• Agenda and minutes
  • Agenda and minutes

    Venue: Virtual

    Contact: Sarah Daniel - Council Business Unit  07385086169

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    Items
    No. Item

    96.

    Declaration of Interest

    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.

    Minutes:

    In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct Cllr R Bevan declared a personal interest in item 3 as he has a family member that works for the Authority.  He confirmed he has been granted dispensation from the Standards Committee to speak on matters

    97.

    Minutes pdf icon PDF 219 KB

    To receive the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on the 13th December 2021 as an accurate record.

    Minutes:

    The Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 13 December 2021 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

    98.

    THE COUNCIL'S 2022/23 REVENUE BUDGET pdf icon PDF 216 KB

     

    To receive a report from the Director of Finance and Digital Services in respect of the 2022/23 Local Government settlement and the outcomes of the budget consultation phase 1 exercise, to assist Cabinet in formulating the revenue budget strategy for the financial year 2022/23.

     

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Director of Finance and Digital Services presented the report to Cabinet.  He advised that the revenue budget for the financial year ending the 31st March 2023, must be constructed in accordance with the “Budget and Policy Framework” (contained in the Council’s Constitution.   Under these arrangements, it is for the Council’s “respective Chief Officers” to report to Cabinet, and for the Cabinet to then recommend a budget to Council. 

     

    He continued that given the continuing financial pressures the Council is working under, it remained his view, that the Council should hold a minimum of £10M as General Fund Balances.   As part of the Councils ongoing strategy, he advised that we have continued to identify and deliver savings in year which means we have been able to increase the level of transitional funding available and the latest position is that this reserve has now increased to £4.607M

     

    The Director advised that Audit Wales continue to emphasise that we must remain disciplined, if we are to maintain our long-term goal of driving forward continuous improvement of key services, though this becomes increasingly harder to achieve following a period of such severe financial pressures.

     

    Members were informed that the overall increase in Revenue Support Grant (RSG) and Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) funding for 2022/23 at an all Wales level, after adjusting for transfers is 9.4% (+£437M). The settlement for Rhondda Cynon Taf, amounts to an increase of 8.4%. 

     

    The Director stated, notwithstanding the positive settlement from WG for 2022/23, it does follow a sustained period of real term reductions to our funding levels and more recently significant storm damage and the pandemic, and it is against this context that we need to develop a balanced budget for next year

     

    The Director continued that Welsh Government support to fund costs arising as a direct consequence of the pandemic has continued through the 2021/22 financial year via the Hardship Fund. WG have stated that they do not intend to continue to provide such additional support going forward and that councils will have to manage these implications through the additional resources provided in the settlement. The Council will monitor the financial implications closely moving forward, using any flexibility afforded within its available reserves to transition any permanent additional costs into the base budget over the medium term.

     

    Members were reminded that the costs of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) impacts on the net income generated through any increase in Council Tax.  He added that A 1% increase in Council Tax will generate an additional income for the Council of £1.195M (at the 2022/23 tax base level) but will also cost £0.253M in additional CTRS requirements. It therefore follows that a 1% increase generates a net additional income of £0.942M, or stated another way, 21% of any Council Tax increase is lost to support the increased costs associated with the Welsh Government’s CTRS. He advised therefore that it is proposed that the level of Council Tax for next year now be remodelled and set at an increase  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

    99.

    PROPOSED CESSATION OF THE CURRENT REVISED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (RLDP) AND PREPARATION OF A NEW RLDP pdf icon PDF 364 KB

    To receive a report from the Director Prosperity and Development on the progress of the Revised Local Development Plan (RLDP).

     

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Director of Prosperity and Development presented the report to members which updated Members on the progress of the Revised Local Development Plan (RLDP). He advised that the report indicates that although considerable work has been undertaken, we have been unable to meet the formal Delivery Agreement. He continued that the report then sets out the most appropriate way to comply with our statutory duty to prepare a Development Plan for Rhondda Cynon Taf

     

    The Director continued that considerable work has been undertaken on the preparation of the Revised LDP throughout the Covid pandemic. However, due to the restrictions this placed on the ability to fully engage with the public and commission the necessary consultancy advice, along with other external issues that have arisen; key elements of the RLDP preparation have not been completed within the formally agreed timescale

     

    Following consideration of all options, and in consultation with Welsh Government, it is proposed that we cease work on the current RLDP 2020 – 2030. In its place, we will begin a new RLDP, and this for the longer plan period of 2022 – 2037. This would allow for a Development Plan to be prepared for Rhondda Cynon Taf that fully responds to the key issues we now face, with Climate Change and carbon reduction at its core and a full and strategic approach to a post pandemic and post Brexit County Borough.

