• Agenda and minutes
  • Agenda and minutes

    Venue: Hybrid

    Contact: Julia Nicholls - Democratic Services  01443 424098

    Media

    Items
    No. Item

    5.

    Apologies for Absence

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Chair welcomed attendees to the hybrid meeting of the Council and apologies for absence were received from County Borough Councillors S Jane-Davies, J Elliott, M Norris, S Powderhill and K Webb.

     

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

    County Borough Councillors L Addiscott, M Ashford, J Barton, P Binning, J Bonetto, S Bradwick, J Cook, A Crimmings, R Davies, V Dunn, E Dunning, J Edwards, S Emmanuel, S Evans, D Grehan, B Harris, S Hickman, G Holmes, G Hughes, W Hughes, G Jones, Geraint Jones, W Jones, R Lewis, W Lewis, C Leyshon, M Maohoub, C Middle, A Morgan, N Morgan, S Morgans, D Parkin, C Preedy, S Rees, M Rees-Jones, J Smith, B Stephens, L Tomkinson, S Trask, J Turner and R Williams.

     

     

    Mr C Bradshaw, Chief Executive, Mr B Davies, Director of Finance & Digital Services, Mr A Wilkins, Director Legal Services Mr C Hanagan, Service Director Democratic Services & Communications, Mr R Evans, Director Human Resources and Mr P Mee Group Director of Community & Children’s Services.

     

    The following Councillors were present online:

     

    County Borough Councillors R Bevan, J Brencher, G Caple, A Ellis, L Ellis, D Evans, Sera Evans, R Evans, A S Fox, H Gronow, G Hopkins, K Johnson,  C Lisles, K Morgan, D Owen-Jones, W Owen, M Powell, A Roberts, A Rogers, G Stacey, W Treeby, G Warren, M Webber, D Williams, G Williams, T Williams, D Wood and R Yeo.

    6.

    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.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

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

     

    Agenda item 9 - Review of the Council's Lower Grades and Terms & Conditions Matters

     

    Councillor S Emmanuel declared the following personal and prejudicial interest– “My wife is a level 2 teaching assistant employed by RCT”

     

    Councillor W Lewis declared the following personal and prejudicial interest – “ My daughter-in-law is on a grade 2”

     

    Councillor R Lewis declared the following personal interest – “ A close family member’s job title is referenced in the report, but she is not a beneficiary”

     

    Councillor M Powell declared the following:

    Personal – “I’ve been granted dispensation by the Standards Committee to speak and vote on all matters relating to the present and proposed budget for 2022-23, for all of those items that would reflect a budget adjustment and my wife is an employee of the Local Authority”

    Agenda Item  10 - Appointment of Chief Executive

     

    Mr Paul Mee declared a personal interest – “ I will leave the chamber for the duration of this item and after I have presented my report”

     

    Agenda item 11 - Cwm Taf Morgannwg Market Stability Report

     

    Councillor R Bevan declared the following personal and prejudicial interest– “My daughter works in Social Care”

     

    Councillor M Rees-Jones declared a personal and prejudicial interest– “ I work for Social Services”

     

    Councillor K Morgan declared a personal interest – “I work for Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board”

     

    Agenda item 16 – NOTICE OF MOTION

     

    Councillor S Emmanuel declared the following personal interest– “My wife is a level 2 teaching assistant employed by RCT”

     

    Councillor S Trask declared the following personal interest – “I am a member of Unite the Union”

     

    Councillor R Williams declared the following personal interest – “ I am a member of Unite the Union”

     

    Councillor C Preedy declared the following personal interest – “I am a member of Unite the Union”

     

    Councillor R Bevan declared the following personal interest – “I am a member of Unite the Union”

     

    Councillor K Morgan declared the following personal interest – “ I am a member of the trade union”

     

    Councillor R Yeo declared the following personal interest – “ I have re-joined the GMB trade union”

     

    Councillor M Webber declared the following personal interest – “I am a member of Unison”

     

