Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting and apologies for absence were received from County Borough Councillors R Evans, A S Fox, C Preedy, S Powderhill, L Tomkinson, J Turner and D Williams.

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:

Item 7.    WELSH CHURCH ACT FUND ANNUAL REPORT 2021/22

Councillor W Treeby – “I sit on two committees that receive money from the Welsh Church Act Fund”

Councillor M Maohoub – “I am a member of one of the committees that receive funding form the Welsh Church Act Fund”

Councillor D Grehan – “ I sit on a committee that has received money this year from the Church Act Fund”

Councillor A Morgan – “ I am directly involved in two committees that receive funding and I have assisted another group with the funding application”

Councillor G Jones – “I am Chair of the Trecynon Free Library & Institute, which receives funding”

Councillor D Owen-Jones – “The Tonyrefail Skate Park receives funding from the Welsh Church Act Fund”

Item 15.THE COUNCIL'S SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM STRUCTURE

The Director, Legal Services advised that the Chief Officers present at the meeting will declare a personal interest relating to Agenda Item 15, ‘The Council’s Senior Leadership Team Structure’. The Chief Officers will leave the meeting for the duration of the item, except for the Chief Executive, as the author of the report and the Director of Human Resources, who will present the report and advise on any procedural queries.

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

Ø  Extra Ordinary Council meeting on 23^rd November 2022 at 3.30pm

Ø  Council meeting on 23^rd November 2022 at 5.00pm

The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the Council meetings held on the 23^rd November 2022 at 3.30pm and 5.00pm as an accurate reflection subject to it being noted that Councillor H Gronow was in attendance at 3.30pm and Councillor Amanda Ellis was in attendance online.

Matters Arising – As raised by Cllr P Evans and confirmed by the Leader of the Council in the meeting held on the 23^rd November 2022 at 3.30pm, the Service Director Democratic Services & Communication advised that an invitation would be extended to the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust NHS to attend a future council meeting. The date would be considered in accordance with the council business needs and in consultation with the Presiding Officer but would likely take place as an extraordinary council meeting.

The following announcements were made:

·      Councillor M Webber announced that Mr Chris Bryant, Member of Parliament for Rhondda and Chair of the Commons Committee on Standards, received a Knighthood for Political and Public Service and Councillor A Roberts – Local Member for Gilfach Goch – also received an MBE for Political & Public Service.

• Councillor S Bradwick wished to congratulate Dr Mike Thomas who was awarded an MBE for his services to the Welsh Male Voice Choirs of the Pelenna Valley and the Cynon Valley in the King’s Honour’s list. He praised Dr Mike Thomas’s work in the community working with many choristers across the Pelenna, Cwmdare and Cwmbach choirs, and raising money for many charities too.
• Councillor S Bradwick also announced the sad passing of Mrs Margaret Blainey, a former officer for Gladlys and Tegfan Homes, based in the Cynon Valley. He referred to her as an outstanding Officer.

• Councillor D Owen-Jones submitted a petition on behalf of residents of Tonyrefail, citing environmental concerns regarding a local development.

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:

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.)

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication advised that question 7 will fall due to the absence of County Borough Councillor S Powderhill.

1. Question from County Borough Councillor K. Johnson to the Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Corporate Services, County Borough Councillor T. Leyshon:

“Please can you advise of a go live date for the Electric charge points that have been installed throughout RCTCBC, with support from Cardiff Capital Region funding? These assets have been sitting idle after installation for a considerable period, when provision across RCTCBC is very limited?”

Response from County Borough Councillor Leyshon:

Councillor Leyshon agreed that the situation is frustrating but added that the Council has secured funding from Welsh Government and recently secured an additional round of U.K. Government funding, however, National Grid (formerly Western Power Distribution) have not done the connections despite the Council’s Corporate Estates ordering the facilities well within the timeframe.

Councillor Leyshon commented that in terms of the programme itself, the Council continues to focus its efforts on publicly available charging at Council car park facilities via the Cardiff Capital Region partnership. To date, over 70 EV charge points have been installed at 31 Council car parks across the County Borough at the present time. Councillor Leyshon reiterated that the Council is waiting on National Grid for the connections and Officers are working with them to try and ensure a swift and positive completion to the installation process before the end of the financial year.

