• Agenda and minutes
  • Agenda and minutes

    Contact: Julia Nicholls - Democratic Services  01443 424098

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    Items
    No. Item

    64.

    Apologies

    Minutes:

    Apologies for absence were received from County Borough Councillors Sera Evans, A S Fox, M Fidler Jones, G Holmes, G Hopkins, P Howe, J James MS, W Jones, S M Powell, S Rees-Owen, J Rosser, E Stephens and M Tegg,

    65.

    Declaration of Interest

    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.

    Minutes:

    In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, County Borough Councillor P Jarman declared the following personal interest in relation to the following agenda items:

     

    Agenda item 6 - Council Tax Discounts

     

    Agenda item 9 - review of regulation, awareness AND ENFORCEMENT of flood and water legislation

     

    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”

     

    66.

    Announcements

    Minutes:

    Minute’s Silence

     

    The Leader led the Council in a Minute’s silence in memory of MP Sir David Amess who had been tragically murdered recently and in memory of the 116 children and 28 adults who lost their lives in the Aberfan disaster 55 years ago.

     

     

    Announcements

    County Borough Councillor S A Bradwick wished to congratulate Sheppard’s Chemist, Abercwmboi, Aberdare for being nominated for two Awards for 2021, the Independent Community Pharmacy Practice of the Year Award and the Excellence in Delivering Self-Care Agenda in Community Pharmacy Award. The Practice was nominated for these Awards due to the staff dedication and commitment during the pandemic and out of 500 nominations the Practice reached the final 3. The nominations are recognition of the staff’s hard work and support for the communities during a very difficult time and Cllr Bradwick wished to thank the staff members Katherine Sweet, Katherine Whatberts, Anna Matthews and Councillor Tina Williams for continuing to do so. He requested that a letter of congratulations is sent to the Practice from the Mayor.

     

    County Borough Councillor P Jarman wished to congratulate one of her resident’s son, Flight Lieutenant Steve Jones who is currently serving in the Falklands Islands and has been awarded the WallyMarriotRoyal Airforce Association Liaison award for his work with veterans during the Pandemic. The award recognises his work, commitment and dedication to supporting veterans. It was announced that Flight Lieutenant Steve Jones is a credit to the service and thoroughly deserved the award. Councillor Jarman also hoped the Mayor would send a letter of congratulations to Flight Lieutenant Steve Jones.

     

    County Borough Councillor R Lewis announced that Hope Rescue in Llanharan has been recognised by the RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards 2021, having achieved a Bronze Kennelling Award. PawPrints is run by the RSPCA to recognise local authorities, housing associations, contingency planners and other public sector organisations that go above and beyond basic or statutory requirements to ensure higher welfare standards for animals in the services they provide. Winning a PawPrints Award this year of all years is a huge achievement.

     

    67.

    Minutes pdf icon PDF 728 KB

    To approve as an accurate record, the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 29th September 2021.

    Minutes:

    The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 29th September 2021 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

    68.

    Members' Questions pdf icon PDF 436 KB

    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.)

    Minutes:

    Members’ Questions

     

    Members were advised that apologies of absence had been received from the Cabinet Member for Education & Inclusion Services, County Borough Councillor J Rosser, the Cabinet Member for Adult Services and the Welsh Language, County Borough Councillor G. Hopkins and the Chair of the Licensing Committee County Borough Councillor A S Fox and therefore written responses in respect of questions 4, 7, 8 and 10 would be circulated to all Members following the meeting.

     

    Members were also asked to note that questions 5 and 18 would fall due to apologies offered on behalf of County Borough Councillors S M Powell and P Howe.

     

     

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

     

    “Can the Council Leader make a statement on the plans to develop the North West Transport Corridor?”

     

    Response from County Borough Councillor A. Morgan:

     

    The Leader advised that the initial phase of work had been commissioned by Transport for Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Cardiff City Council and Welsh Government and produced a transport study on the North West Corridor which aims to improve travel connectivity between communities in RCT and north west Cardiff.

     

    The Leader highlighted some of the specific plans which have been identified to improve walking, cycling and transport links along the Corridor by 2025 such as Increasing the number of services on the City Line to at least four trains an hour between Cardiff Central and Radyr with a new station at Ely Mill, improvements to the Treforest Industrial Estate train station and a strategic bus park and ride service at Junction 33 of the M4. These packages of measures represent a more equitable way of travel.

     

    Supplementary question from County Borough Councillor R Yeo:

     

    I welcome the Beddau Spur Transport project, what does the Leader think the broader scheme will bring with it?

     

    Response from County Borough Councillor A. Morgan:

     

    The Leader stated that it is a significant project which will bring with it many benefits for the local residents and those who commute along the A4119 which is heavily congested, and he hoped it would bring with it a package of measures that would help bring with it a sustainable alternative to the increasingly pressurised road network.