    Councillor Sheryl Evans declared the following personal interest - “I am a member of Unison”

     

    Councillor G Jones declared the following personal interest – “I am a member of Unite the Union”

     

    Councillor A Crimmings declared the following personal interest – “I am a member of Unison”

     

    Councillor J Edwards declared the following personal interest – “I am a member of Unison”

     

    Councillor R Davies declared the following personal interest – “I am a member of Unison”

     

    Councillor M Ashford declared the following personal interest – “I am a member of Unison”

     

    Councillor W Lewis declared the following personal interest – “I am a member of GMB”

     

    Councillor W  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

    7.

    Minutes pdf icon PDF 307 KB

    To approve as an accurate record, the minutes of the Council Meetings held on:

     

    ·       9th March 2022

    ·       25th May 2022 (Council AGM)

    ·       25th May 2022 (Extraordinary meeting)

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the following meetings:

     

    ·       9th March 2022

    ·       25th May 2022 (Council AGM)

    ·       25th May 2022 (Extraordinary Meeting)

     

    8.

    Announcements

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The following announcements were made:

     

    Councillor A Morgan announced that the Cynon Valley Indoor Bowls Centre in Mountain Ash has reopened after being used as a vaccination centre and as a mass testing centre. Councillor Morgan wished to thank the centre and council staff for their work during this period. He also announced that a number of players have been selected to play at the Commonwealth Games and he congratulated 3 players from Harlequin Bowls and Community Club, representing Wales in the Commonwealth Games in July, Ross Owen from Mountain Ash and Jarred Green from Gilfach Goch who form part of a team of five, Paul Brown from Hirwaun will also be representing Wales in the Para team of four.

     

    Councillor J Edwards wished to congratulate Ynyshir Albions for their recent success. Councillor Edwards recounted the team’s progress over the past few years and the Club’s huge improvements to the stands, pitch and ground by self -funding which saw the club achieve tier 3 accreditation as part of the pyramid restructure. They have achieved tier two from tier seven football in only 6 seasons. Councillor Edwards congratulated the team’s phenomenal achievements.

     

    Councillor S Evans announced that a local boy Ty Lewis has been selected for a 3year contract to play rugby for Beziers Rugby team in the South of France. She added that Ty started his rugby career in Abercwmboi rugby club before being selected to play for Beziers. Councillor Evans also announced that another local boy, Adam De Vet has been selected as the only Welsh kick boxing representative to attend the Wako World Championships in Jesolo, Italy in October 2022. Councillor Evans asked whether, with permission from the Presiding Member, she was able to circulate a sponsorship form to support Adam with his trip. On behalf of the Mayor, the Presiding Member confirmed that both would be invited to the Mayor’s parlour along with their family.

     

    Councillor G Jones announced the 150th anniversary of the Caradog Music Festival which will be held free of charge for members of the public on the 15/16th July where there will be a wide range of musicians, choirs and live music.

     

    Councillor D Parkin handed in a petition on behalf of the Friends of Tonyrefail raising concerns regarding proposals surrounding the W.R Bishop Site on Penrhiwfer Rd.

     

    9.

    Statements

    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:

     

     

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Statements of the Leader of the County Borough, County Borough Councillor A Morgan in respect of Flooding and the Pension Fund:

     

     

    Statement – Pension Fund

     

    The Leader advised that the RCT Pension Fund has always invested its assets in a responsible way and engages with companies as part of ensuring an orderly carbon transition.  This has already resulted in ongoing reductions in the Council’s fossil fuel holdings and the establishment of disinvestment principles. 

     

    The Leader announced that as part of the Council’s climate change goals he has approached officers to work with the Pension Committee to review options for setting a target for disinvesting its remaining Pension Fund investments away from fossil fuel extraction. 

     

    The Leader concluded that he would like to see this by 2030, although some local authorities are setting targets ahead of that, but he recognised that there are responsibilities which the Council has to the Pension Fund and that we do co-invest with the other Funds across Wales. In conclusion, the Leader assured Members that the Council is taking its responsibilities seriously and plans to disinvest will be set out in the coming months.

