing of Penalty Charge Notices issued by Local Authorities across South Wales, be established, with RCT as the lead Authority.

2.  To support implementation requirements for the new regional service, including the appointment of appropriate additional staff resources in Highways and Streetcare Services.

3.  To duly note the update provided regarding the mobile camera parking enforcement service.

(N.B at this juncture in the meeting County Borough Councillor M Adams, P Jarman and R Yeo left the meeting).

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 six months of this financial year (to the 30th September 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 six months of the financial year (to the 30th September  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 positive position of the Council  noting the pressures placed within both the Adult Social Services and Children Services.  He also commented on the external factors attributing to some of the PI targets.

The Leader also commented on the report and the pressures within Social Care and referenced the Barnet consequential and the potential funding that may be made available in respect of these pressures.

 It was RESOLVED:

 Revenue

1.   To note and agree the General Fund revenue position of the Council as at the 30th September 2018 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary) and to note that the allocation of additional one-off Welsh Government funding to support sustainable social services will be incorporated into Performance Reports later in the year.

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 September 2018 (Sections 3a – f of the Executive Summary).

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

Corporate Plan Priorities

5.   To note the quarter 2 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).

To receive the report of  the Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services formally setting out the Council Tax Base for the financial year 2019/20.

The Director, Finance presented Members with his report which looked to set the Council Tax base for the financial year 2019/20. Members were reminded of the statutory requirement to agree and set the Council Tax Base for the forthcoming financial year prior to 31st December each year.

The Director provided details to Members in respect of the calculations advising

the gross  Council Tax Base calculated for 2019/20 is £78,844.31.  It is proposed that the collection rate continues to be estimated at 97.5%.  This produces a net Council Tax Base of £76,873.20.  This means that for every £1 levied in Council Tax next year, a sum of £76,873 will be generated to meet the budget requirement of the Council.

The Cabinet Member, Corporate Services spoke of the importance of setting the Council Tax base to assist with the budget setting and following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED:

1.    That in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (Wales) Regulations 1995 as amended, the amount calculated by the Council as its net tax base for the financial year 2019/20, shall be £76,873.20.

2.    That for each area of the County Borough, the 2019/20 tax base for Council Tax setting purposes, shall be as set out at Appendix 1 of the report.

“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 Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services containing exempt information, providing details of the Corporate Asset Management Plan for 2018-2023.

The Director of Corporate Estates and Procurement, provided Members with his report which contained exempt information, detailing the draft Corporate Asset Management Plan for Property Assets 2018-2023, which included the strategic direction and policy framework for the plan period.

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED:

1.    To accept and adopt the Corporate Asset Management Plan (CAMP) for 2018-2023, as  attached to the report.

2.    To receive periodic update reports on progress of the key themes within the strategic framework of the CAMP.

3.    The amendments to the policy for considering requests to transfer assets from the Council set out at Appendix 3 of the CAMP be adopted.

4.    That the Water Management Strategy set out at Appendix 6 of the CAMP be adopted as policy.

To receive the report of  the Director of Regeneration, Planning & Housing containing exempt information, seeking delegated approval from Cabinet to acquire land and buildings within the agreed Strategic Opportunity Areas, subject to best value and a robust due diligence process, in order to facilitate the delivery of the Council’s objectives for these areas.

The Head of Regeneration provided a summary of the  report which contained exempt information, which  sought delegated approval (in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Members) from Cabinet to acquire land and buildings within the agreed Strategic Opportunity Areas, subject to best value and a robust due diligence process, in order to facilitate the delivery of the Council’s objectives for these areas.

Following consideration it was RESOLVED:

1.    To authorise the Director of Corporate Estates to acquire key buildings and land within the five agreed Strategic Opportunity Areas, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Enterprise Development and Housing and the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and subject to appropriate business case completion and funding approvals as necessary. The five Strategic Opportunity Areas are:

§  Cynon Gateway – Energizing the Region

§  The Wider Pontypridd, Treforest – Edge of the City, Heart of the Region

§  Pontypridd Town – Pivotal in the Region

§  A4119 Corridor: Regional Rhondda Gateway

§  Llanilid on the M4: Driving the Regional Economy

To receive the report of  the Director, Legal & Democratic Services, containing exempt information,  providing details of the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

The Director, Legal & Democratic Services provided Members with an overview of his report which contained exempt information. Members were referred to the appendices of the report which provided the financial statements of the Companies which are to be presented to the Annual General Meetings (‘AGM’s’) of the Cynon Valley Waste Disposal Company Limited and Amgen Rhondda Limited (the ‘Companies’), to be held at 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 6^th  December 2018 at the Amgen Education Centre, Bryn Pica, Llwydcoed, Aberdare.

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED:

1.    That The current intention to continue the operation of Cynon Valley Waste Disposal Company Limited and Amgen Rhondda Limited (the ‘Companies’) as Local Authority controlled companies into the future is confirmed;

2.    That subject to the Group Director, Corporate and Frontline Services (or his nominated representative) being satisfied that there are no irregularities in the accounts of the ‘Companies that the accounts be received on behalf of the Council;

3.    That Baldwins Audit Services Limited be re-appointed as auditors to the Companies for the year ending 31^st March 2019;

4.    The Directorships of the Director of Highways and Streetcare Services and the Director of Financial Services for both Companies continue;

5.    That a Non-Executive Director be appointed to the board of the Companies with responsibility for their appointment being delegated to the Companies’ Directors, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Democratic Services;

6.    That the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and/or his nominee be authorised to exercise the Council’s vote at the Annual General Meetings of the Companies in accordance with recommendations 2 to 5 above.

7.    That the Council be represented at the Companies’ Annual General Meetings by a Cabinet Member.

(N.B As referenced in Minute 73, Mr N Wheeler and Mr B Davies left the meeting when the item was discussed and voted upon.)