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 declarations of interest were made pertaining to agenda item 12:-

·County Borough Councillor R Bevan declared a personal interest in the matter and remained in the meeting when the item was discussed and voted upon:  “A family Member works as a Senior Officer within the Authority although the post is not referenced within the report”.

The following officers declared a personal and pecuniary interest in this matter and left the meeting when the matter was discussed and voted upon:

·         Mr C Lee – Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services

·         Mr G Isingrini – Group Director, Community & Children’s Services

·         Mr C Jones – Director, Legal & Democratic Services

·         Mr N Wheeler – Director, Highways & Streetcare Services

·         Ms G Davies - Director, Education & Inclusion Services

·         Mr P Mee - Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Services

·         Mr D James - Head of Regeneration & Prosperity

·         Mr D Batten - Head of Leisure, Parks & Countryside

·         Mr M Phillips  Head of Service – Revenue & Benefits

·           Ms L Davies – Head of Public Protection

The following officers declared personal and pecuniary interests in this matter but remained present whilst the report was considered in order to advise Cabinet:-

·         Mr C Bradshaw – Chief Executive

·         Mr R Evans – Director, Human Resources

To receive the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on the 21^st November, 2018 as an accurate record.

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

To receive the report of  the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services informing Cabinet Members of the outcomes of the ‘Votes at 16’ Consultation, in response to the UK Youth Parliament National Make Your Mark Campaign.

The Head of Community Wellbeing and Resilience, together with Mr D  Lewis-Rowlands (RCT Member of the UK Youth Parliament) provided Members with an overview of the outcomes of the Votes at 16 Consultation in response to the UK Youth Parliament National Make Your Mark Campaign.

Members were advised of an 8 week consultation with all residents of the County Borough, with  452 young people engaging in the consultation and 161 adults.   The RCT Member of the UK Youth Parliament commented that  349 young people were in support of the votes at 16.  It was also highlighted that a  large concern from residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf regarding the Votes at 16 campaign relates to their belief that there is a lack of education and information available to everyone, not just young people.  A commitment to improve education and more readily available information could have a significant positive impact on voter engagement including the 5,253 potential additional voters within Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Cabinet Member for Children & Young People welcomed the consultation feedback and also took the opportunity to thank Mr Lewis-Rowlands for his contributions to RCT through the Youth Forums.  The Cabinet Member spoke of taking forward a piece of work in respect of improving education, awareness and information for residents across the County Borough in respect of voting rights and democracy.

County Borough Councillor P Jarman also spoke on this item.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To support the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Youth Forum with its Votes at 16 campaign activities by promoting them via the Council’s formal communication channels including the corporate website and social media platforms.

2.    To support the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Youth Forum to conduct further research into the type of information members of the public would like to see available to improve their knowledge and understanding of voting in response to the consultation findings.

3.    To make a commitment to improve the information and communication available to residents of all ages on politics, local government and voting within Rhondda Cynon Taf prior to the next election period.

To receive report of  the Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Services seeking approval for the Rhondda Cynon Taf Homelessness Strategy 2018-2022 prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014.

The Head of Public Protection advised members of the statutory duty placed upon the Council under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 to undertake a homelessness review for its area, advising of the subsequent Homelessness Strategy formulated through the reviews findings.   Members were informed that  there was a further duty on the Council to formulate and adopt a Homelessness Strategy that would prevent homelessness and ensure suitable accommodation and satisfactory support is available for people who are or who may become homeless.

Members were referred to the Strategy within the report and details of the consultation undertaken with the relevant stakeholders was highlighted.

The Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being & Cultural Services commented on the strategy and the pressures and demands placed on services, commenting on the importance of having  a strategy which was ‘fit for purpose’ in place.  The Cabinet Member spoke of the preventative measures and the need to support those most vulnerable.

The Leader also commented on the service and the valuable and hard work taking place behind the scenes.

Following discussions it was AGREED:

1.    To note the feedback in respect of the Draft Homelessness Strategy 2018-2022 from the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee held on the 6th November 2018 and the actions taken in response, as detailed in paragraph 6.4 of the report.

