Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed attendees to the hybrid meeting of the Council and apologies for absence were received from County Borough Councillors A Chapman, J Davies, A-Davies Jones, J Edwards, J Elliott, S Evans, M Fidler Jones, M Griffiths, G Holmes, G Hopkins, S Pickering, S Powderhill.

The following Councillors and officers were present in the Council Chamber:

County Borough Councillors A Morgan, R Bevan, A Crimmings, G Caple, W Lewis, C Leyshon, M Norris, S Rees, R Williams, M Powell, L Walker, E Stephens, S Trask and L Hooper.

Mr C Bradshaw, Chief Executive, Mr B Davies, Director of Finance & Digital Services, Mr A Wilkins, Director Legal Services and Mr C Hanagan, Service Director Democratic Services & Communications.

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 made pertaining to the agenda were declared later in the meeting (Minutes 128 and 129 refer):

Agenda item 6 -STATE OF THE COUNTY BOROUGH DEBATE

County Borough Councillor S Trask - Personal – “My wife is employed by the NHS in Wales”.

County Borough Councillor J Barton - Personal – “I am a Chair of Governor of two schools in the County Borough”. ?

AGENDA ITEM 7 -MEMBER’S MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

County Borough Councillor A Morgan – Personal – “I have been leading some of the discussions as WLGA Leader”.

Minute’s Silence

The Deputy Presiding Officer led the Minute’s silence in memory of former County Borough Councillor John Watts and the former Deputy Chief Executive Mr Steve Merritt, both of whom had recently passed away.

In memory of Mr Steve Merritt:

Ø    The Leader paid tribute to Mr Steve Merritt through his role as former Chief Executive helping to shape and steer the Council through a difficult period and in his role as Finance Officer. The Leader described Steve as a true gentleman who had maintained his friendships following his retirement from the Council. On behalf of the Labour Group, he extended his condolences to Steve’s family and colleagues on their loss.

Ø    County Borough Councillor P Jarman recounted her memories of working with Steve Merritt who had worked his way up the ranks to senior management as Corporate Services Director until 2014 and Chief Executive until 2015. On behalf of the Plaid Cymru Group, Councillor Jarman wished to send her sincere condolences to Steve’s family and friends.

Ø    County Borough Councillor M Powell paid tribute to Steve Merritt and wished to pass on his condolences to Steve’s family and friends.

In memory of former County Borough Councillor John Watts:

Ø     The Leader of the Council remembered John Watt’s passion for the Rhondda and his local community and mourned his loss to as a former County Borough Councillor who worked hard for the local residents. The Leader also paid tribute to a good friend and colleague, and he passed his condolences to John’s family and friends.

Ø     County Borough Councillor P Jarman remembered John’s time as Mayor for the Council, chairing council meetings. On behalf of the Plaid Cymru Group, Councillor Jarman wished to pass on her condolences to John’s family and friends.

Ø     County Borough Councillor M Powell acknowledged John’s professionalism as councillor and on behalf of the RCT Independent Group extended his condolences to John’s family at this sad time.

Resignation of County Borough Councillor M Tegg:

Ø  The Deputy Presiding Officer announced the resignation of County Borough Councillor Margaret Tegg due to ill health. He led the tributes to her followed by all the Group Leaders who paid tribute to Councillor Tegg individually. Councillor Tegg had served as a member of the authority from 2008 representing the Cymmer wardand was Mayor, representing the County Borough for the 2017 – 2018 Municipal Year. On behalf of all the political groups, the Group Leaders sent their best wishes to Councillor Margaret Tegg for her retirement.

Councillor W Treeby, Mayor for Rhondda Cynon Taf also paid tribute to Councillor Tegg, particularly in her role as former Mayor. Councillor Treeby wished Councillor Tegg a very happy retirement.

Ø  County Borough Councillor L Walker announced that Ysgol Ty Coch, Tonteg had become overall winners for Secondary Schools, Safer Internet Day Film Competition 2022, run by Welsh Government. Whilst making their choice, the judges commented that “The film was full of fun, very engaging with a strong message” Councillor Walker requested  ...  view the full minutes text for item 123.

