Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting and apologies for absence were received from County Borough Councillors S Belzak, A Calvert, J Cullwick, A S Fox, E George, J James, K Jones, M Fidler Jones, W Owen, S Pickering, M Powell, S M Powell, M Tegg and R Turner.

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

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject 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 prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when theyleave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the following declarations were made pertaining to the agenda:

County Borough Councillor P Jarman also declared the following personal interest:

in relation to the following agenda items:

Agenda item 6 –Rhondda Cynon Taf Statement of Accounts and External Audit Report

Agenda item 7 – Flood Alleviation Progress & Overview Report

Agenda item 8 – Medium Term Financial Plan Update

Agenda item 9 – Council Investment Priorities

““Dispensation to speak and vote on all matters for the duration and adoption of the 2021-22 Budget process in my capacity as Leader of the Opposition”

Ø  County Borough Councillor R Lewis County Borough presented the Chairman with a petition on behalf of ward Councillor E George and residents in respect of ‘Speed Reduction Measures for Abercynon Road, Abercynon Road’. 

Ø  County Borough Councillor J Elliott announced the great achievement of Tom Matthews from Aberdare who in his first Paralympics event which had been held in Tokyo, had won a Bronze medal in the table tennis event. He was welcomed home by everyone in the locality.

Ø  County Borough Councillor P Jarman announced that Aberystwyth University had recently announced the appointment of 10 new honorary fellows, to include Rhuanedd Richards, Director of Content & Services for BBC Cymru Wales for her outstanding contribution to the field of Broadcasting. Rhuanedd lived in Cefnpennar and Cwmaman,and was educated through the medium of the Welsh language She attended Aberystwyth University and is former President of NUS Wales and now resides in Pontypridd. Councillor Jarman also wished to send her condolences to a very close colleague of Rhuanedd, Magi Dodd, a DJ on Radio Cymru who had sadly died at the age of 44 years.

Ø  County Borough Councillor E Griffiths wished to also pay tribute to Magi Dodd. Magi was born in Pontypridd and attended Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen, a presenter and producer and who was passionate about Welsh Language music and championed many bands such as ‘Breichiau Hir’ who said she made them feel like” absolute rock stars”. She was unique and managed to reach a young audience through Radio Cymru. She produced many radio programmes including that of Councillor S Rees-Owen. Councillor E Griffiths wished to extend her condolences to Magi’s family.

Ø  County Borough Councillor D Owen-Jones announced that Hayley Jacobs, Career Leader at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School, who resides in the Tonyrefail East Ward, has won the prestigious UK wide Development Institute Career Leader of the Year for 2021. She has twice been shortlisted for the prize. Hayley has also been approached to write a National publication on Career Leadership. Councillor D Owen-Jones requested that a letter is written to Hayley from the relevant Cabinet Member or Director of Education & Inclusion Services acknowledging her achievement.

To approve as an accurate record, the minutes of the following virtual Council

meetings:-

Ø  30^th June 2021 (5pm meeting)

Ø  14^th July 2021

The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 30^th June 2021 (5pm) and the 14^th July 2021 as an accurate reflection of the meeting subject to the duplication under ‘announcements’ (30^th June 2021) being deleted and subject to it being noted that the Conservative Group had left the meeting for consideration of the Notice of Motion (11B) (BEIS) (30^th June 2021).

In accordance with Open Government Council Meeting Procedure Rule 2, to receive any statements from the Leader of the Council and/or statements from Cabinet Portfolio Holders:

Statement from the Leader of the Council:

The Leader of the Council extended his thanks to all social care staff across the Council and to the staff within the Independent sector for the volume of work they have undertaken throughout the pandemic. He added that staff are exhausted from working additional shifts to cover those who are having to self-isolate, and staff are also dealing with the loss of patients during the pandemic.

The Leader advised that four years ago, the Council moved all in-house staff to the living wage foundation, two years ago all independent sector domiciliary care staff moved onto the same wage and the soon-to-be published Cabinet report will reference a move to the living wage for those within the independent sector, residential, supported living and direct payments sectors. The pressure on the care service in RCT at the moment is challenging.

As Leader of the WLGA, the Leader of the Council has since met with Ministers regarding the pressures within this sector and further meetings will be held to discuss the all-Wales situation, as a number of local authorities are facing difficulties maintaining a level of care. The Leader advised that RCT is still managing to maintain its levels of care in this service area as it works with the voluntary and independent sector. The Leader indicated that, in the view of the Directors of Social Services, the challenges ahead will be unprecedented this year.

In the coming months the local authority may need to take appropriate action to safeguard the most vulnerable individuals within the social care sector and this matter is being discussed across all local authorities. In conclusion, the Leader once again extended his thanks, on behalf of all members from all political groups, to those social care staff for working tirelessly to keep residents and loved ones as safe as possible.