In addition, Councillor Leyshon advised that the funding from the U.K. Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) has been awarded to facilitate a further phase of installations across an additional 28 Council-owned car parks throughout the County. In anticipation of future funding, the Council has proposed an additional list of potential sites for charge point installation, primarily across Council workplaces.

In conclusion, Councillor Leyshon stated that there are a variety of grant funding schemes available from Welsh Government and OZEV, which the Council is actively looking to utilise to bid for monies to put towards the cost of EV charge point installation and associated works.

There was no supplementary question

2. Question from County Borough Councillor M. D. Ashford to the Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation and Welsh Language, County Borough Councillor R. Lewis:

“With the Welsh Government recently announcing funding under the MIM for the new school in Pontyclun, can the Cabinet Member outline a timeframe for the works and when pupils and residents can expect the new facility to open?”

Response from County Borough Councillor Lewis:

Councillor Lewis advised of the Welsh Government granted funding approval for three new school projects, including the brand-new facility for Pontyclun Primary and added that the scheme will be delivered under the Mutual Investment Model, or MIM, which is the revenue element of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme (formerly 21^st Century Schools and Colleges programme).

Councillor Lewis explained that the works for Pontyclun Primary, will entail that all existing buildings (including temporary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communications presented the Council Work Programme for the 2022/23 Municipal Year and advised that the Leader’s Annual Debate due to take place at the February Council meeting would now form part of a specially convened meeting before the conclusion of this municipal year. The Service Director also stated that the Cwm Taf PSB Wellbeing Plan would be added to the Council work programme following consideration by the PSB and the pre scrutiny of that report by the Cwm Taf Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee. Through the Group Leaders, an update will be provided regarding the demands of council business between now and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) before the updated work programme is published.

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

The Director of Finance & Digital Services presented the report which provides

the Annual Statement of Accounts for the financial year 2021/2022 which have

been audited and are for Full Council to note and approve along with the Audit

Wales opinion on the accounts.

The Director commented that the account approval process has been delayed

this year due to a national issue impacting across local government relating to

accounting for infrastructure assets and the requirement for regulation which

was not passed until the 2^nd December 2022. The Director advised that Audit

Wales are unable to attend the meeting this evening and have offered their

apology, however, they have provided their report on the accounts which is a

clean and unqualified audit opinion. He added that a small number of

amendments have been made which have been included in the accounts as

presented.

In conclusion, the Director advised that the Governance & Audit Committee have

reviewed the accounts and concluded that there were no issues raised to prevent Council from approving the accounts before them.

Following consideration of the reports, it was RESOLVED to:

(a)   Approve and note the Statement of Accounts of Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC (Appendix 1), and associated Letter of Representation (Appendix 2).

(b)   Approve and note the audited final out-turn position for the Council with regard to the financial year 2021/22 and the level of General Fund Balances (paragraph 8.4); and

(c)  Note the considerations and comments of the 7^th September 2022 Governance and Audit Committee meeting as required by the Local Government Measure (paragraphs 11.1 and 11.2).

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

In his report, the Director of Finance and Digital Services sought the approval of Council of the annual report and financial Statement of Accounts for the Welsh Church Act Fund for the financial year ended 31st March 2022; following the completion of the audit process and an unqualified audit opinion; and it was RESOLVED to:

(a)        Consider the External Auditor report – “2021- 22 Audit Plan” (Appendix 1);

(b)        Consider the External Auditor report – “Audit of Accounts Report” (Appendix 2);

(c)            Approve and note the Welsh Church Act Fund Annual Report and Financial Statements for the financial year 2021/2022 (Appendix 3); and

(d)        Approve and note the Letter of Representation relating to the Welsh Church Act Fund (Appendix 4).

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

The Director of Finance & Digital Services advised that the report represents the annual requirement for Council to adopt a council tax reduction scheme (CTRS) by 31^st January 2023. He added that it is a national Welsh Government scheme with a small number of local discretions as set out in the report. The Director confirmed that the Council has consulted on the local discretions as part of the Council’s general budget consultation process.

In conclusion, the Director advised that the proposed scheme is in line with that adopted for the current financial year with appropriate updates which are in line with national upratings.

Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to:

a)  Note and adopt the provisions of the Prescribed Requirements Regulations and the amendments made to those regulations by the Amendment Regulations as the Council’s local CTRS for 2023/24, subject to the local discretions that the Council is able to exercise;

b)  Note the outcome of the consultation exercise undertaken by the Council on the local discretions applicable to the CTRS for 2023/24; and

        c)  Confirm the discretions applicable to the Council’s local CTRS for 2023/24 as set out at paragraph 5.3 (Table 2) of this report.

To consider the report of the Director of Finance & Digital Services

The Director of Finance & Digital Services presented his report which provided Council with the opportunity to consider the recommendation of Cabinet with regard to the proposed introduction of a Council Tax Premium for Long Term Empty Properties and Second Homes.

The Director advised that the proposal has already been consulted upon and the feedback from the consultation process was attached to the report. He added that the overriding objective, as set out within the report, is to maximise the availability of affordable homes across the county borough in line with the updated Empty Homes Strategy and in light of the local housing market assessment.

The Director summarised the proposals as follows: for long term empty properties to charge a council tax premium of plus 50% for properties which have been empty between 1-2 years which would increase to plus 100% for properties which have been empty for more than 2 years. This would take effect from the 1^st April 2023. There are approximately 1700 such properties, 1300 of which have been empty for more than 2 years. For second homes, a premium of plus 100% is proposed to take effect from 1^st April 2024 and there are approximately 350 such properties.

In conclusion, the Director commented that Cabinet has considered and recommended such a premium to Council as set out in the report.

Members welcomed the proposals to introduce a Council Tax Premium for Long Term Empty Properties and Second Homes, as recommended by Cabinet and following discussion the Director responded to a number of queries. He confirmed that should the proposals be agreed by Council, they would be kept under review as part of the Empty Homes Strategy. The Director also confirmed that the exceptions as listed in table one within the report are set out by Welsh Government and he also confirmed that with regard to the exceptions and as part of the consultation process every owner has been contacted and signposted to information and reports as appropriate.

It was RESOLVED that Council agrees to the introduction of a Council Tax Premium for Long Term Empty Properties and Second Homes, as recommended by Cabinet at its meeting held on 12^th December 2022.

To receive the report of the Chief Executive

The Chief Executive presented his report which set out the Council’s annual self-assessment for 2021/22 following it’s consideration by the Governance & Audit Committee on the 7^th December 2022. The Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021 requires that a draft of the self-assessment must be made available for review by the Governance & Audit Committee prior to Council’s consideration and once agreed by Council it must be published within 4 weeks of being finalised.

The Chief Executive referred to paragraph 3.2 of the report which sets out the relevant duty within the Act which is met by self-assessment and requires each Council in Wales to keep under review the extent to which it is meeting the performance requirements of the Act, that it is the extent to which it is exercising its functions effectively, is using its resources economically, efficiently and effectively and its governance is effective.

The Chief Executive added that as Members are aware that this Council has a strong track record of self-awareness and self-reflection and is therefore well placed to respond to the requirements of the Legislation. He advised that as this is the first statutory self-assessment under the legislation with no prescribed model in place, the report before Members includes the huge volume of performance information which is routinely reported to Members in a number of ways, such as the quarterly performance reports as well as many other reports to Council and Cabinet concerning policies and stakeholder feedback

The Chief Executive commented that as the assessment period covers the Pandemic, it reflects the change to the Council’s performance arrangements during this time and details it’s immediate and direct focus on services and its response and recovery whilst maintaining robust monitoring of the delivery of its priorities, which is detailed in the report. He referred to the Councils’ requirements to take ownership of their improvement, to build reflection on performance and action to improve into the system. He added that this Council is well placed to meet that requirement due to its strong self- evaluation performance arrangements which have been in place since 2016.

The 2021/22 self-assessment represents the opportunity to take stock of the council ‘s services and corporate functions and consideration of the robustness of the management and monitoring arrangements in place and provides Members with the assurance that the council is meeting its statutory requirements to reflect on performance and take action to improve where necessary.

The Chief Executive referred to the comments of the Governance & Audit Committee upon its consideration of the Council’s self-assessment which sought no material changes to the assessment but did seek assurance that the Council is able  to address the challenges described in the nine key themes emerging from the self-assessment and the cross-cutting partnership which is required to deliver the council’s response to the themes.

