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 Deputy Leader, County Borough Councillor M Webber declared the following personal interest in respect of item 4 of the agenda - Consultation on the proposals to realign Additional Learning Needs mainstream Learning Support Class Provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf: “I am a Governor of Heol y Celyn Primary School and I am an Interim Governor of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Awel Taf.”

To receive the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 20^th November 2023 as an accurate record.

The Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 20^th November 2023 as an accurate record.

To receive the report of the Director of Education and Inclusion Services, which seeks to advise Members of the outcome of the recent consultation in respect of the proposal to close Rhigos Primary School with pupils transferring to Hirwaun Primary School by no later than September 2024.

The Director of Education and Inclusion Services advised Members of the outcome of the recent consultation in respect of the proposal to close Rhigos Primary School with pupils transferring to Hirwaun Primary School by no later than September 2024.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation and Welsh Language took the opportunity to thank those who had responded to the consultation process, particularly the young people. The Cabinet Member provided assurance that all submissions had been reviewed by the Committee in detail. It was acknowledged that from the responses received, there was an evident passion from the community of Rhigos for the future of its young people. The Cabinet Member concluded his initial submission by stating that the passion for the best educational outcomes, prospects and facilities was shared by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet Member noted from the report that it had been identified that it would be challenging to deliver the new curriculum for Wales from the current building and asked the Director to provide further clarity in that respect. The Director advised that Hirwaun Primary School was a 21^st Century School, meaning the learning environment had been developed fit for the 21^st Century Learning in terms of digital and technology requirements. It was added that the school also has design features including outdoor areas for structured learning; and that it includes a large space which enables school staff to use flexibly.

The Cabinet Member then sought confirmation in respect of the rural status of the school. The Director informed the Cabinet that the Welsh Government School Organisation Code 2018 contains a list of rural schools and specifies that the National Statistics Urban Rural Classification has been used as the basis of the designation of rural schools. The Director confirmed that there were no schools within RCT on the list of rural schools as there are no schools that meet the specific classifications. The Director explained that although the Office of National Statistics lists both Hirwaun and Rhigos as rural classification, neither meet the specified criteria to be contained within the above-mentioned list.

The Leader acknowledged the responses stating that Rhigos is good school with positive outcomes but spoke of the fundamental issue, which was the decline in pupil numbers and questioned how robust the data is. Referring to a consultation response, the Leader questioned whether there had been a decline in pupil numbers at the school since the start of the consultation and whether that could be attributed to the uncertainty of the school and the proposal before Members. The Director advised that at the start of the consultation there were 57 pupils at the school and that since this time, the number of statutory pupils had since reduced from 51 to 49. The Director explained that the change was due to pupils moving to the Welsh Medium school in Penderyn. In terms of how numbers are projected, the Director advised that it had been calculated in accordance with the guidance issued by Welsh Government  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

To receive the report of the Director of Education and Inclusion Services, which seeks to advise Members of the outcome of the publication of the Statutory Notices in respect of the proposal to realign Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT).

The Head of Inclusion Services advised Cabinet Members of the outcome of the publication of the Statutory Notices in respect of the proposal to realign Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT).

The Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation and Welsh Language took the opportunity to thank those who had responded to the consultation. The Cabinet Member commented that the proposal before Members would help the Local Authority meet its statutory duty under new legislation from Welsh Government and recognised that it was an area that had seen a significant increase in demand and complexity.

The Cabinet Member stressed that the proposals would not equate to a reduction in service but would instead have an additional circa £424,000 of investment into the service. However, the Cabinet Member recognised that a small number of pupils would be affected by the changes, if agreed.

The Cabinet Member voiced his support for the proposals and welcomed the establishment of the two Welsh Medium Primary phased learning support classes at the new Welsh Medium School in Rhydyfelin for pupils with additional learning needs; and felt that this would further enhance choice for parents and guardians.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To consider the information contained within the report and the Objection Report in Appendix 1, which includes details of objections received during the Statutory Notice period, and the comments given in response to the objections.

2.    To implement the proposals as published in the Statutory Notices which includes:

Proposal 1: Relocation of the Observation and Assessment LSC at Penrhiwceiber Primary School to Abercynon Community Primary School taking effect from September 2024.

Proposal 2: Transfer the LSC for pupils in years 3-6 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Abercynon Community Primary School to create a through provision in the Primary Phase at Perthcelyn Primary School taking effect from September 2024.

Proposal 3: Establish one Early years Assessment and Intervention LSC for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs at Abercynon Community Primary School taking effect from April 2024.