     

    Statement – Flooding

     

    Councillor Morgan advised that the Council currently has 52 project stages in the design stage and he provided information on a number of those:

     

             In Upper Bronallt Terrace, Abercwmboi, there is a Flood Alleviation scheme which commenced over a week ago on site with an estimated value of £720k

     

    ·     In Treorchy Phase 1of the flood scheme is commencing next week with an estimated value of £605k

     

    ·       Cae Felin Parc West (Culvert Relining scheme) in Hirwaun which is due to commence in August with an estimated value of £165k

     

    ·       Glenboi Pumping Station in Mountain Ash –the tender has returned with an estimated value of £1.3m

     

    ·       Bryntail Road and Masefield Way in Rhydyfelin with an estimated value of £250k

     

    ·       Structural lining of culverts in Pentre with an estimated value of £175k

    ·       Investing in flood alleviation and drainage is also a priority for the Council - £26.3m Capital Programme for Highways, Transportation and Strategic Projects in 2022/23.

     

    ·       In addition, more than £6.5m is secured from Welsh Government for Storm Dennis-related works and damage this year. Demolition work at Castle Inn Bridge in Treforest has commenced. The leader confirmed that a further profile will be submitted to Welsh Government.

     

    ·       Almost £500k has been secured through the Resilient Roads schemes, small scale projects which will protect roads and key bus routes. Many of the road flooding projects will also protect homes and properties. A further £3.3 million in additional funding has been secured for flood schemes and will cover many smaller schemes and upgrades to culverts, watercourses and ditches.

     

            A further £7m has been spent since Storm Dennis on coal tips, largely on phases 1-3 of the Tylorstown tip. Work has also been carried out with Welsh Government and The Coal Authority to secure works to stabilise the privately owned Wattstown Standard Tip.

     

    ·       The Council is working with contractors on the next  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

    10.

    Members' Questions pdf icon PDF 246 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.)

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    1. Question from County Borough Councillor R. Davis to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, County Borough Councillor A. Crimmings:

     

    “With another round of investment in play areas across RCT announced recently, can the Cabinet Member please confirm whether this remains a priority for the new administration going forward?”

    Response of County Borough Councillor Crimmings:

    Councillor Crimmings advised that the investment in play areas remains a priority for this administration and as stated in the RCT Labour Group’s manifesto for this Council term, there will continue to be an ongoing commitment to invest in children’s play areas with at least 75 more being upgraded over the next five years.

     

    In addition to this investment, 10 new Multi Use Games Area’s across RCT will be developed. Last month, details of the Council’s investment programme for 2022/23, which will see 19 more children’s play area facilities improved through a £672,000 investment was announced. Councillor Crimmings added that the Mount Pleasant play area in Councillor Davis’s ward is due for improvements through a partial refurbishment under this programme.

     

    Councillor Crimmings stated that with this year’s investment, a total of £4.8m will have been allocated to delivering improvements at around 130 facilities across RCT in the past seven years.

     

    No Supplementary Question

    2. Question from County Borough Councillor D. Grehan to the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, County Borough Councillor B. Harris:

    “The current practice of placing young people in residential areas that were originally developed for older residents is creating significant problems. Once again, is the Council willing to consider allocating some residential areas for older residents only?”

     

    Response of County Borough Councillor Harris:

    Councillor Harris commented that social housing developments that have been created specifically for older people, such as Sheltered or older persons accommodation, has an age-criteria of 60 plus, and in some cases 55 plus. Where allocations have been made to younger people in other social housing developments, this would be where the scheme has not specifically been developed for older people but perhaps at some point in time a local lettings policy may have been in place to ensure allocations only go to older residents.

     

    Councillor Harris added that local lettings policies are temporary and therefore once they have come to an end any future allocations will be made in priority order to people in the highest housing need. If there are ongoing problems in a particular development, the Housing Association will approach the Council to discuss implementing a local lettings policy.