In conclusion, as supported by the evidence provided, the Chief Executive advised that the Council can demonstrate that it meets the performance requirements of the Local Government (Wales) Act 2021.

Following discussion and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

To consider the joint report of the Chief Executive and the Director, Human Resources.

Following a recommendation from the Council’s Voluntary Early Retirement

(VER) Panel the Director of Human Resources advised that Council approval

was sought for a Chief Officer severance package (as detailed in the report) in

accordance with the Council’s approved 2022/23 Pay Policy statement.

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to approve a Chief Officer severance package (as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report) in accordance with the Council’s approved 2022/23 Pay Policy statement.

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

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication advised of the

changes to the RCT Independent Group’s representation on both the Planning & Development Committee and Overview & Scrutiny Committee for the

2022/23 Municipal Year.

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

1. County Borough Councillor M. Powell is to be nominated in place of County Borough Councillor W. Owen on the Planning & Development Committee; and

2. County Borough Councillor W. Owen is to be nominated in place of County Borough Councillor M. Powell on the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion standing in the names of County Borough Councillors R. Williams, S. Emanuel, 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, A. J. Dennis, V. Dunn, E. L. Dunning, J. Edwards, J. A. Elliott, L. Ellis, R. Evans, A. S. Fox, B. 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, A. Morgan, N. H. Morgan, S. Morgans, M. A. Norris, D. Owen-Jones, D. Parkin, S. Powderhill, C. Preedy, S. Rees, A. Roberts, J. Smith, G. Stacey, L. A. Tomkinson, W. Treeby, J. Turner, G. L. Warren, K. Webb, M. Webber, D. Williams, G. E. Williams, T. Williams, R. Yeo.

Whilst it was not obvious from an initial reading of the Chancellor’s recent Autumn Statement, the UK Government has confirmed that their review of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme for businesses and non-domestic customers will not extend beyond March 2023.

As yet, the Westminster Government has not announced whether a substitute scheme will be implemented, or indeed what form of support this would provide.  This is naturally problematic to many businesses and public organisations.

This cessation of energy support will mean most funding for public services will need to go straight back in to paying significant energy bill increases for leisure centres, community centres and potentially other public buildings. Here in Rhondda Cynon Taf, the Council is facing a 355% hike in energy costs.  Until an announcement is made, public organisations will have no clarity and not be able to plan for future budget pressures.

The UK government has rightly committed to uprate benefits (with the notable exception of local housing allowance). But by starving communities of the funding they need to keep the lights on in vital community buildings, this is like robbing Peter to pay Paul.

We urge the UK Government to reconsider their unclear policy of public sector energy support beyond March 2023.

On top of this, the Government has announced a cut in the support available to households in fuel poverty next winter.

While the Energy Price Guarantee will continue to cap the unit cost of energy, all energy bills will increase from 1 April 2023 – at the same time as the Energy Bills Support Scheme finishes.

This Council notes:

• That the removal of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme for Councils and public sector organisations will cause significant financial hardship at a time when a number of other factors are contributing to unprecedented budget challenges.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·       Ask that the Council Leader writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Prime Minister.

·       Calls on the UK Government to provide urgent clarity on its plans to implement a scheme to offer public sector energy relief beyond March 2023.

·       Calls on the Westminster Government to go further to help  ...  view the full agenda text for item 77.

To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion standing in the names of County Borough CouncillorsR. Williams, S. Emanuel, 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, A. J. Dennis, V. Dunn, E. L. Dunning, J. Edwards, J. A. Elliott, L. Ellis, R. Evans, A. S. Fox, B. 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, A. Morgan, N. H. Morgan, S. Morgans, M. A. Norris, D. Owen-Jones, D. Parkin, S. Powderhill, C. Preedy, S. Rees, A. Roberts, J. Smith, G. Stacey, L. A. Tomkinson, W. Treeby, J. Turner, G. L. Warren, K. Webb, M. Webber, D. Williams, G. E. Williams, T. Williams, R. Yeo.

Whilst it was not obvious from an initial reading of the Chancellor’s recent Autumn Statement, the UK Government has confirmed that their review of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme for businesses and non-domestic customers will not extend beyond March 2023.