Proposal 4: Establish two Welsh medium Primary Phase LSCs at the new Welsh medium primary school in Rhydyfelin (YGG Awel Taf) for pupils with significant ALN taking effect from September 2024.

Proposal 5: Establish one LSC for pupils in years 7-11 with ASD at the new 3-16 school on the Hawthorn Primary/High School site (Ysgol Afon Wen) taking effect from September 2024.

3.    To the publication of the relevant Decision Notices in respect of any proposals taken forward as required by the School Organisation Code.

To receive the report of the Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication, which provides the Cabinet with the proposed list of matters for consideration for the 2023-2024 Municipal Year.

The Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication presented, for Cabinet Members’ comment and approval, an update on the Cabinet Work Programme on the proposed list of matters requiring consideration by Cabinet over the 2023-2024 Municipal Year.

The Deputy Leader thanked the Director for the report and was content with the content of the Cabinet Work Programme, noting its flexibility.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the Work Programme for the 2023-2024 Municipal Year (with appropriate amendment where necessary) and receive a further update on a 3 monthly basis.

To receive the report of the Director of Prosperity and Development, which provides Cabinet with an update on the response to the formal consultation exercise undertaken on the draft Aberdare Town Centre Strategy as agreed by Cabinet on 28th June 2023 and to highlight the changes made to the document in light of the responses received. The report also seeks approval from Cabinet to formally adopt the Strategy.

The Service Director of Prosperity and Development updated Members on the response to the formal consultation exercise undertaken on the draft Aberdare Town Centre Strategy as agreed by Cabinet on 28^th June 2023 and to highlight the changes made to the document in light of the responses received. The report also sought approval from Cabinet to formally adopt the Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity commented that the process undertaken was a positive example of pre-engagement and thanked the officers for their commitment. The Cabinet Member welcomed the proposals and was pleased to note that the majority of respondents were in favour of the plans for the Aberdate town centre.

The Deputy Leader was also in support of the recommendations contained within the report and was pleased to note that the document would strengthen following the robust consultation process.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To consider the findings from the formal consultation exercise undertaken in respect of the draft Aberdare Town Centre Strategy and supporting documents;

2.    To review and approve the range of revisions made to the Strategy following completion of the formal consultation;

3.    To approve the final Aberdare Town Centre Strategy and support the development of projects under the ‘investment themes’ included in the Strategy.

To receive the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director of Finance, Digital and Frontline Services, which sets out the Council’s updated Risk Management Strategy.

The Service Director of Finance and Improvement Services set out the Council’s updated Risk Management Strategy for Cabinet Member consideration.

The Service Director assured the Cabinet that the Council’s Risk Management Strategy is kept under regular review, with the latest update agreed by the Council’s Cabinet in July 2022, as endorsed by the Governance and Audit Committee.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Corporate Services welcomed the endorsement of the Risk Management Strategy by the Governance and Audit Committee.

The Cabinet Member was satisfied that the Strategy before Members ensures that the Council’s risk management arrangements continue to be fit for purpose. The Cabinet Member spoke positive of the toolkit, which had been devised to assist managers when undertaking risk management and had proven to be an asset.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the Council’s updated Risk Management Strategy, as endorsed by the Governance and Audit Committee at its meeting on 12th October 2023.

To receive the report of the Service Director, Democratic Services and Communication providing the feedback and comments of the items that were pre-scrutinised by the Council’s thematic Scrutiny Committee’s following its last Committee cycle.

The Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication provided Cabinet with the feedback and comments of the items that were pre-scrutinised by the Council’s thematic Scrutiny Committee’s following its last Committee cycle.

The Service Director drew Members’ attention to section 5 of the report, which outlined the following items that had been pre-scrutinised in line with the Committee’s Terms of reference:

·       Proposal to declare a new additional Licensing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation in 2024 – Community Services Scrutiny Committee; and

·       Day Services for Older People - Community Services Scrutiny Committee.

The Deputy Leader took the opportunity to thank the Scrutiny Committee for the comments and observations and welcomed the constructive engagement of Scrutiny Members towards the next two items of business.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the comments and observations of the Scrutiny Committees following pre-scrutiny of the items listed within section 5 of the report.

To receive the report of the Director of Social Services, which makes recommendations with regards to the future delivery of the Council’s Day Services for older people.

The Director of Social Services made recommendations with regards to the future delivery of the Council’s day services for older people.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care thanked the Director for the comprehensive report and thanked the Community Services Scrutiny Committee for its observations and comments.

