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.

The following declarations of personal interest were made in respect of Item 7 – Education and Inclusion Services Planned Capital Programme 2023-2024:

·       Cllr Morgan, OBE - LEA Governor of Glenboi Primary School which is named within the report.

·       Cllr Webber - LEA Governor of Maes y Coed Primary School which is named within the report.

·       Cllr Leyshon - LEA Governor of Maes y Coed Primary School and Trehopcyn Primary School which are named within the report.

·       Cllr Lewis - LEA Governor of YGG Abercynon School which is named within the report.

·       Cllr Caple - LEA Governor of Hafod Primary School which is named within the report.

To receive the minutes of the Cabinet Committee on the 28^th February 2023 as an accurate record.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 28^th February 2023.

To receive the report of the Chief Executive, which provides Members with the Public Services Boards ‘Cwm Taf Morgannwg Well-Being Plan 2023-2028’ as required under the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

The Chief Executive provided the Cabinet with the Public Services Board’s ‘Cwm Taf Morgannwg Well-Being Plan 2023-2028’ as required under the Well being of Future Generations Act.

The Well-being assessment identified inequalities across the communities and the draft plan set out how the PSB intended to work together to reduce these inequalities to improve the well-being for people living in the region and for building towards a fair future. The plan proposed two main objectives:

1.    Healthy local neighbourhoods; and

2.    Sustainable and resilient local neighbourhoods

The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care spoke positive of the Well-Being plan and commented that integration and collaborative work would be necessary to improve the economic and cultural wellbeing of communities. It was noted that it had been discussed for many years but was now an urgent requirement for measuring implementation and delivery which would improve people’s lives.

The Cabinet Member spoke of his attendance at an unveiling of a memorial bench dedicated to a young man who had taken his life due to mental health and addiction. The Cabinet Member emphasised that within all statistics and data, there are individuals and families who require help from public services.

The Deputy Leader echoed the Councillor’s comments and stated that the draft Well-Being Plan intended to improve equity of provision for all people living and working within the Cwm Taf Morgannwg region.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note and approve the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Well-Being Plan as outlined within Appendix A of the report; and

2.    To recommend the adoption of the Plan to Full Council at its meeting on the 29^th March, 2023.

To receive the report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services which enables the Cabinet to review the Council’s use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (as amended) (RIPA) for the period 1st January to 31st December 2022; the Council’s use of the Acquisition of Communications Data under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA) for the same period; and the proposed amendment to the Corporate Policy and Procedures Document on The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

The Director of Legal and Democratic Services presented the report, which enabled Members to review the Council’s use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (as amended) (RIPA) for the period 1st January to 31st December 2022; the Council’s use of the Acquisition of Communications Data under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA) for the same period; and the proposed amendment to the Corporate Policy and Procedures Document on The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

The Deputy Leader thanked the Director for the report and noted that whilst there was no use of authorised surveillance during the period, it remained a very useful tool within the Council’s armoury, if needed. The Deputy Leader was pleased to note that the test purchasing for underage alcohol and tobacco sales was back in place.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the content of the report;

2.    To acknowledge that investigatory powers in respect of covert surveillance and acquisition of communications data have been used in an appropriate manner that is consistent with the Council’s RIPA and IPA policies during the period 1^st January – 31^st December 2022; and

3.    To approve the amendment to Appendix 1 of the Corporate Policy and Procedures Document on The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

To receive the report of the Director of Human Resources, which provides information on the Council’s Annual Equality Report, for the year 2021/22.

The Diversity and Inclusion Manager provided the Cabinet with information on the Council’s Annual Equality Report for the year 2021-2022.

The Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication then provided the Cabinet with the feedback of the Overview and Scrutiny 2022-2027 Committee, which considered the report at its meeting held on 21^st March 2023. A formal letter had been circulated to the Cabinet prior to the meeting.