As yet, the Westminster Government has not announced whether a substitute scheme will be implemented, or indeed what form of support this would provide.  This is naturally problematic to many businesses and public organisations.

This cessation of energy support will mean most funding for public services will need to go straight back in to paying significant energy bill increases for leisure centres, community centres and potentially other public buildings. Here in Rhondda Cynon Taf, the Council is facing a 355% hike in energy costs.  Until an announcement is made, public organisations will have no clarity and not be able to plan for future budget pressures.

The UK government has rightly committed to uprate benefits (with the notable exception of local housing allowance). But by starving communities of the funding they need to keep the lights on in vital community buildings, this is like robbing Peter to pay Paul.

We urge the UK Government to reconsider their unclear policy of public sector energy support beyond March 2023.

On top of this, the Government has announced a cut in the support available to households in fuel poverty next winter.

While the Energy Price Guarantee will continue to cap the unit cost of energy, all energy bills will increase from 1 April 2023 – at the same time as the Energy Bills Support Scheme finishes.

This Council notes:

• That the removal of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme for Councils and public sector organisations will cause significant financial hardship at a time when a number of other factors are contributing to unprecedented budget challenges.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·       Ask that the Council Leader writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Prime Minister.

·       Calls on the UK Government to provide urgent clarity on its plans to implement a scheme to offer public sector energy relief beyond March 2023.

·       Calls on the Westminster Government to go further to help the millions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

“That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 12 and 13 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act”.

It was RESOLVED that the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 12 and 13 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act.

To receive the Joint report of the Chief Executive and Director of Human Resources.

The Director of Human Resources provided Members with an overview of his report which contained exempt information.

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED:

1.        To note that:

1.1.1       Cabinet approved the revised directorate structures shown at Appendices 2(i), 2(ii) and 2(iii) that will be implemented from 19^th January 2023 and Appendix 3(i) from 1^st September 2023. Please note that for completeness, Appendix 2 (iv) is also listed for Member’s attention but that there are no changes to this existing structure.

1.1.2         Implementation of these revised structures will provide an overall estimated reduction in annual management costs at the Senior grade levels of £78,000 (inclusive of on-costs);

1.1.3         Emanating from the revised directorate structures outlined in 1.1.1, Cabinet authorised the amendment of the following posts:

                        i.         the amendment of the post Director – Prosperity & Development (Director Level 2) to Director – Prosperity & Development (Director Level 1);

                       ii.         the amendment of the post Director – Public Health, Protection & Community Services (Director Level 2) to Director – Public Health, Protection & Community Services (Director Level 1);

                      iii.         the amendment of the post Director – Legal Services (Director Level 2) to Director – Legal & Democratic Services (Director Level 1);

                      iv.         the creation of the post of Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director – Finance, Digital & Frontline Services (Group Director grade);          

                       v.         the creation of the post of Director – Social Services (Director Level 1);

                      vi.         the creation of the post Director – Highways, Streetcare & Transportation Services (Director Level 2);

                    vii.         a change of post title only from Head of Safeguarding & Standards (Head of Service Level 1) to Head of Service – Partnerships (Head of Service Level 1).

1.2           Council is now being asked to formally consider the following recommendations made by the Appointments Committee at its meeting held on 10^th January 2023:

1.2.1         Formally considers the recommendation made by the Appointments Committee on the 10^th January 2023 to Council, that in accordance with the Council’s change management process that Mr. Simon Gale be assigned to the post of Director – Prosperity & Development (Director Level 1) effective from 19^th January 2023;

1.2.2         Formally considers the recommendation made by the Appointments Committee on the 10^th January 2023 to Council, that in accordance with the Council’s change management process that Mrs. Louise Davies be assigned to the post of Director – Public Health, Protection & Community Services (Director Level 1) effective from 19^th January 2023;

1.2.3         Formally considers the recommendation made by the Appointments Committee on the 10^th January 2023 to Council, that in accordance with the Council’s change management process that Mr. Andrew Wilkins be assigned to the post of Director – Legal & Democratic Services (Director Level 1) effective from 19^th January 2023;

1.2.4         Formally considers the recommendation made by the Appointments Committee on the 10^th January 2023 to Council, that following the necessary interview process, that Mr. Barrie Davies is appointed to the post of Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director – Finance, Digital & Frontline Services (Group  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.