     

     

    2.   Question from County Borough Councillor E George to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan:

     

    “Can the Leader of the Council outline what discussions are ongoing through the WLGA or directly through RCT in relation to next year’s Budget settlement?”

     

    Response from County Borough Councillor A. Morgan:

     

    The Leader advised that all 22 Council Leaders meet regularly with the Local Government and Finance Minister Rebecca Evans and the Leader had met with the Finance subgroup with Welsh Government recently. All discussions have been positive to date. He advised that next year Welsh Government will see a substantial increase in their budget partly from the increase in National Insurance however on the 27th October 2021 the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

    69.

    Council Work Programme 2021/22

    Minutes:

    The Service Director Democratic Services and Communications presented an update regarding the adopted and published Council Work Programme for the 2021/22 Municipal Year advising that the Revised Local Development Plan (RLDP) 2020-2030 has been deferred to the Council meeting in January 2022.  The Freedom of the Borough report would also be presented for Council’s consideration next month. The Cwm Taf University Health Board will attend the November Council meeting to commence at 4pm to accommodate this item.

    70.

    Council Tax Discounts pdf icon PDF 135 KB

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

    Minutes:

    Through his report the Director of Finance & Digital Services provided Members with the opportunity to review the level of Council Tax discount for prescribed classes of dwellings within the County Borough and to review, amend or reaffirm the level prescribed. 

     

    Members were referred to section 4 of the report which outlined the requirements of the Council in respect of the Council Tax discount provision, with the Director advising that the Council has discretion to award up to 50% discount in respect of two prescribed classes of dwellings (usually described as second homes and holiday homes), i.e., Class A and Class B.  Members were further advised that the Council had previously determined not to allow a discount in respect of Class A, B and C properties. In conclusion the Director advised that the Council proposes not to make any changes to its current arrangements.

     

    The Leader advised that a review would be undertaken by the appropriate Scrutiny

    Committee in respect of the level of discount for prescribed classes of dwellings,

    namely long-term empty properties and second homes, which was welcomed.  

     

    In response to a query, the Director advised that since the removal of the empty property discount on the 1st April 2018 the number of long-term empty dwellings in RCT has fallen by 19%.

     

    Following discussions, it was RESOLVED:

     

    1.         To agree the continuation of no Council Tax discount in respect of Class A, B and C properties.

     

    71.

    Council's Draft Corporate Performance Report 2021/22 pdf icon PDF 632 KB

    To receive the report of the Chief Executive.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Service Director Performance & Improvement presented Rhondda Cynon Taff’s draft Corporate Performance Report (CPR) which contains progress for 2020/21 and plans for 2021/22 in respect of the Council’s strategic priorities.  It also sets out how the CPR satisfies the legal duty on the Council, as with all Councils in Wales, to publish objectives, take all reasonable steps to meet those objectives and produce an annual report.

     

    The Service Director advised that the CPR is a balanced and evidence-based report and set in the context of the unprecedented challenges presented by the Covid 19 pandemic and ongoing recovery from Storm Dennis. He added that the information includes a range of sources, service information, external regulator reports and key regard has been given to the Council’s year end performance report 2020/21 which was reported to Cabinet and scrutinised by the Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee in July 2021.

     

    The Service Director confirmed that Cabinet, at its meeting on the 18th October 2021, recommended the approval of the CPR by Council. Subject to Council’s consideration the agreed action plans for the three priorities People, Place & Prosperity will form part of the Quarterly Performance Report which will be presented to Cabinet and scrutinised by the Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee during the year. The Council’s external regulators, Audit Wales, has a statutory duty to audit the CPR which will be formally reported to Council in due course.

     

    The Political Group Leaders paid tribute to all staff, frontline staff, social care workers and partners such as Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board for their response during the covid 19 pandemic.

     

    Following discussions, the Leader advised that the Council’s scrutiny committees are continuing to scrutinise the Council’s ongoing response to the pandemic and going forward he would likely, as Leader of the WLGA, be asked to provide evidence to a Welsh/UK enquiry into the Pandemic but stressed that it should not be about apportioning blame but more about lessons learned.

     

    Where indicated, it was confirmed that information would be provided to the individual Members following the meeting. Further to other queries raised, the Chief Executive advised that a recent report regarding the Council’s biodiversity projects had been presented to Cabinet to promote the sustainable management of natural resources, likewise a report is presented annually to Cabinet outlining the number and nature of complaints made in connection with the Local Authority which receives the second lowest number of complaints per head of population of all the local authorities across Wales.

     

    It was RESOLVED to approve the draft CPR (Appendix 1) as endorsed by Cabinet at its meeting on the 18th October 2021.

     

    (Note: The Members present from the RCT Independent Group (County Borough Councillors M Powell, L Walker, K Jones, W Owen) and County Borough Councillor S Belzak wished to have it recorded that they voted not to approve RCT’s draft CPR)

     

    72.