The Deputy Leader took the opportunity to thank officers for the amount of work, which had gone into the Annual Equality Report and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Members for their consideration and comments. The Deputy Leader was pleased to note the recognition contained within the report in respect of the diversity in democracy agenda and Elected Members’ equal duty with regard to the Strategic Equality Plan.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Corporate Services spoke positive of the report and commented that where challenges had been identified, actions would be taken.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To consider the information contained within the report;

2.    To note the comments and observations of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, following pre-scrutiny of the Annual Equality Report on the 21^st March 2023; and

3.    To publish the Annual Equality Report 2021/22.

To receive the report of the Director of Education and Inclusion Services, which updates Cabinet Members on a two-stage pilot to allocate funding to secondary schools to establish school-based alternative curriculum Step 4 provision for learners with significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD). The report provides an overview of the impact of the provisions established to date in building the capacity of schools to meet the needs of their learners with SEBD, thus adopting an inclusive approach to strengthening the continuum of SEBD provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council in line with the underpinning ethos of recent Welsh Government Additional Learning Needs legislation and statutory guidance on developing a whole-school approach to supporting wellbeing. The report also seeks Cabinet approval to utilise an existing earmarked reserve to enable schools to continue to implement Step 4 provisions as part of their graduated response to meeting the needs of learners with SEBD.

The Head of Inclusion Services updated Members on a two-stage pilot to allocate funding to secondary schools to establish school-based alternative curriculum Step 4 provision for learners with significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD).

The report provided an overview of the impact of the provisions established to date in building the capacity of schools to meet the needs of their learners with SEBD, thus adopting an inclusive approach to strengthening the continuum of SEBD provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council in line with the underpinning ethos of recent Welsh Government Additional Learning Needs legislation and statutory guidance on developing a whole-school approach to supporting wellbeing. The report also sought approval to utilise an existing earmarked reserve to enable schools to continue to implement Step 4 provisions as part of their graduated response to meeting the needs of learners with SEBD.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation and Welsh Language emphasised the importance of the Step 4 provision in terms of the increased demand to provide suitable interventions and an inclusive curriculum for pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The Cabinet Member noted that the figures evidenced that this was an area, which had increased in terms of pressure and demand; and acknowledged the additional duties placed on the Local Authority under the ALNET legislation. The Cabinet Member recognised that this was a key priority and noted that £2.645M funding had been invested in Step 4 provisions since 2020. 

The Deputy Leader echoed previous comments and was pleased to note that the report had acknowledged the importance of the pupil voice.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the progress made to date with the Step 4 pilot (Tranche 1 and Tranche 2);

2.    To approve the proposal to support secondary/all through schools to maintain their current Step 4 provision or to establish a new Step 4 provision as set out in the report;

3.    To note that the £500k per year funding from September 2023 – August 2025 is already in place to support these new proposals; and

4.    To note that this new funding, would be in addition to the £2.645M funding already invested in Step 4 provisions since 2020. 

To receive the report of the Director of Education and Inclusion Services, which provides Members with details of the capital works for approval for 2023/24 as part of the Council’s three-year Capital Programme, as well as further information relating to an additional Capital Funding Grant awarded by Welsh Government for 2022/23.

The Service Director of 21st Century Schools and Transformation provided Members with details of the capital works for approval for 2023/24 as part of the Council’s three-year Capital Programme, as well as further information relating to an additional Capital Funding Grant awarded by Welsh Government for 2022/23.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation and Welsh Language welcomed the additional funding and commented that the Cabinet had a positive record in investing in schools, to ensure that pupils and communities have the very best learning environment.

Both the Leader and Deputy Leader welcomed the additional funding from Welsh Government, which was in addition to the Council’s funding allocation.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the Education Capital Programme priority schemes for 2023/24 as outlined in Appendices 1-11 and to approve scheme commencement;

2.    To note the receipt of an additional £4.052 million of capital funding from Welsh Government via the Capital Funding Grant; and

3.    To approve the projects outlined in the report as priority for delivery in 2023/24 as outlined in Appendix 12 and to approve scheme commencement.

To receive the report of the Director of Frontline Services, which sets out the detailed capital programme for Highways, Transportation and Strategic Projects, following approval of the Council’s Three-Year Capital Programme 2023/24 - 2025/26 on 8th March 2023 at Council.

The Director of Frontline Services provided the Cabinet with the detailed Capital Programme for Highways, Transportation and Strategic Projects, further to the approval of the Council’s Three-Year Capital Programme 2023/24 - 2025/26 on 8th March 2023 at Council.

The Leader was in support of the proposals outlined before Members and explained that the list was one of the Council’s largest maintenance programmes, with just over £10M of Council funding for highways, structures and road resurfacing; and approximately £20M in the coming year for Storm Dennis damage. The Leader advised of confirmation from Welsh Government in respect of the continued support for the repairs on bridges.