     

    Councillor Harris advised that the policy will set out the criteria for allocating properties based on the evidence provided, for example there may be a need for a better mix of tenants - such as a balance between older and younger people. He added  that a number of Extra Care developments have also been developed by the Council over the past number of years, providing high quality self-contained units for older people in need of care and support.

     

    Supplementary question from County Borough Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

    11.

    Cwm Taf Morgannwg Market Stability Report pdf icon PDF 249 KB

    The consider the report Of Group Director for Community & Children’s

    Services.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Presiding Member advised that the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Market Stability Report would be considered at this point and out of sequence with the agenda as the Group Director Community & Children’s Services would leave the meeting as he is referenced in the report of the Director of Human Resources regarding the appointment of the Chief Executive.

     

    The Director Community & Children’s Services presented the report which provided

    an overview of the Market Stability report (MSR) as required under Section 144B of

    the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. The Local Authorities are under

    a statutory obligation to produce this assessment every five years and to do so at a

    regional level in partnership with the Health Board.

     

    The Director advised that the report provides an assessment of two things, the

    sufficiency of care and support in meeting demand in our population and the stability

    of the market for regulated services providing care. He added that the information, as

    set out in full in the attached appendices, provides a detailed assessment of the

    sufficiency and stability across the full range of caring provision covering adults,

    children, learning disability, mental health, unpaid carers and others.

     

    The Director suggested that the key findings and recommendations summarised

    at section 4 of the report, will need to be considered by the Council and its partners to

    inform the Commissioning Strategies and Service development over the next five years

    as well as to inform the regional plan by the Regional Partnership Board. Four key

    areas were highlighted as areas of focus for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council which are

    supported by the evidence within the market stability report and as set out

    at 3.3 of the report.

     

    In conclusion, the Director Community & Children’s Services referred Members to the

    recommendations, particularly that Members endorse the market stability report for

    submission to Welsh Government in accordance with the Council’s statutory duties.

     

    The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication confirmed that at its 

    recent meeting, members of the Overview & Scrutiny determined to undertake

    pre scrutiny of the matters identified in the Cabinet work programme which relate to

    residential care.

     

    It was RESOLVED to:

     

              1. Note the key messages and recommendations, and

     

    ·       Endorse the Regional Market Stability report;

     

    ·       Endorse the following short to medium term strategic priorities for Rhondda Cynon Taff arising from the MSR:

     

                    i.         A strategic review of accommodation with care for vulnerable people to ensure future provision is meeting the needs of people with complex needs identified in the MSR and our facilities are fully utilised;

     

                  ii.         Strengthen the Council’s response to meeting its placement sufficiency duty for children looked after by increasing local not-for-profit provision (both residential and fostering) to meet the needs of children closer to home;

     

                 iii.         Work with providers to develop sustainable integrated models of service for community-based services, including domiciliary care, to address workforce pressures; and

     

                 iv.         Increase the availability of respite services for both adults and children.

     

    (Note: Councillor M Rees-Jones who had previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

    12.

    Calendar of Meetings 2022/2023 pdf icon PDF 163 KB

    To consider the report of the Service Director Democratic Services & Communication.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Service Director Democratic Services presented his report and advised

    that since the Council AGM, additional information from the Elected Members

    survey in respect of the timing of meetings has informed the final calendar of

    meetings, attached at Appendix 1.

     

    The Service Director highlighted the key results from the Members survey with regards to the timings of meetings, the level of support available to Members from the Council Business Unit and convening meetings outside of school holidays. He advised that although there is a statutory requirement for the Head of Democratic Services to survey all members in respect of the timing of meetings, the information within the report is not binding and should be used as a guide for committee chairs in respect of the timings of their respective meetings.

     

    In conclusion, the Service Director confirmed that a more detailed report will be

    presented to a future meeting of the Democratic Services Committee to consider the

    outcome of the responses received as well as a Public Participation Strategy to be

    published in the autumn.