    Responses to the Boundary Commission For Wales' Initial Proposals pdf icon PDF 242 KB

    To receive the joint report of the Director of Legal Services and Service Director of Democratic Services & Communications.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Service Director Democratic Services & Communications presented his report which provided Council with the feedback following consideration by Members, on a cross party basis, through the Overview & Scrutiny Committee held on the 12th October 2021, of the initial proposals of the Boundary Commission for Wales, in respect of the proposed new parliamentary constituencies in Wales as referred by Council.

     

    The Service Director advised that subject to any additions or amendments, the letter containing the feedback will form the basis of the Council’s formal response to the Boundary Commission for Wales.

     

    Following consideration of the responses, it was RESOLVED to adopt the comments contained within the draft letter as the formal response of the local authority subject to the following comments being inserted:

     

    Members felt strongly that as Aberaman once formed part of the Aberdare Urban District Council, the historical relationship of Aberaman (North and South) lends itself to Aberdare rather than the proposals to combine these electoral wards from the neighbouring Cynon Valley constituency with Pontypridd”.

    73.

    Review of Regulation, Awareness and Enforcement of Flood and Water Legislation pdf icon PDF 707 KB

    To receive the report of the Director Frontline Services

    Minutes:

    The Director of Frontline Services presented his report which detailed the review of the regulation, awareness and enforcement of flood and water legislation within the Council following Storm Dennis. The report further advised of the implementation of an enhanced Flood Awareness and Enforcement team following agreement by Cabinet at its meeting on the 21st September 2021 and proposed increased regulation via the enactment of Land Drainage Byelaws under Section 66 of the Land Drainage Act 1991.

     

    The Director referred Members to the recommendations of Cabinet in their entirety as set out at point 4.1.2 of the report and of the importance of the Member briefing that was held on the 28th September in respect of Flood Risk Management and Byelaws.

     

    In conclusion, the Director explained how the ordinary watercourse byelaws have been designed as a model for local authorities to either use in their current formatas a whole or to help develop their individual byelaws and will assist the Local Authority manage the increased risks of flooding.

     

    Following discussion and responses to queries raised, MembersRESOLVED to:

     

    1.     Note the recommendations that were approved by Cabinet at its meeting held on the 21st September 2021 and as set out at 4.1.2 of the report;

     

       2.    Note that a Members’ briefing session in respect of the proposed adoption of Model Byelaws under the Land Drainage Act 1991 was held on the 28th September 2021, to which all Members were invited; and

     

      3.     Authorise Officers to commence the process of formally adopting the Model Land Drainage Byelaws as attached at Appendix 1 to the report (and as recommended by Cabinet at its meeting on 21st September 2021) in accordance with the Local Government Byelaws (Wales) Act 2012.

     

    74.

    Appointment of additional Lay Members onto the Governance & Audit Committee pdf icon PDF 393 KB

    To receive the report of the Service Director Democratic Services & Communications.

    Minutes:

    The Service Director Democratic Services & Communications presented his report to advise Council of the arrangements in respect of the appointment of Lay Members to the Governance & Audit Committee, in accordance with the relevant Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021 provisions which come into force in May 2022.

     

    The Service Director advised that with the introduction of the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021 further amendments now need to be taken forward in respect of the membership and role of the Governance and Audit Committee. He referred to the key points within his report.

     

    Members were referred to section 5 of the report which set out the requirements of the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021 with regards to membership and chair arrangements for the Governance & Audit Committee.

     

    The Service Director proposed that the membership configuration of the Governance & Audit Committee is reviewed and reduced to 9 for the Municipal Year 2022-2023 with 6 Elected Members and 3 lay persons. He sought Council’s consideration for extending the term of office for the existing Lay Member on the Governance & Audit Committee for a further period, until the next ordinary Local Government elections following May 2022.

     

    Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED:

     

    1.     To note the arrangements as set out in the report, relating to the appointment of new Lay Members to the Governance & Audit Committee for a term of office commencing from the beginning of the 2022-2023 Municipal Year until the next ordinary Local Government Elections;

     

         2.    To agree, that following the recruitment process detailed in the report, a further report be presented to Council in order to receive recommendations from the Appointments Committee in respect of the appointment of Lay Members to the Governance & Audit Committee; and

     

         3.   For the reasons set out in the report, agree an extension to the term of office of the current Lay Member appointed to the Governance & Audit Committee, Mr. Christopher Jones, until the ordinary Local Government Elections following May 2022 (currently scheduled for May 2027).

     

    75.

    Hybrid Meetings- Review of Progress to Date pdf icon PDF 437 KB

    To receive the report of the Service Director Democratic Services & Communications.

    Minutes:

    The Service Director Democratic Services & Communications through his report, provided Members with details of the meetings undertaken during July – September through hybrid webcasting arrangements and updated Council in respect of future arrangements for implementation supported by the Democratic Services Committee.