To receive Members questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9.2.

(N.B a maximum of 20 minutes shall be allowed for questions on notice.)

Members were advised that apologies of absence had been received from Councillor A. S. Fox and the Service Director Democratic Services & Communications confirmed that question 5 would not be put to the Cabinet Member.

Question from County Borough Councillor W. Treeby to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan:

“Can the Leader make a statement on community safety and local policing in Rhondda Cynon Taf?”

Response from County Borough Councillor A. Morgan:

The Leader commented that Cwm Taf Community Safety Partnership Board is the strategic leadership group for planning, commissioning and delivering community safety related activities and services. The Partnership Board includes: RCT and Merthyr Tydfil Councils, South Wales Police, National Probation Service, South Wales Fire & Rescue, CTM Health Board, and also non-statutory members.

The Leader advised that the Board deals with a number of matters relating to crime reduction and community safety in Cwm Taf, with a particular focus on areas such as Anti-Social Behaviour where the Council’s Community Safety team work closely with SWP to ensure all perpetrators of ASB are dealt with appropriately. A strategic group meets monthly to discuss the most problematic areas, with actions plans in place to respond to identified issues.

Another area includes Offender Management working with the Probation Service, substance misuse working with the CTM Area Planning Board provides regional framework for strong partnership working and strategic leadership to work toward WG Substance Misuse Strategy, Violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence, the Community Safety Team is in the process of re-launching “Ask Angela” campaign, and this will be rolled-out across licensed premises in the County for people feeling vulnerable or unsafe. 

In addition, the Leader explained that the Safety Partnership Board also covers areas such as Community cohesion & Counter terrorism which demonstrates that there is a whole raft of services in place.

Supplementary question from County Borough Councillor W. Treeby:

“With investment over recent years in CCTV cameras in town centres, what impact has the investment had and has it been worthwhile?”

Response from County Borough Councillor A. Morgan:

The Leader commented that moving to the digital cameras has been very worthwhile and added that he had recently attended the CCTV centre to see first-hand the investment. He advised that the quality of the pictures is much improved and assists the Police identify people easily and quickly and enables them to act on local

intelligence with the backing of the CCTV footage and their feedback has been

invaluable.

Question from County Borough Councillor R. Williams to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan:

“Will the Leader outline this Council’s plans to develop an Integrated Transport Network across the County Borough?”

Response from County Borough Councillor A. Morgan:

The Leader stated that while local authorities work on the South East Wales Transport Plan, put together by local authorities on a regional footprint, the biggest impact will be the Metro. He advised that the new rolling stock is being manufactured, some in Newport and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

The Service Director Democratic Services and Communications presented an update regarding the adopted and published Council Work Programme advising that a meeting of the Freedom of the Borough Working Group, chaired by the Mayor, would be held to consider the nominations and subsequently reported to Council at a later than planned date. At an appropriate time, a report outlining the recommendations and feedback regarding the Notices of Motions referred to Scrutiny will be presented to Council collectively and a further update in respect of the broadcasting of meetings and hybrid working arrangements will also be reported at the conclusion of the second phase of the rollout.

It was advised that two further updates would be reported to Council in October namely the Review of Regulation, Awareness and Enforcement of Flood and Water Legislation which was recently supported by Cabinet and the RLDP. In conclusion, the Service Director confirmed that Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board would present an update to Council in November.

To receive the report of the Director of Finance & Digital Services.

To receive the report of the Service Director of Frontline Services.

The Service Director presented the report of the Group Director Prosperity Development and Frontline Services which provided Members with an update on progress on Flood Alleviation measures and associated work on infrastructure since Storm Dennis.

The Service Director advised that a Power Point presentation would accompany the report which provided an overview of some of the many improvements undertaken since Storm Dennis such as over £3.5M spent in delivering maintenance works to coal spoil tips across RCT and on the emergency works to the slip at Tylorstown, over £4M was spent on repairing damage to structures and drainage networks and almost £2.3M was spent on new Flood Alleviation Schemes.

The Service Director commented that a report to Cabinet on the 21^st September 2021 had considered increasing resources towards flood awareness and enforcement and had recommended the adoption of the regulation, awareness and enforcement of flood and water legislation by the Council following Storm Dennis. He added that in parallel with this report a Members’ briefing in respect of Flood Risk Management and Byelaws had been held and was well attended. He advised that, as alluded to by the Service Director Democratic Services & Communications, a report in respect of the byelaws will be presented to the October Council.

The Service Director Frontline Services delivered his Power Point presentation which showed the various schemes with the use of photographs including the emergency control room established in Ty Elai in the event of any emergency event.

Following the presentation Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions and did so in relation to the following:

Ø  Should the Council be responsible where its infrastructure failed because historically it had not been maintained in the run up to the floods? Do the pre flood records determine how fragile those infrastructures are?