2.    To approve the Rhondda Cynon Taf Homelessness Strategy 2018-2022 (attached as Appendix 1 of the report).

To receive the report of  the Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Services seeking Members approval for the Out & About Two: The Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Head of Leisure, Parks & Countryside provided Members with an overview of his report in respect of the recent review undertaken on the Council’s Rights of way Improvement plan.

Members were informed of the key themes for action taken forward within the plan and the consultation taken forward to help shape its contents with the public, consultees and the Public Service Delivery, Communities & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee. 

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure & Heritage Services  welcomed the revised plan and the responses received during the consultation highlighting the importance and value the public place on the ‘out doors’ of the County Borough.  The Cabinet Member spoke of the positive work undertaken with volunteering, tourism and the popularity of short walks all impacting on the positive wellbeing of the residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Members RESOLVED:

1.    To endorse to Council the adoption of the ‘Out & About Two: The Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Rhondda Cynon Taf 2019-2029’.

To receive the report of the Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Services proposing the development of a Council wide plan for full public access to artificial turf pitches (ATP) and 3G pitches with a common pricing policy.

The Head of Leisure, Parks & Countryside provided Members with an overview of his report which proposed  the development of a Council wide plan for full public access to artificial turf pitches (ATP) and 3G pitches with a common pricing policy.

Members were advised that through a collaborative approach between Leisure and Parks with 21^st Century Schools, the Council has invested in the development of 3G pitches over the last 3 years, committing to achieve its aim of every resident to live within a 3-mile radius of a 3G pitch. The Head of Leisure, Parks & Countryside proceeded to advise Members of the proposal to develop a  public access plan for ATP and 3G pitches across the County Borough.  The proposal would ensure that schools would access the facilities for curriculum and extra-curriculum sessions (8am – 5pm) with full public access from 5pm on weeknights and over the weekend (9am – 5pm on both days). 

The Officer further discussed the pricing policy as detailed within the report discussing the rationale for the pricing policy going forward. To offset any potential concerns from the users the Head of Service proposed that the revised prices be introduced from April 2019 and be frozen until April 2021.

The Cabinet Member Environment, Leisure & Heritage Services referenced the importance the Council places on the Health & Well Being of its residents, commenting on the proposals within the report of improving access for all residents.  The Cabinet Member spoke on the facilities available and the possibility for residents to continue with their sporting activities on the 3G pitches regardless of the weather.  She added that full public access alongside streamlined administration procedures would ensure that access to top quality sports facilities are maximised by those that live, work and visit Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Young People welcomed the proposals although commented on the concerns raised by some schools in respect of the income and potential administration burden.  The Cabinet Member clarified that the administration of the pitches would be taken forward by the Council and that any financial impact would be minimised.

The Leader and Deputy Leader also spoke positively on the proposals and the importance of ensuring the provisions are accessible for the schools and the whole communities.  The Leader referenced the efficiency savings that would be achieved through the Council administration of the proposals.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the proposed full public access plan alongside the common pricing policy for ATP and 3G pitches as set out in Section 5 of the report.

2.    That Leisure and Parks, with 21^st Century Schools, continually engage with Secondary Schools in the development and implementation of the proposed full public access plan and common pricing policy.

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 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.

“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 14of 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 providing Members with the draft regeneration framework to coordinate the current investment package that delivers improvements for Mountain Ash Town Centre.

The Head of Regeneration, Housing & Property provided Members with an overview of his report which contained exempt information.  The report provided Members with the draft regeneration framework which coordinated the current investment package that would deliver improvements for Mountain Ash Town Centre

Following consideration of the Report by Cabinet Members it was RESOLVED:

1.    To the Mountain Ash Town Centre Regeneration Framework as a basis for coordinating and delivering the schemes as set out within the document.

2.    To initiate a planning application on the proposals to redevelop the site of Rhos Square.

3.    To take all necessary steps to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of a CPO, if negotiations to acquire the land identified on the plan at Appendix 1 of the report fail. 

(N.B. With the agreement of the Chair, County Borough Councillor P Jarman spoke on this item.)