     

    The Director advised that in technical planning terms, there is a clear concern in relation to one of the three ‘Tests of Soundness’ that the Planning Inspector will determine the RLDP upon. This considers whether they are confident that the RLDP can be implemented and delivered in this short time i.e. all its aims, objectives, strategy, and development of all site allocations. It is therefore considered that the most appropriate option would be to cease preparation of the RLDP 2020 – 2030 and begin a new RLDP for 2022 -2037.

     

    The Cabinet Member Enterprise Development and Housing, endorsed the report.  He advised that an RLDP Steering Group had been set up and had met earlier in the morning. He stated that is was clear that delivery targets and times had been impacted due to COVID particularly the public consultation process and engaging consultants.  He continued that we now need to review the position to move forward to produce a new LDP to take us to 2037.

     

    At this juncture of the meeting and with permission of the Leader, Councillor P Jarman addressed the Committee in respect of this item – she referred to the RLDP Steering Group of which she was also a member of and was pleased of the work so far and stated that they were experienced in planning policy.  She noted that the Draft Delivery agreement will be reported to full council in March and will reserve comment until then and contribute to the debate

     

    Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to

     

    1. Approve the cessation of the preparation of the Revised Local

    Development  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

    100.

    LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN PREVENTION STRATEGY pdf icon PDF 611 KB

    To provide Cabinet with information regarding the Looked After Children Prevention Strategy.

     

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Service Director Children’s Services presented the report to Cabinet which provided information regarding the looked after children prevention strategy. The report includes an outline of the services aimed to develop to enhance our offer to families, and the resources that are required to make that possible.

     

    The Cabinet Member Children’s Services agreed that supporting families is a priority to RCTCBC and delivering this priority will require additional service. She was pleased that the children looked after is gradually declining and the Authority were developing an improved service.  She commented that this was especially important to parents who have experienced the care system themselves. 

     

    The Leader added that there was pressure on the service to keep families together and it was pleasing to see this coming forward.  Having attended a number of meetings with the Service Director for Children’s Services he learned that studies revealed that the best outcome for a child is providing Early Intervention support and supporting them to stay within their family. 

     

    At this juncture of the meeting and with permission of the Leader, Councillor P Jarman addressed the Committee in respect of this item -  She informed members that the Strategy will be a focus for the cross party Corporate Parenting Board and reassured that party politics was a no go area when it comes to safeguarding vulnerable children. She was impressed with the information in the report which she believed is intended to make a difference and support in keeping families together.

     

    Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to

     

    1. Note the information contained within this report and give formal approval to implement the proposed investment and service developments

     

    Note the proposal that the Council sign up to the Charter for parents who are in care and leaving care which will be considered at a subsequent Corporate Parenting Board

    101.

    THE TRANSFORMATION OF EARLY YEARS SERVICES IN RCT pdf icon PDF 392 KB

    To receive a report of the Group Director Community and Children’s Services on the progress made across the Cwm Taf Morgannwg region towards the delivery of an integrated early years system as part of the Welsh Government’s Early Years Transformation Programme.

     

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Head of Community, Wellbeing and Resilience presented the report to members outlining the progress made across the Cwm Taf Morgannwg region towards the delivery of an integrated early years system as part of the Welsh Government’s Early Years Transformation Programme and the transformation of Early Years services in RCT.

     

    Members were advised that the ambition of the Welsh Government Early Years Transformation Programme is to deliver on the vision which is set out in Prosperity for All “to create a truly joined-up, responsive system that puts the unique needs of each child at its heart”. This means every service that families and young children come into contact with being clear how they can best support child development in the broadest sense. It will target parents as early as possible and sustain support where it is needed. Investing in the early years is an investment in the economy and workforce of the future

     

    The Cabinet Member Children’s Services commented that thanks to a new contract with Health services we are now the only Authority in Wales to offer a schedule of growing Skills screening assessment for all children aged 20 months.  This will support in identifying where early support and intervention is required and will be beneficial to RCTCBC going forward. She continued that the external evaluation has been able to evidence that families benefiting from early intervention that previously would not have been eligible.

     

    Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to

     

    1. Note the regional progress made since July 2017 in delivering the Welsh Government’s Early Years Transformation Programme.

     

    1. Note the progress made in RCT since July 2019 in delivering transformed Early Years services in RCT and the findings of the Stage 1 external evaluation of the new delivery model being piloted.

     

    Note that this report has been subject to pre-scrutiny by the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee on 8th December 2021 and the representations made by Committee Members are set out in section 10.7 of this report.

    102.