     

    It was advised that there would be a pre council meeting in September with

    representatives from Trivallis and other similar sessions to be announced in due

    course.

     

    Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED:

     

    1. To note the contents of the report; and in doing so note the responses to the Elected Members’ Survey in respect of the Timing of Meetings, as outlined in paragraph4.

     

    2.  To note the proposed Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2022 - 2023, as attached at Appendix 1 to thereport; and

     

             3.  To note that the draft calendar is subject to change, based upon the demands of business over the coming municipal year. Any changes or additions will be undertaken in consultation with the appropriate committee chairs.

     

     

    13.

    Council Work Programme 2022/23 pdf icon PDF 189 KB

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

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Service Director Democratic Services & Communications presented the Council Work Programme for the 2022/23 Municipal Year advising that any amendments and updates would be reported orally at Council on a monthly basis, including any changes to the agreed work programme.

     

    Following consideration of the work programme attached at Appendix 1 and that in addition to the Health Board other outside bodies such as representatives from the Police & Crime Commissioner’s office would be invited to attend council.

     

    It was RESOLVED to:

     

    1.  Note the draft Work Programme attached as Appendix 1 to the report; and

     

    2.  Approve the Work Programme for the 2022-2023 Municipal Year (with appropriate amendments where necessary) and thereafter receive further updates from the Service Director Democratic Services & Communication as appropriate.

    14.

    Urgent Executive Decisions Report pdf icon PDF 203 KB

    To receive the report form the Service Director Democratic Services and Communication

     

    Additional documents:

    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 during the period January – June 2022.

    In respect of the Urgent Decision of the Leader taken forward during the period January

    – June 2022, the Welsh Government cost of living support scheme, the Director of Finance and Digital Services provided an update on the scheme and added that 5,000 reminder letters have been issued to residents to encourage them to apply for the £50 family payment. He confirmed that all the FSM payments had been paid.

     

    Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to note the information

    contained within the report.

    15.

    Review of the Council's Lower Grades and Terms & Conditions Matters pdf icon PDF 170 KB

    To receive the joint report of the Chief Executive, Director of Human Resources and Director Of Finance & Digital Services

     

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Through his joint report with the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance & Digital Services, the Director of Human Resources advised of the proposals for change following a recent review of the lower grades of the Council’s Grading Structure and associated terms and conditions.

     

    The Director set out the key areas for Members’ attention such as the background and context to the reason for the review and the suggested changes to the grades 1-5. The Director pointed out that the report also recognises that these values if agreed, could change again in light of any national pay award or the uplift to the Real Living Wage the council pays. The Director referenced changes to the terms and conditions such as reinstating the payment of Double Time plus a Day in Lieu for any member of staff that is required to work a bank holiday as well as the increase the mileage rate for all staff to the current HMRC rate of 45p per mile (previously set at 35p per mile). 

     

    The Director concluded by confirming that every post that sits within each grade as set out at the table in 4.1 of the report is included at Appendix 1.

     

    The Leader of the Council commented on the report and the positive impact the review has had on the uplifts in the lower grade points in addition to the reinstatement of double time.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    (Note: Councillors W Lewis and S Emmanuel having declared a personal and prejudicial interest left the meeting for the duration of the item).

    16.

    Appointment of Chief Executive pdf icon PDF 211 KB

    To receive the report of the Director of Human Resources.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Pursuant to Minute No. 4 of the Council Meeting held on the 25th May 2022, the Director of Human Resources confirmed that following the assessment and interview process, the Appointments Committee determined on the 5th July 2022 to recommend to the Council that Mr. Paul Mee be appointed to the post of Chief Executive was able to confirm the recommendation of the Appointments Committee, held on day two of the process, which was to unanimously recommend Mr Paul Mee to the post of Chief Executive.

     

    The Chair of the Appointments Committee, Councillor Ros Davies confirmed that the decision to appoint Mr Paul Mee to the post of Chief Executive had been unanimous.