The Cabinet Member took the opportunity to emphasise that there was a strong rationale behind the proposed changes and stated that the proposals would deliver positive benefits for service users. The Cabinet Member noted that most clients were not from the locality of individual locations.

Prior to speaker submissions, the Deputy Leader took the opportunity to speak of a recent visit undertaken by herself and the Leader to Cwrt yr Orsaf Extra Care in Pontypridd, following concerns raised. The Deputy Leader spoke positive of her visit and the vast amount of modernised facilities available to service users, such as a large restaurant, beauty salon, cinema room and large garden. Furthermore, the Deputy Leader spoke of the wider facilities in Pontypridd, available to users, such as Ynysangharad Park.

With the agreement of the Leader, the following Non-Committee Member was granted permission to address the Cabinet:

·       County Borough Councillor D Grehan

With the agreement of the Leader, the following Trade Union representative was granted permission to address the Cabinet:

·       Mr C Jones – GMB

Note: Prior to the meeting, correspondence from GMB was circulated to Cabinet Members for consideration by the Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication.

The Leader thanked the speakers for their contributions. In terms of concerns raised around the shared access to some of the facilities, the Leader spoke positive of the large space and advised that there were also dedicated rooms available to clients. In terms of the facilities, the Leader confirmed that the design meets the specification for the type of facility and explained that it was designed to be a shared use for clients within the facility and to provide other clients with support. The Leader took on board the concerns of the Trade Union representative and commented that he would be happy to meet outside of the meeting to discuss matters further.

The Director of Social Services advised that Practice Solutions were initially commissioned to undertake a review of the day services and residential model and it was recommended that a new service model is implemented. The Director acknowledged that positive comments were made in respect of Tonyrefail but circumstances had changed since 2019. The Director spoke of the pandemic but also recognised that facilities had since been developed at Cwrt yr Orsaf; and was of the view that it would meet the needs of the service users of Tonyrefail.

In terms of concerns around the space available, the Director spoke of the importance of socialisation and integration of individuals and advised that the facility would provide them with the opportunity to integrate with other individuals, often with the same level of needs. 

In terms of concerns raised around the wet room  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91.

To receive the report of the Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services advising Cabinet of the effectiveness of the 2019 Additional Licensing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and propose the Council declare a New Additional Licensing Scheme for HMOs from April 2024, in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act 2004.

The Head of Service for Public Protection and Regulatory Services presented the report to Cabinet on the effectiveness of the 2019 Additional Licensing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and propose the Council declare a New Additional Licensing Scheme for HMOs from April 2024, in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act 2004.

The Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities took the opportunity to thank officers for the comprehensive report; and noted the successful implementation of two recommendations made during the last review to review the administration scheme and to speed up the application process; both of which, work to create a more efficient licensing system.

The Cabinet Member was confident that over the years, the additional licensing scheme in addition to the mandatory licensing scheme had worked proactively to regulate Houses in Multiple Occupation in Rhondda Cynon Taf and had been vital in ensuring ensure residents are safe and to minimise the impact of shared houses. The Cabinet Member also noted that the Schemes allow the Council to work with landlords and to use action when necessary for those who are non-compliant.

The Cabinet Member thanked the Community Services Scrutiny Committee for its involvement and agreed with its recommendation to include an additional fire safety condition to be in line with the Building Safety Act 2022.

The Deputy Leader echoed the Cabinet Member’s comments and was supportive of the proposal. The Deputy Leader welcomed further communication with the University, to ensure the wellbeing of the young people using HMO’s for educational purposes.  

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the findings of the Evaluation of the 2019 Additional HMO Licensing Scheme in Rhondda Cynon Taf and the feedback from the Community Services Scrutiny Committee held on 21^st November 2023;

2.    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 31st March 2024 and instruct officers to make the necessary arrangements in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act 2004;

3.    To approve the continued inclusion of all types of HMO within the scope of the new 2024 Scheme;

4.    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 2024 (in addition to any bespoke conditions relevant to individual licences); and

5.    To approve the proposed fee structure as detailed in Appendix 4 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”.

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”.

To receive the report of the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director of Finance, Digital and frontline services, which sets out the options for Cabinet to consider in terms of ongoing service delivery arrangements with the Internal Audit Service.

Following the consideration of the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director for Finance, Digital and Frontline 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 that the proposed way forward for the future arrangements for the delivery of the Council’s Internal Audit Service be implemented.