    NEW GUIDANCE FOR UNPAID CARERS IN THE WORKPLACE pdf icon PDF 916 KB

    To receive a report of the Group Director Community and Children’s Services which seeks Cabinet endorsement upon staff guidance that is specifically designed to inform unpaid carers in the workplace.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Head of Adult Care and Support  presented the report to members to seek Cabinet endorsement for the staff guidance that is specifically designed to inform unpaid carers in the Council workforce about the support available to them to help manage and balance work and caring responsibilities, and to clarify this support formally for managers . The report also presents the business case to Cabinet for introducing a new leave of absence for employees who have unpaid caring responsibilities

     

    The Head of Adult Care and Support continued that the report was developed in conjunction with an RCT working group comprised of representatives from the People Development team, the Diversity team, HR and Adult Services to scope the possibility of introducing more specific support for unpaid carers within the RCT workforce

     

    She advised members In response to the survey findings a draft Working Carers Guidance has prepared by the working group (Appendix 1). The guidance suggests small adjustments that could be explored within the workplace to support unpaid carers

     

    The UK Government has recently published its intention to introduce unpaid carers leave as a statutory right, and it is proposed that the RCT Cabinet recognises the significant impact caring responsibilities can have on employees and endorse the recommendation to complement the existing leave arrangements already in place to include access to 5 paid leave days per annum to specifically support the following events as identified in the UK Government’s published statement on carer’s leave

     

    Further to the proposed provision for working carers in the Council the working group also recommends that Cabinet endorse the pursuit umbrella membership of ‘Employers for Carers’, managed by Carers UK, which aims to “ensure employers have the support to retain and manage employees with caring responsibilities”.

     

    The Deputy Leader commented that she was pleased to see the proposals before them and to hear that more and more Local Authorities were taking the same approach.  Unpaid carers in the Councils Workforce play a significant role in their Communities and in society and it is important that we signpost staff to the support that is available to them.

     

    The Cabinet Member Adult Social Services was pleased to see the recognition for the unpaid carers in the workforce who have provided essential care for the most vulnerable during the pandemic and continuing beyond. 

     

    The Leader stated that WG has put a lot of resource into this as they are aware of the pressures in this area and if they cannot provide this support it will add further pressure to other vulnerable services.  He added the more we can do to support carers the better.

     

    Following discussion of the report it was RESOLVED to:

     

    1. Endorse the Working Carers Guidance (Appendix 1) and support its implementation.

     

    1. Endorse additional specific paid leave arrangements for unpaid carers within the workforce of up to 5 days per annum.

     

    Endorse the pursuit of a recognised accreditation scheme for working carers ‘

    103.

    CORPORATE JOINT COMMITTEE UPDATE pdf icon PDF 284 KB

    To receive a report from the Chief Executive on the introduction of Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs) as provided for in the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.

     

    Minutes:

    The Chief Executive presented the report to members which provided an update to Members on the introduction of Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs) as provided for in the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.

     

    He continued that Officers of the CCRCD and the Accountable Body have been putting in place all the legal, accounting and practical steps to ensure the new CJC can be created on 28th February 2022. However, it has become clear that the specific risks and issues originally highlighted by CCR with WG will not be resolved sufficiently to support the transfer of the CCR City Deal into the CJC by the date of CJC budget setting on 31 January 2022. This is mainly because the issues that require resolution, namely S.33 (VAT) status, has not been considered by WG in setting the Regulations. As a result we require the approval of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and Her Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) to approve the correct taxation status.

     

    In addition, further issues have arisen in respect of Corporation Tax. This is a complex matter not addressed so far in the Regulations; and could have significant implications to the CCR operating model unless similarly addressed through an application to HMT for relevant dispensations. Work is underway to address this, with CCR supporting WG’s business case application to HMRC for the relevant dispensations.

     

    The Leader stated that this is a step in the right direction for joint working and formulising arrangement, as long as the shift is seamless to residents with services continuing to be delivered then this will be positive.  He continued that it is important that the Local Authorities decide on what services will be delivered through the CJCs and there is local determination on services that require different needs in different Local Authority areas.  He relayed his concerns that some out of town developments could have a detrimental impact on town centres so this would need closer working with Local Authorities

     

    The Deputy Leader commented that Scrutiny arrangements will be key to CJCs to include the wider engagement of Members and Communities to measure the impact of the CJCs.  She commented that RCTCBC had already supported a step change in the current scrutiny arrangements of the CCRCD

     

    At this juncture of the meeting, and with permission of the Leader Cllr P Jarman addressed members on the item.  She commented whilst she is not a supporter of CJC’s, having scrutinised the legislation, she accepted that they are a model of Regional Governance.  She did query why matters and updates have not come before full council for every member to have an update on matters and there is a need to be open and accountable.

    She also commented that she was disappointed that Welsh Government has not negotiated with the UK Government before the implementation of CJCs on the taxation issues. 

     

    The Leader agreed with the comments around the taxation issues.  He added that independent legal advice was sought and the CRCD Cabinet has done everything they possibly  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

    104.