     

    RESOLVED – to ratify the recommendation of the Appointments Committee     

    that Mr. Paul Mee be appointed to the post of permanent Chief Executive from the 1st December 2022.

     

     

    17.

    Section 3A - Leader's Scheme of Delegation of Executive Functions pdf icon PDF 148 KB

    To receive the joint report of the Service Director Democratic Services and Communication and Director of Legal Services on the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation of Executive Functions for the 2022/2023 Municipal Year.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication presented the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation of Executive Functions for the 2022/2023 Municipal Year and advised Full Council, for information purposes, of the revised terms of reference for the Welsh Language and Climate Change Cabinet Sub-Committees attached at Appendix 1.

     

    The Service Director advised that the two afore-mentioned previous Steering Groups have been revised to become Cabinet Sub-Committees and have delegated authority from the Council Leader to make executive decisions in line with their terms of reference. He added that these revised decision-making arrangements, do not prevent any circumstances where the sub committees, may determine to refer a matter, which of strategic significance, for determination by full Cabinet Committee.

     

    The Service Director referred to the advised membership within the scheme and he confirmed that Councillor C Lisles has been nominated by the Group Leader of the RCT Independent Group to the SACRE Committee.

     

    It was advised that further details regarding the champions will be provided and circulated in due course.

     

    RESOLVED to note the Section 3A- Leader’s Scheme of Delegation of Executive Functions, which is attached at Appendix 1.

     

    18.

    Standards Committee Membership pdf icon PDF 309 KB

    To receive the joint report of the Director Legal Services & Service Director Democratic Services & Communication on the Standards Committee Membership.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Director of Legal Services presented his joint report in respect of the process to be undertaken to fill vacancies that have arisen on the Council’s Standards Committee, specifically an Independent (lay) Member and Community Council representative member (plus reserve).

     

    The Director advised that both the term of office of one of the Independent members, Mr. Mel Jehu, and of the Community Council Member, Councillor Ray Butler were both coming to an end and therefore it is necessary to consider the appointment of a new independent member and Community Council member.

     

    The Director outlined the proposed appointments procedure in line with that of

    the Standards Committees (Wales) Regulations 2001 in respect of the

    Independent Member from advertising the vacancy through to the requirements

    of the appointments panel. He also informed Council of the procedure to

    appoint a new Community Council with a recommendation to Full Council in

    due course.

     

    Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to:

     

     

    1.   Agree to advertise the role of Independent (lay) Member on the Council’s Standards Committee, based on the established criteria set out in the report;

     

    2.   Agrees to consult with Community Councils in respect of inviting applications from Community Councillors for the vacancy of Community Council Member (plus a reserve) on the Council’s Standards Committee;

     

    3.   Subject to 2.1 and 2.2 above, establishes an Appointments Panel to consider applications for the appointment of an Independent Member of the Standards Committee for a term of six years and a Community Council Member (plus reserve) for a term until the next ordinary elections (in 2027);

     

    4    Nominates three County Borough Councillors (2 from the ruling group and 1 from the largest opposition group) and the incumbent Chair of the Standards Committee to be members of the Appointments Panel;

     

    5    Delegates authority to the Director of Legal Services to appoint a  Community Councillor to the Appointments Panel; and

     

    6    Subject to the above, agrees to receive a further report and consider any recommendations emanating from the Appointments Panel convened to interview any applicants who apply for the vacant roles.

    19.

    Annual Treasury Management Review 2021/22 pdf icon PDF 233 KB

    To receive the report of the Director Finance and Digital Services on the Annual Treasury Management Review for the 2021/22 Municipal Year

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

     

     

     

     

     

    In accordance with the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on

    Treasury Management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local

    Authorities, the Director of Finance and Digital Services provided Members with

    information on:

     

     

     

    ·     The Council’s Treasury Management activity during 2021/22; and

    ·     The actual Prudential and Treasury Indicators for 2021/22.