To approve as an accurate record, the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 19^th January 2022.

The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 19^th January 2022 as an accurate reflection of the virtual meeting.

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:

The Deputy Leader, County Borough Councillor M Webber announced that the Council has secured a post for a Heritage and Memorials Officer with interviews taking place next week. Councillor Webber referenced a book that was written by the children of Hawthorn School following the discovery of a plaque in St Mary’s Church containing the names of those who had lost their lives in the First World War, 1914-18. It demonstrated the importance of recording the information that may otherwise have been lost.

Councillor Webber advised that the Council is supporting the installation of a new information lectern in the Cynon War Memorial Gardens, new flagpoles in Ynysyngharad war memorial park with the intention to do further work there with Heritage Lottery Funding. There are plans to do further cleaning work at Abercynon War Memorial and the Deputy Leader announced that in the Penrhiwceiber War Memorial, a specialist company from Derby reinstated the memorial clock.

Councillor Webber commented on the importance of the new appointment which will  help to ensure the heritage sites, memorials and plaques are valued for the communities across RCT.

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 due to the absence of County Borough Councillor S Rees-Owen, Chair of the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee, question 4 would not be asked by County Borough Councillor G P Thomas.

Question from County Borough Councillor L. Walker to the Cabinet Member for Education & Inclusion Services County Borough Councillor J. Bonetto:

“In view of the fact that Welsh Secondary schools are 25% under capacity, would the education department consider using this spare space for children with special education needs in order to alleviate the overcrowding in special schools, as other local authorities in Wales run satellite classes in mainstream schools”.

Response from Councillor J Bonetto:

The Cabinet Member for Education and Inclusion Services, Councillor Bonetto responded that in accordance with the outgoing SEN system and the new ALN legislation, the local authority continuously reviews the sufficiency of its SEN / ALN provision so that learners can access specialist placements appropriate to their needs without delay. She added that there are currently 44 Learning Support Classes across the County Borough, from Foundation Phase up to end of Key Stage 4, 4 special schools and 2 pupil referral units. All provisions are subject to regular review based on the analysis of current and projected needs of learners.

Councillor Bonetto advised that the Council responds proactively to any changing demand for learning support class placements by reconfiguring its Learning Support Class provision on a regular basis and, when necessary, seeks Cabinet approval to enhance the offer. Within the last few months, Cabinet has approved a proposal to consult on opening an additional LSC for Welsh medium learners with a significant ALN at Ysgol Garth Olwg in September 2022.

Councillor Bonetto commented that robust data analysis relating to trends in demand for placements in its special schools is also undertaken to ensure there is sufficient supply. Recent developments to enhance the capacity and improve the learning environments within our special schools include:

Ø  Ty Coch has benefitted from over £350k to remodel and extend areas of the school to provide 2 additional classrooms,in addition, there was an investment of £550k for another large classroom.  Planning permission has recently been approved to create two additional modular teaching spaces at Ysgol Ty Coch’s satellite base in Buarth Y Capel site and work on the site is due to commence shortly.

Ø  Maesgwyn has recently received an investment of £600k to deliver internal and external improvements.

Ø  Park Lane has received over £500k for refurbishment and maintenance works, as well as the creation of a larger teaching space which was completed last summer. 

Ø  Hen Felin has also benefitted from £200k for a classroom extension – which was completed last month – while internal works continue to deliver additional learning areas.  New additional external storage room that has since been remodelled to a wellbeing hub at the school.

Supplementary question from County Borough Councillor L Walker:

“An 18-year-old wheelchair bound student in Ysgol Ty Coch, cannot access classes where he is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 126.

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communications advised that the subsequent meeting of the Council would be the last scheduled meeting in advance of the Local Government Elections 2022. The business will include the Budget Strategy and the setting of Council Tax, the Revised LDP the Council’s Pay Policy and there will be opportunity for Members to place on record their thanks to those Members not seeking re-election in May 2022.