Ø  Are any of the insurance claims submitted on the basis of negligence on behalf of the Council?

Ø  As set out in the report to Council, what is the final report relating to Campbell Terrace culvert and who was it reported to?

Ø  Is there a third phase to be implemented in Bronallt Terrace in Abercwmboi?

Ø  Is there an update on the works at the advanced works at the Glenboi pumping station?

Ø  What is the latest from NRW regarding the review of river flooding in the ward?

Ø  Self-help and local measures-Is there further information available regarding which properties have and have not been offered flood gates as there seems to be inconsistency?

Ø  Emergency Planning Community Response – what are the timescales for confirming the draft plan and list of potential premises?

Ø  Is there a timetable confirming the remaining Section 19 Reports?

Ø  The report states that further inspections are being commissioned for the wall along Berw Road, can you give us timescales for the inspections as although the wall has been repaired, there are still concerns that the wall is not working as a defence?

The Leader of the Council and Service Director Frontline  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

The Director of Finance & Digital Services presented his update report to Members on the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2021/22 to 2024/25, based on current modelling assumptions in advance of formulating the detailed budget strategy proposals for 2022/23 during the autumn.

Members were informed that the pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented demand and financial pressures across all the Council’s services which has, in the main, been funded by Welsh Government’s hardship fund. Nationally there will be a 3-year spending review which will be announced on the 27^th October 2021 which will be key in determining the level of funding available for devolved nations in the context of the wider economic and fiscal recovery.

The Director advised that, as set out in section 5 of the report, the Council’s updated MTFP has been formulated against this backdrop and modelling assumptions. The outcome of the modelling is shown at figure 1 with a budget gap in all scenarios which amounts to a £26 million gap across the 3 years at a 4 % positive settlement to a £52 million gap across the 3 years at a 2% positive settlement.

The Director commented that in order to continue balancing the budget the Council will need to remain focussed and well prepared for a range of potential scenarios and the medium term financial and service planning arrangements will continue to serve the council well in this regard.

In conclusion, the Director advised that the updated MTFP would be presented to the Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee as part of the 2022/23 budget consultation process.

Following discussion and consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to note the current position modelled in respect of the ‘Medium Term Financial Plan 2021/22 to 2024/25’ and receive further updates in the autumn as part of the annual budget setting process.

To receive the report of the Director of Finance and Digital Services

The Director of Finance and Digital Services presented his report which set out the position regarding the opportunity for the Council to further invest in its priority areas, aligned to the Corporate Plan, “Making a Difference” 2020 – 2024. In presenting his report, he sought Council’s agreement of the additional investment and funding arrangements as set out in paragraph 4 which, if agreed, will be incorporated into the Council’s Capital Programme.

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to agree the additional investment and funding arrangements as set out in paragraph 4 which will be incorporated into the Council’s Capital Programme.

To receive the report of the Director of Legal Services

The Director of Legal Services presented his report and associated appendices

in relation to the publication of the initial proposals of the Boundary Commission

for Wales, which were published on the 8^th September 2021 in respect of the

proposed new parliamentary constituencies in Wales.

The Director referred Members to the recommendations set out within the report

to include the recommendation to refer the matter to the Overview & Scrutiny

Committee for its consideration. The Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny

Committee concurred with the proposal and advised that an invitation

to all Members of the Council would be circulated to attend and contribute to the

matter.

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED:

1. To refer consideration of the initial proposals of the Boundary Commission to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and agree the feedback therefrom be presented to Council at its meeting to be held on the 20^th October 2021, in order that a response can be made by the deadline of the 3^rd November 2021; and

2. To invite all Members of the Council to attend the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and contribute to this matter.

To receive the report of the Service Director Democratic Services & Communication

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communications presented his report to advise Members of the change to the Labour representation on the Governance & Audit Committee, Public Service Delivery, Communities and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee and the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee.

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to note that:

1.     County Borough Councillor J Barton is to be nominated in place of County Borough Councillor G Caple on the Governance and Audit Committee;

2.     County Borough Councillor J Barton is to be nominated in place of County Borough Councillor J Harries on the Public Service Delivery, Communities and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee; and

3.     County Borough Councillor J Barton is to be nominated in place of County Borough Councillor D Owen-Jones on the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee.

A.    To consider the under-mentioned Notices of Motion standing in the names of M. Griffiths, J. Barton, L. M. Adams, D. R. Bevan, H. Boggis, J. Bonetto, S. Bradwick, J. Brencher, A. Calvert, G. Caple, A. Crimmings, A. Davies-Jones, L. De- Vet, J. Edwards, J. Elliott, S. Evans, G. Jones, M. Fidler Jones, M. Forey, A. Fox, E. George, J. Harries, G. Holmes, G. Hopkins, R. Lewis, W. Lewis, C. Leyshon, A. Morgan, S. Morgans, M. A. Norris, D. Owen-Jones, S. Pickering, S. Powell, S. Rees, A. Roberts, J. Rosser, G. Stacey, M. Tegg, G. Thomas, W. Treeby, R. K. Turner, M. Webber, D. Williams, R. Williams, T. Williams,  R. Yeo

Over the course of the last 18 months, frontline heroes across the public and private sectors have led the fight against COVID-19, putting themselves at risk and making huge personal sacrifices to protect the NHS, save lives and ensure that the U.K. continues to operate.

