Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting and apologies for absence were received from County Borough Councillors P Binning, Sera Evans, G Hopkins and S Powderhill.

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.

Councillor L Tomkinson – “I am a Community Councillor for Pontypridd Town Council.”

Councillor M Powell – “I am a Community Councillor for Pontypridd Town Council”

Councillor S Trask – “I am a Community Councillor for Llantwit Fardre Community Council”

Councillor B Harris – “I am a Member of the South Wales Police & Crime Panel.”

Councillor W Owen – “I am a Community Councillor for Pontyclun Community Council”

Councillor J Brencher – “I am a Community Councillor for Pontypridd Town Council”

Councillor S Bradwick – “I am the Chair of the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service”

Councillor G Holmes – “ I am a Community Councillor for Llantrisant Community Council and a member of South Wales Fire & Rescue Service”

Councillor L Addiscott – Personal – “I am a Member of the South Wales Police & Crime Panel.”

Councillor J Bonetto – “I am a Community Councillor for Taffs Well & Nantgarw Community Council”

Councillor G Stacey – “I am a Community Councillor for Llantwit Fardre Community Council”

Councillor D Wood – “ I am a Community Councillor for Pontypridd Town Council”

Councillor D Grehan – “I am a Community Councillor for Tonyrefail Community Council”

Councillor K Johnson – “I am a Community Councillor for Llantwit Fardre Community Council”

Councillor P Evans – “I am a Community Councillor for Ynysybwl & Coed Y Cwm Community Council”

Councillor G Jones – “I have a close relative who is employed by South Wales Police”

Councillor J Turner – “I am a Community Councillor for Llanharan Community Council”

Councillor H Gronow - “ I am a Community Councillor for Pontypridd Town Council”

Councillor C Lisles - “ I am a Community Councillor for Pontypridd Town Council”

Councillor A Ellis - “I am a Community Councillor for Ynysybwl & Coed Y Cwm Community Council”

Councillor D Owen-Jones - “I am a Community Councillor for Tonyrefail Community Council”

Councillor J Smith – “ My partner is an employee of South Wales Fire & Rescue Service”

Councillor A Roberts – “I am a member of South Wales Fire & Rescue Service”

Councillor D Evans – “I am a Community Councillor for Llanharan Community Council”

Councillor G Warren – “I am a Community Councillor for Llantwit Fardre Community Council”

Councillor R Bevan – “I have a family member who is employed by South Wales Police”

Councillor B Stephens - “I am a Community Councillor for Llanharry Community Council”

The following declarations were made later in the meeting (Minute No’s 84, 89 and 90B refer)

Agenda item 5 – Members Questions

County Borough Councillor J Edwards -“My employer Interlink is referenced in the response of the Cabinet Member for Development & Prosperity (question 4)”

County Borough Councillor K Johnson – “My employer, Transport for Wales, is referenced in the supplementary question (question 2, update on the Metro)

Agenda item 9 – Capital Programme

Councillor S Trask – “I am a Governor of Maesybryn Primary School, which is a beneficiary of 21st century schools funding”

Councillor K Johnson - “I am a Governor of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

To approve as an accurate record, the minutes of the Council meetings held on 15^th December 2022 and the 18^th January 2023.

The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the hybrid Council meetings held on the 15^th December 2022 and 18^th January 2023 as an accurate reflection of the meetings.

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 and Communications presented an update regarding the adopted and published Council Work Programme advising that as instructed by Council an extra ordinary Council meeting will be convened on the 29^th March at 4pm to receive the Welsh Ambulance Service Chief Executive and Director of Partnerships & Engagement. He added that the Full Council meeting on the 29^th March at 5pm will receive the State of the County Borough Debate (otherwise known as the Leader’s Debate). The Service Director explained that in line with the Council’s Constitution which sets out that the Leader will determine the arrangements for engagement for his debate, details of the meeting will be circulated to all Members in due course.

The Service Director confirmed there is no Council meeting during April ahead of the Council’s Annual General meeting in May.

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

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communications presented his joint report with the Director of Legal Services which outlined the future local government election arrangements, in response to the newly commenced powers for local authorities to change their voting system for local elections, to the Single Transferable Vote (‘STV’) and sought Council’s instruction in respect of future voting arrangements.

The Service Director advised that this mechanism was introduced as part of the Local Government & Elections (Wales Act 2021) (the ‘Act’), for local authorities to change their voting system as part of the Welsh Government’s reforming democracy agenda. Councils in Wales will continue to use the simple majority system commonly known as ‘first past the post’ unless they resolve to change their voting system to the Single Transferable Vote (STV).