     

    The Service Director advised that following discussions at Council and following a review by the Democratic Services Committee of the progress of the hybrid meetings to date, it was the intention was to undertake a phased roll out of the hybrid approach with a series of mock demonstrations in advance of each meeting. This would ensure a steady timetable of meetings with consideration of the needs of each individual Committee.

     

    In conclusion the Service Director referred Members to the timetable set out at 6.6 of the report which included the progression of a combination of scrutiny, regulatory and governance themed committees.

     

    Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to note the further progress made with the phased roll out approach to hybrid meetings detailed within section 3 of the report.

    76.

    Urgent Executive Decisions pdf icon PDF 159 KB

    To receive the report of the Service Director Democratic Services & Communications.

    Minutes:

    In accordance with the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules 17.2(a), the Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication presented an overview of the Urgent Decisions taken forward by the Cabinet Committee and Urgent Key Officer Delegated Decisions taken forward outside of the Cabinet Committee during the period June– September 2021

     

    It was RESOLVED to note the information contained within the report.

     

     

     

    77.

    Notice of Motion

    13A Notice of Motion

    To consider the under-mentioned Notices of Motion standing in the names of Councillor E Webster, K Morgan, P Jarman, S Evans, J Williams, A Cox, S Rees Owen, M Weaver, D Grehan, E Griffiths, H Fychan, E Stephens, L  Jones, G Davies, A Chapman, J Davies and J Cullwick:

     

    “That this Council urgently reconsiders its duty and implementation of its enforcement powers in relation to making our streets safe and accessible and free from the hazards caused by parking infringements in our communities

    There is growing evidence that the safety of children is being put at risk because of indiscriminate parking on highways and lanes adjacent to schools across the County. 

    There are growing tensions in our communities and frustrations that public bodies, like this Council and the police are not doing enough to protect our children from harm.

    Such opinions are also being expressed in communities generally where incidents of dangerous and inconsiderate parking are causing tensions.

    In order that such matters are urgently addressed this Council resolves

    To refer this matter to the relevant scrutiny committee, requestingthe establishment of a scrutiny working group as a matter of urgency which will identify a range of sustainable measures together with proposals for implementation to address the issue, including (but not exclusive):’

    Undertaking a review of what can be done to improve the use of the Council’s current powers including the use of approved fixed cameras in hotspot locations and increasing mobile patrols.

    Examining the benefit of a public information exercise reminding motorists to always park responsibly.

    To consider calling on Welsh Government to legislate for moving traffic offences identified by approved cameras as a positive addition to current enforcement powers vested in local Councils

     

     

    Minutes:

    The following Notice of Motion was received in the names of Councillors E. Webster, K. Morgan, Jarman, S. Evans, J. Williams, A. Cox, S, Rees Owen, M. Weaver, D. Grehan, E. Griffiths, H. Fychan, E. Stephens, L. Jones, G. Davies, A, Chapman, J. Davies, J. Cullwick:

    That this Council urgently reconsiders its duty and implementation of its enforcement powers in relation to making our streets safe and accessible and free from the hazards caused by parking infringements in our communities

    There is growing evidence that the safety of children is being put at risk because of indiscriminate parking on highways and lanes adjacent to schools across the County. 

    There are growing tensions in our communities and frustrations that public bodies, like this Council and the police are not doing enough to protect our children from harm.

    Such opinions are also being expressed in communities generally where incidents of dangerous and inconsiderate parking are causing tensions.

    In order that such matters are urgently addressed this Council resolves

    To refer this matter to the relevant scrutiny committee, requestingthe establishment of a scrutiny working group as a matter of urgency which will identify a range of sustainable measures together with proposals for implementation to address the issue, including (but not exclusive):’

    Undertaking a review of what can be done to improve the use of the Council’s current powers including the use of approved fixed cameras in hotspot locations and increasing mobile patrols.

    Examining the benefit of a public information exercise reminding motorists to always park responsibly.

    To consider calling on Welsh Government to legislate for moving traffic offences identified by approved cameras as a positive addition to current enforcement powers vested in local Councils

    Following discussion in respect of the motion and in accordance with the Council Rules of Procedure 12.7, it was RESOLVED not to adopt the notice of motion.

     

    (Note: The following Members present, wished to have it recorded as voting in favour of the Notice of Motion:

     

    Plaid Cymru Group - County Borough Councillors A Cox, J Cullwick, G R Davies, H Fychan, D Grehan, E Griffiths, P Jarman, L Jones, K Morgan, M Weaver, E Webster and J Williams.

     

    Conservative Group – County Borough Councillors L Hooper and S Trask

     

    RCT Independent Group – County Borough Councillors L Walker and K Jones

     

    County Borough Councillor S Belzak).