 In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.2 the Deputy Presiding Officer stated that he had allocated 45 minutes for the item and would invite the Leader to address Council following which the Leader would respond to Members’ comments on his Annual Report.

The Leader advised that each year his annual summary is delivered to full Council outlining what the Council has achieved over the last year and sets out what it wants to achieve moving forward.

The Leader advised that once again, this year’s update is shaped by the effects and restraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, as previously mentioned in the meeting and services that have had to adapt and have gone above and beyond their roles such as Leisure Services and Finance staff who have paid out tens of millions in business support grants and supporting families. He added that as Members will be aware, that the vast majority of council services have continued to operate, albeit in a different guise and the Capital Investment has continued where investment is evident across the county borough.

ADULT SOCIAL CARE

The Leader advised that this is the one area where there is growing and increased demand and the service which requires significant sums of investment by the local authority, in-year and in the forthcoming budget but has also been well supported by Welsh Government. The Leader referred to the Welsh Government £50m in-year funding to support the pressures in Social Care. The Leader stated the number of new cases opened over the last 12 months amounts to almost 7,000, from residents asking for support. The Leader expressed his thanks to all staff within this and the independent sector and he acknowledged the real team effort within this sector to ensure that the appropriate care has been on hand at all times, at times from across all sectors supporting colleagues isolating with covid-19. He added that at times it has been difficult for staff to always manage the pressures within the social care sector and some need has been unmet, as with all local authorities, but he assured all Members that the teams have and are working exceptionally hard for long hours and are doing their very best to meet the needs of residents.

The Leader referred to the support available to enable residents to remain in their own homes through services such as Care and Repair and Disabled Facilities Grants which have continued to be delivered through working with private sector business and builders to ensure that access to homes has continued safely. 

With regards to Extra Care/Supported Accommodation, the Leader advised that the Council is continuing to make good progress in modernising the care system provided for older residents in the County; Cwrt yr Orsaf Extra Care Housing scheme in Pontypridd has been completed and the new Extra Care Housing scheme in Porth has now commenced.

Overall, the investment to develop further Extra Care will be a priority for the Council moving forward as the local authority looks to provide  ...  view the full minutes text for item 128.

To receive the joint report of the Director of Legal Services & Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication.

         The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications presented his report which sought to provide Council with a draft Member’s Memorandum of Understanding, developed by the Democratic Services Committee, for endorsement and adoption. The Memorandum seeks to support the ambitions of the Council to promote diversity in democracy, promote high standards of behaviour and mutual respect between Members.

         The Council’s Standards Committee considered and supported the draft MOU at its November meeting and were supportive of the principles included and its intended benefits. It’s considered its adoption would strengthen standards and ethical arrangements within the Council and would support and sit alongside the Council’s Code of Conduct for Members, the Standards of Conduct Expected by Members Local Resolution Policy and Member-Officer Protocol.

The Service Director advised that the MOU would, subject to Council’s agreement, form the basis of the ‘Become a Councillor’ activities and events to be held on the 2^nd and 3^rd March 2022.

         With regards to the Fair & Respectful Election Campaign Pledge, the Service Director advised that all Members are asked to support a statement of principle with the content of the RCT specific pledge to be agreed by the Democratic Services Committee at its subsequent meeting (with invitation to be extended to Groups Leaders or their nominated representatives). It is proposed that the pledge would then form part of material provided to successfully nominated candidates by the Council’s Electoral Services department and also promoted by the Council.

         Following discussion, it was RESOLVED:

(i)             To adopt the draft ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (‘MOU’), developed by the Democratic Services Committee and attached at Appendix A, following commendation by the Council’s Standards Committee in order to encourage further mutual respect and a show of working together by Members for the benefit of their communities; and

(ii)       That as part of adopting this MOU, Council commits to supporting a Fair & Respectful Election Campaign Pledge, and delegates responsibility to the Democratic Services Committee to agree its content.