The Leader informed the Cabinet that the Council had submitted a number of bids for Welsh Government Grants for transport projects related to:

•         Implementing the Welsh Government 20mph initiative

•         Road Safety Revenue

•         Safe Routes in the Community

•         Active Travel

•         Local Transport Fund (including Resilient Roads)

The Deputy Leader stated that it was essential to invest in structures to keep the County Borough future proofed.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care echoed earlier comments and commented that despite financial pressures, it was a credit to the Council that this ambitious level of investment was undertaken. The Cabinet Member spoke of the road at the end of Trehafod bypass, which was regularly flooded and was pleased to note that work would be undertaken to alleviate issues.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note and approve the Supplementary Capital Programme for Highways, Transportation and Strategic Projects as detailed within the report; and

2.    To note that the current allocations are part of a 3-year capital programme and delegate authority to the Director of Frontline Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director – Finance, Digital & Frontline Services, to extend activity to deliver additional projects during the financial year, where capacity exists for accelerated delivery in accordance with the purpose of the wider programme, or to suspend programmes/projects and reallocate funding to optimise delivery.

To receive the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director of Finance, Digital and Frontline Services, which provides Members with an overview of the Council’s performance, both from a financial and operational perspective, based on the first nine-months of this financial year (to the 31^st December 2022).

The Service Director of Finance and Improvement provided the Cabinet with the Council’s financial and operational performance position as at the 31st December 2022.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Corporate Services acknowledged the challenges set out in the report, including the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and impact of Covid-19, which was reflected in the Quarter 3 revenue budget position, projecting a £10.469M full year overspend. The Cabinet Member was pleased to note the improved position with Leisure for Life membership numbers increasing and returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The Leader thanked officers for the work over the past 12 months in identifying savings, despite the extreme pressures; and stated that the Council were in a better position going forward.

The Deputy Leader reiterated the Leader’s comments and took the opportunity to thank officers across all areas for their continued support. The Deputy Leader advised that People, Place and Priority remained key but that it was becoming more difficult during the financial climate. The Deputy Leader spoke highly of the Climate Change Cabinet Sub-Committee and its work, which remained a key focus going forward.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

      I.         To note the context of the Council’s Services continuing to manage the on-going effects of communities recovering from the pandemic and the United Kingdom wide cost-of-living crisis, both of which are contributing to increases in demand for many services and significant inflationary cost pressures.

Revenue

     II.         To note and agree the General Fund revenue outturn position of the Council as at the 31st December 2022 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary).

Capital

   III.         To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at the 31st December 2022 (Sections 3a – e of the Executive Summary). To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 31st December 2022 (Section 3f of the Executive Summary).

Corporate Plan Priorities

  IV.         To note the Quarter 3 progress updates for the Council’s Corporate Plan priorities (Sections 5 a – c of the Executive Summary).

    V.         To note the progress update to enhance the Council’s short term and long-term response to extreme weather events (Section 6 of the Executive Summary).

  VI.         To note the progress update in respect of the Council’s response to tackling Climate Change (Section 7 of the Executive Summary).

To receive the report of the Director of Prosperity and Development, which seeks Cabinet approval to refocus some of the current Regeneration grant schemes available to local businesses in order to maximise the funding opportunities available from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant (WGPG) and UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The Head of Regeneration sought Cabinet approval to refocus some of the current Regeneration grant schemes available to local businesses in order to maximise the funding opportunities available from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant (WGPG) and UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The officer drew Members attention to Section 5 of the report, where the business support grant proposals were outlined. The schemes outlined would provide a structured programme of investment of £4 million for local businesses, including funding from UK Government, Welsh Government and the Council’s own Capital Programme.

The Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity spoke positive of the proposals and commented that the refocussing and increasing of grants going forward would prevent duplication and improve their effectiveness. The Cabinet Member welcomed the combined total of approximately £4M of aid to local businesses, which had struggled in recent years, especially with the recent energy cost increase; and also welcomed the large-scale grants, which would hopefully bring empty properties back into use.

The Cabinet Member for Public Health & Communities reiterated earlier comments and welcomed the proposals.

The Leader welcomed the report and explained that the match funding contributions being made by the private sector applicant could potentially lever in millions of pounds. The Leader added that town centre maintenance grant had been extended which would help businesses remain vibrant within the town centres.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To agree the package of support outlined in paragraphs 5.1 – 5.8 of the report.