Their contributions have been widely recognised, with millions going to the doorstep to show their appreciation over various points throughout the pandemic.  This appreciation has also extended to the rhetoric of the U.K. Government who have been quick to offer regular soundbites of empty appreciation for the frontline heroes.

However, in the one-year Comprehensive Spending Review last Autumn, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a public sector pay “pause” for this financial year, with only those earning under £24,000 and NHS staff being exempt.  In March, the U.K. Government came under fire after proposals for a 1% pay increase for those exempt from the “pause” were floated, whilst its improved offer of 3% following a recommendation from the NHS Pay Review body runs the risk of triggering industrial action.

Frontline heroes across the public sector now face another real terms cut despite their tireless efforts in ensuring services were maintained and our communities kept safe over the last 18 months.  Senior representatives from Police forces across England and Wales have already expressed their dismay and opposition to a 0% pay increase – which comes at a time when assaults on police officers exceeded 100-a-day (20% increase on the previous year).  In addition, the thousands of staff employed by this Council have been offered a 1.75% increase, which will need to be wholly funded by the Council’s own resources if it is accepted.

The Welsh Government’s Education Minister, Jeremy Miles MS has recently confirmed that he is minded to accept the recommended 1.75% rise in pay for teachers, although if agreed, it is likely that the funding will also need to be found from within existing resources, as the Welsh Government did not receive any additional funding through the Barnett formula to provide for public sector wide pay awards in 2021-22.  This is a decision of the UK Government’s making but once again it has a direct consequence for Wales.

This Council therefore resolves for the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Prime Minister to outline this  ...  view the full agenda text for item 63.

12A

The following Notice of Motion was received standing in the names of M. Griffiths, J. Barton, L. M. Adams, D. R. Bevan, H. Boggis, J. Bonetto, S. Bradwick, J. Brencher, A. Calvert, G. Caple, A. Crimmings, A. Davies-Jones, L. De- Vet, J. Edwards, J. Elliott, S. Evans, G. Jones, M. Fidler Jones, M. Forey, A. Fox, E. George, J. Harries, G. Holmes, G. Hopkins, R. Lewis, W. Lewis, C. Leyshon, A. Morgan, S. Morgans, M. A. Norris, D. Owen-Jones, S. Pickering, S. Powell, S. Rees, A. Roberts, J. Rosser, G. Stacey, M. Tegg, G. Thomas, W. Treeby, R. K. Turner, M. Webber, D. Williams, R. Williams, T. Williams and  R. Yeo.

Over the course of the last 18 months, frontline heroes across the public and private sectors have led the fight against COVID-19, putting themselves at risk and making huge personal sacrifices to protect the NHS, save lives and ensure that the U.K. continues to operate.

Their contributions have been widely recognised, with millions going to the doorstep to show their appreciation over various points throughout the pandemic.  This appreciation has also extended to the rhetoric of the U.K. Government who have been quick to offer regular soundbites of empty appreciation for the frontline heroes.

However, in the one-year Comprehensive Spending Review last Autumn, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a public sector pay “pause” for this financial year, with only those earning under £24,000 and NHS staff being exempt.  In March, the U.K. Government came under fire after proposals for a 1% pay increase for those exempt from the “pause” were floated, whilst its improved offer of 3% following a recommendation from the NHS Pay Review body runs the risk of triggering industrial action.

Frontline heroes across the public sector now face another real terms cut despite their tireless efforts in ensuring services were maintained and our communities kept safe over the last 18 months.  Senior representatives from Police forces across England and Wales have already expressed their dismay and opposition to a 0% pay increase – which comes at a time when assaults on police officers exceeded 100-a-day (20% increase on the previous year).  In addition, the thousands of staff employed by this Council have been offered a 1.75% increase, which will need to be wholly funded by the Council’s own resources if it is accepted.

The Welsh Government’s Education Minister, Jeremy Miles MS has recently confirmed that he is minded to accept the recommended 1.75% rise in pay for teachers, although if agreed, it is likely that the funding will also need to be found from within existing resources, as the Welsh Government did not receive any additional funding through the Barnett formula to provide for public sector wide pay awards in 2021-22.  This is a decision of the UK Government’s making but once again it has a direct consequence for Wales.

This Council therefore resolves for the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Prime Minister to outline  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.