The Service Director commented that should Members wish to amend the voting arrangements in the Local Government Elections in May 2027, there is a specific process to follow which involves a significant public engagement and consultation. He added that the guidance has recently been published by Welsh Government. Final determination would require a resolution of Full Council of at least two thirds majority (50 or more Members of this Council). This decision would be need to be sought at a specially convened Council meeting with written notice at least 21 days in advance of the meeting and the decision would need to be passed by no later than the 15^th November 2024.

The Service Director advised that Councils opting to change to the STV system would be required to use the system for two rounds of ordinary elections before deciding to revert back to their previous voting system, should they wish to. He concluded that there is also a requirement to notify Welsh Ministers and the local Democracy and Boundary Commission should any changes be made to the voting system.

Following a detailed discussion on the option to change the voting system for local elections to the Single Transferable Vote, it was RESOLVED, that:

1. Council does not change its voting system for local elections to the Single Transferable Vote (STV) but retains its current ‘first past the post’ system.

(Note: The following Councillors wished to have it recorded that they voted that the Council does not change its voting system for local elections to the Single Transferable Vote (STV) but retains its current ‘first past the post’ system:

Councillors C Lisles and D Williams

The following Councillors wished to have it recorded that they voted in favour of the option to change the voting system for local elections to the Single Transferable Vote (STV) with a consultation exercise conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021, on a proposal to change the Council’s voting system to the Single Transferable Vote : Councillors K Morgan, A Rogers, A Ellis, D Wood, K Johnson, D Grehan, H Gronow, P Evans, M Powell and S Trask).

To receive the report of the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director – Finance, Digital & Frontline Services.

The Group Director of Finance, Digital and Frontline Services presented the Cabinet’s recommended Budget Strategy for the forthcoming financial year 2023/24.

The Group Director explained that the strategy itself has been subject to a second phase of consultation which was held between the 24^th January and the 6^th February. This engagement involved the Older Persons Advisory Group, the Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee, the School Budget Forum and the Joint Consultative Committee, the feedback from the phase two consultation process is attached to the report.

The Group Director advised that, as reported to Council on the 15^th December 2022, the strategy is set against a context of a projected current year pressure of over £21m and a budget gap of £38.3m. The final local government settlement received from Welsh Government on the 28^th February 2023 included the expected transfer in of the Fire Service pension grant with a further update resulting in an additional £10k as compared with the provisional settlement. He added that the final settlement confirmed an increase in funding for this Council at 6.6% for next year as compared with the 7.9% Wales average. It also provided an indicative all-Wales settlement level for the 2024/25 financial year at 3.1%.

The Group Director advised of the key headlines of the budget strategy:

Ø  A council tax increase of 3.9% which will close the budget gap by £1.8m as compared to that modelled in the medium-term financial plan. This increase equates to a 78p per week increase for a person living in a Band A property or £1.17p for a person living in a Band D property;

Ø  A school budget increase is proposed of £13.7M or 7.9%;

Ø  £16M of budget reduction measures and efficiencies which have little or no impact on our frontline services;

Ø  £7.3M of savings as a result of decisions already made by the Cabinet and Council as appropriate, which relate to waste services, community meals, council run nursery provision, capitalisation and fees and charges with the implication of the introduction of the council tax premium also factored in following the prior agreement by Full Council in January;

Ø  A proposed £5M contribution from reserves to contribute to fund the spike in energy costs which leaves a remaining budget gap of £4.105M which can be balanced from a contribution from the transition funding reserves to deliver a balanced and robust budget for next year.

The Group Director concluded that with the indicative future year settlement level set at 3.1% it is important to maintain the Council’s focus across the medium-term planning horizon.

Following discussion and contributions from the Group Leaders and other Members, a vote was undertaken, and it was RESOLVED to:

1. Note the letter from the Minister for Finance and Local Government (Rebecca Evans MS) and the table on the 2023/24 Final local government settlement, reproduced at Appendix 1;

2. Note the implications for the Council and the remaining budget gap as set out at section 5;

3. Agree a Council Tax  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

To receive the report of the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director – Finance, Digital & Frontline Services.

In line with the budget strategy, the Group Director Finance, Digital and Frontline Services presented thereport which represents the formal and legal requirement for Council to agree the council tax resolution. It includes detail of the council tax to be levied in respect of the Community Councils and the Police & Crime Commissioner in respect of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.