To receive the report of the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services containing exempt, information providing Cabinet with a proposal to create a Cwm Taf Regional front door for Fostering.

The Regional Development Manager - Fostering   Services and Service Director Children’s Services  provided Members with an overview of their report which contained exempt information.  The report provided Cabinet with a proposal to create a Cwm Taf Regional front door for Fostering Services.

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained within the report and to give formal approval to commence specific proposals to work collaboratively with MTCBC to create a regional front door for fostering recruitment enquiries, consisting of a call centre function, recruitment officer and marketing officer.

2.    To terminate all elements of the current contract arrangements and bring the assessment of potential foster carers back in house to RCTCBC.

To receive the report of  the Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services containing exempt information, providing Members with a position statement on irrecoverable debt.

The Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services provided Members with a position statement on  irrecoverable debt which contained exempt information.

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED:

1.    To write-off the accounts as set out in the attached schedule to the appropriate Bad Debt Provision contained within the Council’s accounts ( and if further information on any debt becomes available, payment to be pursued).

To receive report of the Chief Executive containing exempt information, outlining proposed revisions to the Council’s Senior and Associated Management post structure.

The Chief Executive provided Members with his report which contained exempt information, outlining the proposed revisions to the Council’s Senior and Associated Management post structure. Members were advised that Implementation of the proposed revised structures would provide an overall estimated reduction in annual management costs at the Senior and Associated Management grade levels of £404,604 (inclusive of on-costs).

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED:

1.    That the revised directorate structures shown at Appendices 2(i), 2(ii), 2 (iii) and 2(iv) to the report be implemented from April 2019, subject to the necessary staff consultation process. Implementation of these revised structures would provide an overall estimated reduction in annual management costs at the Senior and Associated Management grade levels of £404,604 (inclusive of on-costs);

2.    To note that as part of the ongoing efficiency savings programme (and subject to any required approval of the Council’s Appointment’s Committee), these revisions would result in the deletion of the following posts with effect from April 2019 from the Council’s structure:

i)       Director of Legal & Democratic Services (Director Level 1);

ii)      Head of Legal Services - Litigation, Community & Children, Planning & Environment (Head of Service Level 1);

iii)     Head of Legal Services - Corporate, Democratic Services, Information Governance, Elections & Business Support (Head of Service Level 1);

iv)    Director of Corporate Estates & Procurement (Director Level 1);

v)      Service Director – Corporate Design & Maintenance (Service Director Level 2);

vi)    Head of Procurement & Energy (Head of Service Level 1) x 0.6 FTE;

vii)   Group Director – Corporate & Frontline Services (Group Director grade);

viii)  Director of Highways & Streetcare (Director Level 2);

ix)    Director of Regeneration & Planning (Director Level 1); and

x)      Service Director – Planning (Service Director Level 2);

3.    To note that emanating from the decision in 1. above Cabinet have authorised:

               i.        The amendment of the post of Head of Legal Services – Planning & Environment (Head of Service Level 2) to Head of Legal Services (Head of Service Level 1);

              ii.        The amendment of the post of Service Director – Cabinet Office & Public Relations (Service Director Level 2) to Service Director – Democratic Services & Communications (Service Director Level 2);

             iii.        The amendment of the post of Head of Payroll & Pensions (Head of Service Level 1) to Service Director – Pensions, Procurement & Transactional Services (Service Director Level 2);

            iv.        The amendment of the post of Head of Audit & Procurement Delivery (Head of Service Level 2) to Head of Procurement Delivery (Head of Service Level 1);

              v.        The amendment of the post of Service Director – Highways & Streetcare (Service Director Level 2) to Service Director – Highways & Streetcare (Service Director Level 1);

            vi.        The amendment of the post of Head of Streetcare (Head of Service Level 1) to Service Director – Streetcare Services (Service Director Level 2);

           vii.        The amendment of the post of Head of Strategic Investment Projects (Head of Service Level 2) to Head of Strategic Investments (Head of Service Level 1);

          viii.        The amendment of the post of Head of Regeneration & Prosperity (Head of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.