Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from:

Cllr Margaret Griffiths

Cllr Julie Barton

Gill Lewis – Clerk to Llanharry Community Council

Emma Nelmes – Clerk to Hirwaun and Penderyn Community Council

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct

Note:  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 where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

None

To receive as an accurate record the minutes of the meeting on the 23.04.2021

RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the meeting held on the 23^rd April 2021 subject to the inclusion of Tony Graham from Pontypridd Town Council being added to the list of attendees

The Head of Leisure, Parks and Countryside presented the report to members to inform them of the Queens Green Canopy Project (QGC) following consideration by the Council’s Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group and the Cabinet.

He advised Members that the campaign is focused on the role of trees and woodlands in enhancing our environment and includes elements of sustainable planting and the protection of ancient woodland and veteran trees. An Overview of the Project by the Queen’s Green Canopy Board was also provided to members in Appendix 1. Individuals, schools, communities, groups, businesses, and local authorities are being encouraged to get involved.

A Member thanked the officer for the report and stated that there are a number of town councillors who were keen to see tree planting happening on land owned by the Community Councils.  He asked the Officer if there was any price variance in the trees that are planted

The Officer responded that the trees varied from between £5 and £15, depending on where and when they were purchased.  He added that the Queens Canopy would seek to ensure they are British grown trees which is important as a lot can be imported from Italy.  He further added that the Local Authority carefully selects the nurseries. 

He advised members that if the Community Councils wanted to engage in the process then his team were more than happy to support and engage with them in the process

RESOLVED: Members noted the report

The Service Director Democratic Services and Communications presented the report to members which detailed their work programme for the Municipal Year 2021-22.  He advised members that it would be a shorter municipal year when taking into account the elections in 2022.

The Service Director Democratic Services and Communications added that there was capacity in the Work Programme for Members to identify any relevant training opportunities. 

The Chairperson advised that members should take advantage of any training opportunities that arise as these can prove useful for members in carrying out their role as Community Councillors.  

To receive an update from the Service Director of Democratic Services and Communications

The Service Director Democratic Services and Communications provided the Committee with an update in respect of the work being taking forward which is summarised below:

• A participation strategy for 16/17 year olds
• Boundary commission confirmed a review will take place, reports will be brought forward to members of the Committee over the next 12 months as necessary.
• First hybrid meeting will take place next week, will not be broadcast live but that will follow later in the year. A series of mock meetings would take place first to allow members to become familiar with the equipment and processes. Remote meetings would continue to be the default for the Authority.
• Democratic Services continue to be in dialogue with Community Council clerks through the clerks meetings as to how we can support them to meet the requirements of the Act 

The Chairperson stated that any proposed changes made by the boundary commission has the full engagement of the Community Councils as the changes could affect all areas.  She also offered that if any of the clerks wished to view the Councils new chamber facilities to contact the Democratic Services team.  She informed members that since meetings had been held virtually the Authority had seen an increase in attendance at meetings.  

One member mentioned that virtual meetings had been an advantage to their Community Council.  He added that their Community Council was relatively small and they did not have a base as they did not own any property, therefore they would struggle to hold meetings of a hybrid nature which he felt would be an issue for a lot of other Community Councils.

One member stated that whilst hybrid/virtual meetings were advantageous he did express his concern at the cost and access implications and it would be a long process for his community council with lots of issues to resolve first to ensure they had the best tools available for their community. 

The Chairperson thanked members for their comments and reassured them that where the Authority were able to support Community Councils they would be available to them and urged members to ask their clerks to reach out to the Democratic Services Team.

RESOLVED: Members noted the report

To consider any urgent items as the Chairman feels appropriate.

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