The Group Director advised that the Council’s levels of council tax for next year will be £1,614.11 for a Band D property, which represents an increase of 3.9%. The Police & Crime Commissioner council tax set at £324.47, an increase of 7.4%. He confirmed that the Community Councils have notified the Council of their levels of charge for next year which are set out within Appendix 1 of the report.

In conclusion, the Group Director commented that he has a duty to report to Council on the robustness of the estimates made and on the adequacy of the proposed financial reserves which are set out at section 9 of the report.

Following consideration of the report, and in line with the previously agreed Revenue Budget, it was RESOLVED to:

i)    Note the level of the precept from the Police & Crime Commissioner for South Wales;

ii)    Note the level of the Community Council Precepts, as detailed in Appendix 1;

iii)  Pass the formal Council Tax resolutions for the financial year ending 31^st March 2024, as contained in Appendix 2; and

iv)  Note the comments of the Group Director Finance, Digital and Frontline Services upon the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of the proposed financial reserves as detailed at paragraph 9.2.

To receive the report of the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director – Finance, Digital & Frontline Services.

The Group Director Finance, Digital & Frontline Services presented the report which sets out the Council's proposed three-year Capital Programme for 2023/24 to 2025/26 for Council’s consideration, following receipt of the final local government settlement for 2023/24.

The Group Director commented that this represents an investment programme of £187M over the next three years which includes an additional investment of £7.1M over and above the ongoing programme, £42M core programme, specific grants of £73M and council funding of £31M toward investment priorities. The Group Director referred to the additional targeted investment of £7.1M which is proposed across the areas of highways maintenance, unadopted roads, highways structures, drainage, park structures, parks and green spaces, play areas and multi-use games areas, as set out in paragraph two of the report.

The Group Director concluded by referring Members to the full programme at section 7 of the report with the detail contained within Appendices 3A-3D and the full funding schedule set out at Appendix 3E.

Following discussion whereby the Group Director responded to a number of queries, it was RESOLVED to:

1. Note the detail of the final 2023/24 local government settlement for capital expenditure, reproduced at Appendix 1;

2. Agree to the proposed reallocation of existing resources, and allocation of new resources as detailed in paragraph 5;

3.   Agree to allocate the funding identified in the report to the investment priorities as detailed in paragraph 6.2;

4.   Agree the proposed ‘core’ three-year programme detailed at Appendix 2;

5.   Agree the proposed total three-year Capital Programme, detailed at Appendices 3 (a) to (e), which includes the following non-core capital funding:

·       Prudential borrowing to support Sustainable Communities for Learning Schemes (formerly 21^st Century Schools) and Highways Improvements schemes;

·       Capital grants for specific schemes;

·       Third party contributions; and

·       The investment priorities detailed in paragraph 6.2.

(Note: Prior to consideration of the item, Councillors S Trask and K Johnson declared a personal interest as follows:

Councillor S Trask – ““I am a Governor of Maesybryn Primary School, which is a beneficiary of 21st century schools funding”

Councillor K Johnson - “I am a Governor of Maesybryn Primary School, which is a beneficiary of 21st century schools funding”).

10A To consider the under-mentioned Notices of Motion standing in the names of County Borough Councillors J. Edwards, L. A. Tomkinson, 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. A. Elliott, L. Ellis, S. Emanuel, 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, W. Treeby, J. Turner, G. L. Warren, K. Webb, M. Webber, D. Williams, G. E. Williams, R. Williams, T. Williams, R. Yeo.

Climate change continues to be one of the most serious challenges facing communities here in Rhondda Cynon Taf, across Wales and the U.K., and across the world.

Recent years have seen serious and significant weather events occur more frequently and with more profound effects, as highlighted by the devastation caused locally by Storm Dennis in February 2020.  Since then, we have seen an increasing number of Yellow, Amber and Red weather warnings issued by the Met Office.

Indeed, the forecaster has recently confirmed that 2022 was the U.K.’s hottest year on record, with an average temperature of over 10°C recorded for the first time.  The attribution study also showed that what would have been around a 1-in-500 year annual temperature in a natural climate, where human climate influences are removed, is now likely every three to four years in the current climate.  In addition to this, the Met Office forecasts are further suggesting that 2023 will be one of the Earth’s hottest years on record.

In light of this evidence, there can be no doubt of the speed of change required to reduce carbon emissions to protect the planet, or the need for us all to work together more quickly to do so. 

This Council has already shown a positive commitment to meet and contribute to global, national and local targets to reduce carbon.

In March 2018, the Council resolved to adopt a Notice of Motion committing to support the UK100 Clean Energy Commitment to transition towards being a fully environmentally Authority by 2050.  This was shortly revised to a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 in recognition of the pressing need to tackle the impacts of climate change urgently.