    TIP SAFETY MANAGEMENT RESOURCES pdf icon PDF 261 KB

    To receive a report from the Director Frontline Services, which seeks Cabinet approval to establish a dedicated Tip Safety Management Team within Frontline Services.

    Minutes:

    The Director of Frontline Services presented the report to members to seek approval to establish a Tip Safety Management Team within Frontline Services which would focus all current elements of spoil tip safety, including regulatory, management and maintenance into a single dedicated Tip Safety Management Team.

     

    Since Storm Dennis, capital investment in tip safety together with a major programme of tip maintenance, funded by Welsh Government, has been delivered by the Council’s new Head of Infrastructure Asset Management, utilising a combination of existing staff, consultants, seconded specialists and The Coal Authority. This has allowed the Flood Risk and Tip Management Team to focus more exclusively on the increasing demands of Flood Risk Management.

     

    He continued that integrating the tip safety aspects of the Council’s responsibilities as land-owner with its responsibilities under the “Tips Act” provides a focal point for all tip safety issues and enables a dedicated team to be established to discharge these duties effectively.

     

    The Director informed members that it is proposed to establish a dedicated Tip Safety Management Team which will report to the Council’s Head of Infrastructure Asset Management within Frontline Services.

     

    On establishment, the current Flood Risk and Tip Safety team will become the Flood Risk Management Team with job titles adjusted accordingly. He concluded that the proposed team will consist of 6 posts which were detailed in the report with a possible market supplement required to attract candidates to the posts

     

    The Leader commented that the dedicated coal tip safety teams are a much needed resource within the Authority. It is envisaged they will work on some of the Capital works that are coming forward and also remediation work on Tylorstown and Wattstown.  The costs will be covered from Welsh Government funding and the Capital Programme.  The new proposed way of working he added will also alleviate pressure on the Flood Risk Management Teams

     

    The Cabinet Member Enterprise Housing and Development thanked the officer and his team for bring the report forward he commented that this team was desperately needed as we are facing a number of pressures also arising from Climate Change so it was imperative to increase our expertise in this area to ensure the safety of the public. 

     

    The Deputy Leader agreed the proposals were the right way forward to provide reassurance of safety to our residents.

     

    At this juncture of the meeting and with permission of the Leader, Cllr P Jarman addressed the Committee on this item.  She stated that she fully accepts the need to maximise the funding from Welsh Government to deliver a multimillion pound programme of works together with a schedule of tip safety works and also to look to establish a centre of excellence in the future. Cllr Jarman however was concerned that it has left the public querying whether the centre of excellence can only be achieved nationally due to skills shortages.  She asked therefore if it was anticipated if the posts to create the tip safety team would be advertised internally or externally. She  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.

    105.

    To consider Passing the Following Resolution:

    “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”.

    Minutes:

    It was RESOLVED: 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”.

    106.

    CORPORATE ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN INTERIM UPDATE

     

    To receive a report of the Director Corporate Estates on the progress against the key themes of the Corporate Asset Management Plan 2018/23.

     

    Minutes:

    Following the consideration of the report of the Director, Corporate Estates  containing 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), it was RESOLVED to note the content of the report

     

    107.

    REAL LIVING WAGE FOUNDATION

    To receive a report of the Group Director, Community And Children’s Services; Director Of Human Resources And Director Of Finance & Digital Services which seeks approval to implement an early increase in the Real Living Wage (RLW) to adult independent sector social care providers in Rhondda Cynon Taf and to any Council staff affected by the increase, with effect from the 1st February 2022.

     

    Minutes:

    Following the consideration of the report of the Group Director Community and Children’s Services containing 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), it was RESOLVED to:

     

    1. Formally commit to implementing the increase to the Real Living Wage for all externally employed care workers with effect from 1st February 2022

     

    1. Agree that the annual increase in the Real Living Wage for any Council staff impacted by the increase, be implemented for this year with effect from 1st February 2022; and
    2. Delegate responsibility to the Group Director of Community and Children’s Services (in consultation with the Director of Legal Services) to engage with providers and make the necessary contractual amendments; and

     

    Delegate responsibility to the Director of Human Resources to apply the increase in the Real Living Wage to all staff working for the Council that are affected by the increase.

    108.

    WRITE OFF OF IRRECOVERABLE DEBTS

    To receive a report from the Director of Finance and Digital Services on the position of irrecoverable debts, and the requirement to write-off certain amounts in accordance with strict review criteria. 

     

    Minutes:

    Following the consideration of the report of the Head of Revenue and Benefits containing 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), it was RESOLVED to

     

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

    109.

    Urgent Items

    To consider any urgent business as the Chairman feels appropriate.

    Minutes:

    None