     

    In advance of setting out the key areas of the report, the Director advised that the Council’s Treasury Management activities are highly regulated and governed by a number of codes of practice and have been reviewed during the last financial year by the former Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee. He confirmed that the annual report satisfies the requirements of the respective codes to which the council has complied during the year.

     

    In conclusion, the Director confirmed that Treasury Management training for Elected Members, will be organised alongside the Governance & Audit Committee in September.

     

    Following a discussion, it was RESOLVED to

     

    a)             note the content of the report; and

    b)             agree the funding proposals for the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme as set out at section 13.

     

     

    In accordance with the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on

    Treasury Management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities, the Director of Finance and Digital Services provided Members with information on:-

     

     

    20.

    Urgent Business

    To consider any items which the Chair, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion should be considered as a matter ofurgency.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Presiding Member advised that he considered it appropriate to allow the Urgent Notice of Motion in line with Council Procedure Rule 10.5 on the basis that its content could not be reasonably submitted in advance of the deadline and given the Employee Regional Consultation briefing was held on the 27th June and its purpose would be lost by the September Council meeting.

    21.

    Urgent Notice of Motion pdf icon PDF 111 KB

    Urgent notice of Motion – Agenda item 16

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion standing in the names of:

    A. Morgan, M. Webber, L. Addiscott, M. D. Ashford, J. Barton. D. R. Bevan, J. Bonetto, S. Bradwick, J. Brencher, G. Caple, J. Cook, A. Crimmings, S. J. Davies, R. Davis, V. Dunn, E. L. Dunning, J. Edwards, J. A. Elliott, L. Ellis, S. Emanuel, R. Evans, A. S. Fox, R. Harris, S. Hickman, G. Holmes, G. Hopkins, W. Hughes, G. Jones, G. O. Jones, R. R. Lewis, W. Lewis, C. Leyshon, M. Maohoub, C. Middle, N. H. Morgan, S. Morgans, M. A. Norris, D. Owen-Jones, D. Parkin, S. Powderhill, C. Preedy, S. Rees, M. Rees-Jones, A. Roberts, J. Smith, G. Stacey, L. A. Tomkinson, W. Treeby, J. Turner, G. L. Warren, K. Webb, D. Williams, G. E. Williams, R. Williams, T. Williams, R. Yeo.

     

    Following the Employee Regional Consultation Briefing, which took place on 27th June, this Council notes:

     

    That Local Government has endured central government funding cuts of more than 50% since 2010. This has consequently led to a reduction in funding for Local Government in Wales to the tune of £1bn between 2010 and 2020, with RCT suffering a £95m reduction in revenue funding over this period.

     

    Despite these severe cuts imposed by the Westminster Government, Welsh Local Authorities have been afforded some protection by the Welsh Government. This protection has, however, only extended as far as averting crises in the vital frontline services that all residents rely upon.

     

    Over the last two years, Councils have led the way in efforts against the Covid-19 pandemic, continuing to provide a huge range of services and essential support for our communities. During this period Local Government has shown more than ever how indispensable it is. But Covid has led to a massive increase in expenditure and loss of income, and as we emerge from the pandemic, Local Authorities and schools need far more support from Westminster Council and school workers kept our communities safe through the pandemic, often putting themselves at considerable risk as they worked to protect public health, provide quality housing, ensure our children continue to be educated, and look after older and vulnerable people.

     

    Since 2010, the local government workforce has endured years of pay restraint with the majority of pay points losing 27.5 per cent of their value since 2009/10.

    Staff are now facing the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, with RPI forecast by the Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR) to average at 9.8% across 2022 and currently running at 11.1%.

     

    As a result of the cost-of-living crisis, many staff are having to make impossible choices between food, heating and paying for other essentials. This is a terrible situation for anyone to find themselves in.

     

    At the same time, workers have experienced ever-increasing workloads and persistent job insecurity. Across the UK, 900,000 jobs have been lost in local government since June 2010 – a reduction of more than 30 per cent. Local government has arguably been hit by more severe  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.