Over the last decade or so, the Council has already taken significant steps towards this target, and this work has accelerated over the last five years.  As of 2019, the Council had cut its carbon emissions by almost 40% (12,725 tonnes) over the last five years.  A recent Carbon Trust report highlighted (based on an accurate calculation at the time) that as a Council, RCT further reduced its overall NET carbon footprint by 29% in 2020/21,  ...  view the full agenda text for item 90.

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

Climate change continues to be one of the most serious challenges facing communities here in Rhondda Cynon Taf, across Wales and the U.K., and across the world.

Recent years have seen serious and significant weather events occur more frequently and with more profound effects, as highlighted by the devastation caused locally by Storm Dennis in February 2020.  Since then, we have seen an increasing number of Yellow, Amber and Red weather warnings issued by the Met Office.

Indeed, the forecaster has recently confirmed that 2022 was the U.K.’s hottest year on record, with an average temperature of over 10°C recorded for the first time.  The attribution study also showed that what would have been around a 1-in-500 year annual temperature in a natural climate, where human climate influences are removed, is now likely every three to four years in the current climate.  In addition to this, the Met Office forecasts are further suggesting that 2023 will be one of the Earth’s hottest years on record.

In light of this evidence, there can be no doubt of the speed of change required to reduce carbon emissions to protect the planet, or the need for us all to work together more quickly to do so. 

This Council has already shown a positive commitment to meet and contribute to global, national and local targets to reduce carbon.

In March 2018, the Council resolved to adopt a Notice of Motion committing to support the UK100 Clean Energy Commitment to transition towards being a fully environmentally Authority by 2050.  This was shortly revised to a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 in recognition of the pressing need to tackle the impacts of climate change urgently.

Over the last decade or so, the Council has already taken significant steps towards this target, and this work has accelerated over the last five years.  As of 2019, the Council had cut its carbon emissions by almost 40% (12,725 tonnes) over the last five years.  A recent Carbon Trust report highlighted (based on an accurate calculation at the time) that as a Council, RCT further reduced its overall NET carbon footprint by 29%  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90.

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

The Presiding Member advised that in accordance with Procedural Rule 10.5, he had granted permission for Full Council to determine whether this Urgent Motion should be:

• Discussed at the meeting; or

• Deferred until the next meeting to consider with the benefit of written Officer advice;

or

• Referred for consideration and decision to the Executive or a Committee.

It was RESOLVED to discuss the Urgent Notice of Motion at the meeting.

In accordance with Procedural Rule 10.5, the Presiding Officer has granted permission for Full Council to determine whether this Urgent Motion should be:

• Discussed at the meeting; or

• Deferred until the next meeting to consider with the benefit of written Officer advice; or

• Referred for consideration and decision to the Executive or a Committee.

To consider the following Urgent Notice of Motion standing in the names of County Borough Councillors S. Emanuel and W. Jones:

Unfortunately, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) last week erected signage on the Pen-Pychwoodland path warning hikers that no public access was permitted due to the route being unsafe through “multiple landslips.”

The Treherbert ward is proudly the home to some of the most beautiful landmarks and views in the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf, with the Pen-Pych table top mountain being the jewel in the crown.

Pen-Pych is a major tourist attraction and local landmark, attracting thousands of hikers each year, which in turn provides an invaluable boost to our local economy.

The loss of this pathway is devastating to the local economy and the communities that comprise the Treherbert ward, and as local Councillors, we are dismayed that NRW did not seek to engage with us or notify us before taking this action.

Whilst the safety of residents and visitors is paramount, and it is right to warn hikers not to use unsafe routes, we are disappointed by the absence of communication from NRW in outlining any attempts to make the path safe or their future intentions for the area.

Having already made representations to NRW as local Members, we would urge Council to note the following:

• The significant impact that the loss of Pen-Pych will have to the local economy at the top of the Rhondda Fawr and the rest of the County Borough.

• That our natural assets are there for all to enjoy – they act as a unique selling point for our County Borough.

• That whilst safety is always the foremost consideration, local Members should always be engaged on such matters where possible.

We would ask that Council therefore resolves to:

• Urgently request that the Leader of the Council writes to the Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales and the relevant Welsh Government Minister to establish the future intentions for the Pen-Pych woodland trail and to make representations on behalf of the residents of the Treherbert ward regarding the importance of the site.

Following consideration, it was RESOLVED to adopt the Urgent Notice of Motion.